Arnav and Shyam sat down for breakfast. Looking ahead Arnav mentally groaned. God not again. Sitting just opposite his was Meera with her shy glances at him. Shyam gave a teasing smile to Arnav looking at Meera which was reciprocated with a glare from Arnav.

But the smile vanished from his face when he turned to Anjali who was shooting daggers at him. He face fell and he gave a pleading look to her. But Anjali simply shook her head and turned away her face.

Everyone noticed the exchange and had a amused smile on their faces. Arnav looked at Shyam with raised eyebrows but the latter only shook his head and looked down keeping mum. Arnav frowned at them.

NK who was till then silently watching the scene couldn't control his curiosity more. "Hey what happened. Why our newly engaged love birds seems to be at war on the first day after engagement. What happened Shyam Jiju. Why my crazy sister is looking at you if she is going to kill you with her killer looks itself." NK chirped trying to tease the couple.

"What I will say, yaar? Your sweet sister is angry with me because I didn't bring Khushi and kids with me while coming here." Shyam said giving another apologetic glance at Anjali.

"So what should I do other than being angry. Kiss you." Anjali fumed.

"I don't mind being kissed." Shyam muttered under his breath. Anjali almost blushed hearing that. Keyword almost. But she took control of her emotions at the last moment and put an indifferent face not giving in. The youngsters who were sitting around Shyam and Anjali whistled and hooted while the elders chose to ignore the comment.

"Mom see na. What this Shyamji did. He was coming here and he didn't bring Khush and Kiddos with him. You know how much plans I have made to spend time with them today. All went into drain because of him." Anjali complained to Ratna who smiled in return.

"See guys. It's not my fault. When I was coming, the kids were sleeping. I didn't wanted to wake them up early. So I didn't bring them." Shyam said.

"So what they were sleeping. Don't you have hands. Can't you lift them up and put them in your car.  They would have slept after coming here. Here also there are so many rooms. The babies could have slept after coming here.After all how much two three olds would weigh. I would have got to spend time with Khush and kids. But no you can't do that simple thing." Anjali said exacerbated.

Shyam could only gape at her. Others hid their smile. Seeing the banter going on and on, Ratna said trying to stop the argument, "Anju, so what happened if Khushi and kids didn't come with Shyam. You can call Khushi now and can invite her. I am sure she won't refuse."

"That can't happen, Mom. Yesterday when I talked with Khush, she told me that she and Lav had some important work today. So they won't be able to come now. I thought if they would come with Shyamji, then I would spend sometime with them. And once they go for their work, we will spend time with Kiddos as they will be here. Now Khush can't come, also Kiddos will be there at Shyamji's house with Maaji till they come back. It will be evening when they would be able to come here. For whole day, they have work." Anjali said pouting.

"Anju, it's OK, beta. You can meet them in the evening." Arjun said smiling.

"But Papa, I had made the whole plan to spend the day with babies but now everything went in drain all because of this Shyamji." She said shooting daggers at Shyam.

Arnav sat beside Shyam with clenched fists. The moment the conversation turned to Khushi, he felt anger and hatred rising in him. How the hell could his family be so loving and caring towards Khushi after what she did with Anjali.

And Anjali how could she behave so friendly with Khushi after what she did. For God's sake, she was on the verge of taking her life because of that girl and here she is fighting with her fiance and family for her. How could she forgive and accept Khushi in her life so easily. How could she make her her best friend and love her so much.

He felt anger rising inside him seeing her this behavior. How can she forget everything and move on so easily. How can she behave as if nothing happened.

Arnav couldn't control his anger and shouted, "Stop it, Anjali. Just stop it."

Everyone jerked at their places hearing the shout. The smiles wiped out from their faces. They all looked at Arnav with confusion and worry. What happened to him all of a sudden. They all were happy and talking so happily. Then what happened that he shouted all of a sudden. Everyone looked at him with confusion and questioning eyes.

"What happened, Bhai. Why did you shout like that?" Anjali asked with confusion. Others nodded their head and looked at him for an explanation.

Arnav clenched his teeth and tightened his fist. They all are asking him what happened. Don't they know what happened. How could all of them act so ignorant and aloof.

"What happened? Seriously Anju, you are asking me what happened? Don't you know what happened?" Arnav sneered.

Others were a little bit scared of him. Though they had seen him angry before but today it looked at a new level. What had happened as such that he is so angry. Nobody could understand anything.

"Bhai, I... I..." Anjali stammered not knowing what to say to her brother. She couldn't understand the reason of his behavior.

Shyam kept a confronting hand over Arnav's shoulder and asked calmly, "What happened, yaar. Why are you so angry? What's the matter?"

"You want to know what is the matter, right. Then ask her." Pointing at Anjali. "How could you, Anju. How could you behave so loving and friendly with that girl after all that you have went through because of her?" Arnav asked with disbelief.

Once again everyone looked at him with confusion. "Who are you talking about? And what happened to Anjali? Why do you mean by all that she went through? Say clearly, Chote. We couldn't understand anything?" Arjun asked frowning.

"Khushi" Only one word escaped from his mouth.

"Huh" All looked at each other not understanding anything.

"Khushi, what did she do?" Shyam asked not able to understand anything his friend was telling. What did his sister do? As far as he know. Khushi and Anjali are best friends. Though they had a bitter relationship in the past. They had overcome everything and had started a beautiful relation of friendship. Then what went wrong. Why is his friend accusing Khushi? He couldn't understand anything.

"Anju, why don't you tell everybody what your best friend had done to you four years back." Arnav asked sarcastically.

"What are you saying, Bhai? What did Khush do?" She asked with confusion.

"Don't tell me that you forgot how she and her gang of friends had molested you and tried to rape you. How could you forget all that, Anju? How could you forget how depressed you were after that incident? How could you forget how you tried to commit su... suicide after that incident. How could you, Anju?" Arnav asked with disbelief.

Everyone stood rooted at their place hearing Arnav. Those who didn't know about the incident were horrified. Others who were aware of it looked at Arnav confused. Arnav saw at everyone gaping at him as if they have seen a ghost.

"What are you saying Arnav? Khushi and her friends molested Anju?" Shyam asked confused. Shyam knew about the incident happened four years ago. Anjali had told him. But he couldn't understand why Arnav thought that Khushi was behind it when the truth was just opposite.

"What are you saying, Arnavji. Khushi molested Anju. No Arnavji. It is impossible. Khushi can't do that. She can't even think about harming someone. Forget about molesting. She would never do anything that could hurt anybody. She could never do something like this with anyone." Payal said horrified hearing about the accusation thrown at her best friend.

She was Khushi's best friend from childhood. She knew Khushi since diapers. They were neighbors in Lucknow where Khushi spend her early childhood with her maternal grandparents. Even though Khushi had shifted to Delhi after the death of her grandparents, they were always in touch.

She knew Khushi had changed so much after shifting to Delhi but she also knew that Khushi could never hurt anyone deliberately. There was a lot of changes in her dressing style, way of living, etc. But the real Khushi was not the one that she portrayed in front of everyone.

Inside all the rude, arrogant, dark, hard, tomboy self there always lived an innocent, shy, naive, down to earth, girl who loved everyone and craved for love. That innocent girl that she knew could never hurt anybody. She might do pranks and mischief in her attempts to be a part of her new world and friend circle. But she could never harm anybody.

She still remember how Khushi used to call her almost everyday to tell about her day to day life to her. She clearly remembers how she had once in her talks talked about Anjali and the incident happened with her. Though she never went into the details. She knew something seriously wrong had happened.

Her friend was restless because of the issue. But what she never knew. But she also knew that whatever it was, her friend could never hurt anyone. In the coming days after that Khushi's calls decreased. Later, it almost stopped after her pregnany was revealed.

Payal tried to reach out to her but like everybody else, she shut her out also never revealing anything. Few months after Khushi had left Delhi and settled in Bangalore, she called her. Though she was angry initially, later she gave in. They went back to being the best friends they were.

Daily calling, talking, everything. Khushi never told her about the father of her kids. Though Payal tried to ask her about it in one or two occasions, seeing her irresponsive she gave up.

One and a half years back, when Payal got a job in Delhi, Khushi helped her. She called her Shyam Bhai and made necessary arrangements for Payal's stay and other things. Through Khushi, Payal met Shyam and Anjali.

Anjali and her instantly clicked. Again Khushi was the medium. After that the visit to Raizada Mansion to meet the friend became regular. The elder Raizadas who were basically rooted to Lucknow took an interest in her. Soon she was regular visitor in Raizada Mansion.

In all this she didn't realized when she fell for the shy and introvert cousin brother of Anjali, Akash Singh Raizada. Once she realized that the feelings were mutual, then things went in jet speed. The ever ready to play cupid Anjali stepped in.

She and Khushi together convinced the both families. In no time she was the younger daughter in law of Raizadas. But in all this her and Khushi's relation only grew. Her friend stood as a pillar beside her in every obstacle.

Now when such an accusation was thrown at her. Payal couldn't help but voice out her opinion. She couldn't see her friend getting accused and keep quiet. The same friend who did so much for her but never asked anything in return. No they can't accuse her baselessly and get away with it. She won't allow it.

Arnav looked at Payal hearing her defend Khushi. He had never seen her talk more than few words since the time he came back from USA. He was meeting her for the first time during that time. Due to some work, he couldn't attend his cousin brother's wedding.

In the last one month, since he had come back, he had only seen Payal saying only few words that too when necessary. She was shy and quiet. But today seeing her defending Khushi, he felt as if he did a mistake in judging her. She nowhere looked as a shy kitten but a mother hen ready to protect her children in any way possible. He felt amused.

"Really so according to you, Khushi can't do all these. Then why don't you ask to the person to whom she did all these. Anju, say everyone what that Khushi did to you." Arnav turned to Anjali.

Anjali was still looking at Arnav in confusion. She couldn't understand why Arnav was accusing Khushi for that incident. Yeah, it was true that that incident had shaken up her too much. She also felt like taking her life and even went to the extend of doing it also.

But then at that time she was too scared of the incident happened to her. Yeah. It's also true that for sometime she felt that Khushi and her friends were behind that incident. With the history that had, it wasn't difficult to think that they were behind it.

Their constant picking on her, sarcastic comments, pranks, everything had been a reason. Also the proofs were against them. Their presence at the café when the plan for movie was made, their presence at the theater, the similarity in the dressing of her attackers, their disappearance after the incident everything was a reason.

But then they were mere assumptions. Their was no solid proof that they were the ones who did it. And that was the one reason she never told about her doubt to her brother that day when he asked her.

But today when she thinks about all that she felt silly. Because the Khushi that she knew today could never do that. Like Payal said, Khushi can't think about hurting anyone deliberately. When she thinks back to the past also, it was always like that.

It was her friends who always did everything. Khushi being a part of their gang and also known as their leader was always pulled into the things that they did. She never did anything but due to her involvement with them she always got accused for the crimes they did.

Now when she thinks back all the time that Khushi was accused she had actually never done anything. Her being the leader of her gang made everyone think that all the things that her friends did was on her saying or were made to do by her. When in reality she was never aware of all these things.

She was just a girl who was trying to adapt in the new world that she was pushed into and thus to make friends did everything that she was made to do. In her case also, always it was her friends who bullied her but everyone blamed it on Khushi including her as Khushi always taunted her for being dependent.

But now she could understand that all Khushi wanted was her to be independent and overcome her insecurities and become confident. It was her way of making her understand to be independent. It was her care for her that she showed through her indifference and taunts. But it took Anjali many years to understand the real intention of the rich spoilt bratty girl who always looked out for her and cared for her through her indifferent behavior.

Whenever Anjali fell, others always ran to help her, show their pity. But Khushi never did that. She always wanted Anjali to stand on her own not with other's support. If people thought her to be rude, arrogant and inconsiderate. Then Anjali can now only think her to be that one true friend who never looked down at her with pity, sympathy and a hand of support but always stood beside her encouraging her to fight for herself and support her.

Both had always wanted each other. One who needed a friend who stood beside which she fought her own insecurities and shortcomings while the other who needed a true friend with whom she could be herself and never get judged upon, a friend who would never push her to take the brunt of their deeds but will stand by her to face the punishment for that mistake.

In between all this the one thing Anjali couldn't understand was why her brother was accusing Khushi for that incident. What gave him the idea that Khushi was behind it?

"What are you saying, Bhai? I agree that such a incident happened. And I even feel guilty that I went to the extend of trying to take my life for such a trivial matter. It was really wrong on my part. But why are you accusing Khush for that incident. I mean I couldn't understand what gave you the idea that Khush was behind all that." Anjali asked.

Arnav looked at Anjali with confusion. "Anju, you don't have to pretend. I know that Khushi was behind all that happened to you. You can tell everyone the truth. I am with you."

"That's what I am asking you, Bhai. Why do you think that Khushi did all that? What gave you the impression that Khushi did all that?"

"Anju, I know the truth. Meera, that day told me everything. How Khushi and her friends molested you and her friends tried to rape you. I know everything."

"What Meera told you all that." Anjali's eyes widened hearing that. She turned to Meera with disbelief and anger.

"Meera, you told Bhai that Khushi and her friends molested me." Anjali asked with anger and disbelief.

"Anju, woh.. I..." Meera fumbled. She was silent since the start of this conversation. She knew that at one point or another the conversation would turn to her. It was her fault that she had acted impulsively and accused Khushi for that incident in front of Arnav. But then at that time she couldn't understand anything and did everything in her anger and confusion.

"What Meera? How could you accuse Khush of something like that in front of Bhai. I know that, at that time, even if it was for sometime, I also thought that Khush was behind all that. But then there was no proof. Also you yourself told me that you saw Khush outside theater talking on her phone when that incident happened. You only told me right while you were coming to see me at the washroom where that incident happened, you saw Khush outside the theater, then how could you accuse her of something like this when you yourself knew that Khush was somewhere else." Anjali said angrily. She couldn't believe that her friend had created such a mess and had wrongly accused about Khushi to her brother when she very well knew that she was innocent.

Meera looked down feeling ashamed and embarrassed. "I am sorry, Anju. Woh I thought though Khushi was standing outside, it must have been her friends who did that. You know Khushi also had three guy and two girl friends. I thought it must be them. I thought Khushi planned all these and was standing outside letting them do the deed." Meera said slowly. [Khushi's friends group had six members including her. Three guys and three girls. Anjali was molested by three guys and two girls]

"To hell with your thinking, Meera." Anjali shouted. "Do you know what you did. How could you accuse someone like this without any proofs. That also when I clearly told you not say anything about our doubt without any proof. Then why the hell did you say all that to Bhai. That too you accused Khushi, when you clearly knew that she was innocent. If you thought also that it was Khushi's friends then why did you dragged Khushi into it. Couldn't you have told what you have seen. That Khushi was outside. Even if it was Khushi's friends, how could you accuse Khushi without any proofs. How could you say she was involved without any base." Anjali was loosing her patience with her best friend. Don't know what happened to her in these few years that she is behaving like that.

Ah. She was frustrated. First her best friend accused Khushi of something like this. Then she went to say it to her brother without any proofs. And for four years her brother was thinking someone innocent as guilty. And now he is accusing her. She looked at Meera with anger.

What the hell is her problem with Khushi. From the time they had met Khushi, she never leaves a chance to accuse or taunt Khushi. Earlier she ignored it as she was also not much fond of Khushi. But now when she sees Meera accusing Khushi without any reason, she feels angry. What the hell is her problem. Others were also looking at Meera with disappointment.

But in all this nobody noticed Arnav who was frozen in his place. The moment Anjali said that Meera had seen Khushi outside the theater during the incident, Arnav felt numb.

He didn't hear anything Anjali said after that. His heart only screamed one thing at him that Khushi was innocent. His Khushi was innocent. His. Could he really call her his after all that he did. After accusing her so brutally. Why the hell he did that.

His heart always told him that she was innocent. But he never listened to it but let his stupid mind rule him which always accused her on the basis of Meera's words. Why? Why the hell did he listened to someone else and accused his love? Didn't he knew that she was incapable of doing all that.

Didn't he always knew that innocent girl inside her which the world failed to recognize. But then why the hell did he let someone else's words overpower his love and trust. Why the hell did he let some baseless accusations thrown at her ruin their love and a beautiful future with her. Why the hell did he let it happen.

Was his love so cheap that he didn't trusted on the one person he loved so much. Haven't he seen from the beautiful relation that his parents shared, that above love, trust is the one thing that bound relations. Then why did he let some baseless accusations ruin the trust he had for her.

He spent four years trying to hate her. How could he do that. How could he hate and be angry with a pure innocent soul as her. Didn't he knew about her innocence, her purity, which had made him to fall in love with her. Then how could he doubt the same things that bound them.

Four years. He ruined four years of his life trying to hate her which he could have spent living happily with her. Four years he tried to hate her. When he couldn't, his frustration turned into anger whichh he wanted to burst on her.

He wanted to hurt her. He wanted to see her broken. That was the reason why he behaved so insensitive and almost lashed out on her the previous day by asking about her kid's father. The answer though baffled him, the broken look on her face at the question satisfied him. Her hurt hurt him but still it gave satisfaction that he was punishing her for her deeds and betrayals.

But now he felt lost. What the hell was he doing. He was punishing her and himself for something she didn't do. He was hating her for nothing. He ruined his life for nothing. He let go of his love, his life for nothing. He wasted four years of his life for nothing. He felt stupid and useless.

A beautiful future was there in front of him with the most amazing girl who he loved, and what did he do. He pushed it away. He pushed her. She was his. She could have been his. But he ruined it.

Her kids. He didn't know who their father was. He feel jealous of that man. Who had owned her and maybe her love also. It could have been him. They could have been his. They could have been his children. He could have been their father.

Even thinking that he felt chill running down his spine. Those beautiful cute twins being his. Khushi being pregnant with his children. She giving birth to them. Both of them opening their eyes and looking at him. He taking both of them in his arms. Both of them taking their first step holding his hands. Both of them calling him 'Dada' in their cute voices.

Oh God, how much he had dreamed of all these. But now he lost all that. And the reality was that neither Khushi nor her kids belonged to him. They belonged to someone else who is not even there in the world.

He came out of his trans feeling Anjali shaking him. "Bhai, Please listen. I know you have been mislead. But it's not like what you think. Khush. She was never at fault. It was all a misunderstanding. Due to our history and all the incidents that happened, and then seeing Khush at the theatre, we felt that it must be her and her friends. But it was not her. She nor her friends were the ones who did all that." Anjali said looking at Arnav whose face was expressionless.

"Bhai, you know in fact it was Khush who found out the real culprits and brought them to apologize to me and even gave them punishment." Anjali said.

Hearing that Arnav's eyes widened. He gulped. Here he was accusing her but there she found out the real culprits and punished them.

"Yes, Bhai. It's the truth. After the incident, even we felt that Khush and her friends must have done all that but we didn't had any proofs. But then few days after you left for USA, one day Khush found out the culprits and she alongwith her friends brought them to us. I don't know how but somehow she found out that we were thinking that they were behind the incident, so she found the real culprits and brought them to me. She then complained to the police against them and made them arrest those culprits. She also made her friends apologize to me for hurting me. I don't know why she did all that. But Bhai the truth is she was never at fault."

"You know what Bhai, always I thought Khush to rude, arrogant, spoiled, rich brat. But the truth was none of us never knew the real Khush. It took so much time to really understand her. Not only me, I know most of us always thought about her like that only. But the real Khush, I came to know about her only after that incident."

"Bhai, you know I have always hated her thinking that it's because of her that her friends always hurt me and other students. But the reality was just opposite. She was never involved in any of that. It was always her friends. But since she was always popular in school and college due to her academic excellence and co curricular activities, everyone thought it to her as her friends were always hidden behind her shadow. Everyone thought her to be at fault when in reality it was always her friends who did the wrong. You know Bhai she always used to taunt me for being dependent. Everyone including me thought it was because of her rude behavior, but the reality was she always wanted me to be independent and confident."

"You know Bhai when everyone came to know about her pregnancy, all started being against her. Her family, friends, society, everyone. But still she didn't gave up and fought for her kids. Then only everyone realized her true self. Everyone thought her to be a rich spoilt brat but the reality was she never used her parents money. All the lavish lifestyle that she used to live was from her own hard earned money. She was a painter. She used to sell her paintings and that money only she used to spend on all her expenses. When everyone started taunting her for her pregnancy, she ran away from here but still she didn't gave up. She made a world for herself and her kids in Bangalore. Today she has everything. Her kids have a beautiful life. Then it's all because of her hardwork only Bhai. She is one gem of a person Bhai. And I'm proud that she's my best friend."

"I know you must have been thinking Khush to be wrong for all these years and now knowing reality it would be difficult to accept but please Bhai, try to understand, Khush, she is innocent Bhai. So please don't keep any grudges against her in your heart. I don't want my brother to have any wrong notion or negative feelings for my best friend. Hope you understand it." Anjali said sighing.

Arnav could only nod with a blank face. He was too numb to say anything. All of a sudden his world was turned upside down. Four years back, his world had turned upside down once. It took him a long time to get control of his life.

But now again everything is changed. All those things that he believed in his life seemed to be false. Everything seemed to be wrong. His whole life seemed to have crumbled down all of a sudden. He felt himself loosing control of his life once again.

One misunderstanding had ruined his life. Now when that is cleared he didn't know what to do. Where to go. Whom to ask. He felt himself lost. He couldn't feel anything. Guilt engulfed him.

How much he had wished that all those things that he came to know today, had happened four years back. How much he wishes all these reality, praises and good words about his love were told to him four years back. Then his life would have been something else. He mentally sighed.

After that everyone sat down for breakfast but nobody could eat anything. Everyone were lost in their own thoughts. Meera looked at Anjali apologetically but the latter turned away her face.

Few minutes later, when he finally couldn't take it anymore, Arnav stood up and went to his room. Others also finished their breakfast soon and left.

***************

Meera sighed frustrated after coming out of Anjali's room. After apologizing for so many times also Anjali didn't forgive her. She was still angry with her for accusing Khushi in front of her brother. Anjali had indirectly asked her to get out.

She was angry, frustrated and embarrassed. She couldn't do anything. Everything went in drain. What she thought and what happened. Early morning she came to Raizada Mansion wearing the best dress that she had thinking to impress Arnav.

She had thought that she would spend some time with Arnav and his family and impress them. She came in the morning itself thinking that she would help in the kitchen and impress her mother in law and other elders in the family. But her plan got ruined, when she came to know that the elder ladies had gone to temple.

She saw Payal working in the kitchen alongwith HP but she wasn't in the mood to help her. The reason was simple she never got alongwith Payal much. One she was Khushi's best friend, that itself gave a bad impression for her to Meera. The other reason was she had taken away Anjali from her somewhat. If Anjali was involved with Khushi earlier then after Payal's entry, it was almost as if Meera completely lost her best friend. Anjali was always with Payal and Khushi after that.

Moreover Payal never showed much friendliness with her. She never gave Meera much importance as she gave Khushi and Anjali. For Payal, it was always Khushi and somewhat Anjali but never Meera. Meera also felt Payal to have not much interest in Arnav having relation with Meera. That left a bitterness in her towards Payal.

So Meera straightaway went to Anjali's room who was getting ready for the day. After getting ready, Anjali alongwith Meera came to dining hall. While walking towards dining hall, she saw Shyam and Arnav talking with each other which made Meera blush.

Meera was born in a middle class family. Her parents were not much rich but they tried to provide their children with everything according to their capacity. Meera met Anjali while they were 5 years old in school. The first day at school and they were instantly best friends.

For Meera, Anjali was always a special child, a friend who would always want her help and she provided it. She always supported Anjali. Their friendship grew. Anjali was rich. Well richest among the rich. While Meera's family struggled being a middle class to provide her everything, Anjali was always showered with every luxuries.

Everyone always protected Anjali, be it her parents, brothers and everyone, Meera also followed suit. She never felt the need for Anjali to be independent. Why should she, after all she had everything.

Anjali and Meera's family background never came as a obstruction in their relation. One they were too young when their friendship started that the class difference never bothered them. Two Anjali even after being rich was still down to earth. But Meera always felt that difference but kept quiet not wanting to loose her friend.

Sometimes she wondered if they were a little bit more older when they met, would they have been friends. The answer was surely painful so she never pondered over it. But Meera always had a insecurity among the other rich students of her class. She feared that they would make fun of her. So she conveniently kept herself away from them and also Anjali didn't had much friends due to her limp. So it was basically she and Anjali most of the time.

Her life was going smooth. She was good at academics. Everyone praised her for always being first which always boosted her confidence. She was always the center of attention due to academic excellence.

But everything started changing when she entered their lives. The innocent looking beautiful cute amazing Gupta princess - Khushi Kumari Gupta. The girl with beauty, brain and richness. People swooned over her.

Everyone felt love for her innocence, cuteness and beauty. Her cute clumsiness attracted everyone. But her hatred for this particular Gupta girl started when Khushi topped in the maths exam for which Meera was expecting the top position and in reward a special prize from the teacher.

In coming days it only increased when Khushi continued to be on top in everything that she was at top pushing her to the second. It was that hatred and jealousy in her that stopped her when Anjali suggested to have friendship with Khushi all those years back and in turn had also discouraged Anjali from keeping friendship with Khushi.

Thus a relation of enmity started. It was not intentional but the jealousy and envy paved route for that. With passing time, Khushi changed. Her new friends started creating problems. That gave Meera more reasons to hate and taunt Khushi.

She never realized that it was her own insecurities of being middle class and jealousy over the things that Khushi possessed, was the reason for her hatred. Meera hated Khushi with a passion and she showed it without hesitation.

It was during that time she fell in love with Anjali's elder brother Arnav Singh Raizada. The man was an enigma. And like every girl she was also attracted. But he never understood or rather ignored she didn't know. But with time, it turned into love.

But the insecurity entered her mind when she saw Arnav looking at Khushi standing at the balcony of his room once. Once again the hatred filled inside her. Her insecurity grew to a new level. Of course, everyone will only want the great Khushi Kumari Gupta. The girl with perfect face, perfect figure, money and brains.

Why will anyone look at the slightly tanned, short and plump Meera in front of the perfect girl. The hatred reached a new level. She couldn't help but want to put down Khushi in any way possible.

And the perfect opportunity came when Anjali was molested. All the proofs were against her. She knew that Khushi was innocent. She saw her outside the theater. But her hatred didn't let her accept the truth. Her mind spun stories. She believed Khushi's friends to be culprits.

And in no time she expressed it to Anjali but for a change Anjali refused to believe her assumptions without proofs that too when she herself told that she saw Khushi outside theatre. It wasn't her intention to say that. But somehow it came out of her mouth while saying everything. She didn't wanted Anjali to know that she saw Khushi outside.

But everything took a new turn when Anjali tried to commit suicide. She couldn't hold back and ran to Arnav for help. When Arnav questioned her, she didn't realized when the words tumbled out of her mouth accusing Khushi. She didn't know what made her do that. Was it the goofy smile that she saw on his face being lost in thoughts while she went to get him or the insecurity and knowledge that the one man she loved somewhere admired the other girl. Meera didn't realized when she accused Khushi of the incident.

But the damage was done and she couldn't rectify it or rather she chose not to rectify it. Her decision of not telling Arnav the truth became firm when she saw him talking to Khushi in phone when she came out of kitchen. She couldn't help but eavesdrop. But her insecurities only intensified hearing Khushi demanding to Arnav to meet her privately and the latter agreeing for it.

She was restless that day not knowing what happened between them. The next three days even after trying a lot, she couldn't meet Arnav as her mother was ill. On the fourth day, when she reached Raizada Mansion, the news that she got baffled her. Arnav had left for USA.

Here she was planning to confess her love, but he already left for USA. She was disappointed. In the coming days, things again took a new change, after Khushi found the real culprits and punished them. A fear crept inside her. What if her deed comes out but she shrugged it off.

But what scared her was Anjali's increasing fondness for Khushi after the incident. The incident also confused her. She was curious to know what happened between Arnav and Khushi that evening. Moreover what made Arnav leave India all of a sudden.

But everything took a new turn when Khushi became pregnant. It surely confused her. But it also gave her a new chance to taunt her. The biggest mistake by the perfect girl.

But this time even the world was against Khushi. But everything went down in drain when her words backfired on her. She still remember that day when she badmouthed Khushi in front of the Raizada family and the ever loving and kind Anjali lashed out on her.

Not only Anjali, but she also saw disappointment in the eyes of every member of Raizada family for her that day. That was the first crack in her relationship with Anjali and her family. In the coming months, grudgingly she had to witness the family sympathize with the girl who was the reason for her every problem.

But the things ruined when Shyam entered Anjali's life. She knew that Anjali always had a soft corner for her brother's best friend which she never expressed. Meera was OK with it and supported it as a true friend. She was happy for her best friend.

But when Khushi entered into Anjali's life through Shyam, Meera couldn't stand it. Anjali was her best friend, her only friend. She couldn't let Anjali go away from her. But despite all her attempts, Anjali and Khushi's relation progressed. And Meera could do nothing but sadly watch her best friend being taken away by her arch enemy.

Anjali tried to make her also have friendship with Khushi but despite everything she couldn't bring herself to forget everything and have friendship. The enmity stayed. Khushi did nothing. Neither she approached nor pushed Meera away. But Meera at every given circumstances tried to push Khushi away, demean her and taunt her, which only resulted in straining her relation more with Anjali.

The love Raizada family showered on Khushi only added fuel to Meera's hatred. For years, she tried but could never get past the title of the best friend of Anjali's best friend. But with Khushi it was as if she was always one among them. Meera couldn't stand it.

But now once again everything is ruined. Whole family is against her. Anjali is angry with her. And Arnav she didn't know what he felt for her. She knew he ran away from her. But still she had a hope that one day he will accept her. Atleast she could make him accept through his family. But now that hope also seems diminishing.

Even though nobody noticed, She clearly saw the look Arnav was giving Khushi the previous day during engagement. The love and longingness were clearly palpable. Throughout the evening she saw Arnav stealing glances at Khushi while Meera couldn't help but feel jealous.

Why? Why everytime she dream for something, Khushi had to come and snatch it from her. Why even after everything everyone only want her? She is a mother of two kids, unmarried, single mother. But still a mother. Then also why Arnav want her only. What's in her that even after everything, his eyes only search her? Can't he understand her (Meera) love. Can't he see her love and longingness for him. Why Arnav? Why?

Wiping the angry tears that left her eyes, Meera left from there. In one room of the big mansion, a man sat with tears in his eyes and the photo of an innocent girl who he loved. Or rather still LOVES.

***************

Next day evening, AR Designs Office

Arnav was sitting in the conference room trying to concentrate on the presentation going on. But his mind was continuously thinking about the incidents happened the previous day. He was trying to concentrate on his work but since the previous day he couldn't do anything.

All he could think about was Khushi and his relation with her. With each passing minute, his guilt is increasing. He wanted to apologize to her but he didn't know how to approach her.

He came out of his thoughts feeling Aman shaking him. Confused, he looked at Aman who gestured him towards the client who was saying something to him. Sobering up, he talked with the client and finalised the deal.

After seeing off the client, he was about to move towards his cabin, when the door to the conference room opened and a smiling Shyam entered.

"Hey Man. How are you?" Shyam asked smiling.

Arnav gave a small smile to him. "Fine yaar. You here at this time. What happened? You need anything." Arnav asked.

"No yaar, nothing. I just came to introduce you to the event manager about whom I was talking about. You didn't get any other event manager, right? If it's so, then it's OK."

"No yaar. Aman couldn't find any good event manager. He is still trying. So you tell me. Did you talk with the event manager. Did they agree. Are they here?"

"Yeah. I talked with them. And they agreed also. Actually I brought them with me so that I could formally introduce you guys. They are waiting outside only. Wait, let me call them." Saying that Shyam went out.

Few seconds later, he once again entered the cabin. But seeing the people who accompanied him, Arnav's eyes widened. Khushi and Lavanya entered the cabin behind Shyam.

"So Buddy. These are the people about whom I told you. Khushi and Lavanya work at an event management company in Bangalore named 'Celebrations'. They also have a branch here. If you want, they can help you with the event management of your fashion show." Shyam said smiling widely.

Arnav couldn't utter a word out of his mouth. He was literally paralyzed in his place. Thank God, he was sitting. Otherwise he would have definitely fell down after seeing Khushi.

After opening and closing his mouth for sometime like a fish, not saying anything, finally Arnav managed to control his emotions. "Yeah. Fine. They can do this work." Turning to Aman. "Aman, give them the details of the work. Also tell them the other necessary things needed."

"OK ASR." With that Aman left the cabin alongwith Khushi and Lavanya.

"Yaar, I also have to leave. I have some important work. Will see you later." Giving a small friendly hug to Arnav, Shyam left from there.

Arnav sat there numb for few minutes. He didn't expect to meet Khushi all of a sudden like this. Now he had to see her everyday while she works with him. Oh no. Can his situation get anymore worse. He was feeling guilty from the time he got to know the truth. So much guilty that it was becoming difficult for him to look at her face without feeling ashamed.

But now he had to see her everyday and work with her. He didn't know how he was going to do that. He could have refused to work with her but then there was no reason to refuse her. He had heard about her company, it was good at its work. Simply rejecting the offer, because he didn't want to work with her due to his guilt would have only worsened the situation.

Thinking all these, he was slowly moving towards his cabin, when two little figures caught his attention. The two little three year olds were standing in the small garden he had specifically built in the backyard of his garden.

He could clearly see that they were keenly looking at the flowers and plants with interest. A small smile crept on his lips seeing them. The little ones were too cute to ignore. They were slowly touching the flowers and plants lost in them.

He himself always used to get lost while being in his garden. Gardening was one hobby that he cherished since childhood. He loved plants and trees. Planting a new sapling, growing it with utmost care, seeing it blooming and turning into big trees. It always gave him immense satisfaction.

It was tension reliever for him. A hobby that he shared with his mother. His mother also loved plants. She had her own garden at the backyard of their house which she had grown with so much love. When he grew up he also grew fond of plants and made his own small garden in the poolside of his room at home.

When he bought this plot for his office. He had specifically kept some part to make a garden area. Here most of the plants were planted by he himself. Now seeing them grown beautifully, he was very satisfied.

Arnav was admiring the antics of the little ones, he didn't realize when his legs on its own accord took him to the garden. Standing behind the little ones, he was silently watching them who seemed to be unaware of his presence while being lost in their surroundings.

But Arnav panicked when he saw one of the twins touching the rose flower which had thorn. Afraid of them getting hurt, he immediately reached him and took away the little hands before he could hurt himself. Seeing the interruption both turned and looked at him with cute innocent faces.

For a moment, Arnav felt his breath hitching. The faces reminded him of the innocent 10 year old face of love. And it was that moment, Arnav Singh Raizada fell in love for the second time in his life.

He felt the same love, protectiveness and possessiveness filling inside him that he had only for his love and his family. And that was the moment, Arnav Singh Raizada decided that no matter what he was not going to let of his love and these two previous angels go from his life. What may come.

If he had to apologize a thousand times, he will. If he had to undergo a thousand punishments, he will. If he had to fight with the whole world also, he will do it. But he won't let these three go away from his life. No matter what.

He was going to make them his and he will do it at any cost. He was determined.

The little ones were keenly looking at the stranger who had interrupted their little adventure in this beautiful garden. Arnav came out of his thoughts, sensing their confused and curious glances at him. He smiled.

"Hello, young men. So having fun, Haan." Arnav asked softly.

A smile broke out on the little faces. "Butiful gallen" (Beautiful garden) Both of them chirped in their childish voices.

Arnav chuckled hearing their innocent talks. "So you guys love gardening, huh."

Both of them nodded their head with a huge smile. "Colorful flowers. Butiful."

"So you guys love flowers" Arnav again asked to which they once again nodded their little heads.

"Do you know the names of these flowers." Arnav asked smiling. To which both frowned and shook their heads.

Arnav smiled at them. He took both of them in his arms and went near each plant telling about it. He didn't know how much they understood what he said. But he smiled seeing their excitement and enthusiasm when he explained about the plants.

Arnav was never a man who was known for his patience. That was one reason he was never good with kids. Not that he had much experience before with kids as there was no kids in his family. But whenever a situation raised where he had to interact with a kid, it has only resulted in disaster. The reason was simple he was impatient.

But today none of his impatience was seen. He didn't have to make any extra effort, because the patience to deal with these bundles of joy in his arms came on its own. It was as if natural. The moment he took them in his arms, the only feeling that came to him was that he had to protect them from the world.

He had all the time and patience in the world to deal with them. There was no hurry, no restlessness. It was as if a serene calmness had spread over his entire being. The feelings were new but he knew he will be damned if he let go of it. If he let go of them. And their mother.

Once he had done the mistake but he was not going to repeat it. He didn't care if they were his or not. His own blood or not. The moment he took them in his arms, he knew they are going to be his. At any cost.

After explaining them about the plants, he took the giggling boys to his cabin. He could see them looking around with curious gaze. And he felt proud when he saw a twinkle of wonder and admiration became evident in their sparkling eyes.

Entering inside the cabin with the two little ones, ignoring the surprised looks on the faces of his staff, he went and sat on his chair keeping them on his lap.

"So young men, you didn't tell me your names." Arnav asked with a smile.

"Arav" "Aryan" Both chirped simultaneously.

Arnav chuckled at their enthusiasm. They were surely two cute bundle of happiness. He was admiring them. Their each little gestures fascinated him. He noticed them silently talking among themselves. He sensed that they want to say something to him.

"What happened? Do you guys want something. Wait let me order something for you to eat." Arnav took the intercom and ordered some drinks and snacks for the little ones which they said.

Settling them in his arms, he saw their curious gaze at him. He raised his eyebrows asking what. Both gave a small smile hugged him hiding their little heads on his chest. His chest rumbled with laughter. Seeing him laughing the little ones also started laughing with him. He hugged them close to his heart.

Few minutes later, the beverages and snacks came. He made them drink their milkshakes that they ordered and slowly fed them the snacks. The little ones ate happily from his hands without making any fuss.

After eating and drinking, Arnav made them sit on couch on his cabin and sat beside him. He once saw them talking among themselves.

"Hey what happened." Arnav asked curiously.

"Who ale you?" Arav asked.

Arnav chuckled at the question. "I am Arnav Singh Raizada."

"Nannav Sing Laijada." Both said smiling. Arnav chuckled hearing their pronunciation.

"Youl name big. (Your name is big) What we call you." Aryan asked confused.

"Uncle?" Arav suggested looking expectantly at Arnav waiting for him to say something.

For some reason the name "Uncle" felt wrong for Arnav. He knew that as of then he didn't had any relation with them. But still he didn't want them to call him uncle. It felt so wrong.

Even before he could stop himself the next few words tumbled out of his mouth. "Dada, you can call me Dada." Arnav didn't know why he said that. But he knew that that was what he wanted. He didn't want to be their uncle or anything else. He wanted to be their father.

The little ones looked at each other confused. They didn't understand the meaning of the word "Dada". They never had anyone to tell them what Dada was. They thought to be a name and decided to call his that.

"Dada" Both of them chirped. Arnav who was lost in his thoughts, froze in his place hearing that from them. He felt emotions running through him. They called him Dada. He felt love, care, concern, possessiveness and protectiveness filling up inside him for them.

He gathered them in his arms and said with chocked voice, "What did you say?"

"Dada" They said smiling.

"Say once again"

"Dada Dada Dada" They chanted laughing. Arnav felt tears clouding at the back of his eyes. He was smiling and laughing. He couldn't understand his feelings. He felt as if he took a new birth. He felt alive.

Emotions chocked him. He gathered the laughing bundles in his arms and pulled them close to his heart. Laughing they also hugged him around his neck still chanting 'Dada'. Arnav sat there few minutes with them in his arms.

Breaking the hug he looked at them smiling who smiled cutely at him.

"Flends" (Friends) Both extended their hands towards him.

He chuckled and took their little hands in his hand and kissed them. "Friends" He agreed.

Turning his face to the other side, Arnav wiped that lone tear that managed to come out of the corner of his eyes. He made them sit on his lap and started hearing their innocent blabbering.

But before he could completely enjoy the moment, the door to the cabin opened and Khushi stood there with expressionless face.

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