3rd February 2010

Khushi was sitting patiently in front of her dressing table while her Jiji, Payal was getting her ready for the upcoming event and her beloved buaji was giving her some lessons regarding the upcoming meeting. Khushi had no interest in those lessons yet She was bearing all those makeup and lessons just for her bauji.

''Titliye. maine jo kaha tumane theek se suna hai na? (Butterfly, Did you hear what I said?)'' Buaji noticed her nonchalant behaviour.

''Haan haan buaji. mainne sab kuchh ache se suna hai aur yaad bhee karliya. (yes yes,I have heard everything clearly and remember them also )'' Khushi replied.

"Tanik hamako bhee to batao jara ki kya suna hai tumne! ( Tell us a little bit, what have you heard!)'' Buaji asked, raising her eyebrow.

''Hey DM yah kahaan phas gayi main? (Hey DM, where did I get stuck?) Chal Khushi shuroo ho ja (let's start Khushi)'' Kushi mumbled and looked at her buaji who was looking at her annoyingly.

''Ok.. First I will greet them with my ever-so-sweet voice. I will not look at them directly. I will behave like a typical Deshi Girl. Then I'll serve them tea. I would ask everyone their preference before adding sugar to their cup. I will not look at the man whose marriage proposal has come for me. I'll sit among the ladies of their family. And if they like me I'll not Object in front of them. Okay?'' Khushi said in one go and faked a smile.

''Alright. Don't you dare to do the opposite? I'm going to check the arrangement. Payaliya you go and check where Shashi babua is.'' Buaji ordered and left from there.

Garima came there after a while and admired her younger daughter and put a kajal mark behind her ear.

''kisee kee najar na lage meri bacchi ko. (Save my daughter from the evil eye.)'' Garima said with tears in her eyes.

"Itni bhi centi maat ho aab Amma.(Don't get so emotional mom!)'' Khushi rolled her eyes.

''You shut up. Do everything as per buaji's instructions. This time I'm not going to listen to your tantrums. This is your fifth time Khushi. Why do you keep rejecting every proposal? This time I saw the boy beforehand. He is very nice and handsome too. So you better don't try to make any blunder knowingly.'' Eyeing her, Garima went out of the room.

Khushi flares her nose in annoyance. This was their very time routine. A family would come to see her and everyone would act as if they were coming to marry her and at the end she would reject the prospective groom directly.

''What can I do if I don't like that guy? It's all because of jiji. Who told her to date Akash ji and then marry him so soon. She should have taken some more time then I wouldn't have to face this day so early. All because of her and no one understands me.'' Khushi shouted, throwing her arms in the air.

''Is that so bitiya?'' Came a question from behind.

Khushi looked behind and found her dear bauji standing there and smiling at her.

''No. Only you love me.'' Khushi replied with a pout.

Shashi came to her and hugged her, Khushi hugged him back and hid her face in her father's chest as if she was trying to hide from everyone. Shashi caressed her head smilingly.

''Bitiya. Why are you spoiling your mood? Don't listen to them. you just do whatever your heart says. Don't think about others. I'll always be beside you in your every decision. You know na?'' Shashi asked.

''Hmmm,'' Khushi hummed in response.

''Now smile and come out with your jiji. Ok?'' Shashi asked.

Khushi nodded her head and came out of the hug. Shashi patted her back and went out to welcome the guests.

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Living Room

The guests had already arrived. As decided Payal brings Khushi out. Khushi stood in front of them with folded hands and greeted them. While doing so she looked at her potential groom but found him staring at the floor. Buaji made her sit between the women of the family.

''You are a really beautiful betiya. I'm Deviyani Raizada. Arnav's Nani'' The older lady introduce herself.

''And I'm Anjali, chottee's ...Mmm. I mean, I'm his Di.'' The younger one introduced.

Khushi just gave them a small smile and again looked at the man in front of her. He was still staring at the floor as if he had just come to see the floor of their house.

''Hello hi bye bye. She is an angelwa Arnav bitwa. See See'' Mami ji tried to make him look at Khushi.

But he just sat there as if he didn't hear anything. Khushi huffed in anger. If he was not interested in these marriage talks then why did he come here?

After a while, Anjali noticed his aloofness and tried to make them talk privately.

''Uncle why don't we let them talk alone for a while?.'' Anjali asked.

Shashi looked at Khushi, who was currently busy observing Arnav.

''Yeah sure... Khushi takes him to your room.'' Shashi said.

Khushi stood up to take him inside when Arnav hurriedly said '' Mmm. Sorry, uncle. Actually, I need to leave urgently. Got an important message. Can't ignore this one.''

Shashi frowned at him but replied '' It's okay son. Will meet you soon''

Arnav nodded his head and started walking towards the door. While Khushi kept looking at his retiring figure.

Reaching the door, Arnav looked back and this time he directly looked into her eyes.

They had a small eye lock. Khushi tried to read his eyes. There were some hidden secrets. Those chocolate brown colored eyes seemed to hide some secret in them. Arnav hurriedly broke that eye lock as he got to know the girl was trying to read his hidden secrets which he didn't want to disclose.

.

Few days later

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Khushi was tossing on her bed thinking about that mysterious man Arnav Singh Raizada. What was his problem? Why did he come to see her if he wasn't ready for marriage? And what was this? A week had passed and they hadn't informed us anything. Khushi's mood was really bad thinking about all these things. Why? she didn't know. Khushi had Googled about him and got to know a lot of things about him. She wanted to know more about him. Maybe she wanted to know the secret that he tried to hide from her that day.

''Arghhh Khushi. Just stop thinking about that Laad Governor. He doesn't have any manners.'' Khushi tried to cool down her frustration.

Suddenly her phone rang. Who would call her at this time? That too from an unknown number. She answered the call with the same frustration.

"kya hai? tumhe raat ko neend nahin ata kya jo tum meree neend ko bhi biggar rahe ho? (What is it? Can't you sleep at night that you are disturbing my sleep too?)" Khushi barked because of her earlier frustration.

And the call dropped the next second. Khushi didn't think much about that call and slept.

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Morning

Khushi got up and checked her phone.
There was a message from the same unknown number.

''What's wrong with this man? He got to know this number belonged to a beautiful lady and couldn't hold himself. See, he has messaged me so early in the morning. Waah, Khushi!! Tere awaz pe toh jadu hai laag raha. Baanda puri raat so nahi paya. Iss liye hi to itni jaldi jaldi massage bejh diya. Khaas meri asar kisi or par bhi thik ase hi chal jaye.[she said dreaming about a certain Raizada] (Well done Khushi!! Seems like you have magic in your voice. Maybe he did not get any sleep last night after hearing my sweet voice. That's why he massaged me so early in the morning. Hope this trick works for someone else too)" Khushi said in a dreamy voice.

But her dream broke with a sudden realisation and she jerked in her place ''What the hell is wrong with you? you stupid girl! Don't you dare to
think about that laad governor again? He didn't even contact me during this whole week. Forget about him and let's finish reading this massage''

''I hope you are in a better mood now. I'm sorry about last night. I shouldn't have called you so late at night! BTW you should know you were too rude over the phone. You should have listened to the opposite side before starting giving your lesson.''

''Sehi hai yaar Khushi. Itni bhi chillana nahi chahiye tha tujhe. Banda to decent lag raha hai. Aree aree iski sweet bato pe tarsh kha ke isse call mat kar dena. Kon jane agar ase sweet sweet bathe karke ye ladkio ko kidnap kar lena wala koi gunda ho to. Na baba na. Isse dur hi reh...... (he is correct Khushi. You shouldn't scream so much. He seems decent. Stop it Khushi. Don't fall for his sweet words. Who knows he might be some kind of rowdy who talks with ladies sweetly at first then kidnap them later....''

''Mmmmm. But I still have one more massage to check. What should I do? Let's check it out.'' She finally decided to check the last massage.

''Sorry again. I forgot to write my name. I'm Arnav. Arnav Singh Raizada. Actually, I called you to ask... can we meet? We need to talk before taking the most important decision of our lives.''

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Khushi sat there with her perfect 3 O's not believing she just read a message from the person whose chocolate brown eyes had been hunting her ever since she saw them. The same man whose thoughts troubled her every night whenever she tried to sleep. And what she did. She had talked so rudely to him.

''Stupid.. Stupid... You fool, Idiot. How can you behave so rudely without hearing anything from the opposite side? But what to do? It was not my fault. He was the main reason behind my bad temper. His chocolate brown eyes were not letting me sleep in peace and I just lashed out at him. So, he deserves that. You haven't done anything wrong Khushi. Now stop accusing yourself and give him a reply.'' Khushi mumble biting her nails.

.

''It's okay. I was in a bad mood last night. You are right. We should meet. Tomorrow Afternoon at 4:30 PM at hotel Orchard. If you are okay?''

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''I'll be there.''

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Khushi put her phone on the nightstand and went to freshen up with a wide grin on her face.

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Orchard Restaurant
(11 February 2010)

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For the last 15 minutes, Khushi was sitting in her car and encouraging herself for the upcoming meeting. She had never met any of her previous prospective grooms like this. The Last four times she had rejected them on their face but this time she didn't know what actually happened that she felt a strong pull towards him. This man is so different from others. And like a fool, she was smiling since morning thinking about this meeting.

''Get over your nervousness Khushi. You can do it.. Let's face him and today I'm not going to let him escape like last time.'' Khushi got down with determination and went inside..

She found Arnav waiting for her in the lobby. Their eyes met and they stared at each other forgetting about everything for a while. Arnav was the first one to regain his senses.

''Let's get ourselves seated and then talk.'' Arnav offered and both of them walked ahead.

.
.

After ordering some refreshments and snacks they sat there silently. There was an awkward silence between them.

Khushi cleared her throat and started the conversation..

''So, Mr. Raizada I want to ask you one thing directly.'' Noticing his go-ahead look Khushi asked ''If you are not ready for marriage, why did you come to see me?''

Khushi asked directly and she somehow expected to hear something like ''no no. It's nothing like that. I was in a hurry so couldn't stay long''. Khushi knew men and their excuses. But to her surprise, Arnav didn't object. He remained silent as if proving her accusations true.

''Mmmm. You might find it a little awkward but you are right. I'm not ready for marriage. And that day, I had no important meeting. I just made up that excuse and executed it .'' Arnav replied honestly.

Khushi didn't feel bad. She liked his honesty. By the look on his face, she could tell that the man sitting in front of her was eagerly waiting for her rejection. He just wanted to get out of this marriage talk as soon as possible.

Khushi smiled seeing his eagerness.
''You so wanted to get rid of me. Huh!'' She asked playfully.

''It's nothing like that. I am just not ready for marriage. Not now, not tomorrow, not ever.'' Arnav replied honestly.

''Ohh! Okay, I got your point. But you wasted my time and my jiji's makeup. What about that?'' Khushi asked with a serious tone.

''Mm. I'll buy her all her makeup products in double,'' Arnav replied seriously as if he was there for a business deal.

After a minute of pause, both of them burst out laughing. The atmosphere eased and both of them mingled with each other.

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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7 April 2010

....................................

''I'm glad, you have started liking my company Arnav,'' Khushi said looking at Arnav.

Both of them were sitting on a park bench near Khushi's home. This is their meeting point.

''Don't give yourself so much importance. Aman is out of town so didn't have any other options left'' Arnav replied and got a smack in return.

'''I know very well what you two talk about whenever you meet. It's always business.... business... business..
Client... Client... Client.... Or.
Deal.. deal.. deal.. so don't try to make me a fool.'' Khushi huffed in anger.

''Okay, baba. I agree that your entry into my life has changed me. I used to be an arrogant jerk earlier and now I know how to treat others and how to make friends.'' Arnav said and gave her a wink.

''Yeah right. An Arrogant jerk. But tell me one thing honesty noo!'' Khushi asked in a serious tone

''What?'' Arnav asked not looking at her. He was watching the little girls and boys playing in the park.

''The day I first saw you, you were so eager to leave the place, and while leaving out eyes met. At that time I saw fear in them. You were trying to hide something from me. Now also you are hiding that thing. What are you hiding, Arnav?''Khushi asked softly.

Arnav sniffed on his place but didn't respond to her query.

''So, you don't want to tell me. Even after 3 long months of friendship, you don't trust me enough to share your secrets?'' Khushi asked and Arnav could clearly read the disappointment in her voice.

Arnav looked at her silently for a minute and then replied '' Khushi, you know right? I wasn't like this before. I was arrogant. I only knew business. I wasn't very fond of meeting people and talking with them. You changed me. Your friendship has changed me. Let's not go into my past. My past has left me with some deep scars that I don't want to discuss. Please understand my helplessness.''

''Okay, you laad governor. Always wins over me.'' Khushi replied playfully to erase the uneasiness.

''This is why I don't want to get into a relationship. I am happy to be alone.'' Arnav replied with a sigh.

''So, don't you want to get married at all?'' Khushi asked curiously.

Arnav just nodded in response.

''Mmmmm..'' Khushi signed ''I'm glad to be your friend Arnav. Our friendship is so weird, no? You came to reject me and now we are best friends for life.''

''Yup. I'm glad to find you Khushi.'' Arnav said meeting her eyes and this time there was something new, A spark of a new feeling which he immediately hide.

.

(Song lyrics) [bold letters]

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''Chal Rahe The Hum Akele
Aur Tum Mil Gaye''

(I was walking alone
And found you)
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.

3 May 2010

''Khushi, why aren't you ready for marriage? Are you still into that Raizada?'' Garima asked angrily.

Khushi preferred to keep mum.

''Why are you silent now? I want an answer Khushi. I'm not ready to wait any longer. Who knows when that man will be ready for marriage? What if he's never ready? What will you do then? Will you stay single for the rest of your life?'' Garam was tense seeing the closeness these two shared. She didn't want her daughter to regret it later.

Khushi still didn't reply which irked Garima.

''I am again starting to look for a good and perfect groom for you and this time I don't want to hear anything from you both father and daughter.'' Garima declared and went away.

Shashi took his little princess in his embrace and caressed her hair lovingly.

''You love him.'' It wasn't a question but a statement from Shashi's side. Khushi looked at him with wide eyes.

''You are my gudia bitiya. I know your inside out.'' Shashi replied, noticing her expression.

''Bauji. I don't know what's wrong with my stupid heart. Whenever I go near him it starts beating fast. Every time I saw his stupid smirk I felt like looking at his face all my life, forgetting about everything. I don't know why I can not erase his thoughts from my mind. I tried bauji. But this stupid heart is not ready to understand. I know he is not ready for any commitment. He told me clearly but I couldn't control my heart. What should I do, bauji? What should I do?'' Khushi sobbed, hugging her bauji.

''You are in love bitiya. And love is like this only. It will not listen to your mind but your heart. I think you should talk about it to him. Don't you think he also felt something for you?'' Shashi said lovingly.

''I caught him stealing my glances quite a few times. He does that thinking I'm not noticing him. But I did. His eyes say volume but he keeps his lips sealed, bauji. Sometimes I feel like he also has the same feelings for me but he is afraid. Afraid of his past. He doesn't want me to know his past and that's the only reason he is avoiding this feeling of love.'' Khushi expressed what she had observed.

''Are you sure he loves you?'' Shashi asked again.

''I'm sure bauji. He is just afraid. I'll talk with him. I'll erase his past from his life. I'll love him so much that he will forget everything other than me and my love.'' Khushi replied with determination.

''Then why are you waiting for bitiya? Go and make that fool understand his feelings.'' Shashi laughed and so did Khushi.

.....................................................

RM
(6 May 2010)

The landline telephone rang and Anjali received the call.

''Hello''

''Hello, Anjali ji. It's me, Khushi. Actually, I was trying to connect with Arnav for the last 3 days but his number is switche off. I even called his office but got to know he isn't going there for the last week. Can you pass the receiver to him?'' Khushi asked in one go.

''Khu..shii jii.. actually.. actually chotte is not here,'' Anjali replied hesitantly, which Khushi failed to notice.

''Then? Where is he?'' Khushi asked curiously.

''Actually, he went to Landon for an important project. That's why his phone is unreachable.''

''Ohh. He didn't inform me about this sudden project so I was tensed.'' Khushi said disappointed.

''Don't worry I can give you his international number. I'm sending it right away,'' Anjali said happily.

''Thank you so much Anjali ji. I'm waiting'' Khushi cut the call and in a few minutes, she got his number.

Khushi imminently dialled that new number but he didn't receive it. She called him for the fifth time but nope. He didn't answer.

.

.
''Busy with work. Will talk later.''

.

Came his reply after waiting for more than 6 hours.

Khushi looked outside sadly. It was heavily pouring outside. Barish (Rain) is always her favourite. But not today's one. This was not monsoon rain. This rain is happening due to a cyclone. This cyclone came on short notice. The entire Delhi was witnessing this rain. Some people were enjoying themselves some were feeling gloomy thinking about the loss.

''Barish aya bhi tab aya jab mera Arnav nahi hai. Next time jab Arnav mere sath ho, tab ana. (The rain come when my Arnav is not with me. Next time when Arnav will be with me, then come.)'' Khushi demanded looking at the raindrops.

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''Thodi Si Baarish Hone Lagi Phir

Tum Kahin Kho Gaye''

(It started raining
And you were lost somewhere)

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.

............................................

(3 June 2010)

Khushi entered her house completely wet. It was raining heavily outside and today's rain was the first rain of the monsoon. It's been one month since she was searching for Arnav but couldn't contact him. He wasn't receiving her calls either. It was becoming difficult for her to stay without him.

"Leave it yaar Khushi. He won't come searching for you" Khushi tried to give some solace to her hurting heart.

As she started to close the front door with a heavy heart, she felt someone standing outside. She quickly looked out and her heart felt peaceful as she finally got to see him.

There he stood looking at her, not bothered about the rain. Khushi ran to him and looked at him with questioning eyes.

"Where were you?" Khushi glaring at Arnav.

" I was always here Khushi. With you but you couldn't see me." Arnav replied mysteriously.

"Huh!!" Khushi asked, confused.

"Khushi beta what are you doing in the rain? Come inside otherwise, you will get cold" Shashi shouted from the house, seeing Khushi.

"But Papa, Arnav" Khushi again looked at Arnav but found no one there. She looked for him here and there but no. He was nowhere.

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''Lag Raha Tha Khwaab Koyi
Choo Ke Guzra Humein''

(It seemed like a dream
It touched and passed away)
.
.

Khushi ran inside her room and threw herself on the bed crying uncontrollably without bothering about her wet dress.

"Laut aao Arnav. (Come back Arnav) I can't live without you. Please... Please... Please... Come back.." Khushi pleaded to remember him.

.
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''Thoda Sa Mushqil Ho Raha Hai
Ab Bhulana Tumhein''

(It is getting a little hard
Forgetting you)

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.

.............

Khushi opened their old WhatsApp chats.

She laughed reading his old messages.. The same man who had promised her never to make her wait was making her restless in his absence.

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''Bas Ik Lamhe Mein Tu
Zindagi Ban Gaya''

(In just a moment
You have become my life)
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''Phir Umar Bhar Ke Liye
Tu Kitne Gham De Gaya''

(Then for the rest of my life
You gave me a lot of sorrow)
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..................................

Few days later

Hearing a beep sound Khushi hurriedly opened her WhatsApp.

Khushi's heart dances up seeing his reply after so long. She hurriedly replied.

''ON MY WAY''

Like a butterfly she got up and started getting ready to meet Arnav. Today she was going to tell Arnav about her feelings and she was sure Arnav loved her too but couldn't express his feelings as they had already rejected each other in front of their families.

''Don't worry Arnav. I will fix everything.'' Khushi said determined as if she was trying to reassure herself

''Areee oyee ree Sankadevi kaha chaili itni taiyaar hoke? (Dressing up so much, where are you going Sankadevi?" Buaji asked in surprise.

''Ghar se Bhag rehi hu. (Eloping from this house)'' Khushi replied back playfully.

''My daughter seems really happy today. Any good news? You were upset for quite a few days.'' Garima said admiring Khushi.

''I'm not going to reveal anything so soon. What if someone cast an evil eye on my happiness? Let me go and stamp my happiness as my own then I will tell you guys everything'' Khushi informed everyone smilingly.

''No one will cast an evil eye on your happiness by princess. You go and achieve what you want. We will be waiting for you.'' Shashi blessed his daughter.

Khushi happily left the house and noticed the dark clouded sky above her head

''Seems like another wish of mine is going to be fulfilled today. Barish, abhi maat barshna suru hojana. (Don't start raining now) wait for a few more minutes. This time I want to enjoy my favourite monsoon with my Laadgovernor.'' Khushi wished looking at the sky.

....................................

RM

Entering inside RM Khushi noticed the darkness.

''Why is the environment so gloomy?'' Khushi silently asked herself.

It didn't feel good anymore. Something was wrong somewhere. Her heart was not allowing herself to meet Arnav. Her heart was telling her that meeting Arnav today was going to be the worst decision of her life.

''Let's skip today's meeting Khushi. Now that Arnav is back, you can meet him whenever you want. But not today. Bhaggg Lee yaha se(let's run from here)" Khushi convinced herself and took a step back to leave.

''Khushi didi, Arnav baba is waiting for you in the Terrace'' Hp came and informed her.

''Hp ji, I remembered some important work. You tell Arnav, I will meet him tomorrow'' Khushi again tried to leave from there.

''NO, didi. Today is a very big day for Arnav baba. You Pls don't go without meeting him otherwise'' Hp left his sentence incomplete..

All Khushi could hear was Hp telling her today was a very big day for Arnav.

What if he was also ready to accept his feelings? She happily went towards the Terrace thinking about the possibility of his love confession. What she missed was the sadness in HP's voice. HP looked at the girl in front of him with compassion.

Terrace

Khushi came to the terrace and noticed Arnav standing at the edge. Seeing the man in front of her after so long made her heart skip a beat.

''Arnav'' Khushi softly called him.

Arnav's hand on the railing tightened knowing that the person he had been waiting to meet for so long was finally here.

When Arnav didn't turn around after two minutes Khushi got the bad feeling again that something was going to go terribly wrong.

''Ar..nav'' Khushi again called him.

This time Arnav turned towards her with his eyes closed. When he opened his eyes Khushi could clearly see the redness in them. Her heart told her again that something was very, very wrong and she should not stay there.

The scene felt very scary with the darkness of the sky. The whole sky was covered with black clouds. And it was lightning every now and then. Khushi could notice that Arnav's body was shaking with every clap of thunder, as if he was afraid of the clap of thunder.

Khushi took some quick steps and tried to approach him. But when Khushi tried to touch him, he screamed

''NO...No... no... Don't.. Don't come near me.''

''Arnav'' Khushi called him in an incredulous tone.

''Thanks for coming at my short notice but please don't come near me.'' Arnav said.

''Okay.. I'm standing here only. You tell me where have you been for so long? And why didn't you reply to my messages? I was so scared thinking of so many what ifs. You didn't do good, Arnav. Don't you dare to leave like this again. I won't forgive you next time.'' Khushi started her query in one go not minding about his earlier behaviour..

She huffed in annoyance when she got no answer from him again.

''Okay.. Leave all these questions. Now tell me when did you come back?'' Khushi again asked.

''Today only. '' Arnav replied as shortly as he could.

''Where have you been for so long? And why ..'' Arnav cut her off.

''Before that I want to confess something Khushi.'' Arnav told honestly.

''Bolo. (Tell me)'' Khushi asked, getting happy.

''Khushi, Do you remember what you asked me when we talked for the first time?''

''I usually ask a lot of things that you know. I don't know about which question you're asking.''

''Okay forget it. Now tell me what I told you that day.''

''What? You just said that relationships are not your cup of tea and you will never get marr...ied.'' Khushi stammered at the end.

''Exactly. You remember. You should have remembered those lines Khushi. You shouldn't have felt anything for me.'' Arnav screamed.

''Arn..av.. what are you saying? Please stop. I don't want to hear anything. I don't want to stay here anymore. You go, get rest. We will talk some other time.'' Khushi tried to leave again but Arnav blocked her way.

''Actually it wasn't your fault Khushi. It was my fault. You were right I shouldn't have come so close to you when I knew we couldn't be together.'' Arnav replied in a broken voice.

''Whyy?'' This time Khushi shouted.

''I have always stayed aloof all my life, Khushi. I have not befriended anyone except Aman. I was fine that way. I shouldn't have accepted your offer to become friends. We were better off as strangers. Now you are suffering because of me. All because of me.'' Arnav replied angrily. He was angry with himself.

''Why are you saying these things now? Don't you love me! I know Arnav, you too love me but you are not expressing your feelings. Why are you hiding your feelings?''

''I can't love you Khushi. I can't love anyone. I can't live with any normal person.'' Arnav blab out.

''What? What do you mean? Why can't you live with normal people?'' Khushi asked, annoyed not understanding anything.

''Because I'm not normal Khushi. I'm not normal. I'm a mad , a lunatic, I'm not normal like you people'' Arnav shouted startling Khushi.

Khushi took a few back steps in surprise as she was not ready to hear such a thing.

Arnav laughed seeing her taking back steps.

''I told you Khushi, No one can love a man like me nor I can stay with any normal person.'' Arnav said sarcastically.

Khushi sat on the floor unable to find any words to speak.

''From day one you know I was hiding something Khushi. This is what I have hidden for so long. My di and family members thought that if I get married and start a normal life with a girl, my illness will be cured but I know Khushi none can handle me when I get my attacks. That is why I told you in the first place that I will not marry ever in my life.''

'' what attacks? From when you are getting those attacks? '' Khushi asked worriedly.

''From the age of ten.'

''How did it start? ''

''That was my birthday. Sheeshmehal was decorated very beautifully. I was very excited. Mumma prepared all my favorite dishes and I wasn't giving them to di. Di told me she would complain to mumaa and she would stop my birthday party. So, I went looking for mumma to ask her not to stop my birthday party. It was monsoon. I could hear thunder. I was getting scared and was looking for mumma everywhere but couldn't find her in any room. At that moment, I heard some noise from the terrace. I went there and found mumma crying and Papa standing with another woman.''

Flash back

''Arvind ji you can't cheat me. For God's sake Arvind ji we have two children. What will they think of you if they get to know about all this.'' Ratna asked, crying heavily.

''Ratna you are complicating it. It's nothing. You are and will be my wife. No one will know about all this.'' Arnvind said without any regret.

This time Ratna got angry and tried to slap him but Arvind grabbed her hand and pushed her. Ratna's head hit the sharp corner of the railing.

Arnav cried out ''Mumaaa''

Ratna laid there motionless and soon it started raining. Arnav tried to go to his mumaa but Arvind caught him and didn't let him go near her mother. Suddenly they saw red blood coming out of Ratna's head.

This time both Arnav and Arvind rushed to her. Arnav took Ratna's head in his small lap. His new clothes were turning red with Ratna's blood and at the same time the rain water was washing away the blood.

''Mumaa.. Please open your eyes. Mumaa. Your chotee is calling you mummaa. Pls mumaa.'' Arnav pleaded.

Ratna opened her eyes with great difficulty and tried to touch her head but hissed in pain. She looked at the two men she loved with all her heart. One had betrayed her because of another woman and the other was crying for her. She knew her son could not live without her. So before it was time for her to go, she tried to explain some important things to him.

''Chottee. You are my brave boy. Right? You can't cry now beta. You have to look after you di right. You can't get weak in front of her. I'm sorry chotte for leaving you guys so early but like a big boy you have to fulfil all my duties from now on. You can't be weak, my child. Mumaa lov..'' with that Ratna's hand fell from his cheek.

''Noooo. Mumaa.. pls open your eyes. Mumaa.'' Arnav cried but no one heard his cries.

A few minutes later he heard a gunshot and turned back to see his father's lifeless body lying on the floor.

He sat there for an hour with the two dead bodies. The rain did not stop either. The entire terrace was filled with red water and Arnav sat there motionless. His Nani (grandmother) later found him like this. He doesn't remember anything after that. Everything happened like a blar without him understanding anything.

2 days later at the middle of the night everyone was woken up by Arnav's loud scream. Everyone gathered in his room but they were not ready to see what they saw that day. It was raining outside and inside Arnav was ...

Flash back ends

''Since that day, I can't bear to see the rain. Instead of rain water I only see blood. I lose my control when it rains. I even tried to harm myself in that situation. Di and mama ji took me to many psychiatrists but nothing worked. So, whenever the monsoons came I confined myself to my room or better left India for some time. ' Arnav finished telling his side of the story.

''That's why you haven't been here so long!''

''Yes.''

Suddenly they heard another clap of thunder and Khushi hurriedly got up from the floor.

''Then why did you come back, Arnav? You shouldn't have come back stupid. '' Khushi cried.

''I have to Khushi. I can't run away from the reality''

''No.. Arnav it's going to start raining anytime. Please come in.You shouldn't be outside.'' Khushi said and tried to pull him with her but Arnav stopped her.

''Going inside won't work Khushi. Even the sound of rain can drive me crazy. ''

Khushi came close to him and hugged him tightly.

''You shouldn't have come back Arnav.''

''I told you na I had to. I'm sorry for coming into your life Khushi. Please forgive me and also forget about me Khushi. I can never give you happiness. '' Arnav replied emotionally.

.
.
''Barsaat Ki Uss Raat Mein
Toota Tha Dil Mera''

(On that rainy night
My heart was broken)
.
.

''No Arnav. Please don't talk like this.''

''I have to Khushi. So that you can see the reality. Now you may think you can manage me but I know Khushi no one can. No one can.''

Khushi nodded no..

''Now go. You shouldn't stay here any longer. You can't stand it. Goo.''

''Noo. I'm not leaving you.''

''Yes you are.''

Khushi tried to hold him more tightly but Aman came there and took her out from there forcefully and while going out Khushi noticed a teary-eyed Anjali standing there looking at her brother sadly.

( This di of Arnav's isn't a glass doll. She has seen enough suffering in his life. And today maybe the sister inside her will die a little more after seeing her little one suffer but she will again stand her ground to take care of her Chotte.)

By the time Khushi was taken to the living room Rain had already started its work and all she could hear was Arnav's inhuman screams. This cannot be his Arnav. Her Arnav can never behave like this....

.
.
''Mujhe Yaad Hai Bheega Hua Sa
Chehra Tha Tera''
.
.

Covering her mouth with her palm, she ran away from RM. She ran through the heavy monsoon rain. Any other time she would have enjoyed this rain but today her heart was getting heavier and heavier with each raindrop.
Her Arnav was in pain because of this rain then how could she love it?

She entered inside GM with puffy eyes and was all drenched. Buaji noticed her first..

''Titliyaaa!! Kya hua hai?'' Buaji asked worriedly..

''Khushi, bitiyaa kya hua?'' Garima asked next.

Shashi couldn't muster up the courage to ask his princess what had happened. Her estranged state was telling him something big had happened to her. He came forward and took his princess in his arms.

Khushi was silent till now but when Shahi hugged her she couldn't hold her tears anymore. She burst into tears. She cried for hours that night...

Later that night Khushi was caressing the teddy Arnav gifted her when they went for a movie. Khushi was so amazed seeing that teddy and Arnav played a short game to win it for her.

Flashback

''Khushi yaar we are here to watch movie, not to buy toys for your future babies'' Arnav joked seeing her hopping like a kid for a teddy. Was she really his bff? He never thought he would be able to enjoy life like this. Khushi came as a blessing to him and he couldn't ignore but flowing with her at that moment.

''Gooo and bring me that teddy or I won't talk to you.'' Khushi replied with a pout.

''Even if I bring the teddy for you?'' Arnav asked.

''Will you? Really? '' Khushi asked excitedly.

''Wait here.'' Saying this he walked towards the playing area but Khushi followed him.

Khushi was literally screaming and cheering for him like a child when he was playing the game.

It only took him a minute to win Teddy for Khushi.

Khushi first hugged the teddy then hugged Arnaavv.. (Their first hug)

''Thank you... thank you soo much Arnav... I love you.'' Khushi uttered excitedly.

Arnav's hold loosened hearing the last sentence. Khushi didn't notice then...

Flash back ends

''At that time I didn't understand your pain and hesitation but now I know and still, I love you.. I... love... you.. only you'' Khushi cried, hugging the teddy tightly.

.
.
''Mujhme Baaki Teri Khoosboo
Yaadon Se Na Jata Hai Tu
Aisa Lagta Hai Ki Mere Pass Tu''
.
.

...........

Today a new man came to see her. Khushi didn't want to meet them but Garima forced her and Shashi too couldn't help her this time.

"Khushi, think wisely beta. Knowing his condition, how can we give him our daughter's hand. He is not norm..'Garima tried to put some brains in her daughter's head but Khushi didn't walk out from there before Garima complete the word "normal" and left to meet those who came to see her.

Khushi sat quietly without showing any emotions on her face. She was in a completely different world thinking about the time when Arnav's family came to see her. How Arnav didn't look at her and left from there making a silly excuse. Now she knew what he wanted to hide that day. She felt like laughing and she did. She laughed loudly, making everyone surprised. They gave her some confused and wired looks but khushi didn't bother. She laughed... laughed and laughed..

.
.
''Shamein Pehle Jaisi Hi Hai
Mausam Saare Waise Hi Hai
Paagal Hoon Main Sochun
Sayad Aaye Tu''
.
.

How beautiful their friendship was. They were so happy. Who did this to them? Who has cast an evil eye on them? Why them? Why?

.
.
''Mere Ishq Ke Safar Ko
Jaise Lag Gayi Nazar''
.
.

..............................................

One week later

Khushi tried to contact Arnav many times in the last one week but did not get a chance to talk to him. On the other hand Garaim was always keeping an eye on her. Not letting her go out and meet Arnav. Today she again tried calling him for the last time.

She waited silently for someone to answer the call.

She heard a beep, Someone answered the phone. She knew that it was him. She didn't need any confirmation to know that. Her heart knew it was him. Both remained silent without saying anything.

.
.
''Jubaan Kamosh Thi Magar
Ye Dil Roya''
.
.

''Ar..nav'' Khushi called him and instantly the line got cut from the opposite side.

..............................

''Sorry Khushi, sorry for coming into your life. Sorry for not confessing my love. I can't Khushi. I can't ruin your life.'' Arnav cried out holding the phone near his heart.

''But I'm happy Khushi. So, happy for you. You finally got someone to understand you. I just want you to be happy in your life.'' said Arnav holding the wedding card of Khushi sent by Garima

.
.
''Tu Khush Hai Ye Soch Kar
Main Kuch Keh Paya Nahi
Main Khud Se Ye Keh Diya
Tu Mera Tha Hi Nahi''
.
.

..................

Garima arranged Khushi's marriage with one of her friend's sons. As the boy was in a hurry to go abroad, they wanted the marriage to take place as soon as possible. Garima was happy with this proposal. Thus Khushi would stay away from India and Arnav . This way she would forget him soon.

Khushi was looking at herself in the mirror. She couldn't recognize herself with the heavy makeup. She laughed looking at herself. She had dreamed of this day so many times in the past six months. She wanted to look beautiful on her wedding day for Arnav but now she wants nothing. She didn't want this marriage. She felt like killing herself. It was better than being someone else's wife..

She had to do something before it was too late. She got up and at the same time Shashi entered inside her room.

''Princess''

''Bauji.. bauji pls help me bauji. I can't marry anyone except Arnav'' Khushi pleaded.

''Beta, Are you sure? Can you ... can you handle him?'' Shashi asked hesitantly.

''Y...yess.. I know it will be difficult but I know he will be alright soon Papa. I will make him normal. My love will end all his fears. I can't let him endure this pain alone, Papa. I will give him all the love of the world.'' Khushi replied determinedly.

Shashi smiled and took her out, then made her sit in the passenger seat and took the driver seat to drive his princess to her destination, to her love..

Khushi felt alive after ages. She smiled looking at her superhero but soon her smile faded when she saw the overcast sky. Her heart skipped a beat as she thought about Arnav's condition.

It hadn't rained even once in the last week. The last time it rained was the day she met Arnav.

.
.
''Barsaat Ki Uss Raat Mein
Toota Tha Dil Mera
Mujhe Yaad Hai Bheega Hua Sa
Chehra Tha Tera''
.
.

Khushi took her phone and called Arnav. His number was switched off. She called the landline number.

''Hello'' Anjali received the call. Khushi could clearly notice the sadness in her voice..

''He...llo.. di. Di, where is Arnav?'' Khushi asked gulping..

''Khushi...'' Anjali sobbed.. ''chottee has locked himself inside his room''

Khushi didn't say anything after that. Cutting the call she looked outside. Soon it started raining. She sat there with a blank mind.

Their car kept going through the rain. Sashi once looked at Khushi but didn't ask anything. He didn't have that courage....

●●□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□●●

My first TS (Two shorts).

How is it?

Let me know your opinion though comments. ✨️

And here is my Barsaat Vm which I specially made for this TS. Do watch it guys💘

And yeahhhh, A very happy Birthday to my sunshine, my Khushi, Sanaya Irani.

Love
Krity✨️
17.09.22