Part 10

GH

Shashi and Garima faced tough time in facing people who were interest to know "what happened?" they were heartbroken because of taunt. Shyam felt guilty to face Khushi. He was suffocating to staying at home.

Khushi was continuously crying thinking at her fate. What life is this? What a society, we are living in? Is this what a girl should have to go through, even though she was not at fault? Won't anyone trust her? Aren't her previous morals valuable? A single doubt could make forget all her earlier decency?

Preeto didn't leave Khushi even at nights. Khushi got to know everything from Preeto which took place on the marriage day. She told, how Radhika shouted at her parents in front of the crowd, how Akash showed his distrust on Khushi, how her parents stood there helplessly, How Arnav defended her and got angry on Akash.

Khushi was amazed by hearing Arnav's reaction. Actually Arnav was not outspoken. He always keeps silence. His words are rare and valuable like him. She was delighted that at least her parents had someone on their side.

She touched her feet and got panic. Her one ANKLET was missing which was gifted by Arnav. That was the issue which made her more restless than her broken marriage.

After one week.

Arnav was standing outside GH hesitating to enter inside. He was nervous to face Khushi and also was losing his courage thinking her teary face. That's when Shyam came from inside. He smiled at Arnav formally.

Shyam: Come in Arnav. (He called Shashi looking at inside) Dad, Arnav is here. (he again looked at Arnav) I have some work. You carry on.

Saying he went out after starting his bike. Shashi came out and welcomed Arnav inside. Garima who was in the kitchen also came out hearing Shyam's "Arnav is here".

Obviously it reached someone's ears too, "Khushi", who was lying on the bed. She got up and sat on the bed. She wiped her face. It was enough messed by continuously flowing tears. She could hear Arnav's talks clearly from her room.

Arnav(to Shashi): How is Khushi sir?

Khushi was controlling her sob by pressing her palm on her mouth but failed because it was out of her control. Arnav's painful voice made her weaker.

Garima (burst out crying): How can my child be fine beta? She is alive, that's all. After that huge mess, how can anyone be fine? I can't understand how we will bring her out of that darkness. I don't know why Devi Maiya is testing us.

Shashi took a step and consoled Garima by circling her shoulder from side. His eyes were also teary.

Arnav(steadily): Where is Khushi?

Garima looked at her room hinting him like "she is there". Arnav went inside. His heart started bleeding seeing Khushi's messed-up state. She was crying, leaning on the wall closing her eyes. Arnav gritted his teeth suppressing his emotions. He wiped her tears off and Khushi opened her eyes. In no time she leaned on his chest keeping her palm in between his chest and her forehead while weeping. There was nothing in Arnav's mind except consoling Khushi. Putting all the damns aside, he hugged her tightly closing his eyes.

He didn't say that "I'm here for you" but "his action". A HUG can speak more than hundreds of words. "It spoke". Khushi's hands rested, holding his shoulders. They stayed for some time.

Arnav came out of the state making up himself. He started walking outside taking Khushi with him. Shashi and Garima passed a confused glance to each other. They knew that they were friends, but didn't know to this extent. Arnav didn't free his hand from her shoulder and kept Khushi close to him.

Arnav (looking at Shashi): Sir... I would like to marry Khushi.

He had given them lifetime surprise. Khushi who was leaning on his shoulder until then raised her head shockingly and looked at him without blinking.

Arnav: If only Khushi is ok with that.

He said looking at Khushi's face sternly. Still, she was in his hold. Arnav wiped her cheek assuring that he was ready to do it for her whole life. Shashi and Garima were looking at him like he was some spirit.

Arnav: Take your own time sir, but I really mean it. I want to give my shoulder for her to lean whenever she wants.

He turned his gaze to Khushi who didn't take her eyes from him yet.

He freed her from his hold and went from there leaving trio in the state that no one could describe.

Shashi and Garima were delighted. Though they didn't spend time with Arnav but they liked him at every phrase they met him. The way he questioned Akash about Khushi's job, the way he defended in front of the crowd. Those fiascoes already had created enough respect for him. But they were reluctant. It was just a few days, Khushi's marriage have been canceled. They didn't want to pressure her or force her for anything, anymore. But they wanted it to happen. As a parent, they couldn't let this "good guy" go easily. At the same time, they want Khushi to decide, unlike last time.

They were eagerly waiting for Khushi's answer. Observing Khushi's action was the only task for Gupta couples. Khushi was also in deep thought all the time. Her mind got trapped in "desert storm". No clearance. Nothing was visible in her eyes. Finally, she decided something.

.......

Though Arnav told his decision nervousness sat on his head and didn't let him do anything for the whole day. He closed the shop earlier than usual as he has no mood to sit there. What if Khushi denied? What if Guptas don't like him? He didn't feel hungry nor did he get sleep.

This is the last chance for him to get Khushi. This is the "deciding factor", whether Khushi will remain "JUST KHUSHI?" or will become "HIS KHUSHI?"

That's when his landline started ringing. He attended it with disinterest thinking that it must be some customer.

Arnav: Hello.

He didn't get any response from the opposite side. His heart started beating fast sensing something familiar. He gulped.

Arnav: Khushi.....

Silence.....

Arnav: Khushi can you hear me?

He heard her hard breathing.

Arnav: Khushi I know what you want me to articulate. I decided to marry you not because I'm sympathizing with you. Believe me Khushi.

Khushi: Think at once Arnav. We can't change our decision which is being taken in haste. I don't want you to repent in the future.

Arnav: It's not a hasty decision. I won't repent and I don't want to change my decision. Ever. Ok?

Khushi:  Are... you??? 

she stumbled.

Arnav: 200% sure. Now go to sleep. Your mind and heart need rest Khushi. Take some rest and think from your heart. (pause) Please don't cry. (his voice was so painful when he told that) Good night.

He cuts the call. He was right. Sometimes "sleep" is the best medicine. It can make a deep wound heal and calm down a wavering mind. Khushi slept with a peaceful mind and without tears after a long time. It really works.

To be continued...