Part47 

With extreme hesitation, Khushi entered their room where Arnav was sitting on the recliner, leaning on its backboard, closing his eyes. He opened his eyes, staying in the same position. Seeing Khushi, he sat straight, spreading his hands. Without wasting a single minute, she rushed towards him. Arnav leaned on her chest, snaking her waist. Khushi caressed his hair lovingly. He did nothing but stayed for long. Khushi let him get relaxed.

She slowly started.

Khushi: Arnavji...

Arnav raised his head and looked at her.

Khushi: Arnavji, Tina has no one other than us.

Arnav sat straight.

Khushi: Her mother is a bad woman but she is not.

Arnav was looking at her like, "come to the point"

Khushi: We have to help her to finish her mother's final rituals, Arnavji.

Before Arnav said anything,

Khushi: Please don't say NO. It's necessary to perform final rituals, Arnavji. It doesn't matter how bad she was but she is no more now. Tina may not feel it necessary, now but she will definitely feel bad for not doing her duty as a daughter in the mere future.

Arnav was silent because Khushi had a point.

Arnav(sighed): Neither I won't take part in her funeral nor I see her face.

Khushi nodded ok.

Living Room

Tina was looking at the ceiling, without blinking. Khushi sat beside her.

Tina: I'm sorry for whatever my mother had done, Bhabi.

Khushi: You don't have to be sorry. You can do nothing with that. Don't be guilty of the mistake you never did.

Tina: because of her, we are all suffering. Ratnama lost her life, Bhai was left alone, she tried to kill you, and now, dad is behind the bars.

Khushi: It all past. We can't change it. instead of feeling sad about it, we have to think about what's next.

Tina: Next?

She asked with confusion.

Khushi: We should perform your mother's final ritual.

Tina: Bhabi, do you even think I will do that?

Khushi: You have to...

Tina: But why? she was an evil woman, Bhabi.

Khushi: But you are not... She might be a bad woman but she is dead. We can't show our dissatisfaction with her lifeless body. It's just a body. We should complete our duty. Being a good daughter, you have to complete it.

Tina: Do you think about Bhai? How does he feel?

She got bewildered, hearing Arnav from behind.

Arnav: I feel nothing about it. To complete your duty, you don't have to think about anything.

Tina went speechless. This is the first time; Arnav is directly talking to her about something.

Tina: I don't think it is necessary.... Bhai... I don't want to...

Arnav (cutting her): You may feel it's not necessary... now. What about the future? What if you feel bad for not performing it? Complete your duty because we won't get a chance to rectify our mistakes. And we don't want to see you doing that in the future.

Tina nodded OK as she didn't want to deny her Bhai who assured her that he will be with her in the future.

Arnav dialed Aman's number.

Aman: Yes, ASR...

Arnav: Get, Asha's body, after the post-mortem and arrange the necessaries for her funeral in Malik residence.

Aman: Ok ASR.

Arnav: Bring him in bail until all the final rituals got over.

It was not hard for Aman to understand who is that HIM. Arnav is talking about undoubtedly Arvind.

Tina and Khushi also were surprised. They looked at each other.

Arnav(cutting the call): Aman will arrange all the necessary needs. You can go there.

Tina understood that Arnav is not going to come to Malik residence. And she didn't ask him anything.

Arnav: Mohan will drop you there tomorrow.

Khushi: Tomorrow?

Arnav: Yeah, tomorrow morning only we can get the body completing the post-mortem.

Khushi looked at Tina and she nodded ok.

Next day

Khushi left to Malik house with Tina, Uditha, and Preeto. Mohan dropped them and stayed there to help them.

Arnav provided all the help from RM but he didn't step into the Malik Residence. Tina was not interested to take a long time for the rituals. She insisted to complete the rituals in three days. In those three days, Khushi didn't get compromised to stay in Malik House. She returned back to RM in every evening to be with Arnav. Even Arnav didn't expect that...

Within three days they returned back to RM, this time with Arvind. Arnav frowned seeing him.

Arvind: I'm here to hand over the properties which belong to you.

Arnav looked at Tina and then Arvind.

Arnav: I don't want any property. I have enough money to lead a lavishing life.

Arvind: But, Chotte, you are my son.

Arnav: What about her?

He pointed towards Tina.

Tina: But Bhai...

Arnav stopped her, showing his palm.

Arnav: Transfer your property on her name.

Tina: I'm not his daughter.

Arnav: It doesn't matter. You are standing alone... because of him. He is responsible for it.

Tina: Do you think, his property could mend things?

Arnav was silent.

Tina: Whatever happened in our life can't be changed by money.

Arnav: Without money, you can make nothing.

Tina: I have decided something.

Everyone looked at her frowning.

Tina: I would like to continue my studies and I will find a job to lead my life.

Khushi: But why?

Tina: If I accept the property, it will prick me for my whole life, remembering the way it reached me. Please... I don't want it. I'm calling you Bhai and Bhabi, it's more than enough for me. Because it makes me feel like, I have someone as mine.

She said emotionally but sternly.

Arvind: Whatever you decide, I'm fine with that, Chotte because I don't want to force you for anything. But please decided wisely.

Tina: He is right Bhai. Ratnama is his only wife. Her son is the only legal heir of his property. Don't sacrifice your rights Bhai. Please accept it.

Arnav couldn't say NO. He sighed whereas Arvind smiled, looking at Tina thankfully.

They had dinner together. Arvind could not hold his tears as he never expected that he will get this chance in his life. Arnav left the dinning said nothing as he didn't know how to react.

When Khushi came to the room, he was standing at the poolside, looking at the sky. Khushi touched his shoulder softly. In no time, Arnav hugged her.

Khushi: Arnavji, are you alright?

Arnav: I don't know whether I'm alright. I thought I can make everything in my life as per my wish. But life is not what we think.

Khushi: Just go with the flow Arnavji... Expect nothing and accept everything... life will be interesting.

Arnav: I don't know how to take my father's stance. He saved you... I can't be angry with him... at the same time; I can't be close to him though.

Khushi: If you can't do it, then don't do it. He is happy as you are treating him normally. As of now, it's enough. Time will change everything and turns everything.

Arnav: I... I think of assigning a good lawyer for him. I don't think, what he did is wrong.

Khushi(excitedly): Good idea. What else he needs more than this? You are a very good son Arnavji....

She kissed his cheek.

Arnav: Thank God... finally, you mercy on me, after three long days....

He smiled making her blush.

Arnav: You look so fetching while blushing. Your rosy cheeks are inviting me to taste it.

Khushi was about to run from there... but is it even possible?

Arnav: I'm already tired. Don't make me more tired by chasing you. However, I will catch you because I badly need you.

Khushi: You said you are tired?

Arnav: Not in your matter.

He came in with her, closing the French door to get relaxed... in Khushi's arms.

To be continued...

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Spoilt Brat

Arnav was lying on Khushi's chest as usual, after getting relaxed. Though he got relaxed his breath was uneven. So was Khushi's. Arnav raised his head and looked at her face which was full of sweating. He wiped her face and applied her sweat on his cheek.

Khushi (chuckled): What are you doing?

Arnav: Anointment... with precious scent.