Chapter 19

The sound of the raindrops Pelting down on the glass of french windows was the only sound in the room. Once this silence was what arnav have wanted, have always asked for. But as he looked at khushi, he just only want to hear her voice that has the power to calm his nerves instantly. His heart ached to see her chattering away without any worry like she always have done before.

Before…

This word sent a shot of mind numbing pain in his heart. He closed his eyes as he leaned his head back against the head board of the bed. Please come back to me khushi. His heart pleaded silently.

The next second his eyes flew open. Not daring to move an inch. He stayed as still as he could before very slowly he turned his head to look at his hand which have been captured by her in sleep. His eyes travelled upwards to look at her face. Her eyes closed, a serene calm look setteled on her face as she slept peacefully.

Arnav released the breath which he was holding unknowingly until he saw that she was
Sleeping. He so badly had hoped that she held his hand knowingly, although he knew that cannot happen. Why would she do that..?? When she had not even an inch all the time she has been awake. But his heart had thuded madly and had hoped silently.

He gently held her hand in his, reassuring himself for the nth time that she is alive, that she is safe. He sat staring at her face for a long. Tracing her every feature with his eyes, but he stopped as he noticed the obvious thing which he should have know all this time. He knew what he have to do when she would wake up.

He closed his eyes again and listened to the pelting of the rain on the glass. Its sound lessening the ever present pain in his heart. Gradualy it the rain changed into light drizzle and finally stopped, with it the pain in his hear resurfaced.

NK’s words rang in his mind.
‘Prove to me that you are not arnav malik…’ ,causing him to tighten his hold on her hand. She stirred slighty making him to look at her. He saw her Open her eyes slowly and look directly in their entwined hands. Her gaze lifted up to his and he stared right back at her. His saw her eyes, they were not blank. She had come out of her shell a little and this was enough to make his heart beat in a dangerous speed as a wave of relief flushed through him. She is still there. He had not lost her.

He lifted his other hand and placed it on her cheek. Grazing her cheek with his thumb he smiled softly at her and asked.”Had a nice sleep..??” He sighed at not getting an answer.

Wounding her arms around his neck, he gently lifted her in his arms and stepped out of the bed. Entering the poolside, he gently placed her on the chair. Rain has stopped but cold winds were still blowing. He saw her shudder as the cold breeze touched her skin. “I’ll come back in a minute.” he said before disappering inside the room.

He came back with a shawl. He wrapped it around her to save her from the cold before he kneeled down in front of her on one leg.

He very well know it has happened before also and she will also remember that and the pain that he gave her that night ,but he had to do it , for her. He placed her left leg on his knee before he pulled out one payal…her mother’s payal from his pocket. He remembered di handling them to him in a plastic bag yesterday night.

It was removed from her in the hospital. Before leaving, di had informed him that they are stained in blood and she as much as tried to wash them, she was not able to , she didn’t have the strength.

He washed them carefully with a aching heart, with water mixed with his tears. Her mother’s payal was stained with her blood. He felt sick with himself. She was not able bear to see a small cut on him and he ,the heartless person he was ,had been the reason for her to drain out her blood to death.
He felt her leg getting stiff. He gently clapsed the payal around her ankle. Placing her leg back on the ground ,he lifted her right leg and placed on his knee before
Clapsing the other payal around her ankle, all the while keeping his eyes lower.

Bending forward he rested his forhead against her knee, willing his racing heart to slow down. He didn’t know what would he see when he’ll look at her eyes but before that he have to tell her something.

“You have asked me before that why i had kept your payal with me.” he started quietly.”but i didn’t gave you the answer. Khushi i had your payal with me not only on that night but it had been in my pocket with me from the time i found it. I had kept your payal with me all the time because..” he raised his head to look at her eyes brimming with tears.”it made feel close to you when you were not around me.”

He held her gaze wanting her to know that he’s speaking the truth. He stood up as he removed her lep from his knee.”I am sorry khushi. I should have done this before, but in other things i didn’t notice.” he said slowly.

Pulling out the red box, he placed it in his left palm and opened it. With the index finger and thumb of his right hand, he took a pinch from the box.

Keeping his eyes on hers, he gently filled her maang with sindoor.”Forever” he whispered. A tear escaped from the corner of her eye, he gently brushed it off. His heart bleed seeing her in so much pain. “I am very sorry khushi. Please come back . Please..i beg you ,don’t do this to yourself.” he pleaded in horse voice, his eyes moist.

For the second time she averted her eyes from him. His heart clenched in pain. Cupping her face in his palms he placed a gentle kiss on her forhead. “I love you” he said in his heart.

“Lets get you inside. Its getting cold here.” he forwarded his hand to her wanting her to stand by herself. She didn’t move. “You will walk to the room khushi.” he said as he pulled her up by her arms. He held her shoulders and urged her to walk forward. “Khushi take a step forward slowly.”
She took a step but wobbled slightly and held his arm on a reflex. He immediately held her tighter.
“Hold on to me. I will not let you fall ever.” he promised to her and she looked at him and tighten her hold on him.

He slowly took her inside the room and laid her down on the bed. He sat next to her and ran his fingers through her hair. Her eyes started drooping and she slept. He continued running his hand through her till sleep enveloped him. He slept with his hand on her head.

Chapter 18

It was time for the truth to come out of the depths of lies which were woven by the shrewd Arnav Singh Raizada. Those lies were spoken by ASR but the man that stood in front of NK ,ready to admit his crimes was not ASR . He was his younger brother arnav who was hidden behind the facade of the brutal, heartless, cruel ASR. Now time for revealations arrived. There no backing out.

They both stood staring into eacth others eyes aware of each others thoughts. Nk broke the silence that settled around them.”Why..??” Nk questioned him in a very low quite voice.

“I saw them on the terrace.” arnav answered for the first time not trying to hide the guilt he was feeling.

“It doesn’t prove any..”

“He held her in his arms confessing his love for her.” arnav cut him off.

“Then why didn’t you confronted her or him or even tell everything to di..??” Nk asked through clenched teeth.

“I confronted him. He confessed to me that they love each other and di was only between them. I was going to tell everthing to di but couldn’t.” arnav looked up to NK from the pool .”She told me she was pregnant.”

Nk’s eyes widen slight as the thought stuck him”When you saw them together..??”

“14th feb. Akash and payal’s marriage night.” arnav looked away as he saw Nk’s accusing eyes.

Nk never felt this angry in his life. He now knew the reason behind their hasty marriage. He had doubts but it was all now confimed.”You mean on your marriage day. So you confronted her on that night and–”

Arnav shook his head” No i never confronted her that night. I blackmailed her in marrying me.”

“How..??” His voice came strained due to supressing his anger.

“I threatned her to break payal akash’s marriage .” arnav couldn’t look in his eyes.

“and…???” he stressed.

“I..i”

Nk’s control snapped, he pushed arnav back against the wall ,grabbing his collar, his face few inches away from him.”You, Arnav Singh Raizada better speak or i don’t know what i’ll do.”

Arnav did nothing. He knew he was at fault and deserve every bit of this.”I forced her to marry me for six months.” arnav felt sharp pain in his jaw. He looked up to see seething NK who had punched him.

Nk pulled him from collar and hissed “Six months..?? Six months contract marriage and doesn’t even know the reason behind your pathetic contract…w. ..wait…wait a minute.”Nk stilled all of a sudden as a thought struck his mind.”Don’t tell me arnav that you told her everything on that day…??”

When arnav stood silently he was beyond furious.”IS. THAT. WHY. SHE .TRIED. TO TAKE. HER .LIFE.” He asked, punchuated each word.

“Yes.”After what seemed like eternity arnav replied looking into Nk’s eyes with moist eyes.

With a jerk Nk pushed him back and took several steps away from him, looking at arnav with disgust ,hurt and disappointment.”Today you proved me wrong Arnav and those people right. They were right, you are a heartless bas***d. How foolish was i to think that you loved her.”

“I love her Nk , i always have.” arnav said in pained voice.

“You love her..?? This is your love..?” he said pointing towards his room where khushi was.

“I am not justifying my actions Nk, but that night i followed her to the terrace to confess to her that i love her and believe or not i have loved her from a very long time.”arnav tried make him believe that he love her.

Nk laughed humourlessly.”Oh that what was i thought when i came here arnav, otherwise what you think why i have flirted with her.” Seeing arnav shocked faced he explained.”To make you jealous so that you realise what you feel about her, that you love her because i was sure that your thick head would never let you believe what your heart felt. But i was wrong. You never loved her, if you have then she would not be here like this.”

Arnav felt himself drowing the river of guilt. He felt suffocated.”Nk atleast you understand me. I feel suffocated that i have done to her , to the girl i love. Please let me pour it out of me ,i am not able to breath NK every time i
see her like this.”arnav said brokenly

Nk eyes soften slighty looking at his broken state.”Tell me why you never asked her about it..??” Nk asked stiffly.

“After di’s accident i was very much shaken from inside. She is the only one who was always with me. The thought of loosing her scared the hell out of me. Then what i heard from khushi on the terrace shattered my heart.”

“What she said..??” Nk asked

“She asked shyam to leave di if he didn’t love her and after that shyam confirmed my suspicion that they are having affair. I was affraid if di because of shyam’s betrayal would do something drastic, that she will also leave me…like ma.”

Arnav eyes said it all ,the helpness he would have felt that moment.”But i didn’t realise that khushi was trying to protect di when she asked him to leave di.”

Nk stood in front of arnav, looking straight into his eyes said.”Your bas***d father was the reason behind the distruction that happened 14 year before and now also because of him you are
like this, because of him you don’t trust anyone but do you realise that you have become just like the father whom you hate so much, that you like your father ,could have become the murderer of your wife, that like you like your bloody father have driven your wife to take her life.” Nk yelled at him.

Arnav pushed him not able to listen to him anymore.”STOP!!” he yelled “I am anything but my fath..that man. I can never be like him. Do you understand Nandkishore Malhotra.” he said through clenched teeth , eyes red with rage.

Nk took a step towards him”It dosen’t seem like this to me. Everthing you have done to that girl proves that you are every bit of what your father was.” He took a deep breath to calm himself.”Prove to me that your not your father, that you are not Arnav Malik but Arnav Singh Raizada.” he took another step towards him.”and mind you Arnav Malik that the day you married her she became my sister and who better than you could know the protectiveness of a brother towards his sister. ” He warned arnav.

“She is my wife Nk and i will prove to you that i love her and i am NOT Arnav Malik , I am not Suraj Malik. ” His eyes shone with determination and love for his khushi.

“You better be and i hope so Arnav…i hope so.” Nk left from there.

Neither of them noticed the shadow lurking on the terrace stairs above them.

Chapter 17

Nandkishore Malhotra a.k.a NK has always been jovial and charming man who believe to enjoy each and every moment of his life fully and to make sure that the people around him be always happy and have a smile on their faces even if he have to make fun of himself in front of others by speaking wrong hindi in his autrailian accent or by presenting himself as a fool. He believed he could make anyone smile but that was until he met his cousin Arnav Singh Raizada.

His parents have come to india in a rush as they heard about the horrible tragedy that had taken place in Mausi’s sister in law’s house. He was happy to know that he will be able to visit india and be able to see his lovely anjali di’s wedding whom he never met or talked to but has always heard from akash about how loving his di is and he already began to love her but his bubble of happiness of meeting anjali di on her marriage burst as his parents apologised of not being able to attend the wedding to Mausi and Shelja aunty due to
heavy work load but on di’s marriage day his parents informed that they were going india on that night . His child brain made the obvious assumption that they were going to meet anjali di atleast after her wedding to congratulate her and the family but he got the shock of his life as his mother told him very calmly why anjali di’s marriage never happened and that their parents were dead. She hide the suicide part for obvious reasons from him.

He could never forget the sight of a numb anjali di in her bridal wear siting next to two dead bodies covered with white cloth.

Mausa arguing with a man at the corner, mausi trying her best to console a broken nani and his mother trying her best to bring anjali di out of the shock when he entered sheesh mahal for the first time. He found akash who sat with a boy who he recognised was his cousin arnav. He saw arnav devoid of any emotion. His face was blank . No pain , anguish, sorrow reflecting on his face. He was like a stone but as he look at
Arnav eyes his insides shook. He saw rage, murderous rage, hurt of betrayal, and immense pain residing in his eyes which were devoid of tears.

Nk just sat beside arnav in silence. He realised that arnav was not even aware of his or even akash’s presence beside him who was trying hard to make him say something from a long time and he was staring at that man with whom mausaji were arguing. Nk had no idea of what he should say to the person he never met so he just sat in silence with arnav.

After that day his parents and him were staying at mauji’s house for some days when one day naniji and mausaji brought arnav and anjali di in a very bad condition in the house. Naniji was crying heavily clutching anjali di’s hand who was supported by arnav. Later he got to know that the man with whom mausaji had been arguing was arnav’s chacha and he threw arnav and anjali out of the house some days back and they were suffering on the roads.

It was clear to every one that arnav was very protective of anjali but that day Nk felt a new emotion inside him. He felt protective of arnav who was presenting himself very strong but inside he was hurting very badly and was very vulnerable. He became very protective of his brother arnav, yes brother not cousin, who was 1 year younger than him and that time he become a protective big brother.

During his stay in india Nk tried to befriended with arnav but arnav always got angry or irritated with him. Nk irritated him to no end but he knew his brother too liked to get irritated by him and Nk was satisfied with that because both knew that it was just their unique way to intract and they like each others company very much.
They had a very unique bond which was not visible to others and they never felt the need to show others or to each other but they new it in their heart.

Nk came out of past as he stumbled on shyam on his way. Straightning himself he apologised.”Oh sorry jijaji. You okay..??”

“Its ok Nk bhai. I am fine” shyam replied in his
usual honey dripped voice which made nk cringe inwardly as for the first time he realised how fake his looked.

Wanting to confirm his doubts nk stopped shyam as he was about to go.”So jijaji how was trip..?? The work got completed for which you have to go to lucknow so suddenly..??”

“It was good nk bhai.” shyam replied the smile intact on his face. “The work cannot be delayed. It was very important.” Nk saw a maniac glint in his eyes as he said that.”So have to leave urgently otherwise i would have never left khushiji..um all the family in this state.”

“Its ok jijaji. Every one have each other for the support and ofcourse all the familiy members are there for khushiji specially nannav but di needed your support at that time.” Nk said casually but he didn’t miss the slip of the smile from shyam’s face for a second at the mention of arnav and khushi together.

“But saale sahab have work how would he be able to take care of khushiji. Work always came first for him” shyam said.

“Wrong jijaji. Khushiji comes first for nannav not work. He loves khushiji so much. Everybody in the can see that. ” Nk said chearfully.

Shyam felt anger inside him rising at dangerous level listening to saale sahab’s fake love for khushiji. Not able to listen to this more he excused himself.”Nk bhai excuse me i have to go.” saying that he left.

Nk noticed shyam anger at the mention of nannan’s love for khushiji. His doubts just got strong and now he have to confirm them from nannav.

When Nk entered arnav’s room he saw payal already in the room waiting impatiently for arnav to finish feeding khushi.

Arnav stoop up from the bed and was surprised to see Nk in the room. He knew payal would be here to talk to him after shyam’s arrival but one look at Nk and understood everything.

“Arnavji i want to talk to you” payal said. Nk looked towards her confused.

“Nk lock the door.” said arnav , turning towards payal he replied before she could say anything.”Nk will also be there.”

Payal was slighty apprehensive but nodded. Arnav walked towards the poolside ,Nk and payal following behind. Closing poolside door he turnem towards them.

“Arnavji i am worried about khushi, he is back. Please do something. I cannot let anything happen to my sister.” payal voice was filled with worry for her sister.

“Who is back..?? Who want to hurt khushiji…??” Nk enquired. Arnav smiled slightly ,he knew that nk was aware about whom they were talking.

“Tell him payal.” arnav said.

Payal looked at him for a second then replied.”Sh..shyamji.”

Nk look at arnav who was already staring at him. His doubts were confirmed. He was right shyam has a role in this but why would he want to harm khushiji.

“Jijaji..?? Why would he want to hurt khushiji..??” Nk asked.

“Tell him everything payal.” arnav said.

As payal started to tell him everything nk just stared at arnav. He was confused if shyam was reason behind khushiji’s suicide attempt then why arnav told him that he was the reason behind khushiji’s state. Was he blaming himself for not being able to protect her or could it be…?? Damn you arnav!

After payal narrated the whole story arnav ressured her.”Payal he cannot do anything. I will always be there with khushi and if not then make sure you or Nk should there with her. She should not be alone even for a second. We cannot let shyam know that i or nk know about him , so behave normally.” payal agreed but nk was just waiting for a moment to be alone with arnav.”Now you should leave payal, we cannot let him get suspicious.”

Payal left. Arnav looked at nk and said.”You must have many questions to ask me nk.”

“You bet Arnav Singh Raizada.”

Chapter 16

Many days flew by with arnav taking care of khushi all the time. He was determined to bring khushi out of the shell, out of the darkness that was not allowing her see the people who care about her,who loves her , who are in pain watching her like this. It hurts’ it hurts so much to see her like this. It have been so many days since he heard her voice, heard her calling his name. Arnavji…she is the first person who had ever called him this. He was ASR in business world, chote for di ,nani and mami ,bhai for akash but he was never anyones arnavji. Khushi is first to call him this and he will always be her arnavji..always hers and he is dying to hear his name in her melodious voice.

Nani and anjali were feeling different emotions. They were worried about khushi but at the same time they were surprised and happy to see their arrogant chote taking care of khushi with so much sincerity, watching his determination to bring back his wife. Atlast their chote fell in love and is not scared to
show his feelings, to bare his heart. He found his home, he found his love, found his soulmate. They were also scared thinking of the reason behind khushi trying to take her life. They all knew that something had happened between arnav and khushi during their stay at gupta house but could it be so worse that khush found its solution in ending her life..?? They just hope that their khushi comes back to them very soon.

Arnav stood in his bathroom in front of mirror and looked at himself. He couldn’t even recognise the person in front him. He had grown beard on his face, dark patches below his eyes were clearly visible, he looked years older and he was a complete mess.

He nowhere nearly looked arnav singh raizada. He is arnav, a husband in pain, who is burning in the fire lit by his own hands, who wants to seek forgiveness, who want to repent, who want to show love of his life what she meant to him.

Arnav started shaving his beard mechanically, lost in thoughts of his wife.
He suddenly hissed in pain as the blade cut his skin and blood started oozing out of the cut. He rammaged through the cabinate but couldn’t find the first aid box. ‘HP must have forgot to put it her’ he thought. Deciding to get it from di he hurried out of the bathroom yelling for his di momentorily forgetting about khushi sleeping on the bed. As he realised what he had done he turned to look at khushi who staring at him. It was nothing new as she would only stare at him but this he caught something in her usually blank eyes. She was staring at a particular place on his face. ‘but she always stare into my eyes.’ he thought counfusedly. Lifting his hand to the cheek she was staring at he placed his hand on the cut and hissed in pain and saw her moving her fingers and her browes furrowed not able to see his pain. It was then he realised that she had been staring at the cut.

“Chote” anjali called him as she walked in the room saw arnav staring at khushi.”chote what happened..??”

She asked hurriedly.

“Nothing di. I just need first aid box.”he said not taking his away from khushi.

Anjali saw the cut on his cheek.”HP please bring the first aid box.”

Hp brought the first aid box. Taking it anjali made arnav to sit on the recliner and began applying the anticeptic on the cut. Arnav stared at khushi all this time and saw her pained expression whenever he hissed in pain, saw her moving her fingers. He couldn’t believe she was showing emotions.

Her eyes were not blank there was concern in them for him.

Anjali left after applying the anticeptic on his cut telling him to be careful. Arnav behaved as if he didn’t notice her movements as he couldn’t take the risk of her getting back to the shell. He stoop up taking the first aid box in his hand turned around when he heard it.

He froze.

His heart stopped beating then jumped up started beating dangerously fast.

He couldn’t believe what he heard.

Was he imagining it?

But it was there. He heard it no matter how much
Feeble the sound was. He knew her voice. He had craved for it to hear.

“Arn…”

Yes it was her voice. She called him. She said his name. He was sure of it.

Slowly turning around he prayed that it should not be his imagination. He saw her eyes and knew he was not imagining. In a second he was next to her holding her face in his hand.

“Khushi..please talk to me. I know you said my name. Please say something. Anything.”he requested her his eyes moist.”Please khushi..your silence is killing me khushi. “he pleaded to her desperately.

She said nothing just continue to stare at his cut. He held her hand and placed it on his cheek. He felt it. Her finger moved lightly around his cut. He closed his eyes feeling her touch.

Opening his eyes and looking at her he shook his head slighty.”Its not paining.” placing her palm above his heart he whispered.”It is. Its hurting a lot.”

For the first time she looked away from him. He felt her hand move back . Placing a kiss on her palm he placed
it on the bed.”I will bring you out of this shell no matter what and its my promise to you khushi.” He moved towards the bathroom to freshen up. With renewed strength to bring back his love to him ,he had many things to do.

Arnav walked downstairs when he heard that voice and fury like he felt never before filled his entire being. There he was shayam manohar jha sat on the dining table with his family enjoying everyone fussing over him. Arnav stood at the bottom step jaw clenched, eyes red with fury ,his whole body stiff .

Nk saw him and said.”Nannav come here. Take the plate i had put all the food according to khushiji’s diet.”

Shyam looked at him and smiled his sickening sweet smile.”Saale sahab. How are you and how is khushiji..??”

Arnav took the plate from NK turned around saying “I am fine ” and walked upstairs lest he kill him then and there.

Shyam smirked inwardly and next moment asked with fake concern.”Is saale sahab alright. Rani sahiba..?” he turned to look at anjali.

Nani answered him.”Damadji he is just tensed about khushi bitiya thats all.”

“I understand nani. I am also worried about khushiji.. I mean we all are.” shyam said symphatheticaly.

Everybody got busy with their food. Nobody noticed arnav glaring at shyam with murderous rage , him holding the plate in a death grip, nobody noticed anjali’s strange behaviour, how she was not pampering her husband who returned after so many days as she would have done usually , the far away look in her eyes, nobody noticed…except Nk. Nobody noticed payal murdering her food, as she stopped breathing when arnav came, the tightening of the grip of her hand on the fork till her knuckles turned white whenever shyam spoke of khushi, not noticed her shallow breathing to control her anger, nobody noticed… except akash.

Chapter 15

“Akash mere bhai” akash heard Nk and looked up from the file in his hand to Nk standing at the door smiling his charming smile. Akash gestured him to enter.

Nk sat next to him and blabbered about anything and everything in the world and he gave an occasional hmm’s and nods. Akash sensed the change in the tone of his voice and knew that he will spit out the real thing.

“Akash..” Nk started in serious voice. Akash looked at him to let him know that he had his attention.”Sorry if i’ve offended you in anyway. I know and i understand that you were worried about nannav but you should also understand that leaving khushiji and nannav alone was the right thing to do. Not only you and di but i was also shocked seeing nannav like that but whatever was the cause that forced khushiji to take this step was between them they need to sought it out together without our interreption.”

“The cause will blow this very house Nk bhai. Its does not only Include bhai and khushiji but the whole family.”

Akash said a haunted look stelled in his eyes with fear of awaiting storm.

“What..?? Akash you know reason. Had nannav told you..??”Nk shocked with the information asked.

“No nk bhai i don’t know but what i do know is that the concequences of the revealation will be disastrous. But nk bhai i understand what you are trying to say and in the hospital and also today you did the right thing. Bhai and khushiji needs to be left alone but we will always be there for them whenever they’ll need us.” akash told nk with a smile.

“I don’t what will be the outcomes akash but i will always support nannav.”after a pause” So are we good akash..??” Nk asked.

Draping his arm over nk’s shoulder akash replied”As good as we could get.”

Arnav sat behind khushi on the bed as he ran the comb through the silky,soft,black curtains of hair. This was one of the many things which had made him lost in her beauty when she immerged wearing the red sari not the short dress he ordered her to wear on the calender
shoot. Her hair flying around her beautiful face’ it was the first time he saw her hair open’ the black curtain flowed till her waist, straight silky and simple just like her.

He started talking with a hope to have her react just a little.”Khushi you know di used to make ponytails of my hair when we were small.” he smiled at those childhood memories.”One day her doll broke which she used to dress up and make her hairs and all so she replaced her with me and made two ponytails on my head with whatever length of hair i had and i didn’t resist her as i was very small to understand what was happening with me but ma had clicked a picture of me in that state and di used to tease me with that snap but i teased her back that she does not even know how to make ponytails.” arnav let out a small chuckel remebering their silly fights.”and you know she challenged me if i could make better than her and i accepted it immediately and pleated her hairs. Fortunately it came out good.

After that she always used to ask me to do her hair.” He had pleated khushi’s hair in one braid. Draping the braid over her shoulder on the front he asked his voice laced with hope to hear her voice.”So tell me how is it..??”

Silence.

She sat still staring ahead not even glancing at her braid. His heart broke all over all over again but not his resolve to bring her oldself back. He will not give up. Its not even an option.

He gently laid her on the bed and caressed her hair till he she slept. As she started breathing deeply he leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead.”I am sorry” he murmered. He got off the bed and strode to the couch and slept on it facing khushi.

Chapter 14

Akash was not able to brush away the feeling of unease he was feeling inside him from the time he witnessed the break down of his rock solid brother and most of all hearing him apologise -the one who never uttered the word ‘sorry’ ever in his life not even to his di-who WAS his life- quite literally, kept apologising to his wife again and again until he didn’t have the strength to. At last the emotional stress of the two most horrifying days of his life drained every bit of energy from his body which led him collapsing on top of his wife. Even in his unconcious state his mind was only focused on his wife. He kept murmuring her name like a prayer until the medicines kicked into his system calming his stressed nerves. It was that moment that akash realised that khushi had weaved the path leading straight to his brother’s heart and very slowly and surely had made her place in his heart and now she has become his life line, the oxygen necessary for his brother to breath. Di no longer held the place of most important person in his brother’s life, the place had been taken by khushi-unknown to her, unknown to bhai , unknown to Di.

Akash tried and tried very hard to not to think more on his brother’s words accusing himself for the state of his wife. Bhai was saying all this because he was emotionally disturbed. Akash had said to himself but the gut wrenching cries and apologies heard showed the truth which he was so trying to turn away from. Even before he witnessed the breakdown of his brother, the uneasiness he was feeling had only increased when saw payal’s face as she looked at arnav with apprehension, her face white as paper.

He was not able to decipher the emotions reflecting on her face and then he had no time for it also as they all heard arnav’s cries.

Akash was not ready to believe what his was telling him again and again that his wife and knew for sure the reason of all this, knew what happened between bhai and khushi that led to this horrific incident.
He ignored his mind when he saw payal mutely sitting in living when she should be with her sister, he again ignored when she continued to sit in silence even when when dadi asked di to talk to bhai. This all indicated to only one thing -payal knew.

Akash knew that he will not be able to face the blow of that not if payal would be the one to tell him because he had the feeling that this particular truth will change all the relations in this house. He badly wanted to help his bhai if Nk for once stop protecting arnav like we are all his enemy.

Akash was not able to think straight. Is it because of the fear of the unknown truth that was eating him from inside,neither he want to know it nor he want to dwell upon it.

Payal had followed akash as soon as he left to their room. His face was reflecting the inner turmoil he was going through. So she decided that she would tell him exactly what she had revealed to arnav. She knew it will very dangerous to keep it a secret. It had already
damaged her sister to an great extent. She shuddered as the flashes of arnav’s cries and apologies to her sister came in front of her. She knew he was apologising for not keeping khushi from that monster, to not able to protect her but she have no idea how akash would react when she will reveal everything to him that her whole family had kept from them.

“Akash..”payal spoke softly.

“No” he cut in before she could say anything.”Don’t. Do not try to tell me anything.”

“but akash let me..” she tried again.

“I said don’t. I know you aware of the cause of all this but no , i don’t want to know anything, not from you atleast. Bhai he…as Nk said bhai will himself tell everyone everything at right time. Payal i don’t feel ashamed to accept that i wouldn’t be able handle the truth. I am not bhai payal. He had faced every thing in life and become what he is now and even he is broken now. I have lived a perfect life payal , i haven’t lost my mother at the age of 14 , i do not hate my
my father because he was my mother’s murderer,he didn’t pushed my mother to take her life because he had a mistress and had no. of affairs, i have not stayed on street without food and clothes, i have not faced these things in life payal ,bhai has. He stood as a strength of pillar for di when fate snatched his mother from him whom he loved immensely, when he started hating himself because his father’s blood was running in his veins, when he was thrown on the street by his chacha , the boy who was the prince of sheesh mahal was on streets with his sister. He didn’t broke, he face them because he was and is strong but i am NOT payal..I am NOT bhai. So don’t payal…do not try to tell me ANYTHING.

Payal stared at her husband in shock. He never told her about this. She was stunned to react. How much this house have faced and now what will happen when they will get another blow…another betrayal of son-in-law of this house. She looked at her husband who sat clutching his head in his hands. She hugged him tightly , ran her hands on his back to calm him.

“Shh..shh akashji . I will not tell you anything. Please calm down.”she murmured tears flowing down her cheeks. She would tell akash when he himself will ask her not before that. She was relieved atleast that arnav knew the truth.

Arnav was running his fingers through her hairs as he sat beside khushi on the bed. He had called the doctor sometime back when he started to worry as she was still sleeping but the doctor reassured him that nothing is wrong and its normal for her to sleep for so long as she was weak due to so much blood lose.

Now he was trying to wake her up gently. She need to eat something and have her medicines.”Khushi” he said softly. She stirred a little and opened eyes very slowly. He saw her taking in her sorroundings. First she was confused then she realised where she was and then the next second her eyes darted towards the bathroom door.

Arnav look at khushi then the bathroom door alarmed.
“f**k” he cursed himself for not thinking about the effect of this room on her mental state. He cupped her face and made her look at him. His heart stopped beating as he looked at her complete vacant eyes. She was reliving that night again and was drifting more away from him.”No no no…khushi look at me. Don’t think about that just look at me.”he said urgently but it didn’t work.”Dammit” he thought. He quickly swooped her up in his arms and walked out roon down to the living room and gently placed her on the couch then yelled out for HP. Everyone came hearing his shout. Nk was the first one to reach and he stopped as he saw khushi on the couch. He looked at arnav questioningly but the next second he was in from of him concerned as he saw arnav’s terrorised eyes.”Wha..what nannav what happened.” Arnav didn’t answer him.

“Hp prepare the guest room now.” he ordered and hp rushed out to do as said.

“Come with me nannav” Nk said grabbing his arm. Arnav looked back at khushi worried.
“Di please stay with khushiji till come back.” Nk said as he saw arnav was not ready leave khushi. He dragged arnav away from the living room and asked.”What happened nannav. Why you are so worried suddenly and guest room..??”

“Dammit. Nk how can i take her in that room where she.. “he couldn’t complete his sentence. Nk was shocked no one thought about that.”Shit. Nannav what was her reaction..?? She was not hysterical, did she..?? Did she try to harm herself..??”

Arnav looked at him”Worse than that Nk . She kept looking at the bathroom. She was reliving that night. f**k” he ran his hand through his hair.”Why didn’t i thought of it before.”

Nk held his shoulders.”Nannav you need to be relaxed. You will stay in the guest room and nothing wrong will happen ok..??” Arnav took a deep breath and nodded.”I just don’t know how could i…how could ignored that.”

“Don’t worry nannav. Go to her. Go.” Nk said.

Somewhere in lucknow Shyam Manohar Jha was planing to destroy Arnav Singh
Raizada once and for all.

“Do everything according to the plan and if anything goes wrong then i’ll finish you myself.” shyam warned as he gave packet of money to the man.

The man grinned.”You don’t worry sir. Your work will be done.”

“Do not act before i tell you.” shyam warned him once again.”wait for my orders.”

Chapter 13

All the raizadas were sitting in living room in silence. All of them immersed in the thoughts of the recent happenings in this house. In a matter of seconds their world turned upside down and no one except payal didn’t any idea of what could have happened between the elder son and daughter in law of this house that they have see a ever lively khushi taking her life and a ever strong pillar of strength of this house collapsing in front of them, breaking into million pieces in front of his wife. One question was on everybody’s mind.”What happened between them that leads to this destruction..??” and no one dared to ask that but devyani raizada was not one to remain silent and see her house collapsing in front of her eyes.

Nani took a deep breath and broke the silence.”Anjali bitiya you want to ask chote or you want to do it yourself. No, i cannot wait any longer. I have to know what is happening in this house.”

“Nani please wait…”anjali started to say but nani cut her off.

“No, just tell me if you can’t do it then i’ll ask him.”Nani said sternly.

Nk was not at all feeling good about this. He had always been close to arnav in a different way. Arnav always used to get irritated at the sight of him but deep down he had always liked Nk. He also liked Nk to call him nannav but others couldn’t see it. They have always had a special connection between them since childhood and Nk know for sure that this is not the right time or they’ll see the worst of arnav.

Nk kneeled down in front of nani ,taking her hands in his he spoke softly.”Naniji please don’t mind what i am going to say now but just hear me once. I know that we all want to know the cause behind all this and nannav is only one who can give the answers to us but i think it is not the right time for us to ask him all these questions.”

“Nk bhai do you what are you saying.” spoke akash. Nk didn’t replied to him but kept looking at nani.

“Let him speak akash.” said nani and akash clenched his fist in anger.

“Nannav is broken and very vulnerable at this time nani. We have all seen him breaking down in hospital and how much he loves khushiji. Please give him time to pick himself up and to take care of khushiji because we all know at this time they both need each other the most. Please nani it is request from me, don’t ask anything from him for now . I am sure he himself will tell us everything but at the right time.” Nk continued.

Nani didn’t speak for a moment then after a thought nodded her head in agreement and said.”We, for now will only concentrate on khushi bitiya’s health.”

“Thank you nani.” Nk said with a smile. Nani placed her hand on his cheek and said with small smile on her face.”You care for your nannav too much ,don’t you..??”. Nk just smiled at that.

Arnav was in his thoughts that he didn’t notice when Nk sat next to him on the recliner. Nk didn’t say anything he just sat with him in silence but the silence broke when anjali came with the plate of food for arnav.
“Chote eat something.”

“I am not hungry di.”arnav said quietly.

“But you ..” anjali was about to say something when Nk took the plate from her and said.”You go di. Don’t stress yourself in this condition. He will eat di, i assure you.” Anjali nodded and glancing towards arnav and khushi she turned around and left. Nk held the plate in front of arnav.

“Nk i said…”

“I know but do you want khushiji to stress herself thinking about your health..? Or do you want to faint in front of her again..?” this silenced arnav.”If you don’t take care of yourself then how are you gonna take care of her..??”

Arnav quietly took the plate and started eating slowly. Nk sat with him till he finished the food. Once he ate Nk was about to leave when he was stopped by arnav’s words. “You don’t want to ask me anything Nk..??” Nk turned to see arnav standing near the poolside door staring ahead. Nk walked towards him and stood next to him looking ahead.

“No nannav, i don’t have anything to ask.
I believe you will tell everyone when the time is right.” Arnav looked at him in surprise. Nk chuckled looking at his reaction.”Don’t be so surprised nannav. I know you more than you think. I know that you are needed more with khushiji and everyone’s questions can wait.”

Arnav said looking at khushi.”and if i tell you that i am the cause of this, that its because of me she is here like this.”he said in low voice.

“Then be the reason for her happiness, be thd one to erase her pain also nannav.
You are the only one who can do it.” Nk said firmly looking straight in his eyes. Nk hugged him and said “Don’t think too much nannav, just take care of khushiji.”

“Thanks Nk.” arnav said breaking the hug.
He was thanking him not for this only but for all the support he gave arnav in hospital and Nk knew it.

“Wow!! Arnav Singh Raizada thanking ME!! Am i dreaming..?? You don’t look good like this nannav. Your khadoos behaviour suits you.” Nk said grinning at him.

Arnav felt himself smile ,
felt light after so many days. “Shut up Nk.” arnav said in his ASR voice but the smile was intact on his face.

NK smiled at him.”Thats better.” saying this he turned around and left from the room.

Chapter 12

Anjali stared at arnav’s face. He looked so restless and old due to the lines of tension on his face. She was afraid of his reaction when he would wake up . His cries…she could never forget his heart wrenching cries. It will always resound in her ears for eternity.

She ran her fingers through his hairs soothingly like she used to do when they were small. When he used to come home from his part time job after the college which he had done to collect money for his admission in harvard . He didn’t want to be a burden on mama and mami more than they already were. This was his daily routine first college than job and at night study . No time for rest. She had always found him asleep on his study table ,his head on his open book and pen in his hand. He barely got any sleep those days not that anything have changed now. Earlier it was studies and now it is work.

She placed a kiss on his forehead before she stood up and walked out of the room. She dialled shyam’s no. not taking her eyes of
from Arnav’s sleeping form.

“Hello shyamji. Where are you..?”

“Rani sahiba i am out town for some urgent work. I am sorry i am not there with you all at this time.”

“No..no shyamji . Its ok.”

“Uh rani sahiba how is khushiji?”

“She is okay shyamji.” She quickly cut the call when she saw arnav getting out of the bed. She ran inside the room to stop him from taking off the IV from his wrist. She held his wrist stopping him.

Arnav jerked her hand, pulled out the IV needle and started walking out of the room. He was again stopped by anjali. “Chote stop you are not okay. You should rest.”

“Di leave me. I have to be with khushi. I have to apologise to her.” He said with his back towards anjali. Anjali turned him and her breath hitched as she saw the amount of pain and guilt his eyes held. She held his face in her palm and asked”Why you’ve to apologise to her..?? What have you done..??” Ignoring her question he pulled down her hands from his face and said” I have to go to khushi. Don’t stop me.” His eyes they were not looking at her. He only wanted to be with khushi. When he walked towards the door of the room anjali didn’t stop him. She couldn’t. It felt like he would die if he is not with khushi.

Arnav sat on the chair next to khushi’s bed. He just stared at her face. His heart always knew that khushi was innocent but it was always his mind who won the battle against his heart thus he defeated himself. She was not even aware of the reason behind their marriage and she took all his hurtful words but when he told her reason she decided to kill herself. He was the reason behind all her pains and sufferings. Would he able to live knowing he was the one to push khushi to take her life..?? No. He is able to take breath because she is breathing. Every beat of his is the prove that her heart is beating. He have to live like this, dying every second of the day. He will bring back her happiness to her. No one is more important to him than khushi.

He didn’t realise when his eyes starts Drooping and he fell asleep. His upper half of the body beside khushi, his head on her shoulder. Nk stood at the door of the room supporting anjali as she looked at her broken brother.

As arnav woke he saw that he was sleeping on khushi’s shoulder. He tilted her head up and saw khushi looking at him with same blank eyes.

He ignored the pain in his heart and sat up straight. He smoothen her hair back.”I am sorry. Is your shoulder sore..??” he asked looking her shoulder. No response.

The doctor walked in for morning daily cheack up. He was suprised to see arnav there. “Mr. Raizada what are you doing here..?? Yesterday yor fainted due to low sugar level and now you should be resting.”

As doctor spoke about his low sugar , arnav saw a flicker of emotion in her blank eyes. He knew very well what it was. It was concern for his health. She had always been concerned for him even when he was a monster with her ,always hurting her. She had taken care of him once staying awake all night.

“Now i am fine doctor. You check khushi.” he said.

“When can i take her home doctor..??” he asked as doctor finished the check up.

“You can take her home right now. She is physically fine now . But you have bring her here for her daily sessions with psychiatrist.”

“You prepare the discharge papers doctor. I am taking her home today only.” arnav replied looking at khushi to see her reaction but he found none.

“Okay Mr. Raizada.” the doctor left.

Arnav extended his hand towards her. When she just stared at him he said.”Take my hand khushi and sit up. You must be thirsty. You should drink water.” She didn’t move. Arnav beside her and slipped his left hand around her back and right hand round her neck and he pulled her up. He hugged her tight before leaning back and grabbing the glass of water from side table and brought it to her lips.”Drink” he said softly tilting the glass up. She parted her lips and drank slowly, staring at him. Placing the glass back to the table he wiped the Water droplets from her lips with the pad of his thumb.

It was involuntory but the reaction he got made his heart jump and race. Her breath hitched the second his thumb touched her lips and she tighten her hold on his arms. But he didn’t show that he noticed it less she withdrown herself back into the shell even more than before.

He kissed her forehead before laying her back on the bed gently and said.”We’ll be going home today.” He move out to sign discharge papers.

When he returned back anjali was sitting next to her. Khushi was again sleeping due to high dosage of medicine. “Di” he whispered. Anjali looked at arnav.”I’ve signed the discharge papers. We can take khushi home now.”

Anjali looked at khushi then arnav.”But chote she is sleeping. Let her wake up first.”

“Its ok di. I’ll carry her to the car.” he said and anjali nodded reluctantly. Arnav genly lifted her up in her arms taking care not to disturb her sleep. He stilled when she snuggled up in his arms and grabbed his Shirt. All the times she had done the same flashed in front of his eyes. He took a deep breath to steady his emotions and pulled her closer.

Anyone who saw him carrying his wife in his arms awed at the love of the couple. But they were not aware that he is only reason behind the present condition of the his wife.

Akash was already standing next to car when they reached parking lot. Akash opened the back door and arnav gently placed her on the seat and sat taking her head in her lap.”Akash drive slow.”he said. “Yes bhai.” akash replied.

They reached shantivan after a long time. Arnav entered the house with khushi in his arms. The first time brought her like this , his heart was filled hatred. But now he feels only love towards her.

He entered his room with khushi and all the memories of that night came to him making him dizzy for a moment. He gently laid her on the bed and sat on the recliner. She could be wake up any moment and might get scared due to change in surrounding , so he sat in the room waiting for her to wake up.

Chapter 11

Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. -Marcus Aurelius

Truth – Some people can go to any lengths to know it. Whereas some can go to any lengths to hide it. Truth for some have the power to bring back the light in their life or more appropriately bring back their life only but for some truth destroys the very foundation of their life.

Arnav Singh Raizada – the most cynical person one could ever come across. The Ruthless business tychool who thought that he can never be wrong in his judgement, be in professional or personal life. He, who never ever made mistake in life and as he thought would never make, is now facing the consequences of his worst mistake. The mistake of passing the verdict on the only love of his life, not even for once considering other possibilities. But ASR is not known for his cynical behaviour for anything.

All his actions are premised on only one fact -‘Everyone is Selfish.’ His prejudice towards middle class people, for he thought they always go after money. As the truth now staring at his face. When he the one known for his sharp brains in business world failed to see. Now his ‘Sharp Brain’ if it could be called now, is now showing him the most obvious things that he should’ve seen on that fateful night when he decided to kill his love. Her rigid stance. The pure look of disgust and loath on her face. The unreciprocated hug. The unmasked hatered in her eyes for the man standing in front of her.

The words that till now kept ringing in his ears. Their echo that he so tried to supress.
The same words that once destroyed his life one night, now changed to be spoken to save his sister’s life. He can still very clearly hear her voice but now with the hatered with which it was spoken.”If you don’t love anjaliji then why don’t you leave her.” This one sentence had always given him pain, immense pain . Had always reminded him of the
Betrayal but now he felt nothing.

All the soul slicing words that he had thrown at her to give her as much as pain he felt were now hitting on his face like tight slaps, taunting him of his foolishness, giving him the pain that she felt, tenfolds. When he uttered those vile words he didn’t know that not only he was hurting her but himself also. He realised it late, too late.

Arnav walked through the corridor in a trance. He didn’t realise when he left from the fire exit. His feet was dragging him where? He don’t know because all he could see or hear was her—Khushi. Everything flashed in front of his eyes.

Blood…
Khushi socked in blood…

“I will not come in between you and lavanyaji…”

“I know about you and shyam…”

“Having an affair with my ji-ja-ji…”

“That you don’t have a character…”

“You deserve this pain…”

“We are stranger within these four walls…”

“I married you because i hate you…”

“I want to see you suffer…”

“Marry me for six months or i’ll break your sister’s marriage…”

“Six months marriage then you’ll be free…”

“If you don’t love anjaliji then why don’t you leave her…”

Khushi in shyam’s embrace…

Arnav jolted back to the present. He stared at the door in front of him. As he slowly opened the door and saw the innocent girl whose life he destroyed, the girl he love, the girl whom he broke into pieces. He was oblivious to his surroundings, to his family members who were staring at him with concern in their eyes.

Slowly he walked ahead and stood next to her bed. Till now not a single tear fell from his eyes but as her face , a lone tear escaped from his left eye then from the right eye and now there was no stopping.

Khushi opened her eyes as she felt wetness on her neck. She saw arnav staring her and crying. Immense pain reflected in his eyes but she felt nothing.

Arnav saw her open her eyes . She stared at him with same blank eyes and at the moment he Died some more. He felt knife twist in his heart seeing her like this. He gathered her in his arms, his head in the crook of her neck and then he broke. Sobs wrecked through him. He cried, he wailed. He was trembling.

If the raizadas and guptas thought that they saw arnav breaking down then they were surely wrong. As they heard gut wrenching wails and sobs, they opened the door and what they shook them. Arnav who didn’t shed a single tear when his parents died, when his chacha threw him and his sister on streets, is now sobbing uncontrollably holding his wife in his arms.

Anjali staggered back as if something hit her. N.K blocked the door when they tried to entre the room.

“Nk bhai get aside.” Akash for the first time didn’t know how to control his anger.

Nk shook his head.”Not akash. Let him be. Let him pour out his heart. Its not our place to be. Di please trust me on this.” He looked at akash”Akash please.”

Akash clenched his fist in anger and turned back towards him.
Nk closed his eyes not able to hear arnav’s cries that was increasing minute by minute. He never thought he have to see nannav like this.

Arnav lifted his head and looked at khushi . His body still shaking .”I..i..i am so..sor..sorry k..khush..khushi. I..am s..s..sorry.” He kept mumbling brokenly. His throat chocked.”p..please…p..please for..forgive me khushi. I am so so..sorry. ” Tears kept flowing from his eyes.

He saw realisation in her eyes but she said nothing ,stayed numb , uneffected from his tears , from his pleas.”Please ..please i am sorry..please hit me , shout at me but please don’t sh..shut yourself.” he pleaded, his eyes red and tormanted, his face drenched in tears. He saw her close her eyes. Peace settled in her eyes . He felt someone was snatching his soul, he saw her drifting away from him.”Khushi..khushi please i am sorry..don’t close your eyes khushi..forgive me please.” But she was now sleeping peacefully knowing she was not a criminal in the eyes of her love.”please..please give me one..one ch..chance please.” he whisphered hoarsely. Darkness engulfed him and he fell on top of her.

Nk’s eyes flew open when he heard arnav’s apology. His shocked eyes met with others which held the same look as his. Akash and anjali tried to enter but Nk stood like a wall. Akash lost his cool ,grabbing nk’s collar he spoke in low dangerouse voice which was associated with arnav till now.”Move Nk.” Nk didn’t budge.”No akash.”

“Nk bhai..”akash began.”leave them alone akash.” Nk said. Akash shook Nk. “Bhai is breaking down Nk. Why don’t you understand.” akash yelled.

Before Nk could say something the cries and apologies stilled and all was left was silence.

Nk’s eyes widen in horror as well akash’s .

NK turned and saw arnav on top of khushi-unconcious.”Call the doctor akash immediately.” shouted Nk as he ran towards them. Akash rushed out to call the doctor . NK with the help of anjali lifted arnav from khushi.

The came and checked arnav who kept
mumbling khushi’s name. “What happened to him doctor.??” Nk asked while akash glared at him.”His sugar level is low as he didn’t have anything from last and due to stress his B.P is high. There is nothing to worry about . He will wake up in 2-3 hours.” the doctor left.

Akash pounced on Nk as soon as the doctor left.”All of this happened because of you.” he yelled. Pushing him lighty nk calmly said.”I did what was right akash.”

Before akash could do something and situation could get out of control anjali intervened.”Stop it both of you. Why is it happening devi mayiya.”

Chapter 10

Due to heavy dosage of medicines khushi fell asleep. Arnav felt relieved that now she will no longer stare at him unblinkingly. He was scared that she would hurt her eyes.

Arnav noticed payal many times looking at him as if she wants to talk to him. He stood up from the chair walked towards her.”Payal are you okay..??”

Payal was battling with herself . She was not able to decide of what she should do, but for her sister’s sake she took a decision. She came out of her thoughts when arnav stood in front of her.”Arnavji, i’ve to tell you something…” she couldn’t complete her sentence as the psychiatrist interrupted them.

“Mr. Raizada..” the psychiatrist called him from behind.

Arnav faced her. “Yeah..??””I am Dr. Seema mehta the psychiatrist . I will be taking your wife’s case.” she shook hands with arnav. “But before that , i have to talk to about something. Please meet me in my cabin.”

“I am coming in a second doctor.” Arnav said to her and turned around to face payal
again. ” yeah tell me payal. What is it that you want to talk me ..??”

“Arnavji can you meet me after khushi’s session with the psychiatrist is over. I have to tell you something very important and it cannot wait. Please meet me the fire exist of the hospital.” payal said in a pleading voice.

Arnav had a feeling in his heart that whatever payal is going to tell him is not good. A dread crept up in his heart that something big is going to happen. Arnav agreed to meet payal and left to meet the psychiatrist.

Arnav entered Dr.’s cabin and she asked him to take a seat.

“Mr. Raizada before i start your wife’s treatment, i want to know certain things about your wife which will help me to understand her personality and her state of mind before she tried to take her life. I have to ask you about your personal life and your wive’s relation with you ,so i request you to tell me without hesitation .”

“I understand doctor. Please go ahead.” arnav said but his hands were sweaty. What
Would he tell her about their relationship..??

“How is your wife’s personality..? Is she is reserved person..?”

Arnav laughed a little.”She and reserved. No , she has very vibrant personality. She can talk non stop. ”

“How is your married life going?”

“Dr. we …we eloped on our cousin’s wedding. Our family is still angry with us and her ..her family disowned her on our wedding day. But they accepted her again on holi and yesterday only we returned back after our stay of some days in khushi maternity home. ”

“How is her relation with her parents..?”

“They love her a lot and she loves them too. But they are not her real parents. Her parents died in an car accident when she was only 8. Only she survived the accident. From that day she is afraid of dark and fast speed of cars.”

“Is it the first time she attempted to kill herself or she has tried this before also..??”

“No..Uh yesterday she tried to kill herself by jumping off the terrace of the building Yesterday. But i saved her
and when i came home she was in the bathtub, bleeding.” Arnav closed his eyes as khushi’s image in the bathtub flashed in his mind.

“This is enough Mr. Raizada . I will call you and yours and hers family member inside during the session to see her reaction towards everyone.” The doctor left to khushi’s room for the session.

Arnav was waiting outside khushi’s room with all the family members . The doctor came outside.”Mr. Raizada please come inside.”

Arnav took a deep breath and walked inside to see her lifeless eyes again. Doctor noted how khushi’s eyes drarted towards arnav as soon as he entered and she kept on staring at him.

“Mr. Raizada you can go now and please send your family one by one.” Arnav looked at khushi for a long time before he left.

The session got over and the doctor came out. “Mr. Raizada ,it seems that you are the only one who is able to bring out some reaction from her.