It is all about us: Sangam Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Arnav was worried that Khushi hadn't come to see him today, and she had sent breakfast from her friend's hand.

He didn't even know where she lived and he couldn't ask her or her friends about her resident. So he himself decided to leave the dispensary and look for her around in the village, he was quite bored since the day he had come he was sitting in the room, sick.

Arnav looked all around, village was just like any other village, but much more clean and green. Houses were small, but all quite the same height and the width.

Children played in the streets, woman could be seen doing house chores. And men walking by him and few talking to each other with their friends on the streets. Some looked at him, as they knew he was not from their village. Arnav smiled looking at the people. He felt so warm but not at all peaceful, he wished things weren't dirty otherwise, he would have his house in this village. He had the dark reason to hate this place, and love was only for the fact that Khushi was there. Now once again he was thinking of her. He wondered if she shy to come in front of him. This thought made him smile to himself.

He asked the people around and one of the child told him that she must be at the lake side. Arnav thanked him and he  immediately went to the lake.

As he saw her, he finally took a sigh of relief. She was talking to her friends, she looked quite mad for some reason, he could tell from the tone that in which she was talking to her four friends. When her friends saw him coming towards them, they, one by one slid out of the sight so that they could talk, but Arnav gestured Savitri to stay, without Khushi knew about it and she stayed.

"What if he comes to know that Thakur ji is no one but my father and I will become a lier in his eyes. This is a shame. My image will be ruined in front of him!"

Arnav was surprised to know that she was Thakur ji's daughter, well good for him, he thought.

"So you haven't told him that you are his daughter?" Savitri asked.

Arnav sat on the old tree trunk lied scrap to sit, behind Khushi.

"Savitri, he will than hate me and will never believe me!" she added and angrily threw stone in the lake.

Arnav looked at Savitri and she asked,
"Khushi, why do you care he will think of you such high?"

"It does matter to me," she immediately answered, as she thought of the last night, and the confession. "Savitri, after Anjali bhabi, you all are my best friends. I share with you everything, you know what I..." she stopped, when she didn't get respond from her other friends.

Arnav was waiting with so much anticipation, his heart beat increased as he too wanted to know what she wanted.

When Khushi looked at Savitri and her laughing at someone behind her, "why are laughing?" she asked, as she too looked were Savitri was looking at and laughing, Khushi was so scared to see who it was.

She gulped down the lump in her throat and looked back, she almost screamed and she suddenly got up, her foot stuck in her lehanga and she was going to fall back in the lake when Arnav quickly stood and held her hand and saved her from falling.

Savitri ran out of there laughing, leaving them both alone.

"Savitri, where are you going?" she asked at her back, but it was too late.

"Arnav, babu, when did you come?" she asked, her face flushed.

Arnav was looking at her, her skin glowed in the bright sunlight, her cheeks rose petal shining under the sunlight. Her eyes looking everywhere in front of her but him looking at her with pure affection.

Arnav elegantly made her stand, but only to pull her towards himself. She held his shoulders for support. "You are looking beautiful today," he said.

"You...you here!" she stammered.

"Yes...yes, me here!" he mocked.

She was finding it hard to not to look into his eyes, and his hands on her waist made her feel lost. "Somebody will come!" she said, as she breathed heavily.

"Let them!" he said in his husky tone.

His breath on her skin as he spoke made her close her eyes and her breath even heavier.

"People will talk about us!"

"Let them!"

"My babu ji has lot of respect in this village!" she merely whispered, but the only thing on her mind was to stay seated in his laps like this for forever. The sense of every wrong and right ended when he was the only person she wanted to be with.

"Don't worry with due respect I will make you my bride."

"Come to my home and talk to my father, otherwise there are many guys in this village."

His hands flew in her braid and he clenched it firmly, but not harshly that might have hurt her. "You are mine and I have never felt this possessive for anyone or even near it, but you. I have never felt for anyone that I cannot live without, so you better..."

"What if you are lying?"

"You wouldn't have minded sit close this to me, you wouldn't have been asking these question as you so wanted the answers for,  you wouldn't have showed your sweet gesture that you also like me..."

"Like you is a underestimation, Arnav ji," she corrected him. "You have already made place in my heart!"

"What if I am only doing this to cheat you?" he now counter questioned her to know if she really trusted him. The expression on her face didn't change a bit, her eyes had the same affection, same love.

"I know you wouldn't."

"How much you know about me?"

"Not much, but your eyes can't lie," she said.

"What if I leave without saying a word?"

"I will wait for you for forever."

"What if I never returned?"

"I will die in your wait," she answered.

"What if I only want your body?" he asked.

"You won't! If it will happen first I will kill you and then myself!" she quickly answered this without any thought.

A little smile played on his lips.
"You shouldn't trust a unknown person like this!"

"You are not unknown person to me anymore."

"Are these only words?"

"You can trust me anytime," she said.

Rudra was burning in anger as he saw Khushi in Arnav's arms. "Bhai, what are you waiting for? On your one command, he will be in your feet."

Rudra held his hound by his collar to stop him. "Calm down," he said, coldly. Rage burning in his mind seeing them two together. "Tonight, finish him!"

"It will be done, bhai!"

"Right now go and get my suit boot ready, I am going to Khushi's house for an alliance."

"Okay, bhai!" his men said and left.

"Screw you shehre babu, I promise tonight you will be breathing your last breaths."

***
Khushi fell backwards as she was suffocated after holding on to her could breath, Arnav nearly caught her in his arms, and looked at her as she had her eyes closed.

"You are safe, you can open your eyes!" he said.

Her eyes open as flower bloom and the tears sparkled as a mist in the early morning sun, and his heart swept away by the fragrance and coldness of it.

"You are beautiful!" he said, "I can tell you this everyday!"

He slowly lifted her up and now she was  again sitting in his laps.

"Smart yet innocent beauty," he muttered to himself.

Khushi slowly stood up and was going to run away when Arnav held her hand.

"Khushi, I have to talk to you!"

She sat beside him seeing a serious look on his face. "Is anything serious?"

"Khushi, I want to go the place where my car met with an accident."

Khushi looked up at the tall hill in front of her. "There?"

"Yes, is there any way to get there?"

"Motor vehicle, yes."

"Okay, I have called in my new car and it will be here in a day or two then we can go as soon as it here. And one more thing I want to get my car out of the water.

"The one that fell in this lake? It must be destroyed."

"Any way to get it out of the water?"

"Yes, but was there anything important in it," as she looked at the lake.
"So, are you ready?"

She snapped her neck towards him. "Ready?"

"Tonight, I will come to your home to talk to your father for your hand."

Khushi blushed and finally got up and ran. "Khushi, I hope you won't run away when I will need you the most!"

She stopped hearing his words, she turned back huffing and looked at him, she could tell from a distance that he was aching for her. Even before he opened his arms she ran towards him, at that point in the moment he was assured that she was the only one for whom he would give his life for. The one and only girl of his dreams.

He closed his arms around her and felt the warmth and closeness of hers. Never he felt so relaxed. "I would not let you down, Arnav ji!" she said.

"I know!" he said.

***
She entered her home with a great mood but when she saw Rudra and his family in her haveli, it turned bitter.
"Khushi, you have come, go and wear these clothes fast!" Khushi's bhabi, Ahana said but Khushi looked at Anjali, who seemed to steal her gaze from her.

"Anjali, bhabi, can you get me ready?" she said. Anjali nodded, but she still hadn't looked at Khushi. She followed her without a word.

As they both reached in Khushi's room Khushi closed and locked the door and said, "Bhabi, what is that Rudra doing in this house?"

"Khushi, Rudra has come with his family for your hand, and your brothers and your father has not said yes, yet, as they want to know what you want. But you know that sarpanch and babu ji are best friends. However, Khushi I tried my best to tell your brother to tell him about you and Arnav but I couldn't able to gather a courage."

Khushi cupped her face, "Bhabi, please do not take stress. It's not your mistake."

"Khushi, what would you do now?"

"That I should have to."

"Tell Rudra's family that I am ready for the marriage on my behalf!" she said. "But right now I have to leave!"

"Khushi, what are you saying? You could tell your brothers and babu ji that you don't want to get married to him."

"Bhabi, it's not going to end like this, and yes, I know babu ji has not made his decision and this means he would definitely listen me, but bhabi you don't know Rudra. Anyways, forget about this and please take care of everything behind me!"

"But, Khushi?"

"Bhabi, please, bye."

***
"Arnav ji!" Khushi said and hugged him.

All of sudden seeing her crying he got worried. "Khushi, what happen? Why are crying?

"Khushi, if you will keep crying like this how would I know what is wrong?"

She moved back. "I am sorry," she apologised.

"Khushi, it's okay, but tell me what's wrong?"

Khushi told him the reason why she was crying.

"Hmm...so this is the reason!" he sounded calm. "So what you are gonna do?"

"I will get married to him, what else?" Even she joked.

"Are you kidding me? Here I thought you were crying that you are sad that you were going to get married to that guy!"

Khushi hit him on his shoulder. "I was crying because I missed you!"

He laughed as it was only an hour ago she had went to her home. But he knew she was joking. He held her arms, "Khushi, you cannot be anybody else's."

"My family has not said, yes but if this is something my father wants, they will get me married to that guy, and I will not take another breath."

Arnav kept his finger on his lips. "Khushi, don't ever say that again."
He cupped her face. "If you say right now I can go to your house with you, and talk to your dad!"

It is all about us: Sangam Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6: What is our fate? 

"Baba, I don't want to get married to Rudra," Khushi said, looking down at the floor, scared; after gathering a courage to stand in front of her father and say her words.

Her father and her brothers looked at her in shock. Her three sister-in-laws and bhua ji wondered what was wrong with her that she all of sudden saying no to Rudra.

"What are you saying, Khushi?" her bhua ji asked in an anger tone.

"Khushi, why a sudden no?" her elder brother asked. "Do you even know what you are saying?"

Her father raised his hand to stop everyone from asking further questions. Everyone fell silent in a matter of second.

Her heart beat was going wild every second her father chose not to say a word.

"Khushi, do you have a reason?" he asked. "Before you say anything, think twice, be it a perfect reason to convince me. Keep this in mind too, this is going to be only your first and a very last chance to speak out on this particular matter."

"Babu ji, I..." she stammered. Her tongue fidgeted, none a word was ready to come out clear, loud, and her mind paused for no good reason at all. She was struck by a fear as if her death was no closer than an inch away from her.

Everyone around her waited for her reply.

She played with her hands in nervousness. She got it, today was her chance. If not today than never.

"Babu ji, I don't want to get married because..."

Anjali looked at her, hoping her to finally tell her whole family a reason. "Khushi, say something..." she prayed. "Say it..."

Khushi looked at Anjali worriedly. [

  "Do or die!" she overplayed this mantra in her head, loosing count of it.

"Khushi, we are waiting!" Mr. Gupta said.

Dead silence prevailed around as if not even a single life existed.

Khushi closed her eyes; by letting the darkness cool her mind, her overexcited nerves.

She needed Arnav. She loved him. He needed her. He loved her. She had promised him that no matter what she shall wait for him. Even it is for a whole life. She reminded herself of everything before opening her eyes, to see her audience who was still waiting for her to speak.

She still kept her eyes on the floor though. Floor that was blurring in front of her eyes.

"Babu ji, I..."

"Would you say beyond that?" Khushi's elder brother spoke, maintaining his cool.

Khushi didn't get to lift her eyes up at her father. Knowing that her courage will fall flat if in case she did look him in his eyes.

"Baba, I don't like him," words left her mouth, dull.

Mr. Gupta looked at her not pleased at all by her reasoning, his chest popped out he let his hands intertwined behind his back.

"What are you saying, Titliya? Have you gone insane?" Bhua ji broke her silence.

"Jiji..." Mr. Gupta said to let him speak. "And why is that so?" he asked.
Khushi was surprised that he was still calm.

She had her reasons but she couldn't get herself to say it.

"What should I take your silence as, child?"

Khushi for the first time raised her eyes up the floor to her father. "Babu ji, that..."

Her father understood she was scared. She needed time to put her words out of her body. So he let his mind go calm first.

"Okay, tell me, why did you say yes at first place?" he asked.

Khushi took her sweet time to answer him.

"Khushi, speak whenever you are ready!" Still Khushi had no idea she was only making her audience impatient.

Anjali was expecting Khushi to tell the truth and not to waste her time on stupid reasons. No wonder she was getting irritated a little more than everyone else because of her pregnancy.

"Didn't I ask you what you wanted?" he asked. "...before fixing your alliance with Rudra, even when you had said yes?"

"Babu ji, I love someone else!" she said, her words left her mouth at a speed of a light, all at once. Her confession shocked everyone, even more than when she said she didn't want to get married to Rudra.

"Babu ji, why you even care to ask these questions? She is insane. After saying yes to the marriage she is decided on something else. It can't happen."

"Calm down, Soham," his father said, before getting back to Khushi. "Hmm...who is the person that you love?"

Khushi's fear had taken a back seat but not her surprise. And she knew he was definitely going to get mad when she will take Arnav's name.

"Who is it, Khushi?"

"Arnav...Ji," she said in a merely inaudible tone.

"Speak louder!" he shouted.

Khushi trembled, in every possible way she had tested his patience by now.

"Arnav ji!" she said, but still she ate his name in her mouth.

"It's Arnav ji, babu ji!" she said.

Her father took a long deep sigh. Khushi couldn't understand if it was to swallow his anger or something worse than that.

"How long it has been going on? Before you said yes or after...?"

"Before..."

Her brothers and bhua ji, and sister-in-laws, were all dumbstruck. They had so many questions to ask but since Mr. Gupta was doing the talk nobody tried to raise a voice.

"And he loves you too?"

"Yes, babu ji!" she didn't wait to answer him this.

"Khushi, as you know this, that you mean to all of us, everything. And we do love you. For your happiness we will do anything. If you don't want to get married to Rudra, it's alright. I will talk to Mr. Sarpanch (Head of a village)."

Mr. Gupta didn't know how relieved he had made Khushi.  Khushi immediately went to her father and touched his feet. But Mr. Gupta stopped her. Instead he hugged her. "I believe, my daughter will go to that house where she would be happy and would like to go."

Khushi burst into tears, she for the first time came to know what really she meant for her father. He wasn't wrong when every time he said she was the apple of his eyes.

"Don't cry, my child," he said and pulled her away from a hug. "So, tell me when Arnav babu is coming?"

Khushi looked at his face through her teary eyes. She had no answers to question of his. She wiped her tears. "Babu ji, he has gone back to Mumbai for some work. But he will be back soon."

"Hmm..." he said. "We will wait for him to come back. Even I want to meet him, we had long been trying to have a chat with each other since he was deciding to stay at our place," he said.

Khushi looked at Anjali, who was smiling looking back at her. Both were finally feeling that breathing was coming normal to them. Now Khushi had to try to know that where Arnav was.

***
"Oh, man, did you send someone after that Arnav?" Rudra asked his friend Ashok, as he sat in front of a bonfire. Drinking.

"Bhaiya, I did and he will give us the information very soon."

"Did you give him the money?"

"Yes, bhaiya ji, 1 lakh."

"Good, and I hope you would have made sure to explain what we expect."

"Bhaiya ji, you don't worry this time there will not be any problem."

"There shouldn't be," he said. "Otherwise, the condition I have made of other six men will be nothing of what I will make of him."

"Bhaiya ji, he will keep us updated," he reassured him.

"Hmm...Hopefully I can sleep peacefully, and wake up with a good news," he said and laid on a cot, throwing an empty glass of an alcohol on a sand.

***
Rudra's assistant saw Arnav entering in a guest house. He followed him inside, by hiding himself behind bushes and trees. Before he was finally standing at the door, where he could see and hear the conversation without any obstacle.

"Good evening, Nani!" he said.

"What took you to come home this late?" she asked. Arnav hugged her as he meeting her after a long time.

"I apologise, Nani!" he said. "Meeting with an investors on a cruise took a lot of time!"

"It's alright. It's good you are back. Back for a good. You have someone waiting for you."

Rudra's assistant looked through a glass window and had his ear open in a hope to get some of a good news that can excite his boss. He didn't know it would be a fortune for him this soon.

"Someone waiting for me? Who?"

"Lavanya," Nani called. Lavanya came out of the room.

Arnav saw her. "Lavanya, hey," he said.

But he still didn't get what was so surprising about her. She was his friend and he gets to meet her on a regular basis.

"Is there anything that you want to tell each other?"

Arnav was slightly confused but seeing Lavnaya blushing a fear born in his chest. "What is it, Nani?"

"Well, what I believe is you both should get married! You both are friends, you enjoy each other's company. I know I should have waited for this but you know I couldn't I was so excited."

Arnav was so blown out with this news that for a moment of a second he wasn't even sure he heard what Nani said.

Lavanya was blushing looking at Arnav, she was unable to stop her smile. On the other hand, Arnav showed no sign of excitement, not even close to it. Colour drained from his face. Lavanya's smile disappeared seeing his face.

"Look at you, Chote. La, didn't I tell you that he will be dumbstruck."

"Yeah!" she said.

***
"Bhaiya ji, wake up?"

Rudra growled upon disturbed in his sleep. He slapped him and kicked him away.

"Bhaiya ji, I was going to give you a good news!" he said, sadly.

"What in the middle of the night?"

"That Arnav babu, has gone to Goa..."

"So what the F*ck is exciting about it?"

"Bhaiya ji, the guy we sent has found out that his Nani is trying to hook him up with this girl..." he said, getting up from the floor. In a scared manner showing him his phone to him. A picture of him and Lavanya.

"Boy," he screamed in a joy. He got up the cot and hugged him. "I am sorry man, you were to give me such a good news and I was just...I am so sorry..." He kissed his forehead in an excitement. "You are the best, bro. You are the best...I promise if this news is true you will get whatever you want. Now this is what I say an icing on the cake. Call that pandit, I really want him to tell me the best day for me and Khushi to get married to..."

He squealed.

***
Khushi laid on the floor of the terrace of her haveli, watching a sheet of stars as they were there to celebrate with her. She felt her heart flying with breeze. Tonight for her was special. Even though it was already 2:00 AM in the morning she couldn't get herself to sleep, she didn't mind it either. But she had her fears she hadn't talked to Arnav yet not he had called her. May be soon right in the morning, she thought. She had her hopes high because she believed Arnav wanted her as well. She couldn't help stop herself from smiling.

***

It is all about us: Sangam Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Seeing Aman and Kaka in front of himself, Arnav was relieved. And felt half of the burden off his shoulder. Otherwise, until now he was breathing in a regret that because of him they both had to go through a life threatening situation. Since they were there, safe, he had to just make sure that they both returned safely to Mumbai.

"Aman, Kaka!" he said, and walked in a rush towards them. "Thank god, you both are here and safe."

"Sir, yes, we both are fine by God grace," Aman said, he was too relieved to see him fit. If Khushi's friends hadn't told him that he was fine, he would have not even stayed at the hospital for his treatment.

"Kaka, you didn't get enough injuries right? You are fine, right?" he asked, restless.

"Yes, baba, I am absolutely fine. How are you? You must have gotten injuries, you fell down the hill."

"Kaka, there is nothing to worry about. I am fully recovered now."

"Baba, if Deviyani madam comes to know about this accident she will be really mad."

That was so, he thought.

"Baba, I don't know how did the brakes of the car failed? I got it fully checked, and on our way it was perfectly fine, till that accident happened.

About this even Aman was concerned, he looked at Arnav worried. "Don't worry, I will find out about it," Aman said. "But, sir, we did stop at the tea shop on the way, that too near this village. Do you think this could be the work of the person who doesn't want you to buy the land that you are after? Because they might know that we are here and our purpose."

"It could be," he said, being little unsure. He changed the topic giving no hint of his past and unnecessary tension to his fellow mates.

"Aman, did you get to call Nani or you called her?"

"It's not long ago she called, sir. I told her that your phone broke down. And you will call her as soon as you get a new one."

Arnav was worried again, he had lied his Nani to come to Jagatpur. And he knew if he didn't return, she will find out his whereabouts. She has done everything to keep herself and him from this village, and if she get even a hint behind the reason of him to come back to this place, he was gone.

"Aman, get me a new phone," he said.
"Yes, sir."

***
"Hello, Nani, how are you?" he said, concealing his fear.
"Good afternoon, Chote, how are meetings going in Goa?" she asked. "Finally thought of mine came in your mind."
"Nani, it's nothing like that. I was so busy and my phone broke down."
"Yes, Aman told me."
"Nani, you tell me how are you?" he tried to sound normal.
"I am really good, son. When you are coming? Come before I go to England."

Arnav shut his eyes in relief at a thought that he didn't have to worry about her since she will be leaving to England. And he could stay at Jagatpur until his job was done.

"England, when?" he asked.

"This coming week, by the way which hotel you are staying in?"

"Nani, I am staying at the guest house."

"Hmm...I am here in Goa. Tell me where is the guest house I come to see you."

"What?" he almost shouted. "I mean, you are here in Goa, Nani."

"Yes, why? Why are you so surprised."

"Surprised? Me no."

"Shit," he muttered to himself, as he was already thinking how he would reach Goa.

"Chote, you didn't tell me where is the guest house?" Nani asked.

"Nani, I text you the address. But I will see you in the evening," he said. "Right now I am on the cruise with my clients," he said whatever came into his mind at the moment. He was sweating in fear. He knew he was in a big trouble.

"Chote, are you hiding something from me?"

"Hiding, no, Nani. What I would hide?"

"That you know," she said.

"No, Nani. I am not hiding anything."

"I was just pulling your leg, Chote. Come back. I am dying to see you."

"Yes, Nani," he said. He scratched his head thinking how he would leave when he had to convince Khushi's father to get her married to him. Plus the problem that she had already said yes to Rudra. It was going to be hard to change their decisions especially when Rudra was adamant to get married to Khushi. But for now he had to just send message to Khushi, telling her that he had to leave for few days. Now leaving Khushi alone was troubling him. He knew she was going to understand his problem. And it wasn't that her family going to get her and Rudra married within a week. That thought gave him a little relief.

"Aman, we have to return back to Mumbai for few days," he conveyed.

Then he didn't know how to contact Khushi and get all his bag packs. "I have to get all my bags, and from there I will go back, even I will get to tell Khushi know that I will leave," he decided.

***
"Rudra, bhai, that shehre babu is leaving."
"Leaving, where?"
"To Mumbai. And he is going to Haveli to let Khushi bhabi know this and to get his luggage."
"Oh!" he murmured. In fraction of seconds he had a plan ready in his head. "Run now to haveli and tell Thakur ji, and Khushi's brother that my father wants to see them."
"What will happen with that?"
"You just don't listen the whole thing," he said angrily.
"Sorry, bhai."
"Do you know where is Khushi?"
"Yes, bhabi, and all her bhabis has gone to the hospital for Anjali bhabi's check up."
"Looks like my good time is going on. That priest was right. Khushi is only written in my fate. You become Gupta's servant and throw his luggage in his face. If he will ask you let Khushi know something, tell him that you will."
"I got it, bhai," he said and ran to get his job done.

***
Arnav went to Haveli with a hope in his heart that he will meet Khushi and her family as well, and if possible even talk about their alliance and then he won't have to worry about anything. But his all hopes came crashing when he found none was at home.

"Excuse me," Arnav said. And Rudra's friend turned.
"Yes, sir!"
"Can you tell where is everyone?"
"Sir, right now no one is at home."
"No one?"
"No, sir."
"May I know where they are and when they are coming?" he enquired.
"Sir, Thakur ji and his sons are gone out for some work. And ladies are gone out for a shopping. They will be here by evening. Sir, may I know who you are?"
Arnav was in deep thoughts now. He was going to be late if he had waited till evening.
"I am Arnav, can you please give my luggage? It is in the guest room."
"Yes, sir I know you. But sir why luggage? Are you going somewhere?"
"Yes, can you please get my luggage?" he asked. He was angry and upset at the same time.
"Okay, sir!"

He decided to write a letter.

He grabbed a scarp paper from the table and a pen from his pocket.

***


Khushi,

I am sorry to tell you that due to the some reason I have to leave to Mumbai, but I promise that I will come back very soon (within a week). Till then please make sure that you do everything to postpone engagement or even the marriage. Khushi, it will be so hard to spend even a single minute without you. I am leaving my number, you may call me. Rest I will tell you everything on phone.

Take care of yourself.

Yours,
Arnav.
Rudra crumpled the letter in his hands. "Sure, she will call you, Mr. Arnav. Now I see before you come back how I haven't made Khushi completely mine."

"Get the marriage preparations start," he amused.

His friends danced in happiness.

***
"Arnav, sir, we are getting late. Please sit in the car," Aman said.

Arnav still looked backwards. He didn't want to go, but he knew if he had to save a chance to come back to Khushi and get what he wanted, he had to leave.

***
"Khushi, Mr. Arnav has gone back to Mumbai," Savitri said as soon as she entered Khushi's room. "My auntie said she saw him with his other two friends leaving."

Khushi looked at her in bewilderment. "This is totally rubbish. He said he will be coming to Haveli today."

"Khushi, I told you what I was told."

Anjali looked at her. "Khushi, babu ji, has fixed your engagement date with Rudra."

"Now I should leave," Savitri said.

"Khushi, I don't think Arnav really meant his words."

Khushi fell on the floor, when her own body gave up on her.

"Khushi, get hold of yourself."

Khushi didn't say a word, feeling callous. Anjali knew if she tried to pacify her now it wouldn't work. "Khushi, forget him as your bad dream.

Khushi looked at her instantly, and statement made by Anjali forced her to break her silence.

"Bhabi, you haven't seen him, you haven't talked to him, I have. I know there must be some reason as he had to leave like this. . He will be back. Very very soon. I have promised that I will wait for him, even if I have to wait for forever," she said, confidently, looking deep into Anjali's eyes. But tears did form in her eyes.

It is all about us: Sangam Chapter 4

Chapter 4

"Khushi, but I don't have good clothes to wear!" he said as he looked up at her. Khushi looked back at him and smiled, "Why do you care?" she asked. She went out of the room, Arnav wondered what she had in her mind and watch her go. He carefully looked at her as she grabbed something in her hand, a moment later he was looking at his suitcase. "Where did you get this suitcase from?" he asked.

"Arnav ji, I wanted to give you the surprise. The day you met with an accident I had already asked people get your car out of water, and my friends had gotten your every single stuff that was in your car before it got ruined."

Arnav looked shocked and scared. "Did you open all my suitcases?" he sounded rather angry now.

Smile on her face faded and was replaced by a fear. "No, just this one and I only took your clothes out. Only this one was wet that might be because it was in the front seat. And in the trunk not much water got in, so other suitcases were dry and untouched.

Khushi saw a sudden relief swept on his face. "But you shouldn't have opened my brief case, I had my boxers in them," he suddenly made it sound not serious. 

"Oh! That was what you worried of?" she asked, relieved. 

He looked away. She laughed looking at his embarrassed face till her stomach hurt to the point it was hard for her to control. Arnav looked at her and smiled to himself.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"Arnav ji, you are too cute!"

Khushi didn't get to know when he only stood an inch away from her and his arms wrapped around her waist.

Rudra's friend stood outside the room and clicked picture of both of them on his phone to show it to Rudra as he had asked him to keep an eye on them.

Sound of her laugh slowly died in the air, when she was all of sudden confronting his dark black eyes full of passion. She once again found herself in desperate need to breathe.

"I...washed your clothes...and...and now they are back in your suitcase...just the way they were, that's why...it...it took me sometime to give it you...back. Also...got them ironed just the way you might like your clothes!" she spoke, as she was kept on a gun point. Her body all stiff in fear. "And rest of your suitcases are perfect and kept at my home in your room."

"I didn't ask for any explanations," his voice heavy and husky, merely audible to Khushi even when she was standing only an inch away from him.

"Please let me go and you get ready too. My father is waiting for you!" she said in a low, fearful tone. Dead closeness made her hard to find right words to say.

Merely he was listening her either, as he was busy looking at her perfect round eyes, and innocence in them.

"Do you even know you must have killed so many guys!"

"Huh?" She demanded clarification, when she didn't understand what he meant.

"Go and get ready I am coming to your house!" he said.

She smiled but was still confused at his statement. 

***

His hands clenched around the phone seeing the picture of Arnav and Khushi together, he could no longer control his anger, he asked his men to get ready to kill Arnav.

"Even I see how you get her, shehre babu!" he gritted the words under his teeth.

"Bhai, you don't worry, even his soul will not able to recognise his own body."

***

"Bhabi, today, he is coming to talk to babu ji," Khushi said, as she could not help smiling to herself. 

"Khushi, I still don't get why did you ask me to say yes to Rudra?"

"Bhabi, you don't know that Rudra. He can go to any extent. If I had said no to him he would do anything to harm Arnav ji."

Anjali nodded as she understood the reason behind her yes.

"But, Khushi, what if Babu ji, said no to Arnav?"

Khushi's heart beat raised in fear. "Please, bhabi, don't say so. It's not a  joke that I love Arnav ji."

"Khushi, if you and Arnav are meant to be together you will both meet regardless of what happen."

"Bhabi, please pray that babu ji say yes to Arnav ji."

"Khushi, for that you have to get Arnav to come home today otherwise, by tomorrow babu ji will say yes to Rudra's family."

"Bhabi, he is coming tonight."

Khushi looked worried. "Hey, Devi Maiyan, let everything happen in a normal way."

"Khushi, don't worry, my heart says that even Kanha (Lord Krishna) wants this."

Anjali stopped massaging her hair, as she turned around. "Bhabi, you think so?"

"Yes, Khushi," Anjali smiled and cupped her face. "Don't worry. To release the tension go and see your new lehanga."

"New lehanga?"

"Yes, I got it made for you and even your bridal lehanga will be ready In few days."

Khushi blushed.

"Bhabi, where is my lehanga?"

"It's in your room."

Khushi got up immediately, "bhabi, I am going to try it on me and will defiantly wear it tonight."

"Go ahead and show it to me too if it looks good on you."

"Sure, bhabi."

***

"Thank you, ved ji, for helping me get better in no time," Arnav gave his warm thankful words.

"Son, you are welcome. I am glad that my medicine worked for you, also happy that you are fit and fine."

"Ved ji, since you have not asked for any money in return I hope I will be helpful if you will be in need."

Ved ji smiled. "If I will need any help I will surely  tell you, son. Now you should go to haveli. It's almost dark and Thakur ji will be waiting for you."

Arnav joined his hands and wished him good night. "God bless you, son."

Arnav smiled and left the dispensary. He recollected the directions that Khushi had given him to her haveli and once he set on the right path he distracted his dark thoughts by concentrating on the nature instead, he looked at fireflies flying, and smelt the smell of Cestrum nocturnum, and the fresh air helped him not to think of anything that he did not want to think of. Admiring the nature and walking down the edge of water, he couldn't get to know he had covered half a miles of distance. His peaceful mind slowly started getting alert when he felt someone's presence. For sometime he kept walking to get clue if there was really someone behind him. He slowed down his walking pace and stopped altogether as now he could hear footsteps approaching towards him. He stood alert, and concentrated on every single noise. Just when he knew he was going to be attacked, he turned around in no time and held the rod in his hand before it hit his shoulder.

"Who are you?"

"We tell you, who we are!"

Arnav heard the other man say as he came out in his focus. There were six of them.

"What do you guys want?" he asked.

"Your life!" one of them said, before Arnav could react four men held him from behind.

He shut his eyes, before he used his whole force to free himself from their grips. He was in no mood to fight. But he knew these people were here for some reason. This was the second attack on him. His car accident for him was not just accident, but planned. And this attack, he guessed no differ. And for now he wouldn't have afford to die before his mission was complete. He elbowed one man in his face, fisted other's stomach, and kicked the third one.

And hit the others as they came in his way, he was unprepared when one of the gang member stabbed in his shoulder with a knife. He didn't cry in pain, but with the other hand pushed his attacker away. Then he took the knife out that still clung to his shoulder. 

He walked to the man fallen on the floor and picked him up by his collar. He punched him in his stomach. The other five men ran out of his sight when they knew they would not have able to harm him. "Too bad they left too early, but you tell me who sent you here?" he asked, "before I kill you."

"Rudra. He sent us here to get rid of you. Please, sir ji, don't kill me. I was doing what I was asked to."

Anger from Arnav's face escaped. "Would you have left me alive if I had asked you to do so?" he asked.

"But, sir ji, I was doing what I was asked to!"

Arnav let go of his collar. "Go and tell your boss that Khushi is mine and right in front of his eyes I will marry her and he will not be able to do anything."

He nodded in fear and ran from there. Arnav shook his head. "I didn't know I already has competitors!" he laughed, and looked at the blood on his hand. In this condition he wouldn't have gone to Haveli, he thought it was better if he returned to Dispensary and get his wound treated. "Khushi and her family will be worried if I will go like this, also it's quite late now," he thought, and made his way back to the dispensary.

***

"Khushi, why he hasn't come yet?" Anjali asked.

Khushi looked at her worried, "I don't know, bhabi. I am afraid he has lost his way."

"Didn't you give him clear directions?"

"I did, bhabi. I don't know if he got it right. He is quite new here. And I should have sent someone to get him. I hope he is fine."

"Why don't you call him?"

"I did bhabi. Ved ji said he left dispensary an hour ago. Bhabi I am really worried."

"Khushi, he would be fine. Don't worry."

"Bhabi, my heart is restless. I go and see if he is fine."

Anjali looked at her in disbelief. "Khushi, are you insane. You know that babu ji, will never allow you to go out this late."

"But bhabi..."

"Khushi, at this time even I won't allow you. I am sorry."

"Khushi," bhua ji called. "Come outside."

Khushi looked at Anjali. "Why she is calling?"

Anjali shrugged her shoulders. "Let's go and see."

Khushi did walk out of the kitchen, but her mind kept on thinking about Arnav.

"Bhua ji, you called."

"Your babu ji did!" Bhua ji said. 

"Yes, babu ji," Khushi said as she gulped a lump in her throat.

"Jiji, can't believe our Khushi is going to be married off in no time."

Khushi looked at her father in confusion. "Khushi bitiya, we are happy that you have said yes to Rudra. Even I have told my decision to Rudra's family. Since you both are ready to get married we are thinking why to wait, right? We elder has decided that you and Rudra will be engaged after our pandit ji suggest a lucky day."

Khushi looked at Anjali in shock. She had no idea her father will take such a quick decision. But she cursed herself, as she was the one to say yes.

***

"Bhabi, this is all my mistake, I shouldn't have said yes in a hurry without thinking."

"Khushi, it happened what it was suppose to be, but now think what to do to tell babu ji that you don't want to get married to Rudra."

"But before that I want to know why Arnav ji didn't come!" she said, and knew this night was going to be the longest night of her life as she had to wait at least for morning to know about Arnav's whereabouts. 

***

"Arnav babu," Khushi said, huffing, as she rushed inside the dispensary room.

Arnav suddenly looked at her as he was wearing his socks.

"Khushi, you here, this early?"

"Arnav ji, you tell me are you okay? Why didn't you come last night at haveli?"

"Khushi, I...I am sorry. I had some work to do, so couldn't."

"You know how worried I was. You didn't even call to tell you won't be able to come."

"Actually, I told your father, Khushi. I talked to him over the phone. Didn't he tell you?"

"He won't talk to me about such things, Arnav ji," she said.

"Khushi, I am sorry. But I will defiantly talk to your father today about mine and yours alliance."

"Arnav ji, it's too late."

"What do you mean, Khushi?"

"Arnav ji, I had already said yes to Rudra. I thought you will come home and talk to my dad, but last night he made his decision."

"What?"

Khushi looked down and was unable to look into his eyes.

He went to her and held her by her shoulders. "Khushi, what do you want?"

"Arnav ji, you. I won't be able to live without you. I want to marry you, not Rudra. I said yes, so that he doesn't harm you in anyway. But I didn't know decisions will be taken overnight."

"Khushi, don't worry. Even I have decided that I will make you my bride."

"I am sorry, Arnav ji, for complicating this matter."

She hugged him.

"Khushi, you promise that you will always believe me, if like yesterday I couldn't able to make you will wait for me."

Khushi pulled away from a hug, wondering what and why he was saying this. "Why are you saying this, Arnav ji?"

"See you are worrying already. Just simply saying it."

"Arnav ji, I completely trust you. Even if you ask me to give my life I will give it without questioning."

"Khushi, not life, only I want is your trust on me."

"I do believe you, Arnav ji!" 

Arnav stared in her eyes, guilt formed in his own eyes. He didn't know if he should tell her the truth of his life to her. And if he won't that would be a problem as well, he thought. But he was not sure either if it was the right time.

It is all about us: Sangam Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"Arnav, babu!" Khushi said, cheerfully.

Arnav's eyes lit up seeing Khushi finally back, and yes, she was correct she was back before 5. "Hey, Khushi. You back!"

"Arnav, babu, I have a good news for you, your friends are found. They were taken to the hospital by the people who were on motor vehicles. And my detectives said, they will be sent here in a day or two!"

Arnav was relieved. And Khushi knew another thank you was coming. Arnav understood. "Okay, I won't thank you. But I am sure I can help you in return! By the way, wow, you are a great a police inspector as well. Hats off to you and your team!"

"You are welcome, Arnav, babu! A friend in need is a friend indeed! By the way, do you have a place to live here? I mean where you would be staying?"

"Yes, remember I told you about Thakur ji. I have talked to them and I will stay with them for a while!"

Khushi didn't know about that and even her father had not talked about it, she thought. By the way, she hardly stays at home so that she could have known all about this. But the other moment she bit her tongue, knowing that now he would know that Thakur ji was her father, but she admitted that she was also happy that he will be staying in her haveli. At least it wasn't their last meeting after he would be fine and ready to leave the dispensary. But she was afraid of the day he will actually leave and go.

"Arnav, babu, what do you in the city? Do you also wear suit pant and tie all the time?"

Arnav smiled at her innocent question. "Yes, in my work I have to. I am a businessman. I have hotels in different part of the world."

She now walked up to his bed and sat up in the chair. "Oh! You must travel a lot to different beautiful countries then!"

"Yes, I do. Do you want to?"

"Yes, I will not mind, first of all I have never stepped out of this village."

"You never?" he asked, as for him, it indeed was quite surprising.

She shook her head sadly.
"But I believe my village is the most beautiful place in this world!" she said. "And I never felt the need to!"
Arnav saw the familiar beautiful smile on her face returned.

"I totally agree with you, Khushi!" he said. "Khushi, who is in your house?"

"My babu ji, my four brothers, my four bhabi's, my bhua ji, and you know my elder Bhabi, is soon going to be a mother, she will be giving the first child to our family so I am waiting for a little prince or princess to arrive at my house."

"That's cute, so you love kids?"

"Yes," she said, grinning.

"Do you have kids?" he asked, and hoped to hear no.

"Haww! No! What are you saying, babu ji, I am not even married yet. What I meant was I love kids, but not interested in having of mine yet and also marriage is not on cards for now!"

He was relieved that she wasn't married, at the same time he couldn't help but laugh softly as how cutely she was offended. Never in his life he talked to a girl this comfortably and feel absolutely okay with it. That was true too he never got a chance and a time, however, that was not an excuse either. This girl was different, he liked Khushi and he admitted it.

"I am sorry if I offended you!"

Khushi looked up at him, "No, babu ji, you haven't, you are really nice, I really li..." she stopped right before she mentioned she liked him.

"Babu ji, who is in your family?" she immediately changed the topic.

Arnav looked at her nervousness, "why did you stop and changed the topic?" he asked, as he so wanted to know what she thought of him, but he realised he was making her embarrassed.

"My grandma and my brother, Akaash. They are everything to me! And my parents, they passed away."

"I am sorry to hear about that. Even I was little when my mother passed away, my bhua ji, never got married and looked after my four brothers and me and my father, so my bhua ji is a mother to me and my brothers.

"Do you miss your mother and father?" she asked. This question made him sad.

"Yes!" he only answered, as he looked down.

"I am sorry, if I hurt you!" she said.

"No, it's okay, like your bhua ji my grandma looked after me after my parents."

"So we have something in common!" she said.

"Yes!"

"Why are you specifically here?" she asked. "And if you are thinking of building a hotel here don't even dare. Our village is very important to us and we don't want anyone to make it dirty."

"Hmm...But what if I want to make a place in someone's heart?" he asked.

"Why would you need to do so? You are so nice that you create a space in people's heart without even knowing!" she said, without even realising the weight of her words. And that was the only conformation that Arnav needed. He looked at her lowered eyelids, and her lips that wanted to say something but couldn't. And then the stealing of the gazes, made his heart flutter.

She slowly moved her eyelids up. "I meant was..." she said, slowly, but she stood up excusing herself and was going to run, when Arnav held her hand right on time. Khushi tried to free her hand, but he held it tight.

"I am pretty sure place I have made is free for me. Because I will never leave it, neither I will ever let anyone take it. that's a promise!"

"I don't get what you are saying?" she said, as she wiggled her hand to free it.

"I am sure you did, I understood that, if it didn't it will soon make sense to you," he said.

"Arnav ji, please let me go!" she said.

For the first time she called him by his first name as she got a hang of how to pronounce his name, he couldn't help but smile.

"Should I? Think twice!"

She slowly turned. "Please."

He raised his eyebrows questioningly. "For now?" she added, in a pleading tone, he smiled and let go. She literally ran out of the room.

"What has happened to me?" They both questioned to themselves, and surely they knew the answers but still they did just so that somehow they could answer themselves and admit that they both needed each other.

Arnav put his hand on his chest and Khushi on hers as she stood outside, leaned against the wall.

They both closed their eyes, at the same time, and only faces they saw was of each other. It never happened to them ever before that they felt so close to anyone beyond their loved ones. Never they felt that he or she was the one they needed without whom their life was and will be incomplete if they didn't get each other.

But the question was, was it really easy for these two souls to come together. Arnav has a past that was so dark, and Khushi might be the part of it.

***
Khushi gritted her teeth when he once again blocked her way. "Hi, Khushi. After three days I am seeing you. Where were you?" Rudra inquired.

"Rudra, I have warned you this so many don't block my way."

"I am asking you where were you?" he completely ignored her statement. Khushi hated how he thought he owned her.

"Why, didn't your hounds tell you?" she questioned, looking right into his eyes in rage.

"You have started talking a lot. Be careful. I promise that you will pay for it and that guy. Hopefully, he doesn't loose his life from his hands."

"Rudra, if because of you anything happened to Arnav babu, this is the promise that you will pay for it!" she warned him.

"Who is you too, huh?" he asked, and held her arm tight. Khushi looked at him coldly. "Get ready, Khushi, very soon we will get married. My father will come to your home in a day or two."

Khushi removed his hand from her arm with full force.

"I am not going to marry you!"

"Stay away from that man, I am telling you, such man only want one thing from a girl, that is; her body."

"Shut up, you moron, you have such a nasty mind."

Rudra laughed and walked away.

"You do whatever, I will never marry you. Even if I have to give my life, I will not!" she said, and left in anger.

***
"Khushi!" Anjali said. But Khushi was too lost. She saw her smiling.

"Khushi," she snapped her finger to get her out of her dreamland.

"Huh? Yes, bhabi!"

"Whose dreams you are lost in?" she asked.

Khushi blushed. "No ones, I was just thinking of something!"

Anjali doubted. "Something or someone? Who is that lucky guy? Now tell."

"Anjali, bhabi, anything?" she said and busied herself looking for something, aimlessly, just to pretend."

"Ms. Khushi, whenever you will feel like tell me."

Khushi looked at her and went to bed, from behind she hugged her. "Bhabi..."

"Yes, I am listening."

"I am in love!"

"Oh my goodness, please tell me who is the lucky man? And how he looks?"

"Bhabi, his name is Arnav."

"Oh, the same guy whom you were looking after. Hmm...While taking care of him yourself have sickened?"

Khushi blushed, and, Anjali turned around, Khushi held her hands in hers.

"Bhabi, he is a very nice person."

"Hmm...So you want me to talk to your brothers and babu ji?"

She nodded.

"That's not a problem!" she said. "But, Khushi, first of all we have to know what Arnav wants. So, he told you he loves you?"

He hadn't yet, and about this she did not really know, but somewhere her heart was saying that he does like her too. But there was a difference between like and love.

"Bhabi, my brother's and father will only get me married where I would like to, right?"

Anjali tugged her hand her chin. "Yes, Khushi, if they think that guy will be best for you!"

Khushi was relaxed.
"Okay, now go and take this for your, Arnav babu."

Khushi smilingly took it.
"I will come home early!"

"Take your sweet time!" Anjali said.
"Bhabi, take care of my munna/munni."

She said, and in a hurry, she bumped into her bhua ji. "Khushi, watch where you are going!"

"Hi, bhua ji, bye bhua ji!" she said and ran out of the haveli.

"God give this girl some brain!"
Anjali laughed.

***
Arnav had come after taking bathe when Khushi entered the dispensary. He was just in towel, she screamed and turned her face on the other side.

"I am so sorry, Arnav, babu, I should have come after knocking on the door."

"It's alright," he said, and quickly changed clothes that Khushi had gotten from him. Kurta, pyjama.

"Food, I had gotten food for you!" she said.

"You can turn now!" Arnav said, and when she turned, she couldn't stop herself from looking bottom to top. He looked so handsome in Kurta, pyjama, and just the way she had imagined.

"You are looking very nice!" she said.

"Thanks to you for these clothes. But I have called Mumbai, in just few days someone will be here with fresh piece of clothes for me."

"Hmm!" she said.

He took food from her hands. "Khushi, what happened to your arm? Those marks?" he pointed towards the red marks of finger.

Khushi hid it with her dupatta. "Nothing, my friend. She held me and I got the marks!" she said.

Arnav doubted if she was telling the truth. "Arnav, babu, how are you feeling now?" she asked, to divert his mind.

"Huh...Very well! So tomorrow, you will take me to the Thakur ji's haveli, right?"

"Yes, I will!" she said. "Please eat your food!"

Arnav opened the dinner box. Khushi sat on the floor with him. "Khushi, I must tell you this food is the best ever food I have eaten. Even spending million of rupees I could never taste food this good but here!"

"You should credit my bhabi then!" Khushi said.

"Wow! I will surely meet your bhabi soon."

"Hmm!" she said as she rested her hands and chin on her knees as she just looked at him.

"Khushi, did you eat?" Arnav asked.

"Huh! No, not yet. I will go home and eat!"

"I am so sorry, I am so stupid that I didn't even ask you!"

"It's okay, you eat your dinner at 6:00 PM, and then after that you only have tea. I can't do that, if I don't eat before sleep. I can't really sleep!"

Arnav laughed and choked on his food. Khushi immediately went close to him and rubbed his back and made him drink water with her hand. He cough few a times.

"Arnav babu, are you okay?" she asked, he looked at her and nodded.

"I am fine!" he said, and Khushi again sat in her usual spot, opposite to him. Quite still worried after what just happened.

"Are you really okay?" she asked.

"Yes, you worry a lot about me, Khushi!" he said.

"Why only you, I care for everyone!" she immediately said.

"I actually don't mind it," he said as he stood up, as he was done eating his food.

Khushi looked at him and too got up. He walked towards her, "what...what happen?" she stammered, and walked backwards.

He closed the door before she could leave the room. She watched him doing so. Before she could ask what he was doing he spoke, "don't worry, I won't do anything that will do you any harm. You can trust me. But, Khushi, I know this will be shocking for you, however, I have to tell you this that I love you!"

Khushi's eyes went wide, surprise flashing in them like a headlight.
Her heart and mind both unable to register his words.

"Khushi, if you like me too, I will come to your home to ask for your hand from you family. I want you to take you to my home as my wife."

Khushi's heartbeat had increased double the fold, breathing normally wasn't even possible for her now. He now stepped one step back from her, back to maintaining a normal distance.

"Khushi, look I am sorry, if you think I went overboard you can tell me. And I am really sorry, however, before talking to your parents I wanted to talk to you."

Khushi didn't know what to say, and he said it what she wanted to know. She took one step forward, raised on her toes and kissed his cheek, and hurriedly opened the door and ran.

Arnav smiled and touched his right cheek where she had just kissed him.

"Did she really meant yes?" he thought.

"There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment."

The truth of forever-- by Sarah Dessen