Chapter 8: Lambi Judaai

Khushi was angry at the games fate was playing with her but there was nothing she could do and she just had to accept that what was going to happen was going to happen and no one could change that. The week before the engagement passed by slowly for Khushi and all she could ever think of was Arnav. She couldn’t bear the separation between the two of them but knew she had to get used to it because from now on this was how it would always be. She was just glad that she was staying in her house with Barun and her mama and mami instead of with her family. The week did pass however and eventually the day of the engagement came. Khushi was surprised to hear that it was going to be held in RM as usually it is at the girl’s house but decided to just kill her curiosity. She went upstairs to get ready and saw Barun waiting for her in her room. She looked at him questioningly noticing the box in his hand. “It’s for you. You have been requested to wear it for the engagement ceremony seeing as you are an important member of the family and are required to be present. Oh and Yug called. He said you have to perform at the ceremony because Arnav performed at mine.” She gave him a blank look. “Could this get any worse?” she asked rhetorically. Barun was about to say something when Khushi gave a deadly look. “Never mind,” he said running out of the room and dropping the box on the bed. Khushi grabbed the box of the bed and walked into the bathroom to get ready.

 

At RM Arnav was continuously fighting and arguing with his family for the past week about his engagement and refused to do it until Anjali spoke to him the morning of the engagement. She sat with him in his room and explained to him that his engagement was a matter of his family’s reputation and he would never destroy it. She knew that. She also told him to wait until he actually gets engaged before he complains because then if he has any problems with his fiancée he can call it off. Arnav finally agreed and came downstairs that evening dressed in a black suit. The Gupta’s and all the guests had arrived and everyone was downstairs including Arnav. Raj and Sadhna Raizada pulled Yug and Sheela Gupta aside before the ceremony started and spoke to them. The Gupta’s were furious at what the Raizadas were telling them. “It’s a matter of your reputation Mr Gupta,” Raj said, “I’m sure you wouldn’t want to embarrass yourself in front of all these people.” Yug knew he was right so extremely reluctantly agreed thinking he would sort the matter out later. The joined the rest of the Raizadas and Maya in the hall just as the lights switched off. The stage was lit with a spotlight but no one could be seen. Khushi stepped into the light looking exquisite in a black and red chiffon saree with a halter neck blouse.

 

 

Arnav was awestruck by her beauty. Khushi had her eyes closed and brought the mic to her lips.

 

Chaar dino ka pyaar o rabba

Lambi judaai, lambi judaai

Chaar dino ka pyaar o rabba

Lambi judaai, lambi judaai

Chaar dino ka pyaar o rabba

Lambi judaai, lambi judaai

Tere bin dil mera lage kahin na

Tere bin jaan meri jaaye kahin na

Kitne zamaane baad o rabba

Yaad tu aaya, yaad tu aaya

 

It’s a love of four days, o god

Then a long separation, a long separation

It’s a love of four days, o god

Then a long separation, a long separation

It’s a love of four days, o god

Then a long separation, a long separation

Without you my heart doesn’t get rest anywhere

Without you my life doesn’t go anywhere

After how many ages, o god

I’ve remembered you, I’ve remembered you

Everyone clapped after Khushi sang the first verse praising her performance yet the whole time her eyes were only one person. Arnav. He too looked at Khushi and heard what she was singing realising she didn’t want this engagement to happen yet was forced to be here and be a part of it to entertain guests. Maya came up to Arnav and linked her arm with his much to his dissatisfaction but Arnav couldn’t do anything about it. Instead he looked at Khushi to see her reaction to what her sister was doing. Khushi just closed her eyes and sang...

 

Khoyi rahi main saazon mein apni

Aahat bhi teri bhool gayi hoon

Saadiyon se kitni tanhaa rahi hoon

Ishq tera bhool gayi hoon

Khoyi rahi main saazon mein apni

Aahat bhi teri bhool gayi hoon

Saadiyon se kitni tanhaa rahi hoon

Ishq tera bhool gayi hoon

Ulji rahi main, iss zindagi mein

Du kya duhaayi, du kya duhaayi

 

I was so lost in my own tunes

That I had even forgotten your resemblance

I was so lonely for centuries

That I had forgotten your love

I was so lost in my own tunes

That I had even forgotten your resemblance

I was so lonely for centuries

That I had forgotten your love

I was so entangled in this life

Now what do I complain, what do I complain

 

Khushi let all her emotions run through the song and let it all out. All her feelings – pain, love, hurt, hate, envy – everything. She was letting it all go. She opened her eyes and looked around the room. She saw Avani and Barun standing together holding hands. His parents near them. The Raizadas and Guptas together around Arnav and Maya. Khushi knew she would have to see it someday but after getting so close to Arnav how could she just ignore the feelings she had for him.

Har bebasi mein, iss zindagi mein

Tujhko hi chaaha, tujhko hi maanga

Jin raaston se guzara yeh dil tha

Manzil mili na pyaar na paaya

Har bebasi mein, iss zindagi mein

Tujhko hi chaaha, tujhko hi maanga

Jin raaston se guzara yeh dil tha

Manzil mili na pyaar na paaya

Khud ko chhupa ke raahon se guzari

Dil ko sambhale, dil ko sambhale

 

In every helplessness in this life

I loved only you and desired only you

No matter what path my heart travelled

I never reached my destination or found love

In every helplessness in this life

I loved only you and desired only you

No matter what path my heart travelled

I never reached my destination or found love

Hiding myself I have crossed these paths

By protecting my heart, protecting my heart

 

Arnav pulled his arm away from Maya’s leaving her in shock and anger and Arnav stepped away from her. Every word that Khushi sang hit Arnav like an arrow and he realised that by agreeing to do this how much he was hurting Khushi. Khushi saw what Arnav had done and realised how she felt yet still she couldn’t forget what was about to happen and how she could possibly be separated from Arnav forever because of her so-called family.

Tere bin dil mera lage kahin na

Tere bin jaan meri jaaye kahin na

Kitne zamaane baad o rabba

Yaad tu aaya, yaad tu aaya

 

Without you my heart doesn’t get rest anywhere

Without you my life doesn’t go anywhere

After how many ages, o god

I’ve remembered you, I’ve remembered you

 

The music ended and everyone applauded Khushi for her performance however the distress and pain she felt could only be seen by a handful of people in the room. Everyone else seemed to only see happiness for her sister that she didn’t have. It’s not that she didn’t want to be happy for her. She just couldn’t knowing that her happiness, her everything was Arnav and he was being taken away from her. She walked off the stage and towards the two families in the centre of the room. She stood in front of Arnav, next to Maya as his father addressed everyone. Raj cleared his throat and said, “We’re glad that you all could join us on this special evening. Today is one of the happiest days for the Raizada family as our son is finally one step closer to getting married. So everyone welcome to the engagement of India’s rock star, Arnav Singh Raizada and India’s superstar, Khushi Kumari Gupta.” Khushi’s eyes popped wide open and were on the verge of popping out her head they were so wide while Arnav’s jaw dropped open. They thought they had misheard Arnav’s dad when Barun brought Khushi out of shock and pushed her towards Arnav. They both looked at each other finding it unbelievable that they were getting engaged. They said nothing and just stood there. Avani and Barun brought the rings and the two exchanged them without a word. Everyone clapped to congratulate the couple and Arnav and Khushi looked to his parents. Arnav finally spoke, “How?”         His mom smiled at him, “Don’t worry about that now. You’ll get all the answers to all your questions later. For now just enjoy what you’ve always wanted.” Arnav hugged his parents much to the disgust of the Gupta’s.

Arnav grabbed Khushi’s hand and took her outside to their favourite spot – the poolside. Khushi had tears in her eyes and a wide smile on her face. They didn’t need to say anything to each other. Their expressions said it all. They engulfed one another in each other’s arms not wanting to let go. They eventually did but their happiness knew no bounds. After all that had happened and everything that they had said to each other they were finally together. Hopefully forever. “I told you we’d find a way to be together,” Arnav said to Khushi smiling. “We just thought we’d actually have to something not that someone else would do it for us. Right?” she looked at Arnav lovingly. “Right. And it wasn’t such a long separation either,” he said putting an arm around her waist and pulling her against him. Air couldn’t even pass between them. Khushi wrapped her arms around his neck, “No, it wasn’t. Now I hope there never will be.” Arnav looked at her intently. Finally coming to terms with the fact that she was his now and always would be. Today proved that she was his and he was hers. No one could come in between them now. “I love you Khushi,” he said leaning forward and resting his forehead against hers. “I love you too,” she whispered.

Chapter 7: Tujhe Sochta Hoon

No matter how hard they tried they just couldn’t. Their memories of one another kept haunting them not letting them be set free from each other. How could two people that loved each other more than their lives and with all their heart ever forget each other? How could fate keep them apart? Would destiny not unite them again? Would their love survive this separation or were they just never meant to be together?

 

A month had passed that way. Neither seeing each other nor mentioning the other. Khushi didn’t go back home and instead had all her stuff shifted to her house where she was staying with Barun. Barun’s parents had come down from London two weeks ago for his engagement that was going to be held at RM. In this house with Barun and his parents was where Khushi felt like she had a family. They had just left home and were headed towards RM. They parked outside and walked towards the mansion decorated in lights. They were welcomed at the door by the Raizadas with Anjali and Arjun giving Khushi a bug hug. They welcomed them in walked them to the centre of the living room that had been emptied and decorated like a hall. Barun was standing in the centre of the crowd of people with his parents and Khushi by his side. Anjali led Avani down the staircase and to the centre of the room. Barun was awestruck by her beauty. She looked drop dead gorgeous in a grey saree decorated with black and pink flowers.

 

 

 

 

 

She was blushing as she stood next to Barun. They both exchanged rings and hugged each other. Everyone was applauding and congratulating them when they heard a voice on a mic. They turned to look at the stage everyone clearing a path so the couple and their family could see. Arnav Singh Raizada was standing on the stage in front of the keyboard, “Ladies and gentlemen I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate my sister Avani and her fiancée Barun on their engagement. I hope that you two stay together always and love each other in the future as much as you do now,” he said to Avani and Barun. Arnav moved to sit behind the keyboard. He started playing...

 

Tujhe sochta hoon main shaam-o-subha

Isse zyada tujhe aur chahoon toh kya

Tere hi khayaalon mein dooba raha

Isse zyaada tujhe aur chahoon toh kya

 

Bas saare ghum mein jaana

Sang hoon tere

Har ik mausam mein jaana

Sang hoon tere

Ab itne imtihaan bhi na le mere

Sang hoon tere

Sang hoon tere

Sang hoon tere

 

I think of you every morning and evening

How could I love you more than this

I am lost in your thoughts in all the time

How could I love you more than this

 

In every sorrow

I am with you

In every season

I am with you

Now don’t test me anymore

I am with you

I am with you

I am with you

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone shouted and cheered as ASR sang. Everyone was delighted to hear the rock star perform at his sister’s engagement. The couple were smiling and everyone was watching the singer entertain them but no one heard the hidden meaning in his words. He searched for her knowing she felt exactly as he did. Khushi had disappeared from the crowd and was standing on her own against one of the pillars trying to control her emotions. Arnav looked around the room for her but couldn’t find her yet his heart was beating fast. That meant that she was there.

 

Meri dhadkanon mein hi teri sadaa

Iss kadar tu meri rooh mein bas gaya

Teri yaadon se kab raha mein judaa

Waqt se pooch le waqt mera gawaah

 

Bas saare ghum mein jaana

Sang hoon tere

Har ik mausam mein jaana

Sang hoon tere

Ab itne imtihaan bhi na le mere

Sang hoon tere

Sang hoon tere

Sang hoon tere

 

You are present in my heartbeats

You are embedded in my soul to this extent

When have I been distant from your memories

Ask time, it is my witness

 

In every sorrow

I am with you

In every season

I am with you

Now don’t test me anymore

I am with you

I am with you

I am with you

 

The words of Arnav’s song sinking deep into Khushi’s soul she came out from behind the pillar and he saw her standing at the back of the crowd. She couldn’t deny that even though things had calmed down this past month she hadn’t seen him but his thoughts and memories haunted her everyday. He was all she thought about and all she saw. She was hoping not to see him here tonight but it was impossible and she knew that. She looked to the stage and saw him looking in her direction. Their eyes locked. They couldn’t see or hear anything else. In that brief moment it was just the two of them.

 

Tu mera thikaana

Meri aashiyaana

Dhale shaam jab bhi

Mere paas aana

Hai baahon mein rehna

Kahin ab na jaana

Hoon mehfoos inn mein

Bura hai zamana

 

Bas saare ghum mein jaana

Sang hoon tere

Har ik mausam mein jaana

Sang hoon tere

Ab itne imtihaan bhi na le mere

Sang hoon tere

Sang hoon tere

Sang hoon tere

 

You are my destination

My home

Whenever the sun sets

Come to me

Just stay in my arms

Don’t go anywhere

You can be safe here

The world is bad

 

In every sorrow

I am with you

In every season

I am with you

Now don’t test me anymore

I am with you

I am with you

I am with you

 

The end of the song brought them both out of their trance. And Khushi realizing what had just happened ran outside. She thought she could be alone for sometime because no one would have seen her. Barun and Avani had realized halfway into the song that Arnav was not only singing it as a dedication to them but also that ASR was trying to say something to someone through his song. Barun saw Khushi run outside and was going to go after her but was stopped by Avani. She told him to look at Arnav. Arnav had walked of the stage and was now walking towards them, “They need to do this Barun. She has to tell him. No matter how hard they try they can’t stay away from each other,” Barun nodded and turned to Arnav who had now reached them. “She’s at the back. Probably by the pool,” Barun said to Arnav.

 

Arnav jogged to the back of the house and saw Khushi sitting in a little bundle in the corner between the two walls looking at her reflection in the pool. Arnav sat down next to her. She saw his reflection next to hers but didn’t look at him. How could she when she told him she never wanted to see him again. “I tried really hard but I just couldn’t. Every time I thought I had forgotten you your memories came back to haunt me, to remind me that I can’t forget you even if I want to,” she said looking into the water. “I even tried to hate you thinking that it would help me forget but I could never hate you no matter how hard I tried and no matter what I told myself you did,” she explained. There was silence for a while and Arnav spoke, “I don’t really think I need to say anything. You know that I could never forget you. Not even in my wildest dream. You left me for six months and I still hadn’t forgotten you. Did you really think telling me to forget you will actually work?” he asked her. Khushi looked deep in thought, “Maybe. I was hoping it would but I guess it didn’t,” she said softly. ‘And how did you figure that one out?” he asked looking at her reflection for something, anything. “The song,” she replied. “That’s why I used it. I knew only you’d understand what it meant. For everyone else it was just a song,” he said with a small smile. Khushi finally turned to look at him and Arnav saw the tears that had escaped her hazel eyes. Arnav felt daggers stabbing his heart at the sight of Khushi crying. “Arnav,” she said in a broken voice Arnav wrapped Khushi in his arms and pulled her closer to him. “Don’t cry please. I can’t stand it when you cry. You must have had a reason for doing what you did. You wouldn’t just do it for nothing. I know you,” he said. Khushi sobbed, her head resting against his chest, and wrapped her arms around him hugging him. “It was best for you. It’s better that way. Maya is a better choice for you. Your mother is right Arnav. I’m bad for you and I’m bad for your career. You shouldn’t be around me,” Khushi said between sobs. “Stop it Khushi,” Arnav said pleadingly, “You know I can’t so why are you making me. I can’t love her. She’s your sister and you know I’ve always loved you and only you.” More tears fell from Khushi’s eyes hearing what Arnav was saying. “I know that. And I love you too but we just can’t be together. Not in this life. Not as long as I am who I am. It’s dangerous for you and I can’t play around with your life,” Khushi said unable to look Arnav in the eye. Arnav just hugged Khushi tighter and she did the same. They sat there in each other’s arms wishing they could stay like that forever.

 

Unbeknownst to Arnav and Khushi someone had been watching them and heard every word they had said. A tear escaped her eyes and she wiped it away with her hands. “Ma, what are you doing here?” Avani asked as she stood next to her mother who was standing on the balcony overlooking the swimming pool. Avani and Barun had both been looking for Sadhna and had searched the entire house but couldn’t find her. Avani had finally decided to check her bedroom. “Avani did you find her,” came Barun’s voice from inside the room. “Yeah, she’s here on the balcony,” Avani said looking at her mother curiously. Avani was Arnav’s best friend but when her parents had passed away the Raizadas had adopted her making her one of them. Barun came up behind them and stood next to Avani. “Ma, are you okay?” Avani asked putting a hand on her shoulder. “You were right. You all were right. I shouldn’t have done what I did,” Sadhna said looking down at the pool. “Ma,” Avani said confused. Sadhna turned to look at Avani and Barun. “Maya isn’t right for Arnav and she never will be. It was Khushi and it’ll always be Khushi,” she said to them. “But Ma, you were against the idea of them together from the start then why?” Avani asked her mother. Sadhna didn’t say anything. Instead she showed them the two figures that were sitting together, in each other’s arms, by the pool. Barun and Avani immediately understood why Sadhna had had a change of heart. “I didn’t realise he loved her that much. I thought that whatever Khushi had done then was because she wanted to ruin him but there was another reason. She loves him just as much as he loves if not more. I can’t separate them,” she said teary eyed. Avani looked at Barun and he understood what she wanted to say, “Ma there’s something you need to know,” she said as the three walked into the bedroom where there was privacy. Barun and Avani told Sadhna everything they had heard the day Yug Gupta stormed into Khushi’s house and told her to stay away from Arnav a month ago. Sadhna was shocked at what she was hearing and decided not to let this matter drag any further. “But Ma, you told Mr Gupta yourself that Arnav will get engaged to his daughter after mine was done,” Avani said to Sadhna panicking. “Don’t worry Avani,” she said, “Arnav will get engaged to his daughter next week as planned.

 

Arnav and Khushi realized that quite some time had passed since they’d been outside and people might begin to get curious. They both stood up and Khushi straightened her dress. Arnav grabbed her wrist and spun her around to face him. He pulled her towards him and she looked into his eyes. She didn’t need him to say anything because anything she needed to know she found in his eyes. She could see herself in them and no one else confirming that Arnav always thought of her and she was the only person on his mind. She wasn’t much different. Arnav was the only thing she ever thought about, the only one she missed. Arnav wiped away her tears and she threw her arms around him hugging him. “Don’t worry, we’ll find a way out of this,” he said confidently. Khushi pulled away from him and nodded before they both returned inside and joined the rest of the guests. Just then the whole Raizada family walked in with Barun and his parents in tow. Sadhna cleared her throat to get the attention of everyone in the room. “Thank you,” she said, “for being a part of this function this evening and your presence is highly appreciated. We’d also like you to attend another engagement ceremony next week. That of my son Arnav and Yug and Sheela Gupta’s daughter.” Arnav and Khushi froze at Sadhna’s words. Suddenly she had realised that it was too late for her and Arnav to find a way out. She was right. In this life they could never be together.

 

An hour later the crowd started dispersing and everyone left. Khushi had maintained a distance from Arnav since his mother had announced the engagement and Arnav didn’t like it. Once all the guests had left Barun, Khushi and his parents had also left for home. Barun could tell that Khushi was upset and knew exactly why but he didn’t say anything to her or anyone else. She needed space and he knew that so he gave it to her. Khushi was angry at the games fate was playing with her but there was nothing she could do and she just had to accept that what was going to happen was going to happen and no one could change that.

Chapter 6: Tujhe Bhula Diya

“Goodnight Khushi. I love you,” he whispered and kissed her hair. He closed his eyes and, after his sleepless night the previous day, sleep found him quickly with Khushi in his arms.

 

The sun shone through the French windows, the sun rays outlining the two sleeping figures. The sun was too bright for Arnav and he opened his eyes. Khushi was next to him and he had an arm around her waist holding her close to him. He kissed her on her cheek and wished her good morning. He tried to turn to get out of bed but realised that Khushi had her hand over his arm and she wasn’t going to let go anytime soon. He gently tried moving her arm away with his free hand but woke Khushi up. She turned and saw Arnav with a small smile on his face when she opened her eyes making her smile. If only she could wake up like that every morning. “Morning,” she said sleepily not wanting to get out of bed and not letting go of Arnav’s hand. “Good morning,” he replied. He noticed that Khushi still hadn’t let go of him, “Uhm... Khushi...” he said. “Hmmm,” was all she could utter. “Can I go shower?” he asked cautiously. Khushi looked at him confused and was now wide awake. “Why are you asking me?” she asked him puzzled. He indicated to his hand that she was still holding. “Oh,” she exclaimed letting go. “Sorry,” she said with a sheepish grin. Arnav chuckled and grabbed the bag he had packed the previous day before he left home. Arnav grabbed his bag and went to the bathroom. Once he had finished and came out he helped Khushi to the bathroom and handed her clothes. He told her to call him when she was done but she assured him that she was feeling better than  yesterday and that if she didn’t try walking by herself she wasn’t going to heal, so Arnav gave in and went downstairs.

 

Just as he reached the bottom of the stairs the doorbell rang. He opened the door and saw another guy standing there looking inside as if he was searching for something. Arnav gave him a who-are-you look but he just ignored him and barged in. “Khushi! Khushi! Khushi where are you?” his voice boomed through the house. Khushi had just finished the bathroom and heard his voice as she walked out. She threw the towel on the bed and tried walking as fast as she could to the staircase. Arnav was standing downstairs watching this random barge into the house shouting for Khushi but just about got the shock of his life when he saw Khushi walking to the top if the stairs with a huge grin on her face. Arnav’s mouth dropped open as he saw this guy running up the stairs to at a time and grabbed Khushi in a bear hug. Arnav was fuming! Who the hell did this guy think he was? How could he just walk in here and have his own way with Khushi? There was smoke erupting from Arnav. All he saw was red. He was about to storm up the stairs and rip him off her when someone grabbed his hand and pulled him back. “Cool down Romeo. You look like a volcano that’s about to erupt,” Avani said as Arnav turned to see who was stopping him. Arnav glared at her and she gave him a “just chill” look. Avani was about to let go of Arnav seeing that he had calmed down a little but held his hand tighter when the guy picked Khushi up and carried her down the stairs. Avani felt Arnav tug her and she pulled him back with two hands. “Sheesh! I told you not to get excited. What don’t you understand?” she said exhausted from putting in all her energy to restrain him. The fact that Khushi was laughing openly at everything he was saying and was giggling like a little school girl didn’t help either. He took Khushi to the living room and sat her down on the couch. Avani let go of Arnav and almost at the speed of a bullet Arnav was sitting next to Khushi. Khushi looked at him confused. “Hi Khushi,” Avani said with a smile as she walked into the living room. Khushi smiled and silently asked her what was up with Arnav. She rolled her eyes and indicated towards the guy that she was standing next to. “Oh!” Khushi exclaimed out loud. They all looked at her quizzically and she laughed.

 

She turned to Arnav and put her hand over his to calm him down. He looked at her, “Arnav, this is my mother’s nephew Barun. He’s my cousin but he’s more of a brother to me,” she said giggling. Arnav had a look of realization on his face and looked at Avani and Khushi apologetically. “It’s okay,” they said in unison. “Wait, I’m a little confused. Who’s apologising?” Barun asked scratching his head. They all burst out laughing and Avani put a hand on his shoulder, “You see,” she tried to explain between giggles, “Arnav is very possessive about Khushi even though they not dating or anything like that he’s in love with her so he doesn’t like anyone else touching her. So while you two were playing ‘carry me’ down the stairs he was standing here ready to erupt like a volcano.”  Barun listened intently to what she was saying realizing that Arnav was the guy. Arnav turned his attention from Khushi to Avani, “By the way Avani, what are you doing here?” Avani grinned at him. “I came to meet my future sister-in-law and my brother it seems,” she said with a raised eyebrow. “I don’t owe you any explanations,” he said sticking his tongue out at her. They all sat down and chatted and soon enough they realised that Avani and Barun were together and had decided to get married which is why Barun returned from London. They chatted, had breakfast and spent the rest of the day together. That evening Arnav went home after Khushi had fallen asleep and came back early the next morning. He didn’t need to worry about her seeing as Barun would be staying there from now on. The rest of the week went by with Arnav and Avani visiting Khushi and Barun everyday. By the end of the week Khushi could walk by herself and was perfectly fine.

 

Arnav had needed to go to a press conference that evening so he left Avani with Barun and Khushi. They were watching TV and chatting when the door burst open and Yug Gupta stormed in. He barged into the living room taking everyone by surprise, grabbed Khushi’s hand and dragged her away from the other two into the guest room downstairs. After a few minutes Barun and Avani quietly went to the room and stood with their ears against the door. “What the hell did you think you were doing? You know that Maya is going to marry him and still you’re trying to be his lover,” he said disgustedly. Khushi just sat there quietly not daring to say anything. “This is the last time I’m warning you! You call him and say you don’t ever want to see him again. I don’t care how you do it but you will. His father called off the engagement last night because of you! I don’t want that happening again. So make it known to him you don’t want anything to do with him or else you remember what I said the last time. And I’m sure you wouldn’t want me to do that,” Yug emphasised before walking out the door. Avani and Barun turned and walked in the opposite direction so that he wouldn’t suspect them. Yug left the house and Khushi ran upstairs to her room. She ran straight through the door and out the French windows to the poolside. She fell down on her knees and cried.

 

Naina laggiyaan baarishan

Te sukke sukke sapne vi bhijj gaye

Naina lagiyaan baarishan

Rove palkein de kone vich neendh meri

Naina lagiyaan baarishan

Hanju digde ne chot lage dil te

Naina lagiyaan baarishan

Rut birha de badlaan di chhaa gayi

 

My eyes start raining

And even dry dreams were soaked

My eyes start raining

My sleep cries in the corner of my eyelids

My eyes start raining

Tears fall and my heart aches

My eyes start raining

As the season of dark clouds and separation approaches

 

Why? Why did she let herself go? Why did she show him her love again? Why did he have to say he loved her? Why did he have to come back into her life? She was fine grieving by herself until he came. Now she had to live through all that heartbreak and pain again. Would she be able to withstand it a second time? What her father told her to do hurt her. The fact that she had to sacrifice her love unwillingly hurt her but what hurt her the most was the fact that she’d cause Arnav pain. That pain was what really hurts. She got up and walked into room looking for her phone.

 

Kaali kaali khali raaton se

Hone lagi hai dosti

Khoya khoya inn raahon mein

Ab mera kucch bhi nahin

Har pal har lamha

Main kaise sehta hoon

Har pal har lamha

Main khud se

Yeh kehta rehta hoon

Tujhe bhula diya

Tujhe bhula diya

Tujhe bhula diya

Phir kyun teri yaadon ne

Mujhe rula diya

Mujhe rula diya

 

Dark and lonely nights

I have now befriended

Lost in these paths

I have nothing of my own anymore

Every passing moment

I don’t know how I endure

Every passing moment

I tell myself

Over and over again

I have forgotten you

I have forgotten you

I have forgotten you

Then why have you r memories

Made me cry

Made me cry

 

She picked up her phone of the dresser and dialled Arnav. He answered on the first ring, “Khushi, are you okay?” he asked. I’m on my way. The conference just finished.”Khushi closed her eyes and a tear rolled down her cheek. “Don’t Arnav. I made a mistake by letting myself go after the accident. I shouldn’t have done that. It only made things worse and now I have to fix it. I was fine these past six months by myself ASR. I didn’t need you and then...” Khushi trailed off. She pulled herself back together despite the tears flowing down her cheeks, “I don’t want to see you again. I don’t want to hate you but if you don’t listen to what I’m saying now then you’ll force me to. Just stay away from me please,” she begged him. She took a deep breath, “Goodbye Arnav,” she said then cut the call not waiting for his response. She threw the phone on the drawer and flung herself on the bed.

 

Teri yaadon mein likhe jo

Lafz dete hain sunaayi

Beete lamhe poochte hai

Kyun hue aisa judaa

Khuda khuda mila joy eh faasla hai

Khuda tera hi yeh faisla hai

Khuda hina tha woh ho gaya

Jo tune tha likha

 

Written in my memories of you

Are the words that I hear

Bygone moments ask

Why we have separated like this

God this distance created

God it was your decision

God what you had written

Has happened

 

She buried her head in the pillow and cried. No one could stop her now and this is what she needed to do. She needed to let it all out now. But how could she possibly forget the last week that she spent with him. Every moment she spent with him became one of the best moments of her life. How could she erase all of those memories that he was a part of? Khushi let out an agonizing scream. Avani immediately got up downstairs to rush up to check on Khushi but Barun stopped her, “She needs to. Just let her do it.” Avani sat down her tension and worry only increasing. Khushi had finally shed all her tears. Even if she wanted to she couldn’t anymore because there were none left. She stood up with bloodshot eyes and walked out her room downstairs.

 

Kaali kaali khali raaton se

Hone lagi hai dosti

Khoya khoya inn raahon mein

Ab mera kucch bhi nahin

Har pal har lamha

Main kaise sehta hoon

Har pal har lamha

Main khud se

Yeh kehta rehta hoon

Tujhe bhula diya

Tujhe bhula diya

Tujhe bhula diya

Phir kyun teri yaadon ne

Mujhe rula diya

Mujhe rula diya

 

Dark and lonely nights

I have now befriended

Lost in these paths

I have nothing of my own anymore

Every passing moment

I don’t know how I endure

Every passing moment

I tell myself

Over and over again

I have forgotten you

I have forgotten you

I have forgotten you

Then why have you r memories

Made me cry

Made me cry

 

 

She walked into the living room where Barun was trying to comfort Avani. “Barun,” Khushi said standing at the door. Her voice was completely emotionless, “Take Avani home. Arnav’s not coming back.” She turned and walked back upstairs as Barun and Avani left. She was alone and the house was empty. She walked around the house like a lost soul unsure of what to do with her life. She went outside and stood next to the pool looking at her reflection. Her already red eyes started tearing again. Here she thought she didn’t have any tears left. She just stood there not noticing the flashes of lightning in the sky and heavy rolls of thunder. The rain started pouring down on her hiding her tears.

 

 

 

 

Naina lagiyaan baarishan

Hanju digde ne chot lage dil te

Naina lagiyaan baarishan

Rut birha de badlaan di chhaa gayi

 

My eyes start raining

Tears fall and my heart aches

My eyes start raining

As the season of dark clouds and separation approaches

 

Arnav was on his way to Khushi’s house when she had called him. He pulled over on the side of the road when she had cut the call. What happened so suddenly? She does that to him every time. Everything is fine one minute and then it all goes wrong the next. There has to be a reason behind it. Arnav was a bottle of mixed emotions. He jumped out the car slamming the door and leaned against it. He didn’t even try to stop his tears. The rain was beating down on him heavily but he didn’t care. The memories from the past week he had spent with Khushi all came rushing back to him.

 

Do pal tujhse juda tha

Aisa phir rasta muda tha

Tujhse main khone laga

Judaa jaise hone laga

Mujhse kuchh mera

Tu hi mere liye ab kar duaa

Tu hi iss dard se kar ke judaa

Tera ho ke tera jo main na raha

Main yeh khud se kehta hoon

 

I was attached to you for a few moments

Then the path turned in such a way that

I began losing you

It felt like I was separating

From something that was mine

You yourself pray for me

You yourself separate me from this pain

I couldn’t be yours even though I was

I say this to myself

 

Arnav got back in his car and drove home. He walked in drenched Anjali extremely worried running after him but Arjun stopped her. He saw Barun there with Avani talking to his mum and dad. He ran upstairs changed into dry clothes and came back downstairs. “Arnav where are you going?” Avani asked him. He just ignored her and carried on walking. “Stop Arnav,” Barun said. “There’s no point. She won’t let you in. She said she doesn’t want to see you and she won’t,” he made clear to Arnav. Arnav didn’t turn back but spoke to Barun, “She can’t do this to me every time Barun. I want answers.” Barun shook his head, “You need to understand. She’s not doing this to you. She’s doing it for you. And she’s only hurting herself for someone else’s happiness,” Barun said looking accusingly at the Guptas who had come to see Sadhna. Arnav followed Barun’s gaze and realized what he was hinting at but the Khushi he knew would never give him up to someone else. “Just forget her. It’s better for everyone that way,” Barun said and walked out of RM. Arnav walked to his room ignoring and blocking out all the questions his family was asking.

 

Kaali kaali khali raaton se

Hone lagi hai dosti

Khoya khoya inn raahon mein

Ab mera kucch bhi nahin

Har pal har lamha

Main kaise sehta hoon

Har pal har lamha

Main khud se

Yeh kehta rehta hoon

Tujhe bhula diya

Tujhe bhula diya

Tujhe bhula diya

Phir kyun teri yaadon ne

Mujhe rula diya

Mujhe rula diya

 

Dark and lonely nights

I have now befriended

Lost in these paths

I have nothing of my own anymore

Every passing moment

I don’t know how I endure

Every passing moment

I tell myself

Over and over again

I have forgotten you

I have forgotten you

I have forgotten you

Then why have you r memories

Made me cry

Made me cry

 

Arnav and Khushi both sat in their rooms thinking about each other trying to forget whatever they had between them and how much they loved. No matter how hard they tried they just couldn’t. Their memories of one another kept haunting them not letting them be set free from each other. How could two people that loved each other more than their lives and with all their heart ever forget each other? How could fate keep them apart? Would destiny not unite them again? Would their love survive this separation or were they just never meant to be together?