Chapter 4: Dil Ibadat Kar Raha Hai

She saw the car coming towards Khushi but before a word could escape her lips Khushi was laying on the ground in a pool of blood. “KHUSHI!” Avani let out a bloodcurdling scream. She ran to the crowd of people surrounding the unconscious girl lying on the road. “Someone call an ambulance!” she shouted and five minutes later she was sitting in the ambulance with Khushi lying on the bed. Avani took out her phone and called Arnav. “Avani?” he answered on the second ring. “Arnav you need to come to Mumbai City Hospital now. Khushi’s been in an accident,” Avani cried and put the phone down. Arnav felt his heart stop beating the moment he heard Avani’s words. Arnav was on his way home from the stadium and when Avani put the phone down he spun his car around and sped towards City Hospital.

 

Dil ibadat kar raha hai

Dhadkane meri sunn

Tujhko main kar loon haasil

Lagi hai yahin dhun

Zindagi ki shakh se loon

Kuchh hasin pal main chun

Tujhko main kar loon haasil

Lagi hai yahin dhun

 

My heart is saying a prayer

Listen to my heartbeats

I will attain you

It keeps chanting

From the tree of life

I will choose a few beautiful moments

I will attain you

It keeps chanting

 

Khushi had been taken into the operating theatre while Avani was waiting outside. The doctors were trying their best to stop the bleeding and was successful in stopping the internal bleeding when Khushi’s heart rate started dropping she was close to flat lining and they tried to resuscitate her but she didn’t respond and her heartbeat stopped. At that very moment Arnav walked into the hospital and almost as if sensing him there her heart started beating again. The doctors had almost lost hope in that millisecond until her heartbeat rose again. Arnav ran down the hospital corridors to the operating theatre and froze when he saw Avani’s blood stained clothes.

 

Dil ibadat kar raha hai

Dhadkane meri sunn

Tujhko main kar loon haasil

Lagi hai yahin dhun

Zindagi ki shakh se loon

Kuchh hasin pal main chun

Tujhko main kar loon haasil

Lagi hai yahin dhun

Jo bhi jitne pal jeeyun

Unhe tere sang jeeyun

Jo bhi kal ho ab mere

Usse tere sang jeeyun

Jo bhi saansein main bharoon

Unhe tere sang bharoon

Chahe jo ho raasta

Usse tere sang chaloon

Dil ibadat kar raha hai

Dhadkane meri sunn

Tujhko main kar loon hasil

Lagi hai yahin dhun

 

My heart is saying a prayer

Listen to my heartbeats

I will attain you

It keeps chanting

From the tree of life

I will choose a few beautiful moments

I will attain you

It keeps chanting

Every moment I live

I’ll live it with you

Whatever tomorrows I have left

I’ll live them with you

Every breath I take

I’ll take them you

Whatever the road is

I’ll travel it with you

My heart is saying a prayer

Listen to my heartbeats

I will attain you

It keeps chanting

 

The red light above the operating theatre went off and Khushi was taken to ICU. The doctor came out of the room and turned towards Arnav and Avani, “Due to the amount of internal bleeding and injuries she sustained in the accident she is very critical,” he explained to them. “She will be okay though. Right?” Arnav asked the doctor. The doctor looked at Arnav grimly, “We can’t say anything yet but if she doesn’t regain consciousness soon her life might still be in danger.” The doctor turned and walked to his office. Arnav looked at the helpless figure lying on the bed through the window and unable to restrain himself pushed the door open and walked in. He sat down on the chair next to the bed and took Khushi’s hand in his.

 

Mujhko de tu mit jaane

Ab khud se dil mil jaane

Kyun hai yeh itna faasla

Lamhe yeh phir na aane

In ko tu na de jaane

Tu mujhpe khud ko de loota

Tujhe tujhse todh loon

Kahin khud se jodh loon

Mere jism-o-jabeaa

Teri khushboo odh loon

Jo bhi saansein main bharoon

Unhe tere sang bharoon

Chahe jo ho raasta

Usse tere sang chaloon

Dil ibadat kar raha hai

Dhadkane meri sunn

Tujhko main kar loon hasil

Lagi hai yahin dhun

 

Let me break down

Let me find my heart

Why are we so far apart

These moments will not come again

Please don’t let them go

Surrender yourself to me

I will detach you from yourself

And attach you to me

My body and soul

I’ll fill with your scent

Every breath I take

I’ll take them you

Whatever the road is

I’ll travel it with you

My heart is saying a prayer

Listen to my heartbeats

I will attain you

It keeps chanting

 

 

Arnav couldn’t hold back his tears. His life, his everything was here before him fighting for her life. Why? Why did God always games with him? Why does He always snatch away Arnav’s love from him? Arnav wouldn’t let Him succeed in taking her away from him forever. “Khushi,” Arnav said through his tears, “I know you can hear me. You have to get up. You have to. You have to do it for me. Not for anyone else but for me. I can’t live without you.” Tears spilled down his cheeks, one landing on Khushi’s hand. It was as if Khushi was listening to him and even in this condition couldn’t bear to see Arnav so fragile because her fingers moved. “Khushi. Khushi,” Arnav called, “Please wake up,” he begged her. Her hand moved.

 

Baahon mein de bas jaane

Sine mein de chhup jaane

Tujh bin main jaaoon toh kahaan

Tujhse hai mujhko paane

Yaadon ke woh nazar aane

Ik jin pe haq ho bas mera

Teri yaadon mein rahoon

Tere khwaabon mein jagoon

Mujhe dhoonde jab koi

Teri aankhon mein miloon

Jo bhi saansein main bharoon

Unhe tere sang bharoon

Chahe jo ho raasta

Usse tere sang chaloon

Dil ibadat kar raha hai

Dhadkane meri sunn

Tujhko main kar loon hasil

Lagi hai yahin dhun

 

Let me live in your arms

I’ll hide in your heart

Where will I go without you

You are mine to gain

With you I’ll see all the beautiful memories

Of which only I have the right

I will live in your memories

I will awaken to your dreams

When I will be looked for

I’ll be found in your eyes

Every breath I take

I’ll take them you

Whatever the road is

I’ll travel it with you

My heart is saying a prayer

Listen to my heartbeats

I will attain you

It keeps chanting

 

Khushi slowly opened her eyes and looked around trying to figure out where she was. She saw the white walls and the white sheets covering her. She tried to move her hand but realized that there was something or rather someone stopping her. She turned her head steadily to see him holding her hand his head resting on the bed. She ran her free hand through his hair and he woke up. Khushi felt a knife tear through her when she saw him. He looked so dishevelled and had bloodshot eyes. There was also a fresh set of tears that now adorned his face. “Arnav,” Khushi said in barely a whisper as she wiped away his tears. Arnav’s happiness knew no bounds. Had anything happened to her he didn’t know what he would have done. Khushi placed her hand on Arnav’s cheek trying to reassure him that she was fine and that nothing had happened to her. He pulled her hand away from his face and held it both his hands, “What the hell did you think you were doing? What if something happened to you? What would I have done?” Khushi closed her eyes and Arnav saw her runaway tear. “Don’t ever do that again,” he told her then kissed her forehead. Just as Arnav moved away from her Avani walked in. She hadn’t noticed that Khushi had regained consciousness yet and spoke to Arnav, “I tried calling her parents but none of them are answering.” Khushi was used to feeling deserted she could handle it she was used to it. She turned to look at Avani and said matter-of-factly, “They won’t. They’re in Milan with Maya. They had flight when the show started that’s when they left. She’s needed there for the Milan fashion Week.” Avani’s eyes tore wide open. “You mean they left you here alone!” she blurted out. “Don’t worry Avani. I’m used to it. I’ll be okay,” she said trying to convince Avani. “What do you mean you’ll be okay?” Arnav asked her angrily, “How could they leave you alone? And how exactly do you think you are going to manage being by yourself after what just happened?” As Arnav had just finished burying Khushi in questions her phone rang. Avani had been trying to call her parents from it and seemed like they had finally seen all the missed calls. Avani answered the call and put it on speaker, “What the hell happened?” boomed Yug Gupta’s voice. “Nothing, my phone just accidentally dialled. That’s all,” Khushi replied scared. “Don’t lie to me!” the anger could be clearly heard in Yug’s voice, “It’s all over the bloody news! It seems that every day your stupidity reaches new heights! Anyway it doesn’t matter I’ll sort that mess out when I get back. You better get your act together by the time we get back because next week your sister is getting engaged. Don’t forget that.” He put the phone down and his last few words rang in Khushi’s head. She immediately remembered what had led to all this in the first place. Arnav noticed Khushi stiffen. “Khushi,” he said and started walking towards her. “Please Arnav, just go” Khushi said stopping him from coming any closer. He wanted to say something but stopped himself knowing that Khushi needed rest and now wasn’t the time for it.

 

Arnav left Khushi alone who couldn’t hold back her tears and as soon as Arnav left let them go. Why did all this have to happen to her? Why was she alone? Why did everyone she love always get snatched away from her? Wasn’t she entitled to any happiness? Was misfortune and torture written in her fate? Khushi closed her eyes not finding any answers to her questions and drifted off to sleep.

 

Arnav left Khushi alone knowing she needed rest and some time to herself. He walked into the doctor’s cabin to check whether Khushi could be taken home. He knocked on the door and the doctor waved him in and gestured to take a seat. “She’s very lucky Mr Raizada,” the doctor said, “when she was brought into theatre she had extensive internal bleeding but very little external damage. She has however sustained some minor injuries which will heal.” Arnav breathed a sigh of relief. “You know Mr Raizada a few minutes after she was brought into theatre she had flat lined but miraculously within a second her heart started beating again, “ the doctor explained, “We had almost lost hope because when her heart rate started dropping we tried bringing it back up but it was almost as if she refused to want to live. Thankfully though all went well and she’s safe and well. You need not have any fears. Her life is out of danger.” Arnav took a deep breath and shook the doctor’s hand while saying, “Thank you. When can we take her home?” the doctor smiled at him, “She’s perfectly fine now but we’d like to keep under observation overnight to check if the meds are working and you can come and take her tomorrow morning if you’d like.” Arnav nodded, “I’ll be here in the morning. Good evening,” Arnav greeted the doctor and left the hospital.

 

He drove home preparing himself for the millions of questions that were going to bombard him when he walked in through the door and he didn’t even know where Avani disappeared to. Shut the engine off and walked towards the front door. Before he could even reach for the door knob the door opened and the Anjali was standing there with a very worried expression on her face. Arnav led his sister and brother-in-law into the living room, sat them down and explained the whole situation to them being careful to leave out the part of the phone conversation with her father. Anjali hugged Arnav assuring him that nothing could ever happen to Khushi. Arnav retired to his room for the rest of the night but found it difficult to sleep as he was constantly worried about Khushi.

Chapter : Kabhi Shaam Dhale

She looked at all the people in front of her waiting to hear her sing. She indicated to one of the musicians behind her to give her the violin. He handed it to her and she walked to the centre of the stage. She placed the violin in the crook of her neck and started playing. The melody was such that everyone was entranced. She lowered the violin and sang...

 

Kabhi shaam dhale toh mere dil mein aa jaana

Kabhi chaand khile toh mere dil mein aa jaana

Kabhi shaam dhale toh mere dil mein aa jaana

Kabhi chaand khile toh mere dil mein aa jaana

Magar aana iss tarah tum

Ke yahaan se phir na jaana

Kabhi shaam dhale toh mere dil mein aa jaana

Kabhi chand khile toh mere dil mein aa jaana

 

When the night dims sometimes come into my heart

When the moon blossoms come into my heart

When the night dims sometimes come into my heart

When the moon blossoms come into my heart

But come in such a way that

From here you will not leave

When the night dims sometimes come into my heart

When the moon blossoms come into my heart

 

She played the violin again entrancing everyone in the melody once more. Her eyes closed, seeing only him...

 

Tu nahin hai magar

Phir bhi tu saath hai

Baat ho koi bhi

Teri hi baat hai

Tu hi mere andar hai

Tu hi mere baahar hai

Jab se tujhko jaana hai

Maine apna maana hai

Magar aana iss tarah tum

Ke yahaan se phir na jaana

Kabhi shaam dhale toh mere dil mein aa jaana

Kabhi chand khile toh mere dil mein aa jaana

Kabhi shaam dhale toh mere dil mein aa jaana

Kabhi chand khile toh mere dil mein aa jaana

 

You are not here yet

Still you are with me

If there is anything said

It’s about you

You are inside me

You are outside of me

Ever since I have known you

I have believed you to be my own

But come in such a way that

From here you will not leave

When the night dims sometimes come into my heart

When the moon blossoms come into my heart

When the night dims sometimes come into my heart

When the moon blossoms come into my heart

 

 

 

The dancers danced around the stage while Khushi was lost in the melody of the song she was playing and the memories of the one she was playing it for...

 

Raat din ki meri

Dilkashi tumse hai

Zindagi ki kasam

Zindagi tumse hai

Tum hi meri aankhein ho

Sooni tanha raahon mein

Chahe jitni doori ho

Tum ho meri baahon mein

Magar aana iss tarah tum

Ke yahaan se phir na jaana

Kabhi shaam dhale

Kabhi chand khile

Kabhi shaam dhale toh mere dil mein aa jaana

Kabhi chand khile toh mere dil mein aa jaana

My night and day

Are beautified by you

I vow upon my life

My life is because of you

You alone are my eyes

On these lonely, empty roads

No matter how much distance there is

You are in my arms

But come in such a way that

From here you will not leave

When the night dims

When the moon blossoms

When the night dims sometimes come into my heart

When the moon blossoms come into my heart

 

 

 

She played the same melody right to the end of the song not putting the violin down. As if it was a chance for her to vent all her anger, her pain, everything. She opened her eyes on the last note all her pain visible in her honey coloured eyes. She took a bow, handed the violin back to its owner and walked off stage. She stormed past the crowd of people praising her and ran straight to her dressing room.

 

She hadn’t seen him in the crowd backstage. Raj Singh Raizada and his family had been invited to attend the charity concert because Mr Raizada was known for his generous contributions by him and his son towards worthy causes. The entire Raizada family had been taken by surprise when Khushi had walked on stage. When she had started playing the violin Arnav immediately went backstage. Hearing her let out her pain was enough for him. He wouldn’t be able to stand seeing the pain in her eyes. It would break him. He ran after her and saw her fall to the floor tears streaming down her face. He quietly locked the door and kneeled next to her wrapping his arms around her. She responded to him and laid her head against his chest and cried.

 

Khushi didn’t realize what she was doing. All she knew was that she felt protected. Protected from the world and everything else. Nothing and no one could touch her here. She felt loved, the love that she had craved for all her life. The love that he had given her. The love that Arnav had given her. She cried and cried until there were no tears left. She pulled away slightly and looked up to see who had come to her rescue. She immediately moved away from him. She created such a distance that they were on opposite ends of the room. “Khushi,” Arnav said softly while slowly walking towards her. Khushi didn’t realise what she was doing but with each step Arnav took towards her she took one step away from him. Eventually she felt herself slam into something hard. The wall. He had trapped her and before she could make a run for it he had both his arms up on either side of her making sure she couldn’t escape. “Ar... Arnav, let me go please,” she pleaded but Arnav didn’t heed her. “What was it you said six months ago when I asked you if you ever loved me. No I’m sure,” he asked rhetorically. Khushi looked at him remembering what she had said to him then, “That’s exactly what I said. And I still stand by it,” she said firmly. “Oh really? I don’t think so,” Arnav said gravely. Khushi looked at him questioningly, “And why would you say that?” she asked. “Because if you didn’t,” he said turning serious, “you wouldn’t have done that on stage.” Khushi almost stopped breathing. “Done what?” she asked looking away. He put an arm around her waist and pulled her towards him. Now she had to look at him. “Played that violin or sung that song. Khushi, we both know what you were going through on that stage. We both know the pain you felt when you were singing. We both know how much pain you were trying to let out on that violin Khushi,” Arnav said accusingly. Khushi looked at him distressed. He looked into her eyes and could see everything she couldn’t say. “Khushi it hurts you just as much as it hurts me that’s why you can’t bear the thought of me being with someone else let alone your sister,” he said, his agony showing in his words. “Don’t Arnav. Please,” she begged him. Arnav couldn’t stop himself. After six months he had finally found a way to get the answers to the questions that had been eating at him for six months. “Why Khushi? Why?” he asked sharply. “I told you then and my reasons are still the same,” she said while freeing her wrist from his grip. She didn’t wait for him to say anything more and ran to the door. She unlocked it and sprinted down the passage not knowing and not caring where she was going.

 

All the Raizada’s had gone backstage with Avani to look for Arnav when they saw Khushi running down the passage towards the exit door. They turned to see where she had come from and saw Arnav walking out of one of the dressing rooms. Anjali hurried towards him questioning him about what had happened while Avani ran after Khushi to find out what had happened that made her run away. Khushi could hear someone calling after her but didn’t care she just kept on running as fast and as far as her legs could take her. “Khushi!” Avani yelled as Khushi had stopped to cross the road but Khushi didn’t want to stop. She didn’t want to look back. She just wanted to get away. She ran across the road and suddenly she heard a loud honking sound then she didn’t hear anything at all. Everything went black.

 

Avani had been calling Khushi since they left the stadium but it seemed like she didn’t want to listen or hear anything. Avani saw her stopping to cross the road but the moment she called her name and ran to the spot Khushi was standing at she ran across the road. She saw the car coming towards Khushi but before a word could escape her lips Khushi was laying on the ground in a pool of blood.

 

Chapter : Saans

They both looked at each other, past memories flooding back but more especially the last time they ever saw each other.

*****************************************************************************************************

“Thanks for doing this you guys. You know ever since you two started doing shows together because of your chemistry crowd numbers have doubled. This isn’t even a concert, it’s just one of my dance shows but because word spread you two were performing the tickets are sold out,” Avani said all in one breath. They both laughed and Avani looked at them with a what’s-so-funny expression. “Breathe Avani,” Arnav said, “You’re my best friend. Of course we’d do it for you.” Khushi smiled, “He’s right. We’d do anything for you.” That was the last thing they got to say to her before they were announced on stage and walked on. The music started playing and everyone started screaming. The moment Khushi started singing there was silence...

 

Saans mein teri saans mili to

Mujhe saans aayi

Mujhe saans aayi

Mujhe saans aayi

Saans mein teri saans mili to

Mujhe saans aayi

Mujhe saans aayi

Mujhe saans aayi

Rooh ne chhoo li jism ki khushboo,

Tu jo paas aayi

Tu jo paas aayi

Tu jo paas aayi

Saans mein teri saans mili to

Mujhe saans aayi

Mujhe saans aayi

Mujhe saans aayi

 

When your breath mixed with mine

I was able to breathe

I was able to breathe

I was able to breathe

When your breath mixed with mine

I was able to breathe

I was able to breathe

I was able to breathe

The soul touched the body’s fragrance

When you came close

When you came close

When you came close

When your breath mixed with mine

I was able to breathe

I was able to breathe

I was able to breathe

 

They sang together standing on opposite ends of the stage.  They moved closer, standing in front of each other...

 

Kab tak hosh sambhale koi,

Hosh ude to ud jaane do

Dil kab seedhi raah chala hai

Raah mude to mud jaane do

Tere khayal mein doob ke aksar

Achchi lage tanhaai

Saans mein teri saans mili to

Mujhe saans aayi

Mujhe saans aayi

Mujhe saans aayi

 

How long can one remain in control

If your senses let go then let it go

When has the heart gone on a straight path

If the path turns let it turn

When I’m often drowned in your thoughts

Loneliness feels good

When your breath mixed with mine

I was able to breathe

I was able to breathe

I was able to breathe

 

 

They looked into each other’s eyes. Lost. Unaware of the thousands of people watching them...

 

Raat teri baahon mein kate to,

Subha badi halki lagti hai

Aankh mein rehne lage ho kya tum,

Kyon chhalki chhalki lagti hai

Mujhko phir se chhoo ke bolo

Meri kasam kya khaayi

 

When the night is spent in your arms

Morning seems very light

Have you started living in my eyes

Why does it keep spilling

Touch me again and say

Have you taken my oath

 

 

Arnav took her hand in his, linking their fingers...

 

Saans mein teri saans mili to

Mujhe saans aayi

Mujhe saans aayi

Mujhe saans aayi

Rooh ne chhoo li jism ki khushboo,

Tu jo paas aayi, mujhe saans aayi

Tu jo paas aayi , mujhe saans aayi

Tu jo paas aayi, mujhe saans aayi

Tu jo paas aayi

 

When your breath mixed with mine

I was able to breathe

I was able to breathe

I was able to breathe

The soul touched the body’s fragrance

When you came close, I was able to breathe

When you came close, I was able to breathe

When you came close, I was able to breathe

When you came close

 

They sang the last verse without breaking their eye lock and once Arnav sang the last note they turned towards the audience , still holding hands, and took a bow. Khushi spoke, “We’d like to thank everyone for coming here tonight to support Avani and her dance troupe and we sincerely hope you have enjoyed the show.” She looked towards Arnav who was now speaking, “Could you please welcome back the Mastana Dance Troupe back on stage for the last time tonight.” With that the crowd screamed and cheered and welcomed them back while the two singers went backstage to their dressing rooms.

 

Fifteen minutes after the show had ended Arnav was still sitting in his dressing room, lost thinking about their performance, when Khushi barged in shutting the door behind her locking it to make sure no one else came in. Arnav stood up in surprise and started walking towards her when she put her hand out in front of him asking him to stop. “Khushi, what happened? Why are you ...” he trailed off. “I’m going to talk and you’re going to listen. You’re not going to interrupt me and you’re not going to question anything I say,” Arnav was totally taken by surprise at what Khushi had said because it didn’t sound like her but nonetheless he agreed. She turned away from him unable to look him in the eyes, “It’s over Arnav. Whatever we had between us is over. I thought I could handle being in a relationship and this whole idea of love but it turns out I couldn’t. I’m not made for this and anyway I’m a superstar. I’m at the height of my career Arnav and the last thing I need is a distraction. It was nice while it lasted” Arnav couldn’t believe what he was hearing. All this time, everything she did, everything she said. She was playing with me? Despite being a rock star Arnav was never a playboy. His father had always taught him to respect women and he did. He never used them. She unlocked the door and was halfway out when he asked, “Did you ever love me?” he noticed her hesitancy to answer the question. “No. I never loved you,” Khushi said firmly. With that she closed the door behind her and walked out of Arnav’s life forever.

*******************************************************************************************************

 

Here they stood after six months, seeing each other for the first time. “Come here Arnav,” she heard his mother Mrs Raizada say. Khushi sat down as Arnav approached the family.  Arnav sat down next to his mother on the couch. “Sheela, this is my son Arnav Singh Raizada or ASR as everyone like to call him. I proposed him for marriage to your daughter,” she said excitedly. Arnav looked from his mother to Khushi. He had a look in his eyes almost as if he’d been brought back to life. “Yes, we’ve heard much about him. Quite the rock star he is. As I said we have no issues with this proposal and we’ve already spoken to Maya and she’s quite pleased with it actually,” Yug replied. Maya?!  His mother fixed his wedding without telling him? Without asking him? To a supermodel? How could she do that to him? Khushi noticed the shocked look on Arnav’s face at the mention of Maya. “Arnav!” they heard a shout from upstairs. Arnav breathed a sigh of relief, “Coming Di,” he shouted upstairs. He stood up and addressed the people sitting with his mother, “It was nice meeting you. Please excuse me.” With that he jogged to the staircase and took the stairs two at a time and ran to his sister’s room. She was standing outside and looking over to where she had a clear view of the living room. She had called him to save him from doing something disastrous. They heard their mother chat with the Guptas a little while longer before she escorted them out. Just as they left Arnav’s father had returned from the office.

 

Anjali, Arjun, Avani and Arnav had immediately gone downstairs at the sight of Raj Singh Raizada. He noticed the disturbed look on the four faces standing in front of him and the pain in his son’s eyes. “What happened?” he asked apprehensively. Anjali stepped forward and explained what had happened to her father. Raj didn’t seem too surprised by what he heard. He turned to his wife, “Is what she saying true Sadhna?” Sadhna didn’t seem the least bit worried about the situation and simply answered his question with, “Yes, it’s true.” Raj sighed and sat down on the couch closest to him the rest of the family still standing. He rubbed his temple. “Why would you do something like that?” he asked his wife. She rolled her eyes and answered, “Because I should get to pick what kind of daughter-in-law I want and who she is.” Raj stood in front of his wife, “You knew that Arnav loved Khushi and you know he won’t marry anyone besides her and you still proposed he marry Maya, knowing she’s Khushi’s sister?” he asked his wife accusingly. “I don’t want a superstar in my house. I don’t want that worthless no good singer as my daughter-in-law. She doesn’t deserve to marry my son. Her sister on the other hand does. What’s the problem if I prefer a down to earth model rather than a stuck up singer?” she asked matter-of-factly. “MOM!” Arnav’s voice boomed through the mansion, “Don’t you dare say a word against her.” Sadhna Raizada could not believe that after all that girl did to him he’s still defending her. “You are unbelievable Arnav. After all this time you still defend her. She’s an egoistic, back-biting little b*tch that used you to get famous,” she said outraged. “I told you not to say anything about her. And she didn’t use me to get famous. You’re forgetting that before we met each other KKG was ASR’s biggest competition. I am not marrying Maya and that’s it. No discussion,” Arnav stated before storming upstairs with Avani following suit. “Did you see that Raj?” Sadhna asked her husband turning towards him. “What? He didn’t do anything wrong. I stand behind my son and his decision Sadhna and I think Anjali and Arjun do as well,” Raj concluded and headed off to his study with Arjun to discuss business. Sadhna looked at her daughter who just shook her head and walked away.

 

The moment the Gupta’s reached home Khushi ran to the garage, got in her car and sped off. She was doing a performance for charity concert that was to feature a range of different singers. She headed to the stadium, parked her car and bolted for the dressing room. The moment she closed the door she burst out crying. She cried her heart out at the thought of Arnav marrying Maya. There was a knock and the door and Khushi wiped away her tears, “Come in.” The lady at the door breathed a sigh of relief, “Thank god. I thought you weren’t here yet. The first two acts are done and yours is fourth. Get ready and come back stage you’re done,” she said smiling. Khushi nodded and said, “Sure Riya.” She closed the door leaving Khushi alone and Khushi got dressed and curled her hair before heading backstage. She looked for Riya sauntered over towards her. “I’m ready,” she said just as the previous act came off stage. “Perfect timing. Go break a leg,” Riya said before ushering Khushi on stage. She looked at all the people in front of her waiting to hear her sing. She indicated to one of the musicians behind her to give her the violin.