Chapter 5: Mumkin Nahin

Arnav retired to his room for the rest of the night but found it difficult to sleep as he was constantly worried about Khushi.

 

Arnav hadn’t slept all night and got up early to head to the hospital. He rushed out of the house skipping breakfast and Anjali and his mother shouting after him. He got in the car and tried to reach the hospital as fast as he could. He walked to Khushi’s room and saw the bed empty. He ran down the corridors searching for Khushi and not finding her he finally returned to her room one last time hoping she would be there and there she was sitting in a wheelchair. He closed his eyes and sucked in huge gulp air. He walked to where she was sitting and kneeled in front of her, “Where did you disappear to?” he asked her. Khushi was stunned when she heard him. She didn’t think he’d come back and she was used to doing things on her own. She didn’t need him. “Arnav I told you to go yesterday then why did you come back?” she asked him jaded. “You can tell me whatever you like Khushi but I’m not leaving alone. There’s no one here to take care of you and you can’t manage by yourself,” he replied. “Yes I can. I’m perfectly okay,” Khushi said trying to stand up but realized she couldn’t when Arnav wrapped an arm around her waist to stop her from falling. “I can see just how fine you are,” he said sarcastically. Khushi opened her mouth to say something when Arnav said, “Don’t even Khushi. You can’t even stand let alone walk. How the hell are you going to take care of yourself?” he asked her furiously. “I’m taking you home and that’s that” Arnav ordered. He made Khushi sit down in the wheelchair and took her outside to where he had parked the car. He carried her from the hospital to his car despite the numerous protests.

 

Once she was buckled in and he was sitting in the driver’s seat she wanted to say something but decided to let it go. She saw him driving on the road to her house and she yelled, “Stop!” Arnav slammed the breaks letting out a “what the”. He looked at her with big eyes and she smiled at him, “Sorry,” she said apologetically, “Actually I don’t stay there when I’m alone. I have another house,” she explained. She told Arnav the address and they drove their in silence. They stopped outside the house and Arnav noticed that someone was inside and looked at Khushi questioningly. She rolled her eyes, “It’s my friend Riya. She comes to clean the house and make sure everything’s okay.” Arnav nodded and got out the car. He walked to the passenger side and by the time he got there Khushi had already opened the door and was attempting to get out. Now it was Arnav’s turn to roll his eyes, “Don’t even try,” he said while picking her up. Khushi stopped trying to put up a fight and gave in letting him carry her inside. Riya saw them coming and had opened the door for them. She gave Khushi a very sideways look before walking out and closing the door behind her. He carried her upstairs to her bedroom and helped her settle in. He was walking around trying to rearrange things to make it easier for Khushi while she was sitting on her bed watching him attentively. “Why are you doing all this?” she asked. Arnav just smiled at her and went downstairs. Half an hour later he came upstairs with lunch. “You need to eat,” he said placing the tray on her lap. It was lunch time and Khushi couldn’t deny the fact that she was starving so she quietly ate while Arnav switched on the TV and looked for something to watch. He sat on the recliner while Khushi ate and took the dishes back down to the kitchen and cleaned up.

 

The sun had set and it was dark. Arnav helped Khushi to the bathroom so she could get dressed for bed and went downstairs to pack away their dinner dishes in the dishwasher. How much Arnav was caring for her didn’t go unnoticed by Khushi. Caring for her so much after what she did to him was eating her up. She slowly walked to the bed using the wall as support and took a deep breath once she made it to the bed. Arnav was right. She wouldn’t be able to care of herself if she could barely walk. But somewhere in her heart she wanted Arnav to be there and she didn’t know why.

 

Jaanun main na jaane dil

Kya khwahish jagi hai

Kyun aankhon ko bhi kuch hua

Jaagi jaagi rehti hai

Kahan neendein gayi hai

Kya hone laga hai tu bata

 

Neither me nor my heart knows

What desire has awoken

Something has happened to my eyes

They stay awake

Don’t know where I lost my sleep

Please tell me what’s happening

 

 

Arnav came back upstairs and as soon as he saw Khushi standing next to the bed ran over to her, “Are you okay?” he asked concerned. Khushi nodded and Arnav helped her into the bed. It hurt him to see Khushi in this state where she was totally dependent on someone else and could barely do anything for herself. She was strong willed and independent. That was one of the first things Arnav had learned about her but the fact that she was so alone was something that came as a surprise. She had never let it seem that way but after that phone call in the hospital Arnav could tell. They had been together for so long and she had never let it be known to him what she went through when she wasn’t with him. He realised that’s why he had become so dependent on her. Because she used to be with him so much he had gotten used to her. That’s why he couldn’t bear it that day she walked out of his life.

 

Tere labon pe hai mili

Mere labon ko zindagi

Tere bina ab saans loon

Mere liye mumkin nahin

Mehsoos yeh hota hai

Tu mere liye hai lazmi

Saaya tera ab chod kar

Lamhe chalein mumkin nahin

Mumkin nahin

Mumkin nahin

 

My lips have found

Life in yours

To breathe without you

For me is now impossible

I feel for me

You are necessary

Without your presence

I cannot spend a moment

It’s not possible

It’s not possible

 

Khushi yanked on Arnav’s arm pulling him out of his thoughts. “Where are you lost?” she asked with raised eyebrows. Arnav shook his head and sat down on the bed, “Nowhere. I was just thinking about someone,” he said with a smile. Khushi didn’t like the look that he had on his face and could feel the possessiveness surface. “Who is she? Khushi asked seeing green. Arnav was taken aback by Khushi’s reaction and could immediately see the jealousy she was feeling at the mention of someone else. “Why are you getting so hyper? When did I see it was a girl?” he asked coolly knowing exactly what she was talking about. “Don’t play that game with me Arnav. You know very well what I’m talking about,” she said giving him daggers.

 

Mujhko chupa le tu

Khud mein kahin pe

Main bhool jaun yeh jahaan

Faasla kabhi na ho

Dil chaahe yeh hi tho

Dhadkan tere bin hai kahan

 

Please hide me

Somewhere within you

Let me forget this world

There will never be distance between us

Is what my heart wishes

Without you, my heart won’t beat

 

“Okay fine. I won’t lie. She’s someone. Someone I knew a long time ago. She’s smart, she’s independent, she’s beautiful. What else do I say about her?” Arnav asked smirking. Khushi was fuming. How could he talk about another girl like that when he claimed to love her so much? Arnav was enjoying seeing smoke emit from her ears. “Name ASR? I want a name!” Khushi said through gritted teeth. Arnav knew that when she called him ASR she was really angry and he decided not to push her any further in case it affected her health. He had to admit it was fun teasing her but not if it hurt her. Physically or emotionally.

 

Meri nazar kehne lagi

Tu saamne ho har ghadi

Bas ik tere chehre bina

Duniya meri mumkin nahin

Paaya tujhe toh hai laga

Poori hui koi kami

Tujhse judaa ab rahoon

Khwaabon mein bhi mumkin nahin

Mumkin nahin

Mumkin nahin

My eyes long for you

To always be in front of them

Without your face

My world is not possible

When I got you

Everything felt complete

For me to be apart from you

Is impossible even in my dreams

It’s not possible

It’s not possible

 

“Did I mention she is an amazing singer,” he said almost as if he was in paradise when he heard her voice, “and that I don’t think I’ll be able to live without her,” he added. Khushi flung the cushion next to her straight at Arnav hitting him on the head. Arnav let out a huff at the cushion hitting him. “Why are you getting so violent? I’ll tell you just calm down,” he said soothingly as he moved closer to her. “The world knows her as KKG but for me she’s Khushi,” Arnav whispered. Khushi didn’t know what to stay and just looked at Arnav. “She’s smart. She’s independent, she’s an amazing singer and she’s beautiful,” he said looking into her hazel eyes. Khushi felt as though she was going to melt because of the way he was looking at her. “I also can’t live without her,” he whispered in her ear then kissed her on her cheek.

 

Tere labon pe hai mili

Mere labon ko zindagi

Tere bina ab saans loon

Mere liye mumkin nahin

Mehsoos yeh hota hai

Tu mere liye hai lazmi

Saaya tera ab chod kar

Lamhe chalein mumkin nahin

Mumkin nahin

Mumkin nahin

 

My lips have found

Life in yours

To breathe without you

For me is now impossible

I feel for me

You are necessary

Without your presence

I cannot spend a moment

It’s not possible

It’s not possible

 

 

Khushi was astounded by what Arnav had just said and done. She wasn’t expecting any of that at all. He left her speechless and was now waiting for her to react. When he noticed she wasn’t reacting to anything he asked, “Khushi, are you okay?” She just nodded in reply and Arnav chuckled. He knew perfectly well what he had done. “It’s late and you need to rest,” he said getting up. Khushi finally came back to her senses and a wide smile adorned her face. Even after all this time and those bitter memories he still loved her. She was ecstatic and couldn’t control her emotions. Tears started flowing. Arnav said something and she wiped them away before he could turn around. He sat on the bed next to her and gave her medication. He tucked her into bed and gave her a goodnight kiss on her forehead. She had closed her eyes when he tucked her in and he thought she must’ve fallen asleep immediately because she was tired. He got up to move to the recliner. He decided he’d stay the night in case she woke up or needed anything. Just as he was about to walk away Khushi grabbed his wrist stopping him. Arnav turned to see Khushi still awake, “Please don’t go,” she said teary eyed.

 

Tere labon pe hai mili

Mere labon ko zindagi

Tere bina ab saans loon

Mere liye mumkin nahin

Mehsoos yeh hota hai

Tu mere liye hai lazmi

Saaya tera ab chod kar

Lamhe chalein mumkin nahin

Mumkin nahin

Mumkin nahin

 

My lips have found

Life in yours

To breathe without you

For me is now impossible

I feel for me

You are necessary

Without your presence

I cannot spend a moment

It’s not possible

It’s not possible

 

Khushi was Arnav’s only weakness other than his sister and he could he ever refuse her. “Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be right here,” he said pointing at the couch that was in her room. He tried to step forward but Khushi was holding him back and was pulling him towards her. It had been a long time since Khushi felt loved by anyone and she was craving to hold Arnav in her arms again. He had said he would be there but she wanted him next to her so she’d know for sure that he really was there with her and she wasn’t just imagining him. Arnav knew what Khushi wanted so he took off his shoes and climbed under the covers with Khushi. “Better?” he asked her. She nodded her head, “Thanks,” she said smiling at him. Khushi put rested her head on Arnav’s chest and wrapped an arm around his waist. Arnav in turn put his arms around her wrapping her in them. Khushi felt the warmth of Arnav’s arms around her and immediately felt safe and protected. Arnav stroked her hair and she fell asleep quickly. Arnav could hear her breathing and knew she fell asleep. He stopped stroking her hair. “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.

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.