Chapter 36

Pearl_Oyster

@Pearl_Oyster

A/N: This update is done by Aisha, my co-writer for this story. Most of you don't know her as she isn't a writer in IF. To know more about her and her works, you can PM or scrap me anytime.

Part 36

"I am always listening" Abhay replied, taking her one hand in his and pressing it in an assuring, friendly way.

"It's about, Arnav" She said and looked up to see a change of expressions but there was none.

Taking it encouragingly, she closed her eyes for a second, arranging her thoughts and started speaking.

"You know, Abhay, three years back, when I woke up with Arnav's letter by my side, rather than him, something died within me. Maybe it was my trust in him. I think my heart did stop beating and it was as if God had given me heart-beats again. You know, at that moment I felt like seceding, because I couldn't live in the world with him and a life where my innocence had been taken. I used to complain to God 24/7 that if he would've killed me right there and then, it would all be so better. Than Buaji died and I was like yes "God hates me!". But now I realize, I was bestowed a second life, because I was destined to see him kneeling in front of me for forgiveness"

Khushi had never told Abhay what she felt when she went through mental anguish, and today he felt as if she was opening to him like a dandelion in the spring, and he could see their bond become stronger than ever. He didn't say a word and let her say everything.

"Then I found you and I realized that if someone we love, leaves us, we get someone who loves us and it's our right and our duty to live for them. That was what I always felt for you. I always feel, I owe you something. Honestly you built me up again. I was completely shattered. You know what, the first time I laughed after Arnav left me, it was when you made me. I was totally a stranger to that feeling but you made me familiar. I learnt to live again and all thanks to you. Then came mighty Arnav Singh Raizada once again, like an arrogant boaster, who thought that he'll control my anger and hatred for him and I felt like sinking again, in that deep dark pit. But you helped me out and I fought against him. And today, the man who used to smirk at seeing me in his office, under him, pleads to me whenever he meets me and I shut him up"

Realizing she was done, Abhay placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Khushi, why are you telling me all this? I mean why now?"

"Because I am fed up of keeping things to myself" She said, wiping a tear from her cheek.

"Well, we shall celebrate then"

She looked up at his smiling face, with teary eyes.

"why?" She asked.

"Because my idiot little friend finally got the sense to share things and lessen her pains. Honestly Khushi, you think you are very much stronger when you are as tough as cotton balls. You moronish idiot"

"Hey! That's not a word! And I am not tough as a cotton ball" She slapped him hard on his arm.

"Like I am in any mood to believe you"

Khushi rolled her eyes.

"Whatever, lover boy"

Abhay laughed at her irritation and after a few moments of fake anger, she joined in and the house echoed with the laughter of two inseparable friends.

***~~~**

It was late night and Arnav was busy replaying Anjali's words in his mind. His sister is in love with Abhay. And according to Anjali, Abhay too was in love with her. But wasn't Abhay being cold to her that day at fashion show just like he used to be with Khushi 3 years back?

"What the hell is happening? Is Anjali going to go through same" He had just began to think that way when he let out this small shriek.

"NOOO!"

Now he realized, what would have happened to Khushi when Arnav left her. Khushi was right when she said

"Place it on your sister, Arnav. Then you'll realize"

It was true, placing it on his sister, made him realize the truth and intensity of the pain and reality that would've struck Khushi like a blow.

Was his sister going to suffer for his mistakes? Was she going to be punished for his deed? Was Abhay doing this purposely? The thought alone hit him like a punch in his gut. He'll have to talk to Abhay and Khushi too. He needs to sort everything. For himself, for his sister.

**~~~**

Pouring her heart out to Abhay did make her feel great. Khushi was feeling light and above all she realized that it's not meant to keep everything to ourselves. Some things are ought to be shared. She was planning to go to sleep when her cell rang.

"Arnav calling" She read.

Her heart beats began to race and she didn't like that. She was not supposed to be affected, was she?

She cleared her throat before picking the call.

"Umm.. Hello Arnav"

"Khushi, can you meet me tomorrow at Sunshine Club! Please don't refuse. You've to meet me. Please Khushi!"

Khushi's mouth dropped and she rechecked the caller ID. Is this Arnav? Requesting her again and again?

"Khushi"

Umm Yeah, Arnav.. What's up?" She asked.

"It's.."

The line went silent.

"Arnav" Khushi said.

"Realization" came his voice.

"Excuse me? I didn't get you"

"It's realization, Khushi. I need to talk to you. We'll have to meet"

"Oh" Was all she managed to say. After all what she was supposed to say hearing that the man who ruined her life was at last, realizing?

"Will you come?"

"Yes, I'll try to"

"I'll pick you up from office"

"Okay"

"Bye Khushi. Take care"

"Bye" She cut the call.

Khushi stood up and walked towards the window. A smile crept on her face. Was this the same man whom she pleaded to give her a chance to talk? Was this the same Arnav who won't meet her to clarify things? Time had turned the tables and Khushi now had the authority to discard his request to meet but she couldn't because she is not Arnav Singh Raizada and she has a heart. Moreover she would never give him the reason to say "Khushi you never gave me a chance when I asked"

This time she wanted to control the things. She wasn't going to let things go against her.

**~~~**

NEXT MORNING

"Abhay Abhay Abhay" She ran after him, as he walked down the stairs.

"Breathe Breathe Breathe" He replied grinning.

"Shut up"

"That was once... I thought you'll repeat that thrice"

"SHUT UP" Khushi bellowed again. She was panting and Abhay was not helping much.

"What's up?"

"Don't come to pick me up"

"Why?" He raised an eyebrow in suspicion.

"Arnav will do that"

"Ohkay. So you're going on a date?" He said, resting by the wall, arms folded, and seriousness spread across his countenance.

"Jealous huh?" She replied, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Nahi.. Just investigating"

Khushi laughed.

"No. Actually he called last night and said"

"What?" Abhay said, at once concerned.

"He said he badly wants to meet me. So I agreed"

"Okay. I permit you"

Khushi laughed again.

"You permit me? Oh please MR!" She patted his cheek and went down the stairs leaving behind a wondering Abhay. Khushi was behaving strange.

**~~~**

Khushi was busy studying the latest designs of her coming collection when a peon knocked her door.

"Yes?"

"Ma'am, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada is waiting for you"

"Oh snap! I am coming" Khushi at once packed her stuff and hurried down. She was so lost in her designs that she never wondered that Arnav would have arrived.

She quickly glanced in her bag to see if everything was there and hurried down the parking.

There she saw his gleaming white SUV as she walked towards it.

Arnav was already outside the car and he opened the door for her and then sat himself after she was seated.

''Sorry for being late!" She said.

"It's fine''

The drive was silent. Arnav did not speak and Khushi decided it was best to remain silent; after all it was his idea to meet.

After they reached the club, none of them spoke till Arnav placed an order. Till that time Khushi was incredibly uncomfortable in that silence.

"Khushi, I told you last night that I had realised"

Khushi first jumped at the sudden start of talking but recovered and began listening to him. She nodded when she finished.

"You remember you once said that I would never realise till I place it on my sister?"

"Yes"

"I placed it on my sister and realised. I was... Extremely wrong. To be really honest, Khushi, till all this time that I've apologised, I never meant it so much like I do today. Khushi, I am so very sorry that I did that to you. I just..." He choked on his words.

"Just have no words to describe how sorry I am. And today, I won't ask you to forgive me. If you don't feel like, don't! I deserve that"

"Ssh" Khushi said placing her one hand on his and hushed him up. Her own eyes were teary. She knew it was enough. She had already forgiven him, long back. But all this time she was finding it hard to adjust to that feeling. But now when she saw his own teary eyes her heart wrenched. He had done everything to make her forgive him. What else was he supposed to do? The mighty Arnav Singh Raizada was so sorry that he had totally broken and that was enough from his side" She decided.

"Arnav, I never really meant to forgive you ever. But today, I don't want to hurt you anymore. It's enough of your repentance. I forgive you for everything, whole-heartedly"

"Khushi" He whispered, placing his other hand on hers and she nodded in agreement, smiling that beautiful smile.

"So what made you realise?" Khushi asked once they were back in the car.

"Will tell you that later"

"Why?" She pouted which made Arnav laugh.

"I promise I will tell that too" He said.

Khushi smiled.

"Won't you come up?" Khushi asked as he waved his hand.

"No have some important work to do"

"Okay" Arnav waited till Khushi went up and then made a call.

"Anjie, send me Abhay's number"

The moment later, Anjali sent him the number.

Arnav dialled the number and took a deep breath.

''Hello'' came Abhay's uncertain voice, due to an unknown number.

"Abhay, its Arnav. If you don't mind then shall we meet? I've something important to discuss"

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