Chapter 1

As time evolves our hearts evolves with it. The mind sets we created while we were kids merges in to mature aspects of life, and that is all because of experience. A man may spew facts at your face or threaten to take away your life, but a man cannot ever steal away experience. Every moment in our life is scarred right in to our souls, creating an experience.

When a child witnesses a violent household it transforms every part of their brain. A wall suddenly builds up without them even knowing. Life begins to move, and along they move with it, but when the time comes for them to face these emotions, that is when they realize they had a wall built all their lives. Every ounce of numbness begins to fade away and the true emotions come out to play.

I was one of these children.

The realization dawned on me was when he walked in to the antique store, that freezing December night.

A storm was uprising in the air and I was getting myself ready to go home. As I hurried my way around the store, the bell from the front door grasped my attention. I turned around to see who in the name of the lord would shop at a stormy night like this. And there he stood in all his glory staring right in to my dark brown orbs.

He wrapped his arms around his body and slightly gave me a smile. I could tell from the thin, sophisticated black coat he was wearing that it was not enough to withstand this cold. 'Hello there,' he spoke in a soft, husky voice, 'I know it's really late, but I really need to get a present for someone and this was the only store that was open. Please if you don't mind.'

It took me a moment to capture my breath. 'Sir I understand, but if I have to get home soon before this storm gets worse,' I said trying my best not to sound rude, at the same time to make him understand my situation.

Frustrated, he combed through his hair and looked around. I could tell he was really desperate and compassion filled my heart. Letting out of a huge sigh I nodded my head with a smile. 'Alright fine, but please hurry okay? I am giving you 15 minutes.' A bright smile appeared on his handsome face. 'Thank you! You're a life saver! I promise I won't take long, I swear.'

15 minutes later I saw him looking utterly disappointed. His head dropped and I knew that his search for a present failed. 'Nothing at all?, 'I asked coming over to him. He nodded in denial, 'no nothing at all.'

'If I may I ask... Who are you buying for?'

'My sister... It's her wedding anniversary today and I forgot about it.' Just as he spoke those words his eye roamed around my face and traveled to my neck. My v neck sweater gave him full access to see my flushed skin. He looked up at me and a Cheshire smile appeared. 'That locket you're wearing! It would be the perfect gift for my sister!'

I looked down at my locket and right back at him in bewilderment. 'What! You want my locket? Are you mad? Why in the world would I give you my locket! It is not for sale!'

'Please? There is nothing here and that locket is just perfect!'

I could not believe this man. 'You are really insane you know that. No, the answer is no and that is final. This locket is mine to keep, and not yours. And I won't give this locket to you or anyone! I am sorry so please leave now before I do get stuck here in this storm.'

There was a moment of silence between us, and I saw his eyes filled with shattered dreams. 'At least can I look at it?,' he asked quietly. I sighed and granted his wish. Gently I dropped to his palm, accidentally brushing my finger against it. Sparks tingled down my back, almost making me jump. His gaze held my own and he opened the locket. 'It's an empty locket. Why are you wearing an empty locket?'

'Because I felt like it,' I replied quietly. He moved closer and tipped my chin up. 'No locket should be empty. Ever.'

The words sank in to me like ink to a paper, and I remember being utterly quiet until he decided to move away. Moment he took a step towards the door I asked him his name. He halted and I remember him whispering a name that I never forgot; Arnav.

***

'You seem really quiet today, but contend.. Am I missing something?'

I smiled and looked around the shop. Candles were lit on the small dinner table that was placed by the long glass windows, and warmth surrounded the atmosphere, whilst the cold winter storm raged outside; just like that very day. 'There is something I want you to have...,'I whispered looking deeply in to his eyes.

'Khushi.. is something the matter. Did I do something sweet heart?'

I laughed slightly at the fear in his voice. This was the same man that fearlessly fought to get one date with me, and here he was afraid. The fear of losing me to my demons. Languidly I got up from my chair, and gently raised him to stand with me.

'There is something I want to give you today Arnav. Something very dear and special to me.. Something I have never done in my entire life.' He waited patiently for me to proceed and I gently took it out of my red sweater pocket.

'Khushi...,'

I placed it in his palm. 'Open it Arnav...' He stared at me for a while, and then he opened it. Once again he looked up at me with a surprise expression placed on his face. 'Only Exception', he whispered, ' what does that mean?'

'When we first met this locket was empty. Just like how I was, and I protected this empty locket with my life. But then you entered Arnav... and you changed that forever. You unlocked this locket and found out my secret; emptiness. And then you dared to take this locket from me, by asking for it. I said yes eventually later on, but I never really gave you full accesses to this locket. However today I am, and I want you to know that this locket is yours to keep, and yours alone. I am not afraid anymore for it is not empty. You filled it with your love. You are the Only Exception.'

'And you are my own,' he whispered, gently capturing my lips for a kiss.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J7J_IWUhls

***

Hey guys another small one shot by me. Hope you guys listen to the song to get more feeling and understanding for this story. It really makes a huge difference.

And my mother did her operation today. She is doing well. Thank you for the sweet words on my last OS regarding it. Will update Innocence soon. Love you all, and take care.