#3 ArShi FF: Lost Memories*EPILOGUE*pg67*29/09 - Page 12

PART 33: The Silence Before Storm!

It was a month since the incident. The last time Khushi saw Arnav shedding tears literally. That is when she decided that come what may, she can never see him in any pain, let alone cry. It was a month since Arnav and Khushi were back to their normal phase. It was a month since Khushi spoke to Daksh, or was let to speak to him. Arnav who understood the reason for Khushi's unstable mind state, saw to that, that she did not have much time to talk to Daksh. Arnav took her to their textile factory, designing unit and made her aware of the vast property they had without actually spilling to her about she being the sole owner to all those.

Khushi tried her best to stick to Arnav's words without letting her mind dwell into what Daksh said. That Saturday, after that emotional apology, Arnav very firmly said to Khushi,

Arnav: Khushi never once again doubt my love. You are my life Khushi.

Khushi: I know Arnav, but sometimes I just turn hollow. I don't know what to believe, what not to. Everything in front of me just goes blank when I think something too much. Never once I believe Mama to do something bad for me. But I also know that You can never hurt me. I don't know...

Khushi was getting restless taking so much stress. Arnav understood that it had something to do with Khushi staying in Asylum. Arnav protectively held her in his arms soothing her.

Arnav: Shh! Relax Khushi. I can understand your dilemma. Shall I say a solution for it?

Khushi who was now calming down with her face hid in his neck curve, hummed. Arnav brought her out and held her face looking into her hazel orbs.

Arnav: Khushi, love comes or not, but Trust always comes first. I love you, I trust you. Even if you don't love me, you need to trust me. Whatever happens, you should believe that I will never hurt you or harm you in any way. Can you do that?

And this whole month, Khushi is trying very hard to do that. But the problem is with her hollow mind which always inclines where there is less trouble! And this will be a big problem soon.

In this one month apart from stopping Khushi talking to Daksh, Arnav did other jobs too. Like, he visited best psychiatrist to consult Khushi's mental health. But he got only wild guesses and not solutions. They said, she must have been treated not to get her memory back because of which her mind is hollow and just doesn't see beyond what is shown. Or she must have been hurt badly in the accident that has caused this state.

And Arnav had this strong feeling that the former could have happened. With Daksh, this was very much possible. So as suggested, he tried going easy with Khushi without stressing her much. And it was less than a month away from her birthday! They need to act fast. So They planned something that will turn up fatal!

It was one Wednesday. Khushi was in kitchen with Dadi and Lavanya cooking lunch for Men who will come for lunch as they had off the rest of the day. Dadi was cooking one special dish for each. Khushi was learning them and she was pretty fast.

Khushi: Damu, we have finished Khaste Mathura Aloo, Parathe, Sambar chawal and Lucknow kofta, Baingan Lonje. Main course ok. What about Dessert?

Lavanya: don't worry Khushi, Dadi maked mean Kulfi, phirni and Nimish!

Khushi: Why not Jalebi Damu?

Both the ladies exchanged looks at this.

Devyani: Jalebi? Hmmm... Pari, do you like Jalebi?

Khushi: I tasted it only once Damu, but I loved it so much. But Mama refused to get me saying it is unhealthy.

Khushi said without knowing the impact her words were having on the other people there.

Khushi: I don't know why Lavanya, the taste just got to me so much that, Whenever I think of desserts, Jalebi comes first to my mind.

Lavanya: They say that some habits just run too deep in blood.

Khushi: Habit?

Devyani: Nothing Pari! She is saying that may be someone in your family must have been fond of them.

Lavanya bit her tongue while Devyani took care of the situation giving her a CAREFUL look.

Khushi: So shall we make? Damu will you teach me?

Lavanya: but Dadi already planned Kulfi. And it is Arna..

Khushi: I know that Arnav will jump from heaven to earth for Kulfi. But Today, it is Jalebi day. What say Damu?

They had to agree. After all baby Khushi's best friends were Jalebi and Sweet tea. Moreover the people of family got used to Khushi remembering and forgetting things in flashes. They tried helping her with her memories but on Arnav's words, never tried compelling her. Arnav took her to places they spent their childhood to see if she can remember anything. But again it was all flashes.

Khushi was not blind to all these. She tried what was the thing that made everything around her so familiar while it was anything but familiar. She tried to solve it herself but everytime she stressed her mind to remember, all she saw was blankness. And Arnav will not say anything! She thought frustrated. Today she is not going to leave any chances, she decided.

The men arrived home soon and sat on their respective chairs around the dining table as the women arranged their plates with the delicacies.

Pratap: Arey wah! Lucknowi Feast! What is it ladies? Planning to loot us or something?

Aman: uh oh Dadaji.. Don't say it aloud. They will do that for sure then! Women and Shopping!

Lavanya: Shut up Aman! Else I will send you pilgrimage with Prakash Daddu!

Arnav: Better do that! He is anyway not working nowadays!

Aman: Me? Or you?

Arnav: ME?

Aman: Yes you! La, do you remember once there lived someone called ASR whom you used to complain about as he never lets me home soon to give sometime to my wife!

Lavanya: Aahh yes! But I wonder where he is nowadays..

Pratap: Really! I am wondering too!

Devyani: Keep wondering! I dont see him anywhere here!

Khushi: Who is ASR? I never knew him.

Arnav: Ok enough of pulling my legs you all! Are you complaining that ASR is not around?

He asked with a smirk quirking his left brow with perfection.

Aman: honestly No! because I get the full blast anyway! ASR became Romeo and poor Aman is getting all the work load!

Arnav: Cut it Aman Bhatnagar! Else you are fired!

Aman: Tell that to someone else! I am fired a 1000 times a day..

Lavanya: and still manage to stay!

At this everyone laughed. Aman looked at everyone sheepishly while Arnav had his plastic expression. But as he saw Khushi's smiling face, his expressions softened. He kept looking at her as she giggled and her hazel orbs glinted with mischief. Aman who saw this nudged Lavanya who signalled to the elders. Everyone became quiet while Khushi looked around and Arnav kept admiring her! Biting his inner cheeks without laughing out loud, Aman tapped Arnav's shoulder.

Aman: Back to earth Mr. Romeo Singh Raizada!

Arnav who was brought back from his dream world drooling tried hard to maintain straight face, but could not help his red ears.

Arnav: Shut up Aman. And don't call me Romeo!

Aman & Lavanya: WHAAAIII?

Khushi: Because, Its patent name. No one else can call him that. Right Arnav?

Arnav(Mumbling): Why do you have to say that louder to everyone... Kuku Kahi ki!

Khushi: Did you say something Annu?

Arnav: Huh! No.. Actually I asked for dessert. Dadi where are the Kulfi?

Lavanya: Today no Kulfi Bhai. Something special cooked by Someone special. Will be delivered specially in your room. Go soon!

Arnav looked suspiciously at the ladies narrowing his eyes.

Arnav: What is going on in that head of yours La?

Aman: Stop questioning and get into action. Good day boss. Bye Dadaji Dadiji. See you in evening.

Saying Aman and Lavanya escaped the scene while Arnav went to his room after wishing the elders, hesitating thinking of what might be waiting for him. Khushi was missing from the scene. He opened the room door only to see it empty. And then he heard piano and he knew where his kuku is. He rushed to the Basement room. It was his and Khushi's secret Adda. Whenever anyone needs to hide when they are upset or Angry, they go to this room and no one disturbs them. Then later as the kids learned Music, Arjun and Rajiv placed a Piano there for them to practice and have good time. Maybe Khushi could not remember, but Arnav could not forget anything related to his Kuku.

As he reached the room, he saw Khushi sitting near the piano with Jalebis in her hand. And he understood that it was the special dessert. He smiled as he moved to Khushi.

Khushi: So Mr. Romeo. Ready to taste the special sweet?

Arnav: Always! By the way did you make it?

Khushi: Damu taught me. Smells really awesome. Can't wait to gulp them down Arnav.

Arnav: Pagli! U and your craziness for Jalebi!

Khushi(frowning): I had Jalebi only once.. that too years back. But how do you know that I am crazy about it?

Arnav(biting his tongue): Kuku, You always seem to forget that I know about you more than yourself!

He said taking a bite of juice jalebi and also stuffing one in her mouth making her chuckle and cough.

Khushi: Annu! slowly.

Arnav: They are delicious Kuku! So for making such a delicious dessert for me.. What do you want in return?

Khushi: Hmm.. I am not cooking for the first time to give me Shagun Arnav!

Arnav: Its my wish to gift my wife.. who can question me? And by the way wifey, this is the first time you are making Jalebi for me.. So I can give Shagun right?

He asked sliding his hands on her flat tummy from behind, keeping his chin on her shoulder. Khushi got lost in the moment with his breath falling hot near her ears. But when determined, diversion is not bound to happen! So a determined Khushi demanded her shagun.. an Answer!

Khushi: How come you know so much about me and how come I feel like I know about all of you, this house, this place, you, damu, dadu mainly you! When I find it difficult to remember my lost 8 years.. but easily I recall being with you and others in the family! How? how are we related Arnav?

Arnav was dumbstruck. He once wanted to tell everything to Khushi.. about him, her, about them. But after consulting a psychiatrist, he was advised not to do so. They did not know how her mind will withstand this without knowing what was done with it to make her forget things. So he played dumb and he decided to carry on that.

Arnav: I asked you if you want a gift Kuku. But you are playing 20 questions with me.

Khushi: Shagun is anything I ask for Arnav. And i asked what I want. Giving me and not giving me what I want now lays is your hands.

Arnav: Is it really necessary to answer it now? You already have suffered with bad headaches when you try to stress, and trust me, this will make it only worse.

Khushi: I trust you, so only I am asking you.

Arnav: Why are you hell bent on bringing a cyclone in our otherwise still life Khushi? It is just one month since that incident and I still can't forget that one week when we were so close yet so far. Its hell Khushi. I can't go through that again.

Khushi looked at him! and then turned to piano and played it humming a song.

Arnav: you have a sweet voice Kuku..

Khushi: Ahh well, I dont remember learning it. But Arnav, I want Answers..

Arnav Sighed in defeat.

Khushi: Aranv, neither I can forget that week. But we are not still like we were before. There is something bothering you from within. And that is making us really unstable. I can't see us suffering like this Arnav. I can't see you suffering. You are suffocating from inside. Just let that out. I want my Arnav back who flirts with me, irritates me to hell still protects me like strong armor. But you are doing anything but that!

Arnav: Fine. But you should believe what I say. It will not be easy for you to believe it Khushi. Because in my side of story, someone whom you look up to will be shown in utterly different shade which you would have imagined off. But you will have to promise me something before I start!

Khushi: What?

Arnav: If you anywhere feel that this is taking toll on you, physically, mentally or emotionally, we will stop and you will not think anymore about it!

Khushi frowned but still gave him her word.

Arnav: Do you remember me showing an album in ooty?

Khushi: Yes!

Arnav: It was our family album. We stayed together beneath a single roof before that fateful accident!

Khushi: Accident?

Arnav: Boat Accident!

Khushi's mind drifted to her nightmare that she remembered in bits and pieces.