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DISHA KI DIDI 9.4
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I hope you like this last season as much as the first. Please do click like at least if you can't leave a comment, but I would adore to read your comments too. Muah muah.
Chapter One: Belief
*...*...*
With the city of Anastasia so quiet, life felt like it was a stand still with it being a long week since the soldiers had returned from the mountains. Families who had their son's and fathers back was at heart having a jubilee of relief and eyes still wet with thanks to the Almighty. Many families however were cut at the heart unable to accept their lose...such a brutal loss to this war of blood. Their own blood.
Kanan in his cabin wearing his cream suit and navy tie, had his hands clenched in his pockets while leant back against his desk watching the news play out before his eyes on the cold television screen. As they replayed over the happy end to the war, the screen often cut to the General's interview where people constantly asked questions regarding Arnav making his jaw tighten with pain. Eyes were red and dark from the loss of sleep, Kanan could tell. A little like his own. Even though he hadn't lost a blood drop of his own, he knew at home he had lose his little granddaughter who was nothing different than a corpse. Dead while living.
NK knocked before entering the room in his own work suit glancing at Kanan who was lost in his own thoughts. He gulped painfully looking down before looking back up knowing this couldn't go on. He swiftly entered the room shutting the glass door behind him and walking up to Kanan leaving the work file at the side. He looked up at Kanan seeing he was still staring at the TV screen with pain in his eyes and sorrow on his expression. NK turned to look at the TV screen too. Since the news of Arnav's death, the family was up in the air with shock like a scene in a movie where the impact of a bomb had hit, but the effect of it wasn't over. Seeing the news of the Peace treaty signing made NK hope.
NK gently: "Nana?"
Kanan remained silent staring, but NK knew he was listening.
NK quietly: " Both Presidents of Zyairia and Zakita are signing a renewed Peace Treaty after the Funeral of the Fallen later...For Anastasia...Shyam and...and Arnav's going to be part of that list. As well as some others...I was thinking-"
Kanan gulped: " Of course we'll go. Tell everyone to finish their work around one for today. Everyone should be there."
NK: " I can get Khus-"
Kanan looked at him: " No beta. Not Khushi."
He turned away from the screen and went round to sit on his leather chair.
NK frowned: " But-"
Kanan firmly: " I don't want this to get worse for her Nanhe. I don't have to explain to you what she's going through. You've seen it."
NK facing him understanding: "I know but she needs to interact with everyone Nana. She hasn't spoken to anyone yet at home, even me. She doesn't even go out to see Anjili or Payal. This isn't healthy for her. Especially in her condition-"
Kanan frowned: "What do you mean?"
NK's eyes widened realizing before swiftly saying: " Of losing Arnav. She's falling into depression. You know it Nana. "
Kanan remained silent for a good minute or two before sighing: " Even if that was good for her...She won't come Nanhe beta. She won't."
And with that he got up and left the room, leaving NK to ponder in his own thoughts.
~
At Aman's apartment, Aman in his wheelchair stared angrily outside his window seeing everyone in white walk slowly out their houses toward the lower city where the funeral was going to start soon. His heart pained to see Shyam's parents among them. Taking a shaky breath he looked down at his arm tightly bound to his chest while his legs were immobile. Gulping, Aman painfully tried to moving his arm and leg only for the pain to sear through him. It was then he felt a hand on his shoulder.
Anjili gently: " What are you doing Aman?"
Aman closed his eyes angrily feeling embarrassment fill him. Anjili went to bend before him checking if everything was fine before cupping his cheek, only for his to sharply move his face away. Anjili sadly staring at him smiled suddenly brightly.
Anjili: "Ma was leaving for the funeral so she's wanted you-"
Aman bit quietly: "I'm fine. I don't need help...I'm going to that funeral anyway. "
Anjili sighed as this wasn't the first time Aman wanted to leave the apartment.
Anjili: "You know the doctor said for you to strictly stay at home for your recovery."
Aman grit his teeth looking away: " To hell with them. I'm going. I'm not asking you. Now leave. Your going my head in."
Anjili painfully: " Why are you doing this Aman? I know Shyam and Arnav...*sighs painfully* They meant so much to you. But you know everyone's suffering. It's not just you."
Aman used his working hand to suddenly grip Anjili hard making her eyes widen.
Aman firmly: " Don't compare my suffering to everyone elses. They and you have no f**king idea."
Anjili earnestly: "Then tell us. Tell us what happened in the mountains. Spill it all out only then will the pain lighten Aman."
Aman frowned as Anjili cupped his cheek again: " I'm your wife Aman. At least tell me."
Aman however firmly let her go looking away as images of the avalanche and Shyam's dying smile flashed across his eyes.
Aman whispered bitterly: "You won't understand...no one will understand."
Anjili staring at Aman sighed painfully as she couldn't bear seeing him like this. All bitter and silent. She looked down at his arm and legs seeing them fidget. Since that day Aman returned there wasn't a night where Anjili hadn't cried herself to sleep at the thought of Aman's pain. Khushi's pain. Everyone's pain. But she knew she had to stay strong for him and for herself.
~
A hot blazing fire was lit at Central Anastasia that grew higher and high with everyone gathered. It was a symbol of respect for everyone that the City of Anastasia had lost to the brutal war. While some families wet quietly, others stared at the fire as it mirrored their pain and anger inside. Everyone in white was gathered from the lower city and the upper city with everyone holding hands for comfort and consideration. As the General stared at the fire with his surviving soldiers lines up behind him, he gulped painfully wishing his son was alive. How he'd do anything to trade places with his son on the other side of death.
Shyam's parents wept holding each other close never feeling more alone with their only son now lost. His father holding his wife close noticed Akash and Payal stood beside them with gentle smiles and eyes understanding. Shyam's mother seeing Payal sobbed and hugged her while Akash consoled Shyam's father. Shyam's parents was like Akash's own, but they were the most bubbly and jolly of people. Akash staring at the fire felt a tear fall from his eye wishing Arnav was alive. Their lives never felt so shattered and scattered. Akash noticed however Aman in his wheelchair get pushed gently through the crowd with Anjili. Their eyes met making them smile sadly, while Aman's bitterly stared at the fire. Akash went to their side to crouch down beside Aman. They just sat there watching the fire. Their presence said it all as memories of the four of them was so vivid. The laughs, the arguments, the jokes, the friendship...the brotherhood. All swept away.
Anjili and Payal hugged eachother before pulling apart.
Payal quietly to Anjili: "Didn't you say the doctor wanted Aman to have full bed rest. He didn't have to come-"
Anjili sadly smiled: " Aman needs this closure for Shyam and Arnav."
Anjili spotted Kanan and Adhira in the distance among others before looking to Payal.
Anjili: "Khushi-"
Payal shook her head: "This would be too much for her remember. I don't think she's co-"
Payal's eyes widened making Anjili look round too to see Khushi and NK emerge from the crowd side by side. Shocked they slow went over to them. Khushi seeing them couldn't say anything as they both hugged her tightly. The were both glad Khushi came to get closure. They were a little concerned however feeling she was a little skinner than before but also felt an unusual bump against her stomach. Khushi pulled away holding NK's arm. Kanan and Adhira spotting Khushi looked shocked to NK who reassuringly nodded at them. The two girls looked to NK confused who shook his head at them not to mention it.
Payal gently starting a conversation: "It was good you came out here for this Khushi. Arnav would have wanted this."
Khushi however numbly stared at the floor hugging NK's arm tightly hearing that while shaking her head a little. The girls confused looked at each other before looking at NK who held Khushi's hand.
NK shook his head at them lightly as he knew even though he had convinced Khushi to come out to support Shyam at least, her mind was still fragile. And he wasn't going to wait around to find out how fragile it was.
It was a good while everyone stood not wanting to leave the flame that was lit for their lost family. Soon one by one the families left feeling this chapter come to a close with the numbing pain in their hearts. There was only a few left behind with Anjili taking Aman away, while Payal and Akash escorted Shyam's parents back home too. Adhira and Kanan went up to NK and Khushi indicating they all should head home too.
NK gently looking to Khushi: " Flutter petal...we have to head home. Hmm?"
Khushi however stood her ground just staring at the fire mesmerized. Adhira felt tears in her eyes while Kanan put an arm around her.
Kanan petting Khushi's head: " Betiya. Lets go home."
As Adhira and Kanan turned walking a little a head, NK with an arm round Khushi began slowly walking too. Anik was another that was also left at the fire noticed Khushi with her eyes red and face pale. Pained by his own sorrow he looked back to the fire once more before leaving swiftly with BB. No one knew however the thoughts in Khushi's mind as she stared reluctantly at the fire.
...Arnav: " Arnav. My name. "
Khushi smiled softly: " Arnav...*playing with the strap of her bag* My name is Khushi."...
...Arnav nodded curtly before going round to her side and holding out his arm. Khushi looked down at it blinking before looking at at him. Arnav was looking straight ahead waiting patiently. Khushi couldn't help smile and gently slip her arm through his to link...
...Arnav whispering: " I love you Khushi."
Khushi felt the air get knocked out of her lungs with her loud gasp. She blinked.
Arnav smirked very very briefly staring at her fondly: " More than my own life."...
...Khushi desperately wept holding his face to hers: " Please Arnav! You have to live...For me. Promise me!...Live. Do everything you can to survive and come back to me! I don't care! But you have to live...Please! *sobs before whispering*...Promise me...Promise me you won't die...Promise me..."
Arnav feeling a tear slip down the bridge of his nose, he sighed painfully nodding.
Arnav: "I...I promise...*whispers against her ear* I love you Khushi."
Khushi gasped seeing Arnav place an engagement ring on her finger making her cry hugging him tightly once more feeling him make love to her again...
Khushi whispered: " He promised."
NK paused looking at her: " Khushi?"
Khushi's eyes drooped: " He promised. "
It was then Khushi's legs gave away making NK grip her quickly: " Khushi!"
Adhira and Kanan turned back to see their granddaughter in her fainted state and rushed to her.
Adhira: "KHUSHI?!"
Kanan patting her face gently: " Khushi betiya?!"
As everyone called her name, Khushi felt herself fall deeper and deeper into the pit.
She smiled.
~
NK thanked Aisha for coming all the way from the outskirts of Anastasia to check Khushi. Aisha petting NK's cheek with a smile nodded.
Aisha: " She's be fine Nanhe. But make sure she get plenty of rest, food and juice in her. Her baby needs it more than anything. See you next week."
NK smiled nodding before watching Aisha leave down the corridor with her doctors bag. His smile soon fell however as he slumped down on one of the white chairs at the side. He rubbed his face stressed even more now as Kanan and Adhira now knew of Khushi's condition. She was pregnant. It goes without saying that it was Arnav's, but he feared for his flutter petal as she was going through so much mentally already. She didn't need anymore stress. He got up to quickly head down the corridor to Khushi's ward as he knew she'd need her best friend at a time like this.
As he entered the room however disaster struck. The slap echoed in the air only for Khushi not to react even to that. Her eyes remained numb to the floor.
NK outraged rushed forward: " NANI!"
Kanan pulling her back a bit: " ADHIRA!"
Adhira with murderous eyes glared at Khushi: " You have ruined us! RUINED US!-"
Khushi whispered: " He's alive."
Adhira and everyone in the hospital room looked to Khushi shocked. She was sat up in bed with her hair brought to the side, while her skin remained so pale and eyes so lost in daze. NK slowly walked to Khushi's bedside and sat down on the edge staring at her carefully.
NK: " Khushi-"
Adhira furious: " This girl has single handedly ruined us! Pregnent! And with Arnav!? CHEE! Arre Khushi! At least Garima had the sense to marry Shashi first! What *gasping tearfully looking to Kanan* What are we going to do now?! What will everyone call the child?!"
Kanan feeling betrayed by Khushi looked down in shame as he knew exactly what Adhira meant. He didn't know what to say seeing Khushi in this state.
Khushi however stared away at the bed with a gentle smile: " We had so many dreams Nani...So many."
Everyone looked to Khushi as she spoke dreamily away: "Arnav and I stared up at the skies and dreamed away as how our life was going to be. A small house near the lake and trees...A baby girl for him and a baby boy for me...*giggles*...and a little dog too...Just how I wanted...*thoughtfully* He always was adamant about the dog for me. "
As Kanan and NK stared tearfully away at Khushi lost in her own world, Adhira was livid. She went to her side holding her arm.
Adhira: " Khushiii! Look around you! Can't you see reality? Arnav is dead and this child...What have you done Khushi...WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! And Nanhe!? You knew!? We trusted you!"
NK remained quiet as they were right. He should have said something, but now it was too late.
Khushi looked to Adhira smiling: " But Arnav isn't dead Nani. He promised me he'll come back. No matter what."
Kanan gently: "Betiya he just said that at the time or else you wouldn't have let him go."
Khushi frowned: " No Nana...Arnav wouldn't lie to me like that. And...And I told him about our baby through the letters. *smiles* After hearing about our baby he would move earth to make sure he returns. I know that for sure. "
She frowned hurt seeing Kanan stare at her sadly, while Adhira paced shaking her head at what was happening. She firmly held NK's arm looking to him desperately.
Khushi: " Why don't they believe me Nanhe!? I'm not lying."
As tears fell from Kanan's eyes, he sat down at the side, while Adhira couldn't stop her mind working. NK glancing at Kanan and Adhria felt pained for them as he knew they were simple people who just wanted a peaceful life. He couldn't help feel responsible for all this.
Khushi quietly: "You believe me done you Nanhe?"
NK looked to her painfully, while she looked back at him with eyes full of hope.
NK smiled gently wiping her tears: "Of course I do."
Khushi smiled brightly while Adhira and Kanan looked at him in shock.
Khushi hugged him close: " I knew it. Just everyone watch. Arnav will come back...He will...He will."
As NK hugged her back warmly he looked to Adhira who shook her head at him disappointed while Kanan was lost for words whether or not Khushi was right.
*...*...*
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*...*...*
With the month of February dragging by to the horizon of March, Khushi didn't leave the house once under Adhira's orders with the pregnancy now definitely more evident. And a 6 month pregnancy was hard to hide for sure. This time of being out of everyone's sights had more affect as NK had become her mouth-piece before the people in their neighborhood. Especially as Khushi was appointed the Library Head.
Payal and Anjili upon NK's request had been looking after the Library together, taking it in turns to run and look after it as well as it's visitors and staff. Though NK explained to them that Khushi was suffering badly from Arnav's loss still and needed time, there was something else that just wasn't right this time and it truely bothered them. Especially when NK would always make excuses for them not to meet Khushi. It wasn't long til they dragged NK to the little lady cafe one afternoon and forced him to spill the beans.
Anjili shocked: " Oh shit."
Payal stunned whispered: " She's...Khushi's pregnant?...6 months?"
Anjili angrily: " WHAT THE HECK NANH-"
Payal and NK with their fingers on their lips: " Shhh!"
Anjili covered her mouth: " Sorry guys...but oh my gosh...Khushi..."
NK sighed looking around seeing the place was empty anyway: " I was going to tell you girls after Khushi's next monthly check up...No one else knows other than me, Nani and Nana."
Anjili: "Arnav's right?"
Payal annoyed sharply: "Of course it's Arnav's! How could you ask something like that Anjili!?"
Anjili closed her eyes realizing her mistake: "No I meant... *sighs*...I was just shocked that Khushi and Arnav had taken their relationship further. Khushi was always a girl who dreamt of the perfect marriage right-"
NK taking a sip from his coffee: "It's complicated...And now we have Nani and Nana stressing at home because they think people will talk. "
Payal and Anjili looked at eachother then before looking back at NK.
Anjili gently: "NK...Their right to worry. If anyone found out they will talk-"
NK: " Anjili please not this-"
Payal: "Nanhe...this time I agree with Anjili... This is something to worry about. If anyone else found out...especially the media that this is Arnav Singh Raizada's child... Khushi and her family will be hounded by the press and labelled all kinds of things. Khushi doesn't deserve this."
NK sighed thinking about Khushi just being grounded at home. She needed to get out the house. But he understood Payal's point. He wanted to protect Khushi like them but he was worried for her health more mentally.
Anjili: " Have you tried reaching out to Arnav's dad maybe...the General...maybe he could convince the media-"
NK shook his head: " I tried. He doesn't want to talk to any of us. Not since Arnav...died."
Payal rolled her eyes: "I never had a good vibe about him anyways...What matters most is...how is Khushi?"
NK smiled awkwardly: " Happy and waiting."
Anjili and Payal looked at each other again shocked before shuffling closer to NK.
Payal: " Waiting?...You mean-"
Anjili: " She actually believes Arnav's...alive?"
NK glanced at them both before looking back down at his mug with silence. Payal however read something else behind his silence.
Payal stared at NK: " You...You believe her...don't you..."
Anjili frowned at Payal confused why she would ask something like that before seeing the look on NK's face...reluctant to say no.
~
Adhira was at the weekly markets shopping for fruits and vegetables that came fresh and at such a good price. Her visits however was discrete, quiet and quick as it was going anywhere for the last month as she dreaded interacting with anyone just in case. Just as her basket was being weighed and priced, Adhira's eyes widened at the nosy voices of her neighbors behind her. She closed her eyes with dread she felt like crying right there with shame as her mind already played the drowning questions. She smiled bravely and turned to them only to see their raised eyebrows and bitter sweet smiles.
"Arre Adhiraji. Long time no see. How have you been?"
Adhira smiled nodding: "Fine fine. How have you all been?"
The neighbors looked to each other before looking back at her: "We've been fine, but how on earth can you be fine? I mean...has something happened at home?"
Adhira gulped shaking her head: "No..why do you say that?"
The neighbours laughed: "Only because we haven't seen you or Khushi leave the house for the last few weeks."
Adhira smiled tightly: "You watch us that intently do you?"
The neighbours glanced at eachother slightly embarrassed and smiled: " No no. It's just..usually we notice you up and about at the markets and Khushi with her friends. I've heard Payal and Anjili are looking after the library for her. Is Khushi alright?"
Adhira firmly: " Khushi is fine."
One of the neighbours looked to the other ignoring Adhira: " How can Khushi be fine? How silly of us. Remember her and the General's son were quite close weren't they...and after the war...*sighs dramatically* Khushi must be going through a tough time. Poor dear."
The other neighbor retorted: " That doesn't mean she should stay cooped up in her home does it. Everyone's lost their sons, fathers or someone close to them...it doesn't mean we should stop living...unless Khushi's staying in her house for some other re-"
Adhira panicking firmly replied: " Khushi is fine!"
The neighbors quietened shocked staring at Adhira who calmed down immediately realizing she had said that a tad too loud.
Adhira smiled sadly: " What I mean to say is that yes...Khushi is very upset and going through a tough time due to the war...but not because of Arnav Singh Raizada."
The neighbors looked at her skeptically.
Adhira covered quickly: " Yes he was close to Khushi and to us...and we're all..*painfully*..deeply saddened by his loss...but he wasn't that close to Khushi..."
The neighbors hid a laugh as everyone had seen their fair share of how protective Arnav was around Khushi and how they were very close.
One of the neighbors pointed in: "You don't have to say that Adhiraji. Everyone knew how close those two were-"
Adhira continued sternly: "The losses the war caused us all, including Arnav...upsets Khushi alot more as she lost her parents due to the last war we had with Zakita. It's like reliving the past again for her...so please give her and us some space. Nanhe, Payal and Anjili have been very understanding. So please be the same. "
And with that she hastily paid for her shopping and left the market with her bags. The neighbors watching her leave took this factor into account as it was true that they heard about how Adhira and Kanan raised Khushi in her parents absence...but not all added up regarding why this was why Khushi didn't leave the house and why also Nanhe was staying at their house still even though the war is now over and Kanan had recovered properly from his injuries of the bomb blast during the war period.
~
It was at dinner with everyone silently eating at the table with alot on their minds. Kanan glanced at Khushi beside him who was eating quietly but with a gentle smile on her face. He wished he could smile too with her, but he knew her smile was there for a reason. A reason that was an illusion. A mere wish. He sighed looking over to NK on the other side of her eating quickly away while putting more things on her plate making her pout.
Khushi giggled: " I can't finish all this Nanhe!"
NK frowned: " If I can, you can. Come on. You're eating for two remember. Can't leave him hungry can you?"
Khushi shook her head at him with eyes wide, but shaded slightly underneath: " It's a girl."
NK confused: " You confuse me woman. First you want the baby to be a boy, now a girl."
Khushi smiled looking down at her bump and stroking it: "Before I wanted it to be a boy...but I have a feeling the baby is a girl. Just like Arnav wanted."
NK smiled remaining quiet, while Kanan painfully looked away from the two as a wave of tears hit him. He would have broken down there and then for his precious granddaughter if Adhira hadn't held his hand firmly. Kanan's mind was suddenly occupied with Adhira as he noticed there was something on her mind while she stared sadly at Khushi and NK. Like a deep thought that had been stirring all day. He squeezed her hand back just snapping her out of her thoughts. She looked at him then with a hesitant smile before looking to the two sat in front of her. She coughed lightly making Khushi and NK look at her notingly.
Adhira gently: " I need to talk to everyone about something."
Everyone gave their full attention to Adhira wondering what she wanted to speak to them about.
Adhira feeling uncomfortable with their eyes on her, looked down gathering the courage to speak her mind as she knew that what she was going to utter was going to hurt everyone. But she needed to speak her mind and her worried heart.
Adhira calmly: " I know before the war ended...I asked you both something...but I want you both to please listen to what I'm about to say to try and consider it again..."
Khushi's blood chilled realizing what this was, while Kanan was confused what it was Adhira asked them both. NK couldn't remember what Adhira asked both him and Khushi.
Kanan: " What Adhira?"
Adhira painfully looked to him: " Nanhe...and Khushi's marriage."
Khushi closed her eyes instantly remembering her rejection to Adhira's idea before the war as she could never think like that towards NK. Never. She also remembered how NK kindly flapped it away too at the hospital before Adhira. She couldn't help but silently stare down at her baby. NK on the other had his smile slip away.
Nanhe calmly: " Nani...We spoke about this before. This can never happen...and *eyes widened realizing* Hold on...Nani? *shocked* You asked Khushi of this too?!...Even though you knew how much she loves Arnav. Please lets end this silly topic here."
Adhira with tears in her eyes: "Please listen to me Nanhe beta. You care for Khushi so much and-"
NK stood up firmly pleading: " Please Nani. Neither of us can do what you're asking. I admit I care for Khushi more than anything. But as her best friend. I can't replace Arnav. No way."
Kanan was about to take his hand away from Adhira who held it firmly.
Adhira: "Please at least listen to me. I don't ever want to replace Arnav. Never... I admit. I didn't like Arnav before...but he changed my mind. I saw how much he cared and was devoted to Khushi to care and love her. I don't doubt it...But...*tears falling* Arnav is dead. And Khushi...Khushi is left with his child. We have to think about Khushi and the baby now."
Kanan was about to painfully remove his hand again but Adhira held it making him listen.
Kanan: " Adhira-"
Adhira cried: " How long will we hide Khushi here from everyone's view. At some point a baby's presence will be among us and there will be no hiding. Everyone...*closing her eyes with pain* The names everyone will call Khushi and our great grandchild..."
As Adhira let out a sob, Kanan felt a tear fall understanding Adhira's view completely as he also deep down dreaded the names everyone would label their children. But he wanted to be strong for Khushi. Wanted.
Adhira opened her eyes pleading to the three of them: "We have time to save not only Khushi's dignity, but the baby's too. If we just told everyone a small lie that this child is Nanhe's-"
NK pacing with his hands in his hair: " I'M HAVING A NIGHTMARE. I MUST BE! Why is everyone quiet!? Has everyone gone mad!? Nana say something?!"
Adhira continued standing too: " And that Nanhe and Khushi were due to marry very soon then no one would say anything! *going to NK holding his arms* Everyone already knows how close you and Khushi have been since childhood Nanhe beta. No one would suspect a thing. Everyone knew how much I wanted Khushi to be married to you, so they would believe it easily."
NK frowned shocked and slowly stepped back: "Wait...Wait Nani..."
Adhira frowned not understanding what was wrong, while Kanan realized what Adhira had just revealed. A tear of numb shock fell from Khushi's eyes.
NK quietly stared at Adhira: "You had these thoughts all along...It...It all makes sense...Why *tearily* why you always kept me unusually close to Khushi at every occasion. I thought...*smiles* ...Khushi and I thought...it was because you knew we liked being together...we're best friends...*deeply hurt*...But the truth was you had something else in mind all along! Arnav never stood a chance with your mind fixed on me!"
Adhira tearily stepped forward only for him to step back firmly: " Nanhe beta it wasn't like that-"
NK looking away: " No Nani!"
Kanan stood up and went beside Adhira distort: "Nanhe beta listen to me-"
NK looked to him hurt: "And you must have known Nana. And you still did say anything all these years?!"
Kanan firmly: "You listen to me. I admit Adhira's intentions were biased to her own wishes and I should have told you...There was a moment was I was going to too...but she stopped when it mattered. She stopped when she realized Arnav's worth and understood his love and care for Khushi. She always thought you were a perfect match for Khushi because you both understood each other so well and were always there for each other. Even I didn't think of it as a bad idea, until Khushi met Arnav. I knew then Arnav was the one for Khushi. It took Adhira sometime longer to understand but she did. *sighs* I don't support what Adhira did in the past, but maybe...maybe now-"
NK firmly: " No Nana. Don't fall for this game Nani is playing. All through childhood she's been playing this game with Khushi and me and now I should listen? This is Arnav's child Nani-"
Adhira sat on the sofa pained by NK's words weeping: " Arnav is dead!! Why don't you realize that?"
NK sighed: " I want to make one thing clear. Enough is enough. Khushi and I are best friends and will always remain that way. We're not getting married and that is that."
With silence finalizing NK's words, soon the next sound was of a chair moving back and Khushi's footsteps. They all looked to Khushi as she silently and slowly walked upstairs with her hand over her stomach and the other on the wall. NK shooting a disappointed glare at Adhira rushed up behind her.
NK: "Listen Khushi. Forget what Nani said ok. She doesn't understand what she's saying ok? Now come back down ans finish your food-"
Khushi reaching her door paused gently: " I feel sleepy. I'm going to bed early. Please don't come in."
NK: "Khushi-"
But she had already stepped inside with her eyes low and shut the door with a gentle click.
~
It was 11pm with NK in his room at Khushi's house. He couldn't sleep staring up at the ceiling wondering how Khushi was. He felt awful hearing all that from Adhira and felt betrayed that this had been what Adhira was dreaming of all these years. It all made sense...But now he was worried for Khushi. He debated if he should go up to see her even though she didn't want to be disturbed. It was then he heard something fall on the floor with a light thud making him instantly alert and rush.
Stood outside Khushi's room he knocked lightly wondering what the sound was. He glanced back to see Adhira and Kanan hadn't woken up as their door was firmly shut. He gulped before knocking.
NK gently: " Khushi? Khushi it's me. Am I ok to come in?"
There was no reply making NK think she was asleep but he heard it again that thud. He didn't care anymore and rushed inside to see Khushi wasn't in bed at all. He saw the bathroom light on and burst in not caring if she wasn't decent. He was worried what Khushi was up to. To his shock he saw her in tears on the floor trying to break a glass wrapped in fabric to cover the sound.
NK rushed down to her side taking the glass away quickly: "Khushi what the heck?!"
Khushi wept: " It doesn't break!! I'm...I'm too weak!...*sobs* I can't even kill myself properly!"
NK angrily shook her: " What the heck is wrong with you Khushi!?!? Kill yourself?!?! HAVE YOU GONE MAD?!"
Khushi wept deliriously while NK held her face furious at her: "I don't want to live! There's no point! Why should I live and bring my child into the world when she'll face so much problems!??! WHY?! I CAN'T LIVE!"
NK angrily slapped Khushi making her gasp and stare at NK in her senses. NK stared at her sadly before hugging her close making Khushi let out all her tears.
NK firmly and quietly: " Khushi!? Your not like this. Kill yourself!? What would Arnav say huh?!!? *calming himself down* He'd...he'd murder me if anything happened to you, you idiot! If you love Arnav even a tiny bit then you won't do anything like this! You won't do this to your baby!"
Khushi wept: " Why doesn't Arnav come back home? Can't he see I'm suffering? *pulling away to look at NK desperately* Will everyone really call my baby names?! I don't want her to suffer Nanhe?...What if Nani is right...Arnav won't come...come bac-"
NK put his hands to cup her face desperate for his friend to see sense: " You can't think like this flutter-"
Khushi gently: " What's the point when no one other than you believes me Nanhe?!"
NK paused before smiling brightly: " Trust me?"
Khushi stared at him as his eyes truely believed in her faith...that Arnav would return.
Khushi tilted her head: " Arnav will come back won't he. "
NK grinned laughing: " Of course he will. When he comes back to you again then I'll be dead...Arnav's going to sooo kill me when he hears how much you've cried waiting for him. I promised I'd look after you didn't I. *tearily* I'm not very good am I?"
Khushi frowned shaking her head: "You're very good at looking after me Nanhe. Arnav won't kill you. I won't let him. Arnav and my baby will tell him off."
NK frowned: " By what? Biting his finger?! "
Khushi thought carefully making NK laugh at her. She smiled and laughed gently too making him hug her kissing her hair warmly.
NK sighed rocking her: " Just you watch flutter-petal. Your faith won't be wrong. It can't be."
Khushi smiled bravely hugging NK close as he was her only hope now. To stay sane and to believe her..to believe in Arnav.
~
It was in the morning Adhira noticed NK come dressed ready to go out. Kanan at the table with his newspaper also noticed. Adhira set the table while glancing at him while he collected a file from the drawers. She couldn't bear NK ignoring her purposely like this. No smile. No comment. Good or bad. Just sheer disappointment through silence.
Adhira gently: " Nanhe bet-"
NK with his back to her: " I'm bringing Khushi down. We're having breakfast and then we're going to the doctors for the monthly checkup. Please don't bring up anything of last night to Khushi."
And with that he left for upstairs in quick twos leaving Adhira's eyes watery. She looked to Kanan sadly. He looked away from her painfully silent neither opposing her or supporting her. Just deep in sullen thought.
~
NK and Khushi soon arrived to the hospital on the outskirts of Anastasia via car. The sun was peeking between clouds making Khushi smile feeling a happiness in her step as she was going to see her baby again. NK smiled noticing this and helped her up the steps before entering the hospital. What they didn't notice was one of their neighbors entering their car from her own health checkup had spotted them with shocked eyes seeing them and even more shocked seeing Khushi's stomach. Adhira's granddaughter and Nanhe?...Khushi's pregnant?! Her husband asked what the matter was only for her to shake her head and insist that she was driven home as soon as possible.
After the regular scans, Aisha wanted to take a few more with blood samples making Khushi and NK edgy and concerned. As they waited in the corridor on the seats, NK glanced at Khushi seeing her grip his hand fearfully.
Khushi gently: "Why did your doctor friend take more tests? She didn't take them last time. "
NK patting her hand: " Khushi-"
Khushi carefully thinking: " The baby looked fine. *smiles* Did you see?"
NK smiled nodding: " Yep. It could be a boy remember. You can find out if you want-"
Khushi shook her head innocently: "Nope. I'll prove my instinct is right. "
Aisha coming down the corridor with a file made NK and Khushi slowly stand.
NK: " Doc is-"
Aisha gently: " Come into my office. We'll talk there hmm?"
NK and Khushi went into the office and sat down with Aisha sitting in her leather seat.
NK: "Doc...What were those extra tests for?...Or were they were like normal procedure. "
Aisha closing the file before her took off her glasses with a serious expression.
Aisha: "I need to speak to you both about the baby and it's quite a serious matter which was why I wanted to take the tests to confirm my susp-"
NK worried: " There's nothing wrong right."
Khushi: " The baby looked fine. You said so-"
Aisha: " There's nothing wrong with the baby Khushi betiya...but there can be. You're health levels at this stage are not seeming strong enough to support your baby, which can cause problems during labour."
Khushi looked down at her stomach with her heart in her throat while NK looking at her.
Aisha: "I have a strict nurtition routine which I'd like you to follow and there a few things I'd like to go over with you Nanhe for you to make sure. "
As NK listened through intently to all the instructions given by Aisha, Khushi stared at her stomach rubbing it with calm loving strokes while her heart ran wild with mothering worry. Arnav where are you..we need you...
*...*...*
There's alot of things happening in this chapter so it's a bit long. Hope that makes up for lost time. Thanks for baring with me for this story. :)
x
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