ArShi SS : Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Ayi (Chap 1) Pg 4 10/07 - Page 2

Chapter One

Arnav

I have been waiting for this for past fourteen years. I say that to myself adjusting my tie. Tucking my collar I take a sip of my black coffee. Behind the cup I have her framed picture. She was around sixteen when I took that picture of hers. My eyes follow the file kept right next to the photo. It contains her resume. Irony, when I wanted a job fourteen years back her father humiliated me in-front of his entire family by saying I am not educated enough to work in his business and he can only give me the job of a sweeper.

And today here I am the owner of a multinational company. I have more efficient people under me than her father.

I smiled seeing her degree, a commerce graduate. I laugh-out loud. Even my personal butler has master degree babe. You have the audacity to even apply for a job in Raizada Foundation. It's a golden chance for me to take revenge. But no you have done far more to damage me than your father did. I close my eyes. I have lost the most precious person in my life just because of you Khushi. Itni aasaani se tum ko mein nahi chodunga (I will not leave you so easily Khushi) That would be an insult to me and my motive.

After completing my coffee I take my wallet, phone and my visiting card holder. I take out of the card and gaze at my new name. Arnav Singh Raizada. An ugly laugh leaves my lips. You will never be able to find out my real identity till I expose myself in front of you Muskaan. I am not your innocent Dev Singh any more who loved you blindly. I am Arnav Singh Raizada, the ruthless, heartless and emotionless person. And you have made me a monster.

My face is unrecognizable to the entire world. I have cremated Dev when I decided to have a plastic surgery done. You have not only taken away my soul, you have taken away my identity as well. You have to pay for all this Khushi. And today after fourteen years you are coming to me. You have no idea what I have stored for you.

Your destruction.

Khushi

I looked that the stone which was once given by Dev and held it tightly in my palm. It gives me immense strength when I go out and face the world. I have been through so much. My soul has been crushed forever. I can never see myself as that innocent Khushi that I used to be. Why Dev why? Why you have to leave that day. Nothing is same since then. I had nothing to hold back except this non-living thing in my hand. I am a jeeta jagta laash (living dead). No therapies could take me out of that trauma.

However, since life has to go on and so am I, I am trying my level best to do normal things like others. I was not so easy though with my legs condition. Yes, I can't walk properly. I slouch. Another reminder of my past, which will haunt me forever and will never let me forget about what has happened. Every-time I see clutches, it mocks me and reminds me of my disability.

My gaze then falls on the same wall where my clutches are kept. My ghungroo. I sigh as a lone tear gaze my cheeks. My dream of becoming a dancer has been crushed forever. I can no longer do the most favourite things of my life.

Flashback

"Tere jaisa dance koi nahi kar sakta hai Muskaan.

I giggle and hug my best friend.

"Tu to bas aise hi bolta hai.

He scouts and fixes my ghungroo. He had only brought me these. His mom and dad have beaten him for stealing the money from them. But he refused to tell him where he had spent them. He was not given food for three days and he refused to take my help. With him even I had starved. I gave away all my food to the beggars while going to school.

"Isko apni peyr se kabhi mat utaarna Muskaan.

I scout along with him.

"I cannot wear them 24/7 seven dev. But I promise whenever I wear it, it will be these only.

With that I kiss him on his cheeks for the first time startling him.

End of Flashback

I will not be able to wear them ever again Dev. I touch my knees. Your Muskaan wont be able to dance ever again. I cover my eyes and weep sadly. The coldness of the stone hit my forehead and I was back in the reality.

I look at the stone and then smile. "You have always been there and guided my through thick and thins and made me strong, I tell the stone as if I am speaking to Dev. Even though he isn't present in my life for past fourteen years, somehow I felt he is there with me forever.

I wish one day I am able to meet him. I sit on the dressing stool to do my hair. I have no idea how he looks right now. He must have turned into a very handsome man. He was good looking since his childhood. All village girls were after him. But he only had his eyes on me. I know there was something between us, which I never understood when he was right in front of my eyes. But now I realize, it was love.

I loved him then and I love him now. There hasn't been anybody in my life because it is so full of him. I smile thinking about out old days.

The knock in the door startles me.

"Khushi, are you ready baccha?, my mother asks.

The reality hits me. Of if he doesn't like what he sees? A sudden fear grips my heart. I am not the same Khushi I used to be. He knows everything now. I suddenly feel nausea. I quickly gulp down my anxity pills. I don't want to go there. I don't want to think of that episode. Yet I was breathless remembering each and everything.

No No No... 10, 9, 8, 7, 6

"Khushi...beta, huya kya?

5,4,3,2,1

"Khushi, tu thik hai na?

Zero.

"Haan Maa, mein thik hoon, ek minute mein ayi.

Thank god, my leg is fine now and I am not using my clutches for six months now unless I am stress, which brings back the pain. I have a very important interview today. I don't know what made me apply in the Raizada Foundation. I am under educated to be even a clerk in that company. Yet I have applied in perdonal secretory post that too of Arnav Singh Raizada. But if I get through my interview my life is going to be set. I need this so badly. I have lived enough on my parent's money. Its time I should look for my own survival.

"Paire paona Maa, babuji, I touch their feet.

"Jis kaam ke liye ja rahi hai, tu safal ho, maa says

My father makes a face as ususal. He is unable to adjust city life till date. I fail to convince him that this is not village and we are no Zamnindar anymore. Not in the city. He needs to adjust with the modern life style. Girls earn their livelihood now a day no matter how well off they are. And for me its different than that. For me its like a challenge. For me its like a fresh air. For me its like getting my confidence back, to prove myself that even I can do something in life.

"I have to do this babuji. You know I have to do this. For me., I tell him sadly.

"Koi zaroorat nahi thi, he spats angrily.

"Zaroorat hai baba. Apko bhi pata hai, it is needed.

"My daughter is going to work, I cannot take it kid.

"Its what everybody does father.

"You are not everybody Khushi, you are my daughter. You are a daughter of zamindar. Have you forgotten?

"Daddy, I know I am your girl, but your girl wants to prove it to the world that she is your girl and nothing can stop her from living her life. Even with my disability I can work and earn. This is very important for me daddy.

"I don't feel this is going to do any good to you Khushi. Mark my word, you are going to regret it bigtime.

"Daddy please don't say this. I already have enough in my kitty. I don't want your curse on this, I say saidly.

He looks at me then into my tearful eyes. "Becareful kid. This world isn't good. I have lost you once. I don't want to lose you again.

I hug him tightly. I know he is insecure because he loves me a lot. But he has to let go of the past. It isn't easy but I need him to let go. That's why I am doing this. For us.