Arshi SS: Shattered souls

boreddamsel. No part of my work may be reproduced or shared without my permission.

A tear rolled down her cheek as she slumped onto the floor of the temple. She looked up at the face of the smiling goddess and burst into tears. She put her head in her hands and cried, her sobs echoing in the deserted neighborhood. A minute later, she looked up at the idol, as tears streamed down her face. Why does this always happen to me? An hour ago, everything was perfect .. and.. now' She closed her eyes and burst into tears.

He slumped down onto the recliner by the poolside and looked up at the sky. His eyes filled with tears, seeing the twinkling stars. He squeezed his right hand; blood poured down from his palm, as the sharp metal he held in his hand made a deep cut. How could I have let her go? An hour ago, everything was perfect.. and.. now.. He leaned against the recliner and closed his eyes; a tear escaped his eye. He brought his right hand to his chest and pressed the blood-covered metal against his heart; it was a star.

Khushi leaned against the pillar in the temple and a smile appeared on her tear-stricken face. Flashback.

"No, Babua. We couldn't possibly accept this from you."

"No, Buaji. I insist."

Arnav had purchased Buaji's house in her name, but Buaji refused to take the property papers from him. Khushi watched, her eyes filled with tears.

"No, Babua. You are our daughter's husband. We cannot accept anything so valuable from you."

"Yes, I am your daughter's husband, but I am your son too, right?" Arnav said, smiling. A faint smile appeared on Khushi's face. "And as your son, I have the right to take care of you and that is what I am doing."

"Bitwa. I don't know how we could possibly thank you." Garima's eyes filled with tears. "I don't need anything, just your blessings." Arnav bent down to touch Garima's feet, but she put her hands on his arms and kissed his forehead.

Arnav closed his eyes; a boy's laughter, a woman's smile, a hug, a kiss on the forehead. "As your son, I have the right to take care of you. So you have to drink this, Ma." The boy handed the woman a bowl. She took it, placed it aside, lifted him off the ground and placed him on her lap. She hugged him and placed a kiss on his forehead. "I love you." "I love you too, Ma."

"Ma", Arnav said, a tear escaped his eye. He opened it and looked into Garima's face. She looked at him, surprised. But tears of joy filled her eyes as she smiled. "Bitwa, what did you call me?" "I am sorry.. I.." he stammered. "You and Buaji have given me so much love and made me feel like your son. This house has become my home, you my family. When I am here, I never miss my mother, because of you..." he paused and said, "Ma." Khushi burst into tears, watching this exchange. She ran into her room and started packing her clothes. Arnav saw Khushi run into the room and he followed her. He saw her packing her bag and he leaned against the bedpost, his arms folded, with a naughty smirk on his face.

"Where are you going?"

"Home."

Arnav opened his eyes and looked around. He thought he heard the sound of anklets. He sighed and leaned back against the recliner. Flashback.

"Careful, Di." Arnav grabbed his sister's arms as she tripped on the carpet. They had just walked into Shantivan. It was the day of Rakhi. Anjali had tied Arnav, Akash and NK rachis. Her eyes had teared up when she had tied the rakhi on Arnav's wrist, but Arnav had wiped the tears and promised her, that he would do anything he could to make sure she would never have tears in her eyes. She had kissed him on the forehead and said, "I just want you by my side always, Chotte. You will be always by my side, won't you?" He had nodded and she had smiled. Arnav spent the rest of the day with Anjali; he had taken her to her doctor's appointment and then to the temple after that. It was almost sunset when they got back.

Anjali took Arnav's hand and straightened herself. She opened her eyes wide, surprised as she stepped into the living room. The room was decorated with balloons, flowers and lights. There was a huge cake on the table and as she admired the decorations, the whole family walked in.

"Nani, what is all this?" Anjali asked, tears in her eyes. Nani touched her shoulder and said, "This is all for you, Anjali bitiya. Chotte and Khushi bitiya planned the whole thing". Tears rolled down Anjali's cheek as she turned to Arnav and hugged him. "Thank you, Chotte." Arnav hugged her back and looked at Khushi, who was standing behind Payal. He smiled at her and she smiled back. She whispered something in Payal's ear and they walked towards the kitchen. Payal came out carrying a tray full of kheer and handed it to Nani. Everyone gathered around the table. Arnav looked towards the kitchen; where is Khushi? No one else seemed to have noticed that Khushi was missing. Anjali cut the cake and fed Nani and Manorama. Nani pointed to the plate of sweets. "Those are sugar-free; Khushi bitiya made it for Chotte." Anjali picked one sweet up and put it in Arnav's mouth; his eyes went to the kitchen and he saw Hari Prakash walk out with a plate of jalebis, Om Prakash with a plate of samosas and Jai Prakash with a plate of pakodas. Anjali saw that, "Nani, so much food."

Nani smiled, "Yes, Khushi bitiya has been cooking all day. She made all of this."

Anjali smiled and then turned to Arnav, as he said, "Di, I have a surprise for you." They all gathered in front of the tv as Arnav switched it on. A movie started, with photos from Arnav and Anjali's childhood. Tears filled in Anjali's eyes and she started explaining to everyone when and where the photos were taken. Arnav looked around; everyone except Khushi was there. Where is Khushi? Why is she not here with the family? Arnav looked at Anjali; she was laughing. Arnav smiled and slowly walked towards the kitchen. Then he saw Khushi run out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Arnav was confused, but he followed her.

Khushi washed her face and stepped out of the bathroom, wiping her face with the towel. When she removed the towel, she was startled as she saw Arnav standing in front of her. Arnav smiled as he realized she was wearing the saree he had gifted her for her birthday.

"So, you decided to wear the saree after all. I never realized the saree was so beautiful when I picked it up. Or I guess its the person wearing it..."

Khushi interrupted him. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to ask you the same thing."

"Well I.. I.."

"Khushi, why were you not with the rest of the family? Did someone say something to you?"

"Arnavji, I thought it's best if Di didn't see me. She was looking so happy. I didn't want her to feel.."

"Khushi", he touched her arms and shook his head. "Di is fine. I talked to her." He took her face in his hands. "Khushi". She looked into his eyes. "Arrrnavvji.." she stammered. "I need to go. I have to make a few more samosas." Arnav smiled and said softly, "Ok, but on one condition". Khushi raised her eyebrows. Arnav moved closer to her. She looked at his lips and then into his eyes. Old memories flashed in her mind; she remembered how she had felt when she had told her he loved her over the phone and her joy when she found him. She moved closer to him and their lips touched. Arnav put his arms around her and pulled her close and she wrapped her arms around his neck, dropping the towel in her hand.

When they pulled apart, they had a smile on their faces; Khushi was blushing. Suddenly her smile disappeared.

"Khushi?"

"Arnavji, I am sorry.. I didn't mean to.. This shouldn't have happened.. the contract.. the contract ends soon.."

Arnav put his hands on her arms and pulled her close.

"Khushi, don't you understand. The contract means nothing to me anymore". Arnav took her face in his hands. "I can't live without you Khushi. Will you stay with me forever, as my wife?"

Khushi's eyes filled with tears. She pushed his arms away and asked, annoyed, "Why? So that you can make me cry?"

Arnav smiled and said softly, "No, so that I can let you get on my nerves and see your smile every time you do something to annoy me."

Khushi smiled and touched his face. He kissed her palm and took her hands in his and put it agains this chest and said, "I'm nothing without you Khushi. Nothing matters as long as you are with me. You mean the world to me, Khushi. You are my everything." Tears rolled down her cheeks, as he pressed his forehead against hers. Their thoughts were interrupted, when they heard a sound at the door.

No guesses who that was.. what happened next? Scroll down for part two!

wooow now that's a cliffhanger
luv da way khushi took care of Arnav's family
while he took care or her family
nd finally he called garibaldi as maa
that surely was emotional prt
now can't wait to c wat took place
nd is actully at the door
if m guessing right it could b Anjali or maami
since she doesn't have anything else to do bt bash ppl
other than that it was stupendous update

Khushi opened her eyes, as she heard the sound of a car. She turned around and got up, her eyes wide. She ran to the steps of the temple. There was a bright light and a silhouette appeared. "Arnavji?" She screamed, a smile appearing on her face. She was about to run down the steps, when the light disappeared and so did the silhouette. Khushi looked around; the street was deserted. She turned around and walked back to the idol. She slumped down and placed her head on the stone platform on which the idols were placed. She put her arms around her head and burst into tears again.

Arnav opened his eyes as he heard anklets again. He looked up and he saw Khushi standing in front of him. "Khushi?" he smiled and a tear escaped his eye. "You came back?" She walked close to him and kneeled down. As he tried to take her face in his hands, she shook her head and disappeared. He stood up suddenly and the star from his hand fell on to the ground, breaking the silence of the night. He bent down and took it in his hand and looked at it. "Khushi? I need you." He pressed his lips together as a tear rolled down his cheek.

Flashback.

Arnav ran to the door as he saw Anjali faint. He reached there before she touched the ground and he put his arms around her. He helped her towards the bed and turned to Khushi, "Khushi, quick. Get some water." Khushi nodded and ran out. "Di, Di, are you alright? What happened, Di?" Anjali looked at Arnav, tears in her eyes. "You were lying to me, weren't you?"

Arnav raised his eyebrows."

"What, Di? No. When? What are you talking about?"

"You were lying when you said you will always be at my side and that you will never make me cry. You were lying when you said I was the most important person in your life."

"Di, of course you are."

"Chotte, I heard you tell Khushiji that she is your world. Don't lie to me."

"Di, but Khushi.. I mean I already told you. Even if Khushi is in my life, you will always be the most important person in my life. I promised you, Di and you know I never fail to stick to my promises."

"But then why did you leave me alone while we were watching those videos?"

"Di, I .. I came to check on Khushi. But I was going to come back to you."

"No, you weren't, Chotte. I know."

"Di'."

"Chotte." Arnav turned around to see Nani standing at the door. Mami ran to the bed and sat down on it and hugged Anjali. Arnav got up and walked to the door.

"Chotte, I heard what Anjali said. Chotte, I know it is not the right thing, but you have to do it for Anjali's sake. I think you should ask Khushi bitiya to stay away for a few days, at least until Anjali bitiya is fine."

"Nani, how can you even suggest something like that?"

"I am afraid, the more Anjali sees you with Khushi, the more she will become upset. I don't want to lose her, Chotte. She has been through a lot."

"How about me? How about Khushi? Haven't we been through enough? I am worried about Di too, but I am sorry Nani. But I cannot ask Khushi to leave. That is not the only solution."

"Chotte, please ' "

"Sasooma, I am taking Anjali to her room." Mami said as she helped Anjali walk to her room.

"Di.." Arnav started saying as he saw Anjali, but she ignored him and walked away.

Arnav's eyes filled with tears, then his eyes widened as he saw Khushi standing behind Nani.

"Naniji, here is a glass of juice for Di." She handed a glass of mango juice to Nani. Nani nodded, faked a smile and turned around and followed Mami and Anjali.

Khushi looked at Arnav and walked into their room. Arnav raised his eyebrows. He looked at Anjali's retreating form and then turned around to look at Khushi, who had disappeared into their room. He walked quickly into the room and his eyes widened, as he saw that Khushi was packing her bag.

"Khushi, what are you doing?"

"What I should have done few nights back. I am leaving, Arnavji."

"Khushi, don't. I don't want you to leave."

"I heard what Naniji told you. She does have a point. Di will never be happy if I am here and if Di isn't happy, you will never be happy and I will not be able to handle it if I know that I am the reason why you aren't happy."

He sat down on the bed and grabbed her arms. "Khushi, if you are not by my side, I will never ever be happy, even if Di is happy. I need you, Khushi. I can't think of life without ' "

"I know, Arnavji. Me neither. But we have to do this, for Di's sake."

"Khushi, Di will be fine. I promise you. I will make sure she will be fine".

Khushi stood up with her bag. "Arnavji, please.. please let me go."

Arnav stood up and pulled her into an embrace. "Never."

Khushi stayed in his arms and closed her eyes. Tears rolled down her cheeks. But she controlled her emotions and pulled away. She walked to the door. Arnav pulled her back into the embrace. "I am not letting you go, Khushi."

Khushi touched his cheek. She leaned in to kiss his cheek, his other cheek. She bent his head forward and kissed his forehead. When she pulled away, there were tears in her eyes. "I love you."

"and I love you too, Khushi".

"If you love me, then you will let me go."

"But' "

"Please, Arna'". Before she could say anything else, Arnav had pressed his lips against hers. She dropped the bag and put her arms around his neck. He had put his arms around her waist and pressed her body against him. Khushi felt a chill down her spine as Arnav pressed his lips against her neck and placed kisses all over her neck and shoulders. Khushi squirmed with pleasure and closed her eyes. Arnav took her face in his hands again and pressed his lips against hers. She parted her lips and he let his tongue roam the depths of her mouth. She grabbed a handful of his hair as she passionately kissed him back, tears streaming down her face. When they pulled apart, they stayed hugging each other, enjoying the feeling of having their bodies pressed together, as if they were one. They didn't want to pull apart. For a moment, the world seemed quiet. Everything seemed right; everything seemed perfect. They smiled and closed their eyes. Khushi rested her head against Arnav's chest and Arnav placed his cheek against her hair.

Suddenly the windchime chimed in the howling wind, indicating an impending storm. Khushi opened her eyes and pulled away. Arnav looked at her, still smiling. His smile disappeared as he saw her lips trembling as tears poured down.

"Khushi?"

"Bye, Arnavji." She bent down to pick up her bag.

"No, Khushi, no." He grabbed her wrist.

"Please, Arnavji. don't make this harder than it is for me. Please, let me go. If you truly love me, let me go."

Arnav shook his head and was about to say something. But Khushi put her finger on his lips.

"We have shared a lot of beautiful moments together, since Sheesh Mahal. We will always have those with us. No one can ever take them away from us. I will live the rest of my life knowing that you love me." A tear escaped his eye.

Khushi dropped her bag and took his face in her hands. "Arnavji, even if we are away from each other, we will always be with each other. No one can ever separate us. This distance will only make our love grow stronger."

Arnav said softly, "Khushi, I.."

"I know, Arnavji. I will miss you too." She stammered, trying to control her tears.

Khushi picked up her bag and looked at Arnav. He looked away. She walked to the door and turned around to see him. He was standing his arms folded, his back facing her. She took one last look at him, covered her mouth with her pallu to control her tears and she walked away. Arnav raised his eyebrows and he turned around. She was gone. He ran to the door and looked at the corridor. She wasn't there. He ran down the stairs and to the door and to the gate. "Watchman, Khushi.. where is she?" "She took an auto earlier, Arnav bhaiyya". "Did you hear.. where'" Arnav stopped as he heard her voice. "If you truly love me, let me go." Arnav shook his head and walked back to the house.

As he opened the door and walked in, Nani stood in the living room.

"I am glad you asked her to leave, Chotte. Now Anjali bitiya will be fine. She wants to see you, Chotte.".

Arnav said nothing. He quietly walked past her and up the stairs and down the corridor, into his room. He looked around; he remembered Khushi standing on the bed, talking about being a halwai's daughter and businessman's wife. He shook his head and closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes later, his face was filled with fury. He pulled the sheets off the bed and threw them on the floor, the pillows fell off the bed. He took the coffee table in his hand and threw it against the French windows. He pushed the recliner and it fell on the floor. He walked to the wardrobe and pulled out his clothes and threw them on the floor. He turned to the bed and picked up the phone from the table and was about to throw it on the floor.

"Chotte?" Arnav looked up as he saw Anjali at the door. "Are you alright?"

"Di, please.. please leave me alone." Arnav put the phone back on the table and looked at Anjali again. She looked at Arnav, nodded and left.

Arnav was about to walk into the bathroom, when he saw something lying on the ground; it was shining. He bent down and picked it up; it was a star. "Khushi." He said softly, a tear escaped his eye.

Part 3 (Pg 10)

what the...

update soon

that was so sad

Anjali is being selfish as usual. Wonderfully written!!

so sad...
everyone thinking abt anjali...khushi ko chodo, but never abt even arnav...

after doing so much u r asking wat happenend chotte
arghhh
hate u anji

loved both parts