Part 11 

GH

Garima sat taking her cup after serving tea to Shashi and Khushi. They didn't interact until finishing the tea. Khushi kept the empty cup on the tray and about to get up from the couch,

Shashi: Beta, I want to talk to you.

She sat straitening herself as she knew what her father wants to talk to her.

Shashi: I gave my words to Ratnaji without knowing your will.

Khushi was about to say something, Shashi stopped her showing his palm.

Shashi: As a father, I believe I didn't take a wrong decision, be it in Lavanya's matter or be it in yours. I always want my daughters to be happy. In my point of view, Arnav is a very good guy I had ever seen. He was broken because of Lavanya's demise. Though we are not a reason for his condition we are responsible to bring him out of the grief. He became a widower in a month of his marriage. We don't even know how the relationship between him and Lavanya. Because we know how reserved Lavanya was. And I'm glad about it. If she would have been an easygoing girl, Arnav had been broken down more.

Garima: It's very true.

Shashi: Beta, hope you are not upset with me.

Khushi: No dad...

Shashi (cutting her): I had put you in a critical relationship. But... I don't think, no one will fit into it more than you. You are a clever girl. Hope you will handle Arnav with patience and get his love. And thank you very much; you made me proud by agreeing with my decision, in front of Ratnaji.

Khushi: I know you Dad... There is nothing more than our betterment in your thoughts. I know Arnavji. He loves La very much. I myself had witnessed it many times. I respect him a lot Dad. And I will make him forget all the grief.

Shashi: You will understand someday that how my decision is right.

Khushi nodded yes.

City Hospital

Ratna was sitting on the bed. Dr. Sara; who is Ratna's friend, checked her reports. Arnav and Arvind were standing beside her to know the report.

Sara: you should be calm Ratna. Don't stress yourself for anything if you get another attack then it will make your condition worse.

She gestured Arvind to come out. Arnav also followed her.

Arvind: What's wrong Sara?

Sara: I can't understand what made her so weaker. She always looks cool. What happened that she lost her confidence level to this extent while having an understanding husband and lovable son?

Arvind: Don't you know what happened in Arnav's life?

Sara: of course I know. But what are you guys are doing? You have to give her the support which she needs.

Arvind looked at Arnav who gulped hard.

Sara: make sure she is happy. Don't make her stress. And don't you dare say her anything serious for a few days. Try to change her atmosphere.

Arvind nodded yes.

Sara: Let me talk to her. You stay here.

They nodded yes.

Sara came inside and saw Ratna who was lying on the bed. She tapped Ratna's cheek. Ratna opened her eyes and Sara chuckled at her.

Ratna: What happened?

Sara: Done. Arnav won't dare to deny you for anything.

Ratna: Thank you so much darling.

Sara: Put your "thanks" in the bin.

She kissed Sara's cheek hugging tightly.

Sara: God... You didn't even change a bit, Ratna.

Ratna: Never will...

They chuckled.

Sara: So you want me to maintain the same scenario?

Ratna: Exactly. That's why I came to you. (pause) Do you know how broken Arnav is? I don't want him to ruin anything.

Sara: Leave it to me.

They shared high-five.

.........

Arnav was worried about Ratna. He couldn't see his mother so weak. He has to decide something fast. For that, he should meet Khushi and know her stance. He wants to know her stance because he wants to hear YES from her. He knew how dominant Shashi is. He might have forced her. Anyway, meeting her will give him a solution.

Khushi was surprised seeing Arnav in her college gate. Absolutely his gaze was only on her. Somehow, she guessed, why he was there. She came towards him. None of them smiled.

Arnav: I need to talk to you.

Khushi nodded yes and they sat inside the car. Arnav was hesitating to start.

Khushi: You said, you want to talk to me?

Arnav: You don't need to do this for our family's sake.

Khushi: "This?" What are you talking about?

She asked as if she didn't get him.

Arnav: Marriage. It's your life. Don't let anyone decide it. You no need to accept it just because yours and my parents are interested. Don't spoil your life for other's happiness. Could you understand what I'm saying?

Khushi was looking at him without blinking.

Arnav: Just say what you are feeling in your heart. Don't go with elders. Ok?

Khushi: I know you love La so much. (Arnav swallowed his helplessness) I can understand how much it hurts to lose your wife, in few days of marriage. I know I can't take her place in your heart. And I also know you won't like my "over talking nature". That's why you avoided me. I felt it many times. Do you know what I'm feeling right now? La is my sister. It really hurts to take her place. It feels like I'm snatching something from her. What if she is dead? I never think so. She is here, around me. She lived with me since I took birth. But..... (pause. She wiped her tears) Yes I'm doing this for our family's happiness. I will do it... because I love my family. Don't you know, how broken they are? How much they are suffering in the memories of La? If I can do something to bring their happiness back then I will do anything... wholeheartedly. And what about you? Already Ratna aunty got heart attack. She is in stress. How could she tolerate seeing her only son suffering? Do you have that guts to break Ratna Aunty's heart again? What if something happens to her? I can't do that. If you don't like me then say it to your parents. And ask them to search for another girl. But don't expect me to do it. I want my family to be happy. I don't care you like me or not. I don't say NO. (pause) By the way, however you are "upset" already. Just continue it, marrying me, for your parent's happiness. (She shifted her gaze to somewhere) I won't disturb you. You can trust me. You can live your life in the memories of La.

She looked at him who was staring at her, hearing her thoughts about him. He couldn't understand whether he should be happy or sad. The only girl who he loves so much is thinking that he doesn't like her. Heck. But... he was damn happy that she was not ready to listen to him. She is firm in her decision no matter what. He wanted to hear more from her.

Arnav: People will mock at you for marrying a widower.

Khushi: I don't care about people. I care for only MY people; who are going to travel with me for my entire life.

Arnav: you may repent.

Khushi (irritatingly): What's your problem? Shall I ask aunty to search for another girl? Because however, aunty will get you married to someone in somedays. If not aunty, my dad will definitely do that. So you can't be single for so long. If you marry someone other than me, she won't understand your feelings for La. Mind it. I had given my words to my father. I won't change it. And I told you I won't disturb you. Then what's the problem? (sighed) It's your wish then...

She was about to get down from the car.

Arnav: I will drop you.

Khushi: You don't have to bear me before marriage itself. You just carry on.

Before she opens the door, Arnav started the car. Khushi widened her eyes and looked at Arnav.

Arnav(looking at the road): Put your seat belt.

It was indeed an order. Khushi was looking at him shockingly as she was witnessing something new side of him. He turned his face and looked at her raising his eyebrows.

Arnav: I said put your seat belt, Khushi.

Khushi sat straight buckling her seat belt. They didn't talk anything after that. Khushi looked calm while Arnav's mind was vexed by driving hither and thither.

The girl; who he loves more than anything was ready to marry him. He was going to get married to the same girl who he liked at first sight. But she was doing that for her parent's and family's happiness. She was thinking that she is snatching her sister's place who is no more. And cherry on the cake, she thinks that "he was not interested in this marriage because he doesn't like her"

Her words are ringing in his head. "I won't disturb you". Won't she really disturb him? Or it will be like, "I won't talk to you" stance? She said "I won't talk to you" but talked non-stop. Will she disturb him non-stop, like that? What the hell.... Why he is thinking too much...? NON-STOP disturbance...? Arnav Singh Raizada... stop overthinking. Over expectation hurts. Just accept, what life gives you. You are much experienced. Don't forget that.

To be continued........

Today's Inkitt update

Fashion Designer?

Arnav was on the bed thinking about his conversation with Khushi. How she got irritated, hearing him... She looked cute even in anger... in fact cuter... He smiled. She is entering into his life, "beating around the bush". When he was waiting for her, LIFE played a nasty game. When he thought everything is over, again it's falling in the right place. RIGHT PLACE? Really...?

To read the above update, use my Inkitt link dearies...