Chapter Thirty Four

The sun came shining in, waking Arnav up from his slumber. He sat up and looked to his side to see the sheets ruffled. He remembered the night before and realized that Khushi was here last night. He wondered if she was okay with spending the night with him on the same bed. He was somewhat positive since Khushi had asked him to make love to her the night before at the hotel. Images of last night played in his head and he loved the moments he had spent with Khushi. As for the other moments, he felt pretty embarrassed.

No one had ever seen Arnav Singh Raizada crack and be in tears. Only those who were close to him had seen him in tears. Now that Khushi had seen him in that state, he wondered if Khushi thought of him as weak and childish for crying so much.

Getting up, he washed up in the bathroom. He headed downstairs to the kitchen and saw Khushi digging into her pancakes and hash-browns. She was about to take a sip of her OJ when she saw Arnav at the doorway. Arnav flushed slightly, still feeling embarrassed that Khushi had seen him in that state the night before. He came walking in and sat on the stool next to Khushi and Etta placed his breakfast and left to do other chores. Arnav dug right in, not daring to look at Khushi.

"How are you feeling," Khushi asked softly.

Arnav paused mid-chew. "Better."

Khushi nodded and ate more of her hash-brown. "What are you doing today?"

"I'm gonna be at the office. ... keep myself busy with work and what not.... You?"

"I'll be out, not sure doing what," she lied.

"Okay," he replied, believing her.

The two ate in silence for moment, when Arnav spoke.

"Khushi, I want you to forget everything that happened last night."

Khushi simply nodded, but she totally ignored what he asked of her. She knew he was embarrassed - it was crystal clear, written all over his face.

The two finished up their breakfast and headed upstairs to get ready for their day. Arnav left for the office and Khushi took the subway and headed on over to Anjali's place at Bay Ridge. Ringing the doorbell, she waited for someone to open the door. The door opened, revealing Arhat.

"Namaste," Khushi smiled timidly.

"Namaste," Arhat smiled back. "Come in."

Arhat took Khushi into the living where they both sat down.

"How are you," Arhat asked.

"I'm well, thank you for asking."

Arhat smiled lightly. "So what brings you here?"

"Um, I came to see Anjali."

"Oh. Well I'm afraid she's gone outside."

"Oh..."

Arhat just nodded.

Khushi pursed her lips. She had come here to talk to Anjali so she could learn more about their mother, but now that Anjali wasn't here, she would have to change her tactics.

"Mr. Raizada, I was wondering if you could help me."

"Of course child, what is it?"

Here goes, she said in her head. "I was wondering if... if you could tell me about Arnav's mother."

Arhat's eyes slightly widened, but Khushi didn't miss it.

"Well," Khushi pushed.

Arhat looked down at his hands. "There's so much that can be said about her, but if anything... then it's that I loved her very much."

"Then why did you cheat on her?"

Arhat closed his eyes for a moment and then looked at Khushi. "I never did."

"What?"

"Being a man involved with business, everyone else does whatever they can to break you down. I was starting to get big and my competitors would do whatever it took to break me down. And they knew that if there was one way to break me, then it was through Aisha."

Khushi tilted her head, wanting to know more.

"I loved Aisha very much and I could never do that to her." He sighed. "Unfortunately, when someone told her that, she believed them... and never took my word when I tried to defend myself," he said, his voice cracking. "And then the next thing we knew... she committed sui-" but he couldn't finish the word, his throat choked up.

Khushi felt really bad as she watched the poor man cover his eyes with his hand, trying to hide his tears.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered.

Arhat wiped his tears away and held his left hand. "You know I still wear the same wedding ring I got when I married Aisha."

Khushi looked at his hand. "Really?'

Arhat nodded and took his wallet out. He took out a picture and handed it to Khushi. She looked at the somewhat-worn photo, showing Arhat and Aisha together. They were holding each other, their hands on each other's shoulder. Khushi looked at Arhat's hand and noticed that it was the same ring he was wearing now.

"You still wear it even though she's gone," Khushi asked, handing the photo back.

Arhat nodded. "I never took it off." He chuckled lightly. "I bet it's really white underneath the ring."

Khushi pursed her lips.

Arhat sighed. "I loved her very much," he said, looking at the ring. "I was miserable after she was gone. That's why I disappeared." He scoffed lightly. "Arnav takes it wrong and thinks that I left to be with the person I was "having an affair" with."

Khushi looked side to side.

"I don't blame him. He loved Aisha so much," he smiled. Leaning back, he sighed. "It was a long while later when I met Kaushali. She wasn't in a good condition to raise Kala, and I had been thinking of the children needing a mother figure, so we compromised and got married. Things worked out for her and Kala... as for Anjali and Arnav...."

Khushi looked down. Poor guy, she thought to herself.

"It's understandable," Khushi said, looking back up at him. "Having a maternal figure around is different than just having a paternal figure around."

Arhat just nodded.

"Um... I was wondering if you have any stuff of Arnav and Aisha together."

Arhat nodded. "Of course, follow me."

Khushi followed Arhat up to the second floor and entered a bedroom.

Arhat turned the light on. "This is Arnav's old room."

Khushi walked in and scanned the room. The room was the typical blue, containing a single size bed in the corner, a desk, a wardrobe, and a computer. It was obvious that this room belonged to teenager-Arnav.

"I'll leave you to it," Arhat smiled softly, and he left.

Khushi walked around the room and observed it. There was a cork board on the wall, filled with pictures of cars, guitars, models in bikinis, athletic figures, and some notes. One thing that caught her attention was a picture of young Arnav and his mother. Aisha was squeezing Arnav tightly in a hug, and Arnav was beaming brightly, his smile huge, going from end to end of his face. Khushi couldn't help but to smile as her heart fluttered. She couldn't stop herself from touching the picture.

If only he smiled like that all the time.

Walking around, she looked at the guitars that hung on the walls.

I didn't know he played.

Khushi headed to his closet and turned on the light. There were still some clothes hanging and Khushi couldn't help but to go through it. Teenage- Arnav's wardrobe was 200% different than present-Arnav's. One thing for sure, teenage-Arnav didn't do designer clothes. Except for one thing that had caught her eyes - an Armani biker jacket.Taking it off it's hanger, she took her cardigan off and slipped on the jacket. It was slightly big on her, but it wasn't so bad.

Khushi was about to walk away, when she noticed several boxes on the floor. She pulled them out and found a whole bunch of picture albums. Going through them, she saw many photos of Arnav when he was a little boy. Not only were there photo albums, but there were VHS videos. She looked through them and figured out that they were tapes of Arnav when he was young.

Seeing all the video tapes, Khushi wanted to watch them. She took all the boxes out, when she found a box covered with a blue blanket. Having a feeling, Khushi picked up the blanket and held it.

I don't know why, but this seems special. But even if it is, why is it here?

"That's his blanket."

Khushi whipped around and saw Anjali standing at the door. She came walking in, standing a few feet away from Khushi.

"My mother used to cover Chote up with that blanket. It became his favorite blanket," she smiled. "Even as he got older, he never got rid of it."

Khushi looked down at the blanker in her hands. Soft and touchy Arnav.

"For as far as my memory can serve me, I remember my mother loving Chote unconditionally."

Khushi scoffed lightly. "And he thinks Aisha didn't,"she said, shaking her head.

Anjali shut her eyes. "It hurts to know that he thinks that," she said, turning her head away.

Khushi nodded in agreement. Looking at the boxes around her, her mission to watch the videos grew even more. "Anjali, if you don't mind, can I take these to watch?"

Anjali nodded. "Sure. They sit around here getting dusty anyways. I come in here now and then to clean it up." She looked at Khushi. "I'll help you take them."

*~*

Getting back to the apartment, Khushi had the staff bring up the boxes, saving Anjali the trouble. Carrying the last box in, Khushi settled down in the media room, where all sorts of gadgets were contained. She took a tape and placed it into the VHS and rewound the tape to the beginning. Pressing play, she sat on the floor and watched.

Video after video played. They contained birthdays, parties, holidays, and so much more! One thing they all shared in common was the love that Aisha had for her son. It was crystal clear that Arnav was her life! It was also clear to Khushi that the love wasn't even near fake, as Arnav proclaimed.

A couple of hours passed, when Arnav came home. Walking right in, he headed into the living room. Etta came in and gave him a glass of water.

"Where's Khushi." Arnav asked.

"She's in the media room," Etta replied.

Arnav nodded and handed the glass back to Etta.

"Shall I start up dinner?"

Arnav nodded and Etta left to the kitchen. He took of his suit and loosened his tie, then headed to the media room. Opening the door, he found Khushi sitting on the floor, hugging her knees, remote in hand, staring at the projection screen. He looked at it and his eyes widened, seeing his 4th birthday playing. Arnav clenched his jaws, his anger growing by the second.

"Stop that video this instant," Arnav said through his teeth.

Khushi simply turned her head to face him. "No."

"Khushi stop playing it this instant!"

Khushi simply turned away and continued to watch the video. "What's it matter if I've already seen it once?"

Arnav bubbled. "Why did you get these videos in the first place?"

"To show you that she cares."

"What?"

Khushi placed the remote down beside her and got up and face him. "Arnav, it is crystal clear in these videos that Aisha loved you very much. Not only do the videos show it, but those pictures do as well," she said, gesturing to the boxes filled with the albums.

Arnav was fuming. He didn't care about what Khushi had to say. Ignoring everything she said, he went to the boxes filled with the VHS tapes, and threw them. Khushi's eyes widened as he threw the tapes and the photo albums. He grabbed the blanket and was about to ruin it, when he froze. At the sight of it, flashbacks played in his head.

He saw himself running around the house and Aisha was chasing him. He saw himself in his room, refusing to go to sleep, until his mother gave him his blanky. It had made him so happy, that he jumped up and gave her a tight hug.

Arnav snapped back to reality and just stared at the blanket.

"Please try to understand, Arnav," Khushi said softly. "Aisha did love you, she really did. You're just not understanding-"

"No," Arnav replied stubbornly. "No she didn't."

Now Khushi was angry. "For fuck's sake, she did love you," she yelled.

Arnav's eyes widened. He had never seen Khushi this angry before.

"She didn't leave you and she committed suicide because she thought her husband was cheating on her! She was emotional! She was upset! She didn't die hating you! She loved you!!"

But Arnav wasn't any less angry. "Just shut up Khushi! Just shut up! You don't know anything and you don't know me!"

"I do fucking know you! You're a guy that does crazy fuckery! You use sex as a stress relief! You used to hire girls for sex! You're private and you hate your Steps! You used to do pot, you love Anjali, and you think that you're mother faked her love when she didn't! What other fucking shit is left to know!!!"

Khushi exhaled deeply and looked down. Arnav was about to say something, but Khushi cut him off.

"I'm done."

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

Khushi looked up at him. "I can't take it anymore. I'm leaving you."

Arnav's eyes widened as he felt his world crashing down.

Maha Update - Chapter Thirty Three

Arnav looked himself down one last time. It was the night of that stupid party, and Arnav really didn't want to go for... certain reasons, let's just say. But him not showing up would be a sign of weakness and Arnav Singh Raizada refused to appear weak. Above all, he refused to appear scared.

Removing invisible lint off of his navy blue Armani suit, he walked out of the dressing room and headed down to Khushi's room. He hadn't spoken to Khushi since their encounter, earlier in the day. Arnav was about to stride into her room, but he stopped. He knew better, knowing that Khushi would not like him barging into her room, especially after what he had done.

Arnav looked down and frowned. It puzzled him - he noticed that he was changing. The Arnav Singh Raizada he once was, was definitely different than the Arnav Singh Raizada now. He hadn't even realized his change, but he knew one thing - it was all because of Khushi.

And maybe, just maybe, Arnav wondered, it might be because-

Khushi's door opened and out came Khushi. Arnav looked up and was stunned. Khushi looked absolutely beautiful, not to mention sexy, in her yellow sari. But Arnav wasn't the only one ogling - Khushi ogled Arnav down like there was no tomorrow.

"I didn't realize you were ready," Khushi said once she snapped back.

"Doesn't take as much time as it does for you," he lightly smirked.

Khushi rolled her eyes. "Us girls can take as much time as we want. Problem?"

Arnav smiled. "Absolutely not."

Khushi squinted her eyes. "Making fun of me, are you?"

Arnav raised his hands up, gesturing his innocence. "Absolutely not."

"Hmm... now let's go."

Arnav bowed. "After you, my love."

Arnav froze as the words left his mouth, as well as Khushi, who had already started to head towards the stairs. Arnav wondered on why he had said that and Khushi couldn't believe her ears. But knowing him, she knew not to think that he meant it when he said my love, and she continued to walk away. Arnav on the other hand stood in place. Did he really just call her my love?

Coming back to reality, Arnav went downstairs, finding Khushi in the kitchen. She was drinking some wine and Arnav wondered why. Going over to her, he joined her and poured some wine for himself as well in a glass flute.

"Why the sudden need for wine," Arnav asked.

"I'm nervous," Khushi simply replied.

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows. "Of what?"

Khushi looked at him. "There's going to be so many people there, all big officials, CEO's, etc. I'm scared."

Arnav smiled. "There's nothing to be scared about, Khushi. It'll be fine."

"And if it doesn't?"

"Trust me - it will be. And if there's any way the night will turn to crap...."

Khushi cocked an eyebrow.

Arnav shook his head. "Nothing. Just- If something does happen, there's no need to worry because it'll involve something else."

"Involve what?"

Arnav finished his drink and placed the flute down. "Me."

Khushi looked at him confusedly, but Arnav turned away to put their glasses in the dishwasher. When he turned back, he asked if she was ready to go, Khushi nodding in reply. The two headed out and met Nigel downstairs and got into the Benz. Through the whole drive, Khushi just wondered on what Arnav had said.

How is it that if a problem were to occur, it would involve him? Did he do something in order for something to happen? She was puzzled.

As for Arnav, he was busy thinking about Khushi, looking out the window. He wondered about what he had said earlier. He wondered on his actions. He thought about his whole lifestyle. He thought about his life. Above everything, he thought of his mom. He was pained when he thought of her, not realizing that he had clenched his fists. It was when he felt Khushi's hand on his that he had realized. He looked down at their hands and then at Khushi's confused face. He simply shook his head, and looked back out the window.

She's an angel, he said in his head. After what I've done, she should've been gone... but yet she's still here. She really must be a strong person... stronger than me.

Arnav glanced at Khushi, who was looking out the other window.

How in the world did I manage to have her in my life? I don't deserve her. She deserves better - she deserves someone who will treat her like the angel she is.

Khushi was about to turn her head, so Arnav looked back out his window.

I don't deserve her. I should've had her leave when I had the chance. I shouldn't have had her stay and live with me. I thought I'd show her what I really am... but I couldn't. I can't! She's just too good for that. ... she's too good for me - she should find someone else.

It pained Arnav to think that, but he knew he was right.

She should find someone else.

*~*

Pulling up to the Hilton Hotel, Nigel opened the door for Khushi, and Khushi stepped out. Arnav came out as well and went around to Khushi's side. Offering his arm, Khushi took it and the two walked in, cameras capturing picture after picture of the two. The couple followed the others in and entered the grand ballroom. Khushi looked around on amazement, the ballroom shining in the bright lights from the very crystallized chandeliers.

Not even being there for a minute, the couple had been attacked by other guests. They were people Arnav knew, most of them CEO's of their own companies, or something else that Khushi didn't really pay attention to.

"So who is this fine, young lady," asked one of the suits.

"This is Khushi," Arnav smiled. "My girlfriend."

Everyone that stood around Khushi and Arnav looked at Khushi in shock. Of course it was there for a split second, but Khushi had noticed it all.

"Well she must be very lucky," the man smiled.

Arnav wrapped his arm around Khushi's waist. "She is," he stated.

Khushi glanced up at Arnav and then smiled at the others. She didn't know what to think. Arnav was confusing her very much and it was making her head spin. Not only was he confusing her, but the other people were as well. They all looked at her like they'd never seen Arnav with another girl. She remembered of Arnav mentioning his exes, so why was it so weird that he had brought her? It took her a moment to realize that maybe Arnav had never gone public with them. Otherwise they surely would've came up in her research on Arnav.

The night went on, and it became easy for Khushi to talk to the people there. She had met some CEO's who were rather impressed with her skills. Some had even told her to try to apply for their company, and she told them that she'd keep their offers in mind.

Khushi was now talking to two women, both wives of CEOs. They were talking about Khushi's sari, when someone tapped Khushi's shoulder. Turning around, she found a man smiling at her. He was in a crisp black suit, his smile stunning, and sharp eyes.

"Hello," he smiled. "my name is Dhruv."

Khushi smiled softly. "Nice to meet you, Dhruv. I'm Khushi."

Khushi held her hand out and instead of shaking hands, he kissed it. Khushi didn't know why, but she inwardly cringed. Something about him sent of a huge red light in her head, saying that there was something wrong with him. But she found her thought absurd since she didn't know him at all.

"Pleasure to meet you," he smiled, standing straight. "Especially since you're Arnav's girlfriend."

Before Khushi could question him, he turned and called a waitress over for drinks. He had them all take a glass of champagne, as well as for himself, and the waitress left.

"So tell me about yourself Khushi," Dhruv said. "I believe you're still in school."

"I am," Khushi said, taking a sip.

"What do you study?"

"Accounting."

"Planning on taking the CPA exam?"

"Definitely."

Dhruv went on with questions, as if he were trying to get every detail he could of her. Khushi didn't feel very comfy about it, so she gave as many blunt answers as she could. Things got worse when the other two ladies left them to talk. She really didn't feel comfortable talk to Dhruv whatsoever.

Arnav, on the other hand, had been busy talking to a stock broker, when he noticed Dhruv talking to Khushi. He scorched up instantly, not liking things one single bit.

Khushi noticed Arnav and saw the anger, mistaking it as jealousy, all over his face. With Arnav being confusing, she needed to know what he truly felt for her. What Arnav did to her was inexcusable, of course, but if how Arnav was acting lately was a way of apologizing, she wasn't sure. She had seen Arnav changing, but she needed to know what he felt for her. The only reason why she was still here was to be positive on whether or not he loved her. Seeing how he was acting now, she needed to see if she really was his love as he had said earlier.

Dhruv had said a stupid joke, and wanting to get Arnav boiling with jealousy, she started to laugh. He continued on with his corny jokes, but Khushi laughed on and on, touching his arm now and then. Arnav was definitely boiling, and he wasn't going to stand there and watch.

Just as he excused himself, Arnav saw Dhruv touch Khushi. It made him absolutely furious and he was about to yell at Dhruv, when he saw how uncomfortable and awkward Khushi was getting by him touching her. Arnav took a sharp breath, now knowing very well that she had done what she had, just to make him jealous. She had done well, but now it backfired.

Walking over like the powerful man he is, Arnav went over to Khushi's side. Khushi looked at Arnav as he moved to her side and wrapped his arm around her bare waist. Dhruv glanced and saw Arnav's protective hand over her, and then looked at Arnav with a fake smile.

"I see you've met Dhruv," Arnav said to Khushi, not taking his eyes of Dhruv.

Khushi could hear the iciness in Arnav's voice and knew that her instincts were right - something was wrong with Dhruv.

"He's a business rival of mine," Arnav continued. "Of course, my company has always done better than his. He's always lagging behind in second."

Dhruv faked a smile. "There can always be a change."

"And I'll make sure it doesn't happen," Arnav said sharply.

Khushi looked up at Arnav and saw the fierceness in his eyes. She looked at Dhruv and then back at Arnav. There was definitely something between these two, and she knew she had messed up here - big time - trying to make Arnav jealous with this man.

"If you'll excuse us," Arnav faked a smile, and took Khushi away with him.

Khushi tried to catch up with Arnav's pace, glancing at everyone else around them, who were looking at them. She slightly blushed, and hurried behind Arnav. Once they were out of the ballroom, Khushi followed Arnav down some halls to the elevator. Once they were inside, Khushi tried to free herself.

"Arnav, I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't know there was something between you two. I-"

The elevator doors opened and Arnav took her out. She followed him down the hall and stopped in front of a door. Swiping it open with a key card, he took them both inside and then released Khushi, shutting the door behind him, placing the "Do Not Disturb" sign. Khushi gulped and was scared.

Is he gonna do it again, Khushi wondered, scared.

Arnav went up to her and then grabbed her by her waist and leaned her up against the wall. Khushi gasped to the sudden action, but was cut off because Arnav kissed her.Pulling away, Khushi looked at him in shock. She was totally confused.

"Don't ever - EVER - try to make me jealous," Arnav warned. "And don't EVER be around Dhruv again."

Khushi just blinked.

"I mean it Khushi - Dhruv is bad news! He's bad with the girls and if you favor your life, you will stay away from him."

Khushi gulped. Is Dhruv that scary, she wondered. "I'm so confused," she said softly.

"Better confused than knowing anything about him, baby."

Khushi nodded, taking in his words. Both were silent for a moment until they noticed their position. Arnav looked at how he had Khushi pressed up against the wall and it was making him crazy, completely turned on by her. Khushi, on the other hand, was in awe by how much care he showed and how protective he had gotten back in the ballroom. But to say she still wasn't confused, would be a lie.

Everything this man before her made her feel was a million percent confusing. She hated how he had treated her, but she still loved him. She loved his caring side, and she absolutely loved how passionate he could be. Khushi was downright confused but if she understood anything then it was that she loved him, no matter what he said or did to her - and she felt damn right confused about it.

Arnav thought of their position and thought that Khushi would not be liking it. After what he had done, he wouldn't be surprised if Khushi never wanted to have sex with him again. He tried to pull away, but Khushi caught onto him and stopped him.

"Don't pull away," she pleaded.

Arnav looked at her confusedly.

"I want you Arnav," she practically panted.

"What?"

"I want you. I want you now Arnav - right here, right now."

Arnav blinked in confusion. "Khushi-"

"Please Arnav! I want you dammit!"

Khushi smashed her lips onto his and Arnav was in total shock. He felt her trying to push her tongue through to his mouth, trying to show how much she wanted him. Trying to pull away, Khushi stopped him and managed to push her tongue forward. She began to unbutton his suit and disposed of it. She loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt and disposed of it as well. But through it all, Arnav was confused. How could she wants him after what he had done?

"Love me Arnav, please," she begged. "Here, now, at this very moment."

Arnav just looked at her.

"Touch me Arnav," Khushi begged, taking his hands in hers. "Feel me," and she moved his hands over her sensitive parts.

Unable to control himself, Arnav gave up to her passion and kissed her, groaning from his throat. He disposed of her sari, and Khushi disposed of everything that was left on his body. Both were naked and moved and stumbled back onto the bed.

To say that Arnav was shocked, was a total understatement. As Khushi continued her craziness, Arnav couldn't believe how much she wanted him, nor how much he wanted her. He had never felt this way for a woman before, not ever! As Arnav watched Khushi shudder beneath him and gasp his name, he realized then that she was the only one he ever wanted to hold. She was the only one he wanted to cherish, both body and soul. As he watched Khushi cry out beneath him, coming off her high, he knew that she was the only one he'd ever make love to.

Pouring himself into her, Arnav collapsed. He rolled over beside her and held Khushi tightly to him. Catching his breath, Arnav got lost in thought.

Why was it that with her, things felt better? Why was it that with her, sex had meaning? Why was it that with her, his heart felt content? Why was it that with her, his life seemed better and worth living? Why was it that with her, he was happy? Why was it that with with her... he felt love?

Because you love her, a familiar voice said.

Sitting up with a start, Khushi looked up at him in confusion. "What's wrong Arnav?"

Arnav shook his head. Khushi sat up, and placed her hand on his shoulder. Out of nowhere, Arnav crushed her lips with his and kissed her desperately. Khushi was shocked at first, but then kissed him back. He held her face in his hands and Khushi held onto his hands.

Breaking away, Arnav said "when we get home tonight, I want to make love to you."

Khushi looked at him and nodded. She knew something was up and something was bothering him.

Out of nowhere, Arnav hugged her tightly, surprising Khushi. She held him to her and Arnav had his eyes screwed shut. Suddenly, visions began to play in his head.

"No," he whispered.

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. She tried to pull back to ask what he meant by no, but when she tried, Arnav's grip tightened.

"No!"

Arnav shook, the visions still flashing in his mind. He saw him and his mother playing in their old backyard. He saw his mother holding him tightly to her chest, reading a story. He saw his mother hugging him tightly, telling him that she loved him.

Khushi placed her fingers in his hair. "Arnav?"

Arnav's grip tightened as another vision played. It started hazy, Arnav in a white room. He couldn't figure out where he was or how to get out. He turned around and saw a woman standing with her back facing him. As he approached her, she turned around, revealing to be his mother. Arnav couldn't believe his eyes and ran towards her. She held her arms out and Arnav hugged her tightly, tears releasing.

Cupping his face, she tilted it up. "I love you Arnav. No mother could ever be as proud as I am of my son."

Before Arnav could say anything, a gush of wind blew really hard. The room started to blacken and both mother and son looked around, trying to figure out what was going on. The wind blew harder and pushed in between the two. The two recoiled back, the wind blowing even harder. When Arnav looked back, he saw his mother being pushed back farther.

"Arnav," his mother cried out.

The room was getting darker and Arnav needed to save his mother. He ran towards her but the wind blew harsher. The lights blinked and the room shook. Suddenly a dark shroud appeared and began to wrap around Arnav's mother's feet.

"Arnav!"

Arnav's eyes widened and he tried to run towards her. But the wind was still harsh and the shroud continued to take her. Arnav tried his best and got to his mother, but the shroud was taking her away.

"Arnav, I have to go, they won't let me stay!"

Arnav shook his head and tried to get her but they took her away.

"No," Arnav cried, "Don't leave me!"

Arnav was shaking in Khushi's arms, his eyes clenched tightly. She ran her fingers through his hair and held him tightly.

"Arnav, I'm right here," she soothed.

But Arnav was still lost. He was trying to free his mother, but the shroud had engulfed her.

"No," Arnav yelled.

But the shroud had picked her up and the room faded to black. Arnav couldn't see anything, until moments later, when the lights came back on. He looked all around, but his mother was gone. He ran around like a lunatic but she was nowhere to be seen.

"No! Please don't leave me," he cried.

Arnav was shaking and sweating in Khushi's arms. Khushi was really scared now, but she didn't let go of him. She held him securely to her and kissed him on top of his head.

"I will never leave you," Khushi soothed. "I love you."

Arnav's eyes shot open. He was breathing heavily, registering everything he'd just seen. Pulling back he looked at Khushi, who looked absolutely worried.

"Are you okay," Khushi asked, holding his face in her hands, observing him.

In a matter of seconds, Arnav cracked. Tears streamed down his cheeks and he hugged her again. Khushi stilled, completely shocked. She had never seen Arnav in tears before!

"Arnav?"

Khushi couldn't believe she was seeing the love of her life break apart. Arnav held onto her and cried on her shoulder and Khushi could feel her heart break. She never would've thought  that a strong man like Arnav Singh Raizada would crack and fall into pieces. But then again, she knew Arnav to a farther extent than anyone and the misery held within him.

She just never thought she'd ever see him in such a state.

"Please don't cry baby," Khushi said softly, tears pooling in her eyes. "Please Arnav?"

"Why did my mother leave me," Arnav asked. "Did she not care? Did she not love me? Did she fake her love?!"

"Hush Arnav," she soothed. She pulled back and held his face in her hands. "Don't say that. It's not your fault Arnav and she loved you very, very much-"

"I don't believe that!"

Khushi looked at him in shock as Arnav pulled back and looked away.

"I hate her," Arnav muttered.

Khushi gasped. "Arnav don't say that!" She cupped his face again and had him face her. "You don't mean that-"

"I do! And I hate her to the core!"

Arnav abruptly stood up and headed towards the bathroom, locking the door behind him. Khushi just stared at the door, very much upset that Arnav was saying such things.

*~*

Later that night, after hours of intense love making, Arnav had fallen asleep. As for Khushi, she could only watch Arnav sleeping. It hurt her to hear Arnav say such harsh things about his mother. She didn't like it whatsoever. From all she had learned, she would've said that his mother loved him to bunches!

Lying down and turning to her side, she faced Arnav. Arnav groaned and held Khushi around her waist, pulling her in, burying his face in her chest. Khushi wrapped her arm around Arnav and sighed. She didn't want to see Arnav like this, so she knew she would have to fix this. But in order to solve this, she would have to find out more information.



Hopefully this was a long enough update *fingers crossed* lol
So what did you guys think? Tbh, this was one scary chapter for me to write. Not because of the content, but because of the emotions I wanted to portray here. I wanted to show that Arnav isn't so cold hearted as many of us think and  I wanted to show a crack of the emotions inside of him.
Hopefully it was good? o_O
Please like and comment :)

Chapter Thirty Two

The city was bright, even though it was late at night. Arnav had passed out a couple of hours ago, but Khushi couldn't sleep. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned - she even tried counting sheep! But nothing helped her at all, so she got out of bed and wandered around the penthouse.

Khushi wandered into the kitchen and drank some OJ. Walking around the apartment did nothing, so she came up with a decision. Leaving the glass on the counter, she went all the way up to Arnav's room. Slowly opening the door, she walked in and peeked over at his bed. Arnav was sound asleep, looking absolutely adorable. Unable to resist, she walked over to Arnav and carefully sat down on the bed. It slightly dipped, but not so much. Khushi looked at Arnav surprisingly - Arnav was laying down on his front, clutching onto Khushi's pillow. It was something Khushi never expected from Arnav, thinking that he wasn't one of those guys to hold onto their girl's pillow when they weren't sleeping next to them.

Khushi looked at him affectionately, putting her fingers through his hair. Arnav sighed, causing Khushi to pause. When he didn't wake up, she continued to play with his ever-so-soft hair. It was always a wonder to Khushi how he managed to keep his hair so soft.

Sighing, Khushi got up and went to the dressing room and got her clothes. Dropping her pajamas to the floor, she changed her clothes, and then walked out of the room. She looked at Arnav one more time, and left.

*~*

Arnav woke up with a start. His body shook as he breathed, his body covered in sweat. Reaching to his side table, he grabbed the glass of water and gulped it all down. It didn't help him one bit, visions of the nightmare flashing before his eyes. He needed them to go away; he needed to apologize - he needed Khushi. Jumping out of bed, he dashed down to Khushi's room. Throwing the door open, he found the room empty. Arnav looked around the room confusedly. He checked the walk-in closet and the bathroom, but Khushi wasn't there. He checked the terrace, but she wasn't there either. Arnav began to panic and looked all over the apartment - but he couldn't find her anywhere. Running back to his room, Arnav grabbed his phone and called Khushi. As the phone ringed, he heard "Animals" by Martin Garrix playing elsewhere. Puzzled, he moved his phone away from his ear and followed the sound. Walking into the dressing room, he found Khushi's pajamas pooled on the floor. Bending down, Arnav picked up Khushi's phone.

"Dammit," he muttered, squeezing the phone, looking away in anger.

Ending the call, Arnav walked out of the room and headed to his room, holding both phones in his hand, he grabbed the keys to his Cadillac and headed downstairs. If anything, he would look everywhere just to find her.

Just as Arnav got to the bottom floor, he heard something. It sounded like as if it were coming from the kitchen, so he went there. He found the light on and saw Khushi standing by the fridge, a cold water bottle in hand, her covered in sweat. Not wasting a single second, Arnav went to Khushi and pulled her into him, shocking Khushi. Her eyes were wide as Arnav shook, holding her.

"Where did you go," Arnav breathed.

"I couldn't sleep, so I went out for a run-"

"At this time?!"

"Arnav it's almost 6-"

"Don't ever leave me like that again. Okay? Never! Don't ever leave me! Don't ever leave me...."

Khushi's eyebrows scrunched as she wrapped her arms around him. She couldn't believe how Arnav was acting. It was almost as if he had gone mental or something. Holding him, she now realized that he was sticky in sweat, but not because of her. The back of his navy t-shirt was wet from sweat. Khushi concluded that he must've had another one of those nightmares.

"Arnav let me take you to bed-"

"No! No, I don't want to let go of you," he exclaimed, and clutched onto her tighter.

Khushi was in shock. This dream must've been really bad if he was acting like this. But if it was that bad, would he ask her to...?

"Arnav, you need rest. Let's go to bed," Khushi said softly.

Arnav pulled back and looked at her. "You'll come to bed with me?"

Khushi wasn't exactly sure of what he was asking of her, but she nodded.

Not wasting another second, Arnav picked her up and took her upstairs to his room. As he put her down, Khushi wondered if Arnav was going to do what he usually did when he had his nightmares - have sex. Instead of saying anything, Arnav placed Khushi's pillow back on her side and had Khushi lay down. He went around to the other side and laid down beside her, pulling her to him. Khushi looked at him in shock as he held her tightly, his face buried into her breasts. Arnav drifted asleep and Khushi could only look at him. Placing her fingers in his hair, Khushi thought about his actions. He had acted as if he were mental and when he had asked her to never leave him, it puzzled her. Not so long ago, Arnav wanted her gone, and now he was asking her not to leave? She was confused.

Arnav sighed and moved, nuzzling her breasts. Khushi froze on the spot, turning stiff.

"I won't do anything," Arnav muttered against her breasts. "I will never force myself on you again," he promised.

Khushi gasped unknowingly.

Gently pressing a kiss on her chest, Arnav dozed off to sleep. Khushi stayed still for a moment, not breathing at all. She was surprised that he wasn't going to have sex with her, but just sleep with her. When he had kissed her, her body had tingled. She cursed at herself for still reacting to him after what he'd done to her. She sighed as she looked at him lovingly. She damned herself for being confused and for loving the most confusing being on the planet.

Not giving another thought to anything, Khushi slowly dozed off to sleep, both holding each other in their arms.

*~*

Arnav groaned slightly, and opened his eyes. Although he had done this numerous times, Arnav's breath was taken away as he woke up to see Khushi asleep next to him. Arnav blinked, making sure that what he was seeing was real. It was real, and Arnav couldn't believe that she had actually stayed beside him. Slowly getting up, he stood up to wash up, when he heard Khushi.

"Arnav," she muttered.

Arnav froze and looked at her. She was still sleeping, mumbling in her sleep. Curious, he moved closer to hear her. Khushi muttered some more, mumbling mostly. Arnav barely understood what she said, until the last thing she said.

"I love you," she breathed, and She turned onto her front, holding onto her pillow.

Arnav just looked at her. Even after what he'd done, she still loved him. With the other women he had been with and had acted the same with - they'd all cursed him and hate him. But here was Khushi, still in love with him, even after all he had done.

Arnav felt his heart thump and placed his hand above it.

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

Arnav looked at his hand over his heart and then at Khushi. Standing straight, he headed to the bathroom to wash up, 100% determined.

Chapter Thirty One

Khushi stood in front of the mirror as she adjusted her top and blazer. Clipping her hair back, Khushi checked her reflection one more time and then headed out to leave. She picked up her purse and checked her wallet as she stepped out of the room. As she walked out, she saw Arnav. He had just come down, busy talking on the phone. Khushi knew what she said was mean, but it was only the truth. It was up to Arnav to choose whether or not he wants to think about it.

But Arnav was thinking about it. Only for a slight bit though, feeling off about Khushi's words. He felt confused and didn't like Khushi's words at all. It was odd to him since he had heard other women tell him this, but to hear it from Khushi's mouth could only bother him. He would've thought forward on it, but his phone began to ring, so the topic ended there.

Khushi stood there for a few seconds and watched Arnav. He had a file in his hands and he was going through it, looking like the businessman he is. She looked him up and down, taking in the light blue button down and his black dress pants. Khushi lightly smiled to herself as she remembered how she used to keep detail of what he wore, since everything he wore flashed price tags. Now, she was used to it, and it made her wonder on all the change.

Things definitely have changed, she said in her head.

"Khushi?"

Khushi snapped out of though and looked up to see Etta.

Khushi understood why she was here and nodded. "I'll be down in a few."

Etta nodded and left. Khushi looked up to see Arnav looking at her, but he was still holding the phone, so she assumed the other person was talking. Tucking her hair behind her ear, Khushi headed out to leave, when he spoke.

"Khushi," Arnav called out.

Khushi stopped and turned. Arnav cradled the phone between his ear and shoulder as he approached her. He reached behind her and unclipped the hairclip Khushi had put to hold her hair back. Khushi's hair came tumbling down and Arnav fixed it.

"There's my beautiful girl," he softly said as he smiled.

Khushi curved her lips a bit to make a faint smile, but she was confused.

Arnav pecked her cheek and went back to his work. Khushi stood there for a few and then left. She left silently and went downstairs and took the elevator down to the lobby. The entire trip down, Khushi kept replaying what had just happened in her head. She arrived to the lobby and exited the building. Nigel was waiting at the Bentley, holding the door open. Khushi headed right in and Nigel went around and sat in the driver's seat. He pulled into the busy streets of Manhattan, everyone bustling around for their own needs.

Khushi took her heels off and put her feet on the seat. She pulled her legs in and rested her chin on her knees. Memories played in her head and she sighed.

"Why are you so confusing," Khushi whispered aloud.

Nigel scoffed slightly and Khushi looked at him.

He looked at her through the rear-view mirror. "Because he's been thrown around with no one to care," he lightly smiled, and looked back forward.

*~*

Khushi looked at all the sari's the clerk had laid out. She was trying to decide on which one to buy, but she was too distracted. She kept thinking of what Nigel had said in the car.

*Flashback*

"Because he's been thrown around with no one to care," he lightly smiled, and looked back forward."

*End of Flashback*

Khushi wondered on those words. Was there something Nigel knew that she didn't?

She smacked her forehead. Of course he does, she said in her head.

 

The clerk looked at Khushi like she was crazy. Khushi shrugged and gave an apologetic smile and walked out. There was nothing there that satisfied her whatsoever. Khushi walked down the block and went into the next store. If anything, she knew she would find a sari somewhere in Jackson Heights. Khushi browsed around, looking for something special, when a sari caught her eyes. She asked the sales woman to show it to her. The sales woman laid it out and Khushi ran her fingers on it. She knew instantly that this one was the one, so she bought it. The blouse was to be made, so Khushi left her measurements and expected it ready in two days.

Khushi found Nigel on 73rd Street, just like he had said. He got out of the car and opened the door for Khushi as she slid in, placing the bag beside her. Nigel shut the door and went back around and started up the car. He pulled into traffic and Khushi sat back and wondered.

Has Nigel been working for Arnav for long, she wondered.

Taking her chances, Khushi asked.

"Nigel?"

"Yes ma'am?"

"How long have you been working for Arnav?"

"Sixth year almost to an end, Ms. Gupta."

Khushi's eyebrows shot up. "Wow... that's a really long time."

"Yes it is, but it doesn't feel that way."

Khushi nodded as she leaned back.

Take your chances, she said in her head. "So that means you've known him for quite a long time."

"Yes I do."

Khushi pursed her lips. The way he said it, Khushi knew there was no way to carry on the conversation without being obvious.

"Ma'am?"

Khushi looked up. "Yes?"

"If you're wondering about Sir's past, I'll tell you this - he's dealt with enough pain. If you really want to know, I suggest you figure him out because he'll never share his feelings."

Khushi blinked and nodded once. She knew there was something that bothered Arnav very much. Yes there was his mother's death, but it seemed like there was more than that. And then she remembered his steps.

It most definitely is more than his mother's death, she said in her head.

*~*

Khushi headed on up, holding the bag that held her sari. As she entered the penthouse, she had a feeling that something was wrong. She didn't know what, but she knew she was going to find out. Entering the living room, she saw Arnav laying down on the sofa, his leg hanging off the armrest. His eyes were shut and he was breathing lightly, one arm resting on his chest, the other hanging to the floor. Khushi crept towards him, not wanting to make any noise to wake him up. She assumed he must be tired since he hadn't gotten enough sleep, coming to her room last night.

Khushi bent down to her knees and looked at Arnav. He looked young in his sleep, unlike his business, tyrannical self. Looking at him reminded her of the sweet and caring Arnav, the man that loved her oh so very much. Unable to help herself, she ran her fingers through his soft hair. Within a second, Arnav's eyes opened, causing Khushi to still, her eyes widening. She didn't want him to think that she had forgiven him so easily, so she went to withdraw her hand. But when she tried, Arnav caught her hand. Khushi looked at their hands and then at him. Arnav brought her hand down to his lips and softly kissed her palm. Khushi never understood why, but whenever he would do that, she would feel tingles run through her. Arnav himself knew very well of the affects of the things he would do to her, and he knew this as well. He didn't need to know from her because he could see the affect himself.

Arnav slowly sat up as he kissed his way up Khushi's arm softly. Khushi mentally cursed at herself. On the car ride back, she had removed her blazer and was only in her top, which had no sleeves, leaving her arms totally exposed and giving Arnav total access to her flesh. Khushi tried to fight it, but she couldn't - she was melting with desire. Arnav slowly trailed his way up, reaching her shoulders and moving to her neck. Khushi couldn't help but to expose her neck to him, giving him complete access. Arnav continued on with his expedition, travelling up till he was hovering over her lips. Khushi stayed there waiting, wanting nothing more but his lips on hers. She craved him so much, she felt silly. But she wanted him, and she wanted him to satisfy the desire that bloomed in her belly.

"Khushi," Arnav whispered.

Khushi opened her eyes and looked at him. He was looking deep into her eyes and Khushi felt herself melt even more. It was crystal clear that he wanted her and Khushi only wanted to give herself to him. The way he was looking at her made her blush, that she had to turn away. It was then that she noticed that moments ago, when Arnav was laying down with his arm hanging off, there was a glass sitting there, filled with alcohol. Khushi realized then that he was drunk, ridding her off all the desires she just had.

Khushi shot up to her feet, causing Arnav to recoil. He looked up at Khushi and saw that her crave for him was gone, causing his temper to rise.

Arnav stood. "What the hell Khushi?!"

Khushi looked at him angrily. "Are you drunk Arnav?"

"What?"

Khushi's eyes traveled to his drink and Arnav's eyes followed.

Arnav fumed. "So what if I drank?"

"I will not let you touch me in a drunken state, especially after what you did!"

Khushi turned away and walked out of the room to head to her room. Arnav stood there, but he wasn't fooled. He may have drank, but he was still sober. He was confused of course, wondering what to do with Khushi since she was still clearly upset about what he had done.

I have to make it up to her, one way or the other, he said in his head, and finished his drink, clanking the glass down to the table. 

Chapter Thirty

For Anysia - her post: http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3775308&PID=100692931&#p100692931

It was late night, almost 3 AM. Arnav had gone to bed at 11:30, after showering, and since then, Arnav couldn't fall asleep. His eyes were wide open, not an ounce of sleep in them. He just couldn't sleep. All Arnav could think of was Khushi. He was worried. He tried to convince himself that she was fine, but he couldn't accept it - he was just too worried about her.

Unable to sleep, Arnav got up and went out of his room. He headed downstairs to the middle floor and went to the library. Walking over to his desk, Arnav opened up the top drawer and got out a set of keys. They were the master keys and Arnav could open every single door.

Arnav headed across the conference room to Khushi's door. Finding the key to her room, he inserted the key and turned it. Quietly, he carefully opened the door. Inside, it was dark, lights from the skyscrapers peeking in through the windows. Khushi was asleep on her bed, wrapped in the sheets she had ran away in earlier. Arnav quietly walked over to her and carefully sat beside her, making sure to not wake her. Arnav reached out and brushed Khushi's hair aside and then cupped her face. He noticed the dry tear stains on her face and felt his heart clench, understanding that she had cried herself to sleep.

Arnav clenched his fists. Getting up, he went to the bathroom and found a small washcloth. He went over to the sink to wet it and then went back to Khushi. Carefully, he wiped her face clean, making sure she didn't wake up. As he cleaned her up, he couldn't help but to gaze at her.

She used to be a very chripy person, Arnav said in his head. Always bubbly and out-going. And now... now she's nothing. ... she's been hollowed out... because of me....

Arnav placed the washcloth on the bedside table and then used the hem of his navy blue t-shirt to dry her face. He noticed that her face was pale. Not deathly pale, but pale. There was absolutely no glow to her whatsoever. The blush on her cheeks had disappeared as well.

"This is all my fault," Arnav whispered aloud. "If you had never come into my life- or even if I had never come into your life, then this never would've happened. If I hadn't gone around and increased my interest in you, then none of this would've happened."

Khushi shifted and turned, resting her cheek on his hand, as she reached out and held his arm.

Arnav felt his heart twist and it hurt him. He remembered the times they had spent together and realized something big. Something very big, and something she didn't and needed to know.

"I've fooled you Khushi," he whispered. "I displayed myself completely wrong. I made you think... I've tricked you Khushi," he said, turning to her with pain in his eyes. "The man that you fell in love with... that's not me. I'm not... I'm not the man you think I am or who I showed you. I'm cruel. I'm harsh. I'm cold. I'm not the man you think I am. I'm much more different that - the complete opposite."

Khushi snuggled into his hand, making Arnav sigh.

"It's so much more easier to talk to you asleep. This way I can just let it out." He caressed her hair. "If you only understood who I really am - then you'd never love me. You wouldn't have fallen in love with me in the first place. Instead, you would've ran, and maybe, just maybe, that might've been the better thing to do, rather than you being here with me and suffering."

Arnav bent down and kissed Khushi's forehead. Khushi let out a sigh and snuggled again. Arnav carefully removed his hand and got up. When he was at the door, he looked back at her once more time, and then left.

Once the door shut, Khushi opened her eyes. Tears formed in her eyes and came flowing down. She slowly sat up, holding onto the sheets, and cried. Everything Arnav had just said, she had heard.

Khushi wiped her tears away. "I don't care what you did," she whispered to herself. "Be it that you faked your persona or something else, I know who I fell in love with - I fell in love with a man with a heart. It's just lost right now, I know it is. If you really claim that you're cruel and cold, you never would've came to check up on me." Khushi sniffled. "I will be strong," she said, wiping away her years. "I could never leave you - I will get my Arnav back, no matter what."

Khushi looked out to the city and went over to the window. The lights looked beautiful, shining radiantly, illuminating the skyline.

But is it right of me to stay, Khushi wondered. Will I be able to fight this... this weird... whatever it is, for him? His actions... they were so cruel.... The way he broke those glasses... it was just too cruel. And what he tried to do with me... what am I going to face?

*~*

It was around 9 AM when Arnav came down for breakfast. Etta was in the kitchen making breakfast, when he joined her.

"Khushi," he hollered.

Etta looked at Arnav and then looked away. Arnav found that somewhat weird, but he couldn't blame her. After the commotion created yesterday, it was obvious she heard a thing or two. But Etta knew him. Etta knew his ways, but she never said a thing - it wasn't any of her business. She was only there to tend to Arnav's care-taking, and she enjoyed doing so because she loved her job.

Khushi still hadn't came in, so Arnav called her out again. "Khushi!"

Etta turned to face him, wiping her hands with a small towel. "She's in the living room, Sir. I thought you knew."

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows. "No. Why?"

Before Etta could open her mouth, Arnav got up and decided to go check it out himself. When he entered the living room, he saw one of his workers talking to Khushi. 

The worker's eyes met Arnav's. "Oh! Good morning, Sir," he said as he stood up.

Khushi stood up as well, but she didn't look at him.

"I just came by to tell you of a party that's being hosted at the Hilton Hotel. By Rock-"

"Yes, I know where it is. Thank you."

The guy looked down, feeling slightly awkward and scared. "Um, the details have been sent in to you in an e-mail. I was just asked to come in and tell you just in case you didn't-"

"Well you've done your work. We will be going and since you've done your job, you can leave now," Arnav said, his eyes bold.

The guy gulped and nodded. He knew an order and that was more than an order - that was a demand. Every staff member knew the difference when Arnav Singh Raizada ordered, and when Arnav Singh Raizada demanded.

The guy left, shutting the doors behind him. The room was quiet, neither Arnav nor Khushi saying a thing. Khushi was silent and didn't want to say anything because she didn't want Arnav to know that she had heard what he had said to her last night. It just didn't seem like the right thing to do, especially since she didn't know how he might react.

But at the same time, she was also angry. What he did was wrong. 

Since Arnav wasn't saying anything, Khushi started to leave for the kitchen. She had only walked a few steps when Arnav reached out and held her wrist and pulled her to him. Their bodies collided, flesh against flesh. The two just looked at each other, not a peep coming out of the other's mouth.

Arnav felt uneasy. He had this feeling coursing within him ever since he had returned to his room last night. He wanted to say something - he really did. He could feel his stomach bloating up, his words trapped within. He wanted to let his words out - but he just couldn't, which was ridiculous!

If Arnav Singh Raizada wanted to say something, he would say it - no one could hold him back.

Khushi just waited, but Arnav said nothing. Annoyed, she pushed him away from her and went towards the kitchen. Arnav groaned inward and followed behind Khushi. When Khushi got to the kitchen, she went over to the island and looked at Etta.

"Etta, I'd like to go shopping today. Could you tell Nigel for me and have him get ready. I'd like to go now."

Etta just nodded and left the kitchen. When Etta stepped out of the room, Arnav went over to Khushi, who had gotten some OJ out of the fridge and was pouring some for herself.

Arnav took in a deep breath and let it all out. "Talk to me Khushi," he nearly whispered.

But Khushi said nothing and walked out of the kitchen with her OJ. Arnav groaned once more and followed behind her.

To be honest, he felt like a sick puppy who wanted it's owner's attention. 

He followed her up to "their" room and went into the dressing room. Khushi was drinking her OJ and was planning her outfit, while Arnav just looked at her. He was feeling very confused. One side of him was pissed, not liking her attitude whatsoever, and knew how to handle her very well. The other side just wanted to go over to her and ask for attention and to hear his apology. His mind was just a mess, as if someone had scrambled it up and had thrown it all over the place.

"Khushi talk to me," Arnav said.

This time, his anger got the best of him, his anger clear in his voice.

But Khushi ignored it.

Arnav's anger took total control and he went over to her and yanked her by her left arm and made her face him. "Talk to me dammit!"

Khushi just looked away, continuing to ignore him. Arnav didn't like her attitude whatsoever and pushed her back against the wall, causing Khushi to cry out in surprise. Arnav moved his body against hers so their chests were against each others. He dived in to her neck and began to nibble on it, which would usually turn her legs to jello. But today, she cried out, denying him completely. Arnav decided to soften it, by placing butterfly kisses, but Khushi still rebelled, trying to push him away. Arnav still wouldn't give up, so he thought of kissing her on her soft lips, which she loved oh so much. But when Arnav reached for her lips, Khushi turned away, making Arnav's heart pit. He just looked at her, not able to understand why his heart acted that way and especially why Khushi acted that way.

"Why did you turn away," he asked, his voice unbelievably small.

Khushi looked at him with anger crystal clear in her eyes. "Because I can," she stated strongly.

Arnav's heart stirred again, but he ignored it. "But I want you," he said.

"No, you don't," Khushi said and then she pushed him away from her, which he allowed her to do so. Khushi stood straight and looked him straight in the eyes. "You don't want me Arnav. You only want my body, that's it."

She stepped around him, grabbed her clothes and purse and headed out the room to her room, leaving Arnav there to wonder on her words.



So what did you guys think?
Don't forget to like and do comment your opinions =D
Till next time ;)

Chapter Twenty Nine

A few days passed after Khushi's revelation with Anjali. Each night, Arnav and Khushi would make love, holding each other in their arms, losing themselves to the other.

Arnav was at the office, sitting high above the city in his room. He had just finished some files on a current deal the company was making. Arnav leaned back in his chair and looked up at the high ceiling. It had hit him earlier that for the past few days, he hadn't been having any more of those nightmares. In fact, he was much more relaxed, something he hadn't been for a while. In fact, these past few days, he was sleeping like a baby.

He had also realized that he and Khushi were better than they had been for a while.

Arnav shut his eyes and thought back to the night before.

*Flashback*

*SLIGHT MATURE CONTENT*
"Arnav," Khushi moaned.

Arnav nuzzled the side of Khushi's face as he thrust. He held Khushi tightly, his arms wrapped around her waist to keep her body close to his. He could feel Khushi scratching his back, little bits of pain occurring. He knew that there were small faint scratches with blood seeping, but that wasn't going to stop him. He would pleasure her, no matter what, and he would do it to their satisfaction

Khushi shut her eyes and tossed her head back. "Arnav," she moaned.

Arnav kissed Khushi's throat, nuzzling it as well. He caught her lower lip with his teeth and pulled on it, causing Khushi to look back at him. He kissed her, his tongue exploring every corner of her mouth. Moving his hands up, Arnav cupped Khushi's head in his hands. He was about to drive Khushi crazy, so he moved up, leveling eye-to-eye, and began to thrust with all his might. Khushi gasped as she felt him slap onto her. Khushi's grip on Arnav's shoulders tightened, and Arnav knew it would leave marks, but he didn't care. He full-on thrusted deep into her, making Khushi cry out and clasp on tightly. Within seconds, both arrived to their brink and all sanity was lost as both screamed in deep passion, crying out the other's name as they collapsed.

Arnav looked up at Khushi and saw her smiling lightly at him. Arnav kissed her softly on her lips, making Khushi's smile become bigger.

Arnav, too, couldn't help himself, but to smile.

*End of Flashback*

Arnav liked how things were at the moment. He had this feeling going on within him, but he just couldn't figure out what it was. And the strangest thing of all was how his heart would act - it would beat fast, going:

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

But Arnav didn't understand why. He had never had these feelings before and it was pretty strange to him. He wondered if something was wrong with him, but the thing is, it only happened around Khushi. But why? And what is it? What's the reason?

Arnav's phone began to ring, snapping Arnav out of his reverie. He looked at it and saw that it was Anjali calling. 

Arnav took the call. "Hey Di."

"Hi Chote," she said softly with a low voice.

"Is everything okay," he asked, curious as to why his sister wasn't sounding like her usual bubbly self. 

"Yeah, everything's fine. How about you?"

"I'm good."

"... and Khushi?"

Arnav heard the nervousness in her voice. "She's fine. ... Why?"

"Um," she paused for a moment, "... you two are still together... right?"

"Yeah, but you didn't answer my question."

"Chote, please don't get mad-"

"Di, answer my question."

"Chote, I really trust her so I-"

"Answer. My. Question. Di."

Tears formed in Anjali's eyes and she regretted calling him in the first place. She didn't want to, but she had to know if things were okay between the two. She knew her Chote well enough and knew that even if something were to happen, he never would've told her. Not her, not to anyone.

Anjali took a deep breath. "I told Khushi everything."

Arnav's eyes widened. "What," he breathed.

"I told Khushi everything... about your nightmares, Ma-"

But Arnav didn't want to hear anymore, so he hung up on her. Anjali looked at her phone and couldn't hold back her tears anymore. She was in trouble, she knew it, but she had gotten Khushi in bigger trouble, and she couldn't help but to blame herself.

"What have I done," Anjali cried.

*~*

Khushi stood in the kitchen, making dinner. She had asked Etta to let her cook for the evening, and Etta had agreed, although she didn't feel comfortable, since it is her job to cook. Khushi had told her it was okay and that she'd tell Arnav. So Khushi had taken over the kitchen and she made dinner for the two. It was around 8:30 when Arnav had come home. Khushi had just gotten a bottle of wine from the wine cellar, Pinot Grigio to be exact, and she was feeling really bubbly. 

Why wouldn't she be after the spectacular night they spent ;-) The past few days were giving Khushi some hope that maybe, just maybe, Arnav might be returning to the ways he used to be. Just maybe. Even if it wasn't fully what he was, it was still good enough for Khushi.

Arnav came walking in, all suited up, his tie loosened, with the top two buttons undone. Khushi felt her insides melt and had to hold onto the island to support her so that she didn't collapse.

Khushi beamed at Arnav. "I made dinner! Your wish of me being your wench has come true," she teased.

Khushi got out two flute glasses and placed them down. 

"I even chose out the wine," she winked. "I went on Mr. Google to figure out what's what and what not, and decided to go with this," she said, holding up the bottle.

As Khushi poured the wine, Arnav just looked at her, just like he was doing all this time. His gaze did not drop from her once, nor did he even blink. The fact that she was in a cute black dress with lace sleeves, was most definitely not on his mind, because he had other things to deal with, other than her long, milky legs being on display and calling out to him, asking for his touch.

Arnav slowly walked over to Khushi, his gaze not falling for a moment. He walked around the island and just as Khushi finished pouring the wine, he had reached her. But as Khushi turned to face him, Arnav swept his arms out, throwing the glasses, the glasses falling and breaking into pieces. Khushi gaped at the glass and then looked at Arnav.

"Arnav what-"

"Why did you ask Di about everything," he asked in a cold voice.

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "What-"

"Why did you ask Di about the nightmares," Arnav roared.

Khushi flinched and her eyes widened. "I-I-I-I was curious and c-c-concerned and-"

"Do you think that I'm weak," Arnav hissed. "Now that you have answers from Di and what not."

"No! ...I only asked because I care-"

Arnav roughly pushed Khushi back against the island, making her shriek out in pain.

"Arnav stop! You're hurting me-"

"I don't give a fucking crap!!" Arnav pointed his finger at her. "Don't ever try to get involved with my life!!! You're no one to me so stay the fuck out of my life!!!"

Khushi froze. She felt her heart break and shatter into millions of pieces. She couldn't believe what she had heard. Tears formed in her eyes and came flowing down. Feeling completely broken, Khushi pushed Arnav out of the way and ran out of the kitchen crying, running upstairs into her old room on the middle floor and slammed the door shut, locking it. She went running to the corner of the room and sat there and cried, feeling her heart ache with a pain that was immense and indescribable. Khushi couldn't believe that the man she truly loved had actually said that she was nothing to him.

She felt completely empty and broken.

*~*

Half an hour or so had passed and Arnav was still in the kitchen. He hadn't even realized the time that had passed, but he just stood there fuming, slowly calming down as the minutes passed. He was lost in thought when his phone had buzzed and snapped him out of his reverie and he looked at his phone. It was an e-mail, but he was going to check it later. 

Arnav walked out of the kitchen and went upstairs. He noticed that all the other bedroom doors were opened, except for one. Going towards it, he knocked on the door.

"Khushi? Khushi are you in there?"

Nothing. Not a sound came out.

Arnav knocked louder this time. "Khushi? Open the door! I know you're in there! Come down to eat."

But there was no response.

Arnav banged his fist on the door, his temper rising, him completely in no mood to deal with anything at the moment. "Khushi, open the fucking door right now!"

Not a peep.

Arnav fumed. "Khushi, if you don't open this door right now, I will break it down!"

Nothing.

"I mean it Khushi! I'm going to count to ten and if this door doesn't open by the time I get to ten, I will break down the fucking door!"

There wasn't any response, and Arnav began to count out loud, giving some time before he said the next number. There wasn't a sound of movement or talk whatsoever from the other side of the door.

"Nine..." Arnav counted.

He gave more time this time before he reached ten, but the door didn't open. Arnav fumed and yelled 'ten', then kicked the door open. Arnav looked inside and saw that to his right, Khushi was sitting in the corner, tears streaming down her face, completely still. When Arnav had kicked the door open, it had indeed made a loud sound, but Khushi hadn't even flinched. She just sat there soundlessly, staring straight in front of her at the closet.

Arnav stormed over to her. "Get up," he said sternly.

Khushi said nothing and continued to stare straight.

Arnav's nostrils flared. "Did you not hear me?! Get the fuck up!"

No response again.

"Khushi, get the fuck up! If you don't then I will carry you, and you know I'll do it."

Khushi said nothing.

Arnav fumed and swooped down and picked her up. Khushi made no reaction and continued to stare straight. Her arms just hung as if she were lifeless. Arnav found her behavior strange, but said nothing. He walked out of the room and headed upstairs to their room, that is, if you can still call it as 'their' room.

Arnav deposited Khushi on the bed. Khushi just laid there lifelessly, staring straight up at the ceiling. Arnav didn’t like her actions, or non-actions in this case, whatsoever.

"Khushi stop acting like this and say something," Arnav boomed. "If you don't, then I will fuck you."

Khushi said nothing and continued to stare up at the ceiling. Tears were pooling in her eyes, her eyes red.

*MATURE CONTENT*
Arnav was pissed and grabbed her arm. He yanked her up, making Khushi's body clash against his. Khushi made no reaction and stayed completely still. Arnav reached behind and yanked her dress open, pulling the zipper apart. He pushed the dress off her shoulders and exposed her to him. As Arnav removed every trace of string off her body, Khushi stayed completely still, remaining lifeless.

Arnav began to nibble on her neck, his hand going through her hair and holding her head. He bent down to suckle her breasts, grasping her waist and pulling her closer to him. As Arnav continued with his doings, Khushi made no reactions, gestures, etc, whatsoever. Arnav realized that and his anger returned. He moved them back up against the wall and not waiting another second, he thrust into her, making Khushi cry out in pain. Arnav's thrusts were hard and Khushi was in complete pain, having no pleasure in this whatsoever. Tears came flowing out of Khushi's eyes as she cried, tolerating Arnav's harshness.

Arnav looked at Khushi and felt something stir inside him. Seeing Khushi's tears and pain created an unknown feeling in him. He lost his sexual urge and stopped, pulling out of her. Khushi pushed Arnav away from her as the tears became heavier and her sobs were louder. She grabbed the sheets off the bed, wrapped her body in it, and ran out of the room. She ran back downstairs to her old room and closed the door, surprisingly being able to lock it even after Arnav's actions.

Arnav just stood there and stared in the direction Khushi had run in. He couldn't believe what he had just done to her.

I don't get it, Arnav said in his head. I always used to do this. This is who I am. Then why... why am I feeling this way?

Arnav sat down on the bed and rested his head in his hands and groaned.

I don't understand why this is bothering me so much!!!! This isn't normal!!!! What I just did was something that I used to do! That was normal!!!! Then why...?

A feeling was stirring within Arnav, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't make it go away.

Chapter Twenty Eight

Khushi sat down at a bench and looked out to the harbor. Khushi was in Battery Park, a place she would go to whenever she needed to think. Before, she would wonder why she would come to this place in particular. She would wonder why she loved this area so much. But after hearing what Anjali had told her, Khushi wondered if what Anjali was actually true.

*Flashback*

"I just knew at that point that you were a gift sent from my mother from up above."

*End of Flashback*

Khushi shut her eyes and then looked up at the sky. It was cold and cloudy, the sky dark. She saw the clouds moving and then she looked at the harbor. Khushi stood up and went towards the railing and leaned against it. As she saw the boats sailing about, Khushi went into thought.

Arnav truly did love his mother, didn't he, Khushi wondered. He sounded like a sweet little boy who could only think of his mother. Khushi smiled. A Mama's Boy. Khushi's smile faded. But after what happened to his mother.... Could that be it? Could that be the reason? Is Arnav scared to love? Is he scared that the one he loves so much will leave him? But he loves his sister enough that he would sacrifice the world for her! ... but he also is distant from her. He barely even mentions her! So could it really be that he is scared to love someone?

It must be. It must be that he's scared to love. He loved his mother so much, that when she passed away, he blamed himself. He loves his sister so much, that he keeps her away from him, living alone in another borough! 

And then a thought struck her head.

Could it be that... that Arnav loves me? Could he really? Is that why he acts so harsh with me?

Khushi thought to all the events that had happened between them.

Yes... yes, Arnav must love me. That's why he's been acting this way. He really truly must love me. At first, he might not have realized, but then... but when he did realize... he was scared. He was scared to loose one of his loved ones!

Khushi's heart fluttered.

Arnav loves me. He really does love me.

Khushi felt her heart thump.

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!
Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

He loves me. Arnav loves me.

Khushi shut her eyes.

And I love you too, Arnav.

Khushi looked up at the skies and smiled. Realizing that Arnav loved her meant the world to Khushi. Although he had a very strange, peculiar way, Khushi was happy. Many girls may have ran away from his actions, but Khushi was strong and she didn't. And now, knowing why Arnav behaved the way he did, Khushi felt proud; she felt strong and was grateful that she never broke and had never left.

Khushi was so happy, she began to twirl around. There was a guy playing on his guitar and Khushi began to dance to it. Some people stopped and watched Khushi and when the music was over, Khushi did as well and realized what she had done. She blushed and curtsied slightly as everyone clapped. Khushi beamed brightly, when she noticed the time.

Oh no, she exclaimed in her head. I'm late! I better get going, and she dashed out of the park and headed home.

*~*

"Where the hell is Khushi," Arnav roared.

All of his workers flinched while looking down at the floor.

Arnav and the others were all in the gallery, all the workers lined up.

"Will someone answer the g*d-damn question," he boomed.

His workers continued to look down.

Arnav moved his hand through his hair. "It is your job to make sure of where she goes", Arnav boomed. He looked at his security. "You men are supposed to keep watch of surveillance and none of you don't even fucking know when she even fucking left!" Arnav looked at Nigel. "You didn't even take me to work today, so you should've at least gone with her!" And then Arnav looked at Etta. "You're always home, and you don't even have a clue when she left the doors?!"

They all gulped.

Just then the front doors opened. Arnav's head whipped to see the doors, as well as did the others'. As the doors opened, they revealed Khushi. Khushi looked up and saw everyone standing before her. She saw Arnav and knew by the look of his face that he was angry- no, pissed.

"Go back to your work," Arnav simply said, and everyone dispersed.

Etta went back to the kitchen and the others headed towards the doors. Khushi stepped around the small table in the middle of the foyer, giving the others space. Nigel was the last one to leave and he shut the door behind him. Once the door shut, Khushi looked up at Arnav. He still looked very angry, but it slowly went away, and he looked relaxed and relieved.

This is more than enough proof, Khushi said in her head, smiling in her head as well.

Arnav stormed over to Khushi and pulled her into a hug, surprising Khushi very much.

"Where were you," Arnav boomed. "Don't ever leave like that again!"

I must be right, Khushi thought.

Arnav was getting angry again and pulled away from her to look at her face. "Where the hell have you been?"

"Battery Park," Khushi replied softly.

"Why didn't you pick up your phone?! Do you know how many times I've been calling you?! You weren't picking up so I came home and you weren't fucking here!"

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows and took out her Galaxy Note 3. Arnav had upgraded her phone without even telling her, but he had all her stuff transferred into the new one. She took the phone out of her pocket and saw that it wouldn't turn on.

"It's dead," Khushi replied.

Arnav groaned and shut his eyes. When he opened them, Khushi could see his anger crystal clear. Then out of nowhere, Arnav grabbed her face and kissed her roughly, his fingers entangled in her hair. Khushi was still at first, knowing that he was really angry. But as the seconds passed, she could feel him softening slightly and began to kiss him back, holding onto his forearms.

Arnav broke away first and looked at her with a piercing gaze "You are coming to bed with me. NOW!"

Khushi nodded. "Okay."

Arnav was shocked. He couldn't believe that she had agreed with him so quickly. These days whenever he would tell her to come to bed with him, Khushi would refuse and then they would get into a fight. But today, she had easily said yes.

*SLIGHT MATURE CONTENT*
Arnav didn't waste anymore time thinking on it and took her with him, up to their room. Arnav was hell-bent over angry and he planned to fuck her. Once they came through the gallery, he harshly turned her around to face him and took her coat off and then pulled her top off. He dived his mouth straight to her breasts and began to bite them as he took her bra off. Khushi didn't rebel and Arnav took her whole breast in his mouth and sucked on them hard. Khushi moved her hands to his waistcoat and unbuttoned it, as well as his shirt, and then discarded them. She arched her breasts into his mouth as she moved her hands through his hair.

Arnav was feeling confused by her actions. Khushi never acted like this in these situations. Whenever Arnav would get angry and would tackle her with sex, she would cry out in pain from the harshness. But today, instead of doing the usual, she was being sensual.

Shaking his confusion out of his mind, he threw Khushi back on the bed, and assaulted her again. Instead of hearing her cry out, he heard her moan. Arnav's confusion returned and he was confused even more than before. Khushi could tell by his gestures that he was getting confused by her actions. Caressing his face, Khushi tilted his face up, making him look at her. Arnav looked into Khushi's eyes and Khushi looked into his. Arnav was so caught into her gaze, he didn't even realize that Khushi had turned them over and that now she was above him and that he was laying on the bed.

Khushi reached up and kissed Arnav's forehead softly, making Arnav close his eyes. She kissed his cheeks, his eyes, his nose, and his chin, lovingly. Arnav looked up at her as she lovingly caressed his cheek with her hand.

"I will never leave you Arnav," Khushi said softly. "Never, ever."

Arnav looked at her confusedly, his eyebrows scrunched. Khushi kissed him softly against his lips, taking Arnav and herself away from the world, making sweet, passionate love.

*~*

Both laid in bed exhausted, breathing heavily. Usually they would go for one round, but today, they had just completed their third round of making love.

One thing for sure, Arnav was still very much confused.

Khushi turned and wrapped her arm around Arnav and snuggled into him, sighing into his chest. Instinctively, yet confusedly, Arnav wrapped his arm around her waist and looked at her. Khushi was smiling lightly, her eyes closed, her completely relaxed.

"Khushi," Arnav said in his after-sex, raspy voice.

"Hmm?"

"Why did you say that?"

Khushi looked up into Arnav's eyes. She knew just what he was talking about.

"Because it's true," Khushi whispered, looking directly into his eyes.

Arnav just looked at her, and Khushi knew that he was looking into her eyes to see if she really meant it and that she wasn't lying.

Khushi moved her hand up to his hair and entangled her fingers in his hair as she moved up to be face-to-face with him. "I will never leave you," Khushi whispered against his lips. "Not now," she said, kissing the left corner of his lips, "not ever," and she kissed the right corner of his lips.

Arnav had his eyes shut as she said this. Hearing her say those words stirred something inside him. These days, he kept getting these fluttering feelings inside him. Not just now, but a few months now. That too, after a while since him and Khushi had gotten together.

Arnav looked at Khushi as she softly smiled at him. She kissed him on his forehead and then rested hers against his. Arnav groaned and turned her over and began to kiss Khushi lovingly and deeply. It was like a flood of emotions had erupted from him and were all being poured into his kiss. But it made no sense to Arnav. Him, Arnav Singh Raizada, was not an emotional man. He had locked those those things away since that incident had happened, and he refused to be weak. But now, after all these years, this woman who was now in his arms, had unlocked that part of him.

*MATURE CONTENT*
Arnav sat up on his knees, taking Khushi with him. Khushi had her legs wrapped around his waist, her arms wrapped around his neck, caressing his head. Arnav nuzzled Khushi's breasts and Khushi shuddered. Arnav needed her at that moment, so he quickly got out the fourth condom they'd be using that night, and placed it over his manhood. Khushi too couldn't wait any longer and once he rolled the condom over, Khushi placed her opening over him and allowed him to indulge himself within her. Both groaned to the pleasure they felt and moved together. Neither could take their eyes off the other until the pleasure built. Khushi's hold on Arnav tightened, as well as did Arnav's. He placed Khushi back down and continued to thrust.

"Aaah... Arnav," Khushi moaned.

Arnav moved his hands up and took Khushi's hands in his and moved them up above her head. He pinned them down with his fingers entangled with hers and kissed her neck.

"Arnav," Khushi whispered.

Arnav rested his forehead on Khushi's and looked at her, Khushi looking into his eyes as well as he slowly thrusted. Arnav leaned in and caught her lips with his and passionately kissed her. Khushi moaned softly as he kissed her, tightening her grip.

Arnav's thrusts quickened a bit, making Khushi moan slightly louder. Arnav buried his face within the crook of her neck and began to suck on her sweet flesh, kissing it and biting it, all the while, Khushi was moaning. She wrapped her legs around Arnav's waist and brought her hands down. She placed one hand through Arnav's hair and placed the other through his arm to hold his shoulder.

"Aaaah," Khushi moaned.

Arnav nuzzled her cheek.

"Hmmm... Arnav," she whispered.

Khushi's moans were getting louder, which meant Khushi was getting close. Arnav himself was getting closer and had increased the pace of his thrusts. But Arnav wanted them to come together, so as he felt Khushi nearing, he slowed down, making Khushi slightly calm down. He would continue steady, Khushi moaning lightly, and then slowly increase the pace. He did this a good three times when he felt himself about to cum.

"Aaaaah! Aaaah! Arnav.... mmmmmm!"

Arnav sat them up and Khushi rolled her hips to meet Arnav as he tilted his pelvis up to meet her. Both were breathing harshly and Khushi knew he was close. Khushi joined Arnav, both moving really fast, when Khushi hit the brink and tossed her head back.

"Arnav!!"

Arnav let out a harsh breath and grunted. "Khushi!!"

Khushi's head fell on Arnav's shoulder as if she were a rag doll. Her arms just hung to her sides, completely tired out. Arnav kissed Khushi's shoulder and laid her down. Khushi lazily looked up at Arnav and smiled softly. Arnav kissed her softly on her lips and then rested his head on her breasts, his favorite pillows. As Arnav caught his breath, Khushi roamed her fingers through Arnav's hair, soothing him from their just done deed. Eventually, both fell asleep in each others' arms, in complete bliss and pure love.