Arhi FF: Us Against the World

Chapter 4

By the time Arnav exited the hallways of Shantivan, Khushi had already fainted in his arms from the stress. He didn't exactly have a destination in mind but he knew that he had to get Khushi out of there before someone caused any more damage. His eyes roamed on her tear-stained and red cheek and he let out a string of curses, his arms tightening around her automatically.

This was the scene that greeted NK when he entered the gates after getting his sherwani fixed from the tailor. His eyes widened when he realized that Arnav was carrying an unconscious Khushi in his arms. He rushed to both of them and looked at Arnav's grim face knowing that something disastrous has happened.

'What happened to Khushi ji? Where are you taking her?' NK asked him concerned for his friend, who seemed to have a tight grip on Arnav's collar despite her immobile state.

'Not now NK! I don't have time for this.' Arnav warned placing Khushi inside his car and putting on her seatbelt. He realized that NK wasn't present to witness the entire drama that had ensued inside but he didn't have time to explain anything right now owing to Khushi's condition who needed a doctor.

'No Nannav. I can't let you take her like this anywhere.' NK said coming to stand in front of Arnav blocking his way. Although NK trusted his brother's intentions, it still looked strange especially when he had a look at Khushi's state.

'She's not well dammit!' Arnav said gritting his teeth wishing that NK would take a hint and just get the hell out of his way.

'Then why aren't you taking her inside and calling up a doctor?' NK asked confused at his behaviour.

It was then Arnav realized that NK was genuinely worried for Khushi's well-being, something that he had failed to see in the eyes of anyone inside. Knowing that she could use another familiar face and NK would probably think neutrally unlike all other family members, Arnav sighed making a quick decision.

'Get in the car. I'll explain everything.' Arnav said sitting behind the wheel and starting the engine. He had already texted Aman asking him to come to his penthouse with a doctor. The enormity of the situation was slowly sinking in and Arnav gripped the steering wheel tighter registering the fact that even driving was not helping calm his nerves like it always did.

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If Aman had thought that his boss-cum-friend's demand for a lady doctor at his penthouse at the time of his brother's wedding was bizarre, then the scene that greeted him at the said location had his jaw literally dropping in surprise. Arnav was softly gazing at an unconscious girl removing a tendril of hair from her face. To say that he was shocked would be an understatement. He had never seen ASR like this. His eyes widened some more if possible when ASR paced outside the door and darted towards the doctor when she was done checking up on the girl.

The doctor explained that Khushi's blood pressure was dangerously low which had resulted in severe dehydration and her fainting. She had given her an injection and prescribed medicines and some basic tips like glucose water and lots of rest. Meanwhile, Aman and NK had introduced themselves to each other and proceeded towards the bar to get a drink seeing Arnav busy in boring holes in the carpet. There were numerous questions burning in their minds but they waited patiently for Arnav.

'Drink, ASR?' Aman asked seeing Arnav emerge and getting up to make his usual scotch on the rocks after seeing him nod. He looked like he badly needed one.

'What's going on, Nannav? You're scaring me now.' NK was the first one to voice out his question.

'Di saw Khushi with Shyam and misunderstood the situation. Khushi was being accused of some horrible things and not even one family member was standing by her!' Arnav explained gulping his drink in one go hoping that the bitter taste of alcohol would actually erase the resentful memories but it didn't help. He looked over to NK who was gaping at him and trying to grasp everything that he had said.

'Are you sure Anjali ma'am misunderstood the situation?' Aman asked pointedly. The glare that he got in return from Arnav was so powerful that it made him gulp in fear. He was sure that ASR was besotted with the girl given that he had taken a stand for her against his entire family that he loved more than his life. But he had to make sure that his friend didn't get hurt. He was about the explain himself when he heard Arnav speak.

'Khushi can never do something so vile.' Arnav said with finality in his tone. He knew where Aman was coming from. Aman didn't know Khushi but he wasn't up for another blame game and made-up scenarios right now.

'Khushi ji cannot even hurt a fly. But what's the whole story?' NK agreed with Arnav's statement. He hardly knew the girl but the thought that she could have an affair with a married man, knowing that her elder sister was getting married into the same family did not make sense at all.

'I want each and every detail of this matter.' Arnav instructed Aman who nodded instantly taking out his phone and scrolling the contacts that will be useful at this time.

The silence that followed was broken by Khushi's painful scream which made all of them rush towards the bedroom. Whereas Aman and NK stayed outside the door not knowing what to do, Arnav apparently had no such qualms. He dashed towards the bed not wasting a minute to gather the shivering form of Khushi in his arms mumbling 'Khushi, it's fine. Main hoon.'

'I didn't do anything. You have to trust me. He came after me. You have to believe me, Arnav ji...' Khushi continued to mutter in his chest frantically trying to prove her innocence.

Arnav's heart constricted and he ran a hand up and down her back trying to comfort her and whispered in her hair 'Sshh I got you. I believe you.'