The Way We Were

Chapter 31

(Rescued)

In an abandoned dilapidated building in Somnath, Arnav walked in crying out Khushi's name. This was where Srikant Oberoi was last seen. This had to be where Khushi was.

"Khushi!"

Khushi had known since a few hours that she was alone. She had sat down, holding her own body, shivering in the cool air of the evening. She jerked at the voice. It couldn't be.

"Khushi Di!" Was that Krish Pandya?

She tried to stand, but her weak body gave warnings.

Arnav was scouring the first floor now. "Check if there's a basement." He called to his fellow rescuers, the four Pandya brothers.

Finding a half battered door, he checked if it had a lock. It did. He kicked the door a few times.

Khushi mouthed his name, her throat was parched. It had to be Arnav. It should be Arnav.

There was a resounding crash as the door to her room fell flat, debris flowing up. As it settled, Khushi saw three men she thought she'd never again. Flanked by Shiva Pandya on the left and Krish Pandya on the right, Arnav Singh Raizada took determined steps towards her.

He carried her up, kissing her forehead. Her eyes shut in relief, then opened in shock. The ceiling was cracking. She moved her head slowly towards the door.

"You're fine. Nothing is going to go wrong anymore."

Khushi wriggled. "Roof."

"Arnav Bhai, run!" Shiva had looked up and understood, dragging Krish and Arnav by either hands.

Two steps out, the ceiling collapsed.

"Krish, she needs water." Arnav demanded.

"I'll get Raavi."

"That Chipkali-"

"Shiva." Khushi tried to laugh. Nothing had changed. Nothing.

Jeevan Ka Yeh Pahiya Ghume Sada
Dohraye Na Apni Phir Dastaan

"Don't stress yourself. We'll get you water and food first." Arnav said.

Khushi nodded.

"Stargazing later." He smirked.

Bita Kal Daman Mein Leke Chala
Woh Taaron Ki Duniya Woh Silsila

If her body had energy left, she would have hit him.

Lekin Khayalon Mein Mumkin
Nahi Hai Unko Mitana
Ha Hakikat Hai Khayalon Mein Ulji
Hum Ko Pura Kare

"We're getting married, Khushi. As we planned. As we promised." He held her close.

Ha Un Lamhon Ki Thodi Si Cahat Mein
Apna Hum Sab Kuchh Haare

Khushi nodded. What must have happened to Shivaay's family? To hers? She had to be with them. She had to know that nothing had changed, even if everything had.

Yaadon Ki Baraat Nikli
Hai Aaj Dil Ke Dwaare
Dil Ke Dwaare

Suddenly, Arnav pulled her into his arms once more. Taking long strides out the building, he walked to an open jeep. Khushi saw Raavi breathing in relief.

"I thought I was the one with the angry young man as my life partner." Raavi teased Khushi.

"Ae Chipkali-"

Yaadonn Ki Baraat Nikli
Hai Aaj Dil Ke Dwaare
Dil Ke Dwaare

"Kya re. Drive." Raavi ordered Shiva.