AGAINST THE TIDE

Chapter - 1

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Please ignore typos
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Raizada Mansion
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Arnav opened his eyes, sensing a movement beside him. He puts on the table lamp to see Khushi shivering and mumbling in her sleep. She is drenched in her sweat. Suddenly, she stood up, calling his name. He hugged her instantly and whispered sweet nothings in her ears to calm her down. When he was sure that she was a little calmer, he took the bottle from the side table and helped her drink the water. Khushi came out of that fear and looked at Arnav, and called, "Arnav Ji, you're here. You are safe," she asked, gently touching his face to confirm his presence.

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Arnav: I am here, Khushi. It was a nightmare. Don't worry, he said, caressing her cheeks.

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Khushi: Arnavji, never leave me ever, Arnavji. I won't survive. She said, holding his t-shirt tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

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Arnav: Shhh. I will never leave you, sweetheart. Don't cry. He said hugging her.

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Khushi: I was so... so scared when they... She started hyperventilating. 

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Arnav: Hey hey... Easy, Khushi, easy... I am safe; we are safe, Sweetie. There is nothing to be scared of now. I will never leave you. I never told you this before, but I won't survive without you, baby. I love you so much, he said, kissing her hair and wiping her tears with his thumb.

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Khushi felt like a huge burden was lifted off her. Arnav sensed her body relaxing a bit. He tried to make her lie down on the bed, but she was not ready to leave him. Arnav hugged her close to him and laid on the bed with Khushi in his embrace.

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Arnav: Don't think about anything now. Sleep. You're not well, Khushi. Is it painful? he asked, touching her head where she had a bandage.

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Khushi nodded. Arnav took the painkiller and gave it to her. She took it without any fuss. She lay down on Arnav’s chest and slept under the effect of the medicine.

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Arnav couldn't sleep at all. The incidents that happened since he was kidnapped came to his mind. His thoughts drifted to the events that occurred a few hours ago after he was rescued from the goons by Khushi.
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Flashback 
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After a lot of commotion and arguments, Shyam was thrown out of RM, and Anjali, the fragile doll, starts her wailing. As usual, family members couldn't bear to see their beloved Anjali Bitiya in distress. Anjali isolated herself in her room, refusing even to let Arnav talk to her.

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Night
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Arshi's Room
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Arnav entered his room to find Khushi sleeping. He went near her and kissed her forehead. He sat beside her, caressing her hair. He looked at the girl who had suffered a lot for him and his family. He would be damned if he allow her to suffer again. He loves her. He realised it late, but he's happy that they both know that they love each other. Khushi was overjoyed to learn that he loves her. He could see the happiness in her eyes when he trusted her over Shyam. He would make sure she is safe and happy throughout her life. His train of thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Khushi opened her eyes upon hearing it. She was about to get up, but Arnav made her lie down and went to open the door, finding Nani there with a serious look.

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Arnav: Nani, you're here, at this time?

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Nani: Let me in, Chotte. I want clarity about what all happened today in my family. She said sternly.