HIS REPLACED BRIDE

26. Ocean of Emotions

Khushi was gazing at Arnav's back, feeling conflicted. He looked lost from the moment he returned from his mom. He tried everything to appear normal, but he couldn't fool her with his facade. The pain in his eyes told a different story. She wanted to ask Arshad, but Arnav gave her no time to talk with him.

She heard the elevator ding on the 70th floor, and the doors opened, leading to the penthouse. A metal double-leaf door came into her vision. Arnav punched in the passcode. "This is my penthouse. It is near my office. I used to stay here when I was working late," he said, walking in.

Khushi nodded and followed him. Her eyes took in every detail of the room, and she was mesmerized by the interior of the house.

"Khushi, come," he called, and she hurried to him.

"Go freshen up and sleep," Arnav said, showing her the room. As he turned to leave, she held his wrist.

"Arnavji," she called out softly. "Did you fight with Ratna Aunty? Why did you bring me here?"

Arnav gazed at the wall in silence. He fisted his free hand in an attempt to control his emotions.

"Khushi, I will be back. Don't wait for me," he said as he freed his hand and walked out without glancing back.

Khushi gazed at his fading figure as a single tear escaped her eye. Without hesitation, she grabbed her phone and dialled Arshad's number. He answered after a few rings.

"Papa, what happened back at home? Did Arnavji fight with Ratna Aunty? Why did you let him walk out of the house?" Khushi bombarded him with a chain of questions.

Arshad closed his eyes in pain. He felt a lump form in his throat. His eyes fell on Ratna, who was sleeping peacefully after creating havoc in his children's lives.

"Papa." He swallowed the lump and responded, "Khushi, don't worry. Everything will be fine."

"Papa, I want to know. what happened?" She asked stubbornly.

Arshad heaved a sigh. How could he say that his wife had lost the morals of a human being? And he let that happen. At the same time, he can't let his children be unhappy.

"Khushi, it is true that Arnav fought with Ratna..." He was interrupted by her.

"Is it because of me?" Her voice held guilt.

"No, dear. I can't say the reason, but Ratna is at fault. Don't hold yourself responsible for Ratna's nonsense. She is blinded by her ego and hurts her son brutally. Look after Arnav. He is heartbroken," Arshad said.

"Ok, Papa," she didn't fail to notice the sadness in Arshad's voice. So, she decided to ask Arnav the reason behind their fight. If they fought because of her, then she decided to do anything to bring peace between them. She doesn't want Arnav to be detached from his mother.

She is well aware of the pain caused by the absence of her mother in life. She won't let Arnav feel the same pain. But the truth is, Arnav is going through the same pain. If the absence of a mother can cause pain, then the pain caused by a mother will be unbearable.

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It's been an hour since Arnav left home. Khushi is pacing in the room, glancing at the clock. The clock strikes 3 o'clock. She glares at his mobile.

Why are you so careless, Arnavji? How can you leave your mobile at home and walk out in the middle of the night? ........... She scolds her husband.

It's enough, I can't sit and wait for him. I am going to search for him.

She steps out with determination, but soon reality hits her.