I too want a love story - KarEena

2(5) Atonement

Pushpa Ji's house fell silent after Karishma's outburst, Santosh stared at her teary-eyed with no idea whatsoever on how to calm Karishma, she hung her head down not able to look into Karishma's eyes any longer, which reflected the hurt and pain Karishma went through.

"Karu, we were asked to keep away to keep you safe" Cheeta tried to release the tension which is mounting with each second.

"Safe! Wow" Karishma sarcastically clapped her hands, "Sure, I need to be safe and for this, you should be away for me," Karishma nodded her head, her brows raised in mockery, "I mean a call or a letter to inform me that you guys are okay and didn't abandon me out of nowhere would have got me killed, isn't it?" she glared at Cheeta.

Cheeta opened his mouth but words refused to come out. It's true that he also missed everyone and all these years stayed away from everyone's radar, only attending the meetings online, and some surprise visits to make sure their company was fine, the only contact he had was with Ammi, who they secretly used to meet once a year. But what Karishma went through is not something he would even wish for his enemy.

"I know I let you down but believe me Karu, being away from you, I suffered as much as you did" Santu looked at her with a tear-soaked face.

"I agree that you suffered Santu but at least you know where I am and that I am safe. Do have any idea how hard I tried to find you, contact you, at least to get a piece of information that you guys are safe? No!" Karishma gritted her teeth

"I am so sorry, Karu, please forgive me. I did what I thought was right, for me your safety is utmost" Santosh held Karishma's hand, "please"

Karishma shook her head no, "Your right is very wrong Santu" she whispered taking her hands back from Santosh's hand, "I love you Santu, a lot, but I feel betrayed. I know you hadn't had much choice but all these logics are not working before my broken heart, that heart which was arrogant of having you and was left deserted" she sighed.

Karishma looked at Santosh and Cheeta who stood rooted in their spots guilt-ridden, she felt bad for them but the years of anger and hurt overpowered her.

"Have a seat," Karishma pointed to the couch and left for the kitchen without waiting for their reply, they looked at each other and silently sat on the couch.

"Will she ever forgive me?" Santosh whispered leaning on Cheeta, endless tears flowing by

"Don't worry, Santu Ji. She loves you too much to ignore you" Cheeta smiled trying to encourage Santosh, Santosh nodded closing her red eyes.

Karishma walked to the living room with two glasses of water and two glasses of Aam Panna, Santosh's favourite drink, she served them and sat on the armchair. Santosh smiled at the glass and took a sip; the house fell silent again.

Gaining some courage Santosh asked, "How are you?"

Before Karishma could answer,

"Karu" someone called from the open door

Karishma looked at the door only to find herself stupefied once again, "Ammi" she whispered.

'I think my mind is again playing tricks, maybe all this is a dream' Karishma mumbled to herself watching Noor Jhan Ji and Haseena standing at the door.

Ammi swiftly walked to her and pulled her into a hug, "hume maff karna bachcha, bohot miss kiya tum ko" Ammi sobbed.

The warmth of the hug is what reminded Karishma that it's all real, "Ammi ap please mat royiye" Karishma broke the hug and wiped Ammi's tears.

"Karishma, they all did what I asked them to do, before leaving the city, I called Ammi and Cheeta" Haseena spoke up, "I know you guys are in danger and with everything that happened with Agent Ice's family, I couldn't risk any of you. So, I called Ammi and asked to move to Hyderabad to Chacha Ji's family promptly and cut connections with everyone including you, Pushpee, Santu and Cheeta. Then I asked Cheeta to go underground informing him that Ammi was with Chacha Ji's family. All they know is something happened and I was leaving India and you all should be away from each other for safety" Haseena concluded.