Javed naam hai mera phir se

Chapter 15

Shantivan was filled with unsettling noise of approaching storm. The main driving force of the upcoming force majeure were, obviously, Anjali and Khushi. Anjali because the truth that was hidden from her had the most direct connection to her… and Khushi because she hated to be left out.

Nani-ji was too worried to discuss this right now so she went to her room to rest. Manorama made an excuse to go with her to "take care of my dear saasu-ma" because she really didn't want to end up in the eye of hurricane. Aarav was sent to his room to study and even though Khushi was pretty sure he was playing video games she could not summon enough strength for proper parenting right now… Her strength was needed here:

- Arnav-ji, I don't understand, how could you keep us in the dark about something like this? This is unfair!

Anjali nodded regally to Khushi's statements for she was too wind up for speaking just now. Khushi was pacing quickly on the floor, supplementing her speech with angry glares and emotionally charged gesticulation.

- I mean… are we small kids to be treated so? Couldn't we help?

Arnav stood up from his chair abruptly and caught Khushi by her elbows. She halted half-step and looked at him – Arnav's expression was a mixture of anger and fear:

- That exactly what I didn't want from you! When you were helping to save me from him you almost got yourself killed!

Khushi offered peacefully:

- But I haven't…

Arnav still exploded no matter how calm were Khushi's words:

- Do you think I was willing to risk it?

He prompted her to sit on a chair and kneeled before her. Arnav was speaking loud enough for everybody to hear… but really he was speaking only to Khushi. Trying to make HER understand…

- I really thought we could handle it on our own… I didn't want to let this ruin your lives, to scare you… to give you nightmares. But… it's been two months now… and still nothing. I'm… sorry. I'm so sorry, Khushi…

Arnav hid his face turning away from her. Not many people would notice this change but Khushi saw how his shoulders dropped and he stiffened trying to hide inside himself. She knew the signs… her husband felt helpless, exhausted… defeated.

Khushi cupped his face to turn him to face her again.

- Arnav-ji… I never ever doubted that you can take care of it on your own. You are the most fearless and smart man I know. If anyone can catch that snake – it will be you. I just wanted to be with you when you will celebrate your victory, that's all. And you will, I know it.

Khushi's voice was barely audible yet it vibrated through Arnav's body like a thunder… Because only she had this kind of power over him…

To the rest of the world may have known ASR as a man of cold dignified composure who would never ask for permission of approval from anybody… and only the chosen few knew the reality. There was somebody who's support and approval Arnav cherished the most, his aqua vitae, his wall to lean on and his inspiration to try harder and succeed.

He whispered trying to convey his gratitude and love through this one simple sound:

- Khushi… My Khushi…

She understood. She forgave. She was there with him. Always…

…

The little family reunion between Arnav and Khushi was getting a bit too intimate for the rest of the audience so they thought it would be for the best if the left. Anjali stood up and whispered to Javed and NK: