Agnisakshi (Under Editing)

10:A meeting.

10: A meeting

Khushi stirred the Dal with a ladle looking towards nowhere. Her past trying its best to come in front of her eyes.

"Uff!" she groaned as some dal spilled on her hand.

She came out of the canteen kitchen, blowing fast breaths on her hand and walked towards the first aid box.

"Khushi!" She heard his voice call her from behind.

Arnav ji, her heart beckoned him but she didn't budge. It would be better if she stays away from him and he from her. Only then he shall be saved from the clutches of her past.

But the thought of seeing him to her heart's content made her turn.

"Jee?"

"I wanted to talk about...what happened to your hand?" his eyes went towards her red hands. He came forward and clutched her hand, making her flinch instantly.

"Is it hurting a lot?" He asked as he made her sit on a chair. He brought cream to apply on her hand while she kept gazing at him.

"Umm...May I ?" He gestured towards applying the cream and Khushi nodded yet lost in his gaze. Why did such an excellent man like him ask for her hand as his life partner, was all that her tiny brain had revolving around itself.

"Arnav Sir ...?"

"Hmmm?" he responded, totally concentrated on her burn.

"Was what your mother said the truth?" she asked with big questioning eyes.

Arnav looked up to her eyes and hesitated, given how she had reacted when his mother had proposed their marriage.

Should he tell her the truth that his heart craved for her? Should he lie to her that his mother is just being desperate for getting a daughter in law? Or should he wave off the question?

What is love without truth and trust? His heart questioned him.

He nodded silently and went back to applying the cream on her hand. Khushi's eyes widened in shock, her breath stopped.

"What! Why sir?" she shook his shoulder.

"Why in this whole world, do you want to marry a poor worthless girl like me?"

He sighed and made her lean on the chair. He brought himself a chair and held her hands.

"Because I love ..."

"STOP!" Khushi put her hands on her ears and stood up.

"What happened Khushi? Do you not like me?" He questioned her.

"What is there to dislike about you Sir? Except that your taste is really bad if you must like me of all the beautiful people you have around you!"

"Why do you think so low of yourself?"

"Because I am low sir! I am, in no way, worthy of even your shoes!"

"Why do you think so? I don't see any fault in you. You are flawless for me."

"I respect you even more for thinking such things about me but I am more flawed than anything here."

"Like the moon, Khushi? It has so many scars , it stays in the dark. Yet it is the epitome of love, an embodiment of beauty."

"Sir, please stop acting so poetic! The moon and I are nowhere in comparison!"

"Khushi! Either tell me a straight yes or a straight no but with a reason!"

"No, sir! No." her voice almost broke while saying so.

"Okay but just give me a valid reason."

"Because you don't deserve second hand stuff, sir. You don't deserve scarred things."

"Second hand? What are you saying?"

"I have separated from my husband , six months ago." She finally let it out.

"And you love him till now?"

"No ways!" She looked at the ground with disgust.

"So, I take it as you aren't ready for a new relationship? But what were you talking about worthiness and second hand stuff?"

Khushi turned towards him looking at his confused state.

"You don't understand yet? A smart , handsome and rich, classy man like you doesn't deserve to marry a used girl like me. It shall hurt me a lot to see you with a girl so unworthy of you. Please don't do this to me." She covered her mouth with her hand and ran away with the tears brimming in her eyes.

"Khushi!" he tried to stop her but she had already ran away. Damn! He cursed and closed his eyes. I shouldn't have asked so many questions to her all at once.

*********************

"You are getting married by the end of this week."

" What ? But the college admissions are starting this week , I have to register for..."

"You are not going to anywhere except for your husband's home now."

"But to whom am I getting married to?"

" Just because I am acting civil with you doesn't mean that you are not unwanted. Stay in your limits , don't think you can ask me so many questions. .............However these are your last days with us so , enjoy your bit . Shyam Sahab has approached us for your hand, you should consider yourself fortunate that an unwanted unlucky girl like you has struck the heart of such a rich powerful man. Tere toh bhaag badal gaye.".

.

.

.

.

"Aai , why didn't you say anything to baba ! You know na I want to study Please persuade him to at least postpone the marriage."

"Learn this Nakusha . Women are not supposed to talk balk , suggest or order something to their husbands . You are getting married now you must understand these things."

"Aaai I don't want to leave you so soon , don't you also want to keep me back with you ?"

"Why ? Why would I ? Arre I had asked for a son but god gave me you ! I didn't want you ! You are a burden on us after both your elder sisters. Why should I stop your father from getting rid of a burden like you?"

"Aaai..."

"Shyam Saab is paying us 5 lakhs for your worthless self . At last you will be of some use to us .Now come fast, wear this Nauvari."

After this Nakosha's life ceased to be a life. It seemed worse than death then.

******
I had this ready so I am posting this.However this story is yet on hiatus.I wanted to give you guys a cliffhanger😈😈

What shall arnav do now???