Battle within Hearts

Chapter 6

Gupta Mansion

Khushi, after her conversation with Arnav early in the morning, had no mood to stay out for sometime more. She was depressed to the core at his attitude and she literally wanted to spend some alone time with her sorting her own thoughts. And that place would not be Shantivan, as there resided the very reason for her dejected state. Hence without any notice to anyone except Payal, she left the premises silently to reach her home, precisely her room where she could vent out all her pain. Finally she felt home, cuddling her pillow.

Shantivan

'Payal, where is Khushi?' Enquired a panicked Akash, as he could not find his best friend in the breakfast table.

'She said she was going to the Gupta Mansion. She needed some of her things there, as we are travelling to Lucknow tomorrow', Payal tried to sound convincing.

'She did not inform any of us but', Akash murmured getting back to his breakfast.

'I tried convincing her to stay back. But you know how she is', She reasoned.

Akash laughed at her remark on their best friend. Indeed she was adamant!

Arnav, who sat opposite to them, listened to their conversation. He did not feel good. Was Khushi okay? He wanted to know but how? He did not know! He could not point out then. It would feel odd.

Payal who had finished her breakfast by then, was fidgeting with her dupatta which was noticed by Akash. He asked her, 'You need something?'

She looked up at him and said stuttering, 'Can you take me to Khushi?'

Akash noticed her nervousness in the new family and could not help but laugh. She looked cute, he mentally noted. To tease her a bit, he asked, 'Why? Dont you like our company?'

Payal immediately answered to clear the misconception. She could not let them feel bad, they were such beautiful people.

'No no, its not that. But I wanted to make sure she is okay', Payal said.

Akash laughed at her and said, 'Relax! I was just kidding. I know you might feel odd without Khushi here. I am sure with time, you will feel free', he comforted her. 'Come, I shall take you'.

Payal and Akash thus left early informing the others.

'Devyani ji, I think we should make a move too. We too need to pack our bags for tomorrow', Jagdish Gupta stated after a few more hours of discussion about the impending wedding.

'Haan maaji, we should leave now', Diwakar and Ambika chorused.

Devyani understood and nodded her head.

Gupta Mansion

Akash and Payal reached the Gupta Mansion in half an hour.

They stood outside the house and Payal was taking in the view she saw. A huge mansion that looked like a palace with a modern touch to it. The garden area was very vast and it had flowers all over. Particularly, red roses.

Akash saw her admiring the view and said, 'They are Khushi's favourite'. Payal nodded acknowledging it.

'Uhh, I think we need to see Khushi', Akash stated as a matter of fact which she obliged and both entered inside.

Payal took in the beautifully designed walls and the intricate choices on the furniture. It was surely no less than Shantivan. She liked the house. No scratch that, loved it.

'Where is Khushi's room?' She asked after her admiring session.

Just before Akash could answer her, he received a call on his mobile which was important. His expressions changed rapidly from concern to fear to anger. She could not decipher but she knew something was wrong.