ArShi : Mine To Be

Part - 1

Raizada Mansion, Belgravia, London - around 1 a.m;

Arnav Singh Raizada was standing near the full length glass window sipping wine slowly, slowly while gazing at the moon. He closed his eyes and saw her gorgeous face with beautiful smile. He smiled painfully thinking how Khushi's memories troubling him even though him being thousands miles away from her. He had been missing her terribly since the time he had landed here. Not that his cold heart would accept it. He badly wanted to see her. He felt he is losing his marbles. Since the time he has been here, he hadn't been at peace at all. It should be felt wrong to think of the woman who wanted to tear apart his sister's marriage but he was feeling right. His mind wouldn't stop replaying every moment he'd shared with Khushi. Leaving her at the airport had been torturous; her tears and pleas had nearly undone his resolve. It had taken all of his willpower to stop himself from going back to her.

He had desperately wanted to believe her when she had claimed her fiancé had been his brother-in-law Shyam and betrayed her family by never telling he was married. But Arnav couldn't forget Khushi had urged Shyam to leave Anjali and Shyam had claimed the only thing that stood in their way was Di. Then Khushi's words at the airport had astounded him. Her desperate admission of proving herself innocent only seemed important because it was him and that if he left thinking she was guilty then she might stop breathing. He really didn't know what to believe and how to reconcile his love for his sister with his love for Khushi.

Just like last two days he picked up his phone for the umpteenth time to make a call to her. Just as he was about to connect the call, he stopped just like always.

Arnav " No Arnav why will you call her? If she cares, she would have call you? "

He threw his phone on the bed in anger and released an anguished growl.

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

Shantivan, New Delhi, India - around 6:30 a.m;

Khushi opened her eyes, it was already morning. Sun was up in the sky, birds were chirping. She had spent whole night just in his thoughts and slept in early of the dawn clutching Arnav's photo frame close to her heart. She kissed his photo and put it on the bedside table; to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

By the time Khushi reached downstairs,everybody were present in mandir for the Pooja. Payal saw Khushi and smiled at her. Khushi also smiled back and stood near her. After puja both sisters went to kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Everyone gathered around the dining table. Payal and Khushi got the dishes and placed it on the table; started serving food every one. Nani and Anjali noticed Khushi pale and torn out.

Nani " Khushi Bitiya, I think this kheer a bit different "

Khushi " Voh Arnavji can't eat sugar so i made sugar free... " stopped realizing what she said

Painful memories of her separation from Arnav rushed back to Khushi's mind when he pulled his hand out of hers, intense pain in his eyes and then he left without looking back at her. Her eyes welled up; she ran into her room and cried her heart out.

Anjali and Nani came inside and sighed seeing Khushi crying.

Anjali wiped off Khushi's tears gently " Khushiji, your eyes will be hurt with this much crying "

Khushi "Di, I am missing Arnavji. No more can I make out what is real and what is my imagination. I feel so lost without Arnavji " tears started trickling down her cheeks

Anjali cupped Khushi cheek " Khushiji my Chote is very lucky that He got such a wonderful person as his wife " kissed her forehead " Now you're not going to miss him " took out a white envelope " This will take you to Chote, where your happiness lies "

Khushi confused " Matlab ? "

Nani " Matlab Khushi Bitiya, this is your London ticket. You are going to Chote" making Khushi smile

Anjali " Khushiji, you're missing Chote very much. You will be happy after seeing him. I didn't inform Chote. I have informed Amanji and he'll do all the arrangements there. It will be a great surprise for Chote " kissed her forehead

Khushi " Par Di, passport aur visa ? "

Anjali " Everything is arranged Khushiji. Mrs.Arnav singh Raizada hone ka Yeh toh fyada hein " giggled " Khushiji, your flight is day after tomorrow "

Khushi took tickets from Anjali. Her heart was jumping with joy at the thought she is going to meet her Arnavji. She vowed herself this time she would mend all the misunderstanding and distance between them.

Anjali " Khushiji, get ready. We're going for shopping? "

Khushi " Shopping? " confused

Anjali " You're going to London. So shopping toh banti ha "

Khushi " What needs for shopping Di? I have enough "

Anjali " Khushiji, I don't want any excuse. Just get ready "