Dedicated to Chanduz, psuhuna, strings_of_fate4321,AmishaR3,user23549805,Garimastrivasatava,

and to all my lovely readers and friends.......

Chapter 27 : Blast From The Past

" There is no agony like bearing an untold story within you...."

~ Zora Neale Hurston

Present day....

AR, Delhi....

Morning 11 a.m.

Conference Room....

Khushi was sitting in the conference room along with her teams and other related persons, including Arnav and Aman, for the last presentation before the upcoming Fashion Show. Though Khushi's thought was all over the incidents from last two days and today's morning. So much new revelations, which is shaking her concrete believes of last 6 years. Khushi remembered once Arnav had told her about his past activities in Harvard years ago, then she believed it and given a chance to him irrespective of how bad she felt about his connections to the numerous women in the campus. But what he did then? Simply, throw back the chance and humiliated her. Khushi is feeling ridiculous realizing that all the sufferings, public humiliations of her years ago were just because Arnav was jealous? He just wanted to hurt her because his ego was hurt, because he misunderstood every situations ? Whereas for these 6 years, Khushi just believed that Arnav did all this for her immense love for Sheetal and she felt envy on Sheetal, now she comes to know all were not true. She, Khushi Gupta had suffered worst because of NOTHING?? And this thought is burning Khushi's already bruised heart. Above all the always guilt ridden look of the Raizada family, sometimes their sympathetic looks on her and worst, their try to make everything alright in her life, making her remembering her past each second even if it possible. Meeting with Aman, Kuhu and Shyam was enough to remember those struggling days of her life.

But Khushi is really irritated as well as restless regarding Arnav's behaviour. Since the time she has come back to RM, Khushi had seen the look on Arnav's face. His agonised eyes, the dark circles, the restless look and always his ways to make a conversation with her, really was bothering Khushi from beginning. Still Khushi was holding herself back, keeping her guarded against Arnav by giving fitting reply with his each advances. But how long? One thing Khushi got cleared that Arnav is trying to find a way towards her, he is trying to get her forgiveness. And this fact had irked her the most.

Is this so easy for her to forget and forgive everything? What is the great Arnav Singh Raizada even thinking that he will come and say sorry, and Khushi will merrily hug him saying it's okay? No.. Not in her seven birth.. Khushi in her worst state of mind even will not forgive Arnav. And forgetting everything is altogether a different issue.

Khushi is confident about the wall she had created around her heart and her rational mind which always reminds her about Arnav's deed, but yesterday's incident shook her a little. Khushi will not deny that she was actually worried for Arnav a little, scratch that, she was HELL worried for Arnav and when she saw Arnav suffering from the nightmare her heart pained. She herself knew how it feels to go through a nightmare. And this thought is messing Khushi's mind. Khushi always knew she had loved arnav wholeheartedly, though she had forced the feelings in a corner of her heart and locked it, but yesterday it came back as a gush of wind and swap her away. Khushi remembered how easily she melted watching Arnav's suffering. Khushi realised that Arnav had successfully make a tiny crack in her well build self guarding process.

How could she? How could she forget everything even for a second? For God sake, Arnav Singh Raizada is the person who destroyed her completely, snatched her every dream. How could Khushi even forget that her buaji had died because she could not able to take the stress that her Titaliya was missing? How could she forget that afterwards she even lost the touch with her mother? Khushi had contacted with the asylum after almost one year, when she gathered her broken pieces a little and she get shocked to hear that, her mother was shifted from there. " Someone" had shifted her in a halfway home but the authority strictly denied to say the address. But after lots of try Khushi had came to know that "some Raizada" had shifted her and Khushi had stepped back. Khushi did not wanted to get caught by Arnav that time because she thought, Arnav will avenge her for Sheetal being caught in jail. Thus Arnav Singh Raizada had successfully snatched her families from her too.

Now Arnav is saying sorry and trying to gain her forgiveness, for what? For gaining his families trust and love back or for overcoming the guilt? Because Khushi believed that Arnav never had any kind of feelings for her, whatever he is doing now is just to overcome the little bit of guilt he is having. But once again, how could she forgive him ? Khushi knew if Arnav get a chance to talk in a civil way with Khushi, he will surely melt her to make him forgive because last night her own reaction surprised Khushi. But how Khushi can forgive the person, who not only demean her but degraded her mother as well that to in front of a huge crowd. No, she could not and SHE WILL NEVER....

Khushi is just searching a way out from this mess, from the turmoil has created around her. Khushi had no idea what Arnav was now thinking because he was always a weirdo regarding handling situations. Little bit she came across Arnav in past, she was able to draw that conclusion and today morning in the elevator Arnav's actions to divert her mind proved that she is not wrong judging Arnav.

Since the day, Khushi had came face to face Arnav in present, she had realized that Arnav still is the same. What she means is, though Arnav is the ASR for the whole world, though he is the successful young business tycoon in his professional career but insides him, still the 21 years old Arnav resides, who is equally restless and immature he was 6 years before. And that is the thing, bothers Khushi most.

Khushi knew she had to find a way as soon as possible before Arnav could take a move towards her, trying to mend their relationship. Because today morning the determination in Arnav's eyes, when they were trapped in the elevator, did not give any good sign to Khushi.. She knew she had to guard herself, before it's too late...

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

"Khushi.. Khushi.." Khushi came back from her thoughts when someone placed a hand on her shoulder. Khushi snapped her head ready to give a mouthful to the intruder only to see Aman Mathur there.

" What were you thinking so deeply? I called you for so many times, the meeting had over almost 10 minutes ago. Are you okay Khushi? " Aman said with little bit concern.

" I.. I am fine Aman Bhai.. just little headache." Though Khushi replied looking at Aman, but she could sense a heated gaze on her throughout the whole time.. She could still sense Arnav's present nearby her, sadly.

" Okay, forget it..almost everything is fixed and final. Just two days are left for the Fashion show. Are you nervous Khushi?" Aman tried to tease Khushi to divert her attention.

" Aman Bhai, I know my work, me and my team are very confident about the show. Anyways, I need to go to my team for final touch up. Now, excuse me." with that Khushi leave the room without looking at Arnav for once.

Arnav looked at Khushi's retreating back with immense longing in his eyes. He felt a little bit better that Khushi did not get the panic attack today morning, instead a little bit of dhak dhak he feels in his dying heart thinking that he has successfully diverted her attention today..

" It's seem like ice did not melted yet." Aman threw a statement looking nothing at particular.

" It's not ice Aman.. It's a cold Mountain.. I have to go a long way, way more what I had thought once. It will be the biggest task of my life to bring back Khushi in life but I will do that, at any cost." With that Arnav stand up from his chair and left the room while a faint of smile appear in Aman's face..

" It is just the beginning Arnav, if you are already disturb looking at Khushi's state, I don't know how will you handle when you come to know about the actual suffering of Khushi.. I really afraid, will you able to face the consequences of your deeds? THE ACTUAL CONSEQUENCES?" Aman release a long sigh and left the conference room .

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

It was almost 1: 30 p.m. when Khushi dismissed her group after looking at the final touch of the day for the big event. She is very confident about the outcome, she already knew the show will be a great hit and the collaboration which the Raizada and Mehra industries are going to do will be successful.

Khushi is contented with her professional work but in her personal life, she is a mess and she knew it. The moment her team left the cabin, She again felt the restlessness was coming back. The pain of the certain chocolate brown eyes was not leaving her in peace. Khushi is getting more frustrated for losing her control over her emotions and the more she get frustrated the more a certain anger rose in her heart slowly consuming her rational thinking.

Frustrated, Khushi was about to go to the cafeteria to have lunch but her phone rang revealing the person's name for whose call she was actually waiting. A crocked smile appeared in her face. Khushi remember how she met the person few days before in a shopping mall and the conversation she had with. " So, the bird is finally coming to the trap?" Khushi smirked a little, suddenly her eyes shines something very dangerous, very very dangerous.

Just like the way years ago certain Arnav Singh Raizada was driven by jealousy and insecurity and lost his rational thinking, now Khushi Basu too is losing her rational mind due to her frustration and lack of control of over her emotions.

Just like Arnav did a blunder 6 years ago whose effect shattered not only him or Khushi but the people associated with them, Now Khushi too is planning something dangerous in her mind, without thinking rationally.

Only time can tell what impact will it have on everyone.

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

Khushi was heading towards cafeteria with a satisfying smile on her face when suddenly NK called her from behind.

" Hi, Khushi... will you join with us in lunch? Askash Bhai and Payal Bhabi had come so, you know.." before Nk could complete, Khushi replied, " Of course."

Nk was a little bit surprise seeing Khushi's enthusiasm, the way she readily agreed with has lunch with them, but Nk shrugged his thought. May be he is thinking too much. Probably Khushi is being cordial because Lavanya is going to be a Raizada bahu and Khushi loves Lavanya too much.

Satisfied with his own explanations, Nk still reminds Khushi, " Khushi, it's that Arnav too will be there."

" So? Why should I bother? Let's go, I am already famish." Khushi almost dragged a confused Nk with him.

In the cafeteria....

Akash and Payal actually coming from the hospital after Payal's check up. They decided have their lunch with the siblings in office premises and besides, they also wanted to talk with Lavanya and Nk regarding their wedding destination and some more matters related to marriage.

After the lunch is over everyone was engross in some light talk. Akash, Payal, Nk, Lavanya, Aman , Khushi and Arnav were all present over there. Surprisingly Khushi was very cheerful all the while and Arnav was a silent spectator. He did not even utter a single word throughout the lunch. His eyes were scrutinizing Khushi all along. Definitely Arnav was surprised watching Khushi so cheerful, though he felt his heart at peace watching her smiling genuinely, but something was nagging him. As if, a storm is coming but what is exactly it, Arnav did not have any idea. And regarding the other, except Payal, everyone were very happy seeing Khushi mingling with them, instead of Arnav's presence.

" Arnav, I hope you remember about your follow up check up tomorrow." Suddenly Payal asked in which Arnav just nodded.

" What follow up?" Arnav snapped his head listening Khushi's question. Did he really hear properly? Did really Khushi asked about him? Not only Arnav but every other member too turned towards Khushi.

Khushi just shrug her shoulder, " I was just asking, you are not bound to answer Mr Raizada."

" No..It's.. It's ..actually, tomorrow is my counselling session." Before Payal could stop Arnav, Arnav blurted out.

" Oh...so, you are still on DRUGS ??" The words comes out from Khushi's mouth was like a venom. Khushi muttered the words like it's a very casual things where as Arnav felt choking.

Khushi is openly telling the deepest secret of Arnav which he shared with Khushi, years before. Though it's not a secret any more, in fact Arnav is a drug addict or Arnav was drugged, it was an open fact for almost all the Raizada's. But still, the way Khushi throw the facts, it sounds wrong. Everyone present there was feeling uncomfortable hearing Khushi's words, specially the way Khushi being so casual and callous about the fact. Payal was looking at Khushi angrily while Aman was about to stop Khushi but before that, Khushi's next words comes like a bullet and directly hit Arnav.

" Mr Raizada, it's must be very entertaining right, I mean addiction ? You know Akashji and Payalji, Mr Raizada was not only A DRUG ADDICT but he was THE FAMOUS WOMANISER of our Harvard campus. He almost screwed every female population in and around the campus. I really am surprised that how you are still keeping your image so clean and successfully able to hide your wild nights Mr Raizada ?? I think it's your money, is not it Mr Raizada? But why are you undergoing counselling?? Is it you are on very high doses of drugs or OMG, did you just taking counselling for controlling your high libido?" Khushi shrugged her shoulder as if she is declaring about some climate making every one froze in their place.

Aman slowly looked at Arnav straight in the eyes. Aman was very hurt and angry on Arnav for years and he still is, but the way today Khushi portrayed Arnav character openly, it's not at all right and looking at Arnav eyes, Aman Mathur's own eyes pricked. Arnav looks like a dead soul, like someone had sucked out his life out of his body.

Arnav felt thousands of needles as if had pricked in his heart, he felt someone is squeezing his heart with tight grip. He suddenly felt suffocated and unable to take breath. His face contorted with pain and got flushed. The words were hammering in his head remembering the incidents where he was drugged and was used by Sheetal and her gang for their physical pleasure. Arnav remembered the rainy night where he was trapped with Khushi in a hut and he had shared his deepest secret with her. He had trusted her that day.. But today Khushi had dug his wound open and rub salt in it.

"Did not you do the same with her? You too mocked Khushi based on your false assumption, involving her past?" Arnav's subconscious mocked him. Arnav knew he deserve this, probably worst that this but Khushi's nonchalant behaviour and cutting words really pricked. Arnav felt his heart is breaking like a glass, he sensed the taste of broken trust and it's too bitter. Did Khushi too felt the same when he insulted her years before?

Arnav trance was broken when Payal's angry voice reached his ears. " Don't uttered anything which you could regret later Khushi."

" Regret? Why should I feel regret telling the truth Payalji? After all whatever I have told is nothing but true. Aman Bhai is here, ask him." Khushi said eyeing Aman not even feeling an ounce of guilt after humiliating Arnav or sharing his secret so openly.

" I does not need any certificate to know who is Arnav or what he did in Harvard. There are many more facts there which is unknown to you and they are nothing but true too.. Do you know....." But Payal's word was cut off by none other than Arnav.

" Please Payal Bhabi...STOP...STOP... for my sake. And why are you defending me? We all know who I am and how I was in Harvard, then? Most importantly Khushi is right. I .. I was not any saint. I did ... did.. slept with..and I had taken drugs..too.. Whatever she is telling is true ..don't shout at her." Arnav pleaded with his eyes towards Payal who was fuming watching Khushi's callous behaviour.

" But Arnav... Khushi's comments are based on..." Akash was about to start but interrupted by the shrill ring tone of Khushi's phone.

Looking at the caller ID Khushi smiled a little and taking the call she said, "Hi..love... I was waiting for your call. Yes...surely we will meet today." And with that Khushi excused herself and went from there.

" LOVE..." This single word was enough to burn whole existence of Arnav Singh Raizada. The hurt, anguish, feeling of rejection and mistrust, pain every other feelings flew away instead replaced by a dark possessiveness and extreme jealousy.

Gone that depressed, repented man who was waiting for his love for long 6 years, instead the 21 years old Impulsive Arnav took over him.

" Did Khushi love anyone? Whom she is calling as Love?" Arnav thought and with a force like a strong wind the possessive Arnav surfaced again. But this time not in a destructive way . Arnav knew though it will kill him alive to see Khushi with anyone else but he will accept it