dedicated to geetarshi( welcome new Sherlock Holmes)

Ananya_malik,Swasaniarshi, Bhavs0005, sreemukhee ( for your extreme support)

and to all my readers and friends.

CHAPTER 7: Will You Be My Friend ?

" Kehdo ki tum mere dil mein rahoge,

kehdo ki tum mujhse dosti karoge,

.........

dekhoongi, sochoongi, kal parso kuch kahoongi.."

Present Day ......

RM,

Sunday Morning, 10 a.m.

Arnav's Room...

Opening the door slightly, she peeked in the room. As usual the room was empty. Tiptoeing, she entered and went towards her destination. Poolside... she knows she will find him there, sitting in a corner, deep in his thoughts or looking at the picture of " that beautiful angel".. She smiles... she loves that angel already...everyone was discussing that the angel will come in their life soon...It will be so nice, then her Mamu will able to see the angel face to face, no more weeping seeing the picture. She smiled cutely. And with slow measured step, she went just behind to her thoughtful Mamu, who still now did not realize her presence. With her soft, small hands she slowly closed the eyes of her Mamu who was resting in an armchair beside the pool. The soft touch of her hands brought back a small smile in the ever sad face of the lonely man, who was once jovial, prankster, now living like a dead soul.

" Sneha, dear what's the matter?" Pulling his beautiful nice towards him Arnav Singh Raizada asked ever so softly, " You need something , my darling?" Bobbling her head slightly, Sneha placed herself in her Mamu's lap comfortably. Arnav looks at her with a rare smile in his face. She is the only person in this house, with whom he can make an eye contact, whose eyes never asked him hidden questions or shows disappointment or disgust. For the last six years, she is the only solace of his bruised, aching heart.. but she always gives the reminder of HER. Sneha's beautiful, innocent eyes, warm smiles remind him about her.

About her innocence and his monstrosity,

About her care and his ignorance.

About her selfless love and his destructive betrayal.

He was brought back from his painful thought when Sneha wipes the tone tear that escape from his eyes. " Are you again thinking about that angel?" Sneha asked cutely," Nodding his head Arnav replied, " your angel is my rain girl, I first saw her dancing in rain with some beautiful princess like you." " And then you become friend the way mumma and papa become best friend for whole life?" Arnav could not help but chuckle listening Sneha's innocent question. "No, there is a long story, I will tell you some other time. Now tell me, why my cutie pie is here on a Sunday morning leaving her papa dearest?" " Papa is reading something important, mumma told me not to disturb him...ohhh... I forgot, mumma told me to ask you, will you accompany me and mumma to the shopping mall? Mumma wants to do lots of shopping. Some guests are coming here, will you go with us Mamu?"

Arnav Singh Raizada was stunned will be an underestimate, His Di asked him to accompany them to Shopping? She wanted to talk to him? Wanted to share some time and space with him, with her Chotey after many years? He did not wanted to lose the opportunity, so, he asked immediately, " yes, I will dear. Let me know the time." " mumma told me, as soon as possible. If you are free then we can go now. After shopping I also want to eat my pizza and I want ice cream." Arnav ruffled Sneha's hair fondly and kissed her hair ever so softly, "tell your mumma, to be get ready, we will start at 11 a.m." Nodding her head Sneha sprinted and rushed towards their room to get ready for upcoming outing.

After 2 hours...

XYZ Mall....

It' s been long since three of them are at this Shopping mall and Arnav don't even know what's his Di was buying.. he is standing outside the family shop, while His Di and Sneha are busy in trying almost each and every possible home décor item available there. It's seems like she is arranging a new house to welcome someone special. From Sneha, he had heard some guests will be there, but guest in RM in nothing new. So, Why this grand preparations, what's so special? He shook's his head a little, why he would bother anyway, he himself became a guest among his family, in his house and no one, but only he is responsible for all the mess his life has become.

Arnav was brought back from his thought sensing something unusual. Someone was pulling his trouser, bending down he found a cute , little boy was smiling sheepishly looking at him. Arnav could not help but smiles looking at the boy, something is there.. something so familiar, Arnav could not put his finger but instantly feels the pull towards the boy.

Bending down towards his level Arnav asked, " Hei little prince, what are you doing here? Alone? Where are your parents, leaving you alone here?"

" I hiddy (Hiding), Maa no I cream ( mother did not give Ice cream)" The cute boy replied in his baby language and smiled mischievously. Arnav's heart filled with warmth, he is so familiar...so, so familiar... where had he seen him ? And why the boy is so comfortable with a stranger like him? He did not had much time to ponder over the fact as he heard a worried voice near him, "Adu....Adu...Aduuuu...where are you my baby?"

Hearing the voice the boy immediately hides behind Arnav and Arnav was sure, it's his mother. So, without wasting a second he picks up the boy in his arms, and went towards the voice.....

Taking long stride Arnav took a turn and find a woman was searching for the boy frantically. Arnav was few feet's away from her, her back was facing him. Arnav cleared his throat and asked, "Excuse me mam, are you searching for him?"

The lady turned towards Arnav and Arnav stood still... shocked... numb... dumbfounded....

Here stands before him is Kuhu Verma...oopse... now... Kuhu Aman Mathur...

Realization dawn upon him.... That means... that means...this cute boy is Aman and Kuhu's son?

Arnav heard the news of Aman's being a father but did not have the guts to hug him or congratulate him... in fact he had missed many things in his life, Aman and Kuhu's marriage being the first. Though Aman kept a distance with RM and Arnav's family members, but in every special occasions of Aman's life, the family were invited by Kuhu or her family..they all were invited except Arnav.. and Arnav knows why, Because not only Aman, Arnav is Kuhu's culprit too....he broke the trust which the beautiful couple once had on Him.

Tears prick in his eyes looking intently towards the boy.. That's why, he felt him so familiar..He is the replica of his Amy. Arnav feels so happy that his Amy is the proud father of this beautiful creature in his arms. Leaving a soft, tender kiss on his forehead, Arnav handed over him to Kuhu... But before going back to his mother, the replica of his Amy, put a sound kiss on Arnav's cheek and wave happily... "By Alll..lleee ( By Arnee ).

And Arnav Singh Raizada froze in his place. Tears which he was holding for long, finally rolled down.. so, he knows him? That's why the little munchkin was so comfortable with him....The thread which he himself, broke long ago, still is there.. His Amy is still holding it .., Arnee is still there somewhere in Amy's broken heart.... and realizing the fact that, he is still wanted by someone...years after, Arnav Singh Raizada feels alive..once again... His heart bloomed with a new hope....

Arnav did not wait there anymore and left the place hurriedly. And thus the great ASR missed how intently, Kuhu was watching him...

Arnav joined with Anjali and Sneha who were finally finished their shopping. The way back to RM was as silent as the journey begins only Sneha was blabbering. Both the siblings were in their own thought. Finally breaking the ice, Anjali spoke, " Thank you for coming with us Arnav." Arnav smiled in acknowledgement, but could not help but sigh. How he missed his Di and how he crave to being her Chotey once again. Though in compare to other family members , Anjali is still tender towards him, not directly, but he can feels it. He came back in reality after hearing Anjali's voice again. " How are you Chotey?" "Alive..still",He chuckled. " Do you still hope to find Khushi again?" Anjali continues her query. " Yes, because I know, she is alive. That's why I am still breathing somehow. And I know one day, surely I will meet her , otherwise my soul will never leave this world." Anjali hold her tears sensing the longing and pain in his chotey's voice. Still she continue and uttered her next question, " Is it your guilt speaking or ...."

" No, Di... I love her, always. I know , no one will believe me. Why should they? But if I am given a choice between living a life of 1000 years without Khushi in my life and living a life of a single day with Khushi, I will choose the later. She is in every breath of mine. No, I am not saying this because I wronged her or humiliated her or crashed her or probably betrayed her, and now trying to getting sympathy of everyone using Khushi...No, No Di...not at all, because my love for Khushi is an integral part of my life, and loving Khushi is just like taking breath for me. I love her di, always was in love with her and will be till my last breath.. Just that, I never realized my true feelings for her..and destroyed everything single handedly. Now I will wait, wait for her to get her apology, may be someday I will get it, may be someday I again get a chance to Live Di. I know I don't deserve a second chance but a man can Hope right? I need something to hold on.. and this hope is everything for me now, otherwise..."

Arnav was cut off by Anjali, " I Hope life will give you another chance, if that occurs, please grab it and never ever let it go, never repeat the same mistake again....Chotey".

Arnav just nodded his head, he was too emotional to reply. The rest of the journey, was full of silence....

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

While going back to home, Kuhu was in deep thought. She looked at the sleeping form of her son, in her lap.. for a second, she felt that her world crushed down , when she did not found Adu beside her in the mall. But thank God, Adu was in safe hand, she could not help but ponder, Amy's son was saved by His Arnee or Amy's son found out a path towards his Arnee, to amend the broken thread. She don't know anything but thinks that is it just a co incident or a sign of destiny? Only time can answer, She sigh..

After so many years, Kuhu sees ASR, face to face, he has changed, indeed. He became thin, looks somehow untidy and lost, but the longing and intense pain in his eyes, touches somewhere deep inside her heart. She is very much disappointed and disgusted By Arnav's act years ago, not only what he did to Khushi but what he did to Aman is still fresh in her mind. She still remembers Aman's devastated state and would never forgive Arnav for this.. But today Kuhu, for the first time, felt really pity for Arnav. He had everything yet he is the most unlucky and lonely man at present and no one, but he himself is responsible for that. Sighing deep, Kuhu looked outside at the window and remembers the day when it all started, six years before, the day of her 20th birthday.

Flashback....

Six years and few months before...

Boy's hostel, Harvard University Campus...

US...

Aman Mathur was busy getting ready as he was suppose to go out to celebrate Kuhu's birthday . With his minimum saving he had from his job, he manages to buy a small gift for his Kuhu. Though he is not happy with it but it gives him some satisfaction that, it's from his hard earned money, whatever small he is doing, he is offering it from core of his heart and he knows, Kuhu loves him for this genuine gesture of him..

Remembering about Kuhu, sudden the thought of his monkey friend erupt in his mind... his Arnee, finally fall in love, that idiot.... he shooks his head. He had agreed for helping Arnav, not because he was scared of his threat but he wanted a way to save his Arnee from the clutches of that gang, specially Veer Malhotra and not to forget Sheetal...uff.. she is another nightmare.. After observing his Arnav's behaviors from last 2 and half months, he is sure Arnav had strong feelings for Khushi, though it's another thing that the stupid did not realize it, but may be after a proper conversation, Khushi would understand a little bit or agree at least for friendship. But he was sure , he will not let Arnav take his usual nasty steps towards Khushi and he knows his Arnee promise him , that he will behave..

Kuhu was not at all convinced with the idea of Arnav tagging with them, but after lots of pleading and pestering finally she agreed but Aman was badly threatened by Kuhu, that if by any chance Khushi got hurt because of Aman's asshole of a friend, she will break up with Aman , then and there...NOW THAT'S CALL A THREAT... I MEAN REAL THREAT...

Still Aman Mathur took the step, as he had immense faith on his Arnee...

His chain of thoughts were broken by the constant banging on the door, its need no rocket science to guess who is at his door. Looking at the clock, Aman could not help but chuckle, and open the door..

There stand Arnav Singh Raizada in all his glory.

Arnav: " ohh.. God Amy, what were you doing? Do you want to be late at your girlfriend's birthday ? Come on let's go.."

Aman: " Some one seems very eager. It's only 6 p.m. We will meet with the girls at 7 p.m. and the distance of the restaurant from here is hardly 15 minutes.. so, care to explain what is so hurry?"

Arnav: "You don't know anything. Girl's will only get impressed if the boys wait for them not otherwise, no more argument, I don't want to get late in my first day. My Rain Girl is already angry on me, I don't want to spoil it more.By the way How I am looking Amy?"

Aman : " Like a perfect "Rakshas" !!!!!

Frowning, Arnav looked at smirking Aman, but ignoring the taunt he just drag him out and rushed towards the car.

Few meters away...

Ladies hostel, Harvard University Campus...

US...

Khushi was biting her nail nervously. Earlier when Kuhu informed her that The lofer friend of Aman Bhai will accompany them, she thought it's okay, because she wanted to talk with the Casanova Rakshas once and for all. But now, at the time is about to come , Khushi is becoming more nervous.. It's the first time in last 2 months, She has to tolerate that irritating stalker and can not even slap him, after all it's Kuhu's birthday, she can not afford to take a chance to spoil it. So, she decided, she will not look at the handsome face of her stalker or not ponder over his sexy smirk or not at all look at the honey brown eyes of the devil.. hummm... she will only focus on Kuhu and Aman Bhai and avoid him like a plague. And before returning back, she will tell the dafar to not stalk her anymore otherwise she will...she will lodge a police complain....hummm... that's a good idea.. boosting herself up, Khushi finally gather herself , giving the final touch to her attire, she sprinted towards the exit door and run towards the car, where Kuhu was already sitting, may be impatiently.

Few meters away...

XYZ Restaurant...

US...

When Kuhu and Khushi entered in the restaurant, both the boys was already sitting over their prior booked private area, It was small, arrangement was simple but was made with so much love from Aman's side, Kuhu was amazed. Aman immediately took her into a warm hug , kissed her forehead ever so softly, mumbling a happy birthday.. After taking their respective seats Aman gifted Kuhu the small yet beautiful pendent which had both their initials. Kuhu's eyes brims with happy tears, she could not hold back herself but put a soft kiss on Aman's cheek.. Both of them were so much in themselves that, they almost forgot that they have two audiences. Clearing his throat finally, ASR breaks the magical web of Aman and Kuhu.

Arnav: " Happy birthday Kuhu or should I say, Kuhu bhabi?" Arnav smirked sheepishly. Though irritated but hearing the word bhabi bring a slight blush on Kuhu's fair cheek. But immediately she composed herself, she is on a mission too and it's high time she start with it.

Kuhu Verma was Khushi Gupta's one year senior in college and roommate. But from the first day itself, the jovial and selfless nature of Kushi, attract Kuhu and that ended in a life long friendship, now Khushi is like the younger sister which Kuhu never had, the best friend and soul sister. From the last few months the actions of certain Raizada, not only disturbed Khushi's mental peace but there was a permanent frown in Kuhu's forehead too. After all Arnav is the (in)famous play boy of their college and his glorious activities were talk of the campus everyday. So, when Kuhu first comes to know about Arnav stalking Khushi, she become so furious that she wanted to drag Khushi to police station to lodge a complaint. On that very time, she was stopped by Aman.

Aman requested Kuhu not to take any steps in hurry and said, Arnav will never do anything against Khushi's will, and also said the most unreasonable thing, that Raizada has fallen for Khushi . Though Kuhu was not sure about Arnav's activity at all but she has immense trust on Aman. So, pondering over Aman's thought she decided to observe Arnav's actions towards Khushi. And after this 2 months, Kuhu too was convinced that this is something different, it's not like Arnav's usual fling or one night stand. Though Kuhu is not taking it like Aman said, Raizada had fallen for Khushi, but yes, the feeling is different and too strong, in this 2 months, it's true, Arnav stalked Khushi but did not misbehave with her. Rather, Kuhu felt Arnav was like pleading Khushi to accept to going out with him or perhaps accept him in her life.

There were opportunity for Arnav to cross his line, because many a times he cornered Khushi in lonely place, but all he did was pleading her to go out with him and in return either got a slap or punch or some colorful words from Khushi. Kuhu herself laugh her heart out after listening some of the interaction between ARSHI. She is somewhere convinced that Raizada is not so harmful, at least not for Khushi, Period.

So, Today early morning when Aman said, that Arnav is willing to join them, initially she was angry and tried to ignore it. But pondering over much Kuhu finally thought enough is enough. A face to face confrontation is much needed, what the Raizada actually wants from Khushi. Because Knowing Khushi, Kuhu somewhere felt, Khushi is highly affected by all this drama of certain Raizada, and that's alarmed Kuhu. Though Khushi is very jovial for outer world, but deep down she is carrying some scars which is still afresh, or may be never will heal. Kuhu knew