Part 34 Ankit Chowdry

Khushi was horror-struck when she got to know that Arnav left the village forever. She couldn't believe that. Why did he leave the village, that too without meeting her or telling her about his decision? What's in his mind? The young man asked her to pretend like she hates Arnav and also they broke-up. But he didn't say that Arnav will leave the village. What should she do now? Whom could she ask about Arnav? Khushi almost lost her patience.

At last, she decided to go to the forest temple to meet the young man. She wanted to clear all of her doubts. In fact, she started doubting everyone... including the young man. Even though she doubts about him she wanted to meet him because only he could answer her question. She has the right to ask him questions because he is the one who stopped her from going to Arnav.

Taking an oil bottle to light a lamp Khushi got ready to go to the temple. Garima saw her and asked her.

"Are you going to the temple?"

"How it looks?" She back questioned her, maintaining calmness in her tone.

"Ohh... will you be late?"

"Maybe... I'm not sure." She left the house.

Garima felt bad. Khushi is not speaking to her like before. She is highly upset with Garima and she knew that. Garima felt guilty when the villagers said Arnav left the village. Her fear increased as Khushi is already angry with her. So, she is trying to mend things between Khushi and her but it does not seem easy.

Khushi headed to the forest Temple. She met Akash on the way and got irritated. He will show fake concern as if he cares for her, she thought.

"Where are you going, Khushi?"

"Temple..." she gave one ward answer.

"What temple?"

"Forest Temple."

"But, it's not safe to go to the forest temple alone."

"I will manage it."

"Allow me to come with you."

"You are not allowed to go to the temple for a few days because it's not even a month your wife died. Have you forgotten?" She said calming herself.

"No... I have not forgotten. I will be waiting outside."

"No thanks... This is my village where I born and brought. I don't need anyone else's help." She didn't add harshness in her tone.

She left the place; don't want to drag the conversation more. But she didn't know that Akash followed her.

As Akash followed her, the young man didn't appear in front of Khushi. And Khushi doesn't know the reason. She felt like, crying. At the same time, she was furious too. Lighting a lamp, she prayed, closing her eyes. She decided to wait for some more time. But there was no use of it. She left the temple disappointedly.

Next day

The villagers wondered, seeing an old man with a long beard, shoulder belted pant, and executive glass. This is the first time, they were seeing such creatures. Aman looked irritated as he doesn't like Ankit. Shyam introduced him to the president. Akash also presents there to see the new person.

"Hello, Sir..." Ankit said in a croaky tone.

He shook hands with the president.

"We will be tension free if every one of you is an old man like you."

"Why?" Ankit asked, looking at him in the gap, slightly lowering his executive glass.

"There won't be any tension in this village-like what Arnav created..."

"You are right. What say, Aman?" Ankit purposely teased Aman.

Aman rolled his eyes and Ankit chuckled inwardly. Akash sensed that Aman is giving cold-shoulder to Ankit. Why not? After all, he is a replacement for his friend. They started moving towards the room.

"I like this village very much." Ankit said.

"Yeah... this village is a pollution-free zone I had ever seen," Shyam said.

Akash silently followed them. They reached the room and Akash stood outside hearing their talks.

"You can take rest, sir," Shyam said.

"No no... I had taken enough rest on the train. I just want to give a look to this village."

"May I come with you, sir?" Shyam asked.

"No thank... usually I don't like to have company."

"Shyam, ask him to be careful. This is not Delhi. The villagers will peel his skin off if they found anything rubbish." Aman warned.

"You don't worry Aman. I won't be like Arnav..." Ankit said sarcastically.

"Don't you dare talk about Arnav..."

"Why shouldn't I dare? What will you do if I dare?"

Shyam tried to calm them down.

"Aman, please... control yourself."

"Ask him not to talk about Arnav. Otherwise...."

"Otherwise....?"

"I won't care who you are..."

"Really...?"

"Please ... stop it."

Shyam shouted and they looked at each other wrathfully.

Ankit left the room and Akash hid behind the tree.

"What's this Aman...? He is going to stay with us... it won't be good if you fight with him."

"Did I fight with him? He is the one intentionally making me angry."

"Leave it Aman... he is our senior, after all."

"It will be good if he is in limits."

Aman also left the room. Akash smiled. He doubted Ankit would be the helping hand of Arnav. He was glad that they are not on good terms. He left the place silently.

In the meanwhile

Khushi went to NK's field to do worship which she does regularly. She lit the lamp and cried in front of the Devi Maiya idol. She asked to show a clear path that makes her life bright.

Hearing footsteps, she shrunk her eyes which were being closed. She turned around and saw an old man coming towards the idol. She got confused as she hadn't seen him in the village before. Yes, what you guess is right. He is exactly Ankit Chowdry. She stood.

"Is this field yours?" He asked her.

Khushi nodded no and about to leave,

"What's your name?"

Without telling her name, she took a step ahead.

"Arrey, didn't your mother taught you to respect elders?"

His question made Khushi furious.

"Who are you? Why should I tell you my name?"

"What else... to call you..."

"You no need to call my name."

"Then, how do you want me to call you? Darling? Dear? Beauty?"

" Shut up... behave yourself... or else..."

"Or else....?"

"I will break your head..."

"Beautiful girl like you should not talk like a butcher..."

He clutched her hand. Khushi raised another hand to hit him. In no time, he arrested her hands together and held it behind her, making her helpless. He was almost hugging her.

"I warn you. Leave my hand..." Khushi said loath fully, looking down.

"Really?" his tone changed, all of a sudden.

Khushi jerked at his changed tone and looked at him. At the same time, his grip on her hand got loosened. Khushi pulled his beard and she found Arnav's handsome face with a smirk.

To be continued...

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Gambling

Khushi stunned, seeing Arnav's face behind the long beard. Her throat let the soft chuckle out. The next second she circled his neck, spilling happy tears. Arnav reciprocated her with the same zeal.

"Why did you leave the village without letting me know?" She punched his chest.