Arnav's pov

There siting under the lonely peaceful tree was Aesha. The cheerful girl was gone replaced by a scared girl who hide her face inside her knees and her arms wrapped around her.

It was the perfect pcture that an artist could paint to describe the melancholic scene.

Aesha's pov

Not everything in world is easy, I understand. I know you cannot satisfy everyone but it hurts.

No matter what it's human psychology that makes it hard to accept the truth. The first reaction is denial.

Yes, I was in denial. I couldn't accept that my existance was a problem to someone. Was I so bad? Was being a girl a sin? Or being the second born girl a sin? Is there some rule that you have to have atleast one son or else you will always be scrutinized by society.

I always knew that my parents had faced situation where people would ask them 'only two daughters?'  They would be suprised 'no sons!'

Soceity is also in denial to accept girls though not completely.

I wanted to escape somewhere far away where no one would be there, just me and myself.

I felt a soft hand brushing my hair. I was startled. I had purposely came here because no one would think to find me here.

I looked up and met with the eyes that had been in my dreams recently. It was first time his face held so much emotions together, concern, sadness, hidden anger, care and something which was unkown to me.

We just kept silent. His handa on my hair and staring in each others eyes. No one said a word. It was like we were afraid to break the eery peaceful silence.

His hands moved to my face and wiped the tears that were on my cheeks. His warm hands stayed at my cheek comforting me. I closed my eyes and snuggled in his hands.

The  silence was broken by a ringing of a cell phone.

I opened my eyes. Arnav removed one of his hands and retrieved the cell phone from his jeans pocket. His other hand was still on my face. It was a sweet gesture.

He saw the caller id and starred at it for some moments. He was deciding whether it was right time to pick up or not.

But soon he swiped his fingers and brought the phone to his ear.

"Hello" his voice was a melody.

I couldn't hear what the other person was saying.

"Don't worry, I found her. I will be bringing her soon" Arnav nodded as if the person could see him.

He didn't say a goodbye. He just swiped the end button and looked back at me.

"I wouldn't ask you, if you are okay." He stated. Normally people asked are you okay in these situation but I never understood why they did so. Of course, they can see the person is not okay. So it was a change for me.

I tried to crack a smile but I knew my efforts were vain.

"Everyone is worried about you. We should go back"

I just stared at him.

"Don't worry. Everything will be okay. You have people who love you. You don't need those who don't value you. Don't waste away the love you have for the love you want. It's not possible to always get what we want"  His voice had a serious tone as his face. It was like he was sharing his experience. At that moment I realised how less I knew about him.

I just nodded my head.

He offered me his hand and I took it. He pulled me up but instead of leaving me he pulled me in his arms. He hugged me tightly. It was like he knew what I wanted. That was all it took to start my wretching sobs. I snuggled closer and wound my arms around him.

He just kept silent and let me hold him for the time that I couldn't count.

But the phone ringing again made us pull apart.

"Let's go" He didn't check the phone.

He took my hands and led the way. We walked together to my home.

When we reached in front of mine house, it was brightly lit and door was open. I hesitated going inside. I was scared to face her.

I tightened my hold on Arnav's hand.

Arnav realised my hesitation.

"Don't worry,  she is gone" Arnav whispered so as to let the words sink.

I looked at him surprised seeking answers.

" Right now you don't need to know everything. Just go inside, there are people waiting who have been worried to death for you" Arnav gestured with his heads towards the house.

I took a big breath and nodded.

He took me inside the house. On entering, I saw all my friends and family gathered in living room.

Maa was crying red while Sonal dee was comforting her. Papa was pacing here and there. Peter, Nina, Neha, Jenny, Sheena and Rehan all were settled, some on couch and some on floor.

Nina was talking in phone.

"Han maa, Arnav said he found her. We are waiting for her. Yes, I know I will give her a big slap and also a big hug." I heard Nina saying on phone.

At that moment Neha looked up and saw me.

"Ashu!" She shouted happily like I had been lost forever.

It was like a movie scene, all the heads turned my way in a single motion and perfect timing.

In two strides, Papa was in front of me and I was pulled into a big papa bear hug. I had to leave Arnav's hand so I could hug back.

Everyone were now standing. Mamma and Sonal dee came towards us. Mamma took me from Papa's arm and hugged me while crying. When I saw her cry, it made me cry again.

"Don't you dare to do it again Aesha Dixit!" Maa scolded but in a loving and teary tone.

"Yes Mamma" and I nodded my head.

Soon I was hugged by Sonal dee.

"Dumbo! Tujhe kuch ho jata to me kiske saath ladti?" Sonal dee scolded while smiling. (With whom would I have fought, if something had happened to you?)

"Sorry dee. I couldn't think what to do at that moment"

Soon everyone hugged me and I was out of breath.

"Young lady, if you dare to scare us like that then I am going to lock you up in your room forever" Papa tried to be strict but failed as he was controlling his own tears.

I nodded my head "I promise"

"Dumbo ladki! How could you forget that you had so many people to love you? Huh? Just because of one person you made all of us suffer." Sonal dee chidded.

"Han dee! She took five years out of mine life" Nina said and stuck her tongue out.

"Drama queen!" Sheena muttered.

"Hey I heard that!" And so the great Tom Jerry chase, Sylvester and Tweety chase started between Nina and Sheena.

We all laughed heartedly. It was a funny scene and it distracted all of us from the severity of situation.

Mamma turned towards smiling Arnav and took his hands in her.

"Thank you betta for finding her and bringing her safe" Maa said lovingly.

"You don't need to said thank you. It all started because of me. If she hadn't seen me with Aesha that day it wouldn't have happen" Arnav said feeling guilty.

I was shocked to hear that Arnav was blaming himself for all these chaos. Was the anger I saw in his eyes were for himself or for Nani ji or for both?

Hearing Arnav's statement, everyone went silent.

I wanted to comfort him and tell him none of it was his fault. It was what written in my fate and destiny.

It had to happen someday in someway. He was a victim himself who unnecessarily fell in this drama.

How could he blame himself for these chaos!  I was angry at him. How could he think something like that when he is so smart and intelligent?

"No betta nothing is your fault. Don't say something like that. We respect Aesha's friends and we don't have any problem with your friendship" Maa tried to make Arnav understand.

"She is right. The truth had to be out someday and you were just at the wrong time and wrong place" Papa said while putting a hand on Arnav's shoulder.

"Yes Arnav, it could have happened with anyone Rehan or Peter. Don't blame yourself" I told him

Everyone was nodding their head agreeing with me.

"Thank you son for taking care of my daughter" Papa smiled at him.

Arnav smiled back and nodded.

"Enough of all this sad and gloomy historical scene. Let's have some fun! What say?" Nina said jumping like a two year old.

Everyone shouted yes.

"You kids enjoy, I am going to make a big meal for you all" Maa said and left for kitchen.

Sonal dee was following maa but we pulled her with us to sit down.

"Okay enjoy kids, I have to make some calls" Paa said a goodbye and left us kids alone.

Arnav was standing awkwardly. I looked at him and sensing my gaze he looked back.

I smiled at him and patted the floor next to me to sit down.

Nina was choosing a movie to play.

Arnav after a little bit of hesitating came and sat beside me. I gave a big smile to him and turned my head towards TV as the credits rolled on.

After few seconds, I felt Arnav's hand taking my hand in his. I looked at our hands and then at Arnav. He showed no emotion but I let it go because I liked it and had no complain.

Soon the picture started and we got engrossed in it.

I knew my wounds would need time to heal. But I also new they will be gone soon because I had lots of people in life who loved me to death. I was lucky and fortunate.

Arnav was right, I shouldn't waste away the love I have in search of that I don't.

I was in the perfect place where I wanted to be, with my sweet family and crazy friends.

I think it's longer than the others. Finally a chapter with happiness! No more nani again for sometime,I think.

Now, I will try to focus on the chatting session on wattpad between Aesha and ARIndia. But cannot say when next update is. Exam is in May so need time for lots of studies.

Anyway enjoy and Happy Makarsankranti, Happy Pongal and Happy Lohri.