I felt life coming back to me as Arnav performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on me. My hands found their way to his collar as I held on to him tightly, trying to regain the control over myself.

The will to live had never flickered since it had been reignited during the revelation of me being pregnant and now the same information served as the driving force to hold me together. I could not afford to lose consciousness as it could prove harmful to my baby as advised by the doctor.

"Relax Khushi. Breathe! BREATHE!" Arnav demanded as he continued the pressure treatment for my heart. I tried to follow his instructions and I soon found myself coming back to a state which was closer to consciousness than it was to unconsciousness.

Now that my senses were not overwhelmed, I could feel Arnav's lulling heartbeat under my palm. Unknowingly, my own heartbeat began slowing as my body relaxed to match the heartbeat of my body to his. I found myself both scandalized by the realization and surprised.

I was still under the view that my heart was still under the control of Arnav Malhotra, the father of my baby. How was that the man having the same name but opposite mannerism turned capable to snatch the reins of my heart, even momentarily, from Arnav Malhotra?

Ignoring it to be a spur of moment, I allowed Arnav to help me rest my aching back against the back support properly. I could hear the sounds of footsteps and realized that people were going to walk-in on us but the invitation of water which Arnav was offering me proved to be more tempting than push him away along with the rumors which may follow.

I gulped down the water like it was ambrosia. Thirst knew no taste, sleep knew no comfort, they said. Anything offered to a thirsty person would taste like ambrosia and any place would be heaven for a sleep deprived person if it allows them to sleep. And it proved to be true.

"What happened?" asked the director as he walked into the room. I was thankful that it was just the director and hence, there would be no talks about this situation outside. I just wanted to be normal for once. Not the center of attention and not the talk of the town. Irrespective of the reason.

"Khushi was having one of her stress attacks. I think she needs to rest for a while before she can resume on work," offered Arnav. While my body screamed for rest, I knew that it would not help me buildup a good professional image. The job was very important to me and I would not lose it.

"Sir, I am fine. I can manage. Just give me two minutes," I asked, ignoring Arnav's glare.

" Just don't waste time. Get back to work soon," he said, before walking out. Tears filled in my eyes. Years as an actor and I had never been yelled upon like that. Least of all by a director and during one of my weak moments.

"You never told me that you are treated like this, Khushi. Why are you even working here?" he asked me, his voice revealing his immense concern for me.

"All others were ready to shower sympathy on me but were not ready to offer a job to me, Arnav. This was the best I could get and I obviously need some money for checkups. Pension would be enough for daily groceries but they will not be suffice for checkups. I need to do this. I will be fine, don't worry," I said, consoling myself with my words. I did not know how long I would be able to bear these strict orders but I knew that I was going to give my best.

"Never forget that you will have me as your support if you ever need, Khushi."

The same words were spoken by another man of the same name. But this time, the conviction and sincerity in the man's eyes made my distraught heart trust for one last time. I knew that it would not survive one more betrayal but I was ready to take the risk. Only that disconsolate heart knew the secret of that confidence and it was unwilling to share its secret with my mind.

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