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

Khushi escaped from everyone's watch and entered their room to find him lying on the bed. He was staring at the ceiling, with an arm under his head, fist closing and opening at regular interval, lost in some thoughts but the cold waves of anger emanating from him were too palpable to be ignored. His clenched jaw was stiff enough to scare her but she went close anyway. She was the one responsible for this.

Arnav had sensed her long back. So, she finally realized he wasn't going to come begging this time. Took long enough! Full two hours!! What an understanding wife! Well, she never admitted that she's. It is you hell bent on thinking her to be one.

"Arnavji. Please humein maaf...", she spoke up after standing beside the bed for past five minutes, waiting for some acknowledgement. She 'll bear all his harsh words, she had made huge issue out of nothing today. But all Arnav did was turn his back towards her in response and for all her courage and mettle, Khushi feared touching the hot volcano and turn him to face her.("Arnavji. Please forgive me...")

"Khana upar ...", she took a different approach. It was already past nine.("Shall I bring food upstairs")

"Tumhe meri chinta karne ki koi zarurat nahi hai."("You need not worry about me")

"Aap aise kyun bol..."("Why are you saying...")

"I am not hungry, let me sleep", he spoke from the same position, not once turning to look at her.

"Aap humara gussa khane pe kyun nikal rahe hai?", Khushi sat down at the corner of the bed.("You are angry with me, why taking it out on food?")

He turned and hissed sharply, incensed at her words, "Really? Tumhe pata hai? Tumhe pata hai main gussa hoon?". She had not come to him for more than two hours and had audacity to behave as if she hadn't repeatedly threatened to leave him, divorce him.("Really? You know it? You know that I am angry?")

"Hum jaant..." (I know you are ang...)

"Tum kuch nahi jaanti, Samjhi tum!! Tumhare jo mann mein aaye bolo, jo mann mein aaye karo!! Yahan mere saath apna time kyun waste kar rahi ho? Jao sadak par kahin divorce bik raha hoga, lelo" ("You dont know anything! Say whatever you want, do whatever you like! Why are you wasting your time with me? Go out and buy divorce from a hawker who sells it")

"Arnavji, please ek baar humari baat..."("Arnavji. Listen to me just onc...")

"Khushi mujhe bahot neend aa rahi hai. Just leave me alone"("Khushi, I m feeling very sleepy. Just leave me alone").

"Ek baar humari..."("Listen to me just onc...")

He pressed a pillow over his face.

"Please khana khane to chali..."("Lets go down to have dinner. Please?")

"DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND? JUST LEAVE ME ALONE DAMMIT!", he shouted and shifted to the other side of bed, away from her. He 'll not melt, No ways! 

Khushi shivered at the lashing, fresh tears dripped down her face. It was her fault this time and she didn't know how to pacify him. Her fingers pressed upon each other tightly in her lap as she tried to refrain herself from sobbing out loud. Arnav remained still for another two minutes and then it became impossible to keep lying down when she was whimpering like that. His hands dug into the pillow as he struggled to not give in but gave up in the end. Why should an innocent life suffer from hunger coz of their issues, ones that are never going to be resolved in this lifetime.

Kehne Ko Jashn-E-Bahaaraa Hai
For the sake of saying it's like the celebration of the spring
Ishq Yeh Dekhke Hairaan Hai
But love is surprised to see the reality
Phool Se Khushboo Khafa Khafa Hai Gulshan Mein
Fragrance is upset from the flowers in the rose garden
Chhupa Hai Koi Ranj Fiza Ki Chilman Mein
Some grief is hiding under the veil of the atmosphere(surroundings)

He closed his eyes to gain control over himself and got up. A stiff, "Chalo" came out of his mouth. Khushi wiped her face and they went downstairs for dinner. ("Lets go")

A dinner that was full of tension for everyone except Aarav who happily sat on Daddy's lap, having no idea about the bang bang that had happened.

*********

Khushi didnt get much success in next few days. All her efforts to talk to him were failing. He didnt allow her to talk about it at all. She bombarded him with gifts - sorry notes pinned with roses, his favorite cologne, an exotic plant that cost high on her purse, shirts even blue ones, everything was rejected. He had scolded her so bad for toiling his baby, when she had prepared his favorite methi paratha. All ideas failed, fell flat on the face. Pouts, pleads, petitions, bribes nothing worked. Arnav was just not ready to let her apologize. He couldn't believe that she was ready to leave him. He cared for her health, medicines, diet . Would chat,caress, kiss the baby normally like before. But not one kiss for her. This made her both happy and sad. Happy that he cared despite anger; sad coz even after being close, he was far. 

Paas Hain Phir Bhi Paas Nahin
We are near but still not close enough
Humko Yeh Gham Raas Nahi
This grief is not acceptable to me
Sheeshe Ki Ek Deewar Hai Jaise Darmiyan
It seems as if there is a glass wall between us

Whenever she badgered him too much for one chance to speak, he would retire to study till she fell asleep. Yesterday night, she had tried stopping him but he had again not allowed her to say a word. He had simply removed his hand from her tight grip and left.

Khushi dialed him as soon as his msg reminding for afternoon tablets popped up. She was suddenly feeling angry at his ignorance.She was pregnant for God's sake! He cannot behave like this with her!! Atleast give her a chance to say sorry?

Arnav was signing some paperwork for Aman. Aman had got strict warning to do only what's told. He had no idea what havoc his one single instruction had caused in his boss's life. The only thing that saved Aman's job was, that it was a right move even if taken without Arnav's permission.Such mistakes were certainly not to be repeated.

He picked up at second ring as usual, "Tum theek ho?"("You alright?") 

She clenched her teeth at his cold formal tone. She didnt know such sweet words could also be spoken in this manner, "Nahiiiii!!", she screeched like a child.("Noooo")

Arnav sighed in defeat. He knew it was both her guilt and hormones on phone. His soft "Kya hua Khushi?" washed away her anger, tears started pricking her eyes.("What's wrong Khushi?")

"Vo Arnavji, hum aapse sorr.."("Arnavji...I want to say sorr...")

"Khushi, I 'm in middle of a meeting. 'll call you later."

Big fat tears ran down her cheek, as Khushi cursed her motor mouth. He won't let it go, understandably so. This time she had crossed the limits. She had touched, no stomped would be the correct word, she had stomped his raw nerve - his fear that she 'll leave him one day. She was not wrong in her place given the assumption that he doesn't trust her. But her assumption itself was fucked up. And she was wrong! Bloody wrong!! She started bawling. Stopped after five minutes as concern for baby rose in her mind. Don't give up Khushi, don't be sad, its not good for baby.

 "Dont worry shona, hum papa ko mana lenge. Kitne bhi naraaz ho pyaar to karte hain na.", she caressed her belly.("Dont worry shona, we 'll pacify your papa. He loves us no matter how angry he is")

*********

One Morning. 6 o'clock( It was still dark outside),

Aloo was trying to wake his mother up, who was busy dreaming, reveling in warmth of her cozy blanket. He called her name sweetly, patted her cheek but no use. He pulled her blanket down and pushed aside the ruffled hairs to kiss her rose-tinted cheeks. "Mumma, Gooood morning", Aloo kissed her nose. A drowsy Khushi opened her slits to look at her baby and pulled him inside her blanket. "Good morning my tweety!". Hugging him close, she asked if he wanted to be fed. He shook his head in no and cupped her cheek, trying to shake her awake, "Mumma get up! Baby has to go for walk". Khushi grimaced hearing that. She realized Aloo was dressed to go for walk. As if his father was not enough! She had been going through this torture for a week now, in the name of holy light exercise!

She had given in only to please Arnav, to not aggravate his anger. But now it was getting too much. She had done it religiously for past 6 days, she can skip today, right? Yes, ofcourse! Satisfied, she went back to sleep. Anyways she was not stupid like these two idiots to get up so early and spoil her sleep for exercise, jogging and blah blah! "Sleep Aloo, we'll go tomorrow."

Aarav wriggled out of her arms and climbed down the bed, shaking his head at her antics. He knocked on the door of bathroom, "Daddy, Mumma is still sleeping!"

"I ll be out in five minutes", Arnav spoke from inside. They both were shaking her awake next. Khushi got irritated. He's angry alright but this is downright cruel! She had given birth to Aarav without this torture and it was absolutely inhumane to wake someone so early on a cold winter morning.She could catch a cold!!!

K : "Kya hai!!! Tum dono ko kuch kaam nahi hai kya?" ("What is your problem? Don't you guys have any work")

A : "Khushi utho NOW"("Khushi get up NOW!!")

K : "Nahi, Humein ni jaana. Aaj bahot thand hai. Kal chalenge na!"("No, I dont want to go. It is too cold today. We 'll continue from tomorrow")

A : "Aloo Baby, where's that glass of cold water?"

Aarav : "Here, Daddy"

A : "1...2..."

"Arghhh!!! Laad Governors!!!", Khushi got up groaning, she knew he would actually pour it on her. These two were arch nemesis of her dear sleep.

"Leave the blanket this instant. Come on fast!!", Arnav broke her reverie. A grumpy Khushi left for washroom muttering about dictatorship and all. Khushi juice time, Khushi sleeping time, Khushi salad time, Khushi medicine time...ye ni ki pyar se baat kar lein.("Cant he talk sweetly with me")

Soon, three people packed in warm clothes, were taking a walk in the lawn. Within ten minutes of that, two lazy bums were hanging on to Arnav - 'tired' Aloo was in his arms with an 'exhausted, completely drained of energy' Khushi leaning on him for support. They came back in half an hour to find elders in lounge. Her parents still found it indigestible that Khushi was up at 7 on a winter morning. 

"Hari Prakashji humein zara vo gulab jamun la dijiye, lagta hai sugar low ho gayi hai." Arnav rolled his eyes, she had consumed a bar of chocolate before going for walk with excuse of inactive brain, had walked just ten steps on her own before leaning on him for support and was here again gulping more sweets and feeding same to his son. He ll become a sugar-addict like her.(" HPji, can you please bring those gulab jamun(sweet dish), I think I have got low sugar")

"HPji vo..."

"Bhabhi nashta bhi ban gaya hai. Abhi bhijwata hun",("Bhabhi, your breakfast is ready too. I ll send that too") ,everyone giggled at that. Khushi thanked him and turned to Arnav, "Arnavji aap kya lenge- toast aur juice? "("Arnavji, what 'll you take - toast and juice?")

Back in his dark mood, Arnav didn't reply and kept reading newspaper. Khushi felt bad. Even rides to the University had become monotonous with only Aarav chirping now and then.

******

One Afternoon,

Khushi was eating her lunch when Arnav called to know if she was feeling alright. Again without letting her speak about anything else, call was cut. Khushi  was getting frustrated, she suddenly had a brain wave. Maybe her silliness can help her. If he laughed, it would be a leeway in placating him. So, she decided to send him a cheesy message.

Main tera chakna, tu mera chakna...(I am your snack, you are my snack) [chakna is snack or nibble that you have with drinks]

I love you baby, apna khayal rakhna(I love you baby, Take care)

No reply

Jab bhi kabhi tum mujhse door jaoge...jab bhi kabhi tum mujhse door jaoge,

Main aankh marungi aur tum fisal jaoge (Whenever you ll go away from me...I 'll wink and you'll slip in back)

No reply 

Aloo ki sabji mein nimbu nichod dein,(I 'll add lemon to potato curry{make my favorite dish tasteless})

Hum aapki yaad mein khana-peena chod dein,(I 'll stop having food in your sweet memories)

Aur kitna bhav khayenge  Arnav Singh Raizada? (How much more pricey you 'll act Arnav Singh Raizada?)

Mann to karta hai aapki pant mein chuha chod dein (I feel like dropping a rat in your pants)

[Arnav guffawed at last one.It was too funny to remain poker faced. She is so silly!] 

But he didnt reply

Aapko hasi aayi na? aayi na? I am sorry Arnavji. Please maaf kar dijiye. Pretty please? (You laughed, right? You did. I am sorry Arnavji. Please forgive me. Pretty please?)

Kam se kam reply to kar hi sakte ho Laad Governor! Even baby is waiting!(Least you can do is reply Laad Governor! Even baby is waiting! )

Arnav searched for jokes and sent a taunting one back,

Wife : Suno, Almari se zara bag utaar do, mera haath chota pad raha hai.(Can you help me with bag, my hands are not reaching to the top of almirah)

Husband : To zabaan se koshish kar lo, vo bahut lambi hai.(Use you tongue, its very long and sharp)

Khushi fumed at her failed effort. She sent him a scathing one

Man 1 : How'd you come out that fight with your wife?

Man 2 : She came crawling to me on her hands and knees."

Man 1 : Yeah??? What did she say?

Man 2 : Come out from under the bed, you coward!

It would have been taken in humor had they not been fighting in real and that too a huge one. Arnav was already irritated with her high-handed threat and this one just worsened it. It turned into power struggle.

Revel in such jokes Khushi , you know it too, who actually holds the strings!

Hurt, Khushi didn't hold back. She could have corrected his misconception of dominance but instead chose to go with the flow.

Issi ka rona hai.(That's rueful)

Felt the burn Arnav Singh Raizada? You deserve it!

This effectively stopped the communication.

Same Night,

Khushi was standing outside her room's door, contemplating what to do next. He had been extra irritated and distant after message exchange. Khushi was sensible enough to understand that her presence may not be welcome at all. He had not spoken a single word to anyone during dinner, simply walked away to the room with Aarav. Sometimes she felt, Arnav, Aarav and Arushi were one team and she was the other team. This can't go on, she was in same team, they cannot just throw her out. She 'll talk to him after Aarav slept. It was not easy to pretend in front of him that there is nothing wrong between his parents. Guilt that she was about to create physical distance between him and kids in her blind anger was overflowing in her mind nowadays. She had a consolation that atleast Arnav talked sweetly before him. Sweetly! It should be last thing in your mind Khushi, think about ways to say sorry for spewing all filth. But what was the need for taunting her during lunch? Laad Governor!

"Get inside", a pissed off Arnav threw open the doors, to this pondering at the door Khushi. She didn't take another second. Her medicines were thrust in her hand with a glass of water. She had them quietly.

"Arnavji..."

"Khushi just go to sleep. Atleast care for baby if no one else!"

"Aap..."("You")

He switched off the lights in response. She couldn't stop her eyes from glistening. Everything seemed futile. The stars, fairy lights nothing could calm her today. She knew she had messed it up big time, esp with divorce threat. Arnav saw she was patting Aarav absentmindedly. Every now and then he could feel her gaze upon him. Gritting his teeth, he extended his arm to hold her hand, hoping now, she 'll sleep and let his babies sleep too. A grateful Khushi smiled at him and soon fell into deep slumber, much more peaceful now. Arnav kept looking at her for sometime before he fell asleep too.

Humne Jo Tha Nagma Suna, Dil Ne Tha Usko Chuna
The melody (song) which I had heard, my heart had selected the same one
Yeh Dastaan Humein Waqt Ne Kaisi Sunai
But then, why is time telling this sorrowful tale?

Hum Jo Agar Hain Ghamgin, Woh Bhi Udhar Khush To Nahi
If I am sad here, then she is also not happy over there
Mulakaton Mein Jaise Ghul Si Gayi Tanhaai
It seems as if loneliness has entered in our meets

*******

"I want chocolate." Aarav was rolling on floor. Khushi was trying to make him sleep and Arnav was on a conference call.

"Get up Aloo"

"I want chocol..."(he stopped seeing her stern face)

"Get.Up.Now", Khushi refused to give in. He was becoming obsessed with chocolates and it was harmful for his teeth to eat one before sleeping.

"No! No! No!"

"Aarav behave! Nahi to Mumma maar maar kar tamatar bana degi, sach mein"("Aarav behave! Or I ll beat you till you become red!")

He pouted and observed her to see the effect, "Please Mumma"

"No. Now be my cutiepie and listen to this princess and frog story."

"I dont want any story!", he got up on bed, turned away from her and covered himself with blanket. Khushi's eyes became wet remembering how Arnav had behaved similarly. Whole world was angry with her, she felt so dejected.

 Arnav who had returned from his study got tensed when Khushi was taking too much time in washroom. He opened the door in panic to find her simply standing before mirror. "Kya hua?"("You okay?")

" Aap humse baat nahi kar rahe", she said looking directly in his eyes but he didnt give her a single glance to the plead present in hers. He simply came inside and picked her up. Placing her on bed, he covered her with duvet. Khushi held his hand, her eyes begging him to stay. Arnav closed his eyes and nodded. Adjusting their pillows, he lied down beside her.("You are not talking to me")

"Arnavji, please ek baar humari baa.."("Arnavji. Listen to me just onc...")

"Ssshhh! Sleep Khushi", he patted her not leaving her with any option other than falling asleep. Atleast she had him by her side, she consoled herself.

Milke Bhi Hum Milte Nahin
Even when we meet it's as if we haven't
Khilke Bhi Gul Khilte Nahin
The flowers that bloom don't look like they do,
Aankhon Mein Hain Bahaarein Dil Mein Khizaan
It seems as if spring is there just in the eyes, but in the hearts it's autumn

*******

It has been more than fifteen days and Khushi's patience was now hanging thin. She was not a kid, he 'll pacify with hand-holds and lullabies. She tried to distract herself with late night studies but he would shut off the lights, strict about her sleeping schedule. She would then leave for his study but every time he would drag her back, not uttering one word nor allowing her to speak too. This's pure torture!

Kaise Kahen Kya Hai Sitam, Sochte Hain Ab Yeh Hum
I am thinking how should I express (say) what difficulties I am facing
Koi Kaise Kahe Woh Hain Ya Nahin Humare
How can one tell whether that person is mine or not

Karte To Hain Saath Safar, Faasle Hain Phir Bhi Magar
We travel together, still there are distances between us
Jaise Milte Nahin Kisi Dariya Ke Do Kinare
Just like the two shores of the rives never meet, even if they are together (side-by-side)

Arnav was working after dinner when she came and stood beside him.

"Arnavji, I am sorry. Sach mein, dil se. Please ab gussa chod dijiye na?" No use! He kept on marking things in a file. Khushi smiled as she saw him using the red pen that she was using earlier. Sankadevi took over, courtesy pregnancy hormones. She 'll see how he controls his laugh.("Arnavji, I m really sorry. Please stop being so angry")

"Mera dil bhi le gaya, mera chain bhi le gaya...(He took away my heart, my peace)

Mera dil bhi le gaya, mera chain bhi le gaya...

Mera dil bhi le gaya, mera chain bhi le gaya...(irritated, Arnav looked up)

hadd to tab ho gayi jab vo mera 5 rupee ka pen bhi le gaya"(It became too much when he even took away my pen)

Instead of smiling, Arnav scowled at her and slammed her pen down on table in anger. Poor pen rolled down to the floor. Khushi was crestfallen but she knew, she deserved it. She was bending down to pick up the pen, when he stopped her. She looked up in hope, but gulped as he looked really angry, "You are not supposed to bend, you idiot!!" and picked it up himself. "Thank...", she beamed at him.

"Pakdo apna 5 rupee ka pen"("Take your 5 rupees pen!")

"Arrey nahi, ye to 10 wal...", she left it incomplete as he glared at her.("No, It is actually of 10 rupees")

"Its not funny dammit! You have hurt me so bad!!"

"Arnavj..."

"Leave me alone! JUST.LEAVE.ME.ALONE"

"Aap humse aise naraz nahi reh sakte!"("You cannot stay angry with me")

He gave her an incredulous look. Was she for real? Khushi removed the files and sat down in his lap, pouting, "Baby ko bura lagega na?"(Baby 'll feel bad) 

She took his hand and placed it on her tummy, "Feel it...she is saying Papa should not remain angry with Mumma"

Arnav couldn't help but smile at her innocence, his hands caressed their baby, feeling the beautiful connection. But his mood soured up as he remembered how she had threatened him with 'divorce'. He piercingly asked, "Baby to tab bura nahi laga jab tumne ek second nahi lagaya divorce ki dhamki dene mein?"("Baby didnt feel bad when Mumma threatened Daddy with divorce?")

"Arnavji, hum sach mein bahut sharm ...(he got up, she held his hand )...aap ek baar humari baat sun to lijiye"("Arnavji, I am really feeling asham...(he got up, she held his hand)...just hear me out once ")

"Tumne suni thi ?"("You heard me out?")

"Haan"("Yes")

"Well your bad then! Par mujhe nahi sun ni tumhari koi bhi baat."("Well your bad then! I dont want to listen to your explanations")

"Theek hai, jab aap kuch sun na hi nahi chahte to ab hum bhi kuch nahi kahenge. Rahiye aise hi naraaz!!"("Alright! when you dont want to even hear me out then even I wont say anything anymore! Stay angry!")

"I am not surprised at all. When you can leave me at the drop of hat then my hurt obviously holds no value for you. I perfectly understand!", he left the room.

"Hadd hai! Aap samjhte kyun nahi!...Arnavji! Arnavji!!", she went after him but he warned her not to run after him and locked himself inside his study. This man was always pregnant, hormonal, PMSing. Arghhh!!("This is ridiculous! Why dont you get it ....Arnavji!!, Arnavji!!")

Defeated, Khushi went to sit at poolside recliner, her head in hands. His stubbornness was taking toll on her now. But Khushi, he's also right in his place. She had successfully made an already insecure man more insecure. She looked up in sky and became more miserable. Why's your son so obstinate, Maa? She  tried to smile as three stars twinkled in her support.

She missed their poolside talks too. Yes, they had been about Aarav and the little one, more than anything else but still it was so peaceful to lie together, stare at the moon and stars in the sky. She still spent time here, every evening but it was not the same. She missed his witty comebacks, naughty talks, the way he would lull her to sleep. She 'll punish him for doing this to her, for first changing her 'me' time to 'we' time and then leaving her deserted in the this darkness. Insolent, stubborn man! Calmness, tranquility of plants, pool and breeze didn't soothe her anymore.

Saare Sehme Nazaare Hain
All the sceneries seem scared
Soye Soye Waqt Ke Dhare Hain
The waves of time are sleeping
Aur Dil Mein Khoyi Khoyi Si Baatein Hain
And in the hearts there are some lost talks

Garima asked Khushi to stop pestering Arnav continuously. He's hurt bad, he would obviously need time to recuperate. And most importantly, she shouldn't not stress herself in pregnancy. They have a life-in-making who doesn't deserve to be devoid of its natural development in their power games. She had a talk regarding baby with Arnav too and both stopped arguments for this sake. Khushi turned to meditation and research. It helped her immensely to divert her mind and remain calm. So, at the end of the day, it had become same like during Aarav's time!!

Gradually, Khushi stopped making direct efforts as she too felt, they were rubbing him wrong. She tried to show she was sorry but Arnav was too hurt to let it go. He had no idea how he 'll survive if she really left him or even left their room. This thought was eating him up. He knew all his ASR power was useless, he cannot hold her against her will. Whole of the family was on her side and all laws too. If things ever got to divorce, at max, he would get joint custody of their children and nothing else! She 'll slip away from his fingers like grains of sand.

He was being so pessimistic that it never occurred to him that when she was making so many efforts to apologize just for saying the 'D' word then why the hell would she go for it. Problem was, the threat had resonated with his deep-seated insecurities bringing them to the forefront and that was turning things sour.

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

They doubled the dose of her uterine medicine after twenty days as told by doctor and that wrecked havoc within a week. Changes were visible in her reduced appetite, mood swings and increased irritation with everyone.

One fine morning, Khushi came down all set to leave for University. She was going towards dining table when she felt acute nausea accompanied with sudden headache. Seeing her holding her head, Arnav rushed to her and Khushi retched her guts out, all over him. She tried to suppress the second urge but Arnav coaxed her to do it. They were far from nearest washroom and its unhealthy to suppress it. Next, they found that it just would not stop. With all her early morning breakfast out, Khushi was now dry heaving without break, almost unconscious due to continuous contractions, her fingers dug into his arms to suppress the pain, control the dizziness. Arnav removed his spoiled coat with shivering hands as others made her sit on the nearest sofa. Doctor had been informed as they settled her in the nearest room and changed her clothes. Water, juice nothing stopped it. They rubbed her back but no use. It subsided after sometime on its own.

Garima was trying to make her drink juice when Arnav came back quickly showered, free of foul smell coz of which she had pushed him away. Khushi rested her head on his shoulder as soon as he sat beside her, her trembling hands clung tightly to his shirt. She was shit-scared, her tears felt like fire on his cold neck.He tried to console her when he himself was completely terrified, wondering if they had been wrong to get pregnant again. None had seen someone retching so bad. Khushi had no clue why and how it happened. She was taking all precautions told by doctor, even the medication to decrease nausea. Her whole system felt painfully crumpled.  The blanket and room temperature were sufficiently warm still Arnav kept rubbing her arms. It reduced the shivers and soothed her fears to some extent.

Khushi had already had vomiting session earlier in the morning. So they were completely unprepared for this one. All she could recollect was, a smell from dining table had hit her nostrils triggering her guts into motion. They were almost sure that double dose has not suited her. Doctor confirmed the same. She had detailed discussion with them about any other symptoms, any other trigger,similar incident, specific pain anywhere. She concluded it was due to the hormonal effect of medicine, that side-effects were major in Khushi's case. So she asked them to go for single dose only and call her if anything comes up again. After some basic checkup to ensure baby's good health, she told her to not panic and take rest.

A tired Khushi soon fell asleep but Arnav went into thinking mode. The way she had clung to him made it clear that she was hurting bad. He has to keep his hurt aside, this cant go on. He needs to end this cold war and make everything fine. He 'll make it alright.

Same night,

Khushi woke up to find him missing from bed. She searched for him to find him lying on poolside recliner. Sensing her, Arnav turned his neck from the same position, looking straight into her eyes. She stood there, at the french doors, skeptical about joining him. They stared at each other for some time, none making a move. Arnav extended his hand but Khushi went back inside and his face fell in disappointment. 

He found her sprawled over him next minute with a cozy blanket to shield them from the cold. Arnav turned sideways to help her into better posture and not put pressure on their baby.

"Hum sach mein sharminda hain, humne aap par bevajah ilzaam  lagaye. Aapko divorce ki dhamki di, please humein maaf kar dijiye. Hum aapka dil nahi dukhana chahte they. Hum dil se maafi..."("I m really ashamed of accusing you wrongly, for threatening you with divorce, please forgive me. I didnt want to hurt you. I apologise from bottom of my hear...")

"Its fine Khushi. I m sorry, I ignored you so much. I shouldn't have done that."

Arnav held her hair in left hand and gripped her chin in other. Now certain that she was looking into his eyes, he tried to be stern, "Khushi, dobara kabhi sochna bhi mat mujhe chodne ke bare mein. It wont result in good"("Khushi, dont ever even think about leaving me. It wont result in good")

But vulnerability piped in soon and his hold loosened, "Sach keh raha hun...mar jaunga tumhare bina", he burst into tears, hugging her close. His chin dug into her neck trying to control himself from assimilating her completely into himself.("I m serious...I ll die without you")

Khushi threw her arms around him, holding him tight. She had never felt guiltier in her life. Cursing herself for threatening him, she sobbed as she began kissing him frantically - eyes, forehead, chin, nose, everywhere. "I am so sorry, really sorry. Sorry sorry sorry...". She took his lips into a kiss of repentance and a promise of not leaving him ever. They came up breathless and scanned each other's eyes for a full minute before, Arnav captured her lips in passionate retribution. 

He 'll make sure, she remains glued to him forever and ever and ever...

Tu dariya, tere saath hi bheegein, beh jayein hum...

Jo ek pal tumko na dekhein, to mar jayein hum.

You are my stream, I 'd get soaked, drift away with you...

I 'd die the moment I dont see you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I HAVE READ COMMENTS,  'LL ADD MY POV ABOUT ARSHI AND FAMILY BEHAVIOUR IN Q&A PAGE. YOU CAN ALSO POST YOUR POVs IN COMMENT SECTION. DO GO THROUGH IT ONCE TO CLEAR YOUR DOUBTS.

ONE MORE PART OF THIS CHAPTER IS LEFT AND THAT'S MOST IMPORTANT ONE, ITS ABOUT OFFICE CONVERSATION. ALL LINGERING ISSUES 'LL HOPEFULLY BE RESOLVED BY THE END OF IT. BUT I NEED TIME TO WRITE IT.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING YOUR TIME OUT FOR THIS STORY. DONT FORGET TO VOTE BY CLICKING * IF YOU LIKED THIS CHAPTER. DONT FORGET TO COMMENT AND SHARE YOUR VIEWS. AND YEAH, FOLLOW ME TO GET NOTIFICATIONS REGARDING UPDATES.

Q & A HAS BEEN UPDATED. YOU CAN CLEAR YOUR DOUBTS AND POST YOUR OWN, IF ANY.

HERE IS LINK TO A ONE-SHOT I WROTE :

https://www.wattpad.com/837316217-the-breakable-liberation-is-it-complete.

Direct link is in my profile.