READERS WHO ENCOURAGE ME, TAKE THEIR TIME OUT TO VOTE, TO COMMENT GENEROUSLY ON EACH CHAPTER AND PRESENT THEIR HONEST REVIEWS, GUYS I THANK YOU FROM BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

THIS IS ANOTHER CHANCE FOR THOSE READERS WHO HAVE STILL NOT VOTED ON CHAPTERS. PLEASE GO BACK AND VOTE ON EACH PART. AS I HAVE ALREADY SAID 7.5% OF VOTING IS VERY LOW RESPONSE. PLEASE TRY TO UNDERSTAND WRITER'S POV TOO.

Not proofread.

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

Aru had started crawling at 8 months and it was headache for everyone. Her speed was too fast, when you would go easy thinking there is no danger, she would found doing some mischief and always try to melt you with that one-tooth sheepish smile. To the disappointment of Arnav and Aarav, she could only speak Maa till now and was stubborn enough to not speak anything else. Khushi had obviously been overtly overwhelmed when it happened and everyone had to eat tons of jalebis, she had made in over-flowing tears and happiness. 

Aru knew how to handle the other two aggrieved party very well - when in need to play, she would crawl towards Aarav, patting her bro's hands cutely and Aloo everytime melted into Aloo-halwa for his sister. Whenever sleepy, she would go and lie in her father's arms and whenever hungry or in need of diaper change then it was Muma-dearest. One tap and Khushi would latch her anytime, anywhere. 

Aru's Mataji fulfilled her dream of twinning with her at every given occasion, flaunting their vibrant dresses. Fascinated with bright colors, Aarav ditched Daddy's boring shades and joined there team. He would insist that Aru twin with him 24*7 but the girl never kept her dress clean for more than 3 hours, feeding everything first to her dress, insisting on eating on her own, feeding others when she couldn't even hold the spoon straight!

Arnav wanted to tell them that people would become blind with so much 'fluorescence' but who paid heed to his words? No one. Khushi's obsession reached heights when she got tracksuits for all four - forest-green lower with 'Mummy', 'Daddy', 'BigBro', 'Babygirl' printed in black on a bright yellow top. Arnav and thankfully his tasteful daughter protested hugely - both hated these shade of blinding yellow. Nazi Khushi and her comrade Aloo didn't agree to change them to black, grey or white. They ll go for morning jog only if he agreed to wear it. It was all karma that autorickshaw ASR Sr. and ASR Jr. strolled with hopeless public transport KG Sr. and KG Jr. taking in their lawn. What must HP and team think of him! Where's their Arnav Bhaiyya arrogance gone? Vanished in thin air and only 'Yes-Ma'am' husband remained! 

Aru's teeth were developing and she would rub her gums,suck and try to chew, swallow her brother's whole cheek in her mouth to calm the itch.He was becoming her new teether. Aarav was so happy to always have her attention on him. For him, her kisses were getting lovelier! He would spent time helping her with walker. And Aru reciprocated fully. Arshi observed that both their kids though lovely, were born clever. Aru's eyes would twinkle with happiness, when Aloo would come back home from school. She would shower her brother with kisses which she was otherwise very reluctant about. It was her eagerness to spend rest of the day playing with big bro - building blocks, play games, roll on the bed and other things. Aarav hated injections so would kiss and cajole his crying babysis after every vaccination but was smart enough to refuse accompanying them lest that hateful Doctor injected him instead of Aru. He taught her how to cuddle him, clap, wave bye, blow kisses to him every morning as he left for school. His sister was cutest thing in the world with that lovely smile, especially reserved for him. Aloo didn't know troubles, same cute sister would bring him later, with torn pages of his precious books, scattered pencil box and her signature scribbles on his completed homeworks. For now, she was sho shweet -  his little munchkin.

"Daddy, Aru is so cute, like a tweety"

"So is my Aloo"

"Daddy, why are we so cute?"

"Coz your Mumma is so cute, my little red riding hood", he pecked Khushi's lips and she pecked him back In front of kids, instead of glaring at him! Did Sun rise from West today?

Actually, Khushi was busy trying to understand Arnav's notes, pointers regarding things, they need to focus upon in Aloo's studies. "Arnavji, hum kya soch rahe hain....jab UKG mein Aarav cursive shuru karega, tab double workbooks khareed lenge"("Arnavji, I think, when Aarav will start cursive writing in UKG, we ll buy two-sets of workbooks ")

"Why?" he asked. Khushi's so silly, thinking to buy workbooks for his ten months old babygirl! Its her time to just enjoy. Arnav nuzzled Aru's stomach eliciting giggles from her.

"Humein lagta hai aapko bhi karni chahiye. Shayad writing theek ho jaye"("I think you should practice with him. Maybe your handwriting ll improve")

She was talking about improving his handwriting! "Paagal ho ky... ", he almost shouted but stopped seeing Aloo and Aru on bed. Khushi was not just unromantic but nuts too!("Are you mental?")

******

Aru started walking on her own, by her first birthday and Shashi's speech has improved too. They celebrated the joint birthdays of Aloo and Aru, by throwing a kids party at RR Palace. It was a refreshing change for elders too. Arnav-Khushi were glowing to see their babies so happy. They handled so many over-enthusiastic kids very well and returned from the party around eight. 

An extremely tired Arnav watched Khushi from the recliner - how she immediately got to work, changed their clothes, fed Aru and coaxed Aloo to drink a glass of milk. Where does she get so much patience and energy from? He was so tired running after kids, whole day on his toes! She was so efficient that both trouble-makers were asleep within five minutes of patting. He came out of washroom, freshened up, "You are so natural at this Khushi, an amazing mother", he lied down beside her.

"Tumhe ek baat baatun, hasogi to nahi?" ("Should I tell you something? You wont laugh att me?")

Khushi turned to him and raised her head on her elbow, completely focused and nodded.

"Tumhe to pata hai, how much I disliked children some years back. I got so angry when they broke my project model during kanya-pooja. Khushi, mujhe zara sa bhi idea nahi tha, I would change so drastically within an year. Fall in love with you, in love with kids so soon. I wasn't teasing you for fun at Janmashtami. I really wished to have our family since that time - hum, humare do bacche and look, I have it all today - so much happiness that it looks like I am living a dream! Thank you so much Khushi. You have really changed my world", he kissed her forehead in reverence.

("You know right, how much I disliked children some years back. I got so angry when they broke my project model during kanya-pooja.I had no idea, I woild change so drastically within an year. Fall in love with you, in love with kids so soon. I wasn't teasing you for fun at Janmashtami. I really wished to have our family since then - we and our two kids and look, I have it all today - so much happiness that it looks like a dream! Thank you so much Khushi. You have really changed my world")

hanste suraj ki roshni de di (you gave me the light of the happy sun)

jhilmilaati se chaandani de di(you gave me the soothing light of sparkling moon)

mujhko tune to har khushi de di(you gave me my each and every happiness)

mere malik karam tumhaara hai(master of my heart, it is all your doing)

Khushi kissed his nose, "Thanks to DM and OUR efforts - We are so happy today. Vaise AAP ye sab soch rahe they??( BTW  you were thinking all this?)", Khushi was surprised at his confession. Arnav and kids in single sentence those days, was something unimaginable for her. But it looks like he was more advanced in khayali pulao than her. Yet they were here today, living a real dreamland.(Khayali pulao -day-dreaming, building air castles).

"Unbelievable but true! But my sequence was opposite- first girl then boy. No problem, we can have another baby to make Aru big sister. What say?", Arnav slid his leg over hers.

Khushi sat up straight at that, all serious. "No way! Teesra sochna bhi mat! Thoda bada hone do, ye dono hi ghar sar pe utha lenge, ye hi nahi sambhlenge!!!"("No way! Dont even think about third one! Wait for some years, these both will bring down the house - become unmanageable ")

"Relax Khushi! I was just teasing you. Come lets sleep- it was a tiring day"

"Fir theek hai", Khushi snuggled back into his arms and both fell into deep slumber, free of any tension.("Then, its fine")

hum to ek dusre pe marte hain(we're utterly devoted to each another)

jaanta hai yeh jahaan saara hai(this whole world knows it)

******

Another speed-breaker came in their smooth journey. Last year, AR Associates had grabbed a highly ambitious project of government in a joint venture with a Japanese company for a new high-speed train network. The deal in final stages by August end with govt. deciding on foundation ceremony which included PM of both countries on 14th September. It was very impromptu date which couldn't be changed due to political reasons. So, Arnav's presence was clearly necessary at Ahmedabad. To their bad luck, Khushi got 31st August as reporting date at ETH. It was clear, he could not go with her. He and Akash both needed to be there in last rounds of finalizing the terms in presence of several VIPs, full media coverage in September. 

Yes, lobbying, funding by business groups does happen, they mold polices, schemes. But at the end of the day, it is bureaucracy that makes policies, has power to nationalize your company. So yeah, they mold corporate world too. Everyone controls everyone in twisted web and it is not wise to test power at highest levels.

They were trying to fix this new problem and Khushi was very nervous. It was already 23rd August. She had talked to her professors and they were of no help, no postponement of internship was allowed.Her degree was almost over and they couldn't extend it to next semester. It was a golden chance, she herself didn't want to miss. More she pondered, more she realised, the situation was unavoidable. And most importantly, matter was just of fifteen-twenty days. He would be free by 20th and can join them there. It ll be difficult to manage in a new country with no prior experience there. She hasn't visited it even once. But, she had AR Zurich team to help them settle down, security was there too and if even something happens thats beyond her control Arnav could always reach them within 6 hours by his jet, she mentally calculated. She can manage. Yes, Khushi you can manage. Switzerland is same as India, ETH is just like your University. You have researched it all online. It was all same, only little different. Its not that hard. People go abroad alone and survive. Arnavji went alone to Boston at 19 for full two years and you at 28, are getting scared about Zurich thats half the distance! Nothing ll go wrong. All countries are like our India only. She tried to convince herself.

But Aloo and Aru will miss him so much. You cant manage them alone and how ll you live without him for full fifteen days? Its not his three-day business tour this time, her heart argued. We ll manage with video calls. So many people do it. Trisha's(a colleague) husband is in Dubai from last three years and you can't manage fifteen days? Khushi, get a grip over yourself. It is better than him opting out of project. It can cause serious damage to AR. You need to grow up Khushi. You can manage it.

After giving herself a pep-talk, she approached a tensed Arnav. He had returned from Ahmedabad today morning and was now trying to sort their problem, "Arnavji, aap tension mat lijiye. Hum manage kar lenge. 20 din ki to baat hai, fir to aap aa hi jayenge. Aap project par dhyan dijiye, hum sambhal lenge "("Arnavji, don't take tension. I ll manage. Its matter of just 20 days, you ll there afterwards. You focus on your project, I ll manage")

"Yeah right! You just get our packing done. I have it all covered", Arnav got back on phone.

"How? By opting out? Arnavji this is highly prestigious govt. project - one lakh crore. It is going to be milestone event. You know, your not being there at Ahmedabad can have consequences not just on the company but maybe on whole AR Group. Why antagonize the government? I ll manage, really. And if something goes wrong, I wont stop you form coming there. And no one 'll mind it or have issue about an emergency situation!", she tried to cheer up.

Arnav fumed at her bad joke of emergency. Already he was so tensed, "Shut up and get back to work!"

Khushi thought it was better not to increase his anger and went back to packing things. Arnav got another idea. Yes, they should try it, "Wait! Go and change. Lets go meet Professor Jha"

"Iss waqt?(Now)... Arnavji, its 9:30. Vo...I haven't fed Arushi yet"

He shut his eyes at her non-seriousness about such a grave matter. He was now getting pissed. Not wanting to rile him further, she quickly set to work, asking for ten minutes. Feeding Arushi as she talked to her guide on phone, requesting him an urgent visit. The old man reluctantly agreed. Khushi had just changed when Payal came back into room with Nisha and her assistant. Both women got busy minding the kids and their parents left. Khushi didn't want to disrupt Anjali, Payal or her parents when the new setup of sweet shop hadn't started earning profits. They were needed here.

Arnav Khuhsi drove back from his house with no positive result. They can either let go of twenty days of internship or contact IIT Bombay or ETH directly. Khushi had contacted Bombay already and they couldn't help her much. The old cynical professor though was respectful to him but he subtly lectured Arnav about giving more independence to his wife. This three month internship is an opportunity for Khushi, to learn new things not just in academics but life on whole, suggesting him to let her stay alone at hostel and meanwhile, he can also learn how to nurture children here in India! How modern world is about equal parenting and blah blah for full two hours, not allowing them to take leave. And the same man had reminded Khushi on phone about the unsuitable time of appointment. Arnav would have smacked him but for the sensible old lady who tried to stop her husband's rant, reminding him again and again that this was not lecture hall. They somehow escaped from his house. Arnav wondered at state of affairs - this old man on verge of insanity was Khushi's guide and would examine dissertations of so many scholars!! God save DU!

They drove to his diplomat acquaintance next. He was Joint Secretary in Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs dept, lived near Bapu Dham in Chanakyapuri. They collected Buaji's passport with Visa and started for home. Khushi was relieved that everything fell into place finally. She daringly turned on the radio to calm her nerves. 'Aaja piya tohe pyaar doon...gori baiyaan toh pe vaar door' floated into air, Wow, what a coincidence! Khushi wondered and started humming along, 'kis liye tu itna udaa...'. Arnav switched it off.

"Aap..."("You...")

He stopped the car in middle of empty road. It was around 1 in the night, he was so tensed and she was taking it all so lightly! Listening songs! Arnav came out of the car in frustration and banged his hand on bonnet and rubbed them on his face in disappointment. It was all of his hand. Should he go and settle her there and come back again. No chance, he mind countered back. He ll then need more days to finalise the deal and no one will take it lightly. Its better to let it go to Vamani Group altogether. He can exchange port development project with them. Its too late now and stakes are high. Damn it! He can't imagine his wife and children flying away to another country all alone with no experience at hand. Anything could go wrong. He would have sent Aman but they were all tied in this project. Fuck it! Arnav couldn't help release his frustration on the bonnet again. Only he knows, how he survives those three days on tours without them and this time he can't even take them with him! Aloo and Aru ll go mad without him. Infact, they wouldn't be at home this time and may not even take change of place easily, making things harder for Khushi.

He was about to hit his fist again when Khushi who was till then observing him silently, decided to speak up, "Aap ki problem kya hai? Hazaar baar discuss kar chuke hain na. Why are you getting tensed over something we have no control over? Kyun faltu mein haath pair patak rahe ho? "("What is your problem? Haven't we already discussed it like thousand times? Why are you getting tensed over something we have no control over? Why are you getting so worked up?")

"Tum yaar jaa ke gaadi mein baitho", he waved towards the car in irritation. His eyes fell on security cars parked few meters away, they were staring at the duo in confusion. He signaled the head to give them privacy. ("You go sit in the car")

"In becharo ki faltu ki duty laga rakhi hai"("These guys are on duty in middle of night!")Khushi remarked about the guards dryly. They were hardly 3 kms away from home.

"Khushi mera dimag khana band karogi?", he walked further away on the empty road buzzing only with flies, crickets on street lights. ("Khushi, Can you stop eating my brain?")

"Humein koi shauk nahi hai aapka dimag khane ka! Aapne gaana kyun band kiya?"("I am not even interested in eating it! Why did you turn off the radio?")

"To ja ke chala lo dobara!"("So go back and turn it on again!")

"Aapne BAND hi kyun kiya?"("Why DID you turn it off?")

He turned around, irritated, "Chalo, ab issi baat par lad lo. Tumhe mujhse ladne ke ilawa aata kya hai? Abhi kam problems hai na!"("Fine! Argue over this petty issue. What do you know other than fighting with me? We don't have any other problem at all!!!")

"Problem kya hai? Sab solve to ho gaya. Aur vaise bhi galti to aap hi ki hai. Aapne humein phele bataya kyun nahi apne project ke dates ke baare mein? Hum pichle semester ke liye apply kar dete. Ab tak wapis bhi aa chuke hote!"("What is the problem? Everything is resolved. Also, all this is your fault. You could have informed me about your dates, I would have applied for last semester. We would have been back from Zurich by now!")

"I didn't finalise the dates, foolish woman? Why are you hell-bent on picking a fight with me?"

"Hum kahan lad rahe hain! Hum bas ye keh rahe hain sab theek to hai ab. Aap kyun pareshan ho rahe hain? "("I am not fighting. I am just saying when everything is fine now. Why are you taking stress now?"

"Yeah ofcourse! Tum to phele sau baar, do bacho ke saath Switerland jaa chuki ho, tumhe to sab pata hai! Teen din tumse dono sambhalte nahi hain, 20 din akele kaise manage karogi?"("Yeah ofcourse! You have been to Switzerland. with two kids,many times before. You know everything! It gets difficult for you when I go out for three days, how 'll you manage them for 20 days")

"Hum dekh lenge. You don't need to taunt me! Aap chahte hain hum na jayein to saaf saaf keh dijiye. Bas bahot din ho gaye tension lete lete"("I ll manage! You don't need to taunt me. If you dont want me to go, say it on my face. I dont want to take tension about this problem anymore")

"Main mana karunga to tum ruk jaogi?..........Bolo? Ruk jaogi?"("You wont go if I said so?....... Answer me? Will you stay back?")

"Theek hai, ruk jayenge, Nahi jaate!(Yes, I ll stay back. I wont go). But you tell me, Won't this situation arise ever again? Arnavji, you know it can happen again. What 'll you do, next time?"

She was right there. This is something that can happen again and again,"Fine then, lets all go to Zurich. Akash ll manage here"

"And this is Arnav Singh Raizada's practical solution!"

"Khushi choose one option - either you ll go to Zurich or I ll go to Ahmedabad, not both. Main itne din akele nahi rahunga and thats final!(I wont stay alone for so many weeks and that's final)"

"1 mahina alag nahi reh sakte hum dono? Kitne log long distance relationship mein rehte hain. Poore poore saal nahi mil pate!"("We can't stay apart for a month? So many people stay in long distance relationship. They don't get chance to meet for whole year!")

"That's not going to happen here! You delay your internship by 15 days. My team will talk to the college. I ll wind it up by foundation ceremony"

Khushi was now frustrated and angry. It was 1:40 in her watch. Children were alone at home. She had lot of packing left to be done and they were still going round and round in circles with no conclusion. How hard it could be to let her go away for some days, "Tumhe dekh kar koi keh sakta hai, do bacho ke baap ho tum? Behaving so immature!" ("Who can say you are father of two kids? Behaving so immature! ")

"Alright, tum jao(you go). Aarav Arushi 'll come to Ahmedabad with me. We three will meet you in Zurich on 20th. Okay?"

Khushi had no response to that. She was already preparing herself for his absence  and now kids too? It was impossible to stay away from them. She was their mother for God's sake, still feeding them and such small babies should stay with mother only, "Acha ek kaam karte hain. Nanheji aur Lavanyaji ko bol dete hain. Vo chutti lekar kuch din humare pass ruk jayenge. Aloo, Aru ka mann bhi lag jayega. Boliye?"("Okay lets do one thing. I ll ask NK and La to join me there. They can help me with Aloo and Aru. What say?")

"So considerate! I have already told them to be there"

"To fir KYA problem hai aapki?"("Then what is your SORE point?")

"Koi problem nahi hai. Tum jao, shauk se jao. Main reh lunga akele. Infact 20 din chodo, tum bolo, I wont come there altogether! Tum vahin job dhoondh lena aur settle ho jaana"("I have no issue. You go, you are so interested. I ll manage alone. Why twenty days, order me, I wont come there altogether! Infact find a job and get settled there.")

"Aap humse kya chahte hain? Hum hungama karein ki aapko sab kaam chod kar humare saath aana hi padega? Humare liye bhi asaan nahi hai! I haven't stepped out of India alone ever, always with you only. I have no idea how both are going to react to your absence for so many days par hum koshish kar rahe hain and you aren't mak.......

Arey kaun hai aap? Ye kya batameezi hai?....(Khushi tried to push them back from Arnav)... Chodiye"

("What do you want me to do? Should I throw tantrums, force you to come with me, leaving all your work behind? Its not easy for me too. I haven't stepped out of India alone ever, always with you only. I have no idea how both are going to react to your absence for so many days but I am trying and you aren't maki.... 

Hey! Who the hell are you? Behave yourself!....(Khushi tried to push them back from Arnav)... Leave him!")

In their talk, they hadn't noticed three men had come up to Arnav from nowhere. They surrounded them, pointing knife at Arnav, holding his collar as they demanded him to hand over his purse and valuables. Arnav turned towards them and pushed Khushi behind him, whispering that she somehow run and sit in the car, while he distracted them. He handed his watch to them as Khushi ran.

One of them chased her but she had already locked the car and pressed SOS button for security, hoping they were nearby. She fumbled with her phone dialing 100 as the man pounded on the glass. After few tries with roadside brick, the goon understood it was ballistic proof and went back to help his accomplices as clearly they were not able to handle Arnav alone. As soon as Khushi had locked the door, Arnav till now in surrendered stance, had taken a swing at them, taking them by surprise. Knife fell far away and it was now fist-fight on middle of the deserted road. Goons were so involved that they didnt pay heed to the blaring siren and continued lunging at Arnav.

Khushi searched for something to hit them with. It was not easy to fight three people alone, that too when they had knife. There was nothing in car, no knife, pipe or a bat but she found a  golf club in car boot and got out, approaching the group noiselessly from behind. They had got the knife back and injured Arnav's left hand as he tried to save himself. Seeing his blood, Khushi had no idea what she was doing next. She struck the club hard again and again and soon she got covered in blood as two of them fell down unconscious and everything momentarily stopped. Scared, third one tried to run but security who had just reached, got hold of him.

Khushi got her semblance back when Arnav took away the stained club from her hand. She was still trembling in rage and no amount of rubbing calmed her down. Arnav collected himself, he was badly shaken too but she needed him now. He made her sit in the car, wiped her face and hands clean, making sure blood was completely removed. He held a water bottle to her mouth. Khushi made no move to drink it and kept looking at him blankly, "Drink Khushi. Have some water"

She robotically followed his command, taking a gulp and as she looked down, she choked hard. There was so much blood on her pink suit. She frantically began checking Arnav for injuries as he tried to convince her that he was alright. She cleaned his wound and dressed it all mechanically as their team took away the goons to the hospital. One had his jaw broken with a deep gash all along his left cheek and other one was serious. Khushi had opened his head at five places. They somehow dressed his wounds and stopped the blood but he was completely unresponding. It was a police case and the head knew how to handle it. Arnav nodded at him and Khushi looked at whole process silently. She couldn't believe what had happened in less than five minutes. One moment they both were arguing and next moment they were attacked. Her eyes again fell on her blood soaked kurta, it was their blood. She trembled again, not able to believe she had done it, "Di..d...did I kill them?" 

Tears started raining down her eyes as she shivered, bringing her hands close to her face. What has she done? She checked her hands, turning them at sides, different angles again and again. They were drowned in blood sometime before. She had killed two people with same hands.

"Khuhsi relax! Our team has done their first aid."

"Hum kisi ko aise kaise maar sakte hain, itni buri tarah...vo aapko kyun maar rahe they?  Arnavji, Arnavji...humari baat suniye... hum unhe jaan se maarna nahi chahte they, sach mein, DeviMaiyya ki kasam.(Arnav tried to hold her) Nahi...aap humari baat suniye...hum sach keh rahe hain...Vo humne...humne dekha aapke haath pe chaku maara unhone...humein pata ni kya ho gaya...humne un dono ko maar diya hai kya? Humne khoon kaise kar diya?", she tried to rub away the blood from her dress and her hands got dirty again. 

("How can I kill someone, so brutally?  Why were they attacking you with knife? Arnavji...Arnavji, listen to me...I didnt want to kill them, I am saying truth, I swear on God.(Arnav tried to hold her) No...you listen to me...I am saying truth...I...vo...I saw the wound on your hand...I don't know what happened to me? Have I killed them both? How can I murder someone?")

Arnav cupped her cheeks, making her look into his eyes, "Khushi tumne kisi ko nahi maara hai, vo dono zinda hai. Tumne kuch galat nahi kiya. Listen to me, tumne kuch galat nahi. Had you not hit them, they could have injured me gravely, even stabbed me to death!! You did right thing. You did everything in self-defence. To save us. I am so proud of you!"("Khushi, you haven't killed anyone, they are alive. Listen to me, you haven't done anything wrong. Had you not hit them, they could have injured me gravely, even stabbed me to death!! You did right thing. You did everything in self-defence. To save us. I am so proud of you! ")

"Stab?"

"Haan(Yes). See, they wounded my hand so deeply. These guys are unscrupulous. They could have killed me and gone away. No one would have found them. You did the right thing in hitting them. And I dont care even if they die!"

"I hit them so hard!", she was still not out of it.

"Tum nahi maarti unhe to vo hum dono ko maar dete! Do you want to die like this?"("Had you not hit them, they could have killed us both! Do you want to die like this?")

"Nahi"("No"), she shook her head in a no.

"Then that was the only option you had! Khushi you haven't killed anyone. Understood? Lets go back home", Arnav settled her properly on the seat and did her seatbelt.

"Ab kya hoga? Hum kisi ki jaan nahi lena chahte they"("What 'll happen now? I didn't want to take someone's life")

"Ab kuch nahi hoga(Nothing ll happen now). They wont die. I ll make sure they languish in jail for various crimes. Dev(security head) suspects they are history-sheeters. Khushi they are hard-core criminals, fit for jail. They may have killed before and would do it again tomorrow. Attacking unsuspecting people just for some money!"

"Hum drive karein? Vo aapke haath mein lagi hai. Aap Sunil Bhaiya se kahiye na, vo chala lenge", She forgot her woes, every other thing as he hissed when his hand tightened on steering. Her attention was back to him.("Should I drive? Your hand is injured. Call Sunil Bhaiya, he can drive us back")

Arnav's hand was not gravely injured but she needed his support. It was a fragile situation for Khushi who had never been so violent before. They settled on back seat, Khushi tucked under his chin as she kept his wounded hand close to her heart - it kept her sane, awake , conscious about surroundings. They reached home around 2: 30, hoping everyone was asleep. Arnav didn't want narrate the attack to anyone and make her to go through it all again. He dialed Aman, after assuring his frantic right hand man that they were fine, he asked him to co-ordinate with security head and resolve the matter. Goons hadn't identified him, so media drama was almost ruled out. He handed their spoiled clothes to the guards before they retired to get some sleep. Khushi was much better when she saw sleeping Aru and Aloo, getting a clearer picture that she hadn't done any wrong. The innocent children deserved their parents to be safe and sound, around them. She tried to sleep but would wake up thinking there was blood on her face, they were still on road, killing them. Arnav would console her, cajole her back to sleep. He hugged her tighter and made sure they slept atleast for three hours. It was clear they weren't going to tell anyone about it with their upcoming trips. He just hoped she recovered from the shock before leaving for Zurich or he 'll have to cancel it altogether. 

In hindsight, he was relieved that she dealt with the situation so bravely. Yes, he would have preferred her locked inside the car, even wanted to scold her for disobeying him, endangering herself at such a crucial time but she was already so disturbed about it. They can discuss it later, he can scold her later. 

Honestly speaking it was best way to deal with the situation. He was not some superhero that he would have survived attack of three men, that too when they were laced with arms. What the hell was he thinking when he got out of car in middle of the road at 1 in night and then stupidly  sending security away, just for some fucked up privacy! He had endangered both their lives today. They could have injured him brutally within those five minutes only. What would have happened to his family then? They could have caught hold of Khushi too. He shuddered at the thought. When it was not safe for a person like him, with best security team and all resources at his beck and call, how do normal people survive these things! What all happens in the world daily! It was so disgusting just like his kidnap.

But one thing was clear, Khushi can do anything for him. Her red, furious face on seeing his wound, how she gnashed her teeth hard and struck them ten times in five seconds that too so viciously is something, he can never forget in his life. He didn't know Khushi had such a violent streak hidden inside her. After this trip, he will train her in self-defence. Infact everyone in the house should get trained in it. They can act as each other's body-guard. Such a petite woman but so ferocious and agile like a tigress with no mercy. He stared at his dressed wound. She loved him so much that she could kill at a single scratch on him. He didn't know if it was something he should rejoice? She almost killed two goons for him today. 

Does Khushi rejoice this extreme power she too holds over him? What kind of connection is this? Heart to heart, soul to soul...don't know.

dil ka rishta bada hi pyara hai(the bond of the heart is so very precious)

kitna paagal ye dil hamara hai(how mad are these hearts of ours!)

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