Helloooo everyone...

So yes – – here I am today with the second update of Invisible Strings...for this week.

Word Count – 4.2k Words

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Infinite Gratitude – Now & Always!

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35 – Step by Step

Twenty More Hours Later

The Next Day – Lucknow – Late Evening – 7PM

Aman clutched on Arnav's shoulder in support in the moment as he spoke – " Wipe that dejected look of your face...please? will you? just be optimistic about this....Arnav, please?? focus on the positives...for once..."

Arnav looks at Aman at that instantly bewildered as he exclaims – " focus on the positives for once?? You saying??Aman??? dammit...how??? I know...in hindsight that is exactly what I should be doing..in order to console my heart right now...so that I can feel any peace but then...its easier said than done...Aman...you know that...you tell me....just how do I go about this?? when Khushi seems to have locked herself in – in the room next door – ever since we entered in and has only been talking to Mini Maa and Matthew Dad ever since...once again shoving just that invisible wall in my face that I just can't seem to take in...dammit.....,"and he looks at Meera distraught at that and states – " Meera....ask him...to tell me how to be freaking damm positive in the moment dammit???"

Meera sighs at that as Aman and her exchange a knowing look – "well, I get what you mean...Arnav but Aman's got a point...no point you sulking in here...focus on the bit that she's hinted she's only being silent because she doesn't want to lash out on you..."

Arnav sulks- " I'd freaking rather have her lash out at me..dammit.."

Meera sighs – "but she doesn't want to do it...right? plus...isn't that she's only been speaking to Mini Maa and Matthew Dad...she did speak to us too ..even if it was briefly on our arrival this afternoon...Arnav.."

Arnav sighs as he rolls his eyes at Meera – " yeah she did...without me...she specifically asked just you two to head into that room she's locked herself into and meet her....plus...who was the one to tell me...post coming out...that even though she was all smiling after meeting up with you for years...the sadness...the angst...that you spotted in her eyes on two of yours accord also did not miss your eye...which is why she shortened the conversation too...because her heart still wasn't in it..."

Meera sighs at that – "Well, I was the one to tell you all of that...Arnav....yes...I was...,"and she pauses unable to get that heavy feeling in her own heart out of her system, for just having Khushi look at her with so much sadness, angst mixed with the look of hurt had made her feel so very guilty in her heart and it was the same for Aman – so she could only imagine what Arnav was going through in the moment. She just admits – " I don't know what to say. Honestly, I just don't know what to say..."

Aman sighs though catching the vibe in the room – " well, guys, I know what to say....look at this bit..she's been talking to Matthew Dad and Mini Maa right? they did convey to us that they'v been hearing her out on this which means...she's getting some release..vent out...guys..which means only matter of time..that she's in the position to address this with you....Arnav...just relax..."

Arnav glared at his brother at that. Yeah, he knew, Aman was coming from his positive supportive space but at the moment – just asking him to relax was just freaking riling him up more instead.

Despite the emotions he was feeling within off guilt, now suddenly he was also feeling anger and disappointment bubble up in his heart.Why? Because, it was hurting damm much to process that Khushi wasn't giving his honest intentions on every accord the due credit here.Afterall, he'd done everything he had just for her...just because he loved her deeply, everything had been ultimately for her sake...why couldn't she just understand???the core behind it all??? Why?? Was it taking her so freaking long to process her head out of this???????????

He admits now to booth Aman and Meera at that thought consumes – "honestly....now...I am starting to feel anger take over guys..within...like just what the hell?? How much more patient should I be? I know I messed up by blindsiding her on this for years...I know that...but damm...the rest of it all?? What about it? the core of why I did what I did? Why wont she get it dammit? it was always...because I loved her the deepest...."

Meera sighs as she tries to calm Arnav down, as a thought comes to her mind – " well, ironically, sometimes when two people love each other so deeply, isn't uncommon to be at crossroads in context of definition of accepted actions...in the name of Love...Arnav...she's trying her best..to process this I am sure..which is why you must keep your calm..and understand that perhaps..this could also be more..about the bit...that just coming here...has also made her realise that this part of her life....us...Mini Maa ..Matthew Dad...were almost also cut off from her for years as a consequence of your decision....she's just probably feeling betrayed at many ends...from all of us...even though...the core of it all was always love..."

And just as Meera finishes saying that – realisation hits Arnav hard on the same. Dammit. He'd been too consumed in overhwhelming turmoil to figure this out as a part reason too and now he just dams himself more burying his face in his hands – " dammit...that's it...that's why she didn't even freaking damm answer me...when I asked her how she was feeling at finally being in Lucknow...and just kept crying in my arms?after? because she doesn't want to scream the words – its all your fault dammit – at me...perhaps???,"and suddenly the anger that had been bubbling underneath – just begins to get directed towards his inner self as he dams himself again and states getting up from the chair – " Dammit...that's it...that's it....i'v had enough...I am so barging in on Mini Maa+ Matthew Dad's talk with Khushi right now...and dragging her away for a talk...she has to talk to me...she just has too....and if that creates a scene for the rest of everyone at the orphanage or even the kids to see...then so be it...I don't freaking care..."

Aman sighs at that as he holds back Arnav in his stride immediately – " stop....Arnav..please???? just stop?????? Don't do something you'd regret....please???? handle this calmly....look...,"and he pauses in his words as they all see the door open up with Matthew Dad walking in – with a serious look on his face – just then.

Needlessly to say, Arnav is the first one to walk upto him impatient as he asks – " Matthew Dad...now atleast tell me..what have you both been talking to her...all day...in turns??? Last night...she slept in Mini Maa's arms crying...but I know..she's opening up to both since morning....I know that..but..you haven't hinted me much...tell me..now..before I lose my mind and barge in on the room..and drag her away..creating a scene I want to avoid..."

Matthew Dad closes the room door shut at that as he sighs- " you will do no such thing...son...be patient...sit down..."

Arnav tries to protest but in the moment is schooled down by Matthew dad and he reluctantly takes his seat and Matthew Dad opens up now taking his seat opposite – "we'v both just been hearing her out son...she's been hysterical...through it...a bundle of so many different emotions...and as we are hearing her out..feels fair where she is coming from..so we'v been lending out our support...but given that we also know where you came from...we'v been doing the same to you too...in turns..."

Arnav sighs – " just make me come face to face with her no then? why are you both encouraging her to like space herself away from me right now dammit?? Matthew Dad? I thought you'd push us face to face into it...by now..."

Matthew Dad sighs – "We would have...if we thought she was ready for it..which she isn't..atleast not yet....but she might be soon.."

That catches Arnavs ears and Aman and Meera question the same on his behalf and Matthew explains – " well, she's heard the share off what we both had to say on how it was for you in all these years Arnav....and I think she will want to know the depth of it all...from Aman and Meera soon too...so don't misunderstand...Khushi's silence..i say this to you again..she isn't doing it to hurt you..."

Arnav grumbles at that – " damm her...whatever the intention...its hurting me nonetheless and hard...dammit...,"and just as he says those very words out loud – he hears Matthew Dad emphasise sadly – " exactly her point...at the moment...no matter what the intentions...it's still hurting brutally...."

Aman and Meera exchange a knowing sigh as they spot Arnav send out a curse at the situation – just brushing his hand in his hair restlessly.

It is right then though – Matthew Dad says looking into his phone – " Aman, Meera...go over...Mini..texted...Khushi wants to see you two......"

That makes Aman and Meera ask in unison – " shall we go over...now?right very now??"

Matthew Dad nods- " yes, right very now...don't worry about Arnav...I am with him...right now.."

Aman and Meera finally exchange a nod at that and begin stepping out as Arnav shoots them a hoping desperate silent gesture that says – Just get her to come face to face with me – please?

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Meanwhile in Fiji Islands – Maan's Residence

This was the worst that could have ever happened...

Indeed, there wasn't days worse than this to experience?Rajesh Maan thinks to himself as he turns around restlessly in the bed of the guestroom in the middle of the night , unable to get any sleep..whatsoever....

Khushi had left.

She was gone.

And she had left without seeing him, for real. Without uttering a word to him.Without seeing his face. And if that wasn't enough to butcher his soul deep with additional guilt, Ellie hadn't been talking to him either ever since – Khushi had left. She'd literally been giving him the silent angry mode too – day in and day out – leaving him to drown in the guilt of his wrongdoings even more. The only saving grace for his heart was the one liner updates – Ellie texted him about Khushi's safe arrival back in Lucknow and at the orphanage....with Arnav.

Plus, it hadn't helped that he'd also felt so ashamed in front of his family/relatives and even his bestest friends(Manizeh+ Amaar/Samarth's parents) – who had come in to see him -to know his side of the tale/reasons for his actions – given that Ellie had made sure everyone knew the truth as to why Khushi had left here so suddenly....

Everyone seemed to be on the same page that although they could sense his daddys worry as a part of it all, his execution of this had indeed had a disastrous impact on Khushi's heart for ages then and even now.They all were saying just one thing as well – how they wished he'd gone about the execution of his daddys worries – differently rather than going about separating the two manipulatively and worse.... hide it for years...

In hindsight – everyone thought otherwise – but alas that didn't change the bit that no matter how much he'd wanted to go back and undo his mistake – he couldn't go back in time.

Now, he had to move forward. Take the steps to begin making amends? With both – Ellie and Khushi.

But what could he do? What could he say??

Ellie was furious with him – still. So furious and perhaps – rightly so? Never in their married life had they ever slept in separate rooms if both were under the same roof and here ever since – Ellie had just declared she'd be shifting into the guest room leading him to ask her to stay in their room if she didn't want to be around him and he'd moved out into another room himself...

But...nothing in his home...seemed the same anymore...in emotion..

The laughter...the love...the warmth...it was all gone....leaving just a cold depressing vibe...in its wake...

He steps out of bed now with the intent to go to their room to try to talk to Ellie. On his way, he finds her stepping out just then dressed in her night suit – rubbing on weary eyes that were a sign to him that she'd been crying and he asks from across pained - " you weren't able to sleep too?? El???you'v been crying??Can we talk? Please?i know hasn't been easy for you to get caught up in this situation..because of me...deal with the ache of Khushi leaving..."

That makes Ellie look up at him instantly as she says wiping a tear outta the corner of her eye dejected – " just go back into your room...Raj...go back...I will come talk to you..when I am ready too..and right now...I just am not...in that space...not yet...not just...ye...t.....and just so you know...I am not regretting for bringing this down at you...not just in Khushi's context but all of our near and dear ones too...because I wasn't going to cover up on a deed that ripped my daughters heart then...and today too...so no matter the consequences aching the hell outta me...I still don't regret brining the truth to light...."

Rajesh sighs at that dejected but admits – " don't regret...the honesty...Ellie....don't regret it...I am the only one..whose got to cope up with the regrets and guilts...here on...I guess....but I will make it up to you...I promise you...I will....i will make it up to Khushi too...to Arnav as well...I will make amends...El...I will..."

And at that - he shares an intense eye lock with Ellie before she walks straight back into their room – closing the door to his face – leaving him standing all alone – once again....

Surely, there was a path to his redemption...wasn't there? Rajesh Maan, thought, determined to walk at it..step by step..eventually...

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Meanwhile Simultaneously

Back at the Orphanage _ Lucknow, India

The Room in which Khushi is staying

She was hearing it.

She was hearing it all.

Khushi was silently listening into everything that was now being told to her in raw honesty by Aman and Meera – on account on how it had been for Arnav for all these years – going through all the pain that he was – in his heart in this context. The reason why she'd finally called them in for this talk was that she knew, now , she'd get the complete honest, unfiltered, version on this from them both....just like she'd got the complete honest, unfiltered version on it by both Mini maa and Matthew Dad...

Ofcourse, whilst pouring her heart out to them on this, she'd obviously asked them to open up to her on this too...

And once again...now...

As she was hearing it all....the similar context from Aman and Meera....His pain.. His guilt of keeping it a secret from her – in the present – post reconnection...and combing it all with what she'd heard from Mini Maa and Matthew Dad...Khushi felt like it was all wrenching her heart with so much emotion and love for Arnav....all over again...

Once again, it was clear to her that he'd been through worse everyday...in the process himself then too....and even today...his true intention of hiding it all truly being just his worry of her being hurt on her daddy's account...losing on her familial peace at home in Fiji....

And now as Aman and Meera neared the end of narration of it all...Khushi felt like she just didn't have it in her anymore to freaking not address this with Arnav...anylonger...

Mini Maa had been right – perhaps?when she mentioned subtly – that silence was just going to make it worse – perhaps? Communicating? Even if it was all anger and frustration was always much better than closed doors/or keeping it all in and that even though she'd been pouring her heart out to Mini Maa and Matthew Dad on this account..had discussed it all out with them...she couldn't ignore addressing this with Arnav much longer....because he was the center of it all...

Perhaps, Matthew Dad had also been right in stating that sometimes, the ache just deeps more on both ends until the elephant in the room isn't discussed in between the core parties affected the most by an emotional event....

DAMMIT.

PERHAPS....SHE HAD NO OTHER WAY OUT...BUT TO VENT THE HELL OUT AT Arnav?? and Have him do the same???????? At her??? Surely, he'd be angry at her?for not looking at the sincerity of his intentions...?????????? Perhaps – they'r only was one way to feel release...taking it out with the person it was addressed with????

She was right on the thought, when she heard Meera and Aman state collectively – " there..now...you know...everything...Khushi...this was all..this was all we had to say to give a glimpse into how its been for years...for him....."

She's had her back to them all the while – looking outa the window in the room and Khushi finally turns around at that – and faces the two and once again – Aman and Meera feel quite guilty at spotting the ache and sadness in her eyes as she asks them wiping a silent heavy teary line off her cheeks – " and yet....you two? Didn't tell me??? about this?? Aman...Meera??? You saw him going through hell...surely knew it in your gut deep down that id always be hurting on his context for years too...and yet you two didn't tell me?? I know...you wanted to be loyal to him...guard his reasons...but was it worth it?? you tell me...in hindsight...you both tell me...was his ache? our collective suffering...even freaking worth it????? you guys didn't tell me then...didn't let me catch a hiff on this...today too....honestly...just feels like you both felt it was easier to perhaps...just cut me off???"

Meera instantly gets off her seat at that and walks up to hug Khushi crying herself as she explains hugging onto Khushi tight glad she didn't pull away – " No...No...Khushi...don't say the latter...please?? just don't...it wasn't easy for us to cut you off...ever...there were numerous occasions...we wanted to reach out to tell you...we so desperately wanted you to come to the wedding too...hoping that once he'd see you face to face it would all spiral for him emotionally....but then...at that point...he was just in a different headspace...I guess...and..w...e...w...e...,"and she paused.

Khushi pulled back from hugging Meera at that finally as she whispered looking at her and Meera straight – " but you both just supported him unconditionally..always...isn't it??sided with him always....,"and just as – Aman is about to say something at that he hears Khushi sighs as she brushes her hand through her hair – " my dammed heart....despite my ache...all I want to say right now to you both is..that I am glad...he had you two through the hell he was putting himself through....like...all a part of me wants to do is scream my lungs out at him for being so so...so...frea...king...,"and she pauses in frustration...

Meera fills in for her though – " stupid...you mean?? is that what you want to say?? Khushi??"

Khushi sighs wiping her tears – " yes...perhaps...stupid..and idiotic...and..immature...and....selfish too..dammit...how could he do this to us when it killed him so much to get through it? clearly now I know from you all..wasnt ever easy for him to give me up...then why did he ever have to do it in the first place...dammit...why did it have to be this way???????,"and she pauses for a second and exclaims to the two frustrated – "and you know whats crazy Aman and Meera? Even if I ask him...again..that...would you have told me the truth yourself..even now..he'd say...never..."

Meera sighs – "well, unfortunately, we both know that...if he had to tell you himself..he would have..long ago...Khushi..."

Khushi curses under her breathe – " damm him...damm freaking him..."

Aman asks now hopeful – " so what now?? now that you'v heard it all from us...from Mini Maa and Matthew Dad too..and have vented your mind out to them..what now? are you still going to give him the silent treatment?????????"

Khushi sighs at that as she asks – "its killing him..isnt it??"

Meera admits – " ofcourse it is..you know it is....just like we know it is killing you..none of you have even eaten properly...infact you two wouldn't have eaten at all if it wasn't us forcing him in there... and Mini Maa and Matthew dad forcing you..in here.....infact we are sure...he's surely crying it out with Mini maa and Matthew Dad in the other room...whilst we'v been with you...all the while..."

They both see – Khushi bury her face in her hands for a second but to their collective delight they finally hear her whisper – " send him up to the terrace....you guys?will you? I know its going to be dinner time for the rest + the kids below need to be on schedule and Mini Maa and Matthew Dad also have to spend their evening time with them given that theyv been busy with us both all day ..and didn't even go into work...on our accords....just send Arnav upto the terrace...tell him...I am ready to talk....better we just talk up there..incase we get yelling...better no one else..witnesses the drama..."

Aman and Meera almost smile at that in relief as they state to Khushi instantly – "scream your lungs out at him...k? if that's what it takes....but hell yes...about time...you just talk to him...about time...you two just talk....."

Khushi glares at Aman and Meera at that – " why are you two almost smiling?? I haven't forgiven either of you though...yet...k? for like siding with him on this completely for years...don't think that...by any means..."

Aman and Meera nod as they say – "we get that Khushi...we get that...you take your time to come around forgiveness...on that context...but we will still smile...for we just happy that you ready to address this with him...finally..."

Khushi sighs and shrugs – "well...I cannot not address this with him forever....guys...I know that..its the first step I gotta take...perhaps...now I can deal with it....given that I'v had the vent with Mini Maa and Matthew Dad on the same...anyways...I am heading up first to get some fresh air...send him up..k??,"and with that she finally gets out the room – and begins making her way out towards the terrace....

And what do Aman and Meera do in the moment???

The finally step out the room themselves, rushing to convey the message to Arnav to head up to the terrace to meet Khushi and knowing him they knew – he'd just rush up there at the speed of light...

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Arnav hugs Matthew dad and Mini Maa and then Aman and Meera in glee and relief as he process their message from Khushi and exclaims to the four – " did you all hear this? Khushi wants to talk to me? she finally wants to talk to me?? she called me upto the terrace..to talk??? Finally...you all...she's done shoving this silent treatment in my face...finally..."

Everyone hugs Arnav one by one, knowing this meant the world to him and as Mini maa was the last one to hug him she adds then cupping his face in motherly support – " go on then...Arnav...better you two talk now...we'll all head down...but always remember son...just as one often takes the steps up a ladder one by one....sometimes in life also...the aftermath of certain situations...requires up to take it all... step by step as well...and the path/staircase to forgiveness and coping up with an emotional setback is also the same...it's a process that ones got to take step by step...and that's what you both got to do...at the time...."

And as her words sink in – Arnav says nodding hugging her back – " I know...Mini Maa...I know...it's a process...and I am ready to go through any process no matter how taxing...but as long as she with me...am kool...as long as she's atleast taken the first step to get this process on...I'm kool...,"and at that he finally smiles at the four in the room in relief – and rushes out at the speed of light.

Mini Maa is pulled into a sidehug by Matthew Dad and Meera by Aman as Mini Maa says – " they'll be okay...I know..with time...they will both be...okay...no more secrets...only honesty.....and they will be okay...."

Matthew Dad nods – " I believe the same.."

Aman and Meera – " we believe the same..too....they will surely help themselves through it...,"and Meera continues smiling at Mini Maa – " Mini Maa...lets just make sure...no one goes up the terrace for a while...until these two talking?"

Mini Maa smiles – "ofcourse....Meera...no one will go up there at the time...anyway..."

And with that – the four exchange another relieved nod as they finally begin to make their way down to join the rest in the orphanage in the dining hall zone – for dinner.

They all truly felt like – they'd be able to eat wholeheartedly – knowing that Arnav and Khushi had taken the first step of addressing this entire context in between of them....

Finally..................

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TADAAAAAAAAA!!

How was that guys?????????? Hope you all enjoyed reading this update which is most surely a build up to their talk – finally on the matter! Khushi also wanted to hear about everything at Arnav's side of turmoil for all these years and from his mouth...before she decides to discuss things off with him...

Next Update – Will come in on Tuesday/Wednesday

See you next weel with the next update guys!

P.S – Next week I will post on this story only – post which I might resume HW4.0 simultaneously if my schedule in the week after the next gives me more room/time for writing spree. Will keep you all updated on the same...obviously...

Take Care!

Much Love* Infinite Gratitude – Always

Have a lovely weekend...<3

Prachi