At RH, New Delhi, India

Akash and Payal were even guiltier as they faced a crying Lavanya. Lavanya just turned around and walked to her cabin as she saw them approaching her. Seeing that Akash and Payal too ran behind her.

Akash: Lavanya ...

Lavanya entered her cabin but before she could close the door Akash stepped in.

Akash: Lavanya ... Lavanya please let us in

Lavanya: (Gritting her teeth) ... no ... go away ... leave me alone

Akash: No Lavanya ... it is not what you are thinking ... you got us wrong ... I mean ... the doctor's words ... it was like that ... that we ...

Lavanya: No Bhaiyya ... don't make it worse by explaining ... and yeah I know that I hadn't got you wrong ... in fact, I got you precise for the first time ...

Lavanya said 'Bhaiyya' tauntingly and Akash felt it would have been better if she had slapped him. One look at her and he could understand that he had wounded her beyond repair.

Akash: Lavanya, please ... I know I had hurt you by accusing you like this and it is unforgivable ... but what the doctor had said ... it ... it was completely against Khushi Ji ...

Lavanya: (Showing her hand) oh pleeease... it will be better if you don't take the name of that pure soul from your filthy mouth. (Tears filling her eyes) I ... I can't believe that you doubted her ... HER ... her who had fought with her own husband and best friend for you guys and you ... (Shook her head)

Akash: But the conversation Dr. Khan was having with you

Lavanya: Don't blame others for your fault Mr. Akash Singh Raizada ... I am sure you guys wouldn't have even heard the full conversation (Seeing them looking down guiltily) ... what happened? Cat got your tongue?

Akash: But it's just some days she ...

Lavanya: What? Oh it's just a few days you have met her and thus you don't have the courage to trust her, right? Then what about Bro? Did you meet him some days back too? You ... you know him from the time he was born and that means thirty years ... did you hear that thirty years ... and if I am not wrong thirty years is not a small time and you haven't still understood him. Okay, leave him ... have you ever understood me ... ME ... your own blood sister?

Akash: We ... I ...

Lavanya: And yes you had hurt me ... hurt me a lot by thinking about me like that ... but more than that you hurt me by hurting the people who stood beside me when my own parents or brother didn't ... those people who wished nothing less than the happiness of you guys ...

Akash: But we ... we

Payal: (Crying) Akash Ji ... please no ... not anymore. This time we are wrong ... very wrong. Those people tried to help us ... Khushi Ji even hurt herself for that and we ... (Sob) we ... (Gulping) we did very wrong

Akash who was trying to defend themselves was suddenly shocked as he processed Payal's words ... yes, Khushi had hurt herself as the culprits got to know that they were helping Payash and even then they continued the investigation does that means ...

Akash: (To Lavanya) Do you guys know ... know the cul (Gulping) ... culprit?

Lavanya: (Gritting her teeth) ... and what made you think that I will answer that question after whatever you have done?

Lavanya was angry very angry and wanted to just lash out on them but she knows even then they are not going to change so she just held her tongue from saying anything more. Irritated she was looking for an escape from there and as if on cue her phone rang and it was Ravi. She picked up the phone and put it on speaker hoping that they will take it as a warning signal to not to interfere.

Ravi: Lavi ... where are you guys? It is so much time Arnie has been gone and he isn't even picking up his phone

Lavanya: (Clearing her throat) Big B ... Bro and Kiya must have started now

Ravi: And you? ... why didn't you come with them?

Lavanya: I ... I wasn't sure when I can finish and I have my car with me ...

Ravi: Oh ... so when will you come?

Lavanya: I am starting now as I have finished

Ravi: Oh ok so what about Manav uncle? ... wait he came there, right? ... I mean Kiddu said he left immediately after talking to her as he got a call from hospital promising to return soon ...

Lavanya: He started way before as he was really tired after the long journey but wait ... he is also coming? I mean ... I thought it was just the youngsters ...

Ravi: (Chuckling) I know ... but Kiddu is adamant in having her BF and hey ... don't let him hear you ... you know, right? ... the young at heart lecture

Lavanya: I know I know ... and if that's the case he will reach anytime now

Ravi: (Hearing the calling bell) ... oh wow ... what a timing ... Lavi ... I think he is here ...

Lavanya: Okay ... then let me keep the call Big B

Ravi: Okay ... so come fast then

Lavanya: Yeah see you big B ...

Ravi: Lavi ... Lavi wait ...Rahul here is asking can you pick up some light beer on the way? It's just that ... you know Rahul and his brand of drinks ... they are way above your BF's head and he is whining here ...

Hearing BF Akash and Payal gasped and Akash looked at Lavanya questioningly. But she cared less and continued with the conversation.

Lavanya: Ha ... ha ... I know ... don't worry I will get it. After all, it's for my sweet darling BF

Ravi: Sorry sweetie it was a failed attempt as the phone is not on speaker and I don't think the beer will do this time ... okay do one thing ... get him some chicken dish as he was crying that he missed it at RM

Lavanya: Oh...kay ... if the Love guru is saying like that then okay ... anyway see you, Big B

Ravi: (Chuckling) see you, sweetheart

Lavanya then packed her things and walked out not paying heed to Akash's calls but came into a standstill at the parking lot. Akash and Payal too was shocked to see the scene

At the parking lot

Arnav dragged her to the car and Khushi followed him silently as she knows he was in a terrible state now. They reached the parking lot and heard someone calling Dr. Turing around they saw a security coming to them, who Khushi recognized as Mr. Shukla. He reached there but noticing Arnav hesitated a bit and seeing that Khushi asked.

Khushi: Yes Mr. Shukla ... what happened? ... and how is your mother ... is she fine?

Shukla: Vo ...Dr... I came to talk about her only ... err ... (Seeing her nod) ... is ... is that operation necessary doctor?

Khushi: Yes ... it is very necessary as I told you last time and it has to be done as soon as possible because I don't think we can go for a long time depending on the medicines only ...

Khushi heard him gasp and looking down when he looked up his eyes were moist. Seeing that Khushi got worried.

Khushi: Hey what's the matter? Why are you crying?

Shukla: Dr. the payment ... you told me it is about two Lakhs ... my ... my colleague was telling me that Raizada corp. pays the whole fee if the patient is an employee and fifty percentages if that is an immediate family member. And it is my mother ... and she

Khushi: Oh yes Mr. Shukla ...it is absolutely right and yeah since your mother comes in that category we will pay fifty percentages ... hey what happened, any problem?

Shukla: Do...do I have to pay the balance amount before the operation? Can I ... can I pay it la...later?

Arnav: (Gritting his teeth) ... no ... you can't ... because it is a hospital, not a charitable trust we are running. And one more thing ... don't you know the hospital rules? ... is this how you meet a doctor? You bloody should take an appointment to meet her and ... not like this ...

And that's when Lavanya, Akash, and Payal came there but neither Arnav nor Khushi noticed them as they were engaged by the security guard.

Khushi: (Gasping) Arnav?

Arnav: What? ... did I say something wrong? I said the rule and it is better if we follow it ... because how much ever we help someone ... at the first chance ... at the first freaking chance ... he will blame us. So why waste time in nurturing hopes?

Akash and Payal stood frozen realizing they were the reason of his current state while Lavanya's eyes filled with tears realizing the depth of his pain.

Khushi: (Whisper yelling at him) ... stop it Arnav ... that's enough ... don't vent your anger on someone for other's mistake. No ... now you will keep quiet (Turing to Shukla) ... I ... I am sorry Mr. Shukla for the commotion ... it's ... it's just that Arnav was worried about something and he lashed it on you ... so sorry

Shukla: It's okay Dr ... after all sir was saying right I should have followed the rules

Khushi: Hey no ... no that's fine. Tell me what do you wanted to talk to me

Shukla: That ... hmm ... I ... I had pledged my home last year for my sister's marriage. But due to my mother's treatment, I couldn't repay the last few months and now the moneylender is saying that we will have to leave the house if I didn't pay this month too. I had talked with a broker and he was trying to find a home at rent in my budget. Yesterday he had found one but I have to pay some money in advance. I have some money but you told me the operation is urgent and ... that's why I ...

Arnav clenched his fist and closed his eyes in guilt hearing him and Khushi sighed.

Khushi: Oh no ... so sorry Mr. Shukla ... you should have told your situation to me earlier then we could have avoided this situation. (Sighing) Anyway ... you bring your mother the day after tomorrow morning as we need help from the specialist. And yeah ... please go to AR tomorrow with copies of your agreement and property papers and the details of the moneylender. I will tell Aman ... let us see what we can do to help you

Shukla: No ... no ... Dr it's okay ... I ... I just need time until I get next month's salary so that I can use the money I have now to pay the current owner ...

Khushi: I insist Mr. Shukla ... please don't make us guiltier. Please ... please accept it

Shukla looked at Khushi's pleading face and then cast a worried glance at Arnav's face but what he saw there, left him dumbfounded. Arnav was standing there with his head bent down, eyes closed, and tight fist and surprisingly his expression was of regret rather than the usual haughty or angry look. He realized it was his silent apology and again looked back at Khushi and nodded.

Shukla: Thank you Dr ... thank you, sir ... may God bless you and keep you two always happy and together...

Khushi smiled at him accepting his wish and he was gone. Arnav slowly opened his eyes and looked at Khushi she looked at him accusingly and then started towards the car. Gulping down the guilt he walked behind her in long strides and embraced her around the shoulders from behind. Khushi was mad at him for what he had done and thus kept quiet but after few minutes she heard him whispering 'sorry' and felt wetness on her shoulders. She turned around realizing he was crying and engulfed him in a tight hug.

Arnav: Khush ... they ...

Khushi: Hey ... shh ... shh ... it's okay

But he just cried on her shoulders like a kid sharing his disappointment, sorrow, guilt everything and saying thousand sorry for his irrational behavior towards Shukla. She soothed him patting his back and saying sweet nothings to him even though she herself was crying not realizing three other people saw that vulnerable and private moment.

Lavanya cried along with them as what she felt hearing Akash and Payal wasn't anything different than Arnav's feelings while Payash can only stand there hanging their heads in extreme disgrace.

After Arnav calmed down Khushi broke the hug and was about to wipe his tears but panicked hearing footsteps. She looked ahead and saw two men coming in their direction and not knowing any other way to escape she tiptoed and kissed Arnav pressing him to the car which she broke only after they were gone.

Akash and Payal were scandalized seeing them while Lavanya rolled her eyes. They broke apart panting and Arnav asked trying to catch the breathe

Arnav: What ... what was that?

Khushi: Err ... (Catching her breath) caught ASR kissing a lady in the parking lot of Raizada hospitals is far better than caught ASR crying on lady's shoulder as long as the lady is Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada

Arnav: Really? (Smirking) ... then can we do it again Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada ...

Saying this Arnav leaned towards her but before he can capture her lips she took out the key from his pocket and pushed him making him saying his signature line.

Arnav: What the!

Khushi: No 'what the' will work Mr. Raizada ... I will drive today

Arnav: But ... err ... yeah you don't know the route

Khushi: That you can tell me ... and yeah there is a thing called Google maps (Opening the passenger seat and pushing him down) so now sit there quietly

Arnav sighed as she closed the door and leaned back on the seat. Khushi settled behind the wheels and looked at him then said squeezing his shoulders.

Khushi: Hey ... it's just me and it's okay to be vulnerable sometimes ...

In reply, Arnav passed a faint smile at her and looked out lost in his thoughts. They reached the gate and Khushi asked.

Khushi: Left or right?

Arnav: Right... (Suddenly realising something and turning towards her) ... hey you know that ...

Khushi: I know (Winking at him) ... I was checking whether you are actually here or not ...

Arnav: (Shaking his head) ... you are crazy you know that

Khushi: (Grinning) from childhood ... say something I don't know

And as always her smile was a soothing balm for his gloomy soul. He shifted in his seat loosening his seatbelt such that his back was facing the window and folded his arms watching her blabbering nineteen to dozen just to divert his mind. In between her monologue, she looked at him and saw him staring at her intently and said which woke him up from the dreamland.

Khushi: You know it's creepy to stare ...

Arnav: Why? ... Biwi ho tum meri ... haq hai mujhe tum par(You are my wife ... and I have rights on you)

He winked at her saying this but noticing something took out his handkerchief and started to wipe her shoulders with an apologetic expression for which she raised her eyebrows.

Arnav: Err ... I spoiled your new shirt

Khushi: (Shrugging) Oh it's fine ... in fact, I am happy that you didn't bottle everything inside you like you do most of the times

Arnav: (Sighing) ... you know it's just that

Khushi: (Tugging his head down at her shoulders and patting his head) ... you don't want to worry me ... I know ... and that may sound romantic to others. But for me, you, sharing everything with me ... be it your happiness, anger, grief or anything sound more romantic and intimate

He smiled as he knows whatever she said was right and why not? He can relate her feelings as he had been in that place plenty of times. So he kissed her nape raising his head and laid back on her shoulders hugging her arm. After sometimes something clicked him and he asked curiously.

Arnav: Hey ... aren't you going to ask me anything about Kiddu?

Khushi: I know I don't have to worry as you were there and I guessed everything is sorted out ... well at least that is what I deduced from your message and then Dad coming to hospital after meeting her cemented my thoughts ...

Arnav: (Sighing) you deduced it right Dr. Ma'am ... and yeah you were right ... she had held so much inside of her. And now she is really back into her original crazy self after crying it out ...

Khushi: Hmm ... did she tell you the reason for why she decided to act?

Arnav: Oh yeah ... she wanted to be my strength and not weakness

Khushi: What?

Arnav: Yep ... actually, she heard somebody addressing her as my weakness and ...

Khushi: And she believed it ... unbelievable

Arnav: (Sighing) ... apparently she did

Khushi: (Sighing) ... I guess now you can think freely that your major tension got over

Arnav: (Dejectedly) yeah...

Khushi: Hey ... what happened?

Arnav: (Breathing out) ... it's ... it's just that somebody was there according to her but we ... we saw the footage, right? ... and there wasn't anybody there at that time

Khushi: That is also right but ... if we think in the other way it is not difficult to hide from the visuals if the person is well aware of the reach of the camera

Arnav: (Tightening his hold on her and gritting his teeth) ... if she is behind this then I am telling you Khush ... I will definitely forget that I share the same blood as her ...

Khushi: (Parking the car and kissing his forehead) ... let us just hope she won't be ...

Arnav: Hmm ... anyway, Rahul was saying that he wanted to see the footage once again ... this time with a speaker as he is hoping to get at least a whisper ...

Khushi: Hmm ... let us hope he get succeeded

Before Arnav could reply the driver side door was opened by Kiran who yelled 'Arnieeeeeee' ... but stood shocked seeing Khushi there.

Arnav: What the! I am here Kiddu ...

Kiran: (Recovering from her shock and sighing) ... oh ... thank goodness ... for few seconds I thought you two too swapped your body

Arnav and Khushi got out of the car and Arnav told bewildered.

Arnav: Swapping bodies? ... seriously Kiddu! ... from where do you get these types of ideas?

Kiran: (Smiling sheepishly) ... oh ... I was seeing a south Indian movie Rowdy had bought with that plot and seeing you two like this I thought ...

Khushi: What? ... this exciting plot and you watched it without me? ... not fair Kiddu ...

Arnav: Exciting? (Shaking his head) ... only you three can watch that type of unrealistic movies ... by the way, how did you comprehend the language? I mean you hardly understand proper Hindi then how come?

Kiran: Oh ... Rowdy know the language a little bit from his friend and moreover ... it had subtitles ... and then there was Google for the unsure words ...

Arnav: This much effort for watching that stupid plot? Unbelievable!

Kiran: Aww... how could you say it is stupid? It is very interesting and for calling it stupid you will be punished ...

Arnav: Excuse me! I haven't done anything wrong for that you have to punish me ...

Khushi: Of course you did ... you called it as stupid and that is like accusing a bunch of people who worked on-screen and off-screen for that movie ... only because you couldn't digest the plot. So you will have to be punished ...

Arnav: (Sarcastically) and what the punishment will be?

Kiran and Khushi winked at each other and yelled together 'you are going to see that movie with us'

Arnav: What? no... I mean ... it might have finished anyway ...

Kiran: (Smirking) ... so what my Arnie? ... it can be played again

Khushi: (Smirking) ... so chale (let us go ) ASR ...

Arnav groaned defeated and barged inside the house with his darling women giggling behind him.