Tears were continuously flowing from both their eyes and Khushi hugged him feeling overwhelmed.

Khushi: Arnav please don't say that I know you are not lying, I can never question your love, but yesterday when I got all negative thoughts together, my mind couldn't take it. I ... I am sorry

Arnav: Hey, please don't say sorry. If you are not comfortable to share it, it's ok. I will not compel you.

Khushi: No today I want to share everything with you. I tried closing my mind after Papa's death not sharing anything with anyone and it has brought enough problems for me. So I am not going to do that foolishness anymore

She started to walk towards the pool and stood watching it. Arnav came towards her and hugged her from the back and kept his head on her shoulder.

Khushi: You said right? That I was strong even when Mamma died. (Sighing) You know even though I was the one who consoled Papa at that time, I was always afraid to lose my loved ones and that's why I am very protective over them. Mamma was my strength and she used to tell me to stay strong always. She ... she used to tell me that you will be weak only when you yourself allow for that. Also, papa was there so I was carefree. But after Papa has gone I was not even able to think that now I have to take up every responsibility and my strengths started to lose. But still, I took up the responsibilities for Kiddu as I wanted to be strong, but then Uncle ... the thought of someone who is our own betraying us broke me. Then even after that, he planned all that, but thanks to you and Dad we got married. It was you who saved me from the people Uncle sent to threaten me, it was you who give me a reason to live, who brought back my dreams for me, who became the perfect Jiju for Kiddu and always loved and protected her like an elder brother. (Smiling) You know Arnav the place I feel most protected is when I am in your arms ... you are my weakness and it is you who is my strength too. And Arnav the thought of letting you go from my life is something which will stop my breath. So I felt suffocated, everything started to revolve around me and then I lost my consciousness. (Apologetically) Kiddu and Lav would have very much frightened. Did you hear what and all Kiddu told when I got conscious? My poor baby. (Sighing) And there is another thing which triggered all these ... Er... Arnav you remember my friend Rose?

Arnav just nodded and she continued.

Khushi: Her mother died yesterday and you know the reason? Her parents don't like her boyfriend and she married him. But that brought an attack to her mother. Her brother lost his mother because of her selfishness. You and I both know the pain of losing our dearest family, our Mamma. So I was very upset and thought to call you but I forgot to take my phone with me. Then when I came back from there, Lav's phone was ringing which she left in a hurry. Even before I started speaking Chachi was saying her she wants Lav's marriage to happen with Payal's brother Pawan along with your and Sheetal's marriage. She was saying Dadi and Anjali too was very much excited, the whole family wanted this, etc. At first, I was shocked and angry and thought that you are mine then how can they think like that and all, but when I thought about Rose's mother I couldn't be angry. I know if your family can't accept our marriage, you will leave them without a second thought. (Sighing) But the pain of living without a family is something we cannot accept easily. I had gone through that, and thus I will never wish that for you. So I thought I should let you go for your family... (Breathing out) But my mind wasn't able to accept that thing, a life without you, without seeing you, hearing you, feeling you, your love, concern, and protectiveness. I was like back to square one after Papa's death, my mind started to get blank and I lost it again. Arnav ... I know it's my selfishness but please don't let me go, please I can't even take that thought. I am not that strong. I know I may be snatching your family but......

Arnav just turned her around. Even though he himself was crying he shushed her and kissed her tears away.

Arnav: Baby ... please look at me, it is not your Selfishness, it's your right to ask me that. Because I can never let my life to go away, right? Khushi you yourself told the pain of losing family... Do you realize that we are a family? That now you and Kiddu are my own. Mom's family, Dad, and Lavi too accepted you and that is enough for me. The family I have in India other than them is just for namesake. They only love their Anju other than traditions. And Anjali ... (Sighing) you know she was in India even before Mom's death, so it was not a problem for her to settle there. Dad too couldn't live here because without Mom this place felt empty. But when we settled there I couldn't accept the surroundings. My sister was never affected but Dad understanding my situations sent me to London. Even during my vacations when I will go home I was always left out as odd one until Lavi has grown up. (Exhaling out) Anjali maybe my own sister but she never understood me like Lavi did, the same goes for Akash and Lavi too. Anjali never pampered me when I was a kid but when I started to earn money, to be famous suddenly started to care for me and now Anjali just want me to marry her SIL so that everything will be under her control. Can you imagine she didn't even get a doubt that I might be in love with someone, while Lavi identified it even before me? (Smiling sadly) You and Kiddu too are like that, have the capacity to read each other's mind. (Sighing) The other members of my family are puppets in Anjali's hands and they will do everything for her. Even when I and Lavi are younger than her, they all treat her like a baby. (After a pause) I ...I can never marry Sheetal Khushi, even if I am not married to you. As I said earlier, like Dad I too believe that marriage should happen only if there is love. Otherwise, it will be always compromises and acts to impress our partners like Anjali-Shyam, Akash-Payal, and even Chacha-Chachi. (Smiling) you see your Papa is my another role model. Love is eternal and Khushi it can't be created, it has happened to us and I will never let it go away for others. (Sighing) leave all that you should see Anjali, Payal, and Sheetal ... I mean ... even you wear traditional dresses, but that doesn't mean you can't be modern. Khushi my family believe only traditional people can understand love. The funny thing is that actually, they know only to be afraid of society. I really can't understand, why modern people can't love? See both our parents were modern but their love is pure, but my family will never understand that, and that's why they were angry with dad to marry a person like Mom only because she was a Christian. (Taking her hands in his own) so if I have to leave them for you I will never feel bad but Kiya ... if you are thinking that I will let you go even after all this it will surely hurt me.

Khushi: Arnav... I am sorry ... really sorry please forget all this. I will never again think or talk like this.

Arnav: (Nodding) good for you. Otherwise, I know other methods to make you shut up

Khushi: (Playfully) and what is that Mr.?

Arnav: (Huskily) you really want to know?

Khushi nodded shyly, he pulled her close and whispered.

Arnav: Later.

Khushi frowned making him chuckle

Arnav: Let us get you home, for now, Dr said you need rest.

Khushi pouted but for him, her health comes before anything so they started for home.

Arnav was now happy after clearing her confusions and was smiling all the way home. Both were glancing at each other throughout the drive and he couldn't help seeing her lost in him

Arnav: Don't worry Kiya, you will surely get your punishment tonight

And winked at her. She just made the famous three o's in her face and he chuckled heartily which brought a smile to her face too.

At Paradise

Kiran was talking excitedly but all her listeners were almost asleep due to her constant blabber. Suddenly Arnav with Khushi in his arms entered there. They both were lost in each other. Seeing them like that she understood the 'talk' done its benefits and they are back to the romancing mood, so she decided to tease them and shouted waking others in that process

Kiran: Oye lovebirds ... if you are ready to wait for ... (Winking) you know ... come here, otherwise get a room.

Arnav: YOU...

But stopped seeing his father and placed Khushi on the nearby couch.

Arnav: Dad? You here? You didn't inform me. I would have sent a car.

Manav: Hey relax, I am fine. Aman came to receive me. And I had to come, how can I sit there peacefully knowing my Kiya is not well?

He walked towards Khushi and sat beside her.

Manav: What happened bacha? You should take care of your health. (Caressing her head) you yourself are a doctor and don't know this? (Smirking) or is this a new technique to bring your Kadoos husband here?

Khushi: (Whining) Dad...

Manav chuckled and hugged her.

Kiran: Haw Uncle, you forget me after meeting your DIL.

Manav: Come here, pagli (Crazy)

Kiran too ran to them and sat on the other side of Manav and he hugged both of them together.

All people watching them were smiling with wet eyes seeing the bond. For Arnav and Lavanya this scene is always a surprise since even though Anjali is a girl she was never a Daddy's girl and Manav too wasn't much fond of her. But here he was totally open with Khushi and Kiran.

Manav: Arnav, I am here for two weeks. I have to attend an operation next week ... I was planning to come by the end of this week but since I came I gonna stay 

Arnav: Okay ... but an operation here? 

Manav: Oh, that's an old acquaintance so I agreed. Anyway, leave all that for now. (Gesturing towards Khushi and Lavanya) I am very much excited as my two daughters are going to graduate, to be doctors and then going to assist me ... By the way, do you know who the chief guest is?

Everybody together: Isn't it obvious the great 'Dr: Manav Singh Raizada'

Manav: (Chuckled) okay ... okay, I agree all my kids are intelligent.

Manav said mockingly for which they rolled their eyes. After some chatting

Manav: Guys I think we should have lunch and then Kiya have to rest. And Arnav you please call home and say that you will come after Lavi's graduation before they get suspicious as today Lavi saved you but it won't always work. (Sighing) Anyway, I am very eager to take my Daughters home.

Arnav: Sure Dad, and yeah we all will shift there, after Kiddu's exams.

Manav: Hm. And Nikhil, you better start preparation since these two are married and that will make it somewhat easy. But you have got a competition in the name of Pawan. (Exhaling out) even though he is nothing compared to you for us, to impress her Parents and my Maa is not easy.

Lavanya: Chachu you are frightening him.

Arnav: But Dad I think more than him, Lavi has to be prepared as it is a long time since she saw a sunrise

Lavanya: Bro?

Kiran: What bro? When we call you guys for morning jogging you two blame us stating we disturbed your sleep.

Arnav: Yeah, you two lazybones. (Turning to Kiran) what to do yaar, both our sisters are certified sleepyheads

Khushi: Lav now again we are out

Lavanya: Yeah how ...

Aman: Guys ... guys leave all this, for now ... you can fight later. And can we have lunch as I am famished?

All nodded getting up but even before Khushi could stand Arnav picked her up and all started to tease them.

The Lunch was a jolly affair and after that Arnav called Akash because he was the better option now.

Akash: Hello Arnav ... why didn't you called us? How is your friend? When are you coming back? And ... wait let me call Anju.

Arnav: Akash ... Akash, wait let me speak with you. I will come only after this weekend and that is after Lavi's graduation, so you manage there.

Akash: But I am coming for the graduation as Papa said he will manage. Anyway tell Lavanya that I will come with a surprise

Arnav: You are coming here? (Sarcastically) Your Mamma allowed for that? And Anjali? (Sighing) By the way aren't you afraid of the plane now?

Akash: No I will manage as all are insisting me to come, so ...

Arnav: Ok then, I will send Aman back. All can't be here as there are important deals to handle. You will come on graduation day, right? (Sighing) Anyway please inform me when you are coming as I have to be prepared

Akash: What?

Arnav: Nothing Akash, you will not understand. Ok then.

Akash: Ok I will message you the time, please be there (Sheepishly) I don't know the place that's why.

Arnav: Hm

He cut the call and started to the living room to say this problem to everyone and thinking about different plans.