RM, New Delhi, India

It was almost eleven o' clock at night and Kiran was sitting in between Khushi and Manav in the living room sofa looking anxiously at the laptop placed in front of her. Others, except of course Anjali and Chachi too were waiting with anticipation. Kiran was biting her nails in nervousness while everybody minus DR rolled their eyes at that as they all know how good she is at academics.

Khushi: (Refreshing the tab and pouting) ... why it is taking this much time?

Kiran: Why are you so eager to see my downfall ... (Making a crying face) ... I am sure I am going to fail in math

Khushi: Shut up Kiddu ... and stop being a drama queen

Kiddu: Haw ... how could you say that here I am tensed like hell and you are scolding me instead of consoling me ... (Pouting) ... if only my Arnie was here

Manav: By that ... where is your Arnie actually .... I mean how he could forget the fact that ...

Kiran: No BF ... he didn't forget it ... in fact it was him who reminded me in the morning that my results are coming today

Manav: Oh ... then where is he?

Kiran: I think he is still held up in the meeting ... I mean when I called him few hours back ... he didn't attend the phone but messaged me that he is in a meeting but he is going to wrap it up and will come soon ... (Shrugging) ... maybe he couldn't ...

Manav: Oh ... let me try him then ...

Saying this he took out his phone and dialed Arnav's number but he let out a frustrated breath as the phone was switched off. Kiran who was looking expectantly at him looked down sadly and seeing that Rudy said.

Rudy: Oh ... yes ... yes ... I got it ... Khush ...do you know why your sister is tensed? ... (Seeing her frown) ... arrey ... she is afraid that she will get lower marks than me ... (Smirking) ... right, Keer?

Kiran: (Rolling her eyes) ... oh please ... me and lower marks than you ... unbelievable ...

Ravi: Exactly ... I mean I am sure Kiddu is going to score than a donkey like you ...

Rishi: And I second that ...

Kiran smiled at the brothers and passed a smirk at Rudy while he rolled his eyes at them as it was not a new thing for him to see his brothers supporting Kiran over him and said arrogantly.

Rudy: We will see ...

Kiran: Of course we will...

But before she could complete everybody heard Khushi's happy squeal and in the next instant, Kiran was taken into a bear hug by her super happy sister.

Khushi: Oh my God Kiddu ... (Breaking the hug and kissing her forehead) ... congratulations ... I am so so happy and very very proud of you

Hearing her everybody else came to them and had a look at the laptop screen and congratulated her. After everybody's hugs and kisses only she got a chance to see her marks and she did a happy dance seeing it saying.

Kiran: Oh my goodness ... I did it ... yeeeeeyyy ... I did it ...

Anjali rolled her eyes disinterestedly seeing it and went upstairs as she got a call and as she had enough of the drama while everybody else smiled seeing her antics. Then remembering something Kiran turned to Rudy and said with a smirk.

Kiran: Oh ... by the way what were you saying Rowdy ... that I ... K3 will have lower marks than you ... oh ho ... so sorry to say this but I have a ninety-eight percentage which means three whole percentage more than you

Ravi: (Side hugging her) ... yes ... yes ... see what my superstar did ... ninety-eight percentage ... did you hear that buffoon ...

Rudy: Oh please Big B ... it is still ninety-eight percentage ... you are talking as if she got a hundred percentage

Rishi: (Side hugging her from the other side) ... but it is still more than you ...

Ravi: Exactly ...

Rudy: (Shrugging) ... whatever ...

Kiran made a pity expression at him and turned around and soon a small smile bloomed on his lips which made his brothers exchange a knowing look. After the congratulations and sweet distributions, everybody settled on the couches. Hearing footsteps Kiran looked expectantly at the door but it was HP who came to bring water for them. Seeing that Khushi took out her phone and tried Arnav's number again and like from the past two hours it was on switched off and frustrated she mumbled 'where are you Arnav... come home soo...' ... but before she could complete the sentance she heard the sound of his SUV and sighed in relief. But the next instant, it flew out of the window as she saw him entering in a disheveled state with blood oozing out from his forehead. She gasped seeing his state and cried out his name which caught everybody else's attention. They too gasped seeing him and everybody went almost running towards him, first being Khushi.

Khushi: Arnav ... (In tears) ... what happened to you ... and where the hell were you ... (Removing his hair to see the wound clearly) ... oh my God, it is still bleeding ...

Arnav: Relax Kiya ... it was just an accident ...

But she didn't mind him and took out the kerchief from his pocket and held it on the wound to stop bleeding and called out for HP.

Khushi: Hari ... Hari ... please bring the first aid box ... (Pulling him by the arm) ... come ... sit here ...

Saying so she sat him on the sofa and sat beside him holding the kerchief to his forehead. Soon HP came running and she dressed his wound. All the while Arnav was looking at Khushi with a blank expression as if he wasn't seeing or hearing anything. Seeing his state a frightened Kiran came and sat beside him hugging his arm on the other side. Sensing her presence he looked at Kiran once and then back at Khushi and then startling everyone he hugged both of them tightly and closed his eyes. All thought it to be the aftereffect of the accident as the two of them were the most precious persons to him. But soon everybody except DR exchanged worried glances as they saw a lone tear falling from his tightly closed eyes. Sensing it Khushi tried to break the hug but he hugged them even tighter. Manav couldn't control anymore seeing his son's almost frightened state and came to them.

Manav: (Caressing his head) ... Arnie ...

Hearing his father a startled Arnav opened his eyes and all were again astonished to see his eyes all red and more than that to see it filled with tears. Arnav saw their expression and soon composed himself and wiped his tears before breaking the hug.

Khushi: (Cupping his cheeks) ... what happened Arnav ... (touching near his wound) ... how did this happen?

Manav: Yes ... how did this happen?

Arnav: (Gulping and looking away) ... err ... it ... it was an accident

Manav: Who ... who did this to you ... (taking out his phone) ... let me call Rahul now itself ... I mean how dare that person hit my son and go away without even taking him to hospital ...

Arnav: No Dad ... relax ... it ... (Gulping) ... it is not anybody's fault ...

Ravi: What do you mean by nobody's fault?

Arnav: (Sighing) ... it ... (Clearing his throat) ... it was me ...

Rishi: You ... how is that even possible?

He asked confused as everybody knows Arnav is the most careful driver to be in an accident like that. Others nodded their head as they too had the same doubt except Khushi who asked with a gasp.

Khushi: (Horrified) ... you ... you what?

Arnav: Khushi ... me ... I ... that ...

Khushi: Tell me Arnav ... did you do this to yourself?

Arnav avoided her eye contact but she turned his face to her and asked.

Khushi: Yes ... or ... no?

Arnav: (Gulping and looking straightly at her) ... yes ...

And he flinched seeing the look in her eyes.

Arnav: (Trying to cup her face) ... Khush ... I ... I ... listen to me

But before he could complete she shrugged his arms away and ran up the stairs making Arnav sigh guiltily. All he wanted was to go behind her and tell everything to her but he had another bunch of people to answer who bombarded him with questions after questions.

Manav: What childishness is this Arnav ... were you out of your mind ... I mean what was the need to drive if you were disturbed?

Lavanya: Exactly ... how could you even do that?

Kiran: Didn't you think once about any one of us ... that what will happen to us all if something happened to you?

Rishi: (Sighing) ... Arnie ... what exactly had happened?

Arnav: Err ... I ... I was tensed about a deal and actually didn't see the truck coming and ...

Ravi: Are you going to tell us the truth or should I call Aman?

Saying this he took out his phone to dial Aman but before he could dial the number Arnav got up and snatched the phone from him making everybody look weirdly at him.

Arnav: What I said is the truth Big B ... it was an accident by my mistake ... and moreover Aman ... he ... (Gulping) ... he doesn't even know anything about this deal

Ravi: (Raising his eyebrows) ... you have a deal which Aman has no idea about ... Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada ... when you try to lie at least say something convincing

Arnav: (Confidently) ... it is the truth Big B ... Aman doesn't know about this ...

Ravi: Then who knows ... Rahul?

Which made Arnav look at him startled and he understood that Rahul knows the matter. But Arnav tried his luck once again as he wasn't ready to disclose the matter in front of everybody.

Arnav: No Big B ... nobody knows about it ... it is a new deal ... and like that only don't you think it is too late to call somebody ... they might be sleeping ... and moreover it's just a cut ... I am perfectly alright

Others sighed hearing him while Ravi and Rishi passed him a long look and he understood that they caught him red-handed. So he mouthed a 'later' to them with a pleading look and they nodded their head.

Kiran: (Tensed) ... are you sure you are okay?

Arnav: (Smiling) ... of course Bachcha ... see I am as energetic as always ... (Looking around and seeing the sweets) ... oh my goodness ... how did I forget this ...

Kiran: (Pouting) ... I should be angry with you for not being here with me when all I needed was your presence ... but it's okay ... I am sparing you this time ... (Pointing at his wounds) ... because of this ...

Arnav: (Guiltily) ... I am sorry Bacha ... so so sorry ... please forgive me ... (Holding her by her shoulders) ... so ... how is the result?

Kiran pointed at the laptop and he looked at it eagerly and in the next instant he picked her up and twirled her saying.

Arnav: I am proud of you my girl ... very ... very proud of you ...

He said it with a genuine smile making Kiran giggle happily and others smiled seeing them. After he placed her down she asked playfully.

Kiran: So my gift?

Arnav: You tell me the brand milady ... and the camera will be yours

Kiran: (Shocked) ... are you ... are you serious Arnie ... you ... you still remember that ... I ... I mean I said it some five years ago ...

Arnav: Of course my kid ... have I ever forgot something related to you?

Kiran: (Acting like thinking) ... hmm ... (Grinning) ... I guess not ... (Playfully) ... oh yeah ... minus today's incident ...

Arnav: (Holding his ears) ... and I am extremely sorry for that ... I ... I never wanted to leave you alone at a time like this ... but ... but I ...

Kiran: It's okay Arnie ... I understand ... it was something really very serious ... otherwise, you would have never done that ... and moreover ... (Pulling his cheeks) ... I was just kidding to see this cute look ...

To hear her matured words he felt so overwhelmed that he hugged her tight and kissed the top of her head saying 'I love you'.

Arnav: And we will celebrate it tomorrow evening, okay?

Manav: (Frowning) ... why not in the morning ... I mean tomorrow is Saturday ...

Arnav didn't know how to answer that so he looked at Ravi for help. Ravi passed him another glare and addressed Manav.

Ravi: It is good to celebrate in the evenings' Uncle ... I mean it will give the ambiance ... right, Kiddu?

Kiran: That's right Big B ... evenings are the best for parties

Arnav passed a grateful smile to Ravi which he chose to ignore and spoke again.

Ravi: And Uncle ... it is very late now ... I think we all should go and sleep.

Manav nodded his head and looked at others and everybody except Ravi and Rishi left the hall. Kiran who was walking to her room along with Lavanya suddenly remembered something and came running back to Arnav. She tiptoed in front of Arnav but still, she couldn't reach him so he bent down and she hugged his neck and kissed his cheek just like she used to do when she was a kid. Arnav smiled remembering those days and asked curiously.

Arnav: And what was that for?

Kiran: For teaching me math ...

She said it with a cute expression which made him hug her once again. Kiran too hugged him happily and then left from there wishing him goodnight. As soon as she left Ravi said in a serious tone and Rishi too nodded agreeing with him.

Ravi: Explain ...

Arnav: Big B ... I ...

But before he could continue they all heard some sound from upstairs, exactly speaking from Arshi's room. Arnav looked up and then looked back at Ravi and asked.

Arnav: Kiya ... she ... can we do this later ... I ... I mean after I finish talking to her ...

Rishi: You go, Arnie ... we will be in the terrace ...

Arnav nodded his head looking worriedly at upstairs and went running there but when he tried to open the door it was locked from inside. He took a deep breath to calm down his nerves and went towards Kiran's room. Luckily Kiran was in the washroom so he quickly went out to the poolside by which he entered their room and closed the poolside door. Hearing the sound Khushi who was sitting in the foot of the bed looked up. And he flinched seeing the pain her eyes carried. Gulping he took small steps towards her and slid beside her. Seeing that she tried to get up but he hugged her from back in the sitting position itself and whispered in a small voice.

Arnav: I am sorry Khu...

Khushi: (Angrily) ... why ... why are you sorry ... go ahead ... go for another drive and get into a more complicated accident this time ...

Arnav: Baby, please ...

Khushi: Don't baby me Arnav ... that is what you wanted to do, right? ... did you for once thought about me ... (brokenly) ... what ... what will happen to me if ... if something ha ... (Gulping) ... happen to you

Arnav: Shh ... shh ... I am sorry ... please don't cry ... I ... I didn't do anything intentionally ...

Khushi: Find someone else to believe that lie, Arnav ... because it is not the first time you are showing your anger and frustration on the road ...

Arnav: No ... it ... it wasn't an accident ... I ... I got into a fight ...

Khushi: What ... but earlier you said ... oh ... so now you started to lie to me too ... excellent ... then I have nothing to talk to you ... I mean then I thought it was just carelessness ... but here you knowingly ... leave me ... I said leave me dammit ...

Arnav: (Hugging her tighter) ... no ...no hear me out fully ...

Khushi: What is there to hear more, Arnav? ... another lie?

Arnav: No the actual truth ...

Khushi: (Sarcastically) ... and what is that?

Arnav took a deep breath and whispered resting his head on her shoulder.

Arnav: It's her Khushi ... the acquaintance of Rahul from forensic department ... he ... he came today evening and ... we ... we went to meet him ... and the thing I feared happened ... that was her only ...

Khushi was more than shocked to hear that because even though it was a possibility she had never expected to happen it for real. She turned around to face him and asked cupping his face.

Khushi: Are you ... (Gulping) ... are you sure Arnav? ... I mean maybe ... maybe you are mistaken ...

Arnav: No Kiya ... there are ... there are plenty of proofs ...

Saying this Arnav took his phone out and played an audio clip. Which said 'Pan ... Angel here ... yes ... she is coming ... do as you please ... but don't make noise... Yes ... Loki is outside ... guarding the other side for you ... (After some time they heard a phone ring and hurried footsteps)'

Khushi gasped hearing the phone ring and said.

Khushi: That is her ringtone ...

Arnav: Yes ...

Khushi: But ... the names ... I mean ...

Arnav: (Taking a deep breath) ... that is her name in the industry ...

Khushi: Industry?

Arnav: (Gritting his teeth) ... sex racketing ...

Khushi: (Shocked) ... what ... (Seeing his nod) ... so is Pan him?

Arnav: Yeah ...

Khushi: And Loki?

Arnav: Some Lakshman from their gang ... (Seeing the confusion on her face) ... we ... we investigated the gang and luckily Rahul got hold of him and I ...

Khushi: You beat him ... (Seeing his nod) ... but how can we prove it is them just by this phone call ... I mean ...

Arnav: See this ...

Saying this Arnav showed a screenshot of the CCTV footage of that day to her and she gasped seeing the figure in the mirror and whispered in a low voice.

Khushi: It's ... it's her ...

Arnav: (Guiltily) ... yes ...

Khushi: (Cupping his cheek) ... hey ... why are you being guilty ... it is not your fault, okay?

Arnav: (Shaking his head) ... but still she ... (Gulping) ... she wouldn't have become like this if I was a little careful ... I ... I ...

Khushi: No Arnav ... please don't think like that ... and listen to me carefully ... because I am not going to repeat this ... (Stressing on each words) ... you are nowhere at fault ... because it was not in your hands, okay? ... (Shaking him seeing him not responding) ... okay?

Arnav nodded his head agreeing with her and Khushi hugged him with a sigh.

Khushi: And what are we gonna do now?

Arnav: (Sighing) ... the family should know ... and then we have some plan

Khushi: (Frowning) ... what plan?

Arnav: Will tell you later

Khushi: Arnav ...

Arnav: Not now, Kiya

Khushi nodded with a sigh and said breaking the hug.

Khushi: Now go and freshen up ... let us sleep for now ... you look very tired ... (Caressing his forehead) ... and top to it these wounds ...

Arnav: (Shaking his head) ... that will have to wait ...

Khushi: What ... no way ...

Arnav: (Sighing) ... Big B and Rishi is waiting in the terrace for an explanation ...

Khushi: Okay do one thing ... you go freshen up ... have a pain killer and sleep ... I will go and explain it to them

Arnav: (Uncertainly) ... are you ... are you sure

Khushi: Absolutely

Arnav nodded his head with a sigh as he was exhausted physically and mentally. Getting up Khushi took out the nightclothes for him and he headed to the bathroom. Then Khushi went to the terrace through the poolside entrance taking his phone to talk to Rishi and Ravi.

After explaining everything to the brothers Khushi came back to the room. And after clearing the mess she had created earlier by breaking a vase she slid in beside Arnav hugging him from the back. She was tensed like hell thinking about future and various scenes flashed through her mind that she herself didn't realize when she slept.

Next morning

Everybody was settled in the living room after breakfast when the doorbell rang. Chachu opened the door and found that it was Rahul and his subordinates. And seeing him in the uniform he asked confused.

Chachu: What happened, Rahul ... in this morning ... that too in uniform? ... (Giving him way to enter) ... anyway, come inside ... and hey ... did you had breakfast?

Rahul: Mr. Raizada ... I am not here as Arnav's friend but as Inspector Rahul Samar Arora IPS ...

Chachu: What ... what do you mean?

Rahul: Yes ... because we are here to arrest Mrs. Anjali Manohar Jha