Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Khushi lost herself in the tranquil atmosphere where people were re-born, people reach new worlds and people get a new life. But she has found someone who shares her thoughts, her idealogy and her broad-mindedness like never before.

Excruciating was the feeling of being a rape victim abandoned by her own parents for the sake of society, where everyday aspirations, dreams and dignities of girls are crushed and where people stay close but not together. For the sake of those people, who only know how to taunt but not how to share the pain.

Arnav's concern was like an embrocation on her scars of the darkness, of the society and of her own parents. A stranger had destroyed her life and now a stranger was building her life once again. Two extremities of the same species, indeed the human kind is one without a second. She wanted to forget whatever happened with her and wanted to move on. And she decided that she would act normal from that very moment

Khushi's trail of thoughts was broken as the door clicked open to reveal a young lady aged around mid-twenties walked into the room with a serene yet loving look on her face. Her features and the concern in her deep eyes made her resemble the god in the form human for Khushi, Dr.Raizada.

" Hello, Khushi. I am Anjali Singh Raizada, sister of your doctor Arnav Singh Raizada. I am not saying those sentences like 'Sorry for what happened with you' and all, because brave people like you don't need lines like these but need congratulations for your bravery. So congratulations and believe me Khushi, I am proud to be standing in front of you. And would be really happy if you give me the honor of being your friend. " Anjali smiled affectionately at her, while Khushi felt a rage of emotions in her. The belief of the world, which was shattered mercilessly by a horrendous incident, was being restored by siblings bit by bit.

" Thanks a lot for your kind words, Anjali. I would love to be your friend too." Khushi answered in a low tone due to her weakness while Anjali displayed an angry expression, because she knew that she had to act normal in front of Khushi for her to not feel offended.

" Don't you know that there should be no thanks or sorry in between friends, Khushi. And if really want to say thanks, then come stay with me at my home, only then will I think that you have accepted me as your friend." Anjali demanded while a chuckle escaped Khushi's mouth seeing her pout and speak in childlike tone. Arnav, who was watching their conversation, felt his heart skip a beat as she chuckled at his sister.

"You are my friend, Anjali. But I don't want to be a burden on anyone." Khushi looked away from Anjali as tears poured out from her eyes, not because of pain but of happiness to have met such a positive person who spread kindness to a soul thirsty for it.

Such a change of destiny it was. The person who could count the number of times she had cried since she remembers was now crying continuously from hours.

" Friends are never a burden, Khushi. And you are my friend and even Bhai's friend, isn't it?" Anjali questioned affectionately while her affection brought tears to her ears.

Her family chose to abandon her for the sake of society and here, people who didn't even know her properly were readily accepting her and calling themselves as her friends. Maybe it was rightfully said, there are as many bad people as there are good citizens.

Khushi nodded affirmatively, while Anjali signed to Arnav with her eyes that everything was set and Khushi agreed. Arnav let out a sigh in relief while his heart suddenly felt at peace. There were unknown ties which were tying him to her but they seemed so good that he didn't mind.

" You wait for five minutes, I will ask Bhai if we can discharge you and if yes, I will complete the discharge formalities and take you home. Thanks a lot, Khushi." Anjali held her cold palms in between her warm affectionate hands as she moved out of the room to complete the procedure as Arnav had approved the discharge immediately.

There was some charm about the siblings which made Khushi want to trust them, more than her parents or anyone. She didn't feel suffocated in Arnav's presence as she did when that monster committed the abhorrence filled act. His touch didn't disgust her and in fact soothed her as if it was the most right thing.

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Shantivan,

Khushi looked around in awe as her eyes lingered on the rich interiors of the palatial mansion which Shantivan was. Khushi had come to know that it was the Raizada family which owned the group of hospitals in which she was treated. It seemed that kindness and goodness was something which Anjali and Arnav had inherited through their blood itself.

" Khushi, you go and take rest now. I am sure you must be tired after staying in the hospital smell for so long. Your room is right beside mine and opposite to Bhai's, so never feel hesitant to ask any of us for any help, anytime." Anjali held her shoulder gently and made her walk into Khushi's new room, while Khushi was surprised to see that there was no one in the home except for Hari Prakash Ji and some more servants.

" Anjali, you told me that you have a big family but I cannot see any of them," Khushi gently questioned her, as Anjali made her lie down comfortably as she adjusted the pillow.

" Yeah, I have a big family but all of them are out for now. Mama Ji and Akash Bhai are in AR Head Office, I mean the Industrial Head Office, while Mami Ji and Payal Bhabhi, are at the AR Parlor and Nani Ji would have gone to temple for her daily visits or maybe orphanage which AR owns. Don't worry, you will get to meet all of them and believe me they will be more than happy to meet all of you," Anjali assured her while Khushi felt alien feelings developing inside her as she heard so many family members' names and all of them at different work places. Indeed Raizada family was one hard-working, good family as it was rich.

Anjali left to get some refreshments for Khushi while Khushi lost herself in thought that her real family abandoned her but maybe she got a better family for herself. What will be the family's reaction to Khushi?

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