Shantivan (Nani's room)

"What happened Anjali bitiya? Where are you lost?" Nani asked staring at Anjali massaging her legs but completely lost in her thoughts.

"Arnav.." Anjali sighed, "Nani how is it possible that I have always hated him for spoiling my mother's life and I didn't even want to see his face every again in my life, but now that life brought me here to his home, to stay everyday with him.. I'm unable to feel that hate for him.. you know what my heart feels.. that he's not that bad person.. but it's wrong.. I shouldn't feel like that.. I want to hate him but I'm unable to.."

Nani didn't say anything, she just looked away. She was always against the idea of bringing an illegitimate child to their house, that too a result of Ratna's husband extramarital affair. But Ratna insisted on bringing Arnav to Delhi with her. She couldn't believe how her daughter had courage to accept Arnav as her son. Everytime she looks at Arnav, she remembers everything that her daughter had gone through in past and even lost her life because of her unfaithful husband's act. Then she wondered how Ratna had such a big heart to adopt Arnav and even asked Advay to take care of Arnav while taking her last breath. Her daughter was a great and big hearted woman but she wasn't. She couldn't just accept Arnav as her grandson till yet.

"Nani! Am I doing something wrong? You know I've been feeling guilty for starting to like Arnav.. I don't want to but.." Anjali said with moist eyes.

"Look Anjali bitiya.. it's up to you whether you want to accept Arnav as your brother or not.. but I can't just can't accept him as my grandson.. I can't forget how my daughter was betrayed by that man.. he destroyed her life, his family ousted her and her little kids from their house and she ended up losing her life.. I can't.. I just can't forget all the pain Ratna went through that too without me.." Nani said sobbing.

"Nani please don't cry.. I was just sharing how I'm feeling now.. I didn't forget about my mother.. I won't accept him as my brother also.. I should hate him only.." Anjali said and hugged Nani. But this time she was unsure of her own words.

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One hour later..
Khushi's home..

"La why did you even say this to him? He'll think that me and Sahil.. I can't even believe you did this to me..  you know .. you should have told him to wait and talk with me.. How can you say all that on my behalf?" Khushi cried shutting her eyes tightly. The damage was done now!

"Listen to me Khushi.." Lavanya tried to speak but her phone rang. She was about to ignore and continue explaining Khushi, but since it was ringing continuously, she sighed and went to attend the call.

"Aman.. yes Khushi is here.. what? Oh my God..But how it happened?.." Lavanya asked shocked on hearing what Aman said to her.

Khushi got alarmed, she approached Lavanya, "What happened?"

Lavanya looked at her and gulped, "ASR had an accident!"

"What?" Khushi whispered in shock. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard the bad news from Lavanya. 

She snatched the phone from Lavanya's hand, "Aman.. what happened? Please tell me this is not true.. Arnav is fine, na?.. He's admitted in City hospital.. Okay.. I'm coming.."

Hanging up the call quickly, Khushi ran towards the door wanting to reach as soon as possible to the city hospital. She was only praying to her DM that nothing serious happens to Arnav and he recovers quickly from this car accident.

"Khushi wait.." Lavanya hurriedly wore her sandals and took Khushi's phone and purse which Khushi didn't even care to take before leaving home.

Lavanya had to ran outside to catch Khushi who was calling the rickshaw driver.

She reached on time and got in the rickshaw with Khushi, scolding her: You can't just leave home in this state Khushi.. you didn't even took your phone and purse.. just calm down.. nothing will happen to ASR.. just have faith in God.. Khushi.. nothing will happen to him..

Khushi looked down and cried bitterly. Lavanya hugged her sideways, "Khushi calm down.. nothing will happen to ASR.."

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City hospital..

Khushi and Lavanya reached in the hospital panting. After asking the receptionist about Arnav, they rushed to his room.

As soon as Aayu saw Khushi walking towards them, he went running to her crying on the way, "Kushie!"

Khushi kneeled down to receive him in her arms. Aayu hugged her tightly crying bitterly, "Kushie.. My Annav uncle had an accident.. I don't want to lose him like Mumma and Papa.. I'm scared Kushie.. Doctor uncle is taking too much time.. I want to know what happened to uncle.. Will I lose my Annav uncle Kushie?"

Khushi shook her head vigorously, tightening her hold on Aayu, biting her lips to control her sobs, "Nothing will happen to him Aayu.. He'll be fine.."

"Everyone told me same thing when Papa and Mumma met with an accident.. but they left me forever.. Are you lying to me Kushie?" Aayu asked crying loudly.

Khushi broke the hug and wiped away his tears with her both palms, "He will be fine Aayu.. He can't leave us.. He promised he will always be with you, na? Then he'll keep his promise only.. Trust me.. doctor will come out of that room and give a good news to us.."

Aayu hugged her tightly again, "I'll never allow him to drive at night again!"

Seeing Aayu completely broken and devastated, Khushi felt guilty. If anything happens to Arnav, then Aayu will be most affected. Since he already lost his parents. He's going through the same pain and fear, he went when his parents met with an accident. Only because of her, if she had stayed at home and not accepted Sahil's invitation to go out, she would have talked with Arnav and this accident could be avoided. Probably, after Lavanya spoke to him that she moved on, his heart broke, he became upset and this resulted in this accident.

She shut her eyes tightly as more tears made way to her cheeks now.

Lavanya went to Aman worriedly, "How this accident happened?"

"I don't know Lavanya.. I just received a call from receptionist saying that he met with an accident.. since I was the one ASR talked with last time.. they called me.. then I informed his family and you and Khushi.. Doctor is still checking on him.. no one said anything to me till now.. I just hope it's nothing serious.." Aman said. 

Lavanya stare at Raizadas, Jhas, Nana and Dai ma who were waiting for doctor to walk out of the room anytime and give them some news of Arnav's condition.

Anjali bit her lips praying silently for Arnav to be fine and safe. 

"You should cry a bit more Rani Sahiba.. It's not looking convincing! There's a temple here also.. why don't you go there and cry out loudly praying for your brother?" Shyam asked not liking to see her praying silently instead of using this chance to get closer to Arnav.

Anjali looked at him in disbelief, "Are you even serious Shyam ji? Someone met with an accident.. And you're worried about the plan?"

"Shhh.. keep your voice down.. someone might hear you speaking about the plan.." Shyam frowned whispering to her.

Anjali looked away annoyed with him.

"And that someone who met with accident is your step brother! A result of your father's extramarital affair! The same man who snatched your rights on Advay's property! The reason why your mother isn't here with you anymore! Don't forget that..and don't look at me as if I'm your enemy.. I'm helping you get your rights.. I don't have anything to do with this.. Still I'm fighting for you Rani Sahiba.. and you know.. I'm very happy that he met with an accident the same way your mother, your brother and his wife met with an accident.. He's now paying for it.. for destroying your family's life.." Shyam whispered.

Anjali looked at him with moist eyes. Shyam was saying right, but why wasn't she happy about Arnav's accident?

Khushi and Aayu approached the family. Nana maintained an expressionless face but deep inside, he was very worried for Arnav and same case was of Dai ma and NK.  They had gone through the pain of losing Advay and Sana, now they wouldn't bear if anything happened to Arnav.

Aayu held Khushi's hand tightly and praying to God to keep his Annav uncle safe.

After what seemed an eternity, the doctor walked out of the room and approached the family.

NK, Aman, Nana, Khushi, Aayu and Dai ma rushed to the doctor attacking him with questions.

Lavanya, Nani, Mama, Mami, Akash and Payal, Anjali and Shyam remained in their positions but they were paying attention to what the doctor was saying.

"Relax please.. ASR is fine now, he just had a minor fracture on his right leg and it shall take one month to recover completely.. other than that, he's alright and will be discharged tomorrow.." the doctor said. 

Khushi sighed in relief on hearing Arnav is fine, a small smile appeared on her lips. She thanked DM millions times silently.

"Kushie our prayers worked!" Aayu smiled brightly wiping away his tears, "Annav uncle is fine now!"

Khushi nodded at him smiling, she looked back at the doctor: Can we meet him?

"He's unconscious now.. when he regain his conscious, the nurse will inform you.. You can meet with him then.." the doctor said, "I'll prescribe some meds for him.. NK accompany me to my cabin.."

NK nodded and followed the doctor to complete the rest of formalities as well.

"Gosh! Just a minor leg fracture! Couldn't it be more serious than this?" Shyam groaned muttering.

While Anjali was so thankful to DM that Arnav had no serious injuries.

Nani, Mama, Mami, Akash and Payal remained neutral towards the situation.

Aman and Lavanya hugged each other smiling relieved that Arnav was fine.

Aayu held Khushi's hand and dropped a soft kiss on her palm. Khushi looked at him startled by his gesture.

"Why weren't you with me when Papa and Mumma had an accident Kushie? Your prayers would have saved their lives, like they saved Annav uncle's life.." Aayu looked up to her innocently.

Khushi didn't know a proper answer to give to Aayu. She just lifted him in her arms and kept him close to her heart.

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Sometime later..

"The patient has regained conscious.. You can meet him now.." the nurse informed them and went from there.

Though Khushi eagerly wanted to see Arnav, she stood there fidgeting her fingers and waited for Nana, NK and Aayu to see him first.

Nana looked at her and smiled a little seeing her peeking through the slightly open door to see a glimpse of Arnav.

"Khushi you go.." Nana said.

"But.. how can I?" Khushi hesitated.

"Why not? Boss needs his Cook now.." Nana winked at her.

Khushi smiled shyly and rushed inside the room with Aayu who couldn't wait to see his uncle.

NK and Nana waited outside.

As soon as Khushi walked in the room, she saw Arnav laying on bed in fowler position with his leg placed in a plaster and a band-aid on his forehead.

Arnav stare at her hazel filled with tears eyes. He sighed and gestured to her that it's nothing serious.

Khushi cried more and ran to him, she sat beside him on the bed and hugged him tightly. Aayu also climbed the bed and joined the hug, sobbing.

"Stop crying you both! Nothing happened to me.. I'm fine!" Arnav caressed Khushi and Aayu's heads trying to console them.

Khushi broke the hug and glared at him, "Do you even know what I went through when I got to know that you had an accident? I was so scared.. if something happened to You.. then.."

"And I was scared that you will leave me like Mumma and Papa!" Aayu pouted sadly.

Arnav pulled him closer and caressed his back, "Don't be scared my Champ.. Uncle won't leave you alone.."

Aayu rested his head on Arnav's chest staring at nothing in particular. Just calming his heart that his uncle was fine and was with him only.

Arnav then stare at Khushi and caressed her cheek, blinking his eyes: Sorry for making you worried..

Khushi nodded sideways, "Don't say sorry.."

"I came to talk with you only but you weren't at home.." Arnav said, "On my way back home, I met with an accident.."

"Was it because of me?" she whispered with broken tone.

Arnav nodded sideways, "No! I was distracted and didn't saw another car coming in my way.. to escape from that car I turned to my right in hurry and crashed against a tree.."

Khushi gasped, "You were distracted? Mean you were thinking that I and Sahil.."

"Lavanya didn't told you what happened this time?" Arnav asked.

"She was telling me but Aman called that time to inform about your accident.." Khushi said.

"I told her that I don't need to know about you from anyone else.. I will get to know about you from yourself only.." Arnav said.

He hit her forehead lightly, "Stop thinking that this accident happened because of you!"

Khushi smiled a little.

"Thanks to DM nothing serious happened to you.. My heart was beating so fast while waiting for doctor to check and treat your wounds.." Khushi said resting her hand on her chest and sighing in relief.

Arnav smiled staring at her. It felt so good to have someone who genuinely cares for you!

"Yes! You both are friends again.. I stayed quiet till now to let you both talk openly about your feelings.. See Annav uncle.. how much Kushie cares for you.. she was crying so much outside.. and praying for you.. she didn't rest even for a minute.. and Kushie see how Annav uncle came to meet with you at night.. because he was missing You.. but unfortunately he couldn't meet you.. You both like each other.. end this separation now.. please!" Aayu pleaded cutely.

Khushi and Arnav stare at each other and smiled.

"Okay.. I'm ready to be his friend again.." Khushi said extending her hand to Arnav. 

Aayu smiled brightly clapping his hands.

"I'm also ready to be her friend again!" Arnav shook his hands with Khushi smiling.

"Yaaay.. Finally I'll sleep peacefully tonight.." Aayu squealed in happiness.

"Is NK outside?" Arnav asked.

Khushi nodded, "Everyone is there.."

Arnav was surprised to hear Raizadas and Jhas were there also.

"Accompany Aayu to NK.. He needs to go home and sleep now .. It's quite late.." Arnav said.

Khushi nodded her head, "Come Aayu.."

Aayu hugged Arnav one last time. After they broke the hug, Arnav cupped Aayu's cheek, "Don't cry anymore ok.. Uncle is fine.. soon I'll be home also.."

"Doctor uncle said it will take one month for you to be completely okay.. so you're not allowed to drive or work in this one month ok?" Aayu frowned scolding him cutely.

"Okay my baby.." Arnav kissed Aayu's forehead.

Khushi smiled staring at both. She took Aayu outside then and waited for Nana, Dai ma, NK, Raizadas and Jhas to meet Arnav once. 

After they left to Shantivan. Only Khushi, Lavanya and Aman stayed back.

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"I asked you to meet with Khushi and you met with an accident!" Aman said and patted Arnav's shoulder smiling.

Arnav chuckled.

Lavanya bit her lips, "I'm sorry ASR.. because of me all this happened.. if I asked you to wait for Khushi.. then this accident could be avoided.."

"You were being a friend to Khushi.. I understand Lavanya.. there's no need to say sorry.." Arnav blinked his eyes assuring that everything is fine.

"And accident didn't happen because of you nor Khushi.. stop blaming yourselves.. how it happened.. Khushi will tell you later.." Arnav said. 

"Okay girls.. I'll drop you two home, then I'll come back here to stay with you ASR.." Aman said.

"No.. I'll stay here with him.." Khushi said immediately.

Arnav stare at her amused.

Aman looked at Arnav, who nodded his head.

"Okay bye then.. Take care!" Aman said to both.

"Take care of yourself.. If you need anything, then call me.." Lavanya hugged Khushi.

Khushi hugged her back, "You too take care.. and if Meera ask for me, then tell her that I'll be back home tomorrow.."

"You don't worry.. I'll handle Meera.." Lavanya said.

She walked to Aman, and waved at Arnav: Bye ASR..

"Bye.." Arnav said.

Aman and Lavanya too left, and only Khushi stayed with Arnav.

"Come here.." Arnav patted the empty space beside him on bed.

Khushi settled herself on the space left beside him.

Arnav tucked her hair behind her ear, "When I came to your house, I wanted to say to you.. that I miss you so much.. I tried my best to treat you like my employee.. but I can't just.. It's so difficult to imagine my life without you Khushi now.. My feelings towards you overpowered the control I've over myself.."

Khushi stare right into his brown eyes, she could see how true his confession was. He truly missed her presence in his life.

"I missed you too Arnav.. Today for a moment I felt I would lose you.. and that feeling was horrible.. I don't want to feel it again.. I don't want to be away from you anymore.." Khushi said and rested her head on his shoulder.

"But I'm scared you will leave me again if we end up having another misunderstanding.." she said.

"I'm also scared to hurt you again Khushi.. but I promise to make things different this time.." Arnav dropped a kiss on her head, assuring her.

"Sachi? (Really?)" she asked. Arnav nodded.

"Does it hurt?" she pointed to his leg.

"It was hurting a lot before.. but now feeling better.." Arnav said.

"You know you have stay one month like this Mr. Raizada!" Khushi said.

"Yeah.. that's the worst thing.. fashion show is coming and I'm stuck with this plaster.." Arnav rolled his eyes.

"Unbelievable.. Health comes first Arnav.. just forget the fashion show and concentrate on recovering well.." Khushi sighed in disbelief.

"One month at home with you isn't that bad either!" Arnav winked.

Khushi smiled shaking her head.

"You don't even know that despite having a fractured leg and being here in hospital that I hate, I'm so happy to be talking with you normally like this.. I missed you so much my Tomato!" Arnav kissed her cheek.

"I missed my Karela more!" Khushi smiled shyly.