Chapter 12 – The Heart Still Beats

Love, never promised, being easy, it just always mostly, seemed worth it, atleast that's what we think, when the going gets tough. Its a way of the heart consoling us, that you just gotta hold on, and one day love will win, no matter what. But what happens, when the heart is too hurt to be positive, when everything seems blank and black?? What happens when the heart still replays the memories, in its chambers storing them deep inside, and using it as a tool to remind you, of the times that used to be. Those are the times, when we are nothing but toys at the hand of the heart, because its that one organ, no matter what we do or say, it just plays with its own rules.

And no matter what happens, one thing always stays in common, when the heart first falls in love, or when the heart witnesses its first break, it still beats. And probably, if not as fast as in the former case,but as strongly it still does. The heart, still beats, for love, hurt or no hurt, that's one thing we cant really help.

....................

4 PM – Sunday – Boston

Asad watched Zoya pack her bags, and he took that time, to admire her, as he lay on the bed, waiting for her to finish.Ever since he had realized he loved her, his life had seemed to lit up even more, which he hadn't thought was possible, because already the light Zoya had brought into his life was amazing and suprising, but as much as he wanted to understand this complex emotion, which he had now believed, was Love, he was scared too, because he had never felt this way before, he handed never handed anyone his heart, just like he had done with Zoya. He was scared, because he knew, he needed her in his life, now.He knew he could never let her go, he knew, now, there was no looking back for him. This was the woman, he had handed everything too. Hadnt his heart been waiting all its Life, to find its missing piece, and Zoya had been the answer to his heart's puzzle, which she had so easily fixed, and the picture she made was just beautiful. He had known always, that if he ever fell in love, it would be forever, and as he glanced at Zoya, frantically pack, he couldn't help, but smile, she was his perfect forever. He was sure, life with her would be as exciting, and interesting, than what he could ever imagine. He really did feel, that nothing in him, was without Zoya anymore, every thought he thought, everywhere he went, Zoya was on his mind and heart. She had managed to do this to him, she had managed to make him feel Love, to fall in love, and now that he felt what it did, he didn't want to exchange it for anything. He felt like pulling her into a hug, and tell her how much he felt, to tell her how much he loved her, to tell her that the string that tied him to her, was unbreakable now, and this change in him, which led him to be be a happy man in love, was only because of her.He wouldn't be Asad anymore, without Zoya. He was hers, forever.

Right then he saw Zoya finally zip up her bags, and she looked at him in accomplishment as she stated – " there you go, I told you, I can fit it all in...there isn't a think Zoya can't do....and thank you for your help...", she teased him.

Asad grinned and pulled her by the hand, and she fell on the bed and he tugged her hair aside , and said – " well, I was enjoying watching you, it was amusing, you cant blame me for not helping...."

Zoya grinned – " very funny, I know you were like this in this superdeep thought, you didn't think I wouldn't notice or what?? What were you thinking??"

Asad kissed her forehead as he admitted – " it wont be a surprise if I say, its just you on my mind mostly, I just wanted to know if you are ok, I mean..."

Zoya leaned up on her elbows as she said – " oh cmon, youv asked me a zillion times, this morning, too , infact every hour, I am fine Asad, infact, iv never been happier and contended, as I am now...."

Asad immediately pulled her into a hug as he whispered – " Thank you Zoya, for walking into my life..."

Zoya felt his heartbeats against her ear, and she was sure, her very own were as fast as his – " and thank you for letting me in...."

They stayed there, for a while, just hugging, and enjoying each others embrace, because somehow even the silence between them spoke volumes. Zoyas phone rang immediately, and she sprang up as she stated – " Asad, we are late, cmon, we gotta head to the airport...."

Asad got up, followed her out, with the suitcase, he had already had his sent down,as he said, teasing her – " don't blame me, ok, it was you, who was still packing like ten minutes ago...."

Zoya grinned , as she stepped into the elevator – "well, I am not...", and then she said in a serious tone – " so this is it, we are finally leaving...."

Asad watched a sad expression toy her face, and he immediately cupped her face tenderly as he whispered – " don't be sad, its still us, to new beginnnings, Zoya, please smile...."

Zoya smiled, just for him as she heard him say – " that's my girl,I guess this elevator, will really mind, if I don't kiss you here, for one last time...."

Zoya – " It will....??"

"Oh yeah, it will....", she heard him whisper, before he claimed her lips for a deep kiss.

.............................

A few Hours Later – In the Flight

Zoya finished watching the movie, and she thought of using the washroom, and she got up and noticed that Asad was deep asleep in the seat next to her. She was glad,that he was now asleep, he had been working the first few hours of the flight, and he could use some rest. She was also glad that she had gotten a chance to speak to Khushi, before they had boarded, and she did sound fine,and that gave her some relief, Aadi and Riya were really good friends,and she made a mental note to thank them personally, once she was back.

On her way back to her seat, she noticed that almost everyone in their business class cabin was asleep, except for her, and she glanced at Asad and noticed that his blanket was off him, and so she walked a little ahead, and adjusted it on him properly, and kissed his shoulder, and returned to her seat, as she reclined it to the flat bed, to get some sleep for herself.

It was right then, as usual, his thoughts started to fill her up again, everytime, she slept, he was the last thing on her mind. Ever since she had met him, she had been feeling things she had never felt, and most importantly, as the events of last night came back to her mind,she felt her heart race ,and beat so fast, she was sure it would fall out, if she didn't place her hand on it and so she did. He had been so gentle with her, she had known looking into his eyes, that it had meant as much as to him as it had to her. Every touch, of his , every kiss, every caress, and the way he made her feel so secured, and safe, in his arms, as they had finally become one,spoke volumes, and it hadn't just stopped there, the way he had held on to her after, hugged her, close to his heart, really just made her feel so loved, and protected. She felt cherished in his arms, and that feeling was something she wouldn't exchange in the world with anything.

She had always believed, that someone was out there in this world, who was just made for her, and as much as she had crushed on Asad, her brothers then best friend, when she was 13, she knew this was different, this was far apart from any infactuation, or a crush.It really did feel, that out of all the men on this planet, it was Asad, who was meant for her, for whom she was meant for. Ever since she had met him, she knew she could do anything just to be with him, and hadn't she done just that??.But now, he just seemed more importatnt that he ever did, she felt lucky, to have him in her life, she felt as if she had finally found her destination of the heart, it felt like what she had been longing for all her life, had finally been answered , its was Gods way of telling her, that Asad was the one, she belonged to forever.

It really did feel, as if he had just waltzed in her life, and given a whole new meaning to it, and now her life wouldn't have any meaning, if Asad wasn't in it. It was as if, she had been blessed, and she wanted to stay forever, with this very blessing, right in his arms.It was as if her destiny had guided her, right to where she was meant to be,and now that she was finally here, she wasn't going to let it go, because just the thought of Asad not being with her, made her feel, as if she wouldn't be able to breathe. She knew, she could fight the world for him , and she would, even if she had to stand against her brother, she would make him understand, that she couldn't live without Asad, because...and right then just like that in that fraction of a second, it dawned on her, that she couldn't live without him, because, she was in love with him. And right then, as she realized it, she shot up, in her seat, and leaned to the side, to look at the man, who had captured her heart.

She was In love.

In love with Asad Ahemed Khan.

As much as the realization, made her happy, it scared her too, because of her identity, what if, just what if, Asad didn't love her,and worse what if he deceided to walk out on her too. No she couldn't live in that fear. She had to be positive, she had to believe the best in him, the best in them, they would get past this, she was sure they would.

She settled back in her seat, they still had a few hours before they reached London, and she needed to sleep now. The Happiness, of finally realizing that it was love, that had finally happened to her,wasn't helping her much, so she just smiled, and replayed every memory in her head, of the man she loved, and let her heart bask in the happiness it felt.

.........................

London – 11 pm

Aaditya had always tried being a good friend to Khushi, somewhere deep down he had accepted the reality that as much as he loved her, she would just never look at him that way, but that couldn't not stop him from feeling what he did, and he just knew Khushi well enough to know, that she had been happier in the last few weeks, than he had ever seen her, and he had a feeling it had something to do with Zoyas brother, but since she had never come out in the open and told him or Riya anything, he couldn't really be sure.He continued to drive, but a glanced a look at her through the review mirror, and as much as she tried to pretend, something was terribly wrong with her, and she wasn't talking about it, but something was so wrong, that he had noticed all day just when she thought no one was looking, that pale expression, anguish was just on her face, just like it was now, and so he gestured Riya who was next to him in the front seat, to ask her what was up, but he thought Riya had been asking all day, and Khushi hadn't answered, so he might as well ask her himself, and so he did – " Khush, whats up, theres something off, we know there is, what is it??"

Riya – " yeah, could you please just talk to us..."

Khushi broke her chain of thought as she spoke – " guys, I am fine, trust me, just tired, that's all, aadi, how long is it before we reach home..."

Aadi – " another ten minutes maybe...."

Khushi nodded – " thanks for dropping me home...."

Aadi – " are you insane or what, just shut up, I am not taking this formality in..."

And he looked at the mirror, and she gave him a small smile, and he knew it still something was up, her smile always reached her eyes, and right now it didn't, so definetly something was seriously off, but he just smiled back, and continued to drive, she would talk if she wanted to, hed just have to be there for her as a good friend, and assure her that she could talk to him, if she ever needed too.

Khushi looked out the window again, as the chain of thoughts returned, his thoughts that were haunting her. All the moments spent with him, everytime he had touched her kissed her, held her, tell her that she meant something to him, how he really liked her, but what really was the use of remembering it , because as much as she was holding on to him and his memories, he was out there feeling disgusted, about every thing that had happened between them. And somehow just that thought broke her heart, all over again, she had never felt so miserable, as she felt now.

It felt like, sleepless nights, and a broken heart were going to be her best friends, because every moment away from him was like a stab, and every memory of him just brought fresh tears to her eyes.She tried to control her tears now, and she instructed her heart, to stop this torture, but it just wouldn't listen, its was as if, it had deceided its way, of just remembering him, and making her question, as to why things had to mess up like they did.Why did her name matter so much, why wasn't her love enough?? Could it ever be?? Why did he have to find out, before she could tell him, just why?? And for the first time, she asked God silently, if this was his way of punishing her, for her lies, to punish her for falling in love with a forbidden territory, she had dared to tread. But these three weeks meant the world to her, it was as if, she had got the chance to store a zillion memories, and now that was all that was left of him, with her, but as much as he would have liked to, he couldn't take that away from her. He might have changed his path, and she knew, that the minute he had walked out on her, he had walked away with her happiness too,because her happiness was with him.She just felt so empty, so broken, as if, she had forgotten how to feel anything else, but the pain that shed been feeling, and for the first time she honestly questioned her destiny, that if its this separation from him, was only what was in store for her, then why did he ever have to come to London, in the first place, he could have just stayed where he was, and none of this would have happened.The only complaint she had was that,had they come so close only to separate, was this how this was meant to be?? Was her first and only love meant to go incomplete,was this distance now what she had?? Maybe her love would just never be enough, and as true as it seemed in that moment, the pain that thought brought along, was immense and unbearable.

And right then the car stopped, and so she just quickly took her bag and said – " Thanks aadi, ill mange...."

Aadi – " no are you insane , it's the red light, im going to have a turn around, your apt is on the other side...."

Khushi – " no don't worry, ill just cross the road...", and before aadi or riya could say anything, she got off and shut the door, and as absent minded as she was in that moment, she stepped on the road, before noticing that the pedestrian sign was red, and before she knew it, she saw lights of a car flashing to her face, as it hit her leg, and she felt herself fall to the side, she saw Aadi and Riya running towards her, but before she could comprehend, everything just went blank.

..................................

Shantivan – Delhi – 5 am

"Arnav , I need to talk to you..."

"You'd hate me, if you knew who I was...."

"My brother wouldn't approve of us..."

"Arnav, you have no idea what you mean to me...."

"You are my first in every sense, its different, its special to me...."

"Arnav, how do you make me feel so special, you do know, you are perfect and amazing...."

"You need to take your medicines...."

"I am sorry, I lied to you, it was because of what I felt..."

"You wouldn't have looked at me....let alone talk to me...."

"I cant let you hurt yourself over what iv done..."

"Ill never show you my face again, I promise, if that's what you want, but you gotta know, that I lied to you, my brother everyone because the past is too bitter, but it isn't my fault..."

"I need you to know, I love you, and maybe one day me being Ahemed Khan wouldn't matter..."

"I am sorry about lying to you, but I am not sorry about being in love with you..."

" I love you, Arnav, maybe one day that would be enough....."

Arnav jolted from his sleep, and he drank a glass of water , from his bedside table, and he leaned back in his bed, against the headrest,and closed his eyes,trying to get Khushi's voice out of head.

"I love you, Arnav, I am not sorry about being in love with you, I maybe the worst to have happened to you, but you are the best to have happened to me....", her voice rang again in his head.

Everytime he had closed his eyes, her words were coming back to haunt him.

He had distracted himself on the flight with work, but that was it, he had only been able to distract himself from her thoughts,only a few hours.And then slowly, as much as he had tried to control, every memory of her, had started to replay in his head, making his heart feel a zillion emotions.He was angry at himself, for being incapable of controlling his heart.He was angry at himself, for still thinking about that scheming, cunning liar. And that's why he hadn't spoken much to anyone,since he had reached home, and taken to his room, to his poolside, to find some solace. But it just wouldn't come to him, no solace, no calm, he wanted to forget her, he wanted to get her completely out of his system, and he knew he was capable of it, he had done it a countless number of times, with all his flings, throwing girls out of his life had always been easy.He felt his heart fight up with the thought, that it wasn't just any girl, this was Khushi, the first one to have ever mattered. He quickly got out of bed, shutting that thought out, no khushi did not matter to him anymore,he didn't exist for him anymore.He instructed himself to stop thinking about her,and he walked a few times, in his room as he said to himself – " Arnav, you can do this, Khushi doesn't exist,everything was a lie, she was a lie, a liar, a cheater, a betrayer....I hate you khushi....", and he didn't know, why he hated her more, was it only because she had lied to him, or was it also because, she, that lying schemeing woman, wouldn't leave his mind.

Right then he heard a ring on his phone, and he walked to his side table, and saw that it was his London phone, which was riniging, and right before he picked up, it stopped.He didn't know how he had forgotten to switch it off, and he was just about to, when it rang again, he looked at his watch, it was probably, midnight in London, who could be calling him, this wasn't Khushi's no, and no one from office would call so late, and even if they would, they would on his india no, but if this was Khushi from another no, he really needed to give him a piece of his mind , and he had every intention to yell at her in a way that never gave her the guts to call him ever again, and so he picked up in anger, all ready to blast, when he heard another voice on the other end – "Arnav??" Is this you??"

Arnav answered confused – " who is this??and why are you calling me??"

"This is Riya, Khushi's friend, where are you?? I figured last time Khushi went missing,youd called me , I figured youd want to know...listen where are you??"

Arnav rolled his eyes, so this was about Khushi – " Listen, I have no interest in Khushi...and I am in India, its 5 am in the morning here, so for all I care..."

He heard Riya's confused voice on the other end –" oh, im sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you, I just thought...anyways bye..."

And Arnav was almost about to hang up, when he heard Riyas voice, she was probably talking to someone, and he heard her – " aadi, looks like its just us, her brother's number is off too,hes in the flight I guess,I don't know if I should call her mom...."

Curosity got the better of him, and Arnav didn't cut the phone, and somehow worry started creeping up, he needed to know what this was about, why had she called him in the first place, and it was right then he heard another voice – " Khushi Ahemed Khan,anyone here for her...."

And he heard Riya, and what he obviously understood Aadi answer – " yes, we are, is she ok now doctor?? Is she hurt much??"

He felt something like a kick in his gut.Khushi was hurt???How???

He heard the doctor say – "Shes better now, we ran the scans, no internal head injury, just that cut on her forhead, and she saved herself, from a major fracture,but has hurt her leg,but not much to worry, but I need you guys to fill this form out, you can take her tomorrow, but tonight we need her to stay in...."

Arnav didn't know why, but he did feel relief, as he heard the doctor.

Right then he heard Aadi's voice – " thank God, Khush, I mean Riya I would never forgive myself if something had happened to her, I shouldn't have let her get off...."

"It isn't your fault,Aadi, I know Khushi, she always has this habbit or call it being careless, she always steps on the road, when the pedestarian sign is red,I have no idea, what she keeps thinking....", spoke Riya.

And he guessed, that Riya realized that she hadn't cut the phone, and he heard her voice – " hello?? Hello??"

He kept shut.He didn't say a word.

He heard her say – " oh shit, I left the call on...."

And he heard Aadi say – " why did you call him anyway??"

"yeah, maybe I shoudnt have...", was all he heard and the line went blank.

What the hell?? Was she crazy?? How could she step on the road, and be so dam careless, but hadn't it been him who had witnessed her carelessness before,and his words rang in his ear, the ones he had told her before he had left – " I wish, id never saved you on the road that day...."

He tried to go back to sleep, but he couldn't,and he hated himself for worrying,and his heart jumped up immediately with the thought, that maybe if it heard her voice, just once, he could put it all to rest.

He was afterall, just being human, it was decency to check on your enemies, if they had been hurt, now wasn't it??

...........

Hospital Room

Khushi looked at Aadi and riya as she said – " Thanks guys, I don't know what was I thinking..."

Aadi – " sshh Khush, its ok, we are just glad you are ok...."

Khushi asked worried – " I hope you didn't call anyone, my mom or my brother, I don't wana worry..."

Riya chipped in – " I did try your brother, his phone was off, but I didn't call your mom, but I may have...."

Khushi looked at her – "may have what?"

" I called Zoya's brother, who lives in front of you, I mean, last time your phone was off, hed called me and he was worried, so I figured, hed want to know....but...."

Khushi felt her heartbeat stop, as she asked – " but what??

"well he just didn't seem interested, so I hung up,anyways hes in india, so must be sleeping, hes strange that guy, Khushi...."

Khushi nodded – " yeah strange...."

And right then Riyas phone rang and she looked surprised as she answered – " yeah Arnav...."

Khushi almost jolted up out of her bed, and as much as she wanted to snatch the phone from Riyas hand and listen to just his voice, she controlled herself as she heard Riya say – " Im sorry, it was just that Khushi had been in an accident, here why don't you speak to her....shes fine now....", and before she knew it Riya had handed her the phone.

Khushi looked at Riya and aadi in front of her and she couldn't not take the phone, what would she say to them, and so she spoke – " Arnav,I am sorry, Riya didn't know, you weren't in London anymore...."

She heard his voice call her – " Khushi....."

And she knew how she controlled her tears, and she almost anticipated that he was going to ask her how she was and so she said – " I am fine Arnav, don't worry..."

And it was s econd later, she heard his ice cold voice on the other end – " did I ask you if you were Khushi?? And you would be the last person on this earth for me to worry about, I don't care, all I care about is, I don't want you or any of your friends calling me ever again, will you tell them that. I called her to say so, not to talk to you, she just handed you the phone, so I thought, id rather have you understand again, for obviously theres some part of I want nothing just nothing to do with you anymore, that you don't understand. I hate you, you get it??"

Khushi controlled her tears from falling as she said, sure, her voice was tremebling – " Yeah, thank you Arnav, I get it....", and with that she cut the call.

She handed Riya the phone as she lied- "he just wanted to know if I was fine, said to take care, for decency sake, I guess, you know since he is Zoya's brother...."

Riya took her phone, and she gestured to Aadi, that obviously whatever Khushi had just said was a lie.

Aadi understood, but he just said – " Khush, why don't you relax, me and riya will get you some coffe...ok??"

Khushi nodded , and she just said spontaneously – " yeah, get me black coffe, please??"

Riya looked at her – " why you hate the taste of that don't you??"

Khushi – " no, I don't hate it, I don't prefer it usually, but I guess I just need it now...."

Aadi nodded and they both walked out.

Khushi watched them go, and that was when she let her tears fall again, obviously why would he want to know how she was. For him, she might as well have died. And she felt so miserable, for even with every broken piece , her heart still beat for him.

.......................

London – 8 am

Asad held Zoya's hand in the cab, and he kissed it tenderly and said, enjoying the touch of her head on his shoulder – " I have never been excited to meet Khushi, I wonder what her reaction will be....i am sure she will understand, once she sees us hand in hand....."

Zoya smiled as she laced her arm into his and asked – " so you plan to surprise her like this?? You know walking in hand in hand , with me?? You don't need to, you know...", she finished, because obviously it was only for Asad that Khushi didn't know, when obviously she knew everything.

Asad – " what do you mean, I don't need to, I obviously need to, I haven't caught your hand, to let it go, you understand...no matter what...", he finished, hoping he could get himself to tell her how much he loved her, soon, but for now, he was sure, the seriousness in his tone, implied a lot of meaning, and he kissed her forehead briefly.

Zoya just tightened, her hold on his hand, only she knew how deeply she loved him, and it was sure, for definite reasons, that hear heart wouldn't be able to hold onto this information longer, and so she replied to him – " id like that you know, to see my hand in yours, no matter what..."

Asad grinned – " great...", and kissed her hand.

And right then their cab pulled over outside their building, and Zoya jumped up,because she just wanted to hug her best friend, who she knew had been going through shit, all because of her and her arrogant brother – " cmon, lets go fast, I just cant wait to meet Khushi...."

Asad – " yeah, just few minutes, Zoya, let me pay the guy, and get our luggage...."

Zoya – " And ill help with that...."

A few Minutes Later

Zoya knocked at Khushi's door, as Asad held her hand, she could see that he was very nervous, and she was nervous to see Khushi as well, hoping she was fine, so they just waited for her to open, but she didn't open the door, and so they just knocked again.

Asad smiled – " my little Khushi, she must be sleepling..."

Zoya smiled – " yeah maybe, I should just call her to open...", and with that she dialed Khushi's number.

And after a few rings, it got picked so she said – " Khushi?? We are here, open up....", and when she heard Riya on the other end , she asked – " Riya,its Zoya...Khushi....", and just when she heard what Riya had to say, she felt like the floor would shake beneath her and she would fall, Khushi was in the hospital, she had been in an accident last night.

Asad saw Zoya's face, go pale, and he asked worried as she put the phone down – " whats the matter??"

Zoya didn't know how to face Asad, she didn't know how to tell him,but she had to, and so she said, her voice trembling – " hospital, Asad, we need to go...."

Asad looked at her confused – " what do you mean Zoya??"

And Zoya could only whisper – " Khushi has been in an accident, shes at the hospital.....", and before she knew it, Asad had taken her by the hand, and they were out in a jiffy.

........

8.15 am

Khushi woke up from sleep, and she saw Aadi, sitting by her side and she heard him say, as he came to her side, and touched her shoulder gently – " Khush goodmorning, feel better??? Hows the pain?? I hope it doesn't pain much..."

Khushi gave him a small smile – " I am fine, thanks, but wait, did you just sleep here , I mean why didn't you go home...."

Aadi – " the couch was comfortable, and how could I go, leaving you here alone...."

Khushi felt her insides wish, that only if it was someone else, who would say these words to her, the only one who mattered, but she smiled – " thanks....where's Riya....?"

"She was on the phone, your phone actually....", replied Aadi, and that was when they saw Riya reneter the room as she said – " So that was Zoya, shes back, but only if I could tell her your ok, she only heard the accident bit and cut the call..."

Khushi jolted – "what??? That means bhaijaan would be here as well, they will be so worried, when I am absolutely fine....i need to get out of here....", she finished, trying to get out of the bed.

And it was right then she heard her brothers voice in the doorway – " what do you think you are doing, Khushi stay in bed, will you please...??"

And she looked to see Zoya right behind him, and before she could only mutter – "bhaijaan...", she had been pulled into a big brother crushing hug, and she couldn't help but hug him back immeditaely, as tears started to fall her eyes, she had never been vulnerable, and to finally have her family, with her, just overwhelmed her, and she let herself go, and sobbed,in her brothers arms.

Zoya watched Khushi sob in Asad's arms, and she felt her stomach knot, Khushi was so pale, so hurt, and a accident, she was sure, this was all her brothers fault.She noticed Asad brush her hair tenderly as he said , wiping her tears – " I can understand, Khushi, but you know I cant watch you cry, god, you know I cant, stop please...."

Khushi wiped her tears as she composed herself – " im sorry bhaijaan, just seeing you after so long, I got emotional, and I wasn't alone, I mean Riya and aadi, they got me here..."

Asad immediately looked at her friends and said sincerely – " I owe you guys this big one, thanks for helping Khushi, and being there for her...so what does the doctor say??"

Aadi smiled – " anytime, for khush, its nothing really, would you want to talk to him??"

Asad nodded, and aadi and riya led him to the door, and he saw Zoya standing frozen there, to the point ,crying and he just held her hand briefly as he said – " stop crying Zoya, Khushi is fine, you be here, and ill be back...ok...."

Zoya nodded, and as she watched the three of them walk out, she quickly shut the door, and ran to hug her best friend as she said – " this is all my fault, you are in this situation because of me....Khushi if anything would have happened to you...."

Khushi hugged Zoya and then replied – " it isn't , how can you blame yourself for me stepping on the road, seriously Zoya, it was just an accident, and I am fine....see...."

Zoya hugged her still – " yeah, it could have been worse,and im sure, I know, whose thought you were lost in, but Khushi,its your life,I am just so sorry, for everything, I need to mend things, I know I can...."

Khushi knew what Zoya was hinting at but she said seriously – " no Zoya, you will not do anything, it doesn't matter anymore, hes gone, its over, I will not let you..."

Zoya finally let go and she said – " ok baba, I will do what you say, don't exert yourself now,please, just lie down and rest...", she made Khushi lie back as she said – " I know you love the croissant's down the street, want some??"

Khushi smiled – "yes ofcourse, see my best friends back, and im better already, and obviously bhaijaan, I just got so emotional..."

Zoya nodded – " I understand...now that I have met you, and im calm, I shall get you that croissant you love...", and she started to make her way out.

Right then , she saw Asad open the door as he walked in – " so iv spoken to the doctor, and he says we can take you home in a few hours, also iv sent your friends home, they needed rest, we are here now...",  and just as he say Zoya on her way out , he asked –" whats up??"

Zoya smiled, as she brushed his arm – " just getting Khushi some croissants, she loves the ones around the corner, should I get you your coffee as well??"

Asad smiled, and kissed her forhead tenderly, what would he do without this woman in his life as he said – " thank you, Zoya...."

Zoya – " oh cmon, now go, take care of my best friend, and ill be back...."

She watched Asad go in, and he hugged Khushi again as he said – " Khushi, thank god,you are fine, I cannot loose you, not after Najma, you and ammi, are my world..."

She smiled as she saw Khushi hug him back as she whispered – " you won't bhaijaan, you will never loose me...."

....................

Zoya waited whilst they guy at that small bakery, got her order ready, and she checked her watch.it was 845 am, here, which meant it was 2pm , in India, and her brother would be at office, but she had to speak to him, she had to do something, she couldn't let Khushi take the bullet for her mistakes, and right then it striked her, that maybe her brother had no idea, that Khushi had been in an accident, or else he would have atleast called to ask how she was, he wasn't that insensitive and ruthless.And so without thinking twice , she called her brother, knowing that this call was the one she had to make.

She called him, and in a few rings, he had picked up as she heard him – "Zoya, how are you?? How was the flight??

"I am fine, bhai,how are you? I didn't know, you left, that wasnt the plan,right?", she said getting straight to the point.

She heard his casual voice –" yeah, something came up, I had to leave....wait a second Zoya", and she heard him say something to Aman,and she waited impatiently.

.................

Arnav finally watched Aman leave his cabin, and he returned his attention back to his sister, as he said – " yeah, so something came up, Zoya...."

He heard her sister's straightforward reply – " bhai, you need to know this, Khushi has been in an accident, I just met her...."

Arnav felt his insides churn, and hearing Khushi's name again, boiled up so many things inside him, th eons he was trying to ignore, and so he just answered – " yeah, I know, Zoya, and on that note I want you to stay away from her...."

He heard his sisters shocked voice – " what do u mean you know??you know Khushi has been in an accident??"

He checked his temper as he said dryly – "yeah I know, and I don't care, Zoya,and honestly I don't think you should do, you don't know...."

And to his shock , he heard his sisters raised voice, she had never spoken to him in this tone – " what do you mean , you don't care?? How can you be so insensitive bhai, and what the hell do you think, I don't know, I know everything, I know everything bhai, I know what was going on between you two, I know she is in love with you, and for heavens sake, I know she is Khushi Ahemed Khan...."

Arnav felt shock rake his being as he asked – " what do you mean you know?? If you are trying to defend that liar....", but she cut him short as she replied – " defend her??who am I to defend her bhai, when she was the one defending me in front of you, she lied to you, to save me from your wrath, she lied to you, that it was all her fault,when it was all mine to begin with, and that's the truth, I met Khushi here in London about 14 months ago, accidently, she came to live in across of me, and I knew who she was in an instant, because I spotted our old family pic ,and we reconnected, and we both deceided to keep it a secret,from you and her brother ofcourse, for obvious reasons, but we needed each other, we were away from home, and we became family to each other, the past is so bitter anyway,and then one fine day, you showed up, to my surprise, and she was right there, I didn't know how to tell you the truth, because I was scared you'd lash out at me, so I just called her Khushi Gupta. She wasn't a part of the lie ever, she never invented that name,I did, and she only played along because I asked her too.And even when she called me in Boston, a few days before and told me how she was in love with you, the only thing she wanted to do was to tell you the truth, she never wanted to keep you in the dark never, she genuinely feels for you bhai, she does, you cant do this to her, it isn't  her fault, punish me if you want, but not her,shes so hurt, because you walked out, I don't know what exactly did you say to her, but she is miserable, bhai, pleaseee, will you talk to her?? Just Once, for my sake?? Please give her a chance...."

Arnav heard every word , his little sister, had said,but guess his little sister was not little anymore, because she had lied to him, and gone behind his back to be friends with an enemy, he just felt let down as he said , hurt dripping in his voice– " I never knew you could lie to me Zoya, I don't know what to believe anymore...."

He heard her voice, pleading him – " bhai, I know I hurt you,im sorry, but plese you got to understand..."

And she only got a ice cold reply which said – " two days, Zoya, I want you back here, in India, for good. I give you 48 hours to pack your bags...."

He only heard her shocked voice – " bhai, you cant possibly mean this, please ...."

Arnav checked his temper as he said – " you know, I mean it, I want you back, and don't make me force you Zoya,ill have your tickets emailed to you in 30 minutes...."

"But Khushi....bhai....."

And he said, his voice devoid of any emotion – " I don't want you to mention her name, ever again, atleast not in front of me....you get that??"

"Fine bhai, if that's what you want, you will regret this, I know you will, but you gotta know, that asking me to come back will not help anyway, for I will never stay away from Khushi, she is my best friend, and there isn't anything you can do, to make me ditch my best friend, for no fault of her's...", and before he knew it, the line went blank. Zoya , his little sister Zoya, had hung up on him, for the very first time.

..........

Hate rolled his eyes – " so what did little Zoya think, she can blurt the truth, and it will all be easy?? I have played my cards too well , this time..."

Fate – " oh yeah, have you? Stop with your overconfidence, you might just fall...."

Destiny intervened – " calm down fate, we have a matter at hand, she has 48 hours , what do you think she will do??"

Hate grinned – " exactly, just 48 hours, before ahaa,how I love the separation, these two love birds were making me sick anyway....", and he walked out singing to himself happily.

Fate looked at Love, who was sitting patiently, deep in thought as he asked – " did you just not hear any of that??"

Love – " I did, but hes just doing is job, its expected out of him, you know how he is...."

Destiny smiled– " yeah, and I know you are doing y yours's, and that much patience on your face, you definetly have something up your sleeve, love don't you?? What is it??"

Love smiled – " it's a card, I didn't think I would have played now, but I guess, I have to, because I think its time I should...."

Fate grinned – " like I always say, desperate times, calls for desperate measures..."

.........................