Chaper 15 - Giving Up

Just sometimes, we all have wondered in our lives, that what if giving up on something was indeed the only way out.Giving up on something or someone you love, is indeed the easiest way out, for its more difficult to face the battle of emotions within.And holding on, is indeed for the brave hearts.

They say, in the face of true love, you just don't give up,thats a great thing, but how long can one hold on to something all alone, if the object of your affection, has let it all go.So maybe it is debatable statement right there when they say, that sometimes, in the face of true love, you don't just give up or maybe you just should.

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

London - 8.00 Am

Asad ruffed his air,gosh was he tired.He was exhausted, and he couldn't believe that he had spent the entire night out, walking around,and then just sitting by himself out on the bench,trying to sort himself out,trying to sort his emotions. Every promise he had made to Zoya, the woman he loved echoed in his head, every memomry, of her, with her, had been replaying in his head,along with the latest revelation, that the woman he loved, belonged to the family he had vowed to destroy.

Zoya was, Zoya Singh Raizada.

He was angry and hurt, for sure, but even amidst all that, he couldn't get his heart to stop thinking of her to stop beating for her.He really had beared everything to this woman,his mind,body and soul.And she had too,even amidst everything he knew she had. His little sister, Khushi, who had made him see things from her perspective, had been right too.Zoya had risked everything for him, just for him.He knew her brother way too well, he knew he hated his family too, with the same intensity s he he did.If he were to find out about his little sister and him,he would be furious. A sadistic smile almost came up his lips, as he realised that nothing would hurt Arnav Singh Raizada more,than seeing his little Zoya with him.He could only imagine the same, if the scenario was reversed,even the thought gave him shudders, if that playboy Raizada was anywhere within a mile of Khushi, it would be unacceptable for him,for obviously, he knew of his reputation very well, thats how Arnav had always been, even when they were best friends, he had always been flirtatious,and a playboy back then, and that hadn't changed in the last ten years, he had only worsened, with all his flings and only physical benefit relationships he shared with the numerous models at AR.He would never allow that filth of a playboy, within even a kilometre radius of Khushi.He shoved the possibility aside, for that was one thing that was never happening,and for just a second, the old friend in him, did tell him, that to his benefit Arnav had known him very well too, he knew he was a man of his word when it came to love. Infact he had always told him, the same, that he was sure, if he had ever fallen in love, it would be forever, too bad for Raizada, he had fallen irrevocably in love with his little sister, or maybe the situation was too good for him, his sadicious mind which was angry and hurt added.

He snapped out of that thought, as he reminded himself,maybe just maybe he should just listen to his heart here,which would be for the best.He could think of everything later, right now, he just needed to think about the woman he loved. His heart ached, to see her, hold her, touch her, this entire time, he had been out sorting himself out, he hadn't been able to get past the ache in heart, even with just the thought of not being with her.

Not being with Zoya Singh Raizada, was something he couldn't imagine for sure, because his heart belonged to her, he belonged with her.He loved her way too much, to let her name come in the way. He recalled how she had surrendered in his arms, as they had made love, she had trusted him with her love, with her heart, her mind, body and soul, and he couldn't get himself to feel anger anymore, all he felt was love and worry.He felt love, for this woman had indeed risked everything in her life, for him, and worry, for he needed a few answers to get everything straight.

He got up from the bench, as he looked at his watch, just a few hours were left before she left, he needed to make the most of it.Maybe, he wasn't ready to forgive her completely just yet, but he would try to for sure, and right then his mind told him that even if he could forgive her, he could never forget who she was,and maybe just by staying true to his heart and loving the woman he loved, he would get the perfect revenge on his enemy too.Seeing her with him, would break him hard,and wasn't that what he had always wanted to do, if he couldn't destroy Arnav financially, then maybe fate had given him another way out.And it wasn't something which would be hard to do anyway, for he loved Zoya too dammed much, to let go of her, and if that came with the fact of bringing damage to Raizada, then so be it.It was the best collateral damage he could ever think off.

As he entered, the building and made his way up, he was no more, sure than ever, about one thing, that he couldn't let go of Zoya Singh Raizada, ever.

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

Zoya made tea for herself and Khushi, as she kept looking at the door, worriedly as she looked at Khushi and asked - " are you sure, Khushi , he didn't leave already? I'm sure, he hates me..."

Khushi adjusted her foot to sooth the pain, as she sat on the sofa - " are you crazy, Zoya? I know bhaijaan, he isn't as reckless..."

"As my brother...i know", Zoya chipped in, as brought the two cups to the table, and said - " i just hope so, i just wish he would talk to him, the look on his face last night, Khushi, I....anyways leave it, you tell me, did bhai reply to you, i hope he did, he would never find anyone like you..."

Khushi checked her phone for the zillionth time, there was no message on her whatsapp.She thought shed seen him online when she had messaged him last night, she had almost begged him, to not give up on them just yet, she had put herself out in the open,in the hope, that she wouldn't have to face a break again,she had been honest about everything she had written , he had to believe her, he just had too.She shrugged as she said - " No reply yet, maybe he will come around, Zoya, you know, i felt for sure, he felt something for me too, it was there on his face, in his eyes, but he's angry, and annoyed , maybe i should just give him some time..."

Zoya nodded - " yeah maybe, speaking of which, i don't have that much time, my plane leaves in the next 12 hours, and i have no idea, what am i going to do...."

Khushi smiled and held her best friends hand - " dont worry, just hold on , i wont let bhai give up on what you guys share, its love, the most beautiful bond in the world, i will talk to him Zoya, i promise you..."

Zoya nodded, and right then she heard a knock on the door, and she rushed immediately, to open it ad as she registered the sight of the man she loved, she spoke nervously - " Asad, where have you been? I was so worried, please can we talk??"

One look at her, and that ache in his heart immediately washed away, and he said, walking in and pouring himself some water, as his sister and the woman he loved looked at him waiting for him to say something.He gulped the water down, and looked at his sister, and she gestured him to say something, do something.He offered her a reassuring nod as he said curtly - " Zoya, we need to talk..."

Khushi felt relief as she chipped in and offered a smile to her bestie - " thats great, why dont you both, go over, in Zoya's room, that would give you both the much needed privacy.."

Asad nodded,as Zoya looked at him silently.She watched him get up and walk across,and she looked at Khushi for support, as she followed him and she heard her assure her - "Zoya, go, just talk to him, you got this ok, just don't let him give up, just don't..."

Zoya nodded, and walked out shutting the door, as she gathered all her strength, she wouldn't let Asad give up on her, she couldn't let him give up on them.

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

Zoya opened the door, to her studio and walked in, and as she saw Asad follow her silently, she shut the door, and looked at him , he had been out all night, he looked so tired, and exhausted, and he seemed deep in thought, she didn't know where to start, this was her Asad, but right now in that very moment, he seemed so distant.She tried to calm her nerves down as she said - " Asad, you were out all night, maybe you should rest first, do you want something to eat??"

Asad looked at her, she seemed nervous and scared, scared about what he was going to say.He walked towards her, and took her by the hand, very much to her suprise, and made her sit on the sofa, and he sat beside her, and then took a long breath before he finally spoke, looking into her eyes - " Look, Zoya, to be honest, you know, i will not beat around the bush, i dont know how to, when you told me last night about being who you are, about you being Arnav's sister , it hurt me, for you lied to me, i was angry and annoyed and I couldn't think straight...."

"I know, please Asad, I can explain...."

"Zoya, you have said everything you could, now just listen and let me talk,if thats ok??"

Zoya nodded, he was right , she shouldn't interrupt him, and she prepared herself to be strong, ready for a heartbreak, she gestured him to continue - " Zoya, all night iv been thinking, trying to sort this mess I am feeling, all because you hid such an important thing from me, Khushi spoke to me, she explained me your perspective too, and as much as i didn't want to admit last night, I knew she was right, but I dont know, if i can forgive you just yet, but maybe i can try, i dont know....i tried to comprehend everything i felt,and even the truth cannot deny the ache i felt in my heart, just at the thought of giving up on us, it made me miserable, just the thought of being away from you...."

Zoya felt her emotions rule her as she whispered holding his hand - " we don't have to be miserable, Asad, all i want is one chance, please, don't give up on us, on our love, we promised...you said, you didn't hold my hand to let it go, will you just let it go, please don't, it would break me, you know i love you so much, and i know you love me too, please Asad, please, ", and before she knew it she was crying.

Asad looked at her cry, and every tear slashed through his heart, he knew, he couldn't let her suffer, for what she felt, and so he immediately pulled her into a hug,and let her cry, and he was sure, his eyes were wet too, from all the emotion.He had never been in a more overwhelming situation in his life.He held on to her for a while before he spoke - "Zoya, I love you,Singh Raizada, or Farooqui, what the hell, you are the still the woman i fell in love with, I cant give up on us, just yet..."

Zoya looked at him shocked and happy at the same time as he admitted, and she asked , sure that her shock was evident in her voice - " wait, you aren't?? i mean, you aren't walking out on us, does this mean, you forgive me??"

Asad admitted tiredly - " Honestly, i dont forgive you totally,you have hurt me Zoya, but like i said i can try, i mean we can try to get past this, i know we will, i promised, we will be together, no matter what, and together we shall be, even though you turned out to be this roses full of thorns, i would want us to get through this together..."

Relief, happiness, washed over every cell of her body, Zoya was sure, this was something she hadn't imagined, and it was finally happening, Asad was ready to accept her for who she was, he was ready to be with her, putting the past aside, and she said, as she hugged him - "Asad, thank you, thank you so much, i promise, no more secrets ever between us, i swear to god, i love you so much, so so so much....i have to tell Khushi, she will be so happy, she's been so worried for us too...", and she almost jumped up in happiness, but she felt his hand on her hand,as she heard him - " Zoya, i want some answers first..."

Zoya looked at his worried face, and she immediately sat back, and cupped his face tenderly - " anything, why do you look worried, Asad? its all ok now, trust me...."

Asad sighed as he held her hands - " well, for obvious reasons Zoya, the future, your brother isn't going to be happy about us, what if, he asks you to walk away from me? what will you do then?? And i want to know the truth now, before we take this further, for if you walk out on me then, i will not be able to take it, i honestly wont...."

Zoya looked into his eyes, but she admitted honestly - " i understand, Asad, and he doesn't know anything for now, but you are right, sooner or later, he will, will you trust me if i say, no matter what, i will never leave your side, I can never walk out on us, you know I love you, and no matter what he says, what he does , I will make him understand, i will make him see the love we share, and although the situation isn't in our favour today, i hope it will be one day, deep down bhai knows you, he knows you are a gentleman, and sooner or later he would have to accept the fact that you are the man i love, i chose to be with despite the truth, for i cant change the past,but i cannot let go of the present,because of something which we will never be back, just dont worry, i promise i will handle him when the time comes, i promise you i will, trust me Asad, please, just this one last time...."

Asad felt relief at hearing her answer, for his heart had been aching to hear that if ever she had to choose, she wouldn't give up on them, just like he wasn't giving up on them today. he smiled as he pulled her into a hug and kissed her forehead - " I do trust you Zoya, on this I do, for i know, you risked everything for me too, and if i look at it from your point of view, i just want to thank you, for loving me the way you do..."and he kissed her hand softly.

Zoya hugged him and held on to him as she whispered - " Thank you for understanding Asad, i promise, i will never let us down, I love you..."

Asad smiled as all the ache finally washed away - " And i love you too...."

Zoya pulled back and smiled - " ok so first i gotta tell Khushi, and then i gotta pack up, look at the irony, i havent even unpacked yet, and gotta wind up here now, and i have less than 11 hours...", she saw his face harden at that, so she caressed his hand and said - " I am sorry, but i have to go, but i will see you in India, you will be back soon , wont you?"

Asad nodded - "yeah i will be, once Khushi gets better, i will come with her, for good, maybe a week more, but why does he want you back?all of a sudden??", he asked sure that his voice was devoid of any happy emotion, intact the curtness was evident in his voice.

Zoya gulped, she couldn't tell him about Khushi,and Arnav right now, she couldn't, for it was for Khushi to decide , she said honestly - " well coz my brother can be stubborn when he decides something, and he just stated that i had to be back soon, and I cant risk him coming here to get me, for reasons you obviously know, at least not now...", she finished, happy that she had summarised the situation very well.

"Yeah, not now, this isn't the time....but just so you know, this doesn't change what i feel for your family, and your brother to be specific, i love you, and thats why you are the only Raizada, i will have in my life, but nothing else Changes Zoya, and don't you ask me too", he replied dryly.

Zoya nodded - "I know, i wont ask you too...".In her heart she knew, if Asad could get himself to forgive her, then maybe with some more time, he would see this differently, she had full hopes for the Khan- raizada reunion.It would happen for sure, one day it surely would.

"Also, i would be happy, if we dont discuss this anymore, its sorted, i dont want to mess this up, by my anger and hatred, for Arnav, its better if we keep your family out of our conversations, you know to avoid damage to us, for i know no matter how much you love me, they are still your family, i dont want you to be torn between us, although i think by default of the situation, you already are..." he added, watching her expressions.

Zoya nodded - " its clear, and im glad we got this all cleared up, once and for all,now I have to start packing, Asad...", and she turned to head towards her room.

Asad watched her leave for her room, and he was glad that they had had this conversation, now things were clear both in his mind and heart.And right then the thought, that she was actually leaving and he wouldn't see her until he returned, started to tug at his heart making him uneasy, and he knew for sure, that even back in delhi, they could not meet so freely and they had to be discreet, as much as the thought of hurting Arnav, through his love for Zoya intrigued him, he couldn't,for maybe it would get him some sadistic pleasure, but he couldn't risk loosing Zoya, ever.And so for Zoya's sake, he made himself understand, that with time, he would get what he wanted, Arnav's pain. But he didn't want to rush into it too. He loved Zoya, and that was the only thing that was keeping him sane, amidst all the chaos and the challenging future.

He quickly walked out towards his sister's studio, he needed to change and shower, and then eat, it had been a long long night.But before doing any of that, he needed to hug his little Khushi, and thank her, for guiding him through this, for if it hadn't been for her, god knows what would have happened between him and Zoya,maybe in anger he could have ruined everything and he knew he would have regretted it the very next minute, because no matter what he couldn't change the fact that he loved her so so much, truly, madly and very very deeply.He needed to tell Khushi, that everything was alright, and he needed to thank her for that over and over again.

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

Three Hours Later -

Khushi put down the book she was reading, and closed her eyes for a minute, but opened them a second later, as Arnav flashed through her mind.She sighed, as she looked at her phone again, waiting for his reply.Didnt he think, she deserved a reply at least? Maybe he thought, she didn't. Maybe she was wrong to get her hopes up too high.She loved him, he never said, he did.Obviously he didn't love her, she thought almost, for if he really did love her, or feel something almost close,he would not have walked out, like he did, his heart would have stopped him to,but it didn't. Because when its love, it cannot be this easy to just quit, and forget. and as much as she wanted to hope,she knew she was just leading herself into despair,because people who loved each other just didn't give up on each other so easily.And she had an example in front of her, her brother and Zoya.

They had somehow managed to get past, this ugly revelation,because they both loved each other, and she was so so happy for them, at least they were happy. And thats why this was different for her,because guess it was just her who was in love with her Arnav. She looked at the time, it was almost time for Zoya to leave for the airport, and she was happy that her bhaijaan and Zoya were spending some much needed quality time together.

...........

Asad looked at Zoya as he sat on her bed, and as she finally zipped up her one more suitcase, she said looking at him - " there you go, I'm done...i cant believe i have to leave like this, this place was like a home, so many memories, i dont know if i will be coming back...."

Asad took her by the hand and made her sit next to him - " Are you sure, you took everything you needed?if theres anything else, just let me know,me and khushi will take care of it, i mean i will have it shipped to you...."

Zoya smiled - " yeah, i know, but i guess, im done, but incase there is anything i will remember back home, i will let you know..."

"Great...", he replied as he tucked her hair behind her ear tenderly, he felt so uneasy knowing that she was going, he had no idea, when did he fall so deeply for her, he had never thought he could love , like he loved Zoya.

Zoya kissed his hand tenderly - " Im sorry once again, for everything..."

"Dont be, i told you, we shall not discuss this again..."

"yeah, but..."

"No, buts Zoya, please....."

"Fine, alright, i get it....ill miss you Asad..."

"I know, ill miss you even more, Zoya...."

Zoya smiled - " So any idea, when are you and Khushi getting back? please make it soon, i don't want to wait forever to meet the two most important people of my life..."

Asad grinned - " Now when you put it that way, i quite like it...."

Zoya grinned back - " I am sure you do...", and then she looked at her watch , it was almost time - " come, i want to meet Khushi too..."

Asad pushed her back into her bed in an instant and whispered looking deeply into her eyes - "i dont think a few minutes delay will hurt...Zoya...."

Zoya felt herself drowning in his eyes once more as she whispered - " Asad...I...."

"Shhh Zoya, just be quiet, ok, i just want to look at you, and etch your beautiful face in my mind, until i see you again...."

"Just look...", she teased him.

Asad grinned - " yeah damm right, you are..", and before she knew it, he had closed the remaining distance between their lips,and she started to kiss him back,as passionately, wanting to tell him that she will miss him so much.He immediately felt himself loose his mind, as she started to respond to his touches,and he moulded her body to his, pulling her as close as he could , and right then she broke their kiss, and he looked at her disappointed, and right then he heard her whisper - " you are right Asad, a few minutes delay will not hurt...", and he caught the hint in her voice, and kissed her back immediately, he didn't have much time in his hands, and as urgently and passionately he wanted to, he started making love, to the wonderful woman in his arms.

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

30 Minutes Later

Khushi hugged Zoya as she said - " Ill miss you so so much, but i will see you soon...."

Zoya hugged her back, and she noticed that Asad had walked out with her luggage, adjusting it in the cab,as she said - "i love you Khushi, i can never thank you enough, for everything, if it hadn't been for you....and as soon as im back, im going to talk to bhai face to face, get this sorted, he needs to understand..."

KHushi smiled - " Oh cmon Zo, please, you both love each other, you belong together, and Zoya please, i dont want you to fight with Arnav, for me, i know he doesn't feel...the same.."

Zoya - " well, thats for me to find out...ok..and im sending Asad back up, he is no way coming to drop me at the airport, i don't want you to be alone, you aren't even well..."

Khushi smiled - " Oh cmon, you know, I am,and i want him to go with you, now go...", and she hugged Zoya once more, she didn't know when would she be seeing her again.

Zoya smiled - " Love you, ill call, no matter what my jackass brother says, i will be in touch..."and she walked to the elevator, and she entered and turned see Khushi standing in the doorway as she said smilingly - " I know...."

...........

Khushi held the wall for support as she walked back to the sofa, thankfully her injury was recovering and she could now walk with support, and she sat back on the sofa, and looked at her watch, it would have been almost 1030 pm back in india.Her mind wandered, what would Arnav be doing? Would he be thinking of her?? Why hadn't he replied to her yet.What should she assume of his silence??

She browsed through their various pictures together again, and she stopped at one of them ,smiling.It was from AR party, shows dressed in the saree he had given her, ands recalled the beautiful time together, and then her mind wandered to the point that , it was also the night that ruined everything.

She was desperate to know, why hadn't he replied.She needed know, she didn't know why, and for what, but she knew, she needed him to say something,anything.

She put aside every ounce of her self respect, as she decided to give this one last shot, and so she opened her whatsapp, he was online.

She immediately messaged.

"Hi...", and waited in anticipation for his reply.

..........

Shantivan - 1030 pm- Delhi

Arnav had just retired for the night, he was happy that Zoya was on her way back, and he had just walked to the poolside, for some solace and peace, that he very much needed.He closed his eyes, as he sat on the recliner,and his mind wandered again, his treacherous heart succeeded as her thoughts began to creep up again.

He shoved them aside, and reminded himself,that tomorrow morning, he and Lavanya would be back in the news, and she would get the answer she wanted. He immediately opened his phone,and went on to delete her from his contacts, when a notification creeped up, on his whatsapp.

Deleting contact will also delete all associated media.

He stopped, as he opened the chat, and clicked to see what data was going to be deleted, and when he opened it he immediately regretted it, because in front of him, were a few pictures of them, of him and Khushi.She had clicked one of them almost everyday in her phone, but as he looked through, he realised she had only shared very few of them, with him.He felt himself browse through against his mind, and stopped at one, the one of them right before the dinner party at AR.he immediately felt his heart being drawn to her, she had looked beautiful, the woman of his dreams, that day.

Her looks were so deceptive.She looked so innocent, when she was nothing but a liar, his mind reminded him.Bitterness rose again, as he recalled that this picture was of the night, when everything had changed.He was about to delete the picture, right when, a message popped up.

A message from Khushi.

He opened the chat, nonetheless, he knew she was seeking a reply from him, from her message earlier during the day.

He didn't know why, but he now replied -

"Hi"

He didn't have to wait long for a reply, she was online.

"Arnav, how are you?"

"Im fine, Khushi.what do you want?"

"Zoya is on her way, Arnav"

"I know, she messaged me"

"So, how was your day, Arnav?"

He looked at his screen in disbelief -

"Khushi, what the hell do you want?"

He had to wait a few seconds before her reply came -

"I just wanted to know, did you receive my message earlier today?"

He replied -

"Yes, I did, what about it."

"Why didn't you reply?", came her outright question.

He felt his anger rise, she was the one who had lied,she deserved nothing from him, he quickly wrote -

"Because i didn't feel the need to.I have made myself perfectly clear, i want you out of my life, why don't you just give up, stop messaging me, Khushi, just stop it"

"But I love you Arnav...."

He stared at those words,somewhere deep down his heart told him , to believe her, somewhere deep down, he knew she did.But that didn't change anything , it never would.

He thought for a few seconds, before he finally wrote -

"I dont Khushi.I dont love you.I never did even before when you were up in your Khushi Gupta acting mode.I didn't love you then, and I never will and now, I just downright hate you.I liked you,didnt mean anything more than that, and obviously even that was the biggest mistake of my life. Like i said, you disgust me, everything that happened disgusts me.Nothing is going to change that.How can you possibly think anything else, Khushi Ahemed Khan."

He thought he wasn't going to get any reply, for what he had written was brutal.Good,he sneered, she deserved it. And he was right, for he got no reply,and somewhere deep inside, he felt his own heart break once more.

...........

Khushi stared at her phone, and re-read his last message to get it etched in her brain.She had never felt so insulted,and she had no one to blame but herself. He didn't love her then, then how could he possibly feel anything now.She wiped her tears, and walked to her room, she needed to sleep over it.She needed to figure out a way to get Arnav Singh Raizada out of her system, for good.She knew her brother would be back soon, and she didn't want him to see her crying, for she had nothing to explain it, so she just left a note on the table saying that she was tired and was going to sleep, and then she made lied down in bed,and covered herself up, and cried herself to sleep.

..........

IGI - New Delhi - 900 am

Zoya sat in the car, as her driver started towards her home.Shantivan.She looked at her watch, it would have been 330 am in London, and Asad would be asleep, and as much as she wanted to listen to his voice, she didn't want to wake him up.She would justhave to wait until noon, or maybe later.Her driver, started narrating to her how everyone was so excited to home to finally have her back.She smiled, she was returning after ages and it did feel good to be back home.She picked up the newspaper, in front of her and started to browse Delhi Times, and right then the Page 3 caught her eye, and she felt shock rake through her being as, she stared at the picture of her brother and Lavanya, with a article stating that they were back together, and how they were spotted outside The Oberoi's yesterday, hand in hand. She rechecked the picture and date, and it was of just a day before.

She shoved the newspaper in her bag, as excited as she was to meet everyone else, she couldn't wait to give her elder brother a piece of her mind.

30 Minutes Later -

Zoya hugged her sister,Anjali and then met her mamiji and nani,her cousin Akshay and Payal, and then rushed to see her mother, who lay in coma, and as she walked in, she looked at the nurse and the machines and asked - "all vitals normal nurse?"

"yes, maam, everything is absolutely fine, infact we even do some physiotherapy for her, so you know just incase she gets up, her body should be able to function, we just hope, maybe one day..."replied the faithful nurse, who had been tending to her mother since ten years.

She bent down and kissed her mothers forehead tenderly and it was right then,she saw her brother look at her from the doorway, as he heard his voice as he smiled - " welcome Home, Zoya..."

As mad as she was at him, she couldn't resist walking up to the man who was a father figure to her, and gave him a small hug, but she knew inside, as much as she loved him, she was mad, very mad at him too, not only for Khushi, but for forcing this hurried decision on her.

Arnav looked at his baby sister, and was really happy to have her back,she had been gone long.He knew they had a lot to talk about, and he had to apologise maybe, for being harsh, but he knew he would get her to understand, he was only protecting her, from that scheming liar Khushi Ahemed Khan.She would come around, they were family,bonded by blood.

Zoya looked at her brother in thought as she said - " bhai, we need to talk..."

Arnav - " yes we do, come..."and he took her to his room, by his poolside.

Zoya almost smiled as she entered her brothers room, nothing had changed,yet she felt so so different.

Arnav smiled - " So how was your flight?"

Zoya - "good, im just tired, i want to get some sleep soon..."

Arnav - " Yeah, you should..."

Zoya looked at him straight and got to the point - " Bhai, Khushi..."

Arnav stopped her right there - "Zoya, not a word more, i dont wish to discuss anything related to her,dont ever mention her name in front of me, as far as i am concerned,she doesn't exist for me, do you understand...", he finished curtly.

Zoya felt her anger rise as she said - " how can you?? how can you be so insensitive and ruthless bhai, i have never seen this side of you, and im sorry, its something i dont like, why are you doing this?"

Arnav looked at her in surprise never had she spoken to him in the tone she was using, but he replied nonetheless - " you should keep out of it Zoya, it should be none of your concern"

"None of my concern, bhai, you gotta be kidding me, i have never seen my best friend,so damm hurt, infact its a understatement,shes broken,she loves you, what part of it you dont understand bhai?"

Arnav spat angrily - " and what part of I hate her, you dont understand Zoya, and like I mentioned not a single word of Khushi anymore,she does not exist for me..."

Zoya rolled her eyes, as she reached out for the paper in her bag and threw it on the table in front of him, with the picture of him and Lavanya - " so this is what this all is about, you hate her so much now, that you want to break her in every way possible, as if you havent done enough damage already, you know she will see this..."

Arnav spat back - " thats the point"

Zoya looked at him shocked - " you did this on purpose, didn't you bhai??how could you...??, and right then she realised one truth, the wrath that she saw on his face, just maybe he never really felt anything more for Khushi, for if he even for once loved her, he wouldn't be standing here, doing what he was.And her heart broke for Khushi,and she felt her own tears almost fall out, but she knew she couldn't let Khushi pine for him a minute longer, as much as it hurt her too, the dream of seeing her brother and Khushi together was shattered completely.

Arnav turned his back to her curtly as he said - " I dont wish to explain myself further"

Zoya spat back angrily - " Fine, then don't,because you know what, i don't want you too, i thought i could talk, and make you see something you think is a betrayal differently,because you know what bhai,she might have lied about her name,and you know why so, but everything else she said was true, and you walked over, trampled over her heart, as if you never really cared.She so special, Khushi, I love her so much, and you are my brother, I love you so much too, but i hate to admit, that im disappointed in you bhai, you know what, intact its for the best, if this is what you feel and think, then you just dont deserve someone like Khushi.And I'm going to make sure, she sees that too.She way too good for you, your track record of your worthless flings,has blinded you so much that you have thrown out the one person who truly loved out of your life.I hope you enjoy, being back with that monster Lavanya", and with that she turned around and walked out his room,into hers.

She needed time to get this conflict of emotions in control.She went in for a bath,and then crashed into her bed to get some sleep,but not before she left Asad a message.

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

London - 8.00 am

Asad woke up,and he immediately reached for his phone, hoping, he had heard from Zoya,and he smiled as he read her whatsapp -

"Asad, goodmorning, i miss you so much already.So im home, and so so tired, i am just going to get some sleep, I will call you once im up.Cant wait to talk.Also, please give Khushi a hug for me. I love you, forever."

He smiled, and walked to the washroom to freshen up,and then maybe he would check up on Khushi,she had slept early last night, and he knew rest was important for her, so he hadn't disturbed.

Khushi woke up,and reached out for her phone, shutting her alarm.She wanted to sleep more, she opened her one eye, to see Zoya's message.

"iv reached safe.I miss you,stay strong Khushi, i will call and explain"

She sat up in bed, already knowing what this was about,obviously she must have tried to talk to Arnav, and he must have told her what he messaged her.

She was ok, she just had to let Zoya know that. Atlas she was trying her best to be.She browsed through her phone,and her treacherous heart thought of him again.And it was right then she heard a knock on her door, and she figured it would be her bhaijaan.

She opened the door,and walked with his support to the dining table, she smiled , he had made breakfast - " you are the best brother in this word,bhaijaan..."

Asad smiled - " and you are the best sister ever..." and then he started to focus on his phone.

Khushi teased - " Zoya's message?"

Asad smiled - " yeah that came, she's asleep, waiting for her to call as she's up..."

"im so happy for you both, she must be tired from the flight...anyways what are you reading, cmon lets eat..."

Asad smiled - "Delhi Times on my phone, Khushi, you know my day starts with it...anyways lets eat...", he said putting his phone aside,and he walked to the stove to get the omelette he'd made for the two of them.

Khushi took that moment to see his phone, browsing through Delhi Times, and it was right then a picture caught her eye,a picture of what looked like Arnav.

She saw her brother return, so she closed the app,and looked at him for a second as she said - " bhai why dont you start, i will just freshen up..."

Asad smiled - "ok, no problem,come soon, you havent eaten in a long time, and you need to take your medicine..."

Khushi smiled, and she walked back to her room, and closed the door behind, and reached for her phone,and immediately opened the Delhi Times app on her phone,and browsed through,and it was right there she saw it, and she opened it,and the picture of Arnav and Lavanya hand in hand,and another picture of them with his hand on her waist as he led her to his car,and another one of them getting in,and leaving together, stared in her face, with the article titled - "ASR and Lavanya Kashyap,The sensuous Couple are Back together"

She saw the date.It was of yesterday,and as she read the article,she assumed this was after when she had messaged him in the morning.

She didn't know her heart was capable of breaking anymore, but it did,whatever was left of it. She controlled her tears,as she did what she knew she needed to do,and then walked towards her bath to freshen up.

A few minutes later she walked out to join her brother,and he smiled and looked at her deep in thought,he asked - " Khushi, you ok?? is everything alright..."

Khushi smiled as she started to eat - " yes bhai,I am, why wouldn't I be, and you know what, if something wasn't fine, it will be now..."

Asad - " that was cryptic, Khushi, what do you mean?"

Khushi smiled - " I mean, my recovery from the accident bhai, you know im going to be alright very soon..."

Asad bent foreward and kissed his sister on the forehead - " and you will be, you only deserve the best, Khushi..."

Khushi smiled - " I know...", and with that she found a ray of strength that she needed to get Arnav Singh Raizada out of her system, once and for all.

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

2.00 Pm - AR Desings

Arnav finished his meeting and walked in his cabin,and sat in his chair.He was disturbed,and that was because of his argument with Zoya earlier.He couldn't believe she was siding with Khushi.he decided to talk to her once he was home, and put Fiasco Khushi behind them.They were family,he couldn't fight with Zoya for an outsider.

Right then his phone beeped , he opened it to see Khushi's whatsapp -

Shed sent him a snapshot of his pictures with Lavanya from the article from the news today,and she had written something too.He took his eyes off the pictures,and read her message -

Arnav, all i want is for you to be happy. I am sorry to have ever crossed your path.Lets just forget everything, i know you have , and i will too.For one last time, I have to say, I love you, i truly did,and that is why I wish you and Lavanya all the very best.I just want you to be happy, even if it is with someone else, id only wish true happiness for you.Maybe, one day, I would laugh over myself, I'm sure I would,you were always right, im so young, stupid and naive,how could i have ever been so stupid to dream anything at all.And,if our paths ever cross in the future,i promise to never acknowledge anything that has happened,just like I know, you won't.

Thank you for everything.Goodbye, Arnav.

He re-read her message again and again, he knew it, he could sense it, she had finally given up, on him , on them. And wasn't it what he had wanted.He never wanted to hear from her again,hadnt he been the one to throw her out of his life,then he should have been happy after reading her message.

But as he re - read the message again,and looked at that Goodbye,Arnav bit, he knew for sure, that he would never hear from Khushi again. Wasn't it what he wanted?? Then why was he feeling what he was.Why was his heart aching, why was happiness no where in the picture. He quickly drank water,and calmed down his emotions, he wouldn't be a fool again,and so he typed just one thing to her message -

"Goodbye, Khushi"

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

Fate groaned - " Things are changing , for sure they are..."

Destiny smiled - " You bet, but why do you worry so much, have some confidence, just like I have, i know what i have written, and let me tell you my script is nothing short of..."

"Fabulous...", Fate chipped in, and he continued - " I know, we work together , but i dont trust that fellow...he plays dirty", he said looking back and scowled at Hate who was sitting on his workstation and listening to some music on his headphones, and dancing away in sheer happiness.

Destiny - " Relax, hes just doing his job, just like we are, dont get so worked up..."

Fate nodded - "I guess, you are right, i should just sit back and watch, he can do whatever he wants, if he thinks if he can get Asad to use love to his advantage, he's so wrong, for he does not know that love, always has something up her sleeve..."

Love had been listening silently, finally she smiled as she said - " you got that right, Fate, Hate can never know, what tricks I have up my sleeve, and more so, i have full confidence in the two of you, you are going to make this work..."

Destiny and Fate smiled in unison, as they said - " And we shall..."

Fate asked looking at Destiny and Love - " Just one question, though on my mind, this jackass Arnav, he loves her or not?

Destiny smiled - " ofcourse he does...."

Love - " He just doesn't know it yet...."

Fate grinned mischeviously - " oh and i know he will be putting up a great fight, but dont call me wicked, i will derive great sadistic pleasure from his helplessness, i will really enjoy seeing him in a mess, and i know it will happen, but i just hope it happens soon..."

Love nodded - " we can only Hope..."

Hate saw destiny walk by him, and he took out his headphones as he grinned to his success - " did you see that, did you just see, what I have done, i am awesome, ain't I? one script already going my way, and i might just turn the second to my advantage, very soon, you can tell that to your friend right there", he said pointing towards Love.

Destiny smiled to herself , Hate always intrigued her, and so she admitted, letting him enjoy his happiness - "yeah I will,now why dont you get back to work, i guess you have lot on your hands..."

Hate grinned - " Oh yes, that I definitely do..."

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