Chapter 16 - Moving On.

London - Noon

Khushi stood in the shower as she held the wall for support,as she let the hot water calm her nerves. Her injury was much better, or maybe it was just that the pain of her heartbreak was surpassing the physical pain, she had brought upon herself.Shivers went down her spine, as she realised what could have happened, if the accident would have been worse, if something would have happened to her, what would her mother and brother do?.And she had been so careless, she always was,infact that was how she had met him, for the first time, he had saved her hadn't he?.She fought back tears as she reminded herself, how deeply he regretted it.She shoved his thought aside bitterly, as she fought her emotions.She would not think of him, she commanded herself not too, ever think of Arnav Singh Raizada ever again.She knew she had lied, she knew she had hidden the truth, but under no circumstances did she deserve what he had given her.One heartbreak after another.And now she really couldn't feel anything at all, because nothing was left of her heart in the first place.But she had no one to blame but herself, because she had handed him her heart again and again, and he had trampled over it again and again.How could she hold on anymore?? She couldnt, she didn't have it in her, she had for the sake of he rlove, put aside her self respect, only to be insulted in the most brutal way.She quickly wiped her tears, she had pined over him enough, she had held on enough, but not anymore.

She loved him, and maybe that part of her heart should just be happy, that it could get to live in is dreamland, atlas for a few days, but now, everything was over.So it was just, she locked that part of her heart, along with the pain she felt.She couldn't do this to herself anymore.She loved herself,her family did,Zoya did,her friends did.She owed herself this one, big time.She would not cry again, she decided strongly. Tears never resulted in any gain, it only brought misery, and she was done being miserable.She had to forget everything, no matter what, she had to move on, she had to forget his memories, she had to smile, and she had to stop punishing herself.She had to forget him.Because her mind logically told her one thing very clearly - he really didn't deserve her love.He didn't,what had she been thinking?? She really had been so stupid, to think that he would have fallen in love with her.She should have better known, his track record of relationships proved everything she didn't want to believe before.She had wanted to believe he was different,but she had been so so wrong. Just maybe it was good this happened, maybe she really needed this blow, to come out of her fantasy land and grow up.

Her life was her's not anyone else's to toy with, to play with and just dump aside. And its not that just because of him, she would stop believing the the wonderful institution of love.She knew, one day she would find someone, worthy of her love, who loved her back, no matter what, and as much as her heart had wanted that person to be Arnav Singh raizada , she knew, her heart had now finally understood, that it would never be him. She wouldn't give him any more power over her, she wouldn't cry, she wouldn't punish herself over him a minute longer, she couldn't shed a tear extra, anymore.She had pitied herself way too much, and she couldn't believe she had,but she wouldn't anymore, after all she wasn't the first one on this planet to have their heart broken.She just had to believe in herself, that she had the strength to mend herself,and she knew she did.

She shut the shower, and got out, walked out draping her robe, and she stared at her reflection in the mirror,she had never seen herself so pale. And she never would,because now she would change everything.Because the one he had loved had put her love on the shelf, and he never cared.She had been stupid enough to live a lie with him, but not anymore.She had to be honest to herself and live the truth now, the reality of her Life. She knew, she deserved so much better, and she was sure, it would come her way. Her love had been blind, so blind, and it was time to wake up.Somewhere deep down, she did fear, would she ever be able to love again, she didn't know, but she would try,she surely would.She owed it to herself.There had to be someone out there, for sure, someone who would love her, and treasure her like she had dreamed off.

It was time to break away.

It was time to let him go.

It was time to, move on.

And, move on, she would.

She dressed herself, and smiled, one bad experience with a dark knight, shouldn't let her give up her hopes for her prince charming.She knew he was out there,somewhere.

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

Asad drank his coffee, as he worked on his laptop, and it was then his phone rang.He instantly picked up hoping it was Zoya,but when he heard his assistant's voice, he felt disappointed, but he listened what he had to say, and as he put down the call, he felt more worried and disturbed.He needed to go back, he had been out almost a month, and a lot of work was on hold.But he couldn't leave Khushi, all alone, he was trying to figure a way out , when he saw Khushi step out, all ready.

He got up in an instant as he asked - " where do you think, you are going Khushi??"

Khushi smiled, her bhaijaan, had always been so loving.

"Bhaijaan, i feel strangled in here, iv never stayed in for so long , come intact we are going out for lunch, Aadi and Riya will be joining too.I want you to meet my other friends too..."

Asad looked at his sister, skeptical - " but your injury, you should rest, Khushi..."

Khushi rolled her eyes - " Oh bhaijaan, you worry way too much,i know what i need for my recovery, i need fresh air, i need change.And i can walk now too, cmon, are you coming?"

Asad grinned - " You know what, i guess you are right, and when have i said no to you anyway, come lets go...", and he helped her on the way out.

Khushi looked at his face, he seemed little worried - " whats up? spoken to Zoya yet? you seem worried"

Asad sighed - " well not yet, i mean i called her, but she cut my call..."

"yeah, maybe she's surrounded with everyone, you know how it is, she has returned after so so long,and maybe she didn't want to risk anyone listening, im sure, she will call...dont worry", she said to her friends defence.

Asad smiled - " Yeah, thats exactly what she messaged me, anyway thats not what worries me...", he added getting into the cab.

Khushi - " oh then, what is it?"

Asad - " well you know, iv been out almost a month, and..."

Khushi smiled - " And your work needs you, bhaijaan, obviously, its been so so long, you know what you should go back...."

Asad - " yeah i know, it was on my mind, but I want you to recover first, i mean I dont want you to travel..."

Khushi straightened - " what about me bhaijaan, im not going anywhere...atleast for now"

Asad now looked shocked - "what do you mean Khushi? It was decided that you would come back with me for good wasn't it? Then, I mean, cmon, why do you want to stay back anyway??"

Khushi said reassuringly - " so you know, iv been thinking,although i wanted to go back with you, i miss home, but just want to push it by a few months, you know i want to travel around here for a while, maybe with friends, maybe alone for sometime, and then after a month or so, I want to work a little bit, I know of a marketing firm, they have a few openings, maybe ill apply, i mean i just want to experience new things, meet new people, you know what I mean, dont you bhaijaan?"

Asad nodded,his little Khushi had grown.She was smart, intelligent and very wise, and she made perfect sense right now, there was nothing wrong about what she was saying.He finally said - " well, i think ammi will be pissed, you know she wants you back so bad, but you know what ill handle her, I'm ok with this arrangement, if its what you want, are you sure??"

Khushi beamed in happiness - " oh you are the best, of course thats what I want, bhaijaan, it would just be perfect.now you don't worry, ok? you get your tickets done, ill be fine, and maybe next week on, ill start holidaying, the last year has been stressfull, haven't got any time out for myself..."

Asad smiled as the car pulled over to the restaurant - " alright fine, i will get it done, happy??"

Khushi grinned - " very much....", and she stepped out, and as she smelled the fresh air, and took a deep breath, she knew this was the perfect fresh start that she needed.

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

Asad grinned, as he listened to Riya ,Aditya and Khushi chatter away, as they ate.Her friends were really nice, and he smiled to himself, as he told himself, of course they were, hadn't he fallen deeply in love with one of them. And right then he remembered about Zoya, he had been missing her terribly and not having her around was making him really uneasy. It was right then, his phone beeped, and he took it out in an instant and relief was what he felt, as he saw Zoya's message -

"Mr.Khan,iv been missing you so much. Im sorry I couldn't call yet, surrounded by everyone,infact just sitting with everyone for tea.."

Asad smiled to himself, his little miss sunshine, was indeed the apple of everyone's eye. He quickly wrote -

"Zoya as much as i hate not having you around, and iv been missing you too, I understand"

"You are the best you know that, no wonder i love you so much, Asad..."

"Just like you have me all head over heels too , Zoya, anyways, when can we talk? I miss your voice way too much.."

His reply came in a jiffy -

"Im sorry Asad, but i dont think before i retire for the night, lot is happening,and bhai came early too, so..."

"ok ,I understand", he wrote, feeling a tad bit disappointed, she wasn't making a much of a effort here.

"You are mad at me, Asad?

"Ofcourse not Zoya"

"I guess you are, look we'll talk asap ok.anyways whats up?"

"all good, out with Khushi and aditya and riya for lunch..nice people, they are"

"I know, oh and on that note, is Khushi ok? i havent spoken to her too..."

Asad looked at her question puzzled and he wrote - " yeah, she is absolutely fine, much better actually, you are talking about her injury aren't you?"

"Yes of course, what else.I gtg now.I love you"

Asad sighed, god he missed her so much.

"I love you, Zoya"

Khushi saw her brother put his phone aside, and she gestured to ask if it were Zoya, and he nodded, and she gave him a small smile.He was so much in love, and she couldn't have been happier for the two most important people of her life.

Right then as they finished their meal, Riya had to rush, and so Asad got up as well - " Come, Khushi lets go..."

KHushi smiled - " yeah, bhaijaan why dont you carry on, I will join you later, theres something i need to talk to, with Aditya"

Aditya looked at Khushi puzzled - " you do...?"

Khushi reassured Asad as she replied - " yeah, aadi..."

Aditya smiled - " alright,im all ears, i have all the time in the world for you, actually there was something i needed to talk to you too..."

Khushi smiled at her brother as she gestured to him, that she will fill him in later, and as she saw Riya and him leave, she turned her attention to Aditya, as he ordered some coffee, for them.It was time to have the conversation, that she knew had been long due.

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

Shantivan - 830 PM

Zoya had this nagging feeling that Asad was really mad at her, for she hadn't spoken to him all day.And she knew it had been so difficult not to, but she had been surrounded by someone or the other all the time.And she wasn't feeling very hungry,she needed to talk to him now,and so she excused herself from the table, and walked towards her room.

Arnav had been noticing Zoya,she seemed lost deep in thought.They had never fought, and maybe their heated argument this morning, was something he needed to sort out with her, as soon as possible, and so before his di, could call out to Zoya, he said - " Di, wait, i will just check on her...you all continue with dinner..."

Anjali smiled.And as she looked at her chotte walk, she hoped, that he and Zoya sort things out.She knew what this was about, Khushi was her best friend, and what had happened had obviously upset her too.As she continued to eat, she knew she needed to talk to Zoya too, when the time was right, she would.

...

Zoya had just entered her room, and was about the shut the door, when she saw her brother, stop the door, as he asked - " May, i come in?"

Zoya looked at his pained face, they had never fought, ever, until now, until he had screwed around with her best friend's heart. But she knew, this couldn't go on like this.

She nodded and gave him a small smile - " of course bhai, since when do you need my permission, come on in..."

Arnav - " Since, you started fighting with me ,Zoya..."

Zoya groaned, how could she get him to understand anything, damm right he was a difficult person, perhaps the most difficult one on this planet, but she shut the door behind him, and said - " I dont want to fight with you, i just want you to.."

Arnav chipped in, keeping a check on his tone and anger - " you want me to listen and understand, dont you Zoya?"

Zoya nodded.

"ok go ahead, im listening, but once you are finished, you promise to listen to me , alright?

Zoya - " ok, i promise..."and she looked at him as he had his arms folded, and she knew by that expression, that he was listening, so she started - " look firstly, i dont like to fight bhai, and i should start with apologising , i am sorry, i hid the fact that i was friends with Khushi, and im sorry to have built a lie, you and Khushi both had to suffer for.Its all my fault.I thought you'd be so angry, when you found out, that me and Khushi had reconnected, and then the inevitable happened, like i explained before ,you turned up, and i didn't know what to do.Khushi never would have lied, i know she wouldn't have, if it wasn't for me.I asked her to play along, i didn't ever think your paths would cross again, but then it did.You know, what has happened, but you are hating on her for something which wasn't even her fault to begin with, if its anyone you should be mad at , its me, not her.You got to understand, you got to give her one chance, she loves you...bhai..."

Arnav listened every word, the explanation once again, and he refused to allow himself to feel any emotion, as he replied curtly - "But i don't Zoya"

Zoya asked puzzled - " You don't what?"

Arnav - " Not that it matters but just so you know I don't love her. Even when she was all in her Khushi Gupta acting mode, I may have liked her, but I didn't love her.You know I dont believe in Love, you know what relationship's mean to me.And even the mere liking that i had, has been converted into sheer hatred, and you want to know why?"

Zoya -" why?"

Arnav - " Because i hate liar's, firstly you know that.I hate lie's. If she were so sure, of what she felt, she should have never played along with the lie. A lie is a lie, and i would have stayed iles away if i knew from the very beginning who she was. I will not deny that i really did like her, but I cannot deny the fact, that firstly i found it from elsewhere,the truth, she never told me, and all i felt was betrayal,once again.Once again, betrayal, at the hands of a Ahemed Khan.I had never felt so betrayed Zoya. Only once before, I had and it was at the hands of her brother"

Zoya asked confused, sure her voice was trembling - " Asad Ahemed Khan, what about him?"

Arnav sighed, but he spoke - " The day everything changed, the day we lost everything,the day dad died, me and Asad went back to the farmhouse, to see the CCTV footage, we had to know, what had happened,we saw a shot leave dad's gun, that hit Najma, and then shots leave Uncle's gun,and then everything was blank.But i couldn't believe what i saw still.Our families were bonded, our fathers were, they couldn't have just killed each other. Asad was angry , he was furious, he wouldn't listen to even once doubt, what we had seen.All he felt was rage, pure rage, he accused me, of wanting to cover up to save Dad's crimes, when all i wanted was to him to see the fact, that maybe just maybe what we saw, wasn't the whole picture.But he didn't listen.He betrayed the very trust, that had been the foundation of our family bond.He was a brother to me, and i felt betrayed and broken, Zoya.We lost Dad, and Maa, as you can see, is in coma ever since.Still, i thought ill get the investigation done, to find out the real truth, but when the team reached uncles farmhouse, everything had been cleared. Asad had got the entire crime scene cleared,it was uncle's farmhouse so it was easy for him to do so,because he didn't want to investigate further.He believed that a investigation would bring a bad name to our families.We had all lost so much, we couldn't lose what our dad's had built. I agreed, because i felt he was right. But i still couldn't believe that Dad had killed Najma, he couldn't he loved her, just like he loved you and di,and i tried to make him see that, but he just wouldn't listen to a word I had to say. I hated him for that, i hated him for not discussing before getting the crime venue emptied, i hated him for not listening to me, i hated him for the filth he blamed our family off.And it was only then the hatred for the Khan's was born, if he could swear by to just believe what he saw in the footage, then I should too right.His father killed Dad too. I just hate them, Zoya.The first time i was ever betrayed was by a brother, by Asad Ahemed Khan.And then i vowed to myself no one would have the power to make me feel even an ounce of betrayal .And then I met Khushi, i genuinely liked her, and then when i find out the truth, i only felt betrayal once more,and once again at the hands of a Ahemed Khan.His sister.Look Zoya, i need you to understand, why I dont want you to ever talk about Khushi in front of me ever again, its like it makes me burn in anger, all over again", he finally finished, feeling tired and exhausted by re living the moments he had just narrated.

Zoya had never seen her brother so exhausted, so pained, and she was sure she was trembling as she asked - " bhai, are you ok?"

Arnav - " yeah I am, now are we clear on this.Can we put Fiasco Khushi behind us."

Zoya - " But bhai, she is my friend, my best friend..."

Arnav - " Look , i cannot force you Zoya, so i will not stop you from talking to her, or from being her friend, you can do whatever you want as long as you keep me out of the picture.Khushi doesn't exist.lets just pretend in my world, she never did."

Zoya almost spotted the hurt in his eyes as he said those words, but she knew this wasn't the time to talk further, so she asked cautiously - " this is what you really want?"

Arnav felt his hearts tart to protest, but he managed to say - " yeah, thats exactly what i want, and i expect you to respect my wishes, just like I respect your's t still be her friend..."

Zoya - " Fine, bhai, if thats what you want, maybe one day, you will see, that the past is indeed cruel, the situation made it even worse,but sometimes the circumstances are such, im not defending anyone bhai, but i still have hope that maybe one day, you will see that you punished Khushi for no fault of her's"

Arnav didn't reply to that, and he asked - " you joining back for dinner?"

Zoya - " No bhai, im tired, im just going to sleep soon..."

Arnav - " ok ill see you tomorrow...goodnight Zoya..."

Zoya walked up and hugged her brother, she knew he was hurting too, as stubborn as he was to admit it, she knew he was hurting.She held on to him for a while as she said - " Im sorry for this to have happened bhai, you forgive me, dont you?"

Arnav sighed, he couldn't be mad at his little Zoya any longer - " yeah, i do..."

Zoya hugged him again - " thanks bhai..."

As she watched Arnav walk out, she shut the door, she had never thought of things from his perspective, and she had never known, that it was Asad who had shut the door on their family first. Things had been so so messed up, she needed to find out from Asad as to why he did so, maybe when she would meet him, and then maybe slowly with time, things would be ok, she would have to get him to see this other side, only then things could get better,they had to start getting better , for her and Asad's future depended on it. A life without Asad she couldn't imagine, and hurting her brother, was something she couldn't do. It would kill her to hurt him further.She had to get them, the two most important men in her life to patch up, before her and Asad's relationship came to light. She knew she would, and as her heart raced, with worry, she knew what exactly would calm her nerves, and so she did exactly that.She called Asad.

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

London - 6.00 PM

Asad had just got his tickets done for two days later, and was finishing replying to few emails, when his phone rang, and he immediately picked up -

"Zoya, if I had known, that id have to wait 24 hours before even listening to your voice, i wouldn't have let you go"

"Asad, about that, Im so sorry, you know how it is...you understand don't you? iv come home after really long..."

Asad sighed - " yeah, i understand, its ok.."

"So you aren't mad anymore??"

"who said I was, Zoya?"

"well i know you way too well, i could figure that you were from the way you were messaging"

Asad grinned, this woman knew him way to well. " yeah ok, i was, but not anymore..."

"So whats up? Im finally all by myself, how was lunch? wheres khushi?"

"Well ,lunch was great, and i came back by myself, khushi stayed back with aditya, she said they had to talk about something..."

He heard Zoya's confused voice on the other end - " oh really? any idea what?"

"no, not yet, she did gesture, that she would fill me in, once she was back"

"Oh, ok, hows she holding up, i mean her injury?"

Asad - " actually much better, she's recovering, you know ever since we were back, i had this feeling that something was bothering her, but not anymore, she's fine, my little baby sister,absolutely fine, and on that note, i want you to know, ill be back to India, in the next wo days"

He heard her squeal happily, as she gushed in excitement - " oh my god, what????? finally ill get to see you two, but wait, Khushi, how will she...?"

Asad - " Yeah, that, well, she's not coming, Zoya...I am..."

He couldn't understand the stunned silence, so he asked - " Zoya, you there?"

"yeah, I am, just wondering why is Khushi not coming,i thought that was the plan...."

"Yeah it was, until she changed her mind, and i have work, you know iv been out almost a month now..."

He heard her vice now full of worry - " But, are you sure, Asad she hasn't recovered fully yet..."

Asad sighed - " Yeah, i know, i was thinking the same, but Khushi you know how she is, she's forcing me into it, she says doesn't want my work to suffer coz of her, and she's actually much better, maybe by the time i leave, she will have almost recovered, so..."

"Oh alright, you know what ill just call her too, shall i call you after, is that ok?"

Asad - " Sure, ill wait. I love you, Zoya.."

"Me too"

..........

Zoya couldn't believe what shed just heard as she put the phone down.Khushi wasn't coming back, what the hell did this mean, if she was running away, she couldn't let this thing with her brother, keep her away from her family. She needed to talk to her asap, and she dialled her number.

After a few rings, Khushi picked up, and the minute she heard her voice, she knew something had changed in her voice.

"Khushi, Hi, im so sorry, couldn't speak earlier, how are you?? are you ok??"

"Zoyaa, ofcourse, I am, how are you? must be great to be home after forever, and im fine, honestly doing much better...", came her reply.

Zoya asked confused - " Khushi whats this about?? I know, if your trying to put up an act in front of me, not going to work..."

"No, Zoya, why would i put up an act in front of you, you know everything...."

Zoya - " exactly, so what is this about"

She heard Khushi sigh as she replied - " So, you know earlier today, i saw arnav's picture with lavanya...in the news..."

"yeah, Khushi about that...I...listen...", she interrupted.

"Zoya, shhh, listen, so when i saw those pictures, i dont know, how to explain it ,let me put it like something in me sort of flipped, you know, i mean yes, I loved him, your brother, but i was so blinded by it, to see the truth, look this doesn't have anything to do with me being khushi ahemed khan, its about just me and him, he doesn't love me, he never did,even before he made it perfectly clear...so whats the point? i cant force him.."

"He did?? what , wait when???", asked Zoya now shocked,she couldn't believe her brother had the audacity to say all this to Khushi, directly.He told her, but she could never think he would tell her too, she'd thought of dropping a hint to Khushi herself, but gently, this was brutal.

"Doesnt matter anymore Zoya, so anyway, like i said, when i saw those pictures, i just felt, that i had cried enough,yeah, i loved him, he doesn't love me back, yeah my heart broke, but i cant punish myself over it for the rest of my life, i cherished what we had, maybe deep down i always will, but i guess its time for me to brake away Zoya, to let him go, to move on, i owe it to myself, i tried not giving up, but how long can i hold on to something alone, theres no one at the other end...you understand, don't you?"

Zoya tried to comprehend everything - " Yeah, i do, but Khushi are you sure? i mean will you be able to forget everything??"

"Maybe Zoya, maybe i will, i have to try, i have to move on,he doesn't want me to be a part of his life, I cant force myself upon anyone, you know i would never ever do that, and especially not to the man i loved, i just want him to be happy in his life, and i will be in mine, its better to just pretend none of this ever happened"

Zoya - " But Then why aren't you coming back? You cant let this keep you away from your family, and also i know how excited you were about coming back home, then what is stopping you??"

"Zoya, you know, I just want some time out for myself, thats all, i want to travel for a while, have convinced Riya for the same, and then probably work here for a while, have a different experience, you know meet new people, its for the best...will be the fresh start that i need..."

Zoya's eyes filled with tears, and all she wanted was to hug her best friend, she had to be supportive here - " Oh, Khushi, I'm sorry, so sorry this is all my fault, all mine, if I hadn't..."

"Cmon Zoya, stop blaming yourself, really, what had to happen has happened,theres no point in you blaming yourself, me and him, aren't just meant to be...lets just accept it and move on, its for the best you know, don't you think so too...??"

Zoya - " I dont know yet Khushi, maybe you are right, maybe not but if thats what you want, wait Asad told me you were with Aadi, what did you guys talk about??"

.......

Khushi felt so much better talking to Zoya and when she asked her about Aadi, she replied honestly - " Zoya i had to talk to him, it was long due, so i know, how he feels for me, and now that i know how painful it is you know, to love someone and not have them love you back, and i had to tell him, that he had every right to move on too.I just thought how difficult it must be for him to be just friends with me , so i told him, that if he never wanted to see me again, i was ok with it, im his friend, and the least I can give him some space to think about moving on, and how will he if he sees me around him all the time."

Zoya - " what?? i thought you would give him a chance atleast, what did he say??"

Khushi - " No Zoya, i couldn't lead him on, i dont feel that way for him, you know so, i cant do that to him, i can't pretend otherwise, its really sad though, he fell for me, but I....anyways so you know he was really kool about it, infact, before i told him any of this, he told me that he and Nikhil are moving back to US. You know how Nikhil is already in Boston, their parents finally want the two of them to join the family business, and be back home for good. So i guess its good for him you know...we will still be friends, for sure, but atlas this distance will help him move on, i know, i mean i now understand ho important it is...."

"wow, thats a lot to happen in a day, but you know, im so so proud of you , Khushi, everything will be ok, im sure it will be...."

Khushi smiled - " I know...now quit worrying about me ok, im in the cab, going to be home in the next few minutes, talk to bhaijaan, he's been missing you like crazy..."

She thought she almost felt Zoya smile, as her voice beamed - " Yeah, me too...ok bye Khushi..."

"Bye Zoya, take care but promise me one thing, will you please?"

"yeah anything Khushi...tell me..."

"Promise me, you won't bring up Arnav in front of me, i mean atlas in the sense of you know what I mean, hes your family,but for me thats what i want it to just be now, i hope you understand..."

"yeah, Khushi, i obviously do.....chalo now ill hang up..."

Khushi smiled - " yeah you must, someone is very eagerly waiting for your call..."

She hung up, and took a deep breath, she had never felt better in a few days, it felt like a heavy weight had been lifted off her chest.The weight and pain of her one sided love, for the man that could never be her's. It was so much easier to just accept it than to fight the truth, and now that she had accepted it, it gave her a lot of strength and courage to start afresh.

And start afresh she knew she would.For once she had made a decision for herself,that would mark a new beginning, that she knew she deserved.

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

Two Days Later

Shantivan

Zoya switched the channels on her tv, as she tried to find something interesting to watch, she was a bundle of nerves, because Asad was returning the next morning, and she had to find a way out to meet him, and she didn't know how she would do the same.Also she had a few other things to worry about.

In the last two days, she had finally come to accept the fact that her brother didn't want to talk about Khushi, just like Khushi didn't want to talk about Arnav.Apart from that everything had almost returned to normal. Her brother had returned to being all normal just like Khushi had returned to being all normal.They both were totally behaving like whatever had happened, had't happened. They both were moving on.She knew Khushi had loved him, and her brother didn't, but maybe because her brother didn't know that he was in love with her too. Because that was how he was, he didn't believe in love, so he would have been the last person to know or understand that love had happened to him.What if , he was and he didn't know it?

She had to do something, she couldn't give up on them yet, maybe atlas she could try to pull a few strings here and there, even if she could get a hint about what he felt.But how??

And thats when an idea struck her, and she almost patted herself, first she messaged Andy, her friend from AR London and then she finally made her way to her elder sister's room. There wasn't a thing that Anjali di,couldnt help with.

........

Anjali listened carefully, as Zoya filled her in about Khushi and Arnav.It wasn't the first time she was hearing about Khushi from her, only this time she knew she was Khushi Ahemed Khan.And as far as Zoya's version of things went, and from what she had personally spotted in her brother's voice,she knew deep down that he had really liked her, that was precisely the one reason why he was so hurt.She listened and then she straightened up and looked at Zoya and held her hand -

" Zoya, as much as i understand, but you know you shouldn't have lied..."

Zoya nodded - " I know di, but whats done is done..."

Anjali sighed - " exactly, whats done is done Zoya, just let it go, what you want, i dont see it happening, and from what you just told me Khushi is moving on too, so whats the point..."

Zoya rolled her eyes - " exactly di, thats the point, I know her way to well, its good she is moving on, but what if its just a facade to deal with rejection bhai gave her, just what if? I need to try just once, and if its not, if this is what Khushi really wants, i wont talk about anything to her, but in the future, if we can make bhai realise what hes thrown away, maybe he would woo her back, and they could be together, di, i know she truly loved him, and well i dont know for bhai, but trust me the sparks were definitely there, trust me, how can i let them give up on each other, when this all my fault in the first, i feel so so guilty...", and right then her phone beeped, and she opened it, and just what she wanted, she mentally made a note to thank Andy, and she said, showing her phone to her sister - " here look di, these are a few pictures of them i asked Andy to send me from the event at AR, you have to see for yourself, you can see..."

Curosity got the better of her, and she took the phone from Zoya and looked at the pictures.There were a few of them, but enough to make her see the point Zoya was making.

There was a picture of them dancing together, and they were smiling at each other.

Another one of them dancing together, but this time they were looking into each other's eyes.

Then there was one of them , in which Arnav had been holding Khushi's hand as they had entered, the event.

And then there was one, in which he had his hand on her waist, as he whispered something in her ear, and she was smiling.

And then , the last one, was of him, stealing a glance at her, as she spoke to a few other's at AR.

She browsed through them again and again.She had never seen her chotte, smiling the way he was.She had never seen this look on his face, with any of the women hed been with.She had never ever seen him steal a glance at anyone.Maybe Zoya was right.Maybe, he did feel for Khushi more than he thought off, he just didn't know it, and even if he did, he was too obnoxious to admit it.

Anjali smiled - " alright, i get the point, Zoya, and khushi is beautiful..."

Zoya grinned - " and not just that she is a beautiful person..."

Anjali - " so what do you want me to do??"

Zoya - " well i know bhai, but you know him better than me, and he will never get it if we try to show him what we want, directly..."

Anjali smiled - " reverse psychology, always works well on him.Zoya, what do you have on your mind??"

Zoya grinned - " A simple trick up my sleeve di, which will tell me, if i have to take this further..."

Anjali nodded, she felt a little guilty for scheming behind Chotte's back, but she had never approved of this enemity, ever. Just maybe, this was destiny's way of making her brother see the light.

........

Arnav loosened his tie, as he made his way up to his room, he was exhausted,well not because of just the long day at work.He had been bored to death, over dinner with lavanya. Nothing that woman said, was of any interest to him.Unlike Khushi - she had caught his attention in every way, even a giggle, a frown,her constant jabber could make him listen and look at her all day,his heart argued,and he immediately shut that thought out.

He was walking to his room, when he heard Zoya talking in the corridor,as she exclaimed -

"what do you mean, you are not coming back, Khushi, you can't do this and why??"

He immediately hid behind the pillar, she was talking to Khushi, and he didn't know why but he wanted to hear.he heard Zoya exclaim again - " this is ridiculous Khushi, how will ever see you again....ohk fine, ill call you later, and we will talk..."

He saw her cut the call, and was about to go to his room, when he heard his di 's voice as she walked up to Zoya - " Zoya whats wrong?? all alright??"

Zoya groaned - " No di, nothing is, that was Khushi, my best friend, you know she was supposed to be back here, i mean to India by this week end but guess what, she's not coming..."

Anjali - " what do you mean, not coming?"

Zoya sighed - " I dont know if she is ever coming back..."

He heard his sister sigh - "you know what Zoya, for all that happened, i guess its for the best, if Khushi and chotte's path never crossed again..."

He herad Zoya sigh as she admitted - "maybe you are right Di,maybe it is for the best...ok goodnight di, ill see you in the morning..."

Arnav watched his sisters leave, and he didn't know why he stood frozen to the spot.Want it what he had wanted,to never see her again? then why did he feel as if some one had thrown a bucket of ice cold water on him.Why couldn't he get himself to move? Why did the thought of actually never seeing her again,affect him the way it was.

.........

Arnav paced around his room, impatiently.He was feeling restless,very restless.The last two days had been disturbing too, somehow he couldn't sleep well, and he was being harsh on himself for he didn't know what the hell was wrong with him.And right now, he was feeling even more restless, and impatient, and it had everything to do with the fact that he had eavesdropped over his sister's conversation with Khushi.

He didn't know, he felt his insides churn, and he he had to know what Zoya and Khushi had spoken about,and so as much as his mind told him not to, his legs on their own made their way to Zoya's room.

.........

Zoya listened to music, waiting for her brother to come.If she knew him well, he would surely come.And it was right then she saw him enter her room, and she hid her smile, and plucked out her earphones and asked with a serious tone - " bhai, whats up? how was dinner with lavanya?"

Arnav - " Yeah, it was good, anyways, i wanted to talk about something.."

Zoya felt her insides jump in happiness, she knew he would ask about Khushi - " yeah what is it?"

Arnav - " Its about you obviously.You are starting work tonorrow, aren't you? iv got your cabin ready at AR.Infact tomorrow, once you are there, I will talk you through everything that i am handing you over, is that ok with you?"

Zoya groaned, so this was what it was about work.She hid her disappointment as she said - " yeah, bhai for sure, just ill be a little late tomorrow, maybe by 10 ill be there, i just have something to do before", she finished.(She had to make sure she met Asad at the airport first, he would land at 830 am)

Arnav nodded - " Fine, no issues, ill see you there...", and he started walking out.

Zoya felt so disappointed,her plan had failed, but it was right then she saw him turn as he stated in a curt voice - " And Zoya, just in case , that friend of your's is back here, i just want you to tell her to keep out of my way, she better not show me her face..."

Zoya hid her grin, what would she do about him, he was so so arrogant.She stated in a normal tone - " oh about that, yeah you dont need to worry anymore..."

Arnav turned and watched his sisters expression as he stated - " of course it is, i dont wish to see her..."

"And see her, you won't...probably ever...", Zoya chipped in.

Arnav didn't want to ask, but the words left his mouth before he could control them - " what do you mean, Zoya?"

Zoya stated blatently - " well i guess its good news for you, she's not coming back to India, not now, maybe not even for the next six months, or a year, maybe even ever..."

Arnav - " thats good..."

Zoya - " Yeah ofcourse it is, intact now that you brought her up, when i spoke to her today on the phone, she sounded so different, she's decided to move on too, you kno from whatever happened,and i totally understand and support her, because hey you rejected her, how much rejection can a girl take, so im happy she's decided to travel around for a while, then work on her own in London, meet new people, i think its for the best..."

She saw her brother flinch.It was working , he really cared still, but he was an excellent actor, as he said curtly - " Yeah its for the best.."

Zoya was somewhat enjoying it, and she stated further - " good, im glad we are all past this, me, you and her, finally and just so you know, you both are now on the same page now, you asked me to never talk about her in front of you, and she asked me to not even mention your name in front of her, which is good, i think i can handle that...", she finished now greatly enjoying the misery in her brother's eyes.If this was the only way she had to adopt, then she would.

She thought she almost heard hurt in his voice as he asked - " she said that?"

Zoya - " ofcourse, what else did you expect?anyways bhai, please shut the door as you leave, goodnight...", and with that she walked to her bathroom, and she hid and watched her stunned brother leave her room.

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

Arnav entered his room, and immediately rushed to the poolside, he felt angry, very angry, he was furious over what he had just heard.He kicked the table in front of him,and sat on his recliner, with his hand in his hair, why was he hurting? His eyes fell on the scar, on his hand, when he had injured himself before he had left. His mind immediately went back, to how tenderly Khushi had tended to his wound, even when he had been so cruel to her.She had told him, she loved him.He immediately opened his eyes, and instructed himself to not think of her.

But he did, again and again.

He could only think of her.

He opened his phone to browse the few pictures he still had of them,as much as his mind told him to delete them, he couldn't get himself too.

Wrath filled him, as he saw them.The look on her face, she was a brilliant actor, she never loved him, he was sure she never did.

He'd wanted this, never to see her again to forget her, to move on, but he felt his heart question if she really did love him, or else how could she move on, so soon? How could she ask Zoya to never mention his name to her? How could she just forget everything, and how could she never be coming back, how could she snatch the opportunity of seeing him again?

He was furious, because he was in a conflict of emotions, and also in a conflict of his mind.

He had never felt so miserable in his Life.And ironically, this was the first time in his life, he wanted and didn't want something at the same time.The something being - Khushi Ahemed Khan.

...........

London - 500 PM - Heathrow International Airport

Khushi hugged her brother, as she said - " dont worry bhai, i will be alright, call as you land, ok!! And i will update you on my travel plans, me and riya will leave after Aadi leaves tomorrow"

Asad kissed his sister's forehead - " yeah, do that, and about that Khushi, you know you did the right thing with aditya, im proud of you...you are not so little anymore..."

Khushi grinned - "oh bhaijaan, for you i always will be, and thank you, now cmon go, or you will get late, hurry, go and catch the flight that will take you to the love of your life..."

Asad grinned - " Yeah sure...i dont know when will i see her though.."

KHushi assured him - " She will , dont worry, she will sneak out if she has too, but im sure she will come to see you, no matter what..."

Asad smiled - " I just hope so..."

Khushi smiled - " Bhaijaan, never give up on this belief you have in each other. Never give up on your love.You are lucky, to have th one you love, love you back..."

Asad - " again, you are being all cryptic, Khushi...."

Khushi rolled her eyes - " Oh cmon, its just a metaphor, got nothing to do with me, alright...now go...."

Asad hugged her, one last time as he said - " alright fine, you have fun ok.love you Khushi..."

Khushi - " Love you too Bhaijaan...",and she saw him walk into the terminal.

Khushi made her way out , and she felt slight shiver, it was not cold, but the wind was there.She decided to get herself some Hot Chocolate.She spotted, Starbucks, and she made her way in, and She waited patiently for her order.

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

Arhaan Khan, had just landed in from Germany, and he was exhausted, he saw his chauffeur put his luggage in, and he waited for him to sit in.

Arhaan - " hey , just wait, ill get some water, i dont see any in the car..you wait right here..."

And he spotted Starbucks and walked in.

And it was right then, he bumped into someone, and before he knew it he had hot chocolate spilled all over him.For a second he was mad, and was about to yell, but the minute he heard the girl in front of him rant an immediate apology, he was taken aback, because he had just bumped into someone very very beautiful.

........

Khushi felt like an idiot, where was she looking.She quickly said - " Im so so sorry, i didn't know where was I looking, why dont you come in, ill help you clean up..."

She saw him nod, as he got in, and she immediately sat on the chair opposite and grabbed some napkins from the table and gave him, and tried to help him clean up. She started to get up, to get more tissues, when she hit her knee on the table, from her injured leg and she exclaimed - " ouch and she sat back immediately...rubbing her knee..."

Arhaan saw the girl hurt herself and he asked instantly - " hey, you alright?"

"Yeah, was in an accident last week, hit the same knee...but should be fine, anyways im sorry, for the spill, i think ill go now..."and she got up.

Arhaan watched the girl limp a little and he got up - "hey, why don't you let me help you to the taxi stand..."

Khushi shot him a confused look - " no thats very kind of you, but ill be fine..." but her leg hurt, and she knew it was on her face.

Khushi gave him a small smile - " maybe i will need your help", and he smiled, she held on to his hand, as he helped her walk.

.....

Arhaan watched this beautiful girl, from the corner of his eye, in silence as he helped her walk.They reached the stand, but there wasn't any taxi there.He signalled his chauffeur to bring in his car, as he said - " Look you are hurt, i dont think you should wait for the taxi...let me drop you off..."

He looked at her fluster as she said - " No, no i possibly cant , ill wait, but thank you..."

Arhaan insisted - " Look its a busy day, who knows how long will you have to wait..."

He saw he nod, and he smiled and he helped her get into his car, and then he got in himself from the other side.

he asked smilingly - " so where are we off too??"

He heard her give her address to the chauffeur, but he couldn't get his eyes off her face, and he smiled as he offered his hand for a shake - " Hi, my name is Arhaan"

He saw her smile as she shook his hand, and replied - " Hi arhaan, im khushi..."

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

IGI - 830 am

Asad walked out into the arrival terminal, and he checked his phone again, to see if Zoya had called or messaged.He scanned the group of people, standing with placards, some ready to receive strangers, and some waiting to receive their loved ones.He only wished, if the one he loved, had been there too.But he nudged the thought aside, of course it was not possible, it was way too early in the day, and Zoya obviously couldn't come, what excuse would she make.

It was right then his phone rang, and he picked it up, and listened to his driver tell him where he had parked the car.He made his way towards it.

As he reached his car, he couldn't spot his driver, but the lights were on, and he checked the drivers door, it was open, he made a note to scold his driver for leaving the car open.He called him and he heard him say - "woh bhaiya, i just came to have tea, shall i, ok ill come..."

Asad - " no issues, its ok, ill wait in the car ok, but why did you leave the car open?

"Woh bhaiya, thats because..."

"whatever,ok leave it..."

He shoved his phone in his pocket, then kept his luggage in the boot and opened the door to the backseat and sat inside , and the minute he sat, he heard her voice -"Mr.Khan,welcome back..."

.....

Zoya had been so excited, as she waited in his car in the backseat, it hadn't been easy to trick his driver into leaving.She was glad, he bought the story of how she was Khushi's friend, and khushi had sent something for her, with her brother, and she was waiting to get it.She made a note to thank Khushi, for her help on this.She spotted him talk on the phone, and she smiled, he was scolding his driver she thought, she ducked down, so he wouldn't see her yet.She felt so excited, as she waited for him to finally get in, she had never surprised anyone like this.

It was right then she saw him open the door, he wasn't paying attention, and she waited until he sat, and she finally spoke - " Mr.Khan, welcome back...."

He was stunned,was an understatement, the look on his face, Zoya knew she wouldn't even exchange it for a million dollars, as she said smilingly - " what you look you seen a ghost? oh god, and i thought i would surprise you...", but she couldn't complete her sentence as she was pulled into a crushing hug, as she heard him say - " Zoya, its you, its really you...".She hugged him back, and then finally broke away and kissed him tenderly on his cheek - " yes its me, Asad..."

Asad couldn't have been happier , he kept his forehead on hers as he whispered - " the best surprise ever, i didn't know how long id have to wait to see you, but how did you??"

Zoya grinned - " well, i have some tricks up my sleeve, also i had help from Khushi....", and she hugged him again.

Asad kissed her on her neck softly and held on to her, hed missed her so much.

Zoya realised that his driver would be back any minute so she said, breaking the hug - " ok so now, i need to go, ok , your driver will be back..."

Asad held her hand - " but, wait, don't go, just yet..."

Zoya smiled at him ,and cupped his face - " i know, i missed you so much too, but you know, i have to, my car is parked right there, ill see you later..."

Asad nodded.He kissed her hand tenderly as he said - " thank you, Zoya, for this wonderful surprise..."

Zoya - " oh cmon on , you know i couldn't wait myself...anyways so ill call you ok, we probably have to sneak around and meet in hiding , you know the given circumstances..."

Asad sighed - " yeah, the circumstances..."

Zoya looked back to see his driver from afar making his way to the car , she said hurriedly - " hes here, gota go now, i love you Asad", she gave him a small peck on his lips, and opened the door to leave, but right then she felt him catch her hand, kiss it as he whispered - " I love you too..."

She finally shut the door behind and walked towards her car, she had never felt so happy.Asad was back.

Asad saw his driver get in, and he tried to control his smile and straighten his face ,as he leaned back and closed his eyes, he was irrevocably in love with Zoya Singh raizada, and he couldn't help, but fall deeper day by day.

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

Destiny smiled as she stated - " some people need to be messed around with, you know, only then do they see what we want them to see...."

Fate grinned - " oh yeah, thats true, that was just a small dose of the sadistic pleasure, I want more, I know, i will get it...", he winked.

Destiny - " also, i want Asad to see something he's been blind too, all these years, and perhaps this is the only way..."

Fate nodded - " Yeah, i know what you mean, to reach the point, iv decided for them, you written it down just perfectly..."

Love fiddled with all the books on her table, as she whispered - " hmmm, have you guys seen my diary, theres something i wish too write about..."

Right then hate stomped towards her, and banged his fist on the table, startling everyone , as love spoke - " whats wrong with you? Calm down, will you?"

Hate controlled his temper as he said - " what the hell? you want me to calm down?? you always do this, you just always do this, you and your sneaky ways, let me tell you, i am not going to let you get away with this easily..."

Love smiled - " then don't...."

Fate intervened - " hey buddy, i think you need to relax..."

hate glared at fate - " relax my foot...im warning the three of you, i will find a way out..."

Destiny - " we know you will", and hate started to stomp out.

Right then Fate looked at Love, and the smile on her face, hinted something too, and so he challenged hate , as he said - " and we will fight you, Game on, my friend..."

Love grinned - " Oh yeah,big time..."

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