Chapter 47 – Giving In

I am pretty much sure that we all have been in a situation in our lives that has led to a strong conflict in between our minds and hearts because mostly these two organs end up being on the opposite side, giving us a lot of inner frustration and conflict to deal with.

What do we do??

Do we listen to the mind which convinces us with clean logic??

Or do we listen to the heart which clean bowls us with raw emotion??

There are times, when we give in to the mind, and there are times we give in to our hearts, and then there are those times that lie in between the sphere, when somehow because of some unknown blessing - our minds and hearts operate in sync and believe me if you have been able to maintain that balance in the middle, consider yourself extremely blessed and lucky, and appreciate the blessing that has been bestowed upon you.

And sometimes, you got to trust your Instincts- that Sometimes, it's right to revolt against the Heart. And sometimes, it just isn't.

You must accept, when the time comes, that sometimes, it really isn't about going on and on with a conflict, because those are also the times, when it really is all about Giving In.

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

3 AM

Zoya woke up to freshen up, and then she made her way back to her bed and she lied down again and closed her eyes, and Asad's face came revolving back in front of her eyes, and everything that had happened earlier in the day came back to haunt her, as his words off pure emotion came back to her head –

""one slap isn't enough Zoya, you should have slapped me when I asked you to sign those annulment papers, you should have slapped me when I let you leave, you should have slapped me when I fell for the façade you put up, you should have slapped me when I couldn't see behind the mask you put in front of me, slap me Zoya, for letting you down, for letting our love down..."

" I have no clue in how many ways have I let you down Zoya, but I must have surely, for I could make you feel no comfort at all, for your mind won and let you belittle our love in the worst possible way...you couldn't trust me maybe because I didn't make you feel you could, I shouldn't have let you leave, I should have seen long ago that this wasn't about forgiveness, you forgave me long ago didn't you for the annulment and everything else too...am I right Zoya??"

"I did before, and it was the biggest blunder of my life, even a bigger blunder than the annulment, but I will never let you go again..."

" shhh, youv spoken enough, and now I need you to listen to me, I told you even before you left, that you wont be able to get rid off anything, off the marks of love and pain, you wont be able to let go, just like I haven't been able too, all I need is you Zoya, all I ever needed was you, and all you need is me...it's a simple truth, the sooner you accept it the better...."

"I love you Zoya, our destiny lies together, our lives joint with each other, and even though you ran away miles apart, I am sure, you found the shadows and marks of the love that used to be..because I did too..honestly you might think im crazy but to tell you the truth, this distance only heightened what I felt for you, because I realized how much I need you in my life, and only you..and iv held you close to myself in m y heart Zoya, I have never let you go..and just when look at you today, and just seeing you in front of me today is like a blast of fresh air that I very much needed to breathe, and im even more sure that even though you changed our paths, you couldn't really change our destination which was meant to be, you cant blame me Zoya, for seeing you , feeling you in my being wherever I went, the shadow of the marks you left with me off your love run so deep that I couldn't really run away, and I never wanted too, you have no idea Zoya how I have been suffering without you, every minute, every second, every hour , a little bit more every day, the hollow ache in my heart would never go away even for a second, and its funny though, one look at you today, has finally got my heartbeats to start beating sanely...."

She kept a hand over her heart, as her heartbeats fastened, she couldn't really deny that truth too – that she literally had come back to life with his one touch, just by having in front of her, made her heart beat with happiness, the happiness that she had forbid herself to feel.She wiped the tears, that came in her eyes, as she closed them – If only he knew how to forgive herself, and rediscover herself, she could probably give him what he wanted, the Zoya he fell in love with stood lost,and she couldn't really find herself no matter how hard she tried.

And right then Khushi and her brothers words came ack to her – could all of this be happening, because she was so miserable inside being away from Asad, what if Asad was the answer to everything, what if it was Asad that she needed, that she needed him for real to go on and fight this adversity, could it really be true??

She closed her eyes again, and she finally lifted that huge vault she had placed in front of her emotions and right then in the next second, those zillion emotions started to overflow, those overwhelming emotions that she couldn't really hide inside of her longer, because she would burst otherwise, that volcano of hidden love and emotions had finally erupted.

She had walked away leaving their tale incomplete, when all her heart wanted was to make her see the fact that it desperately wanted to re-write their story again, to give them both a fresh start.

She had given herself so much pain, that she had really withered in the process, and she had also punished Asad in the worst possible way, he had been in right, in pointing that it really was sad the us in their refrence had broken down into the me and you.

And she couldn't really deny it longer that the only solution to this onslaught of pain was giving in to love, surrendering herself to Asad again, was this a chance that she was meant to take?? Maybe yes, maybe it really was the time to stop fighting this battle alone, and give in to Love, and trust the fact that the love will guide her to light, just like it had helped Asad fight out darkness when the truth about her identity had come to light and he had forgiven her.

She couldn't really deny the fact to her, that even though she had walked away, leaving nothing in between of them, her heart had not even once been in sync with her mind, although she couldn't understand why it chose to revolt against her mind, and pine everyday for him and hope to see him again, be with him again.

She felt fresh tears ooze out her eyes, as she felt exhaustion like she had never felt before.This conflict had drained everything out of her.

Asads words rang in her ears again – " aren't you tired?? Tired of putting up this mask?? Im asking because im exhausted by just watching you do so, so I can only imagine how taxing it must be both emotionally and physically to hold onto such misery inside, and I know so because clearly your efforts don't match your progress, I want to know why are you punishing yourself like this, aren't you exhausted of the banishment you have sentenced us both with..."

Could she really tell him that she wasn't just exhausted, she was drained off everything she had inside of her, and that her inner pride was making her hate the fact that being away from him was killing her so much, and that she had been hell bent upon not listening to heart to prove that she could go on without him.

Right then she felt her inner voice ask her – Whats there to prove and to whom??

Couldn't she just give in, and surrender herself to Asad handing him herself and her heart with the faith that he could fix her, just like he had come to her again, with his heart in his hands, ready to surrender himself to her again, despite the pain she had put him through all this while.

How could he love her like this??

A rush of emotion and love rushed through her heart as it made her recall all the memories of the happiness Asad had brought in her life, and she literally felt herself lighting up again, as she felt smile curve up her lips again, and wiped her tears as she realized, that really was the time to give in and take the leap of faith again, just maybe, it could fix her in the way she hadn't been able to fix herself until now.

She immediately got up out of bed, and she picked up her phone , it was 4am, and she needed to see Asad now, she had already spent too much time away from him, and now she couldn't wait for the sun to rise, and she knew that Arnav and Khushi would know where he would be, but she didn't want to disturb them from their alone time, because she knew that maybe very soon Asad would be all around, and they wouldn't get time until they revealed the truth to him, so she contemplated over what she could do.She quickly picked up her phone and called Abir and after a few rings she heard his sleepy voice at the other end as he spoke – " seriously I know I said, im your 3am friend, but really Zoya..?? I was having a wonderful dream ...This better be important ok?"

Zoya smiled to herself, this stupid friend of hers could even crack her up in his sleep as she spoke – " you should be happy that I haven't disowned you for breaking my secret out to everyone ok..."

She heard his worried voice on the other end – " you aren't going to sentence me to banishment too?? Or are you??? God Zoya, I just wanted to do it for your good, I could see that you were killing yourself, I couldn't see it longer..."

Zoya smiled as she spoke softly – " thank you...", and she heard his surprised voice at the other end as he asked – " what does that mean?? You aren't mad??"

Zoya – " I was, but not anymore, im sure you know where Asad is right now, am I right??"

Abir – " ofcourse Zoya, I know.."

Zoya – " would you take me to him right now??please??"

She was sure she heard a smile in her friends voice as he said – " ill be there in ten minutes, and im sure Asad wouldn't mind you suprising the daylights out of his mind, or maybe I should say dawn, since its almost time for the sun rise..."

Zoya smiled – " shut up ok, now don't waste time talking, come fast, I cant wait longer.."

Abir – " about time don't you think, Miss raizada??"

Zoya smiled – " About time, it is...",and with that she hung up as she made her way to quickly change into her tracksuit,and she quickly wrote a short note for her brother and khushi and stuck it to the dining table, and waited impatiently for Abir to arrive.

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

4.30 AM

Abir tried to grin in between is Yawn as he walked into the lobby as he asked Zoya – " what do you think?? Would Yana freak out if she saw me waiting here in the reception here, for breakfast??"

Zoya whacked his arm – " seriously, you are the only one who can think of such a thing, your insane..."

Abir raised his eyebrow – "really, look whose talking, aren't you the one who woke up at 4am so that you could wake up Asad, I mean its you who has run out of patience suddenly..."

Zoya rolled her eyes as they walked to the elevator – "Seriously stop it, im nervous, iv hurt him so much, what am I going to say to him Abir..."

Abir smiled as he gently brushed his friends arm – " just give in to your emotions Zoya,and tell the truth, im sure, everything will be alright..."

Zoya smiled as she touched his hand – " thank you Abir...",and she paused as she spoke lightly – " don't scare Yana by being a freak ok, go back home right now..ok??"

Abir grinned – " yes madame, ofcourse, don't you know, theres only one thing I love as much as I love Yana...and that is my sleep..."

Zoya laughed as the doors of the elevator closed – " ill see you in a while then...wish me luck..."

Abir smiled – " good luck my friend...",and the doors of the elevator closed, taking Zoya up,and he sighed in reelif as he started to make his way out, it warmed his heart to know that Zoya would finally be out of misery soon.

And he also had full hope, that his heart would also take that path soon, Yana Mehra had changed with time, she had grown up a lot in the last five years, she had become more mature, more practical, but one look in her eyes over dinner yesterday had told him something she was desperately trying to hide- that she hadn't yet learnt how to escape his charm.

Good for him,that he still had truckloads of charm to whisk her off her feet, again.

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

Zoya stepped out slowly, with the support of her crutch as the lift door opened, and she made her way through the small corridor towards Asads room, and with every step, her heartbeats fastened, and as she neared the door, she took a deep breathe as she instructed herself to not hold back any longer, and with that she knocked on the door, that would take her to the love of her life.

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

440 AM

Asad twisted in bed, as he picked up his phone from the side desk to check the time, was it morning already??

No it wasn't, it was nearing 445am, and maybe he had hallucinated the constant knocking on the door, and he was almost about to turn back to his sleep, because he had anyways got sleep around 2am, after being deep in thought about how to deal with Zoya, but right then those knocks on the door were back, and he groaned as he got off his bed, and made his way to the door, with the thought of giving whoever it was a good piece of his mind, for disturbing him from his sleep at a unsuitable time like this.

He brushed a hand through his hair lazily, and yawned as he opened the door as he spoke rubbing his eyes – "you gotta be insane...", but the remaining of the words froze in midair, as he registered in the sight of a very nervous Zoya standing in front of him.

Was it really Zoya?? Or was he dreaming again, and this was a part of his dream, he looked back towards his bed, and took two steps back,and then two steps in front to where he was earlier, he did really just walk from his bed to the door, it was too real to be a dream,and then he looked towards the door again, and she was still there standing with a nervous look on her face.

He took a step further as his sleep vanished and he asked softly – " is it really you?? Or iv just gone crazy, that my dreams end up seeming like a reality.."

.........

Zoya looked at him nervously as she asked softly – " may I come in??"

Asad nodded as he held the door until she walked in and he shut the door swiftly, and leaned back against it, as he looked at her, as she had turned to face him, standing just two steps away from him and he heard her speak – " you are right, I am insane to disturb you like this at this hour, but..."

Asad asked softly – " but what?? If you are here at this hour, and you' v come yourself to see me, then it must be really important.."

Zoya nodded slowly – " it is.."

Asad nodded – "cmon then have a seat..and tell me what is it??does this have something to do with Khushi???", he asked thinking only something of crucial importance related to his sister could bring Zoya to his door at this hour, and he asked softly – " has she met someone??"

Zoya looked at the ground as she spoke softly , gathering all her guts – " no this isn't about Khushi, and no, I will not take a seat.."

Asad shrugged, as he brushed a hand through his hair to get them in place, they really were messy from the sleep and he answered – " ohk....whatever pleases you, if you want to stand and talk then ok, I just want you to be comfortable..."

Zoya took a deep breathe as she stepped forward towards him a little, she could feel his confused eyes on her and just as she reached him, she looked into his eyes as she spoke softly , stopping his hand midair before he could set his hair again – " don't...",and his confused eyes met hers again as she spoke softly – " I don't know if you remember, but I kind off like them a lot when they are messy..",and she paused for a second as she continued – " your hair...", and with that she pulled her hand away, and she took a step closer towards him as she spoke with tears in her eyes to a shocked him – " I am here at this hour, because its very important...you see I couldn't wait longer..", and she paused as she saw a various flow of emotions swim in his eyes due to her closeness and she asked – " will you hold me please?? Iv spent too much time being away from you, dying bit by bit each moment, each second, each minute, each day a little bit more, it seems that iv been through an eternity of pain Asad...hold me will you please?? Only your embrace can ease the pain iv put myself through..", and just as she had finished, she felt herself being pulled into a crushing hug by him as she hugged him hard, and tears flew down her eyes as she sobbed – " I love you, I love you so so so much...",and she continued sobbing as she spoke in between - " im sorry, im so so sorry...."

Asad closed his eyes as he hugged her hard and gush of relief and happiness passed through his whole being, something he hadn't expected to happen for a long time, and just as those words that he had been dying to hear fell on his ears, he thought he'd die right now of happiness, and he felt his own eyes tear up, as he hugged her closer into him, and let her cry her heart out, he picked her in his arms as he walked to the sofa, and placed her on his lap, placing her crutch aside, as they hugged again and she continued weeping into his arms, holding onto his chest.

No words were needed at the moment as they embraced each other, and Asad let his own tears make their way down, as they both vented out the pain they had been through, no words were needed as they both wept out the anguish their hearts had been through all this while.

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

30 Minutes Later

Zoya still sat cradled in Asad's lap with his arms around her as she heard him ask for the tenth time in the last five minutes – " are you sure you don't want some water?? You' v been crying non stop Zoya.."

Zoya wiped her tears as she finally looked up into his eyes as she spoke – " no I don't, I don't want us to move, until im done speaking what I want to Asad, don't stop me please, or I fear I may not be able to speak what is very important for me to vent out and for you to listen...."

Asad sighed, as he hugged her again and he rubbed her arms as a gesture for her to continue and he heard her say – " I haven't yet figured it out Asad, I haven't yet figured out how to forgive myself, im so angry at myself deep down, its been eating me up, im angry for I didn't trust you or our love when I should have, instead I was hurling unforgiveable accusations at you, and then I am also angry at myself for being so careless behind the wheel, which got me into the accident that changed my life, we lost our baby, I ended up with this condition in my leg, and more so, im even angry at myself for pushing you away even when my heart asked me not too, im angry at myself for not being able to recover from this adversity, and im trying so hard Asad, you have no idea, but you know what maybe, its all a waste because I really am so miserable inside, the anger, the resentment towards myself, towards Life over why did this have to happen in the first place, has been ruling me so much so, that I feel lost, but even though I feel lost, I know that what I feel for you hasn't changed at all, or rather I should say the only thing that has remained constant is my love for you, which has only increased ten folds in our separation, but what do I do Asad?? Tell me...I just don't know what to do, and I don't have it in me to fight this misery inside, you and this condition , anymore, I just feel so drained and exhausted, I don't know what to do....", and she paused, sighing with a deep breathe, and she continued the next second – "all I know is that I want to give up on my pride, the pride which was making me think that I could go on without you, when I clearly cant, because iv been dying each day, and I want to give in to what I feel, maybe that can help me feel something, figure out a way on how to go about this..", she finished taking a deep breathe, waiting for him to say something.

Asad listened in silence, for it was very important for him to understand what had been going on in Zoya's mind, and right then she looked into his eyes, hoping for him to say something and he spoke softly – " go on, Zoya, take it all out..tell me everything that you thought that led you too this..i want to understand.."

Zoya nodded as she continued – " I know it was part pride at first, when I first made my decision, because you were right, I had spotted that guilt that sympathy in your eyes, I felt, what if you are wanting to make things right only because of that guilt and sympathy because your conscious feels that it needs to, and not because of love, or because you want to, and then ofcourse it was also that love that flames in my heart for you, I was a mess inside, I didn't know if I could ever walk on my feet again, which I still don't know, and I was very scared that id lash out on you, hurt you with my misery sooner or later Asad, and then ofcourse the most important factor, I know how much you dreamed of a family, your own children, and you know that I can probably never...I just thought you would be better off without me, that the pain you feel by breaking up, would be much better than the pain I could give you by being with you...",and she paused, as a string of fresh tears oozed out her eyes, and she felt him cup face gently as he brushed her tears aaway with his thumb and kissed her eyes and he spoke gently – " I wont be able to go on without you Zoya, what future are you talking about huh?? There really is nothing without you, im like a empty shell, breathing just because I have too..",and he hugged her close as he spoke softly – " there are no dreams if you aren't a part off it Zoya...", and he cupped her face slowly again making her look into his eyes as he asked – " you love me don't you??"

Zoya nodded in between her tears – " I love you Asad..now more than ever..."

Asad kissed her forehead – " good, because I love you too, are you ready to take that leap of faith again with me??"

Zoya – " I want to, but im afraid..."

Asad –" hsshhh, ok, no more fear about the future, lets talk about the present, if I ask you to just have faith in me that I will never ever let you hit the ground, when u fall, will you trust me Zoya?? Just like I am ready to trust us, trust you that you wont ever let me hit the ground, come what may.."

Zoya nodded gently – " I think so, I am...but...", and she wiped her tears – " stop me, if I try to run away again, ok??"

Asad – " I wont let you ever again, I will chain you to myself If I have too...",and he paused as he hugged her hard, pulling her close – " I will love you so much that you will have no option but to fight this adversity, that you will find that courage in you to want to become fine again, I will love you so much that you would want to come running on both your feet, into my arms, and you will, I am sure that day will come surely, and im also sure, that, that day isn't very far.."

Zoya asked in a skeptical tone – " how can you be so sure Asad, that the day isn't very far, from where I see it, it really is very far, infact I don't know if it will even come..."

Asad rolled his eyes as he held her chin and made her look at him – " where is the Zoya who would always make me look at the brighter side of things, where is my Zoya who would always tell me that light is never too far away, she is there inside off you my love, just let her resurface, just be yourself, set yourself free from thins baggage of guilt, just like I did, and you will see that you will a lot lighter, a lot sorted, ready to embrace who you really are..."

Zoya nodded slowly as she said – " I want too Asad, that's exactly what I want to do for now, but I don't know how to...will you help me...please??"

Asad gave her a small smile as he brushed his thumb over her cheek – " I thought you'd never ask...ofcourse I will, im always there for you my love, always...and honestly you could make me your punching bag every time you feel frustrated and I promise I wont complain, but only if you promise to make it up to me, by letting me love you later on..", he finished with a small wink.

Zoya smiled through her tears – " I promise...."

Asad wiped a small droplet off her eye as he spoke gently – " no more tears Zoya, please, and just so you know, your doctor, he strongly believes that you can be completely fine..."

Zoya nodded – " I know...he told me that, but sometimes I just feel maybe hes just being kind.."

Asad – " no, he is not just saying it, Abir told me, he really thinks you can recover, in no time if you put all of it into it, your mind, heart and soul..."

Zoya nodded – " until now, it was sonly my mind, not my heart and soul, but now if you are with me, maybe I can try.."

Asad smiled – " we can try and we will Zoya, I want to come with you today to the center to see him...if you are ok with it??"

Zoya gave him a small smile – " yes you can, but not today, as I had mentioned it to them yesterday that I would take a day off today, and also uncles out to Zurich for the day for some work, but first thing tomorrow, I promise..."

Asad hugged her again as he kissed her head gently – " you will fight this, and you will be ok..and for now, lets just say, you don't have to worry about anything more..."

Zoya – "But Asad, the..."

Asad put a finger to her lips – " shh now I know where your mind is taking you, the other issue, about you being able to conceive.."

Zoya nodded silently, as she looked down.

Asad held her chin and made her look at him again – " I told you before, that was a dream I saw with you, and that is a dream that I still see with you..."

Zoya – " but you know, the truth isn't hidden..the doctor's said, my uterus has weakned, may not be able to withhold a pregnancy.."

Asad nodded – " I know, but they also said that you are young and the chances are still there...and I want to believe in the latter, in the fact that our life, will give us another chance",and he paused to kiss her briefly on the side of her lips – " I will love you so much every day, every night, that you will start to believe that a miracle can happen..."

Zoya cupped his face gently as she asked, still unsure – " and what if it doesn't..."

Asad shrugged – " we will think about it then, but ok to answer that logic in your head, we will work things out Zoya, good for us, science has evolved so much that we can still have a family of our own, I mean just in case you aren't able to conceive, then we can also go in for IVF, have your egg fertilized with my sperm in the lab and then probably opt for a surrogacy...and there's nothing wrong in that, Zoya, worst case that's still a option that is open to us, it will still be our baby...and it will feel exactly the same in our hearts, its just the way you look at it..."

Zoya felt relief rush through her head, she had thought of this thought wildly in her head, but had always felt that Asad would never be open to such a thing, because it wouldn't be the same, but hearing this from him, was such a big relief, and she spoke now with a much more positive tone – "like you said, lets just hope it doesn't come to that,I honestly don't want to miss out on that feeling of having a life inside of me,but if it does happen, we will think about the other options......"

Asad sighed with relief – " thank god you agree, and now if you have anything else on your mind, please take it out , lets get it clear once and for all..."

Zoya spoke softly – " just one more thing.."

Asad – " what..."

Zoya – " I just want you to hold me tight, I just want to let myself feel that this is real, iv spent too much time away from you, in misery and in too much pain...in ways holding onto my stupid pride, when I should have listened to my heart..because now that I have given up on everything my mind was fighting for, I know it's the best thing iv done in the longest time, because I have you now...",and she saw raw emotions swim in his eyes, as he closed the remaining distance in between their lips, as he kissed her mindlessly, pouring out every emotion he felt, making new promises, and she found herself responding with equal passion, equal urgency poring out everything she wanted to , into him and she broke apart many minutes later, as she kept her forehead over his as she whispered – "im sorry...once again..."

Asad cradled her in his arms as he got up, picking her up and placed her on the bed and lied down next to her, and he held her hand gently as she turned to one side, and he hugged her from behind, placing his hand on her waist ,and he kissed her shoulder gently – " you don't have to be sorry, Zoya, please...I understand, now I completely understand",and with that he pointed towards the ray of light which was peeking in through the blinds of the window as he said – " look, the sun has finally risen..."

Zoya smiled as she realized the deep meaning in his words, and she snuggled into him tighter as she spoke kissing his hand gently – " and with that the realization that I should have done this long ago,I should have given up on this pain, this misery , this pride, but its ok, maybe it was important for me to go through this to realize that no matter how far you may have walked on the wrong path, it is never too late to make a U-Turn, thank you Asad , for still waiting for me.."

Asad hugged her tighter into himself as he spoke – " I promised myself that I would hold on, that you would find me exactly on that bend in the road, you left me at..."

Zoya turned towards him to face him ,as she spoke softly – " I wasn't being fair, how mean off me to make you wait this long.."

Asad held her hand over his face as he kissed it gently – " I could have waited forever..."

Zoya whisperd looking into his eyes – " why do we love each other like this, in this way that's crazy and insane.."

Asad smiled – " I don't find to find out why, I just know that its exactly what I will ever need in my life...", and with that he pulled her into a crushing hug,as he spoke gently brushing her hair – " sleep my love, we v spent a lot of time, being awake in each other memories, its time we got some sleep...",and she tightened her hold on him as she spoke – " hold me tight asad, as I sleep, and never let go..."

Asad pulled her closer into him, as he promised with his mind, heart and soul – " I won't Zoya, I wont ever let go..."

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

11.00 AM

Khushi twisted in bed , and sleepily picked up her phone from the sidetable as she opened her one eye to see the time, and the minute the time registered in her head, she literally jumped up in bed, whacking the quilt off both herself and Arnav and in reaction Arnav groaned in his sleep as he spoke, reaching out with his arm – " Khushi, are you crazy, cant you see its still dark, come back, lets sleep..."

Khushi groaned as she got on her knees immediately as she spoke accusingly – " it is dark, because of the blackout blinds Arnav, its 11 am, I cant believe I didn't wake up earlier, and weren't you supposed to be waking me up at dawn???"

Arnav propped on his elbow sleepily as he picked up his phone from the sidetable and he yawned – " don't blame me Khushi, we only slept at dawn, it would be unfair if we hadn't slept in this late, and to think off it, we haven't slept in this late for the longest time, and im on a holiday my love...",and with that he dropped back on the pillow with a thump.

Khushi went forward on her knees,as she threw a small pillow at his face, which he dodged with his arm as she glared at him – " and whose fault is it that we slept in the wee hours off the morning huh??"

Arnav smirked – " well yours clearly...who told you to be so irresistable"

Khushi opened her mouth as she placed a hand over it – " hawww, how shameless of you, its you who..who...who....",and she fumbled as the memories of another passionate night spent in his arms came back to her head ,and she felt herself blush as he pulled her down next to him in a swish as he brushed her nose tenderly – " that blush up your cheek, still makes your nose red..."

Khushi rolled her eyes, as she spoke – " look at the face, those eyes, how can I even be mad at you...god help me...",and she swiftly made her way out of his grip as she got out of bed – " im going to quickly check up on Zoya...",and with that she quickly put on her long sweatshirt,and made her way out the room, down the stairs.

Arnav quickly made his way to the washroom, and freshened up, and whilst he finished brushing and washing his face he looked at his reflection in the mirror, and he grinned again, he had never felt happier, ever, and he couldn't really stop grinning.He quickly made his way down a few minutes later as he browsed through his phone – "Asad, hasn't called or messaged, so lets just hope he slept in late too..."

Khushi looked up from the island table as she walked up with a note in her hand – " im hoping he did, because the surprise he would have received in the middle of the night, would have surely made all his sleep vanish..."

Arnav asked – " what do you mean??", and Khushi gestured him to read the note, which he now took in his hand and started to read.

It was from Zoya.

- Bhai, Khushi, I know its 4am and its going to sound crazy, but I need to see Asad now, I cant wait longer, have spent too much time being away from him.I don't have the heart to disturb my favourite lovebirds which is the two of you, so I have called Abir, he is taking me to Asad right now.I am hoping to sort things out.Wish me luck. -

Arnav smiled as he kept the note on the table as he now pulled Khushi in his arms as he sat on the stool,and made Khushi stand in between his legs as he askes softly – " she isn't here yet, and nor is Asad, what do you think happened??"

Khushi smiled as she felt relief wash over her being – "well, Im sure bhaijaan and Zoya are having the best sleep of their lives right now, finally being at peace in each others arms..."

Arnav smiled – "And that makes me a happy brother, although I wouldn't want to imagine the scene you just spoke about...", he finished with a a small wink, and he pulled her closer as he spoke – " it's a bummer you woke us up you know, I had different plans for this morning, which you definetly ruined...but to think off it, we can still make up for the lost time, what say huh??"

Khushi nodded as she smiled and got out of his grip – " no ways Arnav Singh Raizada, you are staying away from me, you aren't allowed to touch me right now ok??"

Arnav raised a eyebrow – " really?? Is that a challenge??"

Khushi rolled her eyes – " maybe, but look its better if I get ready soon , what if bhaijaan and Zoya come.."

Arnav smiled – "im only teasing you, my love, I understand ok, infact ill get ready too..",and he winked as he asked – " you wouldn't mind me joining you in the shower, now do you, we would save so much time.."

Khushi whacked his arm – " you are becoming shameless day by day, and no, I am using the other washroom in Zoya's room for now..",and she put her hands on his back as she pushed him up the stairs – 'and you are using the other one ok...now come on, go get ready fast, im hungryyyy, ill make us some breakfast after..."

Arnav groaned as he walked up the stairs and he turned around as he said – " promise you will make up for this later then..??"

Khushi grinned as she walked into Zoya's room – " I promise you I definitely will, my love..."

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

30 Minutes Later

Khushi smiled to herself as she made her way out the room , humming her favourite tune and she saw Arnav turn around from the kitchen counter as he grinned – " hey , you, you are late..."

Khushi grinned as she asked walking upto him, giving him a back hug – "you are early, whats with you today huh??"

Arnav grinned – " im just basking in the happiness of your love, my love..",and he picked up two cups as he placed them on the island table – " your tea is waiting...",and he picked up his cup off coffee and sipped it quickly as he spoke – " two minutes,and our breakfast will be ready too.."

Khushi smiled as she sat across off him and picked up her tea – " I love that you are spoiling me, and I would never complain...", and she watched him make them omlettes.

3 Minutes later, he placed two plates of omellete on the table, one in front of her and one in front of himself as he sat on the stool and he asked – " did you have a word with Abir??"

Khushi – " yea, and hes taken Yana out for brunch.."

Arnav – "well looks like its working out for everyone , am sure Asad and Zoya are sorted, and hopefully things should work for Abir too, hes been a good support for Zoya, would only wish him well..."

Khushi nodded as she spoke – " I agree, would only wish the best for the two of them too..",and she paused as she asked – "is it ok if we don't go out anywhere today, maybe we could just stay in..."

Arnav winked – " do you want to make up for this morning already?? Sure im in.."

Khushi – " very funny , ok, no I want us to just be with each other. Watch a movie maybe.."

Arnav grinned – " whatever you want, my love, I don't guarantee watching the screen though, might just be watching you instead.."

Khushi grinned as spoke – " god I love you.."

....

Two Hours Later

Khushi switched off the TV and she looked at him – "you gotta be kidding me, you didn't watch the movie at all...",he had spent half the time, playing with her hands, her hair, and then looking at her, and then remaining off the time distracting her by placing soft kissed on her shoulder blade, or neckline.

Arnav pulled her closer by the arm – " I told you, I find you more captivating..."

Khushi turned to finally face him – " oh reallyyyy, "

Arnav nodded – " iv changed you know, nowdays I only say what I really mean..."

Khushi grinned - " which is a good thing...",and she picked up her phone as she said – " im just going to call bhaijaan.."

Arnav groaned as he pulled her and made her sit on his lap as he threw her phone aside – " haven't you heard, you get a lot of bad luck if you disturb a couple who has kind of just reunited after forever...let them be na...you just concentrate on me for now, and as it is when Asad comes, you are going to push me away.."

Khushi wrapped her arms around his neck as she spoke softly – " no I will not, I mean I want us to talk to him, once we see them, I think the time is right..."

Arnav leaned back his head for a second on the sofa in relief – " oh thank god, Khushi...its about time..."

Khushi nodded – "about time, indeed...",and she kissed his cheek softly – " thank you for loving me the way you do.."

Arnav – "well what can I say, once iv surrendered and given in to this organ in the middle of the chest, life is like a dream, blissful and serene...",and he cupped her face gently – " thank you for being mine, Khushi...",and he spoke huskily – " you have no idea how badly iv wanted to kiss you for the last two hours.."

Khushi – " really? Then why didn't you??"

Arnav – " and have you break away and return your attention to your favourite Salman, no way, that would hurt my ego, Khushi..i was waiting for his time to run out, so that I can have mine..."

Khushi gaped in fake shock – " I cant believe you are so jealous of a Bollywood actor..."

Arnav smirked – " for the record,I will be jealous of anyone who manages to get your undivided attention Khushi...", and before she could say anything, he closed his lips over hers, as he kissed her mindlessly, over and over again,and she gripped his hair into a fist and started to kiss him with equal passion, he lost himself in the moment.

They both lost themselves so much in the heated moment, that their vibrating phones went unheard.

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

Zoya groaned inwardly as they neared her cottage, and she waited for Khushi or her brother to pick up their phones, she had been trying to call them so that to give them a heads up that she and Asad were on their way home.

Right then Asad picked out the phone from her hand as he spoke with a smile – "its ok ,im telling you, don't call, maybe shes occupied or isn't at home, has stepped out with Abir maybe..and im sure Arnav would be busy with work, answering emails, maybe that's why he isn't answering too... and anyway we have reached...",and with that he put Zoya's phone back her her small bag, and Zoya took a deep breathe as she gave him a small smile, but she silently prayed that Khushi and Arnav wouldn't be home right now.

Asad got off the car and immediately went around as he opened the door for Zoya as he asked – "give me the keys.."

Zoya nodded as she handed him the keys but she asked – " whats with you huh??", and before she knew it, he had lifted her in his arms, and Zoya gave him a small smile – " Asad, I can walk..."

Asad smiled – " I know, and let me tell you, im the one who is going to make you walk miles everyday so that you can practice and flex your muscles, but just for today, let me no please, I just want to let the feel warm my heart.."

Zoya nodded silently,as she let him carry to her door, and watched his sideface in silence, overwhelmed with the love which was now surfacing in her heart and she held onto his arm,as he put her down gently,and then held the door open to her, and she stepped inside, and came face to face with the sight of her brother and Khushi kissing on the living room sofa, and they both seemed completely lost into it, that they hadn't realized that the door had opened, she groaned inwardly, no wonder they couldn't hear their phones, but she had to do something, she couldn't really let Asad see this, and she kind off turned around immediately as she spoke trying to shut the door behind her – " Asad, I just changed my mind, lets go to this awesome place, that I want you to see..."

Asad looked at her confused,as he immediately opened the door she was trying to shut as he spoke – "We will surely, but didn't you say you wanted to freshen up and change, then why...",and with that he held open the door in the instant and stepped in, coming face to face with the sight of Arnav holding on to his sister , kissing her mindlessly,and he felt his brain freeze, as he realized that Khushi was a active participant too.

Zoya groaned as she saw Asad freeze in his tracks and she came to stand next to him, as she placed a hand on his arm as she spoke softly – " Asad..."

Asad – " you saw this too, and you didn't want me to see...",and he paused as he felt his anger boil as he spoke – " forgive me Zoya...",and with that he immediately made his way to the living room in three quick strides as he spoke sure his voice dripping in rage – " and to think I actually believed that you had changed...how dare you Arnav Singh Raizada??"

..........

Khushi felt her insides freeze, as the two of them immediately broke apart as they heard Asad's voice dripping in rage,and Khushi immediately pulled apart and jumped to her feet and she watched a very nervous Arnav get on his feet too as she spoke hurriedly – " Bhaijaan, I can explain....",and she was shaken by the rage on his face

Asad immediately placed a hand in midair as he spoke pointing to her – " you will stay out of it, Khushi...I warned you, I warned you off him before, I had sensed that something was up in your head, by that look in your eyes everytime you spoke off him, and I told you that he is with someone else, but clearly I was wrong, I had forgotten how these things are for him, everything is just a game...",and with that he held Arnav by his collar as he spoke – " how dare you Arnav, how dare you be kissing my sister, when you say that you are deeply in love with whoever youv been secretly dating for all these months, how dare you dammit....after all this while, you could have atleast spared my little sister from your playboy claws for the sake of our revived bond...how could you dammit, how could you do this to me...", he growled in fury as he spoke, looking at Khushi – " you will stay out if it understand, I will talk to you later, but for now you are forbidden to be anywhere around this man, until I have a word with him", and then he looked at Arnav – "and you, look at me, look at my face and answer me now..."

Arnav realized in that second the misunderstanding that was causing this rage, because Asad thought that he had been fooling around with Khushi, at the same time as claiming to be in love with someone,and he immeidtaely took a deep breathe, ok the cat was out of the bag, he looked at a nervous and scared Khushi, and a equally nervous Zoya, who now stood silently aside Khushi,and he gestured to them that he will handle this silently and he spoke curtly – " please take your hands off me Asad, and lets talk, I can explain..."

Zoya immediately spoke – " Asad, please, calm down, atleast listen.."

Khushi – " bhaijaan, please, it isn't his fault, bhaijaan, listen to me...."

Asad immediately let go of Arnav's collar as he turned around and he looked at his sister in shock as he asked – " are you just standing there and defending this playboy to my face Khushi, don't you realize that what you were doing was wrong, you were an active participant with him in cheating someone, he claims to love...",and he walked upto Khushi,as he looked at Zoya ,and handed her his hotel keycard from his pocket as he said – " call the cab Zoya, take Khushi out of here, whilst I speak to your brother..."

Zoya groaned as she looked at him – "Asad, please calm down..."

Arnav walked up from behind as he held Khushi's hand – " Khushi is not going anywhere Asad...lets be mature, and handle this calmly..."

Asad looked at Arnavs grip on Khushi's hand and he spoke in fury – " Zoya, ask your brother to take his hand off Khushi, now..."

Khushi immediately spoke – "bhaijaan you gotta relax, ok, sit down, have a glass of water and we can explain...please..."

Asad looked at the three of them in disbelief – " calm down, you want me to calm down, fine I will, once the two of you are out of here, and I have a word with this man..."

Arnav felt his own anger starting to boil now, as Asad mentioned sending Khushi away again and he could also understand the root of his anger and so it was time to clear things once and for all and since that was the only thing that could reach Asad's ears right now, he shouted it out – " I love Khushi, dammit...",and right then he saw Asad turn around as he asked – " what?? What did you just say??"

Arnav knew it was time to give in to the truth now and so he spoke taking a deep breathe – " Its her, Khushi, its always been her, shes the only one I have ever loved, the only one I have ever claimed to love, and the only one whom I will ever love, shes the one iv hurt in the past, she is the one iv messed up things royally with, she also the one who has given us the chance to start afresh, and she is also the one whom iv been with all this while, so I wasn't cheating on anyone whilst I was kissing her Asad, I was just caught up in a moment of love, im sorry you had to see it, but believe it or not, we were going to talk to you about it the minute we saw you..."

Khushi stepped in as she spoke – " he wanted to tell you so many times, but everytime I stopped him thinking it wasn't the right time bhaijaan, it isn't his fault...if you have to be this angry then it has to be at me, not him...please...."

Asad turned around as he looked at Khushi's nervous face as he asked too shocked, too stunned, had this really be going on all along under his very nose, and he looked at Zoya who had guilt in her eyes, and he realized ofcourse Zoya knew, long ago, she was probably a big part of it just like khushi was for them , but he really didn't have it in his heart to be angry at Zoya after all that they had been through and he turned to Khushi as he asked – " is it true Khushi??"

Khushi took a deep breathe as she looked at Arnav and exchanged that similar emotion – that it really was time to give in to the truth.

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

Fate looked at Misery as he handed her a glass of water – " I just had mine, cmon take it down, we need it..."

Destiny smiled – " about time, my friends, about time that the two lovebirds give in to it, in the open..."

Misery smiled, as she finished her water - " did you see, I almost fell from my seat at that last bit, it was highly entertaining..."

Fate grinned – " yup, that it was....", and he looked at a grumpy Hate at his desk as he said – " whats with him, hes being more grumpy than usual these days...which is strange, because he is usually grumpy when Love is around, and this time she isn't, so I wonder..."

Destiny rolled her eyes at him – " leave him alone, whats with you constantly wanting to meddle with him..."

Fate shrugged his shoulders playfully and winked – " I like it my friend...",and with that he walked towards Hate as he asked sitting on his desk – " whats with you being so grumpy this time around in loves absence, you used to quite enjoy it..."

Hate looked at him irritated – " and you, get off my desk and keep your nose out of my business...please..."

And right then Love walked in looking all refreshed, alluring and captivating in all her glory,and she spoke cheerfully – " im back....i hope I was missed...",and with that she quickly greeted everyone, everyone but Hate pissing the hell out of him.

And before settling on her desk, she took out some files from her bag as she said – " one can never really catch a break, I had to work on some quick cases whilst I was away, so I must file them in the storage...",and made her way to the storage room.

Hate saw that everybody else was engrossed in conversations, as Happiness entered in, and started to narrate a jofyul experience,and he followed Love, and entered into the storage room, as he closed the door behind and he saw Love look at him as she spoke casually – " hey, you, I was just leaving, you can access the files you need to, my work here is done for now...",and she started to walk out and right then Hate held her hand as he shoved Love back into the wall as he spoke caging her in between his arms – " well, lets just say im not done..."

Love looked at him confused – " what do you think you are doing huh??"

Hate – " about time, you quit playing games, Love, how about you give in to the truth..."

Love asked carelessly – " what truth are you talking about?? I have absolutely no idea.."

Hate pulled her by the hand closer into him, intimidating her as he spoke dangerously close into her ear – " the truth about, how you ran away because you were intimidated by what I make you feel, the truth about how much you missed me...",and he didn't let her break away as he spoke now leaning ininto her other ear – " or wait, let me just give in to a truth I discovered whilst you were away, about how I need you around me to exist in peace...",and he paused as he straightened and she finally looked into his eyes as she asked softly – "what do you mean??"

Hate took a deep breathe as he spoke – "don't you think its about time we spoke eye to eye about this strange string that has been tying us to each other,since the dawn of time??"

Love stood stunned, shocked and too overwhelmed to move or say anything, hadnt she left because she didn't like being left speechless by Hate or by the overwhelming emotions Hate made her feel, and here she was standing in his arms, overwhelmed and completely speechless, yet again.

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