Chapter 48 – HOME

HOME – One word that has a special place in all our hearts, no matter who we are, where we come from, that feeling of belongingness , that feeling off being yourself, is asscocitead very deeply with this place we call Home.But sometimes don't you wonder, can Home only be realted to a physical place made up of walls and bricks?? I don't really think so, and I totally agree with the thought that Home is where the Heart is.

We all do understand this simple emotion in our lives, at some point in time, that Home really is the place where your heart beats, where you can be yourself, where you are loved, where you know you will be understood.We all make a family for ourselves as we go, and im not just talking about the family we are born in, our friends become family, Our Love becomes Family too.And as long as your heart Beats with happiness with whoever you hold close, with whom you can be yourself, with people who love you, who you love - You really are Home, and it's a simple truth that no one really could disagree with in this whole wide world.

Home is Love

Home Is where your Family is.

Home is Where your Heart is

Home is where Your soul feels that sense of belongingness, even when you are Alone

And It could be in a thousand different forms and ways,

But the universal truth remains that

Home really is all about - Love

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

There's this amazing song, that's been dedicated to Home,and I totally agree with these lyrics of the song Home – by Gabrielle Alpin

" Cause they say Home is where your Heart is Set in Stone,

Is Where you go when your alone,

Is where you go to rest your bones.

Its not just where you lay your head,

Its not just where you make your bed,

As long as We are together, doesn't matter, where we go...HOME..HOME..HOME.."

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

Asad listened carefully, extremly carefully to everything his sister and Arnav were now telling him, infact he could easily say that he paid too much attention, to every minute detail that left their mouths, as they now opened up to him about their story, which had been brewing up right under his nose, that he couldn't believe that he had been clueless until now, maybe because even as he looked at Arnav-Khushi, he couldn't somehow put them together in one frame, they were as different as chalk and cheese, but then again, as he continued to hear in silence, his mind started brainstorming, and now things started coming back to his head, which started leading to this complete picture, things that were just like pieces of Arnav and Khushi's lives, but now it really started to fit in together to form this picture.He looked at Zoya's hand, which clutched his, as she sat next to him, and then at the two of them.The love clearly shone in their eyes, and as much as he didn't want to believe the fact, it stood bluntly in his face, that Arnav Singh Raizada, was irrovecobaly and passionately in love with his baby sister, the fact stood staring in his face, as Arnav's eyes and face refelcted every bit of his feeling, so much that he couldn't believe how he had been able to mask it all until now, and then he looked again at his sister, he could see the same intensity and love in her eyes too, and his mind conjured up a zillion thoughts as he tried to think staright about how to handle this matter further, and then he took a deep breathe as he let Khushi finish and he finally spoke – " Even as I look at the two of you now, its difficult for me to connect the two of you to bring you together into one frame, I mean how is this even possible, you both are as different as chalk and cheese..."

Khushi started to interupt – " bhaijaan..."

Asad held his hand in mid air stopping her – " you spoke your bit, let me speak mine..."

Khushi looked at Arnav nervously, and then at Zoya and they both gestured her to remain calm and she did as she heard her brother speak – " its strange, really strange how the two of you claim to love each other..."

Arnav took a deep breathe as he spoke softly – " I know its been a shock for you, but please think about this calmly Asad.."

Asad took a deep breathe as he nodded – "yes, ok, thats a reasonable point you make, Arnav...",and then he handed the hotel keycard to Zoya from his pocket as he spoke softly – " take Khushi out of here, I need to talk to Arnav..and I need to talk to him alone.."

Khushi immediately looked at her brother helplessly – "bhaijaan, please, don't do this, I love him, I love him so so so much.."

Asad got up as he held Khushi's hand – " iv heard you out, Iv heard you both out, now why don't you trust me on this?? I don't disapprove outright Khushi, but I cannot approve either, until I have a word with Arnav, alone, after what happened to you the last time, I promised myself that I would be very cautious when it came this, I just need to be assured as your big brother Khushi, trust me, I wont let anyone hurt you,and nor do I plan to hurt you by asking you to foget Arnav, I just want to understand things here, this equation that youv just told me about, and its also time that I have a talk with the man who wants my sister.."

Khushi nodded as she spoke softly – " don't be too harsh on him, please for my sake..."

Zoya took the key from Asad as she spoke softly – " promise me, you wont be too harsh on my brother, Asad...", and she hoped that he got the point she wanted to make, she was the sister of the man he wanted to scrutinize afterall.

Asad almost smiled at that, he coudlnt believe he was being looked at as a villain right now, but he controlled his emotion as he watched them Leave, and he also didn't miss the way Khushi looked back at Arnav's and their eyes locked with a excahnge of raw emotion and love,as Arnav gestured to Khushi , that he got this.

Zoya stepped out the door, and first thing out she hugged Khushi as she spoke – " I tried calling you both, but..."

Khushi gave her a reassuring nod – " but we were too lost in the moment Zoya it isnt your fault ok, it was time that things came to light anyway, but oh my god, I have never been more embarrassed, I cant believe bhaijaan saw us.."

Zoya hugged her from the side – " it will be ok, trust me, I guess he just needs time to process it through..."

Khushi nodded – " yeah, maybe..", and she continued – " I just hope he is not too harsh on him, I mean its kinda not good if your brother is a person who is fully aware of your lovers past...", and she took a deep breathe as she said – " I just hope he realises that those days are long gone..."

Zoya gave her a small smile as she spotted the Uber , and they both got in – " I am sure, and I am also sure that bhai will give your bhaijaan the assurance he needs...and I cant really blame Asad, after what happened the last time...just let him satisfy himself..."

Khushi leaned back in the car seat as she took a deep breathe and she said – " im sure it will be ok...",and she looked at Zoya as she asked – " amongst all this I forgot to ask, not that I cant see that it went well, but how did it go with bhaijaan??"

Zoya smiled – " it went well Khushi, finally poured my heart out, its better he knows about the things I had been thinking, and wev promised to start afresh and make things work..."

Khushi smiled – " thank god, I thought you would never come around, you crazy girl..."

Zoya nodded – " it finally feels like my hearts home, Khushi..."

Khushi clutched her hand – " ok why don't you tell me all about it over a cup off coffee, and some good snacks, I could use a huge distraction right now.."

Zoya grinned as she sidehugged Khushi – " oh don't worry, I know Asad well, he will come around..."

Khushi – " do you think they will be talking out calmly?? I just hope things done get heated.."

Zoya grinned – " im sure, Asad will behave calmly, Khushi.."

Khushi – " how are you sure??"

Zoya – "Well I did remind him before leaving, that the man in the circle of his scrutiny is my brother, afterall...so don't worry, he will be fair and square, he better be.."

Khushi smiled at that as she said – " I love you so much Zoya.."

Zoya grinned – " I know, I love you too..."

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

Asad raked his hand through his hair, as he stood looking out the window, with his back to the man, who was his long lost best friend with whom he had just united with recently, the family relations and friendship had been restored to what it had always been, this man was also the brother of the woman he loved with all his heart,he was all of that and in this very moment he was also the man he wanted to punch very hard,for he had hidden something of this magnitude from him all this while and had been with his baby sister all this while, under his very nose, and then the truth that had been told to him by khushi and him wasn't much of a help here, because to any protective brother the first instinct would be to react to all the hurt that this man had put his sister through in the past, but he stood still contemplating between what he should actually do, but he decided to go with his gut and turned around and taking Arnav by surprise as he punched him one in his stomach , making him stumble back in shock,as he exclaimed his usual – "what the..",and before he could react, he gave him another punch on his face,and then because he was also sure that Arnav would not hit back,he just walked across him to Khushi's kitchen,and took out some ice from the fridge wrapped it in a cloth off the kitchen counter and walked back to Arnav ,as he shoved it in his hand as he spoke curtly – "you can put that against your cheek, I don't want my sister to react to that bruise on your face and fight with me, and just so you know, khushi and me have never had a real fight, until this very day...anyway, now that iv satisfied that itch in my hand to punch you,you can start talking, and how about you start with an apology, for lying to my face all this while, for being an ass to my sister in the past, and also for making me feel like a stupid idiotic fool in this moment..."

Arnav stood in shock and amusement, he had sort off anticipated it all, while Asad stood with his back to him, he was sure that Asad was controlling himself from getting physical with him, however he was sure that he wouldn't really lash out at him, but he did to his shock,and then the second punch was ofcourse another surprise,and the help with the ice was what amused him, ofcourse he could have hit back, but he wouldn't , that's also because he simply didn't want to,he knew from where this was coming, and so he took a deep breathe as he seated himself in the chair opposite to where Asad sat and he pressed the ice against his cheek as he spoke honestly – " to be honest, there was a time when I had this debate in my head that if there was a competition of who hurt whose sister more between you and me, I would surely win hands down..and for that you have no idea how sorry I am Asad, you know I was hurting in the past and was having a roller coaster of a ride in Love, what you only didn't know was that it was Khushi..."

Asad looked at him blankly as he spoke – " you are damm right,I didn't know, and don't you think what I didn't know was perhaps the most vital piece of information you had missed on sharing.."

Arnav sighed – " look I know where this is coming from, it isnt to my credit that you are completely aware of how I used to be when it came to girls I have been with in the past, something I didn't have to worry about when I got to know about Zoya and you, because you had always been an one woman man,something I didn't think I could be until I met Khushi..", and then he saw Asad glare at him as he said that, and so he asked – " its true Asad, it really is..."

Asad – " really?? What about the part that you hurt her so bad and then to hurt her even more you went straight back into Lavanya's arms...now that I think of it, I can only imagine what she must have been through and she was all alone by herself at that time, my little baby..."

Arnav sighed , he really felt like a criminal once again, but he spoke softly – " it wasn't that way, that time around...and to my defence at that time I didn't know that I am in love with Khushi,I really didn't know, I mean, I was in love with her but I just was too dammed stubborn to admit it to myself...but I love her Asad, you know I do...you have mentioned it to me so many times haven't you, that you wanted to know , who was this girl who had waved the wand of love in my Life, you know its true, its there on my face isn't it? "

Asad looked straight in his eye, he knew there was no way that Arnav could be faking the emotion on his face and in his eyes in this moment and he spoke – " I know you do ok, fine, I accept that there is no way that you can be faking that emotion in your eyes right now, but, somehow its just too much to take in Arnav, you and Khushi, how is this even possible, you are as different as chalk and cheese...I seriously doubt that this will work in the long run, and to be honest that's what im worried about I don't know how long your long run will be, two years, three years?? What after that..what about my sister, I know it will be devastating for her, and im sure we both agree on this one note that Khushi has been through enough,infact more than enough, she does not deserve this..."

Arnav took a deep breathe, this was a moment he had been anticipating for a long time, the moment when he would have to reassure the protective brother in front of him,and he spoke softly – " she has been through a lot of it because of me, and id like you to know that I really wanted to die myself when she fought for her life on that life support Asad, for she took the shot that was meant for me, and to be very honest that guilt was killing me so much so that I hadn't got the guts to see Khushi for a good ten hours after she finally gained consciousness,but it was Khushi who knocked the sense in my head, stating how she didn't fight the clutches of death and come back to have me go on a guilt trip of my own...", he paused as he saw Asad flinch at the memory but he didn't say anything and he took his silence to be a positive signal so he continued – " that was the time I promised myself that I would protect Khushi with my life and that I would love her so much, that just maybe it would make up for the blunders that I have committed in the past, and that's what happened Asad, like Khushi narrated it out to you, we have been together ever since and as I stand in front of you today, I can assure you one thing, that I will love Khushi and cherish her with all my heart, all my life, and I will apologize once again for it had to come to light like this, and I also want to tell you that My long run is no less than forever Asad,because anything short of forever and beyond will not be enough in regards to the time I dream off with Khushi, infact maybe just maybe even forever wont be enough...",and he looked at the intense emotion in his friends eyes as he realised that he was starting to get a deeper understanding of his love for his sister and so he continued taking Asad's silence as a positive sign – "I have said it before, and I will say it a million times if I have to,to make you believe me, and trust me with your sister, I love Khushi,and I love her with all my heart, I need her in my Life by my side forever,I promise you I will always protect her, love her and cherish her, I swear to God Asad, I will die if I have to apart from her, not being with her will break me or rather destroy me in way that will be irrepairable..."

Asad looked at his face,the emotion was so raw, so pure that he knew that the intensity of his love was coming from deep within him and he took a deep breathe as he spoke – "Arnav, as much as I know and understand the power of love.."

Arnav didn't let him finish as he stated looking straight at him – "Let me get to the point straight, I want to marry her Asad,and I will..."

Asad looked at him in shock, a part of him was releived though knowing that his biggest fear in regards to this situation was now being addressed, but he spoke cautiously – " you are talking about marriage?? You?? Arnav, is this really you..??"

Arnav nodded – " Today I sit infront of you as a totally different person, a person who has no fear in accepting the fact that your sister is the reason for my existense and I am not afraid to tell the world that her love is what has changed me for the better, in every sense, I am a better version of myself that I didn't even know I could be until Khushi came along.."

Asad – " and you plan to talk about this to Khushi anytime soon, but knowing you maybe you deceide to push it to lets say a year down the line, and with time what if you change your mind..??"

Arnav almost laughed at that as he spoke with a genuine – " your lack of trust in me as the man for your sister disappoints me a little Asad, but at the same time the love you have for your sister gives rise to the respect that tops that disappointment,infact if we wouldn't be having this conversation I would have been even more shocked...but to answer you I don't plan to ask her anytime soon..."

Asad stood up as he glared at him angrily – " exactly, I knew it I just knew it.."and he held Arnavs collar as he spoke, or rather roared dangerously – " you will stay away from my sister, miles away from her..."

Arnav controlled his laugh as he freed himself from Asad's grip as he voiced the words Asad had spoken to him a while ago when he had stood in his house and pronounced Zoya as his wife – " I cant do that Asad, just no one in this world can ask me to stay away from my Wife.."

Asad glared at him in shock – " whatttt?? What the hell...just what the hell did you just say??Khushi..is your wife???"

Arnav would have played on a little longer but the murderous look on Asads face stopped him as he admitted honestly with a answer that he knew would ease all of his anger and worry in a fraction of a second– "she isnt yet...but she will be very soon, because I already asked her...and ofcourse she said yes.."

Asad felt releived like he hadnt felt in a long time,and at the same time he also did feel that he had just been acting like a overparanoid possesive brother as he asked, processing the information again – " ok you love Khushi, you cant be apart from her, it will destroy you, forever isnt enough, and you have already asked her to marry you, and she said yes...",and he saw Arnav nodd with a smile to all of that ,and he finally let out a sigh of releif as he sat back on the chair as he spoke – " then maybe lets talk to ammi and your family, when we are back then??"

Arnav smiled as he sat back across him, knowing that that storm of conflict and worry in Asads mind was now over – "we have to talk to ammi and maa, rest of my family has already been planning to play cupid for me and Khushi.."

Asad now asked in surprise again – " whattttt?? What all do I not know...??"

Arnav smiled as he started to fill in Asad.

A while later,as Arnav finished, Asad spoke with a smile – " you really have changed huh???maybe it will take sometime for me to take this all in, and digest this changed wanting to be a family man version of you...cant believe it though, Arnav Singh Raizada and Love have finally come to a union..."

Arnav grinned– "All for Love my friend, for whats our existence if we cannot complete this unique maze which has been laid down for each of us, in this desperate kingdom of Love,..", and he smiled as he continued – " I didn't know it when I stepped into this maze but I know now that the goal post is being us able to find our Home in the ones we truly Love, It took me some time Asad,but I finally learnt it, that home really is where the heart is.."

Asad got up as he finished and pulled his friend into a hug,a silent hug of brotherhood that spoke a million words.

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

Meanwhile Simlutaneously in Asads Room

Khushi walked impatiently as she gulped down another glass of water as she looked at Zoya's amused face as she spoke knowing that the worry was in her voice – " ok, laugh all you want..."

Zoya smiled – " oh please, im not laughing I just haven't seen you like this for a long time you know, pacing like a restless rabbit in front of me.."

Khushi grinned – " restless rabbit, how did you come up with that? Looks like my Zoya is starting to get back to normal..."

Zoya rolled her eyes – " very funny, what can I say, its all because of your bhaijaan, and I just hope he isn't giving a hard time to my brother though...it has been two hours already...."

Khushi –" exactly now you know why I have been feeling like this, Arnav hasn't even replied to my messages, I just hope everything is alright..I mean the look bhaijaan had on his face when we left, I didn't know what to make of it, it wasn't disapproving but it wasn't approving either..."

Zoya nodded – " I know what you mean, but he will come around, I am sure he will, you do know at this moment I can emotionally blackmail into almost anything, but I know I wont have too, im sure bhai would have taken care off it..."

Khushi sighed – " I hope so...",and right then they heard a click of the door and they both looked up to see Asad enter in with Arnav right behind him, and Khushi couldn't control herself as she ran into Arnav's arms, running right past her bhaijaan and he immediately pulled her into a hug ,and she held on to him for a while closing her eyes,because she was a little nervous to see the expression on her brothers face,and that's why she had run into Arnavs arms because she trusted him to guide her through this and it was right then she felt him kiss her on the head as he chuckled – " open your eyes Khushi...I told you I got this..."

Khushi opened her eyes as she turned in Arnavs arms still holding onto him worried that her brother would ask her to break away but she felt nothing but relief as she saw him standing in front of her with a smile on his face,and a arm around Zoyas shoulder as she snuggled into him and she asked softly – " bhaijaan, you understand, don't you? You forgive me right?"

Asad smiled, because the sight of Khushi running right past him into Arnavs arms, and Arnav hugging her to himself as if his world depeneded on him, had warmed his heart, now that the shock has settled in, he could clearly see the love, that was in the air and energy in between the two of them and he spoke lacing his fingers through Zoyas – " ofcourse, I do, I understand, and I forgive you ofcourse, when have I been ever been mad at you anyway, however yes, I am a tad bit disappointed as to how I didn't sense this great romance brewing under my nose...and now that I look back at the scene that I witnessed, I can only imagine the immense strength it took of the two of you to put on the act that you did for all this months...".

Khushi felt relief wash over her but she spoke embarrassed – " bhaijaan, please, lets not talk about that, and to his defence, it was me who was enjoying the thrill of our hidden romance, so I take all the blame..."

Asad looked at his sister as he spoke softly – "shielding him again now are you?"

Khushi nodded with a smile – "always..."

Asad grinned as he spoke lightly – " then I need to apologize..."

Khushi – "for what?"

Asad grinned – " for punching the love of your life two times...I apologize, I couldnt control myself..i had to get it out of my system"

Arnav was just enjoying the scene unfold in front of him in a peaceful silence right when he felt Khushi examine him as she asked her brother in shock – " you hit him?? Bhaijaan whyyyyyy???? ", and then she looked at Arnav with so much concern and love as she asked now noticing the light bruise on his cheek -
"are you hurt much?? Im sorry, im so so sorry...",and she rubbed his cheek tenderly , placing a kiss on the bruise,and Arnav smiled as he spoke to the defense of his best friend – " well, I did kind off deserve it, and to his defense, he helped me with a ice pack seconds later, so that's why the impact has lightened.."

Zoya now looked at her brother and then she asked Asad, trying to examine his face – "and are you hurt too?? Did bhai punch you too??"

Asad smiled at the concerned touch, as he spoke giving Arnav a wink – "well no, he was being the perfect gentleman today, he wants my sister now doesn't he?"

Zoya smiled, everything was now falling in its place, like it should be, like it should stay, forever and she heard Khushi beat her to the question she had on her mind as she asked – "so if everything was sorted, then what took the two of you so long huh??"

Asad finally walked upto Khushi, as he pulled her into a hug and kissed her forhead – " I love you,and I only want your happiness Khushi, and I know your happiness lies with him, I can see it on your face, just like I can see it on his, so I trust you guys on this, I just want happiness for the two of you, and that's what took us a little longer..."

Khushi looked from Asad to Arnav as she asked confused – " what do you mean??"

Zoya took her crutch as she walked upto the three of them as she nudged Asad to tell her what this was about and right then Arnav pulled Khushi by her arm turning her around as he kneeled down in front of her, taking a ring out of his pocket ,and he slid it down Khushis finger as he spoke softly – " you know I so wished I had this on me the day I asked you to marry me...",and he kissed her finger,and Khushi only kneeled down in front of him as she asked cupping his face gently – " so this is what took you both so long...huh??"

Arnav nodded – " only fair that I take my best friends help in choosing the ring I want to slip down the fingers of the woman I love, isn't it Khushi???

Khushi nodded through tears in her eyes as she pulled Arnav into a hug.

Asad looked at the surprise on Zoyas face and he grinned as he spoke – " so I guess for a change its me knows something about them, before you do.."

Zoya smiled – " well only because I don't want to break their moment...im not complaining about this..."and she paused as she asked concerned – " you aren't mad at me are you?? For hiding this from you all this while??"

Asad pulled her into a hug as he spoke softly – " no. im not, I just cant be mad at you for anything, anymore ok...",and he heard Arnav ask – " Asad, I hope you don't mind, but I need to kiss your sister now..."

Asad – "and I need a similar moment with your sister, so I hope you don't mind too..." and he held Zoyas hand and walked towards the sitting area of the suite giving Arnav and Khushi the privacy they needed,as he sat on the sofa, pulling Zoya on his lap as he pulled her in for a deep kiss, before she could say anything.

Zoya felt him kiss her with so much passion, and she started to give in to the moment as she clung to him with all her heart, finally happy and content about everything now falling into its rightful place, for now the four of them really had nothing to worry about.

........

10.00 PM – Zoya's Cottage

Zoya wiped the happy tear out the corner of her eye as she looked at the scene in front of her, a couple of days ago, she was all by herself in her misery in this place that had been her hiding ground, but today it felt like home, it felt like she was finally at home, because of the happiness she felt in her heart in that moment.The bigger picture that had been here all along was finally starting to fall in place and now that she looked back at the events of the past, she could now clearly understand as to why everything that had happened had to happen, so that they could all finally come to this point,in time, where in each of their hearts, they knew that they had finally made the journey back home.

She smiled as she heard Abir crack a joke, which cracked up everyone in the room, and she even caught a glimpse of Yana trying to control her emotions from reflecting on her face, but she could still read, that even though a lot had happened, maybe Yana still hadn't learnt how to resist Abir's charm, and she was happy for Abir, for this once, she knew he deserved his happiness too.

She was glad that they had all got together for dinner, it was a moment that celebrated so much in that one simple frame.

Her reunion with Asad.

Asad's acceptance of Arnav and Khushis relationship.

Arnav and Khushi, now ready to tell everyone in the world that they belonged together.

Abir and Yana, taking one step at a time bridging the gap of the time lost, although Yana was still sceptical of exploring her emotions, but her not running away was a good start.

And she looked again at Khushi sitting up close next to her brother , and their hands laced together as his brother had that effortless heartwarming smile on his face, she couldn't help but smile, she had known this long time ago, but she couldn't thank god enough for letting her brother find his home in Khushi.

And in that one moment her eyes locked with Asad's as he walked back into the living room from the stairs, and gave her a smile that lit up her world, she knew that everything would now be ok, she would be ok.She smiled as he sat on the arm of the winged chair she was seated in and she spoke softly whispering in his ears – "be around will you please, I don't want my eyes to miss seeing you, they have had to suffer enough..."

Asad put his arm around her shoulder as he kissed her cheek softly and wiped that tear at the corner as he asked whispereing in her ears – " Zoya, whats the need to cry, haven't you run out on your stock of tears.."

Zoya smiled as she cupped his cheek tenderly – " im just happy Asad, these are happy tears, I finally feel like Im home, thank you for coming for me, thank you for fighting my stupid idiotic stubborn mind, thank for giving me the strength to listen to my heart again.."

Asad fought his emotions, as he kissed her forhead and pulled her closer into his arms as he whispered softly – " it was about time we both walked back home, wasn't it Zoya..", and with that he laced his fingers in hers as he returned his attention to the scene which made Zoya want to shed happy tears and he couldn't help but feel the warmth in his heart in that one moment as he let his heart bask in the happiness and the laughter and the warmth that was in the air , and he whispered close into Zoya's ears as he saw Arnav gaze at Khushi as she laughed at Abir's joke as if she was his world – "now that I think of it, I had often thought of it in the past, that what would it take for Arnav to finally believe in love, and now I know....he really does love her, but you gotta fill me in that how did he ever mask his emotions in front of me all this while...it must have been crazy for ever since I have accepted things, these two seem to have let that guard finally fall off, and all I can see is love..."

Zoya smiled as she whispered – " I know, it did take a lot from the two of them, however alls well now, and thank you for being so understanding, just made me realise that my heart has found its home in a gem of a person, you really are amazing Asad Ahemed Khan..."

Asad kissed her hand as he whispered – " so are you...",and right then he heard Yana speak as she got up – " ok , so I think I need to catch up on some sleep now, Im exhausted..."

Abir was up on his feet immediately as he smiled – " let me drop you off..."

Yana – " well I can just take the cab, you don't need to.."

Abir rolled his eyes – " ofcourse I need to, cmon, and if you want, I can promise that I will not talk on the way..."

Yana chuckled at that – " yeah right?? As if I don't know that you and quiet can never be in one sentence...anyways if you wish , cmon, then .."

Abir smiled as he walked up and hugged Zoya and kissed her on the forehead as he spoke – " I am so happy for you, I hope you know that, and I am sure now that Asad is here everything will be alright...you will be alright.."

Asad smiled as he patted his shoulder – " thank you Abir, I don't know if I can ever thank you enough..."

Abir grinned as he spoke softly – " how about you get me some browine points in front of Yana, you know, put in a good word, so that she can finally throw her caution aside.."

Asad smiled – "yeah I could do that..."

Abir – " thanks man..", and he pulled Asad in for a hug, and then turned to say a quick bye to Arnav and Khushi and walked out with Yana as they heard him ask Yana – " so would I be pushing my luck, in asking you out for a quick stop at this amazing coffee shop on the way??"

They all smiled as they saw Yana roll her eyes as she side punched him – " ofcourse, you would be, im not spending any more time in your company today..."

Abir grinned as he opened the door for her in his car as he asked, holding her hand for a quick second before she got in, and she finally looked in his eyes and he asked softly – " afraid that you will fall in love with me all over again now. Are you??"

Her eyes gave her away as he saw emotions swim in them but she shrugged his hand off as she gave him a small smile – " still the same, so full of yourself..",and she got in, Abir smiled as he got in from the other end behind the wheel ,and before he started to drive he heard Yana whisper softly – "I am afraid, I don't want to get used to the feeling of having you around, you were a habbit, it took me a long time to get you out of my system Abir, a long long time..and im not the same anymore.."

Abir smiled at that as he put on the ignition – "its been a long time, a long long time, but I still haven't been able to get over the habbit my heart has of wanting you..."

She didn't say anything to that as she continued to look out the window,and Abir took a deep breathe, he had often left her speechless in the past, and his memory was good, her being speechless was a good news to his heart, it really was.

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

Arnav closed the door as he smiled to himself as he heard Khushi ask with concern – " what do you think?? Will they find their way back to each other?? Yana and Abir...I hope so , I really hope they do..."

Arnav cupped her face lovingly as he pulled her close kissing her on the nose – " and only you can be so worried about the two people you just recently meet...but to answer you, I think they will be ok...you are very kind, Khushi, the kindest iv ever met, and I know I don't tell that to you often, but I really respect that about you..."

Khushi grinned – "really?? I thought it worries you too.."

Arnav nodded as he placed a arm around her shoulder and walked with her to the living room – " yean it does, but still, I respect it...",and he caught a glimpse of Asad and Zoya deep in conversation, a scene he had feared he wouldn't see for a long time, but he did and he smiled as he spoke taking a seat– "thank god for you and Asad, Zoya and me are lucky to have you love us the way you do..."

Khushi – " very funny...",and she asked her bhaijaan – " bhaijaan I hope you didn't tell ammi anything yet..."

Asad smiled – " ofcourse not, I know you want to tell her..so ill just keep mum.."

Arnav looked at Zoya as he asked – " I know Asad is coming with you to Dr Satish tomm at the center, we also want to come, if that's ok with you??"

Zoya looked at the love that shone for her on her brother and khushi's face and she nodded – " ofcourse...",and on reflex she touched her knee and she felt Asads hand come over hers immediate as he asked concerned – " is everything ok??"

Zoya – " yeah yeah, its just that its been folded too long, I just need to probably lie down that's all...",and before she knew it Asad had scooped her in his arms,and he looked at Arnav as he spoke – " ok so im taking Zoya up, she needs to rest, and I know that iv given my approval and stuff, but Khushi, you will be Zoya right in her room?? Ill be with Arnav in the other one...I hope that's ok..."

Zoya controlled her laugh as she looked at the embarrassed faces of Arnav and Khushi and she spoke , trying to get Asad away from the situation – " Asad, cmon, take me up, I really need to stretch myself...",and Asad nodded as he walked up with Zoya in his arms, giving a i-have-my-eyes-on-you-stare to Arnav.

Khushi buried her face in her hands for a second and then she heard Arnav chuckle and she looked at him amused – " this is funny to you ofcourse isn't it?? God im so embarrassed..."

Arnav chuckled – " I just cant get over the look he just gave me, I know you love my sister, but I will not have you share a room with her, in front of me..", he continued to smile as he spoke pulling Khushi by her hand,as he lied a little back on the sofa so that she was now on his chest as he tucked a strand of hair behind her hair and looked in her eyes –" maybe itll take him some time to digest the thoughts that came upto his mind with the thought of me sharing a room with his precious sister..."

Khushi couldn't help but smile at that but she spoke – " god, you are shameless, you really are..."

Arnav grinned – " I never said, I wasn't...", and he pulled her in for a deep kiss before she could say anything further.

Khushi broke apart many heated minutes later as she really need to catch her breathe as she finally pushed him back into the sofa and she sat up straight – "ok , so before bhaijaan walks in on us again, im leaving.."

Arnav grinned as he watched her run up the stairs and he spoke – " barge open the door will you please?"

Khushi looked back at him from the stairs – " huh??"

Arnav grinned – " I mean, don't knock on the door, just open it, you might just find your bhaijaan and Zoya engrossed in a smilar moment, you never know..so then he can be embarrassed too, and then itll be squared, and you wont have to feel this embarrassed..."

Khushi rolled her eyes at him – " very funny, you know I would never that..."

Arnav smiled – " ofcourse, I know you wont, youll probably knock atleast three times, and then call out to them, before even turning the knob of that door..."

Khushi smiled to herself as she finally made her way up the stairs, Arnav did know her inside out.

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

Asad tucked Zoya in bed, and he brushed her hair tenderly – " you know I want to be here with you...but..the thought of Khushi and Arnav sharing a room, is something my mind yet has to digest..."

Zoya grinned – "ofcourse, don't I know you...but just so you know you embarrassed the hell out of them by actually saying that loud.."

Asad – " yeah maybe Khushi, but Arnav, no way, he wasn't embarrassed, he was amused, hes finding this whole situation super amusing, he thinks its funny now because of all the ordeal I made him go through in the past when it came to you..."

Zoya laughed as she sat up in bed and held his hand as she asked – " stay for a while, ten minutes maybe??"

Asak raised his eyebrow at her amused – " did your brother gesture you to buy him some privacy time with my sister??"

Zoya grinned – " yeah, maybe you could say that...and im a good sister you know.."

Asad immediately pulled her closer into him as he whispered – " god I missed you so so so much...",and before she could say anything, he kissed her again and again, driving her insane, until they heard knocks on the door, and Khushi's voice came through the door – " bhaijaan, can I come in??"

Asad broke apart and he kissed Zoya on her lips again briefly – " goodnight then?? Ill see you in the morning ok?? Sleep well..."

Zoya nodded as she whispered, controlling the haywire moments of her heart – " I will, you too..."

Asad walked to the door and he opened it and saw Khushi walk in as she gave him a small embarrassed smile as she said – " goodnight bhaijaan..."

Asad smiled as he spoke ruffling his little sisters hair, amused by the embarrassment on her face – " goodnight Khushi..."

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

Arnav walked out the washroom and he saw Asad standing at the window gazing out and he walked to him as he spoke softly – "thank you for everything Asad..."

Asad nodded as he spoke looking at him – " and id like to thank you too...for everything..." and he paused as he spoke – " I know I don't have to worry about Khushi anymore, I can see that you really love her and will treasure her..."

Arnav nodded – " just like I know I don't have to worry about Zoya any longer, with you by her side im sure everything will be ok..."

Asad smiled as he spoke softly confiding in his best friend – " it finally feels like, Im home...and at peace..."

Arnav nodded, because he knew exactly what how that felt, because Khushi had been making him feel that way for a long time now and he spoke with a smile on his face – " its amazing isn't it?? To feel at home in the heart.."

Asad nodded – " its amazing...",

Arnav - " who knew, that we had all been walking towards this for all this time, but id like to thank it all, whatever they say is at play here, our fates, our destiny's or love, im just happy to be where I am today...I feel peace like iv never felt before"

Asad nodded as he spoke – " I know, I know exactly what you mean..."

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

Meanwhile

Arhaan took a deep breathe as he stepped out onto the arrivals on Zurich airport and waited for his pick up.His eyes fell on the collage of Khushis pictures he had put on his screen and his heart yearned, for a glimpse of her.He knew this was a long shot, he knew she didn't want to see him anymore, but he had too, now more than ever, for he knew she was the only one person who didn't have any hate in her, she didn't hate him, even after everything, he knew, he was sure, she felt dislike, or fear but he knew she didn't hate him, and that is why in his heart he knew he had to risk it all for it was really now or never, for Time right now wasn't in his favour, for the clock was always ticking and he really didn't know if he had it in him to hold it in anymore, and be strong, he just didn't have it in him anymore.

He watched the car pull in, in front of him, and he sat in and gave the instructions of his address In Interlaken,and looked out the window as the driver started the journey, and in his heart he knew he was taking the journey that would take him to the only person he could trust to still turn to in a time like this, for the girl he had fallen in love with was an angel in disguise for sure, for she had it in her heart to believe the fact that no one else would have believed, the fact that the criminal in him was really dead a long time ago and that with time he had evolved into someone he had dreamed he could be, someone he had dreamed of being all his life.

But now at this point in his Life, he was tired, just exhausted, of running away from it all, running away from his crimes, his feelings, his pain, his darkness, his love, and there really was no point in running away from his Life any longer, and so the best thing was to finally take that risk and leap of faith and turn to the one person he could still find his home in, even when his life itself had turned its back to him.He had been unlucky in almost everything, but now was not the time to mourn anything, it was the time to thank god, that he had come come face to face with Khushi in his life and she had saved him from the hell he had carved out for himself.

He was aware that she was not alone here, she has Asad, Arnav and Zoya with here, and he had also tracked that some of the Raizada family would be here very soon, he knew he was risking it all walking into the den full of people who hated him and wanted to kill him but he knew he had to.

It was that one stop he needed to make, in order to look at the one person who could still make him feel as if he was home.

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

Love looked at Hate as she tried to escape from his caged arms,as she spoke – " let me go, will you please??"

Hate looked at her discomfort but he didn't budge as he spoke – " I will let you go, the minute you talk to me, its high time don't you think??"

Love looked at anywhere but at him – " I don't wish to talk about this.."

Hate looked at her as he challenged – " because you are afraid, aren't you?? And that's why you don't want to talk about this strange string that's been tying us to each other since the dawn of time, for as long as I can remember...but too bad, because I will not let you run away this time around..."

Love had never felt more helpless, she was alone with Hate right now and none of her friends could come to her rescue , for this time Hate had caught hold of her and it was just her and him, standing in front of each other,and she knew it in her heart that it was probably time to have the conversation that had been due for decades now,and she surrendered as she looked into his eyes as she asked – "fine, I will answer you, what do you want to know??"

Hate nodded as he finally folded his arms in victory as he asked – " ok for starters tell me, why cant I ever get you out of my system?? Like you are always at the back of my head, why does it feel like home when you are around, and why do I not like it when you aren't...why does this organ in the middle of my chest let you win everytime it's a showdown between you and me in the case of these mortals..just why???"

Love closed her eyes for a second and she took a deep breathe as she opened her eyes and Looked staright into Hates – " because you aren't supposed to have the ability to process this emotion, but that doesn't change the fact that it exists..."

Hate – " what do you mean??"

Love – " I know you wouldn't understand, but to answer you, you maybe feel all this because of all the unsaid energy and emotion I have been reflecting towards you since the dawn of time..."

Hate asked confused – "answer me to the point please, no riddles, what emotion, what energy.."

Love sighed as she finally spoke – "the fact that you are the only one iv always wanted, the only one I have ever loved all this while...that I have been in love with you for as long as I can recall..."

Hate looked at her dumbfounded, he hadn't expected this, he hadn't expected Love to so boldly admit what she had just said, and he asked, again – " what did you say?? What did you just say?? How is this even possible?? You are making a fool of me aren't you??"

Love sighed – " I wish I was, but no, Im not,and honestly its high time you know, what I feel, I love you, always have, always will, sad, that my heart has found its home in the only one it can never have, which is You..."

Hate felt as if he had been thrown from a bridge as he stood too shaken, not knowing how to react – " I don't understand, I cant process this..."

Love smiled sadly – " I know you cant, you aren't supposed too understand, its not in your DNA..."

Hate took loves hand and put it in the middle of his chest taking her by surprise as he spoke, leaning close into her – " but I know I feel something here, I know it, it's a pull I cant help but being pulled towards, what is it then?? Will you please make me understand?? Im tired of running away from it...help me will you please?? Help me figure this out.."

Love fought her emotions as she pulled her hand away from his grip as she spoke tears falling from her eyes – " im sorry, I cant, im not supposed too, I cant help you, itll be like stepping out the boundary line that I have been forbidden to cross, by the laws of time, I cant, I cant...please let me go...",and she started to walk off

Hate held her by the hand and pushed her into the wall again – " you cant walk away, for once please put everything aside and tell me why cant you step out of the line into this forbidden territory for once.."

Love sighed – " I cant..."

Hate – " I know you cant, don't bullshit me more, im asking do you want to??"

Love – " huh??"

Hate – " do you want to take that forbidden step towards me or not?? For I know I want to put everything inside of me right now and take that forbidden step towards you..."

Love looked at him shocked – " you want too??"

Hate nodded – " yes I want to, and you will not stop me, please, just this once..."

Love gathered all her strength as she spoke – "ok...but just this once, you have no idea how risky this is..."

Hate pushed her back into the wall, and before Love could say anything to him, he kissed her, he kissed with every emotion he had been feeling inside of him for her for the longest time,and just as he felt Love starting to respond to him for this once without any fear or boundaries, he felt something he had been longing to feel for the longest time.He felt like he was finally home.

Hate felt like he had finally reached where he belonged.He felt like home, in the arms of Love.

Love felt Hate dominate the moment as he started to express all his hidden feelings that he couldn't comprehend into the moment,but she knew what this was about, this was his way of loving her, expressing everything that he had been holding it all in, in his own twisted ways,and he knew he was risking his very being and his existence by doing so, and so for once she felt all her inhibitions shatter as she deepend their embrace further, herself.

She knew Hate Hated her, like he loved her.

Love, loved him with all she had.

And so for this once, it felt right to risk everything and make love to the only one she had loved all this while.

She was Love, it was only fair if she allowed herself to let go and bask in the glory and emotion of what it felt like to finally feel at home , in the arms of the one you Love.

And that was exactly what she did, as she could sense Hate loosing himself as much as her in the moment.And she knew in her heart,that this was a moment she would treasure forever.

Because no matter how strong the connection was between them, Hate and Love couldn't really be together, it was something that was written in stone in the laws of time – it was sad, but it was an inevitable truth, that Hate and Love were never really meant to be.

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