Chapter 14

ASR's Office:

Arnav walks into his office to see his bodyguards were waiting for him there.

ASR (terse): What did you find?

Angad, the chief of his bodyguard, comes forward: We found that one of the temporary worker Navin hired is actually a fraud. Changing looks to defraud people is his job. He has warrant in his name and police once caught him but your brother-in-law fought his case and got him out.

ASR's eyes burn with anger: I should have known it was Shyam's doing. But how the hell did he come back? I thought I gave you guys instruction to ship him far away.

Angad: We did what you asked. We put him in the train to Cochin and instructed him to never come back. But he could have taken another train or flight and come back. I can look for him again. But he might be anywhere. So it will take time.

ASR: But how did he enter my home? We had the best security on my engagement party and I pre-screened everyone who worked for me including the invited guests? The rope cut was too clean to be torn.

Angad: That's correct. He could not have entered your house that night. That was someone else's doing. We have found a faint bloody finger stain beside the wall where the rope was and it was a smaller finger than a man. It seems whoever cut the rope might have injured himself and grabbed the wall for support. But later used a napkin or something to wipe off the stain. I have started the DNA and blood test of the sample. We will then narrow down the guest list and the hired help based on the result. But from my experience, that finger stain was a woman's, not man. It was too small to be a man's fingerprint.

ASR takes a deep breath and tells them to go home. After they leave, he leans back in his chair.

He remembers the incident of scorpion last time and this time. He starts to think: A scorpion was found in Di's room last time and it bit Khushi this time. So does it mean that if this one was done by Shyam, then he tried to take Di's life last time too?

He then one by one remembers all the "accidents" that his Di had in those days of Aakash and Payal's wedding and his eyes harden. He finally connects the dots and realizes that Shyam was more dangerous than he thought. He used to think that he was just a cheater and a lier. But he was a murderer as well, he did not know.

On top of that, it seems there is someone else, a woman, after his Khushi's life. And he does not even have a clue who might that be.

However, he knows one enemy...

He vows with bloodshot eyes: Shyam, wherever you are, you have just signed your death warrant and I will see how you can survive now. No matter how far or hard you run, I will find you. Your time starts now, save yourself if you can...

He grabs his suit jacket and storms out of his office.

When he was about to get into his car, he gets a text from Khushi: I'm waiting for you.

He squeezes his eyes shut and a drop of tear rolls down from the corner of his eyes.

He texts back: Don't wait for me. Just have dinner and go to bed. I will be late.

Arnav drives to the place where he met Lachhi. He gets down from the car and shouts her name.

But there is no one to answer his call.

He keeps shouting until he feels a presence behind him. He turns and sees Lachhi standing there with her eyebrow raised. This time, she is wearing a bright pink ghagro with same ornaments.

Arnav goes to her, grabs her arms and says desperately: Lachhi, you will have to save Khushi. Please Lachhi. She is my life. I can't live without her.

Lachhi smiles and releases herself from his iron grip: I can't do that. I told you before you agreed to the deal that you can't change destiny.

Arnav (desperate): But Lachhi, we changed the past. The incidents that are happening now, did not happen before. Then why can't you change destiny?

Lachhi (still smiling): Because changing your action does not mean that you have outrun fate. This is your second chance to right the wrongs. The opportunities you had missed or ignored before, have been given to you again. But that does not mean that the outcome will be different.

Life and Death create balance in nature. You can't stop life from coming into this world nor can you stop death from taking it away.

You can either waste your life in unnecessary petty fights and calculations of profit and loss, and leave the world with regret or live it to the fullest and die without any regret. The choice is yours to decide how your life should look like after you are gone. But the option to choose the time of death has not been given to any human being, so how can I give it to you?

Arnav stumbles back and shouts angrily: I don't care. I will not let Khushi leave me a second time. I will stop death with my life if I have to. But I will do it. You just wait and watch.

Lachhi smiles and seems to blend in the darkness.

Arnav climbs back into his car and drives home with a heavy heart.

Shaantivan:

Everyone had dinner except Khushi.

She insisted that she will wait for Arnavji.

After initial protest, Naniji agreed. Everyone went to bed while Khushi was waiting for Arnav in the living room.

Khushi picks up her phone to call Arnav when she notices his text and smiles.

She texts him: I'm waiting for you.

She gets Arnav's text back: Don't wait for me. Just have dinner and go to bed. I will be late.

Khushi (tensed): I don't know what is going on with Arnavji. I have never seen him working so hard before. There must be something which is troubling him. I need to find out what's bothering him... (she prays to her Devi Maiyya) Devi Maiyya, I don't know why Arnavji is so tensed. But whatever is the reason for his worry, give it to me instead. I can't see him so worried.

Up in the sky, a star shines bright...

Chapter 13

Someone calls out for HP outside Arnav's room breaking their intimate cocoon... They pull apart breathing heavily, their heart picking up same rhythm... Dhak dhak dhak dhak dhak dhak...

Khushi pushes a dazed Arnav which unravels her pallu from his lax fist, grabs the bangle from the floor beside the pool and runs downstairs...

Arnav leans against the wall to regain his balance and then slowly smirks thinking of Khushi's next move.

He remembers his last bet and Khushi kissing him back on the cheek in front of everyone.

Arnav smirks and thinks that now Khushi will have to kiss him too. And this time, on the lips. He goes out of the room to see her reaction.

Khushi runs downstairs and Anjali sees her coming down huffing and puffing. Anjali was chatting with Payal.

Anjali calls Khushi and asks her: Are you all right Khushiji? I hope Chotey did not...

Khushi looks up and sees Arnav was standing on the stairs and giving her naughty smirks.

Her cheeks turn the colour of her saree and she says hurriedly: No Anjaliji. Nothing happened.

Anjali sees her bright pink cheeks and turns around. She sees Arnav standing on the stairs looking at Khushi.

She hides her smile and decides to pull Khushi's leg: Khushiji, why your cheeks are so red? Are you all right?

Khushi gasps and touches her cheek with her palm and blushes some more: Di, I must be because of heat...

Anjali smirks: Yes, of course...

Khushi blushes tomato red: I will go and check what Hari Prakashji is doing in the kitchen.

Anjali and Payal giggle at Khushi's blush...

Kitchen, Shaantivan:

Arnav was looking for Khushi everywhere, but she seems to have vanished.

He was passing through the living room when he gets a familiar aroma he will forever associate with Khushi. He smiles to himself and heads to the kitchen.

Khushi is muttering under her breathe and busy making Jalebies. She has already made a plateful, but she can't seem to stop...

HP, OP & JP were munching on her jalebies standing behind her and were praising Khushi didi's jalebi to high heaven...

The moment they saw Arnav, their hands froze in unison with jalebies in front of their open mouth.

Arnav raised his brow and nod towards the door.

Khushi's entourage get out of the kitchen in a hurry gulping down the last pieces of jalebies.

Arnav leans against the counter and takes in the picture she is making.

She was still wearing the Coral Pink saree with her pallu tucked in her waist. Her hair has been pulled in a messy bun, exposing her gorgeous back only covered by the skinny strap of her deep cut blouse. Her round cheeks were flushed to the colour of saree, this time due to heat from the stove and she was biting her lips and occasionally muttering something which sounded like "Laad Governor", "Shameless", "Crazy", "Bet", "Khushi Kumari Gupta"  being mostly used words.

Arnav smirks and decides to tease her a little. He walks slowly to the still oblivious Khushi and wraps his arms around her waist and puts his face on her shoulder.

Khushi squeaks and turns to her side to see Arnav's face on her shoulder and his arms wrapped around her waist. She blushes deep and stammers: Yo-ou?

Arnav smirks: Why? Were you expecting someone else?

Khushi (flustered): No-oo... (Suddenly realizes their closeness in kitchen and starts squirming) What are you doing, Arnavji? Let me go or someone will see us...

Arnav tightens his hold and turns Khushi so that she faces him but does not let her go: So?

Khushi (panicking and squerming): What do you mean so? What if Naniji sees us, or may be Mamiji, or Di, or...

Arnav (amused at her panic, but with a calm expression): So what? Let them see. We are getting married in three days. So who cares if the entire world sees us?

Khushi (scowls): You are shameless.

Arnav (agrees): Yes, I am. Now you will finish the bet and kiss me.

Khushi (wide eyes): What? (Then composes herself) What bet?

Arnav raises his brow: Shall I remind you again? (He leans forward)

Khushi raises her palm and puts it on his mouth to stop him: No-oo, no need. I remember now. Yeah, okay. I will finish it later.

Arnav removes her palm: When?

Khushi stammers: On our wedding night.

Arnav impatient: No. I need it now.

Khushi (scowls): No. Tomorrow.

Arnav smirks: Fine.

Khushi (surprised): How come you agreed so soon?

Arnav smiled his wicked grin: Because I wanted you to confirm the day yourself and you did.

Khushi (open mouth): You tricked me?

Arnav leans forward and whispers to her: Did not you hear?

Khushi wide eyed whispers back: What?

Arnav comes closer and whispers: Everything is fair in love and war, darling. I will wait for my kiss.

He kisses her bright red cheek and winks at her before leaving the kitchen.

Khushi stands there open mouth, still holding the spatula in her hand...

Then she smiles and shakes her head: Laad Governor...

Arnav's Bedroom,  Shaantivan:

Arnav picks up his phone and texts Khushi: I will be waiting for you to complete the bet...

He was about to put down the cell when the cell rings. He picks up the phone and it's his bodyguard.

Bodyguard: Sir, we have found a clue.

Arnav's eyes harden, "You wait right there. I'm on my way.

Arnav runs down the stairs and on his way out bumps into Khushi.

Khushi: Ooomph...

Then she sees him and blushes: Dinner will be ready soon...

Arnav (distractedly): You have your dinner, Khushi. I will be back soon... Tell HP to keep a plate for me in the microwave. No need to wait for me, I will be late.

He runs out the door.

Khushi runs after him calling his name: Arnavji, Arnavji...

But she can't stop him.

Khushi gets worried: What is going on with Arnavji? I need to talk to him when he comes back.

Chapter 12

Khushi gets released from the hospital the next morning and Arnav brings her home. He sent everyone home the night before and insisted on staying with Khushi.

Arnav was holding Khushi's hand and helped her into the house as if she is made of delicate crystals...

As they get home, Buaji stops them in the living room. She says, she needs to do some ritual to take away the evil eye from her Titliya.

She gets a fistful of red chillies and goes round and round in front of Khushi's face...

Khushi teases her: Buaji, I'm getting dizzy looking at your hand. Please stop it...

Buaji: Hush... You don't know anything. It will get rid of the evil eye on you...

Khushi sighs: Yup, people are dying to put evil eye on me...

Buaji does not let them go before the ritual is complete.

Arnav tries to take Khushi to her room but she asks to sit in the living room for a while. She says she got tired lying down in hospital bed all night.

After a little protest, Arnav agrees.

Naniji asks her: Khushi bitiya, how are you feeling now?

Khushi smiles: I'm fine now, Naniji.

Naniji asks her: Khushi bitiya, today was going to be Mehendi function for you and Payal. But we are going to cancel it. Payal bitiya agreed too.

Khushi widens her eyes: What? Cancel jiji and my Mehendi? Why? I'm fine.

Arnav scolds her: No you are not fine. Nani, you go ahead and cancel the function. Khushi needs rest.

Khushi: I am fine. Please don't cancel the mehendi... Please please please...

Naniji says worriedly: But bitiya, you just came from hospital...

Khushi assures her: Naniji, it's a mehendi function. So I will be sitting 4-5 hours getting my mehendi done and then I will be sitting the rest of the day drying them up. So there is nothing stressful about it...

Khushi then uses her puppy eyes on Arnav: Please Arnavji...

Arnav mutters, helpless under that look: Okay fine. But no running and you will sit in one place and take rest.

Khushi smiles: I promise...

Naniji smiles: Okay. If that's what you want, we won't cancel the function.

Anjali smiles too: Khushiji, come with me. I will prepare you for the Mehendi...

Anjali helps Khushi up and takes her to her room to get ready.

Naniji starts to leave but Arnav stops her: Naniji, what is the name of the sweet supplier?

Naniji picks up a card from the side table and gives it to Arnav.

Arnav leaves with the card to his room.

As soon as he gets into his room, he calls his security team and asks them to get the sweet shop owner to his office. Then he gets ready and leaves Shantivan.

Shantivan:

Mehendi function starts. Payal comes down wearing a orange and gold saree and then Khushi comes down with Anjali wearing a coral pink saree with swarovski crystals studded over a skinny gold border...

Today she was not wearing any jewellery except diamond chandelier earrings.

She sits with the ladies and they start applying the bridal mehendi after Khushi and Payal decided on a design.

When the time comes to put the first letter of her groom's name, Anjali winks at Khushi and tells the mehendiwali to write A...

Mehendiwali writes a swirling, majestic "A" on Khushi's palm right in the middle hidden by flowery vines around it...

Anjali teases: You know Khushiji... The darker the mehendi, the more the husband loves his wife... 

Khushi blushes.

Anjali says: Speaking of Chotey, where is he? I have not seen him all morning.

Khushi gets worried.

Anjali smiles at her assuringly and gets up to make calls to him...

After the mehendi is done, Khushi gets up too and starts calling Arnav, but he does not pick up the phone...

Khushi gets frustrated: Where are you Arnavji?

Meanwhile in AR Group of Industries:

It was Saturday, so the office was empty except the large boardroom...

Navin Mohan was trembling looking at the sinister looking bodyguards staring down at him.

ASR barks at him: Look at me.

Navin looks at him, scared: Why did you bring me here, sir? Didn't you like the sweets?

ASR sneers: Oh we loved your sweets and also your gift...

Navin gets confused: Gift? What gift?

ASR's eyes burn at the memory: The scorpion in the sweet box...

Navin's eyes widen: What? I did not put any scorpion in sweet box... Why would I do that?

ASR grabs both the handles of his chair and leans on him: That's what I'd like to know...

He gets up and nods to his bodyguards and leaves the room ignoring Navin's pleading...

As ASR comes out of the room he notices 40 missed calls in his cell phone, 10 from Anjali, and 30 from Khushi...

He decides to leave.

He calls one of his man and asks him to keep him up to date about Navin and he leaves for Shantivan...

Shantivan:

Khushi was fuming. She called Arnavji so many times and he did not pick up the phone.

She was standing on the poolside fuming and muttering Laad Governor, insensitive, monster and what not when she feels a breeze like she always feels when Arnavji is around.

She turns and sees Arnav was standing behind her listening to her antics with a smirk on his face.

Khushi (surprised): You? (Then remembers her anger) Where were you?

Arnav raises his brow amused...

Khushi continues angrily: Why are you looking at me like that? If you had to go somewhere, why did not you tell anyone where were you going? Do you know how many times I tried to call you? Do you have any idea...

Arnav interrupts her cute ramblings with his smirk: Why? Why does it matter to you?

Khushi (fuming): It matters to me... Do you know how worried I was?

Arnav interrupts again with his naughty smile: For me?

Khushi fumes some more: Yes for you...

Arnav moves closer: Oh really?

Khushi sees him moving towards her and thinks that he must be angry with her.

She gets flustered and starts to go back. She stammers: Yes... I... No. I mean everyone was worried... Anjaliji was worried too...

Khushi trips over a coffee table. Arnav's arm swings out and gathers her in his arms before she could trip...

Arnav looks at her flushed face with love and says teasingly: I'm glad that you were worried...

Khushi looks at him angrily as she realizes that he was pulling her leg. She shakes his hand off and moves away from him...

Arnav still in teasing mode: Khushi won't you show your Mehendi to me?

Khushi says angrily: No...

Arnav teases her: But you have my name written in your hand... So you will have to show it to me...

Khushi angrily retorts: I did not write your name in my mehendi...

Arnav moves closer: Really?

He grabs her hand and pulls it open... Then he points with his index finger circling the bright red A on her palm: Then what is this?

Khushi snatches his hand back and replies: Yes, so what? My name also has "A" in it...

Arnav smiles and asks even though he remembers her answer from the last time: "A" in your name... Really?

Khushi sneers: Yes. Khushi Kumaaari Guptaaa... Aaa... (Points to her ear) Heard that?

Arnav smiles: Aaa... I see...  And soon you will have more "A"s in your name... Mrs. Khushi Kumaaari Guptaaa Singh Raaaizaaadaaa...

Suddenly Arnav's phone rings. He sees the phone no. of his bodyguard calling him...

He says to Khushi: Khushi, I need to take this call. Sorry.

He leaves for his room with the phone...

Khushi gets a feeling that Arnav is hiding something from her, but could not put her finger on it...

So she mutters Laad Governor and leaves in a huff.

Arnav's Bedroom, Shantivan

Arnav goes into his room to listen what his body guard has to say...

According to the background check and Navin's own testimony, it came out that Navin does not have any criminal record and he has nothing to gain from this. But he had hired some temporary workers to help with the huge order he received for Raizada Sangeet. He insists that due to the rush order, he did not have time to do their background checks...

The bodyguards got the temporary workers' names and they have started their background check on them...

Arnav feels restless after hearing this. He was so sure that he finally had the guy who tried to kill Khushi. Now the investigation will have to start from scratch again...

But he instructs his security team to find out every one of those temporary workers and bring them for questioning...

After hanging up the phone, he decides to cool down in his room before he goes out to join his family...

Dining Room, Shantivan:

Khushi arrives at the dining table in a huff...

Anjali sees Khushi's face and asks worriedly: Khushiji, are you okay?

Khushi smiles to her: Yes Anjaliji. Arnavji has come home.

Anjali gets up in a rush: Oh, good. I will see how he is doing...

Khushi tells her: He is fine Anjaliji. He was in his office so he did not pick his phone. You know him naa... He went to his room just now to take another call...

Anjali realizes the reason for Khushi's anger.

She smiles inwardly and says: Khushiji, I left Payalji's bangles in chotey's room, can you get them for me?

Khushi smiles but she is still angry inside: Sure Anjaliji...

Khushi goes into Arnav's room and peeks in to see if Arnav is anywhere.

She does not see him. She releases her breath in relief and looks up with her hands folded: Thank you Devi Maiyya... I don't want to see Laad Governor right now. Keep always your blessings on me like this...

She picks up the bangle box and opens to admire them. But as she is about to move, she trips over the edge of the door and one of the bangles falls into the pool water...

Khushi gets tensed. She goes to the poolside. Sits down and puts her hand under the water to grab the bangle. But it was a little too far from her. So she leans a little bit more...

Suddenly a darker masculine arm picks the bangle. She leans back and sees Arnav smiling at her holding the bangle in his hand...

Khushi grabs the bangle in irritation: Why are you here?

Arnav does not let the bangle go and says: Khushi, it's my room... Remember?

Khushi pulls at the bangle: I did not need your help. I could do it myself.

Arnav says: Oh really?

Khushi pulls the bangle free and says: Yes...

She gets up and about to go when she feels a tug at her pallu of her saree...

She starts to shout, then remembers that she once threw hot tea at him thinking it was him holding her dupatta.

Khushi swallows her retorts and turns back. But her eyes widens to see that Arnav was indeed holding her pallu.

Khushi says: Let go of my pallu...

Arnav tilts his head and innocently asks: Why?

Khushi (surprised): Just let go...

Arnav challenges her: You can't do everything by yourself...

Khushi retorts immediately: I can do everything myself...

Arnav slowly stands up and rolls the pallu tighter around his fist pulling Khushi closer: Then get your pallu back from me...

Khushi tugs at her pallu: I can do...

Arnav keeps wrapping her pallu in his fist until Khushi's face is almost touching his own...

Arnav looks at her blushing face and says: You can't do everything I can do...

Khushi stammers nervously: No... I can do everything...

Arnav whispers: Bet on that?

Khushi nods her head jerkily...

Arnav leans forward, pauses a bit and then smiles as an idea comes to his head. He suddenly turns with Khushi forcing her back to the wall, presses his body close to her trapping her between the hard wall and even a harder masculine body, uses his other hand to turn Khushi's face towards his and presses his lips over Khushi's petal soft lips...

The suddenness of the action makes Khushi gasp and Arnav does not waste the opportunity, he thrusts his tongue inside her mouth and kisses her with all the love, desperation and longing inside his heart...

After a brief hesitation, Khushi's lips soften under his... All her nerve endings burn with desire and she feels his lower body harden against her body...

Arnav feels desire running through his veins like liquid fire. He starts to harden and instinctively presses his lower body to Khushi's further forcing her back into the wall... He realizes that no matter how many woman he might have kissed before Khushi, he will always remember this kiss as his first True Love's kiss.

Their breaths mingle and their eyes close shut savouring the sensation of their first most intimate kiss...

Chapter 11

Arnav runs through the hospital corridor with an unconscious Khushi in his arms... Some nurses come running with a stretcher.

Arnav lays Khushi down on the stretcher and frantically grabs a passing doctor: Doctor, my wife got stung by a scorpion. Please do something. Save her...

Doctor: Calm down. I will take a look.

Doctor inspects Khushi's hand where the area looked bright red and swollen... He checks Khushi's pupil by stretching her closed eye lids and tongue...

The doctor says to Arnav: We need to take the venom out asap. Please sign the necessary paperworks and we will start the procedure. But do it fast. The venom is spreading too quickly...

Then the doctor shouts at the nurses: Prepare OT and get the pumps and anti-venoms ready. Stat...

Arnav remembers another night when another doctor had taken a bleeding Khushi inside the operation theatre and she never woke up again...

He shouts: No. I won't let you take her in the operation theatre. She will not come out alive. You do it here... In front of my eyes... I won't let you take her anywhere.

The doctor tries to pacify a hysterical Arnav: Listen Mr. Please calm down. We can't do the procedure here because all our equipments are inside the theatre. So we need to take your wife inside. Please understand. We need to take her now.

He grabs the doctor's white coat with both fists: Doctor, if anything happens to my wife... Then this entire hospital will be shut down. You don't know who I am... I am Arnav Singh Raizada... If I lose my Khushi, then I will make sure that none of the people here will ever find a job anywhere in this world...

The doctor panics at the wild look: Listen Mr. Raizada, the more you keep me waiting, the less chance we will have to save your wife. It will be beneficial to you, if you let me do my job. We will try our best.

Arnav lets him go and barks at the nurse: Where's the papers I need to sign?

The nurse raises her trembling hand and hands over the papers. Arnav fills out the papers for Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, wife of Arnav Singh Raizada...

The nurse takes the papers and leaves hurriedly...

The doctor wheels Khushi to the OT and Arnav runs after her.

As the Operation Theatre's door closes, he notices that his phone is ringing...

Arnav wipes the sweat off his face with his trembling hand and picks up the phone. It was Naniji.

Naniji: Chotey, what happened? I have been calling you for such a long time, but you were not picking up the phone... What happened to Khushi bitiya? Is she okay?

Arnav breaks down: Nani, Khushi got stung by a scorpion...

Naniji was shocked: How did that happen? How did a scorpion come into the house?

Arnav raises his angry glare: Nani, it was inside one of the Jalebie boxes. You just give me the name of the sweet supplier. I will take care of the rest. Whoever did this, will pay with their lives... I promise you.

Nani: I have the sweet supplier's name. But which hospital are you in?

Arnav tells them the name.

Nani: You don't worry. We are coming there...

Arnav hangs up the phone and sits down on one of the chairs... He puts his head face down on his palms.

He can't remember how long he was sitting there like this. He suddenly realizes that someone put a hand on his shoulder. He jumps to stand up thinking it was the doctor. But it was Nani with his and Khushi's family...

Everyone was looking worried. Naniji asks: Chotey, how is Khushi bitiya?

Arnav says in a broken voice: I don't know Nani... She is still in there (Points to the OT)

Naniji assures him: Don't worry Chotey. Everything will be all right.

Suddenly the OT door opens and the doctor comes out.

Arnav rushes to the doctor and asks in a broken voice: How is she?

The doctor says: It was hard. But we have managed to pull the venom out. She is a little bit weak. But she is fine. You can take her home in the morning.

Arnav feels his pounding heart starts to slow in relief...

Naniji: Thanks to Devi Maiyya. Khushi bitiya is all right.

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief.

Payal asks: Doctor, can we see her?

The doctor says: She is still unconscious. But when she comes to her senses, only one of you can meet her.

Garima smiles and says: I think then Arnav bitwa should go in...

The doctor nods back: Yes, I think she should see her husband first...

The doctor leaves...

Everyone gets shocked and looks at Arnav: Husband?

Arnav remembers that in his tension, he had registered Khushi as Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada and his wife.

He stammers: Well, I had to do it because they needed someone to sign some paperwork and that's all I could think of. It should not be a problem as we are getting married in a few days anyway.

Garima smiles: It's okay bitua. You did what you had to do. She is going to be your wife anyway. I can't thank you enough for saving my Khushi's life.

Arnav says: Please aunty. Don't say that. Khushi's life is important to me too.

Anjali wipes her tears: Chotey, now go inside. Khushiji will be worried if she does not see you when she wakes up.

Arnav nods and goes inside.

He sees Khushi lying on a white bed unconscious.

He picks up her hand and kisses it: Do you know how worried I was? If anything happened to you, I would have died too... Never ever do that again... I can't live without you...

You know right that your heartbeat beats with mine? If yours stops, mine will stop too...

Khushi stirs slowly: Hummm?

Arnav smiles through tears: Hummm...

He bends down and kisses on her forehead tenderly...

Khushi opens her heavy eyes and sees her Arnavji looking at her. She tries to speak but her mouth was dry: Water...

Arnav rushes on the bedside and grabs a glass of water and tries to help her up... But it was difficult as Khushi was still very weak.

Arnav looks around but does not find anything to help her drink.

Then he gets an idea. He says to Khushi, open your mouth...

Khushi slowly opens her mouth.

He takes some water in his, bends over her lips and places his mouth over her open lips letting the water fall into her mouth quenching her thirst...

He does it a couple of times until Khushi smiles and nods indicating, she is no longer thirsty...

She smiles shyly...

Arnav says teasing her: Wow... I did not know, Khushi Kumari Gupta can be shy too...

Khushi pouts...

Arnav touches her forehead with his and sighs: Don't ever leave me Khushi.

Khushi's eyes get teary: Never...

Arnav kisses her forehead: Good... Because every time you try to leave me, I will come after you and bring you back...

Khushi whispers: Promise?

Arnav vows: Promise...