Chapter 15: Heartless

"Laad Governor!" She finally muttered as she stood up to clear the table.

Arnav watched her leave the kitchen in annoyance. He smiled. This was going to be fun.

---

Khushi walked to the kitchen with a disturbed mindset. This was so wrong. She was leading him on. Although she didn't want to, her mind went back to the conversation shared with Mahesh earlier that morning. She needed to go back to him. It was best for her; it was best for Shiv. Something bothered her though. She didn't want to go back. Although, staying here in Delhi was doing her bad more than good, she would've rather stayed here till the worst happened. Arnav's oblivion to everything- in fact, the entire family's oblivion to everything- felt strangely good. Knowing that if she just smiled and agreed with Arnav, everything would be okay. A thought she chose to avoid then crept back into her mind. Mahesh. Khushi sighed as she leaned against the counter for support. She was drained, not just mentally, but physically as well. Khushi's sudden tiredness led her to think of her reason in being here, it led her to think of Arnav. If she continued like this, it wouldn't end well. For the both of them.

---

Khushi took refuge in the kitchen. Arnav frowned. He couldn't continue his rendezvous in there because Payal and Di were likely to be present there. He needed to get her alone. Arnav had too many experiences of his family intruding on his private moments with Khushi, so he needed to take her out of the house he decided. Very well then he agreed and proceeded to the kitchen.

---

Payal stood at the doorway to the kitchen, watching a fatigued Khushi lean against the kitchen counter, as she waited for Khushi to notice her. She didn't. Payal cleared her throat. No acknowledgement. Sighing, Payal walked to her sister. Khushi couldn't help it, Payal thought, the girl had the attention span of a rabbit.

"Khushi?" Khushi replied as if she'd been shocked, jumping at Payal's touch on her shoulder.

"Ji? Oh! Jiji!"

"Khushi... I need to talk to you. Will you come to my room after you're done here?" Payal inquired.

"Oh, zaroor! I'll be there." Khushi replied smiling.

Payal eyed her once more. Something wasn't quite right about Khushi's appearance, the way she responded to people, the way her eyes only held gaze for a second, etc. Well Khushi had given birth and took on motherhood as a single parent in the past year, Payal thought. She just needed to talk to her little sister. "Okay, I'll be waiting." Payal left the kitchen to see Arnav walking towards it. She smiled. Oh dear.

---

Khushi leaned against the counter again. She needed to return to normalcy. But of course that was not to happen because Arnav walked in.

He smiled. It wasn't an easy sight to get used to after an entire year and Khushi's heart melted. Stupid heart! She cursed herself, trying to get her heart into a somewhat molded condition before he spoke.

"Khushi, will you come to dinner with me? At 8? Just be ready when I come back from work."

"I... uh..." Khushi didn't know how to speak. The Arnav Singh Raizada was taking her to dinner?

"Great! It's a date then!" Arnav smirked. 

"Huh? Wait... uh?" Khushi fumbled. The Arnav Singh Raizada was taking her on a date? Her breath was now strained. 

He turned around to leave the kitchen calling, "Be ready on time, Khushi," over his shoulder. He paused at the doorway, turned, and smiled again.

Poof. Khushi didn't have a heart anymore. She had mercilessly thrown it to him. Khushi stared at him leaving with an open mouth. Khushi snapped out of it. This was not acceptable. Although... the dinner plan was appealing. She argued with herself about the pros and cons of going. Eventually, she decided that it was the one and only guilty pleasure she would take part in before leaving Delhi. Just this once. Mahesh would not be pleased to hear about this, but she didn't care. This was for her. She hadn't done something for herself in a very long time.

---

Khushi knocked at Payal's door. "Come in!" A voice chimed from inside.

Payal put away the clothes she was folding as Khushi walked in.

"Come here and sit." Payal said to Khushi smiling. Finally some time to talk to her Khushi. She would've done this yesterday itself, but yesterday she understood that Arnav needed to talk to Khushi more than she did. 

"Jiji, how are you?" Khushi said smiling as she settled next to Payal on the bed. 

"Khushi, I should be asking you this." Payal replied. "But since you asked, I'm fine." Payal reached to caress Khushi's face. "Aur tum? How are you?"

The genuine love and concern in Payal's question caught Khushi off guard. For a split second, Khushi felt the weight being lifted off her shoulder if she were to tell everything to Payal. She could break down. She could cry. She could be completely honest to Payal. But she couldn't. Her comforting thought of that split second had to be locked away. For Payal's sake. For everyone's sake. 

Khushi smiled. "I'm perfectly fine, Jiji."

"Khushi, how did all this happen? I can't stop to imagine how you were alone for a year, and you had Shiv, and we couldn't be there for you, how I couldn't be there! Khushi why didn't you tell anyone? Why didn't you call me, Khushi? Atleast, tell me about Shiv!" 

Khushi watched in amazement as her sister rambled on. She didn't plan on interrupting her. Payal needed to let it all out. There was one year of stress and frustration on behalf of her sister. 

"And now look at you! You're a mother! My little sister has a son! Khushi... how did this all happen?" Payal finally stopped. Looking up at her sister. She was planning on asking the questions one by one, but it ended up coming out in one big jumble. 

Khushi smiled. The answer to the very question her sister had asked was something she had asked herself. Countless nights and days she wondered the same thing. How? Why? For what? But each time there was only one answer she could go to.

"Fate." Khushi replied. "It's fate, Jiji."

Fate. The very answer to everything. It was the answer in which Khushi found solace in. Her Devi Maiya had planned this. She was to take part in it without questions, without complains. 

Payal looked at her sister. Her words sounded much older than her. As if it held much more meaning than what Khushi was letting Payal see. "Isn't it always?" Payal asked. Khushi gave a weak smile. 

Payal and Khushi talked some more and as the conversation grew longer, Payal saw the old Khushi return and the fondness of their sisterhood was rediscovered. 

Payal switched to a subject that Payal thought Khushi needed to hear. Payal wasn't sure if Khushi knew about it, so she had to let her know.

"Khushi,I'm glad you came back. You won't regret it. Arnav has changed so much, Khushi!"

Khushi looked up suddenly, surprised at the turn the conversation had taken. 

"I've never seen someone look so guilty in my entire life Khushi. Ever since he found out about what had really happened, Khushi, he's been punishing himself. He went on a crazy hunt for you, almost like a madman, and then one day he gave up. He locked himself in his room, only talking to us if necessary. He only focused on work. And when Di had her baby, he punished himself more. Even more. He went away to God knows where for three weeks. Without telling anybody anything! He looked so terrible on the day of our first wedding anniversary. He looked so pained and his eyes... Khushi, I think the entire family noticed the instant change in him when you walked in through those doors again yesterday. Khushi, it was as if he was broken and when you came the pieces reunited by themselves. Do you know he only started eating dinner with us again about three weeks ago? I've been trying to read those eyes of his for the past year. I couldn't bear to look at him, at first, because of what he'd caused you. But as the months went one, I realized the pain in them was a pain that even I didn't have for you. It was genuine. You need to fix things with him, Khushi. The poor thing is so... so shattered. Don't ever leave him Khushi. I don't think he can handle it. He doesn't show it, but I know he's sorry. I'm glad you came back, Khushi. So glad. Not for me, but mainly just for Arnav."

Khushi sat there, dazed. Her brain understanding each word that her sister spoke. Realizing what each sentence meant. She held in the tears. She held in the urge to break down. She held it in. But she couldn't. Not for long. 

"Jiji. Jiji, I have to go check on Shiv." Khushi interrupted.

"Khushi, you know Mami and Nani are with him. What happened?" Khushi was refusing to meet her eyes.

"I- I just... I have to go." Khushi replied before nearly sprinting out of the room. Payal wondered if she'd said too much. She didn't mean to say so much to Khushi about Arnav, but now she wondered if Khushi felt bad about it. Payal decided to leave Khushi alone for sometime and give Khushi some time to digest everything.

---

Khushi ran. She ran to the only place in that house which offered her a sort of escape. Falling on her knees by the poolside, Khushi's breath came out in strained gasps. Tears stinged her eyes and she let them fall. Away from everyone and everything, she let them cascade down her face.

He's been punishing himself.

The words echoed in her ears. No, no, no! She wanted to erase it all. She wished to not know anything. This was already hard enough.

The poor thing is so... so shattered.

So was she, so was she! But in the end she wasn't sure who'd be hurt more. She held her hand against her mouth, trying to control the volume of the sobs as her entire body shook.

Don't ever leave him Khushi. I don't think he can handle it. 

But that was exactly why she was here. To leave him forever. Her upperbody slammed against the floor as tremors shook through her body. The tears flowed on without an end as her mind refused to wrap around the decision she made. She was selfish. She was heartless. Because despite knowing what it would do to him, despite knowing that it was the most cruel thing she'd do in her life, she decided to leave Arnav as soon as she could.

Chapter 14: First Attack

Arnav held Shiv still in his protective arms as Shiv seemed to settle into them quite comfortably. He traced the child's features again, but he always kept coming back to those eyes. Those eyes of green and brown that created a mystical hazel. Those eyes that were shockingly similar to another pair of eyes he knew. No, it wasn't similar, it was the same. Even the eyelashes that framed his eyes were like her eyes. The eyes had something about them, almost like a magnet as it held a persons gaze. Arnav had always been drawn to her eyes and he had found himself lost in them many times. Now here they were, perfectly duplicated on Shiv's face.

Shiv's eyes were drooping and the steady pull of sucking on his bottle slowed. Arnav had enough practice with Di's child to know what to do. He slowly released the bottle from Shivs lips and put it down. Standing up, Arnav shifted Shiv unto his shoulders and started leaving small pats along his back trying to release a burp from the small body. Three minutes later, Shiv squirmed as a little burp escaped his mouth. Arnav smiled and settled Shiv a bit more comfortably on his shoulders.

Shivs next action shocked Arnav. He froze as the familiarity of Shiv's action moved him. Shiv had turned his head and snuggled his face into Arnav's neck, the bridge of his nose settling against the space between Arnav's neck and shoulder.  Arnav stood still for a moment, smiled, and sat back onto the couch. Just like his mom, he thought. Arnav remembered how Khushi used to snuggle up to him the same way, burrowing her face into the space between his neck and shoulder. Those times seemed so long ago. Arnav had an immense desire for those times to return, but that would take some work.

Rubbing Shiv's back in a steady pattern, Arnav also floated to sleep to be surrounded by images and memories of Khushi. Her eyes, her smile, her warmth, her scent... In his sleep, Arnav smiled at the thought of having her with him. She was his. She will be his and by his side. Always and forever.

---

Khushi's heart fluttered at the scene in front of her. Father and son were sleeping quite comfortably. Arnav was settled on the couch and Shiv on top of him. She smiled again. Shiv had taken to Arnav faster than she thought possible. She didn't understand it. He was such a sweet child and Arnav was such a Laad Governor. Shiv was still not comfortable with Mahesh even though Shiv knew him for longer. She frowned as she remembered Mahesh, what she had to do. Sighing, she walked into the kitchen to help with breakfast, every now and then eyeing her son and his father.

---

Arnav could tell it was her. He could never forget her touch. He frowned. Why was she shaking him? He realized his eyes were close and opened them to see his angel before him. He smiled.

"Arnavji!" Khushi tried again, exasperated. He smiling at her like an idiot. Was he sleeping with his eyes open now? She tried again.

"Arnavji!" Arnav broke out of his trance and realized his surroundings, felt Shiv still cuddled in his arms.

"Huh?" Arnav managed to mumble.

"Finally! Why don't you put Shiv down? It's time for breakfast."

"Won't he cry?" Arnav raised his eyebrow.

"No, he won't wake up for another hour or so." Khushi replied. Arnav noted the time on the clock to make sure he knew what Shiv's sleeping pattern was.

"Okay." Khushi replied with a small smile. Her eyes were troubled, he could tell. She kept avoiding his eyes. He mentally smirked and figured it was from their morning encounter.

"Khushi betiyan?" Nani's voice broke through both of them.

Khushi turned quickly. "Ji Naniji?"

"I had the Hari Prakash move a crib into your room for Shiv." Nani smiled.

"Thank you, Nani." Khushi smiled with appreciation.

Turning back to Arnav, who was still sitting on the couch, she repeated herself. "Do you want me to take Shiv to the room?"

"No, I'll do it." Arnav replied.

"Then go!" She said towering over him.

"Khushi?"

"What?" She looked annoyed.

Arnav smirked. "Move out of the way."

Khushi suddenly realized his predicament. Her eyes widened in understanding and she whispered a small sorry before walking to the kitchen.

Arnav watched her go. His angel.

---

At the table, Arnav realized the family looked generally happier than they had in a while. He found that he himself was happier. Khushi ceremoniously took a seat beside Arnav, but she didn't look comfortable. He was surprised their little encounter in the morning had disturbed her that much. A playful glint lighted in Arnav's eyes.

---

Khushi almost jumped out of her seat and managed to drop the spoon she had picked up onto the table with a loud clatter. Her eyes were wide with shock and her cheeks flushed.

Everyone turned to look at her with a confused expression.

"Kya hua Khushiji? Di asked.

"He-" She stammered. "He uh..."

"He? Chotte?" Di asked Khushi, following her eyes.

Khushi then realized that talking about such matters at the breakfast table was not appropriate. She gave Arnav a death glare as he looked at her almost as confused as the rest of the family. She wasn't fooled though. She could see that evil, playful glint hidden in his eyes.

"No. I mean hiccups." Khushi said. Relieved, the family members turned to their previous topic of discussion. Payal handed her a glass of water. Khushi could see it now, that stupid, heartbreaking smirk on his face. Stupid Laad Governor, she cursed in her mind.

Reaching under the table she grabbed Arnav's hand, that was groping her thigh indecently, and yanked it off. Arnav's smirk widened as she returned to her food. How dare he? That too while eating breakfast. As if his stunt in the kitchen this morning wasn't enough.

Breakfast was almost over when he attacked her again. Khushi choked on her chai, coughing and her eyes wide. Arnav quickly stood up patting her back.

"Khushi? Are you okay?" His voice was concerned, but Khushi knew him too well to fall for it. She cursed him in words that are best not revealed as the family member's flocked around her.

"Khushi, can't you be a little more careful? The chai will still be there if you drink it a little slowly! Pagal! You never change!" Payal was rubbing her back as she admonished Khushi.

"Sorry Jiji, I uh..." Khushi left her sentence incomplete. Seeing she was okay, the family members returned to finishing their breakfast.

Khushi turned to face Arnav. "You- You- How dare you?" She finally managed.

Arnav had his lips pressed together, trying to hold in his chuckles. Khushi frowned in annoyance. He'd grabbed her higher up her thigh this time. Way too close to places she didn't want him near.

"Laad Governor!" She finally muttered as she stood up to clear the table.

Arnav watched her leave the kitchen in annoyance. He smiled. This was going to be fun.

Chapter 13: Unexpected

Arnav turned over in his bed to look at the side that was not slept on. She used to sleep on that side. She used to lay there as Arnav memorized each plain and corner on her as if he had to draw her from memory. She used to be there by his side... Until he pushed her away.

Being in the same house as Khushi and not sleeping in the same room felt alien to Arnav. Even when they had first married, atleast she was somewhere where he could forget everything he held against her and watch her sleep. It was an odd, calming activity. Her sleeping beauty extinguished all his worries, all his problems, and it took away the weight of every problem he kept locked up; it made his chest lighter.

Restless, Arnav sat up in his bed. It was 5 AM. He decided to go for a run to clear his mind and headed to the bathroom.

---

Shiv stirred in his sleep and Khushi automatically opened her eyes. She watched his face. Shiv opened one eye and took a look around. Next, he opened his second eyes and took in the scene before him. His fists clenched up and he waved his arms slightly before his angelic face scrunched into an expression of distress and let out a small cry. Khushi smiled and sat up in bed. Seeing her next to him, Shiv cried a bit louder. Khushi picked him up and rocked him slowly till he was calm and teething away on her shoulder.

Carefully getting out of bed, Khushi checked the time. 5 AM. No one in the house will be awake at this hour, Khushi thought to herself. Nevertheless, she freshened up in the bathroom while handling Shiv in one arm and walked to the kitchen to prepare Shiv's breakfast.

---

Arnav knew someone was awake. That's odd, he thought. The Prakash brothers don't get here till 7. Slowly and silently he made his way to the kitchen. He stopped at the scene before him and forgot all about going for a run.

Khushi was standing in the kitchen holding Shiv in the air as she tickled his belly with her nose. Shiv gurgled out little giggles and kicked his feet and arms about. Khushi's tinkling laughter once again filled the air as she brought the child back into her and pressed her lips his forehead.

Arnav felt something other than jealousy. It was pride. Pride in knowing that those two beautiful creatures, over flowing with joy, obviously oblivious to his presence, were his. Khushi still wore her mangalsutra, still filled her maang with sindoor. She was his wife. The beautiful creature she held had been created by both of them, and was now unconditionally loved by the both of them. Shiv was his son. They were both his. A smile crept across his face.

 It was at this instance that the desire to have them both back in his life overtook his any other desire. He wanted to be a good husband, a good father. Twice, he had failed Khushi. Now it was time to prove to her that he had changed. It was time to repent in order to make her relent. He wanted her, no want was an understatement, he needed her in his life. The past year had been living hell for him. Knowing that she was somewhere where he could find her, but the thought of losing her forever keeping him away. Arnav would show her, prove to her that he had learned from his mistakes.

The milk on the stove slowly started bubbling up and Khushi turned to face the stove. That's when she saw him.

---

Their eyes met with a bang. The smile on his face knocked her breathless and her eyes widened in an effort to control herself. Was he standing there the entire time or did he just some? Frantic thoughts filled her mind. The boiling milk slowly brought her back to earth and she turned quickly to turn the stove off. Arnav took a step toward her, that dangerously attractive smile still plastered on his face, and she took a step back as if it was an instinct.

"Give Shiv to me. You can get the milk easier with both hands." Arnav said to her.

"I can manage!" Khushi blurted out without thinking.

"Khushi, I'm sure you can, but I'm just trying to make your life easier. Hand Shiv to me." Saying this Arnav came closer to her. Khushi was still ridiculous and still her stubborn self, he thought. Always trying to prove that she can manage. Little did she realize that people already knew she could manage; people knew she was independent.

Frowning a bit, Khushi extended Shiv toward Arnav. Arnav smirked as he purposely dragged his fingers over her arm while reaching for Shiv. Khushi's eyes widened and she pulled her arm back. Taking staccato breaths, she concentrated on getting milk for Shiv. His touch set her skin on fire and deep down Khushi earned to return the favor, but she shut those thoughts away as quickly as they came.

Arnav's smirked deepened as Khushi pulled away, confirming his doubts. Yes, he still had the same effect on her. He could see it in her, she felt what he was feeling, but she was refusing to acknowledge it. Getting her to accept that she still had feelings for him would be the challenge. He gave Shiv a kiss on his cheek and leaned against the counter.

Khushi adjusted her dupatta, feeling uncomfortable, and the turned to face him. "You can take him to the dining room. I'll be right there." Her voice shook slightly but she hoped he would leave. She felt uncomfortable feeling his eyes on her.

"That's okay. We're fine where we are. Aren't we?" He turned to Shiv and tickled him. He smirked as she turned around in defeat. She wasn't getting ride of him so easily.

Khushi turned around to face Arnav but she kept her eyes on his feet. "Give Shiv to me. His milk is ready."

"Khushi..." Arnav's tone worried her. She knew that tone. That tone did weird things to her mind and body.

"J- Ji?" She slowly looked up to see him advancing towards her with a little gleam in his eye. Her breathe accelerated and Khushi stepped back to hit the wall.

"I was thinking..." Arnav was now whispering, driving Khushi's heart to extreme edges.

"Wh- What?" Khushi's condition was clearly visible through her voice.

"I was thinking..." Arnav took the final step forward and placed his fingers around Khushi's fingers which held the bottle of milk. She panicked. It felt as if she were getting electrocuted over and over again. However, it was like pleasurable electrocution... if that was even possible. She looked up to meet Arnav's glinting eyes. He smiled slowly, tightening his grasp on her fingers. "I was thinking that I'll give Shiv his milk. Why don't you go and change out of your sleeping clothes?"

Khushi was too lost in the pools of gleaming chocolate that were staring down at her. She couldn't move. She could only breathe as if she had asthma and look into his eyes as if she were trapped in them. "Huh?" Khushi had no idea what Arnav had said.

Arnav seized the opportunity and came closer. Shiv was now pressed against both of them and Shiv looped a hand around Khushi's neck, holding them together. Arnav slowly leaned into Khushi's ear. Slowly, almost seductively, he whispered into them. "I think you should go change your clothes... I'll take care of Shiv..."

Khushi closed her eyes and drew in a shaky breath to clear her mind. Arnav's breath tickled against her ear and the feelings she had locked up started bubbling forth. She quickly freed her hand from his grasp and stepped to the side and away from Arnav. What was she doing? What was she thinking?

"I- Uh.. Yeah. I'll do that." Khushi managed to stammer and almost ran from the kitchen. Arnav chuckled as he raised the bottle of milk to an eagerly waiting Shiv's mouth. Arnav adjusted Shiv in his arms and whispered to his son. "Don't worry, daddy's going to fix this."

---

Khushi walked into her room to see her phone buzzing. She walked over and without bothering to check who was calling, she put the phone to her ear.

"Hello?" Khushi said.

"Do you miss me yet, beautiful?" Khushi smiled a beaming smile as she heard the sound of the man on the other line. The "Farhan-Akhtar-meets-Shah-Rukh-Khan" style of his could be felt through the phone.

"What kind of a question is that? Of course I do!" Khushi replied grinning.

"Oh thank Devi Maiya for that!" She could sense his teasing smile though the phone.

"Are you calling to check up on me?"

"Yes, darling. How's Shiv?"

"How sweet. Shiv is fabulous! He clicked with his dad and the family better than I thought."

"That's good."

"Definitely. I guess this means I can return to you sooner than I expected." Khushi smiled.

"Does he know? Or does he suspect anything?" Khushi knew he was referring to Arnav.

"No, not at all. And I doubt he suspects anything. He's overwhelmed with Shiv right now."

He took a while to reply and then with a slight hesitation he asked her something. "Did he try to... uh... make a move on you? Try to claim his husbandry rights, or touch you or anything?"

Khushi could sense through the phone that he was slightly annoyed at the thought. "No." She replied. "And you know I won't let it happen." Khushi tried to reassure him and decided not to bring up what happened in the kitchen ten minutes ago.

"Good, good... Are you going to tell him? All of your family?"

"I am... but..." Khushi paused.

"But what Khushi? Do you want me to come there, so we can tell them together?"

She took in a deep breathe. "No. No, I want to ask for a divorce first."

The other side of the line was quiet so Khushi continued.

"If I tell them everything and then ask for a divorce, Arnav will never agree. I know him. He'll be angry and he won't give me the divorce. But if I ask for the divorce first without giving the real reason, I'm sure he'll give it to me. Of course, I'll give him full custody of Shiv, and after all the proceedings are done, I could come back to you."

"And you could tell him the real reason..."

"Yes, I'll tell him why... but after the divorce is through."

Khushi waited for his reply. She thought he would be happy with her decision, but he didn't sound too convincing.

"Is this what you were hiding from me? You made this divorce plan even before you left here, didn't you? Well, either way I'm glad you're thinking about things wisely."

"I thought I would surprise you with the news!" Khushi's tone was teasingly sarcastic. "Don't worry, I'll be back in your company soon."

"I know, Khushi, I know. I'll be waiting for you."

"I miss you. Sometimes I wish you were here by my side through all this." Khushi said, her voice sightly sad.

"I miss you too but don't worry. You'll see me soon. Just finish what you're there for."

"Thank you. I'm glad I have you in my life now." Khushi smiled and whispered and a small tear escaped her eye.

"Me too." His tone said he meant it. "Alright Khushi, I have to go. Keep in touch with me, please?"

"Of course. I'll call you soon, okay? Bye, Mahesh."

"I'll be waiting. Bye."

Khushi let another smile appear on her face. It'll all be done soon and she could go back to him soon. Her heart clenched as she thought of leaving Shiv behind. No, she shouldn't worry, she told herself. Shiv will be with his dad. It was going to be hard regardless. At least she'll be with Mahesh and he'll take care of her to the most possible extent. She smiled again and returned to changing her clothes.

Chapter 12: Hidden

Khushi sat patiently. The nurse had said the doctor will with her in a few minutes. Externally Khushi looked calm and composed for someone who had collapsed on the stairs of her hostel. She had been brought to the hospital by her roommate. Outside, Khushi looked collected.

Inside, Khushi was a nervous wreck, breaking into pieces, counting the days, the months, thinking about the signs, the evidence, and worst of all what it all meant. Of course she was late. Was she stupid? It had been almost three months since the last time. Three months! Hai Devi Maiya, why do you test me so?

The doctor came in and took a seat across Khushi as Khushi took a deep breathe and placed a well practiced smile on her face. 

"I see you're Mrs. Raizada?" The doctor said making it clear that she knew who the Raizadas and who her husband was. That was expected. Her husband was known all through India.

"Ji, that's me." Khushi replied placing another well practiced smile on her face.

"Is he with you today, Mrs.Raizada?"

"No, he- he is busy and I'm in Bombay for some other things and..." Khushi trailed off as she saw the doctor scanning through her results.

"Well, it would've been better if he was here today, but I'm happy to say that you're pregnant! Congratulations, Mrs.Raizada!"

"Thank you!" Khushi's face showed a slight emotion of shock. She knew it was coming, but hearing it out loud felt like her nightmare was closer than she expected.

"I am surprised, however." The doctor continued. "you're almost three months along. Did you not notice you were late?"

"I've been very busy, so..." Khushi trailed off once again. 

"Well it happens. Anyhow, I'm going to prescribe you to some vitamins and other essential tablets. Go ahead and buy them at the pharmacy right away. You should have started taking these earlier as you are weak, according to your test results. From now on, make sure you limit your travel, intake of unhealthy food, caffeine etc..." The doctor kept speaking as Khushi zoned out. 

She was three months pregnant. That too with that Laad Governor's spawn. No. This was her baby. Khushi was broken from her trail of thoughts as the doctor handed her the prescription. Thanking the doctor, she walked out. Right then her phone rang. Khushi instantly recognized the number she knew as Arnav's. She really had get a new phone, Khushi thought to herself. She was about to end the call when she stopped. What if he gets angry? What if he keeps looking for her and finds her? What if he came to know that she was pregnant? No way. She picked up the call.

"Hello?" Khushi' voice slightly shook as the spoke to the man that had ruined her life.

Arnav froze in his cabin as he heard the voice that haunted his dreams. The phone almost fell out f his hand. Arnav had been calling Khushi ever since he had gotten to know the truth about what really happened. It was two weeks ago that NK had revealed to Arnav the truth about everything that happened. Since then he had been trying to call Khushi, but the call never went through. Arnav was begining to lose hope, thinking that she had gotten a new number, when right now Khushi had picked up.

"Khushi?" His voice was soft and it faltered Khushi for a minute before she was pulled back into reality.

"What do you want?"

"Khushi, I-"

"No! I don't understand why you keep bothering me even after I left for good. You're a business man, right? So you obviously understand contracts and deals, right? Well then understand that six months are over and that our deal is over."

"Khushi, if you are done talking nonsense, then listen to me." Arnav's voice had turned back to ASR mode. 

"I already asked you, what do you want?"Khushi's voice matched her stance. 

"Khushi, NK told me everything, and I- Khushi where are you? Please tell me Khushi! Khushi, I screwed up. Not once but twice. Khushi, please, tell me where you are!"

"No." Khushi whispered. It wasn't offensive, it wasn't defensive. It was a cry. A heart wrenching, pain filled whisper that hung in between the lines connecting Arnav and Khushi.

"Khushi, please..."

"I can't-"

"Please, give me a last chance, Khushi! Khushi, atleast tell me where you are! Look are you safe? Do you have money? Khushi you know there's money in your account at the bank right? Do you still have your credit card Khushi? Khushi come back home. Use the money and get yourself somewhere safe, please. Khushi? Khushi tell me where you are, dammit! Khushi why haven't you used the money? How are you living where ever you are? Khushi? Khushi talk to me." The last sentence wasn't ASR trying to tell her what to do; it was Arnav, and he was pleading.

"I don't want you money. I need you to stop calling me. What I said the when I left Shantivan still applies Mr.Raizada. I'm done with you. Now please wasting my time." Khushi's words were slow but menacing. She had to remind herself how often ASR changed his moods. He would go from caring to evil in seconds. She knew that, and she wasn't going to fall for it a third time.

"Khushi-"

Khushi hung up the line and then proceeded to turn her phone off. She didn't need anymore surprises for the day. Ever since Khushi had left, a hefty sum of money had started moving into her bank account. It was Arnav's doing, of course, but she hadn't touched a penny. She didn't want his money. She was going to take care of herself, no mater what her condition was.

Khushi clutched the prescription in her hand and walked to the pharmacy. After reaching there she realized the expense she had to pay for the medicines. It then slowly started dawning on Khushi.

Pregnancy wasn't a joke. From now on her expenses were only going to rise, and she didn't even have a proper place to live. There would be medicine, check ups, appointments, reservations, and the cost would only keep rising. After sitting on a bench and thinking for a good hour, Khushi turned her phone back on and dialed a number. It was picked up on the first ring.

"Khushi?" Arnav's voice sounded relieved with a tinge of anger.

"I thought about what you said. I have some decisions and conditions." Khushi spoke clearly, displaying no emotions in her voice.

"I'm listening..." Arnav was apprehensive.

"I will use the money that you keep putting into my account. As you guessed, I don't really have a way of supporting me right now. However, you have to stop. In order for me to use the money and live safely as you please, you need to stop looking for me. Put an end to it right now! Never call me. Never look for me. Never inquire about me. Never talk about me."

"Khushi, stop this-"

"I'm not done." Khushi interrupted. "If you are not going to listen, then I will disappear in such a way in which you will never find me. It's either you leave me alone or you leave me alone. You pick Mr.Raizada."

Khushi's voice displayed no show of resistance or hesitance. She was firm. Arnav understood what this meant. She was telling him what he wanted to hear in a way. She would be safe and happy thanks to him if he chose to leave her alone. Or he could just not listen to Khushi, but that would have its consequences. Arnav knew Khushi wasn't playing around.

"Okay." Arnav broke the silence. Khushi had been waiting for his reply, being slightly anxious. His answer surprised Khushi, but she was glad.

"Alright. Goodbye, Mr. Raizada." And with that Khushi ended the line. She walked back to the pharmacy and pulled out her credit card. She bought all the medicines. On the way home, she found a safe and comfortable apartment to move into. From now on, she would only focus on herself and be away from everything that tried to harm her. Even if it meant, living off of ASR's money, it was better than living in his company, she decided. 

Arnav slowly put the phone down and stared at the wall. If she really did use the money he was putting into her credit card, then he would be lucky. All he would have to to do is find the location of the withdrawal to track Khushi. However, Arnav stopped. What if Khushi finds out? The threat she had made on the phone wasn't something he could put off so easily. After much contemplation he changed his mind. He would leave her alone.

---

Khushi slowly came back to reality as she realized that she was walking back and forth across the living room of Shantivan after dinner as she rocked Shiv back to sleep. He mind was always wandering of now a days.

Khushi could feel Arnav's eyes on her the entire time, but she ignored the burn of his gaze.

"Khushi?" Payal called from behind her.

"Ji?" Khushi replied.

"It's getting late. Put Sid to sleep and go to bed yourself. Okay?" Payal stroked Khushi's cheek.

"Okay, Jiji." Khushi responded with a smile. Glad to escape Arnav's gaze, she sped to her room.

Arnav watched Khushi take Shiv to the guestroom and proceeded to his room upstairs.

Payal watched Khushi leave, and then Arnav leave. There was something wrong and Payal could sense it. Khushi was lying about something. Payal felt as if something was being kept from the rest of the family. Something was hidden. What was the real reason for Khushi being back?

Chapter 11: Unspoken

"Khushi..." Arnav began. "You know I'm not usually fond of your taste, but I'm pleasantly surprised." He found Khushi looking at him confused. "Shiv is a good name." He said.

Khushi watched in awe as the signature smirk of Arnav Singh Raizada formed on his face. Teasing her was something he'd never put behind him she realized and let a small of her own form on her lips.

And as Arnav's smirk widened on his face, Khushi saw the first hint of the man she had fallen in love with a long time ago. 
---
Payal stopped in her tracks. She had seen Arnav head to poolside after Khushi and the scene she had expected to see was something totally different. Considering how Arnav and Khushi usually worked out their problems, Payal had expected to see one of them in the pool after having been pushed in there by the other.

Instead there they were, a small family. Any outsider looking at the trio by the poolside would only see a lovely family. Small but perfect. But Payal saw what others wouldn't see. She could see the waves of tension between Arnav and Khushi. She could see it in the way her sister held herself. She could tell that Khushi and Arnav had a long way to go.

Payal looked at the bottle of milk she had prepared for Shiv. Shiv didn't seem so hungry anymore, as he was busy tugging on all parts of Arnav's face. She walked back to the dining room. She would wait for them to work things out. They all would.
---
"Very funny, Mr.Raizada. And I know Shiv is a good name. I didn't need your approval." Arnav half expected Khushi to stick her tongue out at him after the way she responded.

"Yup. ASR's little SSR." Arnav replied and stopped. Khushi was covering her mouth and stifling a laugh.

Hai Devi Maiya! Khushi's thoughts began to race. Why didn't I see that before? SSR? Another laugh busted through her lips before she could swallow it. Arnav was looking at her with a confused expression now. His head was tilted and he raised an eyebrow.

"What the-? Why are you laughing?" Arnav questioned.

"Nothing. I'm just- I don't know."

"What?"

"Nevermind! Let's go to dinner. Shiv needs to be put to sleep. Come on!" Khushi got up and headed to the door.

Arnav let a small smile appear on his face. Khushi hadn't changed. She was still her hare brained, jabbering self. Arnav got up and followed Khushi. They were off to a good start he decided. However, he had so much more to make up for, so much lost time. He would do it, he then promised. He would never give up.
---
Anjali's breath caught as she saw the trio emerge towards the dining room table. From outside Chote, Khushi-ji, and Shiv looked every bit the perfect family. Chote's face looked a lot less tense than the last time she had seen it. It was not only Anjali that noticed this, as the entire family smiled seeing Shiv in Arnav's hands.

"Arreh, looks like daddy and son have already bonded!" Nani spoke and the her smile could be heard in her voice.The family smiled approvingly.

Like they had before the ultimate fallout, Khushi took her seat beside Arnav. She looked at Payal questioningly and Payal brought her the bottle of milk for Shiv. Khushi smiled and acknowledged a thanks before turning to Arnav.

"Give Shiv to me, or he will fall asleep." Arnav complied instantly, understanding that he didn't know how things worked for his son. He would learn soon, he promised. Arnav extended Shiv into Khushi's waiting hands.

---

Arnav and Khushi didn't know what struck them. They froze as their bodies came into contact for the first time in a long time. Arnav's fingertips brushed against Khushi's and they froze as an electric current moved through them. Unspoken desires, regretful mistakes, unsaid forgiveness, and a hidden love all exchanged between them. Silently. Slowly. Simply unspoken. Only through their eyes.

Khushi stared into his eyes so longingly, yet lessons from the past held her back. It would be more than easy to forgive him right then and there and to move on, but that should not happen. She knew how she lost her judgement around Arnav. She knew the consequences of having once blindly forgiven him. His chocolate eyes were hard to hurt. It was the only window in which any of emotion Arnav rarely had showed through. She tried desperately to read them. She saw pain and something else she couldn't quite understand.

Arnav was trapped in the gaze of Khushi's hazel eyes. He saw the wanting in her, her ever forgiving nature slowly creep into her eyes. Yet suddenly it was gone. Replaced with the pain of what experience had taught her. Her eyes now showed pain as they frantically searched his own eyes. Their eyes were a reflection of each others'. There was guilt, sorrow, and regret in his and there was fear, love, and sorry in her's. Yet they both only showed pain. Because that's what they had caused each other. That was time and time again their only gifts to each other.

---

Khushi dropped her gaze first as a rich color filled her cheeks. She quickly diverted her attention to Shiv and Arnav suddenly became overly interested in his food. Their exchange hadn't gone unnoticed by the family members, but they left it unspoken.

Khushi watched Shiv as he gulped his milk and slowly traveled to his world of dreams. She smiled with a tinge of jealousy. Shiv was lucky. Shiv had only gotten love from Arnav.

Arnav watched Shiv too, as he fell into slumber in his mother's arms. Arnav's face softened and a little envy crept into him. Shiv was so lucky. Shiv had only given his mom happiness.