Arnav splashed cold water on his face. He couldn't believe all that had occurred in the last half hour. His whole world had turned upside down. He had walked in thinking, no, foolishly believing that he would walk out with Aarav's custody and the key to winning Anjali and Khushi's heart and trust once again. But now, now he only saw uncertainty and fear. Uncertainty about the truth and who was telling it and fear of ever managing to find a way out of the mess he had began nine years ago by blindly following his rage, when everyone had told him to let it go. The cold water felt like a hard slap across his hot face, but it wasn't as hard as the reality with which he had been hit when Sheetal had walked in.
Sheetal. She was alive!! He was still having trouble believing that, even though he had just had a heated argument with her. But if she was alive then why had Viraj told him and Khushi that she was dead? What could he possibly gain by telling them she was dead? What was his motive in all of this and why had he conjured such a disgusting plan? Well Sheetal was right about one thing only Viraj himself could answer these questions. Besides his own mind was too exhausted to be able to make sense of anything, hence he had escaped to the lobby toilets to get some distance from Sheetal and the conference room. Not wanting to wait there with her while Viraj made his journey over. He felt suffocated and completely vulnerable in that room, therefore came down to get a grip over himself. Sheetal had seen more than enough of his melt-down, and thoroughly enjoyed it too, he had no wish to make a spectacle of himself while they waited, for he knew if he stayed in the room she would get under his skin and make him do and say things that he would only regret.
It surprised him how much she had changed. The girl he had once known was a shy, sweet, innocent girl, but the woman who sat in the conference room upstairs bore no resemblance to that girl. She was arrogant, loud and opinionated. The complete opposite of the Sheetal he had once known and seduced. Was he responsible for this change? Had his actions broken her so much that she completed transformed into this abnoxious person, who he was beginning to resent, even though he knew he should actually be ashamed in front of. But he couldn't help it her attitude irritated him, he just couldn't find himself to feel sorry in front of this woman he saw as he saw no love, no compassion in her that would invoke guilt inside of him. All he saw was pride and plain rudeness, which puzzled him, for he didn't understand how only that could exist inside of her. Where had the sweet, loveable girl he had known disappeared? The girl he had felt so guilty to have played with. Was she still inside there, only hiding behind the wall of this rude woman (something he knew too well) or had she never existed and he had only imagined it? He was no longer sure, for if he had learnt anything in the last half hour, well no actually the last month than it was that nothing was ever as it seemed.
He splashed cold water on his face again, but in vain, for it did not help his nerves at all. They were still tingling, telling him that the surprises were not over yet. He turned the faucet to stop the tumult of cold water flowing from the tap, which was only splashing his shirt and not making a difference to the chaos inside of him. He stared hard at his face in the mirror. It was completely blank, no emotion was on it. They were all probably still in shock: making his face grey and sickly. He sighed, there was nothing he could do about it, it would continue to harbour this melancholy look until this meeting wasn't over and probably after it too.
He moved towards the paper towels, tore one from the rack and wiped his face. Glanced in the mirror one more time, adjusted his tie and coat and then made his way out of the toilet. He checked his watch, it had only been fifteen minutes since he had come down, Viraj probably wasn't here yet, if he was then Mr Roy would have called him. Not wanting to go back to the conference room just yet, he made his way to the cafeteria to buy a bottle of water. The water in the room tasted stale, or maybe it was the company that had made it taste that way, well whatever it was he was going to get himself a new bottle. As he made his way to the cafeteria he heard some commotion taking place near the reception desk. There seemed to be some argument going on, but Arnav didn't pay much attention to it, he had enough chaos in his mind that was giving him a head ache, he didn't need to witness an external one. He rubbed his forehead as he walked across the lobby, maybe he would ask for an aspirin too. He had just shut his eyes for a mere second, trying to suppress the pain when something or someone collided into him. His eyes flew open in time to find a red dupatta land on his head while an arm clad in glass bangles jerked into the air. Without thinking he grabbed the wrist to steady himself and the lady who was falling.
'Uffo!! Watch where you are go-' started Khushi frustrated, but stopped when she found herself cradled in Arnav's arms.
Arnav just stared, unbelieving at who he saw held in his arms. How many more surprises was this day going to bring him? Well at least this was better than the one he had received earlier. Seeing her all flustered brought a smile to his lips, 'Khushi, why must we always meet like this?' he asked amused. Hearing this comment Khushi's face turned red, matching her clothes. She began stirring, signalling to him to let her go, he obliged and she stood up, pulling the dupatta down from Arnav's face and adjusting herself. She looked at him for the briefest of moments and then looked away, shy.
'You ok?' inquired Arnav. She nodded, unsure of what to say, even though the whole ride over she had had a whole speech prepared for him and had been constantly nudging the Rickshaw driver to speed up, impatient to see him. But now seeing him she didn't know how to begin.
'Ummm...Khushi, why are you here? I mean don't get me wrong, I'm happy to see you but am just confused as to why you are here, you didn't mention anything about coming earlier...' started Arnav, hoping that was enough invitation for Khushi to begin her rant of an explanation, which he could see forming in her face. It was.
'Why didn't you tell me?!!' demanded Khushi, ignoring his question and forgetting that they were standing in a public place.
'Wha-'
'You should have told me!! Why didn't you tell me?!! Why did you lie?!! Why did you keep it from me?!! You should have told me, it would have saved us both a lot of heartache. Why didn't you tell me Arnav ji? Why?' Started Khushi, not waiting for Arnav's response.
Arnav just stared at her, confused. How could he have told her anything about it, he only just found out himself. And how did she find out before him? Suddenly becoming aware of their surroundings, Arnav tried to take Khushi to the side, where they could stop making a spectacle of themselves. But Khushi yanked her hands away from him: she was in no mood to calm down or lower her voice. She was hurt. Why had he hid the truth of Lavanya and his break-up from her? Why had he always let her believe he was to blame? Why did he always hide his good side, why?!! But more importantly she was more annoyed at herself, why hadn't she asked him before to tell her the truth? Why had she blindly believed the picture he had painted, when she knew he had a habit of making himself the villain!!
Seeing Arnav silent, Khushi began her interrogation again, now getting physical. She shoved him with each question she posed to him, pushing him back towards the glass walls, until he finally held both her hands and pushed her up against the wall, to stop her. 'Khushi, how on earth could I have told you anything when I just found out about it, when I am still reeling from the shock!' Arnav responded, irritation rising inside of him.
'Stop lying! You knew and you still hid it from me!! Why?!!' panted Khushi, 'I mean ok it was my fault too, I should have asked, I should have made you tell me the truth before, like I am doing now, but just because I didn't ask does not mean you don't tell me! Why do you do this Arnav ji? Everytime! Why do you always hide the whole truth from me, making me come to wrong the conclusions about you!! You know I am not like you, I don't have a habit of digging for the truth, or needing evidence to believe something, I believe whatever you tell me because I trust you to tell me the truth, so then why do you hide things and allow me to assume wrongly about you, which then ends up hurting us both!! Why?!!' berated Khushi, tears now flowing from her eyes.
Arnav stared at her perplexed. How could she be blaming him for something he didn't do? He didn't hide anything from her, in fact everything was hidden from him, he only just found out, how did she expect him to tell her the truth when he himself was no longer sure of what was the truth?! Arnav loosened his grip on her wrists and moved his hands up her arms to cup her face. He wiped away the tears that singed his heart. How was it that he always became the reason for her tears, when he had vowed to never let them in her eyes?
'Khushi,' Arnav said soothingly, 'Khushi, please believe me, I did not hide anything from you. How could I when I myself did not know that Sheetal was alive. I mean I received the biggest shock of my life when she walked in half an hour ago and I only just came out of the conference room to clear my head so how could I have told you, when I haven't even had a proper minute to breathe myself!' reasoned Arnav.
But Khushi had already begun shaking her head, not listening to what he said after he stated he 'didn't hide anything'. 'You are lying again. Arnav ji Lavanya ji told me everything, so you can stop hid-' but she stopped abruptly as the rest of Arnav's words sunk in. 'Wait what?! Sheetal ji is alive?!!!' Khushi blurted out at Arnav, eyes wide in shock.
'Lavanya?!' Arnav asked blankly, 'What truth about Lavanya? Oh...you mean about offering her the modelling job, well Khushi I didn't hide anything from you, we weren't talking and besides Lavanya made me promise that I won't tell you as she wanted to tell you herself. So I mean it's really no biggie.'
'Not that Arnav ji. I don't care about you not informing me about her modelling assignment! I was talking about your break-up! But forget that, what do you mean she's alive?! I mean are you sure? Viraj ji told me himself that she was dead, he told you too!' prodded Khushi.
'What do you mean am I sure, Khushi?!! Of course I am, I just had a very heated argument with her on this very matter of her being alive and frankly speaking I have never felt like a bigger idiot than I did while I was inside there; continually asking her how she was alive when she was standing in front of me!' Replied Arnav, annoyed.
'But how can that be? I mean Viraj ji told us himself that she was dead, why would he say that if his sister is alive? That is wrong on so many levels, saying a live person is dead. Why would he do that Arnav ji?' asked Khushi, befuddled.
'I don't know. That only Viraj can answer. That is why we have called him, he is on his way, should be here any minute.' Said Arnav. Khushi just stared at Arnav, she couldn't understand why a brother would pronounce his sister dead. Why he would call his own nephew an orphan? What could possibly be his motive? To curse his own nephew of such a terrible fate, why would he do that? She was an orphan herself and knew too well the pain of being one. She had been lucky to have found parents in her Aunt and Uncle, but still they could not fill the hole in her that was left behind by her parents. That hole would remain empty her entire life, paining her on every momentous occasion, good and bad, when she would crave the loving embrace of her mother and the wise words of her father...indeed it was terrible ordeal to have, and to wish that on your own nephew! Why would someone do that?!! A tear escaped her eyes as a thought came into her mind.
She jerked her head up suddenly and clasped Arnav's hands, 'Arnav ji, if Sheetal ji is alive what does that do to your case? I mean what about Aarav now. Can you still have him, even though his mother is alive? I mean it would be wrong to separate a son from his mother, but...but its' not fair to keep a father away from his son too. What will happen now Arnav ji?' asked Khushi urgently.
Arnav gave Khushi a sad smile. There was so much she didn't know. 'Khushi...' he started but then paused unsure of how to reveal the next bit of information to her. 'Why don't you sit down, first?' he began to lead her towards the sofas nearby, but Khushi stopped him, not in any mood to sit down. Arnav tried to take her again, but when she didn't move, he looked up to see the resolute expression she wore. He smiled, she always had been stubborn. He let go of her arms and turned away trying to figure out a nice way to tell her that Aarav might not actually be his son. She pursed her lips noisily, indicating to him that she did not like waiting for his response.
Finally he turned around, 'Khushi...Aarav might not be my son.' Said Arnav softly. Sometimes the only way was to rip the band-aid off and let the pain attack catch you off guard, making you vulnerable, but only until you learnt to resist it. Khushi stared at him in absolute shock.
'Wha- What do you mean he's not your son? What are you saying? What about the DNA test?!!' asked Khushi aloud, after a few moments of stunned silence.
Arnav sighed, 'Yeah about that, who told you about that lab?'
'Hunh? I don't know, I just came across it, in the newspaper.' Answered Khushi, not following.
'Well that lab happens to be owned by Viraj and the doctor who did the test, or signed off on it is Viraj's partner and very good friend. Thus Sheetal is saying that he duped the tests, making it positive when it wasn't, because Sheetal is adamant that Aarav is not my son.'
'What?!!' now Khushi slumped into the sofa that Arnav had been guiding her too. 'Aarav's not your son? The tests were faked? But why? And how would Viraj ji even know that I was going to test Aarav and you. And how did he know which one were your and Aarav's samples at the lab, I mean they get so many samples of so many different things to get tested how did he know which one were yours...I mean it doesn't make sense, how did he know and even if he did why would he change the results...' voiced Khushi, not understanding why anyone would create such a horrible misunderstanding.
'Well again, only Viraj can answer these questions...' replied a resigned Arnav. He too now slumped down next to his wife, tired from all the havoc that he had faced and would be facing in a little while.
'Hanh.' Khushi took a sharp breath as she turned to face Arnav sheepishly, 'You asked how I came across the lab.' Arnav nodded, 'It was at Viraj ji's house. When I went to drop Aarav off that day and took a sample of his hair from his shirt it was the add of his lab that I wrapped it in. It was lying on the table, I guess he was about to place an advertisement in the newspaper for his lab and I wrapped the pieces of Aarav's hair in that and took it home. When I opened it at home I saw the add and took it as a sign from DM that she wanted me to do this, for I was having doubts about what I was about to do, but when I saw the add, I decided to go ahead with it and took it to the lab, as it seemed like a good one, that wouldn't falsify results. Clearly I was wrong.' Spat out a miffed Khushi.
'Oh that's how he must have known you were going to do a DNA test and decided to change it...but it still doesn't explain why he changed them. I mean I know he is angry at whoever made his sister pregnant. But if it wasn't me then why is he making me the father and taking his anger out on me, shouldn't he be looking for the guy who made her pregnant rather than framing me?!' Voiced an agitated Arnav, but then he went on to reply himself, 'Ugh...nothing ever makes sense with Viraj!' exhaled an exasperated Arnav.
Khushi just looked at Arnav, his eyes were closed as he tried to tame the mental destruction that was taking place. Love, concern and compassion spread in her heart for him. He had been through so much, he had found out he was a father to a child he had not known to exist and now was being told that he wasn't, when he had developed such a strong bond for him even though he had never met him. He must be shattered from within. How he was managing to hold himself together in front of her she did not know. But then he was Arnav - a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma - always a puzzle to the onlooker, no matter how close they were too him. Or maybe the more close you got to him the more confusing he became. She slid her hand in his and held it tightly. Letting him know that she was here and she was a certainty amongst all the uncertainty that surrounded him.
Arnav's eyes shot open as he felt the warm, familiar hand slip into his. He stared at their entwined hands. Khushi was holding his hand. A new but very familiar sensation spread through his whole body. Pride and love. Pride for his love. He tightened his grip on her, afraid that if he left the grip lose she may slip away again. Khushi returned the pressure, assuring him that she wasn't going anywhere. Not this time. Because she need not to, she had finally crossed that bridge of uncertainty and now knew how to be with Arnav again. He no longer made her uncertain of herself or him. She found her trust re-instated in him.
She looked up at him and smiled, re-enforcing the message her hand had just given. A tear escaped his eyes as he leaned forward to kiss her on her forehead. Thanking her for the mercy she had shown him. He was overwhelmed at how much she loved him, that she was able to forgive him so.
As his feverish lips touched her forehead something stirred inside of her. She felt a tremor go through her. But it wasn't his invigorating kiss that set her veins on fire; it was a singeing tear that dropped from his eyes onto the top of her enclosed hand. The tear of a heart-break. The tear of redemption. The tear of pure, undeniable love. That tear may have left his body from his eyes, but it had dropped from his heart. The heart that was no longer black, it had been cleansed by the innocence of love. That tear surged through her veins to her heart like an antidote given to purge her body of a venom that had been paralyzing her. Her heart fervoured under his tears influence, relinquishing it from any doubt that may have been left inside of her about who he was: in that moment she knew that he was her Arnav, her Arnav and no longer that monster he had described to be, the one she had glimpsed on that morning which seemed so long ago now and he never would be. The sensation overwhelmed her and for the second time today Khushi collided into Arnav, this time to embrace him fully.
Sheetal. She was alive!! He was still having trouble believing that, even though he had just had a heated argument with her. But if she was alive then why had Viraj told him and Khushi that she was dead? What could he possibly gain by telling them she was dead? What was his motive in all of this and why had he conjured such a disgusting plan? Well Sheetal was right about one thing only Viraj himself could answer these questions. Besides his own mind was too exhausted to be able to make sense of anything, hence he had escaped to the lobby toilets to get some distance from Sheetal and the conference room. Not wanting to wait there with her while Viraj made his journey over. He felt suffocated and completely vulnerable in that room, therefore came down to get a grip over himself. Sheetal had seen more than enough of his melt-down, and thoroughly enjoyed it too, he had no wish to make a spectacle of himself while they waited, for he knew if he stayed in the room she would get under his skin and make him do and say things that he would only regret.
It surprised him how much she had changed. The girl he had once known was a shy, sweet, innocent girl, but the woman who sat in the conference room upstairs bore no resemblance to that girl. She was arrogant, loud and opinionated. The complete opposite of the Sheetal he had once known and seduced. Was he responsible for this change? Had his actions broken her so much that she completed transformed into this abnoxious person, who he was beginning to resent, even though he knew he should actually be ashamed in front of. But he couldn't help it her attitude irritated him, he just couldn't find himself to feel sorry in front of this woman he saw as he saw no love, no compassion in her that would invoke guilt inside of him. All he saw was pride and plain rudeness, which puzzled him, for he didn't understand how only that could exist inside of her. Where had the sweet, loveable girl he had known disappeared? The girl he had felt so guilty to have played with. Was she still inside there, only hiding behind the wall of this rude woman (something he knew too well) or had she never existed and he had only imagined it? He was no longer sure, for if he had learnt anything in the last half hour, well no actually the last month than it was that nothing was ever as it seemed.
He splashed cold water on his face again, but in vain, for it did not help his nerves at all. They were still tingling, telling him that the surprises were not over yet. He turned the faucet to stop the tumult of cold water flowing from the tap, which was only splashing his shirt and not making a difference to the chaos inside of him. He stared hard at his face in the mirror. It was completely blank, no emotion was on it. They were all probably still in shock: making his face grey and sickly. He sighed, there was nothing he could do about it, it would continue to harbour this melancholy look until this meeting wasn't over and probably after it too.
He moved towards the paper towels, tore one from the rack and wiped his face. Glanced in the mirror one more time, adjusted his tie and coat and then made his way out of the toilet. He checked his watch, it had only been fifteen minutes since he had come down, Viraj probably wasn't here yet, if he was then Mr Roy would have called him. Not wanting to go back to the conference room just yet, he made his way to the cafeteria to buy a bottle of water. The water in the room tasted stale, or maybe it was the company that had made it taste that way, well whatever it was he was going to get himself a new bottle. As he made his way to the cafeteria he heard some commotion taking place near the reception desk. There seemed to be some argument going on, but Arnav didn't pay much attention to it, he had enough chaos in his mind that was giving him a head ache, he didn't need to witness an external one. He rubbed his forehead as he walked across the lobby, maybe he would ask for an aspirin too. He had just shut his eyes for a mere second, trying to suppress the pain when something or someone collided into him. His eyes flew open in time to find a red dupatta land on his head while an arm clad in glass bangles jerked into the air. Without thinking he grabbed the wrist to steady himself and the lady who was falling.
'Uffo!! Watch where you are go-' started Khushi frustrated, but stopped when she found herself cradled in Arnav's arms.
Arnav just stared, unbelieving at who he saw held in his arms. How many more surprises was this day going to bring him? Well at least this was better than the one he had received earlier. Seeing her all flustered brought a smile to his lips, 'Khushi, why must we always meet like this?' he asked amused. Hearing this comment Khushi's face turned red, matching her clothes. She began stirring, signalling to him to let her go, he obliged and she stood up, pulling the dupatta down from Arnav's face and adjusting herself. She looked at him for the briefest of moments and then looked away, shy.
'You ok?' inquired Arnav. She nodded, unsure of what to say, even though the whole ride over she had had a whole speech prepared for him and had been constantly nudging the Rickshaw driver to speed up, impatient to see him. But now seeing him she didn't know how to begin.
'Ummm...Khushi, why are you here? I mean don't get me wrong, I'm happy to see you but am just confused as to why you are here, you didn't mention anything about coming earlier...' started Arnav, hoping that was enough invitation for Khushi to begin her rant of an explanation, which he could see forming in her face. It was.
'Why didn't you tell me?!!' demanded Khushi, ignoring his question and forgetting that they were standing in a public place.
'Wha-'
'You should have told me!! Why didn't you tell me?!! Why did you lie?!! Why did you keep it from me?!! You should have told me, it would have saved us both a lot of heartache. Why didn't you tell me Arnav ji? Why?' Started Khushi, not waiting for Arnav's response.
Arnav just stared at her, confused. How could he have told her anything about it, he only just found out himself. And how did she find out before him? Suddenly becoming aware of their surroundings, Arnav tried to take Khushi to the side, where they could stop making a spectacle of themselves. But Khushi yanked her hands away from him: she was in no mood to calm down or lower her voice. She was hurt. Why had he hid the truth of Lavanya and his break-up from her? Why had he always let her believe he was to blame? Why did he always hide his good side, why?!! But more importantly she was more annoyed at herself, why hadn't she asked him before to tell her the truth? Why had she blindly believed the picture he had painted, when she knew he had a habit of making himself the villain!!
Seeing Arnav silent, Khushi began her interrogation again, now getting physical. She shoved him with each question she posed to him, pushing him back towards the glass walls, until he finally held both her hands and pushed her up against the wall, to stop her. 'Khushi, how on earth could I have told you anything when I just found out about it, when I am still reeling from the shock!' Arnav responded, irritation rising inside of him.
'Stop lying! You knew and you still hid it from me!! Why?!!' panted Khushi, 'I mean ok it was my fault too, I should have asked, I should have made you tell me the truth before, like I am doing now, but just because I didn't ask does not mean you don't tell me! Why do you do this Arnav ji? Everytime! Why do you always hide the whole truth from me, making me come to wrong the conclusions about you!! You know I am not like you, I don't have a habit of digging for the truth, or needing evidence to believe something, I believe whatever you tell me because I trust you to tell me the truth, so then why do you hide things and allow me to assume wrongly about you, which then ends up hurting us both!! Why?!!' berated Khushi, tears now flowing from her eyes.
Arnav stared at her perplexed. How could she be blaming him for something he didn't do? He didn't hide anything from her, in fact everything was hidden from him, he only just found out, how did she expect him to tell her the truth when he himself was no longer sure of what was the truth?! Arnav loosened his grip on her wrists and moved his hands up her arms to cup her face. He wiped away the tears that singed his heart. How was it that he always became the reason for her tears, when he had vowed to never let them in her eyes?
'Khushi,' Arnav said soothingly, 'Khushi, please believe me, I did not hide anything from you. How could I when I myself did not know that Sheetal was alive. I mean I received the biggest shock of my life when she walked in half an hour ago and I only just came out of the conference room to clear my head so how could I have told you, when I haven't even had a proper minute to breathe myself!' reasoned Arnav.
But Khushi had already begun shaking her head, not listening to what he said after he stated he 'didn't hide anything'. 'You are lying again. Arnav ji Lavanya ji told me everything, so you can stop hid-' but she stopped abruptly as the rest of Arnav's words sunk in. 'Wait what?! Sheetal ji is alive?!!!' Khushi blurted out at Arnav, eyes wide in shock.
'Lavanya?!' Arnav asked blankly, 'What truth about Lavanya? Oh...you mean about offering her the modelling job, well Khushi I didn't hide anything from you, we weren't talking and besides Lavanya made me promise that I won't tell you as she wanted to tell you herself. So I mean it's really no biggie.'
'Not that Arnav ji. I don't care about you not informing me about her modelling assignment! I was talking about your break-up! But forget that, what do you mean she's alive?! I mean are you sure? Viraj ji told me himself that she was dead, he told you too!' prodded Khushi.
'What do you mean am I sure, Khushi?!! Of course I am, I just had a very heated argument with her on this very matter of her being alive and frankly speaking I have never felt like a bigger idiot than I did while I was inside there; continually asking her how she was alive when she was standing in front of me!' Replied Arnav, annoyed.
'But how can that be? I mean Viraj ji told us himself that she was dead, why would he say that if his sister is alive? That is wrong on so many levels, saying a live person is dead. Why would he do that Arnav ji?' asked Khushi, befuddled.
'I don't know. That only Viraj can answer. That is why we have called him, he is on his way, should be here any minute.' Said Arnav. Khushi just stared at Arnav, she couldn't understand why a brother would pronounce his sister dead. Why he would call his own nephew an orphan? What could possibly be his motive? To curse his own nephew of such a terrible fate, why would he do that? She was an orphan herself and knew too well the pain of being one. She had been lucky to have found parents in her Aunt and Uncle, but still they could not fill the hole in her that was left behind by her parents. That hole would remain empty her entire life, paining her on every momentous occasion, good and bad, when she would crave the loving embrace of her mother and the wise words of her father...indeed it was terrible ordeal to have, and to wish that on your own nephew! Why would someone do that?!! A tear escaped her eyes as a thought came into her mind.
She jerked her head up suddenly and clasped Arnav's hands, 'Arnav ji, if Sheetal ji is alive what does that do to your case? I mean what about Aarav now. Can you still have him, even though his mother is alive? I mean it would be wrong to separate a son from his mother, but...but its' not fair to keep a father away from his son too. What will happen now Arnav ji?' asked Khushi urgently.
Arnav gave Khushi a sad smile. There was so much she didn't know. 'Khushi...' he started but then paused unsure of how to reveal the next bit of information to her. 'Why don't you sit down, first?' he began to lead her towards the sofas nearby, but Khushi stopped him, not in any mood to sit down. Arnav tried to take her again, but when she didn't move, he looked up to see the resolute expression she wore. He smiled, she always had been stubborn. He let go of her arms and turned away trying to figure out a nice way to tell her that Aarav might not actually be his son. She pursed her lips noisily, indicating to him that she did not like waiting for his response.
Finally he turned around, 'Khushi...Aarav might not be my son.' Said Arnav softly. Sometimes the only way was to rip the band-aid off and let the pain attack catch you off guard, making you vulnerable, but only until you learnt to resist it. Khushi stared at him in absolute shock.
'Wha- What do you mean he's not your son? What are you saying? What about the DNA test?!!' asked Khushi aloud, after a few moments of stunned silence.
Arnav sighed, 'Yeah about that, who told you about that lab?'
'Hunh? I don't know, I just came across it, in the newspaper.' Answered Khushi, not following.
'Well that lab happens to be owned by Viraj and the doctor who did the test, or signed off on it is Viraj's partner and very good friend. Thus Sheetal is saying that he duped the tests, making it positive when it wasn't, because Sheetal is adamant that Aarav is not my son.'
'What?!!' now Khushi slumped into the sofa that Arnav had been guiding her too. 'Aarav's not your son? The tests were faked? But why? And how would Viraj ji even know that I was going to test Aarav and you. And how did he know which one were your and Aarav's samples at the lab, I mean they get so many samples of so many different things to get tested how did he know which one were yours...I mean it doesn't make sense, how did he know and even if he did why would he change the results...' voiced Khushi, not understanding why anyone would create such a horrible misunderstanding.
'Well again, only Viraj can answer these questions...' replied a resigned Arnav. He too now slumped down next to his wife, tired from all the havoc that he had faced and would be facing in a little while.
'Hanh.' Khushi took a sharp breath as she turned to face Arnav sheepishly, 'You asked how I came across the lab.' Arnav nodded, 'It was at Viraj ji's house. When I went to drop Aarav off that day and took a sample of his hair from his shirt it was the add of his lab that I wrapped it in. It was lying on the table, I guess he was about to place an advertisement in the newspaper for his lab and I wrapped the pieces of Aarav's hair in that and took it home. When I opened it at home I saw the add and took it as a sign from DM that she wanted me to do this, for I was having doubts about what I was about to do, but when I saw the add, I decided to go ahead with it and took it to the lab, as it seemed like a good one, that wouldn't falsify results. Clearly I was wrong.' Spat out a miffed Khushi.
'Oh that's how he must have known you were going to do a DNA test and decided to change it...but it still doesn't explain why he changed them. I mean I know he is angry at whoever made his sister pregnant. But if it wasn't me then why is he making me the father and taking his anger out on me, shouldn't he be looking for the guy who made her pregnant rather than framing me?!' Voiced an agitated Arnav, but then he went on to reply himself, 'Ugh...nothing ever makes sense with Viraj!' exhaled an exasperated Arnav.
Khushi just looked at Arnav, his eyes were closed as he tried to tame the mental destruction that was taking place. Love, concern and compassion spread in her heart for him. He had been through so much, he had found out he was a father to a child he had not known to exist and now was being told that he wasn't, when he had developed such a strong bond for him even though he had never met him. He must be shattered from within. How he was managing to hold himself together in front of her she did not know. But then he was Arnav - a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma - always a puzzle to the onlooker, no matter how close they were too him. Or maybe the more close you got to him the more confusing he became. She slid her hand in his and held it tightly. Letting him know that she was here and she was a certainty amongst all the uncertainty that surrounded him.
Arnav's eyes shot open as he felt the warm, familiar hand slip into his. He stared at their entwined hands. Khushi was holding his hand. A new but very familiar sensation spread through his whole body. Pride and love. Pride for his love. He tightened his grip on her, afraid that if he left the grip lose she may slip away again. Khushi returned the pressure, assuring him that she wasn't going anywhere. Not this time. Because she need not to, she had finally crossed that bridge of uncertainty and now knew how to be with Arnav again. He no longer made her uncertain of herself or him. She found her trust re-instated in him.
She looked up at him and smiled, re-enforcing the message her hand had just given. A tear escaped his eyes as he leaned forward to kiss her on her forehead. Thanking her for the mercy she had shown him. He was overwhelmed at how much she loved him, that she was able to forgive him so.
As his feverish lips touched her forehead something stirred inside of her. She felt a tremor go through her. But it wasn't his invigorating kiss that set her veins on fire; it was a singeing tear that dropped from his eyes onto the top of her enclosed hand. The tear of a heart-break. The tear of redemption. The tear of pure, undeniable love. That tear may have left his body from his eyes, but it had dropped from his heart. The heart that was no longer black, it had been cleansed by the innocence of love. That tear surged through her veins to her heart like an antidote given to purge her body of a venom that had been paralyzing her. Her heart fervoured under his tears influence, relinquishing it from any doubt that may have been left inside of her about who he was: in that moment she knew that he was her Arnav, her Arnav and no longer that monster he had described to be, the one she had glimpsed on that morning which seemed so long ago now and he never would be. The sensation overwhelmed her and for the second time today Khushi collided into Arnav, this time to embrace him fully.
*****