One Night With You Part-11

Khushi's flat

The doorbell rang...Khushi ran to open the door...trying to put on pearls on her ears...she opened the door to see a smiling Lavanya...which vanished after looking at Khushi...Lavanya was staring at Khushi...as if she saw a ghost...
Lavanya: What the f**k are you wearing??
Khushi checked out herself looking from bottom to top...
Khushi: What??
Lavanya: What what?? Aren't you going for the date??
Khushi: Date?? With whom??
Khushi looked at Lavanya with wide eyes...
Lavanya: Huh?? you told me at morning some Arnav asked you out...(she told as she was reminding her..)

Khushi made a straight face not answering her...she moved from the door to give her friend access to enter her flat...then she closed the door behind her...passed Lavanya to the room to comb her hair...Lavanya followed her to the room...
Lavanya: What??
Khushi didn't answer anything...continuing her work with her hairs...
Lavanya: What?? Did you promised yourself not to talk with me??
Khushi sighed with irritation...turned to Lavanya...
Khushi: Date with Arnav-ji?? Really?? (raising her one eyebrow...beck to combing her hair...)
Lavanya: Umm...I know..(with a sheepish smile..) but at least wear something good yaar...I mean why this full sleeve high neck kurta??

Khushi stopped combing...looked at the mirror to see herself...as a fragile...pale...unsteady figure...she can't even recognize her own...so unknown...so strange...so alien..!! She looked at Lavanya through the mirror who was expecting some answer from her...
Khushi: You know Lav...I have to hide some scar on me...
Lavanya realised she said too much...she looked down with embarrassment...she didn't want to say something like this...but then Khushi broke the silence...
Khushi: Its okay Lav...you don't need to behave like that...and its not a big deal to meet him like this...we have met before..

Lavanya felt little light...and looked at her friend with a smile...
Lavanya: but you can wear something sexy you know??
Khushi: No Lav...you know I don't wear that kind of dress...
Lavanya: Huuh?? No the dresses you wear when you go the...(she stopped...what the hell she going to say...her eyes went wide...again she was about to say something hurtful to Khushi...)
Lavanya was looking down again...this time cursing herself under her breathe...

Khushi looked at her...she knew Lavanya didn't mean to hurt her in any way...but the reality of her life always slaps her like this...no matter how much they try to avoid it...this kind of conversation is now part parcel of her life...and she has accepted it...but after accepting it all...still hurts...still its hard to hear these things...still hard to go on that way which leads her to hell...to a nightmare which she doesn't want to see...to a life which she would prefer to be a purgatory...she wants an end...but will it ever end?? Her trails of thought broke when she heard Lavanya's voice...calling her...

Lavanya: Khushi..I..(cut by Khushi...)
Khushi: I am not going for assignments Lav...(looking at nowhere..)
Lavanya: Khushi...I am sorry...I really am...(she was pleading for the forgiveness...only she knew how much Khushi was hurt..)
Khushi: I know...just forget it..I am getting late...you want to stay?? (shrugging her shoulder..)
Lavanya: Yeah..I'll stay here tonight...you are not fully recovered yet...so...
Khushi: Fine...I'll try to come early...(giving a warm smile..)
Khushi taking her handbag...with her mobile and wallet left her friend behind...who was staring at her moving figure...




At AR office


Arnav just completed his meetings...he moved to his cabin...he was flipping his mobile in his one hand...resting his head on the back of his leather chair with closed eyes...it was a long day for him...four back to back meetings...took a toll of him...he wanted some rest...when someone knocked the door...he asked him to come in...the voice of a glass took his attention and he opened his eyes...
The peon kept a cup of coffee...
Peon: Sir your evening coffee...(saying this he was standing there looking down..)

Arnav asked him to leave...he took the cup to take sip when he remembered..."Cafe Bizz"...he looked at his wristwatch...it was 5.45pm...he kept the cup on the place from where he took it...stood up...took his coat...and strode out of his cabin...when he bumped to Akash...
Arnav: What the..!! (he looked at Akash...)
Akash: Bhai...woh...sorry...I was coming to...(cut by Arnav)
Arnav: See you at home Akash...bye...
Akash got confused at Arnav's reply...he looked at his brother who was literally taking long strides to go out as faster as he could...

Aman came with a file to Akash...who was still watching at the way which ASR crossed...Aman followed his direction of view...found nothing...actually no one...
Aman: What Akash?? I don't find any girl there...
Akash came out of his confused shock...looked at Aman..
Akash: What Aman??
Aman: From when do you got crush on Picasso?? (with a very serious face..)
Akash: Huh?? (looked confused..)
Aman: yeah...you were looking at that painting right?? (pointing at the painting of Picasso...)
Akash looked at the way Aman pointed...

Akash: No..!! (he exclaimed..)
Aman: Then?? Why are you staring at that way??
Akash: Oh..Its Bhai..I don't understand him...
Aman: Who does?? and why do you try?? (stating as a matter of fact..)
Akash: I don't actually...By the way..what is with you??
Aman: We have a meeting...was going to call ASR...
Akash: He just left...
Aman: What??!!
Akash: Yeah...
Aman: I don't understand this man...(swearing under his breathe...)
Akash: Why do you try?? (mocking him...)
Aman looked at him...and both of them laughed out loud...
Aman: Lets go..we'll manage...



At Cafe Bizz


Khushi looked at her wristwatch...she was sipping her coffee and looking around...through the glass window of the cafe she saw some kids playing outside...she smiled and thought of something...she went outside of the cafe...standing behind them...looking at them intently...with a sweet smile on her face...

One of the kids saw her staring at them...he stopped...and stopped others from shouting...all them were looking at her nervously...when she laughed at them they all giggled...Khushi looked a man who was selling balloons...she went to him...and bought all the balloons...she was playing with the kids with those balloons...so much excited...forgetting all the pain she had in her heart...

Arnav just rushed to cross the road...yeah he was late...the great ASR...the biggest exemplar of punctuality was late today...30 mins late..he was about to enter the cafe when he bumped into a girl...he hold her by her waist...she had lots of balloons in her hand...lots of kids were around them...they all were laughing...clapping...in the process of gaining balance she lost the grip of the balloons...and the kids grabbed them...they took them ran away...thanking her...and the girl's face lit up a brightening smile..when she realized someone was holding her by her waist...she looked up...

Arnav: Khushi...
Khushi: Arnav-ji...
Arnav: Is this the way you always meet someone...??(raising his eyebrows with a smirk..)
Khushi: Ji?? (looked confused..)
Arnav: Bumping into someone?? (with a side smile...)
Khushi's eyes went wide...she remembered the first time they met...she bumped into him...her eyes were closed that time...but this time...

Khushi's chain of thoughts broke when Arnav pulled her straight on her feet...Khushi straightened herself...and looked around with embarrassment...Arnav felt her uneasiness...
Arnav: Lets go in..
Khushi nodded and they both entered the cafe...

One Night With You Part-10

At Khushi's flat


The mobile beeped when Khushi switched it on after charging her phone..."Private Number!!" thought Khushi...five missed call alerts from the same number...who is this??

"Khushi...the coffee is ready..", Khushi went to kitchen when Lavanya called her...

That evening after getting discharge Lavanya brought Khushi home...she was little weak...so Lavanya decided to stay over...Khushi was prescribed some sedatives to relax her body, which led her a peaceful slumber last night...no nightmare...

Khushi: Lav...when I was in hospital...who else were there?
Holding the coffee mug in her both palm...to absorb the warmth...
Lavanya: Only Aman was there...when you got admitted...after him no one was there...
Spreading the butter on the toast...

Khushi nodded her head at the confirmation...she thought Nikhil would be there...she needed to talk to him...
Khushi: And Nikhil?? didn't he come?? does he know everything??
Lavanya flinched on the question...she looked at nowhere...trying to control her anger...concentrating on the toast more than before...
Lavanya: yes he came...but i didn't let him to see you...
Khushi: what?? but why...?? (getting all confused)
Lavanya: why??!! (she almost shouted...her eyes wide scrunching eyebrows...perfectly reflecting her anger on Khushi's ques...and disgust for that Nikhil..)

Khushi: Lav..I..woh..
Lavanya: No Khushi...you know very well...if he wanted he could manage everything...he could manage those Agarwals...and also that ASR...but he didn't...
Khushi: Lav its not only about me...you know I needed money...and the work I did was wrong...so these all are justified...
Lavanya: I know...but I can see your distress Khushi...and this is enough...I have seen you when you were at Police station...when you came back from your those bloody assignments...when you came back from that party after not getting any money...whom you are trying to fool Khushi??

Lavanya frowned at her...thinking about those words she just uttered...may be these words...these events hurt Khushi till nowhere...but she'll have to stop this self torture...she'll have to live for herself now...

Khushi: I am not trying to fool anyone...I am just tired with this scarcity of money...thats why whatever came on my way I took that...now what??
Lavanya: I know...but this is the end..I don't know how this Raizada trust came in frame...but they are helping now... so I don't want you to continue this distress anymore...Please...

Khushi just couldn't say anything...she knew very well how much she was suffering...but she also knew there was never any other option...the reality always hit her like the wave of sea hit the stones...with such a force...when it can decay you at the same time can make you strong...

Lavanya: Khushi...(Looking at her very keenly...)
Khushi was looking down...a tear kissing her cheek came down...rubbing her hand on her coffee mug...for no reason...as the coffee was cold now...she looked at her best friend...who is trying to save her...from all the sheer torture she is going through...mentally and physically...

Lavanya shaked her head negatively...notifying the end of all these dramas playing in her life...in which Khushi is playing the lead role...Khushi looked at her friend...wiped her tears...gave a warm smile...reassuring Lavanya that she'll stop this injustice she is doing to herself...and she'll start a new life...as her mother is now getting help from a trust...she doesn't have to think about it anymore...

Lavanya smiled at her...and gave her the toasts she was preparing...she went to the kitchen counter...but Khushi was all lost...her mother...the trust...Raizada trust...she has heard about this family before...the Raizadas...one the most aristocratic families in Lucknow...their mansions...their business...are always on the top list...she has also heard about this family from her father...Shashi Gupta...but not that much...as he worked for Maliks...but he mentioned this Raizadas few times...but how come they suddenly come forward to help her mother?? this thought was itching her mind recklessly...

Khushi was sitting on her chair...thinking everything...She was quite confused with the recent events of her life...the police event was obvious...but her bail thats from AR...confusing...she got admitted in a five star hospital...confusing...Raizada trust taking care the expense of her Mother's treatment...confusing...so many confusion...at one time...she was lost in her own when she heard her mobile rang...she got up from the chair to go to her room...

Lavanya: If its Nikhil...you are not going to meet him...mark my word Khushi...
Lavanya with her stern voice...declaring the finality of her decision...not bothering about anything...except her friend's well being...
"Thank you Devi Maiya"...thinking that Khushi gave her friend a warm thankful smile and moved to her room to take the call...

"Private Number", little surprised Khushi about to press the receive button..the call got cut...she missed the call...she stared at the mobile for some quite seconds...when the phone rang again...the same Private Number...she took the call immediately..

Khushi: hello...
Man: hello..
Khushi: yeah..who is it??
Man: Khushi?
Khushi: yes..
Man: H..hi..this is me...Arnav..
Khushi: Arnav? (flinched a little..thinking about Arnav...where she met him..)
Arnav: yeah..orphanage...

When it clicked her mind...Subhadra Devi's grandson!!
Khushi: Oh Arnav...Hi..I mean Namaste Arnav ji...
She heard Arnav's slight chuckle...
Arnav: Hi..umm..
Khushi: say...how you call me??
Arnav: umm..woh..Can we meet?
Khushi: Ji?? (her eyes went wide.. "Why does he want to see me?" thought playing in her mind...)
Arnav: I said can we meet??

Khushi felt some confusion in his voice...then she understood she sounded confused..
Khushi: No no..I understood...I mean..why??
Arnav: what why??
Khushi: why do you want to meet? ME?
Arnav: Something important...can't say anything on phone..
Khushi: Oh...(she looked lost...thinking of what to say and what not..)
After about brief thirty seconds silence...she heard his voice...
Arnav: So??
Khushi: Huh??
Arnav: Khushi?? You ok??
Khushi: uu..ummm...I..I am..I am good...I mean fine... (she could sense his smirking face on her stammering and her confusion..she slapped her forehead on stupid behavior...)
Arnav: so...can we meet??
Khushi: yes of course..!! why not??
Arnav: so when??
Khushi: when...umm...you tell...
Arnav: ok...today evening at 6..at Cafe Bizz...
Khushi: okay..done...(sighing without any reason..)
Arnav: okay then...bye..
Khushi: wait...how will you recognise me??
Arnav: I know you..I mean I have seen you...remember??
Khushi: oh yeah sorry..!! (biting her tongue...)
Arnav: its ok...(Khushi could hear his chuckle..) and yeah..save my number...!!
Khushi: yeah...
Arnav: bye.
Khushi: bye..(she heard the click of the phone..)

The call disconnected...

At RM

The sunlight was kissing his face...his ruffled hair resting on his forehead...his face was bright...he was feeling better...the water in the pool was dancing with the wind...again the reflection of the sun from the water was gazing over his toned body...a positive vibe was visible in his persona...the morning was good...his mini garden was adding some extra effort to his relief...

Arnav was staring at the phone...it was refreshing talking with this girl...Khushi Kumari Gupta...Khushi...Happy...he chuckled unnaturally...confused girl..he thought...but her voice...so soothing...nice...then he remembered the day he met her 1st...her chirpiness caught his attention...her jovialness remarked her in his mind...he'll meet her today...this time not any accident like last time...last time which reminds him the moment he first met her...her eyes...always haunted him...why...he just couldn't figure out...

Suddenly his mind went to that night...the success party night...that girl...her eyes...tears...no..not only tears...pain...hurt...distress...agony...helplessness...storm...yeah...a silent storm...her eyes were pleading for help...why couldn't he help her...if he wanted he could...easily...but that man...forget it...no meaning of thinking of these...he brushed away his thought...when Hari Prakash came to call him for his breakfast...



At Khushi's flat

"Khushi..", Lavanya's voice brought her back from her shock...yes Khushi was shocked...but more than that confused...because why a person would want to meet her when he or she doesn't know each other properly...she was trying to put two and two together...when Lavanya came in her room...

Lavanya: What happened??
Khushi looked at her with wide eyes...as if she saw a ghost..
Lavanya: No..don't tell me that Nikhil...I promise you this will be the last time when he can use his hand to call someone...
Khushi: no Lav...its not him...
Lavanya: then??
Khushi: Arnavji...(lost in her thought..)
Lavanya: Arnav...now who is this??(with irritated voice..)
Khushi: You remember?? I told you about Subhadra Dadi at orphanage...??(looking at her...as if she was trying to remember something..)
Lavanya: yeah..
Khushi: her grandson...
Lavanya: O..but why did he call you??(with a confused look to Khushi..)
Khushi: He wants to see me...(no expression...neither in her voice nor on her face..)

Lavanya: Okay...nothing is making any sense to me...care to explain??
Khushi: I don't know either...let me meet him 1st..
Lavanya: But you are not well...(moving her eyes from top to bottom of Khushi..)
Khushi: Oh...he doesn't know anything about me...so I can make up something...not to worry...
Lavanya: Handsome??(with naughty smile... twigging her one eyebrow...)
Khushi: Lav..(rolling her eyes..)
Lavanya: Just asked... (shrugged her shoulder...as if she doesn't care..)

One Night With You Part- 9

At Delhi


Lavanya just couldn't figure out anything...the fact was not sinking in her mind...she was trying to think again and again...about the man her Mom mentioned this morning...a black suited tall man...looks like a hardcore businessman...speaks fluent english according to her mother...paid all the remaining bills for the treatment of Garima...Khushi's mother...he didn't mention his name rather than the Raizada trust...from where the money will be paid for the rest of the treatment...who can be this man?? and why didn't he mentioned his name?? and this Raizada trust...this is a trust built by the rich Raizada family...another name of Royalty...why on earth they would help this Guptas...??

She was thinking so deeply that she didn't notice that Khushi was already awake...and trying to sit on her bed...when she flinched in pain...with that Lavanya got back from her thought...and rushed to help her...Khushi sat on the bed resting on her back...looked at her...Lavanya looked at her very keenly...trying to understand her though...as they haven't spoken since last night...and none of them were raising the topic...

Lavanya: you ok??(looking at her with concern..)
Khushi just nodded affirmative...looking down...trying to hide her pain...her restlessness...her helplessness...

Somehow Lavanya understood her condition...so she switched the topic...
Lavanya: Doctor said you are doing good...you'll be discharged by evening...(she gave a slight warm smile)
Khushi just looked at her once...and again down concentrating on her entwined fingers...Lavanya saw her reaction...sighed in frustration...looked around the room to find a topic to talk...
Lavanya: you slept long...haven't your breakfast...so would you like to have your brunch now??
Khushi: did you have your breakfast... (the first word maybe after 24 hours...)
Lavanya gave a small smile and nodded...
Lavanya: i'll bring your meal now...
Lavanya left the room...

Khushi sat on her bed for sometime...then she looked around her...the bedside table...the shelf in the corner of the room...the sofa table where Lavanya was relaxing...she was looking for something when she realized that she was in a five star cabin...she didn't notice it before...this cabin was huge...with all the required amenities...she wondered how can Lavanya afford this..?? and how will she pay this?? when she has much more to think about...

Khushi was in her thought when she heard the door knocked...she looked at the direction to find Lavanya coming with a tray full of foods...
Lavanya: Khushi..I must tell you...being in such a five star hospital is a treat must have...(said with amusement..)

Khushi looked at her quizzically...not understanding the fact that she was in a five star hospital...she remembered that she hasn't seen the name of the hospital last night...not even now...she looked at her wrist with a hospital band...she was shocked...her eyes went wide...she looked around to reassure herself that she was actually in this expensive hospital...she felt disgusted for herself...frowned with the thought...that when her mother was deprived of proper treatment...here she was in this hospital just for some bruises on her limbs...

Khushi: Lav...why did you bring me here??
Lavanya: what?? you were..(cut by Khushi)
Khushi: I mean...why this hospital...you know how much expensive this is...and I didn't have assignment for last two days...how can I? (tried be logical..)

Lavanya sat beside her...holding a plate in front of Khushi...
Lavanya: Khushi...I didn't bring you here...
Khushi: what?? then who did?? (pushed the plate aside...as she was not interested in eating right now..)
Lavanya: Aman...ASR's PA...(with a straight face..)
Khushi: I don't get it...(she got all confused now..)
Lavanya put the plate on the table beside the bed...and looked at her friend...
Lavanya: Khushi...when I came to see you in police station...you almost lost it...I called Nikhil when he said he can't help as the case was from AR...so I went to AR to meet ASR...but couldn't meet him...and his PA Aman helped me all through this...

Khushi listened to Lavanya very carefully...she couldn't register the fact that the people who got arrested her are the people who helped her...
Khushi: but ASR?
Lavanya: ASR asked Aman to help you out...
Khushi: what?? I am not getting any of it...
Lavanya: relax Khushi...there is nothing so much to think...just have this food...and take rest...we'll go home this evening...(pressed her shoulder to reassure her..)

Khushi sighed in frustration...she just couldn't get the fact that how can ASR or his PA helped her...when they were the people who got them in police station...well...she knew nothing about the whole bribing event except the fact she tried to buy the employee...and nothing more than that...she was not from that Agarwals...she was just a pawn...and now she doesn't have anything to do with it...so she'll leave this thought and think about her mother...

Khushi: Lavanya...where is my phone?? I am looking for it for so long..
Lavanya: Oh...its dead actually...don't worry...you can use my phone..(holding her phone to her..)
Khushi: ohh thanks...i actually wanted to call Nikhil...(took the phone...which just snatched by Lavanya immediately..)
Lavanya: No need to call him...he is the reason for everything happening in your life...(with a stern voice...rage on her face..)
Khushi: Lav...but I need to talk to him...you know..Amma..(tried to be reasonable...but cut by Lavanya..)
Lavanya: you don't have to worry about that...
Khushi: What do you mean?
Lavanya: I don't know the whole thing but...Mom called me at morning...a man from Raizada trust came to pay for hospital bills...and they have taken the charge to pay for aunty for the rest of the treatment...
Khushi: what?? Raizada Trust?? isn't it the trust of the Royal Raizadas of Lucknow??
Lavanya: yeah you heard me right...

Khushi was hell confused now...what is all this happening with her...first she came in this hospital...ASR or Aman whoever it was helped her...and now this Raizada trust...why would they help her mother...and how have they came to know about her?? these are too much for her to digest now...she can't take it anymore...she is so weak to think about anything anymore...she closed her eyes and throw her head back to let out all the tension...and also the pain she has on in body...

Lavanya silently fed her food...unable to think or extract the reasons behind all of the events...she was also confused about this whole Raizada trust matter...




At Lucknow


Arnav threw his phone on the table...ran his hand through his hair in frustration...this was the fifth time he tried her number...but just like previous four times...it was unreachable...Damn..!!! he thought...

He banged his fist slightly on the table in his porch cabin...he was working from the Lucknow office of AR today... last night he thought of Khushi...when he remembered he had her number from Mr. Kashyap...he tried five times since morning...till now she was unreachable...Arnav Singh Raizada never called anyone...not more than once...and here..this Khushi Kumari Gupta...is unreachable...how dare she..!!

Then something struck in his mind...NO...he can't behave with this Guptas as ASR...he'll have to be Arnav...Shashi Gupta was his father figure...he can't deal with his family like this...he'll do anything and everything for this family...but if this Khushi doesn't prove to be like her father?? then?? what?? He can't let her harm him...not when he is Arnav...the boy of 14 who lost his family because of some deadly reality...lost his property for his own family...lost his own identity...lost everything...

Then he also got a man who guided him like a father...Shashi Gupta...got a family where love and care reflects in every bit...the Raizada Family...got a name...Arnav Singh Raizada...but also a past...which haunts him till now...a past...which gave him sleepless night from that horrible day...a past...which gave him those nightmares...a past which is killing him every day and night...slowly...steadily...no matter how much he works...how much he drinks...how many girls he sleeps with...he doesn't get tired to have a peaceful sleep...these things makes him tired...makes him light...but not able to make him forget that past...

He was standing at the window...thinking of his life...his past...his present...his power...his family...his money...his strength...his weakness...and...Khushi...KHUSHI...he has seen her once...but why does he feel he seen her before...her eyes...those eyes have something...that pain...that agony...that bitterness...that sorrow...something more...his trail of thoughts broke when there was knock at door...he turned around to Akash came with a small smile on his face...

Akash: Bhai..its done...Raizada Trust will take care of everything from now on...Mrs Gupta will get the best treatment...
Arnav gave a slight smile...and nodded...
Akash: and chopper is ready...
Arnav: ok...lets leave...

One Night With You Part-8

At Lucknow

Shocked...or surprised...or dumbstruck...what it was...Arnav was confused about his own feelings when Mr. Kashyap showed a picture of Khushi and her sister Payal with Lavanya...he told him the picture was taken 1 year ago when Shashi was alive...Arnav took the picture...and kept that with him...after just one look to it...he didn't say anything after taking the picture...Akash only had a single glance over the picture...he was not that bothered about it..as he knew Arnav will do what it was needed...but after seeing Arnav's expression for the picture he got confused...here Arnav Singh Raizada definitely failed to mask his true feeling with his fake feelings and attitude...

At Delhi

Lavanya was sitting beside the bed where Khushi was lying...she was unconscious...she was given some sedatives so that she can have some sleep...especially after such a physical and mental torture...Aman was at the information area to do all the formalities and pay the bills...

At 1st Lavanya forbade him to pay the bills...but when Aman told her that it was like a compensation from the AR...she didn't refuse...as she also knew...right now they didn't have that much money...but about the compensation...Lavanya didn't accept it on behalf of Khushi...according to her it should be her decision...and the way they tortured her...it was never enough to heal her wound...

On the other side Aman was ready with his logic...stating that Khushi was certainly at fault as she tried to buy a person for her own benefits...just then Lavnaya understood that yeah...Khushi was not that much naive in this issue...so she had not reason to fight back...not now at least...so she accepted the money...and promised to return back when Khushi will be fine...

When Aman and Lavanya reached to police station...they found her almost numb...Aman took back the case upon her...and filed another case on the man who hired Khushi...well for now the important thing was Khushi was out of the mess...but she was not in her senses...she didn't react at all when Lavnay met her...she was much more pale than before...and seeing this Aman didn't delay a minute to take her to the hospital...not to mention Arnav also ordered him to do the same...

Nikhil directly reached hospital...that night...he met Lavanya...who was throwing daggers through her eyes...she didn't talk to him...neither let him see Khushi...Nikhil did nothing as he knew partially he was also at fault...when he knew Khushi was an innocent sole...and ASR the owner of AR was not an easy going man when it comes to his company...he shouldn't have sent her just for some money...but Khushi needed money...and she requested him for this assignment...knowing about every possible danger she could face...Khushi took it...and now...lying on the bed...just to come back to her normal form...so that she can again jump in that fire...which was...which is...and which will burn her till her mother's survival...and may be till her own survival...

At Lucknow

Akash: bhai...are you ok?? (Akash shakes him a little..)
Arnav was so lost in his thought...that he didn't even realize that Akash was asking him to come out of the car...as they reached the hotel...

Arnav came out of his thought...and looked around...
Arnav: yeah I am fine...

Both of them came in the hotel...Akash was about to say something when Arnav stopped him with his words...
Arnav: listen...i am going to my room...i need some rest...
Akash: yeah...ok bhai...

Arnav turned to leave...when Akash called him from behind...
Akash: bhai...why don't you give me the picture of Khushi..i mean Gupta's daughter...I'll ask Aman to investigate...
Arnav turned to see Akash...thought something...
Arnav: No Akash...these things are quite personal...as you know that how I relate to Shashi uncle...so better...I keep it with myself...

Arnav turned on his heels...and moved to his room without waiting for Akash's reply...Akash just stared at the way Arnav went...then he just shrugged his thought...and went to his own room to get some sleep...

At Arnav's room

Arnav was standing at the window...looking outside...enjoying the night view of Lucknow...but he was not really interested at the night view more than the picture he was holding in his hand...he was confused...this is Khushi...Khushi Kumari Gupta...daughter of Shashi Gupta...the girl he met at orphanage...her mother was sick...yeah...Dadi was asking Khushi about her mother...he heard their conversation...Arnav was in his thought...when his phone buzzed...

A message from Aman...
Aman: Filed a case against the guy who hired the girl. She is in hospital.

"Why the hell is Aman informing me about that girl..?!" Arnav flinched with the thought...then he suddenly realized...he should know...why shouldn't he?? Just because of this mismanagement...he couldn't have any trace of Shashi Gupta...the man who raised him...the man who possessed him...the man to whom the great Arnav Singh Raizada is indebt...

Arnav put down his phone on the bedside table...he loosened his tie...made a drink...sat on his bed...resting his head on the headboard closing his eyes...sipping his drink occasionally...he saw something...those eyes...those hazel eyes...NO!! he opened his eyes...gulped the whole drink in one go...which burning him from inside...he needed a break from all of this...death of Shashi Gupta...Khushi Kumari Gupta...and more to add...those hazel eyes...so familiar...

Arnav took his phone...called someone...
"Send a girl"
'... '..
"I don't care..."
'... '...
"Any model of AR from Lucknow.."
'... '.. '.
"I am giving you 1 hour.."

Again he rested his head on the previous place...waiting to start the night...waiting to forget his tension...

Midnight

At Hospital, Delhi

"Tell us...whom do you work for?" grabbing a handful of hair...
" I don't work for anyone..."

"Tell us...or else..." someone put a pen between her two fingers...and pressed...
"Aaa..."

"Tell us...how much you got from this deal??" a tight slap...
" I didn't get anything.."

Then everything went dark...

"Aree Titaliya...don't go there...you'll fall beta..." a women asked her with concern...

"You'll be my son..!!" the man hugged her with pride..

Everything went dark again...

"Sorry he is no more.." the doctor couldn't raised his eye...

"You'll have to pay..or your mother's treatment will delay.." the helplessness in his eyes...

Khushi shot up from the bed...she was breathing hard...the beads of sweat kissing her forehead...she touched her forehead...removed the sweats...and tucked the strands behind her ear which was laying on her face...she tried to breathe normal...looked around her...adjusting her memories...caught the sight...where Lavanya was sleeping on a couch in a sitting position...resting her head on the back...

Khushi lied down again...a lone tear escaped from her eye...travelling her cheeks...she again closed her eyes...sighed with frustration...what will she do?? If she is awake...reality is scratching her soul every now and then...If she is sleeping...dream is causing her fear to death...why so helpless...

At Hotel Room, Lucknow

Those Hazel eyes...one thrust...

That smile...one hard thrust...

That melodious voice...another thrust...

That soft touch on his skin...another thrust...

He opened his eyes...coming out of the memory...hearing a scream in pain...gritted his teeth...clenched his jaw with all rage...he banged his hand on the side...coming out from the girl laying under him...lied down on his side...breathing hard...sweating hard...

Arnav: Leave...
The girl looked at him...with wide eyes...tears were touching her cheeks...yeah...the encounter was really painful...unbearably painful...but how could he just say...at least he should let her stay till the sunrise...
Arnav: Leave...NOW!!
His authoritative voice stated everything...he doesn't care...he doesn't give a damn...

The girl got up from the bed...dressed herself...and moved out from the room...taking a check kept on the table...

Arnav got up...went to bathroom for a cold shower...he'll have to control his mind...Arnav Singh Raizada can't lose his mind like this...at least not for something so meaningless...

He was standing under shower...resting his both hand on the wall...he was relaxing...water was rippling over his toned body...the sound of the water was soothing...suddenly...he opened his eyes...he murmured under his breathe...
"Khushi's number.."

One Night With You Part-7

At Lucknow


Arnav was in the car...after getting fresh in the hotel...he and Akash started for Gupta house...it was sunset time...and Arnav was walking through the valley of his memory...this city...these roads...these people...these shops...these colors...there was a time when he used to love these...but now...he just hates to be in this city...he hates these colors...people are so cordial here...but why doesn't he feel the same?? Because his past never let him...people who deceived him...his family...were from this city...those people were from these crowds...they were wearing these fake colors of the city on their face to hide their true colors...and that is how Arnav Singh Raizada learned to recognize people's true color...

Arnav was lost in his own thought...when his phone rang...he got out from his trance...and looked at his phone screen...he flinched a little bit as he didn't want to get disturbed in his thought...but took the call...
Arnav: Aman...i told you not to disturb me with any office stuffs...(making straight face...looking the through the car window..)
Aman: A..ASR...its emergency...(he stammered a little...)
Arnav: what Aman??(he took a deep breathe...slowly blinking his eyes for once..)
Aman: I talked to inspector about that case...he told me that the girl is of no use...as she was just hired..
Arnav: this is what emergency?? (he greeted his teeth...) if that girl is of no use...then I don't have any time to think about it anymore...go for that guy who hired her...
Aman: ok as you say...ASR...I needed to talk something more...actually this is emergency...
Arnav: go on Aman...
Aman: that girl...her condition is very critical...the interrogating process took heck out of her..
Arnav: i am not a doctor...(swore under his breathe..)
Aman: ASR...actually...
Arnav: admit her to the hospital...and don't you dare bother me again...I'll call you if its necessary...

Arnav cut the call and looked around in the car to find out a clumsy colony...there were several buildings...congested...one building was hugging another...he was wondering how people actually live here...kids were playing on the small yard in front those buildings...some teenage boys were leaving the puff of smokes...trying to prove how smart they are...leaning on the bike parked at the corner of the main gate of the society...some ladies were gossiping at their doorstep...some girls were giggling about nothing...showing off their beauty in lame ways to gather attention from those boys...

Arnav and Akash were confused to see all those buildings together...the building number mentioned in the file was not visible on any of the building entrance...the colors of the buildings faded ages ago for sure...then Akash asked some kid about the building and the Gupta house...the kid showed them their required address...



At AR office


The peon knocked the door of the cabin...Aman asked him to come in...Peon put down the tray...Aman asked him to leave the cabin...

Aman took a glass of juice from the tray kept by the peon...and moved to the sofa in his cabin where Lavanya was sitting and sobbing hard...she just couldn't control her tears after she saw Khushi's physical state...she ran to AR office to meet ASR...but when she found he was out of the town...Aman handled the whole situation...

Aman saw the girl crying hard sitting at reception area of AR office...the receptionist was trying to console her...but the girl was not really ready to stop...when questioned about her arrivals he got to know that the girl was there to save the girl who was behind the bar by ASR's consent...he couldn't help but felt pity for the of the girl...so decided to talk to the inspector in charge of the case...who let him know that after interrogation they couldn't find out that much information about the person who was actually behind the whole bribing chaos...Aman knew very well that Agarwals were behind this...but ASR wanted to know about the actual person who was behind this...so they had to get this girl to go to the root of the story...

Lavanya denied the juice when Aman offered her...Aman sat opposite her...facing her...he was trying to understand whom he was trying to save?? the girl behind the bar...or the girl sitting infront of him...the girl who was actually physically tortured...or the girl who seems like having a horrible mental torture...
Aman: Relax...she'll be fine...

Lavanya looked at him with her pleading eyes...but Aman saw something else... anger... helplessness... pity... plead... regret...Aman looked at her throwing all his thought out...
Aman: Stop crying..please...
Lavanya: ASR...Khu...(looked at him trying to stop her sob...)
Aman: Don't worry...your friend will be fine...I mean...Suzana..
Lavanya: hmm...
Aman: ASR asked me to take her to hospital...so you don't need to worry about it...
Lavanya just nodded her head...she wiped her tears...looked at Aman expectantly...
Lavanya: When we are getting her out from there??
Aman: Tonight..I have talked to ASR..and the inspector...Police is preparing all the papers...
Lavanya sighed...she looked down...again at him...
Lavanya: just can't thank you enough... (with all her heart...)

Aman gave her a warm smile...
Aman: I knew somewhere she was not responsible for this...but its not about her...its about ASR...someone tried to trick his employee... it raised the rage in him..
Lavanya: I warned her about it...but it was late then..
Aman: The fact is...she was never right...
Lavanya looked at Aman with a little confusion on his statement...
Lavanya: What..?? I mean..what do you mean??
Aman: Bribing someone is never a right thing...is it?? (looked at her with a confident smirk..)

Lavanya looked down...stayed quiet...she knew he was right...
Aman: I know its her job..she is an..(but cut by Lavanya)
Lavanya: Yeah..I know...(she looked at him as she didn't want to hear that word..)
Aman: I guess...we should leave...its time..
Lavanya nodded her affirmative...and moved out with Aman to get Khushi out of that prison...



At Lucknow


A little girl around ten put tray down on the table...Arnav watched that girl gave him a faint smile...Mr Kashyap asked Arnav and Akash to take some tea and biscuits...Arnav just tried to ignore it...Akash took a cup...and started sipping...

Mr. Kashyap: So Mr Raizada...thats all I know about them right now...
Arnav nodded his in appreciation...
Akash: Its ok uncle...thanks by the way...we didn't know that so much happened...(with a worried face)
Mr. Kashyap: Yeah beta...Shashi and his family suffered a lot..

When Arnav and Akash entered the building mentioned in address...they found a lock on the main door of the flat...Arnav rechecked the nameplate on the above of the doorbell switch...which engraved with the name Shashi Gupta...Arnav was getting restless as he couldn't find out the man he was debt to...Akash just knocked the next door...to find an old couple living there...Mr. and Mrs. Kashyap...Akash introduced themselves...and their motive to be there...and the couple greeted them with warm welcome...then Mr. Kashyap narrated the whole story of Shashi Gupta and his family to the brothers...how they lost their only house...how they moved here...how Shashi Gupta died...how his one daughter got married...and another one trying to save her mother from the wrath of death...he also mentioned the name of the girls...what left Arnav shocked...after hearing about them Arnav was trying to put two and two together...

Arnav was just looking at nothing...resting his chin on his both hand which were entwined and holding on his knees...suddenly he spoke...

Arnav: Mr. Kashyap...you said one of her daughters lives in Delhi right??
Mr. Kashyap: Yeah...
Arnav: Her name is Khushi right??
Mr. Kashyap: Yeah.. (he scrunched his eyebrows with the curiosity to know further what's going on this young brain..)
Arnav: do you have any picture of her?? or any details where she works?? (looked at the old confused man expectantly..)

One Night With You Part-6

At AR office

After the huge discussion about their deals...Arnav and Akash was relaxing on their own seats...Akash didn't leave the room...he was just looking in some file very lazily...while Arnav was resting his head on back of his leather chair...the peon came with their lunch box...which came from home...he made their plates on table on the side of the glass room...Arnav and Akash moved there...seated on the couch...and started having their lunch together...Just then Akash remembered something...and he broke the silence..

Akash: Bhai...i have news for you..
Arnav: what is it Akash?? (concentrating on his lunch to complete it as soon as he can..)
Akash: Bhai...you remember..Mr Gupta??
Arnav: which Gupta?? (scrunching his eyebrows...looked at Akash for a second and again at his food)
Akash: Mr Shashi Gupta...from lucknow..

Mr Shashi Gupta...how can Arnav forget this man...he is the man who helped him when he was nothing...when his own blood uncle removed him and his sister from their own property...this man...this Shashi Gupta helped him in every way he could...he didn't help him with money...he didn't have anything except a house from his father...he was the caretaker of Sheesh Mahal...he didn't have that much money to help Arnav...but his advice...his moral support...his fatherly affection...did all the magic which Arnav could never imagine on that period of his life...

Thinking all these Arnav had a slight smile on the corner of his lip...which vanished after Akash's statement..
Akash: Bhai...he is no more...(looking at Arnav's changing expression...with a sad face)
Arnav: what??(his eyes went wide...his mouth opened...)
That all he could say that time...he was lost of word...he lost the fatherly figure again...at first it was his own father...whom he never loved or respected after his mother's death...and now this man...who encouraged him when he was nothing...he just looked at Akash with disbelief...he respected Shashi Gupta with all his heart...thought after a certain time he couldn't contact him anymore...especially...after he left Lucknow...

Arnav kept his plate aside...where Akash was already stopped eating...
Arnav: how did you come to know??(looking at Akash...with a cold feelings..)
Akash: I was looking at the list of people working for Sheesh Mahal...people who worked there...so I got the news from there...
Arnav: hmm...his family?? (looking at nothing but Akash...very thoughtfully..)
Akash: I haven't search about his family yet..i wanted to ask you about it so...
Arnav: its ok...(shrugged his shoulder..)

Arnav called Aman in his cabin...
Arnav: Aman...prepare the chopper now...me and Akash will leave for lucknow...and send me the details of Shashi Gupta and his family...
Aman: ok ASR...
Arnav: within an hour Aman...
Aman: you'll get all info before an hour...(nodding at him..)
Arnav: fine...we are leaving now...cancel all our meeting till tomorrow...book hotel rooms in Lucknow...
Aman: all will be done ASR...
Arnav: Lets go Akash...

At Police Station

Lavanya was waiting for the permission to see Khushi...who was taken for interrogation at morning...but still not done yet...Lavanya was sitting at waiting area...when she called on Khushi's number at morning she was unreachable...so she called on Sima's number...who told her everything...and then she rushed to police station...to find that its impossible to release Khushi from here unless AR Company take back their case...as they are very powerful in terms of money...and ASR...its not really necessary to think about his contacts...and here he doesn't need any contact to catch such a girl who is nothing but an escort...

Lavanya was sitting on the bench at the police station..when a constable called her inside...Lavanya went inside...the inspector gave her 10 mins to converse with Khushi...and she went to see Khushi following a lady constable...

It was dark all over...the government is not really concerned about the need of the prisoners...the darkness was one proof...the bulbs hanging from the ceiling was broken...some bulbs were only sparkling...anytime that'll join the darkness...dust...now that'll be an understatement...spider web on the corner of the wall...rats are giving their visits to the prisoner...and the prisoners...they were sitting on the floor...some have rug under them...some don't...some were looking terrified...but some were terrifying her...Lavanya was clutching the strap of her handbag...with terrified face...thinking of how Khushi is managing this kind of mental torture...

Lavanya reached the cell where Khushi was kept to see the living dead body...who was staring straight at nothing...eyes were blinking...but occasionally...the corner of her lips were swollen...and the color was red...dark pink red...little bit of blue shade...her eyes were red...tears were dried on her pale cheeks...some scratches on her forehead...hairs undone...Lavanya was only observing that body which was sitting on the floor...both hand on her lap...one leg folded to her chest and other stretched out...her hands...they had red patches...fingers of her were trembling...HORRIFIED..!! no...that was an truly understatement...Lavanya felt something more...she just utter one word...like she whispering ..."KHUSHI!!"

At Lucknow

One could easily understand the height popularity Arnav Singh Raizada had...if he/she would see the rush of media at airport when Arnav reached Lucknow...it didn't take so long to leak the news of his coming to Lucknow...for nothing business but something personal...no matter how much tight security he had...and how hard he try to maintain his privacy...it was all in vain...though no one knew the actual reason of his visit to lucknow...but it was a headline for that small city...

Arnav and Akash were in their car...heading to the hotel to freshen up...Arnav was going through the file which Aman handed him when he was leaving for Lucknow...he didn't read it in the chopper...he was gaining the idea about the Gupta family...there were no picture in the file except of Shashi Gupta...Arnav was looking at file...and sometimes looking outside the window...with no emotion in his eyes...not on face of course...the tinted black glass was really affecting the actual view...but he was not bothered about it...what he was bothered about...the man he lost...mentor...fatherly figure...guide...he didn't know...he was just lost...

At AR office, Delhi

The receptionist was having difficulty to understand what Lavanya was saying...she was looking at Lavanya with confusion...the girl in front of her was sobbing...her breath was collapsing at her throat...she was looking frightened of something...she just could understand some words...like...
"Save her...
innocent...
her mother..."
not more than this...well enough is enough...the receptionist asked the security to get some help to take this mad girl out of the office...the security guard came in...and they were trying to drag Lavanya out when she just kneeled down...and folded her both hand as if praying...
Lavanya: please...ASR...call him...(she was sobbing hard...after what she saw at the police station..)

The receptionist felt pity for this girl...and took her to the sofa near holding her arms...and called Aman...as she knew...only Aman can help his in the absence of ASR...

One Night With You Part-5

Next Morning


At RM


Arnav sat next to his Di...started serving his own breakfast...every family member were there having their breakfast...Nani saw him eating his food quietly...she thought of something...and then started...
Nani: Chotte...
Arnav: Ji Nani...(looking at her)
Nani: i couldn't ask you before...how was the meeting with your Dadi??
Arnav: it was nice...(looking down on his food)
Nani: last time when i talked to her...she told me about Sheesh mahal...
Arnav: yeah...we talked about that...(nodding to her...again concentrating on eating...)
Nani: so...whats your decision??
Arnav: what decision Nani?? (he looked at her confusedly...)
Nani: about marriage??
Arnav looked at her...stopped eating...he was looking at her with straight face...no fear...no care...no regret...

The whole dining table heard a long silence...everyone was just looking down in anticipation of coming storm from Arnav...Arnav never wanted to marry...whenever any of the family members raised this topic he raised his voice to shut them up...his anger shows its full form when it comes to this topic...no matter what...no matter who...he doesn't even care about his Di in this matter...when he respects her as his Mother figure...but marriage...its just not his cup of tea...

Arnav rolled his eyes...taking deep breathe... trying to calm himself as he was getting hyper...he dropped the spoon from his hand...and looked at his Nani...and broke the long waited silence...
Arnav: Nani...i guess I told you before...I don't want to talk about it...
Nani: you can't run from this Chotte...
Arnav: i am not running from anything...this is not part of my life...and i will never make it...(looking straight in Nani's eyes...with his "don't care" attitude...)
Nani: Chotte...don't behave like your father..!! (her eyes were throwing fire balls towards Arnav)
And thats it for Arnav...

Everyone was just observing the whole drama...with wide eyes...no one had any guts to speak right now...Arnav just stood from his chair...his hand fisted...his jaw tightened with anger...still trying to control himself...the seat fell down with a huge crash sound...the sound made everyone jerked...

Arnav started to move from there...when Nani stopped him with her words...
Nani: if you don't get married...Sheesh mahal will never be yours...
Arnav: i don't want it...
Nani: don't forget...it's your Dadi's wish...
Arnav: not her...her son's...and you know what?? I don't give a damn..(glaring at his Nani)

Nani was fuming with anger...because of Arnav's behavior...and Arnav was fuming because he heard his father's name...both were glaring at each other...when Anjali came...tried to ease the situation...
Anjali: plz...both of you calm down...(pleading to both of them)
Arnav: Di...i am leaving for office...(looking otherside...)
Anjali: chotte...at least have complete your breakfast...
Arnav just stormed out of the dining area...

Anjali looked at her Nani...with disheartened face...
Anjali: Nani...
Nani: chotte will ruin his life...
Anjali: i don't know Nani...
Nani: his father was a culprit...i don't deny...but what he is with his life...its not ok...
Nani just shooked her head looking down in helpless manner...everyone else after having their meal left the table...went to their respected work...





At Khushi's flat


Khushi was doing her regular household chores...cleaning...washing...she was working in kitchen...washing some crockeries...when her doorbell rang...she went to open the door...wipping her hand with her dupatta...and tucking her strands behind her ears...Khushi opened the door...her eyes went wide..

Khushi: ji?? (with trembling voice)
Man: Miss Suzana??
Khushi: umm..aa..yeah..(she was stammering...thinking of her end...)
Man: Inspector Rajan...we have an arrest warrant against you...for bribing an AR employee...to buy information...(with a straight face..)
Khushi: ok...(she just nodded...as she knew there is no way out...and she can't run from the truth..)
Police: you'll have to come with us right now...
Khushi: yeah...can you give me some moment...i'll go bring the door key...(she said with an expectation)
Police: not alone...constable go with her...(to a lady constable)

Khushi went to her room...she took the door keys...and some checks from her drawer...the lady constable was following her every move...both came out from the room...they went out of the house...not all neighbour was there...but some of them were gasping...and whispering on the event happening in front of them...Khushi rang Sima's doorbell...and gave her the checks and the door key...

Sima: Khushi..you..(she saw Khushi's expressionless face...and saw behind her...she just couldn't say anything for this girl...but when she tried...Khushi cut her off)
Khushi: Sima...shh...keep these checks and key with you...I don't know when i'll be back...so..if Lavanya is here...just give her...she'll understand...
Sima: Khushi..i am sorry...(her voice was trembling as she saw Khushi with a straight face...accepting her defeat...her fate...)
Khushi: why are you sorry?? you have nothing to do with it..its my fate..and my deeds...(Khushi sighed...for her fate...)

Just then Sima's parents shouted from inside the house...and scolding her that why was she talking to a criminal?? and taunting Khushi with their bitter words...Khushi just kept her head down...and moved out from the building...she sat inside the jeep...her hand was tied with handcuff...everyone was just watching her...all the people around were very confused...but Khushi was looking only down but others...the jeep started...and went off...



Afternoon

At AR office


Arnav was in a terrible mood...he was trying to dive in the work so that nothing can affect him anymore...his past...his Nani's word...Khushi's face...he was actually trying to hide in a cocoon...he was working on his laptop...someone knocked at his cabin door...

Arnav: come in...(looking at his laptop)
Aman entered his cabin...
Aman: Sir..(looking at Arnav...trying to gain his attention..)
Arnav: yes Aman...(not looking at him...engrossed in his work)
Aman: that girl is behind the bar...
Arnav looked at him with a questioning eye...
Arnav: i guess...it should be an old news...
Aman: woh..sir...police couldn't trace yesterday because she was not at home...so they caught her today...(he just stammered a liitle)
Arnav: anyways...make sure she is not out so easily...(again looking at his laptop)
Aman: yes sir..
Arnav: and take all the information she knows...Agarwals will have to pay...!!(with his last word he looked at Aman..)
Aman understood everything...and nodded in agreement...
Aman: yes sir...

Aman left the cabin...and Akash entered with some files in his hand...to discuss some deals...