Fan Fiction : BACK TO LIFE

                                       

Chapter One: Realizations

She walked down the street in a clumsy manner, wrapped in a navy blue cardigan and looking straight down at the street.The whole city was illuminated with thousands of lights and carols could be heard every now and then.Little children hoped around , hanging around the cake shops, from where came the smell of mouth watering freshly baked cakes. But, she was the odd one out. Her eyes fixed on on the street, with tear strained cheeks and hands clutching her cardigan. The whole atmosphere least affected her.Though it was 24 of December...it was like Halloween to her. The day when she was left alone.

*flashback*

'Shyam, how could you do this to me? Hadn't we promised to stay with each other forever. You always gave me the assurance that you were mine and I was your's. Then why? and you betrayed Anjali as well...how dare you!'

'Oh just shut up. Will you?You are going on and on. I'm called to say, not to listen to you and answer your stupid questions. And Anjali, why do you care for her so much? She is big enough to handle her problems.And these things are quite common here, you know!' He smirked.

She could not believe her ears. Anjali always talked about her husband whenever she visited her or called her when she was on some business trips. She trusted her husband blindly. And she loved him from the core of her heart.

But Khusi was unaware of the fact that it was the same person with whom she was soon to be engaged. She knew Shyam for 4 years, exactly from year after he was married to Anjali.It was her extreme bad luck that she never got to see her husband. He had told that his business kept him engaged for months.It was an excuse. He lied to everyone.

It was then, when Anjali called to her one early morning, excitedly informing her that her husband was there. That was probably not known to him. Otherwise, he would have delayed the meet. But that was his 'bad' luck.Khusi came there with a huge bouquet of orchids. She tapped on the door and Anjali appeared, her face was lit with a beaming smile. 'Khusi!Come inside. Shyam ,this is my best friend, Khusi'. He turned smiling. But it soon disappeared. They stood there still. Anjali wondered what was wrong. She shook Khusi ,'Khusi, what happened?'  'Hmm...no,no nothing.It's just that well, glad to meet you ' and she handed him the bouquet.He stretched his hand and took it. His face was expressionless, looking very dull.  He took a breath and spoke up, 'Anjali...I am coming in sec'. And he rushed out.

Anjali was disappointed. Khusi joyously spoke..'Don't worry Anji, he must be tired. Let him take some rest.They chatted for half an hour. Khusi lightened the atmosphere by talking about how her Anji was becoming fatter day by day and she should stop eating. Finally relieved to see that she was smiling and giggling, she bid goodbye to her. She came out and and raced out. She had to do this. the first work was to book the plane tickets to London and call James to open the farm house, which needed to be inspected.

She could not make her best friend sad. She would not definitely believe her above her husband.

Shyam finally spoke up on the phone breaking her train of thoughts.'Khusi, meet me at 7. Anjali will not be there. We will settle everything'. Khusi said, 'okay' and cut the phone. She zipped her bag and headed to the airport.

She was waiting in the Waiting Lounge. It was terribly bad to keep Anjali with her husband. He was not trustworthy.Maybe after Khusi, he will do the same with any other girl. Nothing came to her mind.The best possible way was to escape to London far from Shyam and his life.

The time was announced. She stood up. No, she was doing this for her friend. She will definitely make her believe that Shyam is not the right guy. But the time is not now. She boarded the plane and it took off...

*end of flashback*

Chapter Two:New Found Friend

The flashbacks were whirling in her head and tears were constantly flowing down her cheeks. When she lived in New York, her friends specially Anjali didn't let her cry and they used to crack funny jokes and bring that smile on her face. Then there was Shyam who used to wipe her tears and make her smile. But it seemed that her whole world became ruined at one sudden stroke. It was like God took her dear ones and left her to cry alone.

I see trees of green...red roses too
I see them bloom ...for me and you
And I think to myself ...what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue...and clouds of white
The bright blessed day... the dark sacred night
And I think to myself... what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow ...so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by...
I see friends shaking hands saying... how do you do
They're really saying...I love you.

I hear babies cry... I watch them grow
They'll learn much more ...than I'll never know
And I think to myself'... what a wonderful world
Yes'. I think to myself what... a wonderful world. 

(-Louis Armstrong)

She could hear the people around her merry making. 'Why Shyam''why?' she thought. And what about Anji, what will she tell her when she will hear that she left for London? She will have to tell the truth one day or the other. That means she had to make her friend cry. She walked'''..

Swooning in her thoughts she allowed time to slip by. She had completely forgotten what time it was or where she was. Suddenly she heard someone call out,

'Miss, there is a blind end ahead'..'

She turned around to see who it was. A man was leaning to his car, talking someone on the phone. He was dressed in casual yet elegant clothing. He was strikingly handsome.

'Umm'..well thanks'

But where was she. She had not been in London for five years.

'Could you please tell me what place is this'

'Well you are in Bedford square'. He said smiling , closely observing her.

'Thanks' she tried to smile back but in vain.

She turned around  to leave.

'Umm'..well it's late at night and it's not good for you to walk down the streets. Should I drop you.'

She looked at her watch. Gosh! It was 12 o'clock

She looked up.

'Here this way''

And he opened the door of the front side.

Khusi made her way inside car. The man look decent, so there was no way to get scared.

'Thanks' she smiled.

She had determined that she was not going to clutch her miseries , instead she was going to find her happiness yet again and help Anjali come out of her wrong impressions.

So, where should I drop you?'

She told the address of her farm house.

He smiled and started the car.

'So you are new here?'

'No'it's actually I have not been here for 5 years'.

'Oh! I see'

'So where do you live'if you don't mind me asking' she smilingly added.

'No, not at all. It's surprising that you are my neighbor.' He smiled slightly.

'Oh really'that's great'

He smiled at her.

There was something in his eyes that made Khusi loose control. He was charming, no doubt in that'but his eyes were different, there was something special in them.

In an hour they reached her house.

She got down the car. 'Good Night''..they greeted each other and Khusi made her way into the house , while he drove to his house which was a little distance away from there.

'Oh I forgot to ask his name'..' she thought after switching on the lights.

Meanwhile,

'So Di, Jeejaji is finally home, that's great!...I will try to make it for the next week , but I am not sure. Okay Di, bye and Good Night.' Arnav cut the phone smiling to himself.

Chapter Three: Knowing each other

The next day was Sunday. Khusi got up lazily. The whole night she spent thinking about how to make Anjali believe that Shyam was not at all a good person. But in this, she had forgotten her own pain. That was reminded by her 'new' found friend. Seeing him Khusi remembered Shyam . How they used to go on long drives. They spent good times together. Suddenly she flinched in pain. She was feeling so lonely here. Maybe a short walk will help her drift away in some other thoughts.

London was her city of dreams. It was there she  had own the first big deal for the company. And here she was, for the second time, to ease her pain.

She saw someone familiar near the park. She smiled instantly seeing the face.

'Oh! What a coincidence?'

'Hey! By the way, before I forget'what's your name?'

'God! Silly me'you atleast found that we don't know each other's name, I am so silly. I am Arnav'

'Hey Arnav'''..nice name!'

Whom should I thank?'

'It's Khusi'

'So Khusi,  nice to meet you , again' he laughed softly.

They talked while they walk. Khusi got to know how Arnav has a sister in New York, but the headquarters of his empire are in London. So they don't get to see each other quite often. Arnav and his sister grew up in a boarding school. Their parents seemed to have very little time for them. Their parents came to see them during Christmas and summer holidays. The AR empires  had been started by Arnav's grandfather.

 Arnav was definitely perfect. His way of talking, his gestures, his sense of dressing, with his charming looks and sparkling eyes made him 'Prince Charming'. She was blankly staring at him, she seemed to have forgotten her pain looking in his eyes''''..

'Umm''..Khusi, where are you lost?'

'oh! I am sorry.'

She snapped out.

'Wanna have some coffee?'

'Yeh'''.. sure.'

They went to have some coffee nearby.

'What should I bring you Sir?' A waiter asked.

'Cappuccino'  they both said in chorus.

Only to realize that their favorites matched they smiled to each other.

'Tell me Khusi, you are for some work or to meet someone'

'To escape from someone'''.she thought to herself.

'I am here because my office is here', she laughed a bit. 'Actually I transferred from New York  tomorrow itself.'

'You lived in New York'that's great.'

'That was not''self thoughts yet again.

In a few days they came to know each other very well. Arnav is used to visit her house often. One day''.

'You never told me about your family, Khusi'

This question made Khusi's face pale. The question she avoided from the beginning of her career , the thing which she confided to no one except Anji.

'I am sorry if I asked something personal'. There was a hint of guilt in his tone.

'No, nothing like that. Actually my parents died in a plane crash. I was born and brought up by my uncle. I was sent to boarding school too, like you. I have always led a lonely life. My uncle loved me, no doubt in that. But he was a busy person. You know that what it takes to run an empire. I have always been a friendless girl, which I don't think I deserve. There was only one friend of mine, An'.

'Hey you can add me in you list, will you.'

'Oops, this friendless girl has two friends, I am sorry.'

They had a good talk for few hours. Arnav stayed back for dinner. This was his second time, he was having dinner with Khusi.

'What's cooking?...yum! Pasta! I love it'

'I know that.'

After dinner, Arnav went to home. He changed to his night clothes and drifted off to sleep, no, not sleep, thoughts.

'I have always led a lonely life'

She needs a companion , just like I needed when I came here

Chapter Four: Noel

'Arnav is really a nice companion. The girl whom he will love will be really lucky. I can't believe how he can make friends so easily.'

When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand
and nothing, whoa, nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there

to brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out my name, and you know where ever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call and I'll be there, yeah, yeah,
you've got a friend.

*flashback*

Christmas Day~

'I think we should go home now, what are your plans today?' Arnav said.

'Umm, not really, actually nothing. Cause I still need to shape up my things at home'

'Oh! Then we'll meet tomorrow'

'C'ya!'

'Gosh! What did James do these days?' she muttered to herself as she reached home.

' Whose call is that?'

She was shocked to see the ID: Anjali

'Anji' what should I do now?

'Anji'''the caller cut her words

'This is not done Khusi, where have you been, don't you knew that I become so lonely once you leave for trips. This is not done, and that too on Christmas.'

Tears were threatening to fall from Khusi's eyes. How should she explain why she left all of a sudden? And how she missed her during these couple of days?

'Anji, I am sorry, but I had to leave all of sudden, one of the meetings were preponed, I am sorry dear.' She tried her best to control her tears.

'Oh! When are you coming, I am missing you so much.'

'Maybe in a couple of weeks, don't worry I will be back soon.' She gave assurance.

She was not going to let her friend stay with a jerk anymore,  only a couple of weeks.

'Merry Christmas Khusi' Anjali said with glee.

'Merry Christmas to you too, dear!'

With that she cut the call. Three weeks in hand. She got to do something.

'Merry Christmas''..Khusi, I guess no body is here to wish you today.'

She heard someone knock the door.

'Coming.'

She saw Arnav standing on the door.

'I guess you didn't mind me coming?' he asked.

'No, no, never! Actually I am glad that there's someone with whom I can share today's celebration. Please do come in.'

He took a quick look at the house. Big pictures of Khusi hung at one side. A stairway went upstairs , most probably to the bedroom and study. There was a sitting arrangement on one side of  the hall, while on the other side windows poured in sunlight into the hall.

'Is this house planned by you, I mean I have seen this house from outside many times, but obviously not from inside.'

'Yeh, I wanted to be an interior designer when I was small, I guess.'

' That's really cool! I must say you have a good choice Khusi.'

'Thanks, what's that?' she asked pointing to the white box which Arnav was carrying.

'That's just a little, well see it yourself.' He handed her the box.

'Wow, cake, thank you so much Arnav'.

'Merry Christmas, to my only neighbor .'

'Merry Christmas to you too!'

She was indeed the only neighbor. The place where they lived had only three houses. Two of them belonged to Arnav and  Khusi, and one to Mr. Evans, who merely  lived here for a couple of days in three months or more, like Khusi.

'Please take your seat, I will bring this in moment.'

'She is a child. Anyone can say that when her eyes widened at the sight of cake.' He smiled and thought to himself. He was admiring the paintings, when suddenly he heard a scream. He quickly turned to see, Khusi holding a tray , gazing intently at the tray.

'What?' He asked pretty confused.

'It's my favorite, my super favorite, thank you thank you thank you!'

'Glad to be at your service Mam!'

She giggled. He suddenly felt contented, seeing her smile. Her image flashed in front of his eyes, eyes staring at the street and cheeks strained with tears, the first night when they met.

They ate the cake with some coffee.

All of sudden, Khusi remembered.

"Open your mouth Khusi, and here you go, and she would then reverse and eat it herself. And Khusi would make a sad face and Anji would take another slice and feed her." She missed Anji a bit too much. Suddenly her eyes welled up. Arnav was enjoying his cake, but suddenly is eyes fell on her.

'Khusi what happened, didn't you like the cake?' He was worried.

But this time her tears didn't stop. This was her very first Christmas from teenage that she was spending without Anjali.

'Khusi, what happened?'

'Excuse Me.'

She rushed out to the washroom. After a few minutes, she  came back, and looked at confused Arnav.

'I am sorry Arnav, I was actually missing my best friend a lot.'

'Didn't you call her today?'

'Yes I did , but I actually missed her presence.'

'I know, best friends are like that, you can't live without them at times.'

'Yeah.'

'Will you like to take a stroll, you know you have not seen the Christmas here  for years'

'I guess yes'

And they both put on their jackets and went to take a walk.

She breathed in the morning fresh air . London has changed a bit.  The tree tops were covered with thin layers of snow. Few fairy lights tinseled on the building tops. People were busy helping them choose gifts for their dear ones. The cake shop owners were helping their customers choose their favorite cakes. The whole atmosphere was filled with an air of celebration.

'It really feels great to see people happy, isn't it.'

'Yes.' She said admiring the beauty of the surroundings.

She doesn't know why Arnav can be so perfect. Merely two days, and he seems to be known to her for years. Exactly the opposite of Shyam.

*end of flashback*

Chapter Five: And the day began...

Monday, the new beginning of the week. Khusi had always been sincere towards her work. She wanted to survey the area of the office so that she can manage her time well. It was early morning when she took her car out and drove to her office.

The sun was beginning to show. Cool breeze was blowing. She made herself forget the dreadful past and go on in life. She made her way towards the office. The road was pretty similar to what it had been five years ago, only she had changed.

*flashback*

'Uncle, can you give me some tips, you know, how to deal with the co-workers, handling the meetings, etc, etc, I am really nervous. Actually I even wore two different sleepers when I woke up and took the wrong brush. I need help Uncle.' She said in a nervous manner, chewing her breakfast.

'Come down honey. You will do great. Everything has its first day; people are always not perfect in their first time itself. Keep your mind cool, take a deep breath, and all will be fine. And there is your assistant to assist you in every piece of work. So you need not to worry.' He smilingly added .

'Are you sure?' she asked.

'My doll will do great work, I trust her more than myself.' He patted her shoulder.

'I love you uncle.' She hugged him.

*end of flashback*

Uncle had moved to New Jersey, two years ago. He was very busy. But he never forgot to call her every week. She expected the call today.

After her parent's demise, uncle had loved her like his own daughter. But his work had forced him to send her in the boarding.

She reached the office. The building has been newly painted. She made her way in.

'Good morning, Mam.'

'Good Morning' she greeted her assistant. She was an Indian too, a lively girl. She seemed to be confused by her reply.

'What is your name?' Khusi asked.

'Tanya, Mam'

She showed Khusi the way to her cabin.

Woh! The cabin was pretty big. Uncle had promoted her, she smiled to herself,

'May I leave, Mam? I will return in an hour with the files.'

'Sure.'

Two big windows stood at one side. There was a huge desk in front of that, with a few papers, neatly docketed. Khusi stood by the window. She had an incomplete work left in New York. She had two weeks.

'May I came in, Mam?'

Sure, Tanya, stop calling me Mam, you are of my own age, I will be glad if you call me by my name. Tell me, did you call me Mam, because uncle forgot to tell you my name?' She laughed softly.

Tanya was amazed at her new boss. She said, 'Sure Khusi' she smiled at her.

'We can work as friends, can we?'

'Yeah!', Tanya, came to her mood, and smiled broadly at her.

The whole day was spent, with Khusi and Tanya doing their work, having coffee in between, laughing and giggling quite often. Finally the day was over. Tanya bid her goodbye and made her way to home.

Khusi unwillingly left the office, she felt terribly lonely at home.

She took out her car and drove to her home. In her way , she stopped suddenly by. 'Do you remember this Khusi?' she asked herself.

She got down from the car and walked.

'Your first day in London, remember?'

*flashback*

'Uncle, I miss them.' She sobbed

'I know beta, but you have to be strong, you know that. and from now on you have to be a self made person, can I make myself clear?

'I will try.'

'You have to.'

*end of flashback*

'I should get going now,' she returned to her car.

The day's events flashed in her mind.

'Seems like I am able to make friends easily like Arnav''..good!'

Chapter Six: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Arnav drove all the way back home, tired, exhausted, and hungry. He made his way into his house, and he saw a white note lying, his maid says that she is going back early today as she had said. Oh yes! She did say something about this, what was he going to eat now. His stomach growled. 'Keep quite, I am thinking!'

Knock Knock!      

He went up to the door. 'Oh Khusi, come inside, how come my neighbor paid me a visit today?'

'Arnav, are you busy? No I mean I am not used to living alone, what were you doing?'

'I was just trying to figure out what to…….leave it.'

'Trying to figure out what?'

'My maid actually left early and I forgot about that.'

'So you don't know what to eat?'

He gave a pale smile.

'Not a problem, will you allow me to cook in your kitchen?'

'Obviously not! You came to my house for the first time and I am not going to make you work'

'Please,' she smiled sweetly.

Time stopped. It felt like everything around him disappeared. He was brought back from his reverie by a gentle shake.

'Arnav?'

'Yeh! I am listening, so you were telling what?'

'I was not telling anything.'

'So, you are going to tell something now.'

'Can I cook, I would love to!'

'Khusi.'

'I would love to.'

He moved from the path, and said, 'this way Mam.'                                        

'Thank you, Sir. So what do you want to eat?'

Pastas….you love it!' she instantly said.

'Will you? 'He asked.

'Sure,' she laughed.

'I am feeling sorry, You came for the first time and I am making you work.'

'I am came here for the first time but you didn't make me work! Instead I disturbed you after you came from office. I am sorry.'

'Please don't say sorry,' he smiled softly.

She looked at his eyes. They were so pure, and there was so much warmth in them.

'So you forgot that your maid will not be able cook, so busy!'

'Nah! I tend to forget things apart from my work, 'he said putting a spoonful of pasts into his mouth.

'What is your name Arnav?' She said trying hard to control her laughter.

'My name is……what?' he looked towards her.

And she burst out laughing. Arnav smiled; finally he was able to bring a smile. Not smile, a pretty laughter.

'It's a long time since I enjoyed myself so much Arnav, thank you so much for that.' She said standing at the foot of the door.

'My pleasure and sweet dreams.' He smiled back.

Arnav was proved wrong. The whole night Shyam's memories haunted her.

*flashback*

'Shyam, I love you for what you did.'

'My pleasure Khusi, glad to be at your service Mam.'

'This food is so tasty,' she said while eating.

'Do you like it, I made it with my own hands,' and he said lifting his hands.

'Oh! Shyam thank you so much.'

'Anything for you.'

*end of flashback*

Their first dinner made by Shyam. Her heart ached. Tears rolled down her eyes, she silently cried the whole night thinking about that.

The first rays of sun fell on her tear strained face. She had not been able to sleep the whole night. She had been trying to forget those painful memories, but it was like an unforgettable past.

Uncle's words echoed, 'I know beta, but you have to be strong, you know that. And from now on you have to be a self made person, can I make myself clear?

She walked to the washroom, and splashed water on her face. She wished she could drain away the memories like the droplets of water. She wiped her wiped face willing to wipe him from his life. She changed and went to the office. The more she came across the people the more she remembered him. The whole day she didn't feel like eating anything.

Tanya came to her cabin, 'Khusi are you alright? You haven't eaten anything since morning, you will feel sick, I tell you, keep the files aside and eat something dear.'

'Tanya, you shouldn't be worrying so much , I am perfectly fine,' she said.

Tanya's phone rang, 'Mom, I am coming, wait for two minutes.'

'Yeh Tanya, your Mom is going for few days to stay with your sister, you should go now, 'she insisted.

'But Khusi……'but Khusi gave her a insisting look and she was bound to leave.

'Take care dear……I will be back in two days.'

'You too, and give my regards to your sister, say hello to aunty.'

Tanya left the cabin, and Khusi collapsed on the desk. She has been dying to see Anjali's face these days. She missed her like anything.

She drove restlessly to her house, her head was spinning. She turned the key and made her way inside the room, and soon everything blacked out………

'Khusi'! Arnav called out. He stroked the bell quite a number of times, but there was no answer. He looked at his watch, 9 pm, she must be back by now, and she told me she hated to work for long time. He was going to knock the door, when it opened by his light touch. 'Khusi,' he slowly called out. No answer. It won't be right to get inside like this. He waited and then again called 'Khusi.'

What if something happened to her? He stepped inside and was terrified to see, Khusi lay on the floor, looking lifeless.

'KHUSI!' He literally screamed and rushed towards her. He checked her pulse, it was running. Blood seemed to run again through is body.

He immediately took her in his arms and laid her in the nearby couch. He called the doctor. She was there in half an hour. 'She hasn't eaten anything and I think there was some tension for which she became so weak. I will not prescribe any medicine.  She should take enough rest and healthy food from time to time. Staying hungry is not a good thing at all.'she said.' Thank you doctor,' he said looking at her. The doctor smiled at both of them and left.

'Khusi are you alright?' He said sitting beside her.

'I am perfectly fine now Arnav, 'she said smiling.

Her eyes told another story which disturbed him.

'Have some fruits, it's very bad that you didn't eat anything,' he scolded slightly.

Khusi stared blankly at him.

*flashback*

'Shyam I am fine, don't worry.'

'How couldn't I? Khusi it's two days I left you and you fell ill. Can't you take care of yourself, do you always need me,' and he grinned.

'Shyam, it's not like that, I miss you.'

'I miss you too, have some fruits, I am sure you haven't eaten anything!'

*end of flashback*

How can someone be so desperate to break someone's heart?

'Arnav I am fine, thank you so much, I am lucky to get a neighbor like you.'

'Take care.'

She tried to hard to control her tears, but they fell.

'Khusi...'Arnav turned around.

'Why are you crying? Are you feeling uncomfortable?' He rushed to her side.

'Arnav, it's not like that, I think I should eat,' and she picked an apple. The more she tried to control, the more Shyam's face came in front of her.

'I love you Shyam; I am so happy that we are getting engaged.' She had told these words to him just the day before she got to know the truth.

'I think you need some time alone; get some rest. Call me if you need something,' he rose and gently wiped her tears and went out.

'I wish I could erase him from my life,' and she buried herself in the cushion.

Back to New York,

'Shyam, why are feeling so disturbed? Do you need something?' Anjali asked.

'No, I am trying to reach someone, I will be back in a minute,' he gave her a smile and got a smile in return.

He called Khusi. Not seeing the ID she picked up the call, assuming it to be Arnav.

'Arnav, I don't need…..'but he cut her off.

'Who's Arnav? So you caught someone else leaving me? How low someone can become for money.'

She got up with a jerk. Is this the same person who cheated Anji and her?

'So you fled from here and managed to catch a rich brat out there? Where are you?'

'None of your business, and who are you giving all these lectures? Aren't you the one who cheated both of us.'

'I asked where you are, and who's Arnav?'

But before he could finish she cut the call.

'Who was that Shyam?' Anjali asked.

'Oh! It's the new worker in our office, he doesn't know the rule of dealing with me, I was just teaching him.'

She smiled at his sincerity and told him to join dinner.

London,

'Will he ever leave me?' She burst out crying.

What did I do that I got so much pain. I don't think I deserve it.

Chapter Seven: For how long

'Khusi you have to come, one week is over, and I am missing you like anything, please! At least for two days. My brother is also coming from London; I want you to meet him. Shyam is also there, please Khusi, for me.'

'Anjali, I will try my best'

'Promise'

'Okay fine, I promise.'

'Who was that?'

'My friend, I told you about her on the Christmas Day.'

'Oh yeh! I remember that, she is missing you; you should go and meet her. And you know what; I am also going to meet my sister.'

'That's great. When are you going?'

'Day after tomorrow, I should have been there by tomorrow, but there was an important meeting, so I delayed my trip.'

'I am going tomorrow only; I think she will eat me alive if I will not go.'

'Friends are a great source of comfort; isn't it?'

She smiled.

Airport:

'Hello.'

'So you are finally coming to New York.'

'Shyam, is that you?'

'Yes, I am. See, I told you that you have to come one day.'

'Can't you leave me alone?' Tears were beginning to fall from her eyes.

'Why will I?'

She cut the call. This was going to be pretty difficult.

'Anjali!'

'Khusi!'

And they hugged each other tightly, as though they never wanted to leave each other.

'I missed you so much.'

'And here I am, 'Khusi smiled broadly.

'Shyam has gone out for some work; he will be back soon, come! Why are standing outside?'

'It seems that my luck is not good these days.' Anjali said.

'Why?'

'Now my best friend left me alone, husband seems to be lost somewhere else and my brother, he cares about the meeting not his sister. He was supposed to come today but some stupid meeting made him delay that, he is coming tomorrow.'

"Day after tomorrow, I should have been there by tomorrow, but there was an important meeting, so I delayed my trip."

She smiled.

'Hello! What happened to you? Did I remind you of someone?' There was a hint of naughtiness in her voice.

'No, not like that, what happened Anji; you are getting naughty these days, what's the reason?' She winked.

'She is getting spoiled by her husband.'

Khusi turned back. Shyam was standing by the door.

Khusi felt tears in her eyes. She closed them and allowed to dry them.

Anji laughed.' Don't tell lies, you don't take care of me.'

Khusi's eyes shot back to him.

'Anjali,' he was serious.

'I was just joking.'

'Khusi take some rest, you must be tired,' and Anjali turned to her.

'Where should I go?'

'You take the room on the first floor, beside Arnav's room.'

'Arnav?'

'My brother.'

'Oh! Okay I will catch you later.'

'Sure, take your time,' Shyam smiled.

She climbed the stairs, she was feeling weak. There was a long corridor. As far as she remembered Arnav's room was at the far end. She slowly unlatched the door. She kept her bag aside and switched on the dim light. There was a bed at one end, with heavily draped curtains hanging down the windows. A night stand stood by the bed with a lamp shade on top on top of it. There was a couch on the other side of the room. She sat down on the couch, and slowly closed her eyes.

She woke up. The light had been switched off. She was sleeping on the couch peacefully, maybe for a long time. She checked the time. It was half past two. It had been a week since she had slept peacefully. She was supposed to have a nightmare after seeing his face, but the love and care of Anjali over powered it. She changed her cloths and went off to sleep.

'Khusi!' Anjali tickled her a bit.

'Anji! Stop stop please,' she was laughing endlessly.

'You sleep so much, my goodness, wake up now.'

'What's the time?'

'It's 9.'

'Gosh! I am sorry Anji, I slept too much.'

'Get changed and come down.'

'Yes.'

She got changed and came down. Shyam was sitting on the table sipping the coffee.

'Good Morning Khusi.'

'Good Morning,' she answered reluctantly.

'I was thinking that we should go out for some shopping after I pick Arnav from airport and you come back. Khusi you can go out or you can stay back, what say?'

'Sure,' Shyam said supporting Anjali.

Khusi didn't argue. She needed time to think over the matter, alone.

That evening,

Khusi was reading a book in her room. She had preferred to stay indoors. It was 6.30 in the evening. Anjali had gone to pick her brother from the airport. Khusi was confused when Anjali insisted her to meet her brother and winked. Suddenly there was a knock.
Coming Anji, you returned so early………and he pushed inside.

'Shyam…….'she was frightened.

'Yes I, what did you think that you will escape, no never, you have to stay with me and you are not going anywhere.'

She felt her throat was drying up. She gathered her courage and spoke, 'what do you want Shyam, please leave me alone and also leave Anji, you don't deserve her.'

'What!' And he came close to her and twisted her arm badly.

'You are not the one to decide what I deserve or not. You are telling me, look at yourself, you were going to be engaged with me and now you caught another one in London.' He twisted her hand once more.

'Please leave me Shyam, it hurts,' she begged crying her heart out.

'No, you have betrayed me and you have to pay for that. If you ask for forgiveness then it's too late.'

'I am not a kind of girl who will ask for forgiveness from a person like you.'

'Oh really, you still have the courage to say this, that's great, so you are prepared. Good Luck!' And the next thing Khusi felt a heavy thing on her head and then it was blank.

'Shyam, where are you, how did you came so early?' Anjali returned.

'I finished my work so that I could meet my brother-in-law. So where is he?'

Arnav entered.

'Jijaji!' And they both smiled to each other.

'Where is Khusi?'

'Khusi,' Arnav asked.

'She is my best friend whom I told you about.'

'My new neighbor's name is also Khusi,' he muttered.

'Anjali, Khusi had to leave because of an urgent work. As soon as I returned she told me that I should inform you. She also apologized for this. Anjali, her first priority is her work, she doesn't compromise with it, you know that.'

'I wanted her to meet Arnav,' Anjali said sadly.

'Di, don't worry, she will be back soon, call her afterwards.'

That night, Anjali's room:

'Why did you want them to meet?' Shyam asked her casually.

'Finally you asked. I will not make it longer, how about getting them married?' She said excitedly.

His was stiffened and he clenched his fists. He felt his anger rising; he controlled and said, 'have you asked them?'

'They are perfect for each other, and I am sure they will like each other once they meet. That's my bad luck that Khusi had to leave for London, otherwise I would have fixed their meeting today itself during the shopping.'

Shyam turned his face, his eyes were red in anger, how dare she!

Arnav's room:

He opened his suitcase and took out his cloths. He was so happy to see his sister. And he was so happy with his Jijaji. He was the reason of this happiness.

He sat on a chair in the balcony, this was his favorite place. He closed his eyes and Khusi's face appeared. He smiled to himself.

Khusi's room:

She opened her eyes. Her head was hurting badly. She was lying on the ground, her hands tied with a rope. She was bleeding, her hands bruised and hair all spread across her face. She tried to get up several times but miserably failed. The whole house was quite. The lights of her room were switched off. The windows were open, wind was pouring in. Maybe he forgot to shut them.

She silently cried. The tears fell on the bruises and it hurt her. She rested her head on the floor, giving up. God knows for how long she had to be locked up in this room.