FF Let Me Love You - Part 42

 


Hola 

okay I can see the angry glares .. tomatoes .. potatoes .. rotten eggs .. all aimed well in my direction !
I am really sorry guys, I know I have been away too long but looks like this is how its gonna be, personal life keeps getting more and more busy. which is why I have come to decision regarding my stories, I dont think I can handle all my works in parallel. so what am thinking of doing is focus on one story at a time, I intend to focus on LMLY for now, and once LMLY ends, I will be taking up LIDV and then I will complete my SS on Arhi. I am not abandoning any of my works, just that I am taking it one by one. do tell me what do you think

here is the update without further ado, hope its nice and long enough to make up for my long absence here !

Happy New Year 2015 & Happy Reading !

special shoutout to ananya ( cherrybloom ) who has been stalking me and haunting me for this update ... this one is for you my cherry !




The next day morning, the inhabitants of Vaikuntha were all gathered together for breakfast. Over the previous night. Zee Rehaan and Akash had related everything that had happened to Alisha, Payal and Alaka and the night was terrible for them all but when the morning came, it brought with it the rays of a new resolve, the resolve to avenge Khushi as soon as possible. No words were exchanged, though unsaid, it was understood to them all, also were they not ready to mourn the past so breakfast was a cheerful affair.
Once breakfast was over, Arnav went ahead to call their parents, he confided to them everything that had happened and asked them to come over as soon as they could. And so an hour later they were all gathered together in one of the private studies.
Arnav turned to Khushi, his eyes were serious and determined as he spoke,
" Khushi what I am going to ask you today, I want you to think about it and make a conscious decision because once we make it, there wont be any going back, there will be tough times but eventually we will make it through "
Khushi smiled as she held his hands, her eyes calm and happy,
" tell me Arnav, whatever it is and I will definitely think about it. "
Arnav took a deep breath and started speaking, his hands clasping hers tightly,
" Khushi after everything that has happened, it would be gravely wrong to allow Nikhil and people like him to think that they can walk away so easy from their crimes, the fate of Nikhil and his friends should b an example to all those think that money can buy them freedom from their crimes.
Till now we have fought this case behind the curtains, the public or the media or the legal system isn't aware of whats happening and If we were to kill Nikhil and his friends by ourselves, we may be able to bury it for now but someday, their murders will cause us trouble.
Nikhil and the others should undergo the trial as stipulated by our legal system, they should be given up into law's hands along with the proof of their barbaric crimes. Why am I saying this right now is because, we have all the proof in our hands, we have people who are willing to fight this case for us, people who cant be bought by Raj Gupta's filthy money.
But for all this to happen, there is a price we must all pay ... "
He trailed off as he looked at Khushi, Arnav didn't want to put her through it, the ordeal of a public trial would affect her so much, but that was the only way this could be done but that still didn't make it easy to convey it to Khushi, he felt her tighten her grip on his hands,
" what is it Arnav ??
You know you can tell me, you know I will do whatever it takes to bring these animals to the court of law, tell me. "
Steeling himself Arnav continued,
" Khushi when we file this case, we will have to submit all the evidence that we have amassed, and that means the tapes will be examined by the legal system, rest assured I will do everything it takes to ensure that the tapes aren't given into the hands of the media, but even then more people will see those tapes, you will be questioned ... "
Zee interrupted Arnav just then as he came and sat on the other side of Khushi,
" don't mind me interrupting Khushi but being a lawyer, I have to say this, the defense lawyer will be brutal, and I have a feeling your father will get the most vicious lawyers out there to fight this case "
He fell quiet, he didn't know how he could watch Khushi being torn apart in public like that but Arnav was speaking already,
" Zee is right Khushi, this trial wont be easy on you, which is why am asking you to decide. No matter what you decide, we will stand with you. If you decide not to take it to the law, then we will make sure Nikhil and his gang are finished off otherwise and if you take the big step and go to the court, then trust me Khushi, you will have me standing right next to you, all of us. "
Khushi was silent for a while, and no one interrupted her. The past few months of her life flashed by, and she saw that it was nothing short of a miracle, having been ignored and discarded most of her life, then to have Rahul in her life only to have him taken away, her own father causing her destruction, the years of loneliness and then to have Arnav walk into her life just like that, and to now have a family who would stand by her side, she couldn't have asked for anything more, she even had the strength to stand in the court and fight for her justice but amidst all this her eyes searched for Mama and Papa, the 2 people who had given her a parent's love which she had never known, she thought about the public shaming this would bring to the Raizada name, she knew it didn't matter to them, she knew they would always be proud of her but the society could be cruel, the evil tongues would leave no stone unturned to mock the family for taking in a rape victim as their son's wife, that was the ugly face of Indian society.
Sayali and Samar saw Khushi looking at them, they understood her fear, they exchanged a look, a look that spoke beyond words and then they walked over to where she sat, Sayali smiled at Khushi as she raised her to stand in front of her, she held her daughter's hands,
" Khushi, your Papa and me, we understand your fear. You are afraid that a public trial will bring shame to the family, that the society will mock Arnav's honour and his family's reputation, you are scared that this might even cause difficulties in finding a suitable boy for Alaka, but let me tell you beta, none of this matters to us, we are proud of you Khushi, as much as we are proud of Alaka, true that a section of the society will wag their tongues, like how we see in the daily soaps, a lot of ladies of the society are going to question me or Alaka or for that matter even you. Your Papa , Akash and even Arnav will face mocking questions, your fears are all true because that's how brutal the world is BUT that doesn't mean we stop fighting for our justice Khushi, it doesn't mean we let the criminals walk free and sit at home protecting our family name. whats the use of a good reputed family name if we cant even prove it to ourselves that we are worthy of it ?
Why cower in fear and shame when there isn't any need of it. There is nothing for us to be ashamed of Khushi, on the contrary we are proud of you, we are happy that we have been blessed with a daughter who is a brave woman with a pure heart, a woman who loves our son unconditionally, a woman who despite being a victim of nature's most cruel acts, is still living and fighting. There is nothing to be ashamed of Khushi and we would only be happy if a daughter of our house sets a path of example so that more and more women out there who have been cast away finds the strength to fight for their justice.
Follow your heart Khushi ... you have our blessings! "

Arnav had never been more proud to have been born to his parents that he was now, the respect he had for them was beyond words, if only every parent in the world were like his, then this world would have been a much better place.
Khushi looked at Arnav, their happiness and pride echoed in their smiles, she turned to her mama and hugged her tight. No words were needed because their hearts spoke to each other. Samar smiled as he came and stood next to Khushi who looked at him with tears in her eyes, he pulled her gently into his arms and cradled her, Khushi closed her eyes, feeling the impenetrable warmth and security of a father's love, something that she had never known until she met Samar,
" Papa is with you Khushi , through every step I will be there, true that you have your husband but I will be there, let them try hurting you or mocking you and I assure you, they will know that it was a huge mistake to pick of Samar Raizada s daughter. " said Samar as he winked at Khushi who laughed, Arnav broke out laughing as he came forward and mock punched his father.
Having quelled her doubts, Khushi looked at them all standing next to her, waiting for her decision, and she knew that her path was clear as water, there wasn't any place for doubts or fears, she would fight not just for herself, but for Rahul , for Alaka , and on behalf of every other woman in the world who was wronged and trashed away.
Her fight would be a source of hope for them.
She slipped her fingers through Arnav's as she set her heart to the decision that was now made.
" lets file the case against Nikhil and the rest of them. I understand that the evidence will be submitted but it doesn't matter, like Mama said, whatever those tapes contain, its nothing to be ashamed off, my virtue doesn't rest at the hands of a group of animals, they violated my body but not my honour ... "
And then she looked at Arnav,
" Arnav you told me that you would do everything possible so that the media doesn't get hold of the tapes, do not do that Arnav. Let the tapes be released to the media if it comes to that, Nikhil's biggest threat to all of us was that he would circulate the tapes, this is the veil of blackmail that men like him use on us women to keep us quiet. Enough of that, we women shouldn't feel scared or ashamed to show the world how we were violated and brought to harm, I should be able to hold my head high and fight for justice, not hide behind the curtains of influence that you might be able to pull for me.
Let the world see the kind of human animals that exist around us, let them see how helpless a rape victim is, let them see for once that we are not people to be trashed but protected and respected.
File the case Arnav, file it in my name, file it in the name of Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada "
Everyone in the room were absolutely stunned into silence as Khushi finished speaking, they were all looking at her with nothing short of awe in their eyes, the demure innocent woman who had walked into their life a few months back, her eyes sparkled with the fire for justice, iron will determination was the essence of her words, the love of her husband was her evident strength, Arnav looked at her with nothing short of pride and immense love as he clasped her tightly and placed a kiss on her forehead.
Alaka & Akash clearly understood the power of love that day, they understood the true healing power of love. Khushi whatever she was today, she has been born new from their brother's love for her. They had seen Khushi's evolvement, a few months back, Khushi was scared, insecure, hurt , she felt unloved and unworthy of any happiness, but today, Khushi was confident, there were no more doubts and fears, the pain she has underwent was now being channeled for her fight for justice, and above all Khushi believed in love, she believed in their brother's love for her, it was her strength, the very reason of her existence today.
Samar  broke the silence that had descended in the room,
" okay so now that it is decided that we are going to send those bas***ds to their death, how about we start working on it ?
Get going children, even I will be getting back to work, the corporate world needs to be prepared for the downfall of Raj Gupta which am sure is going to happen soon enough. "
As they heard papa speak, Khushi and Payal felt no remorse or pity for the people who called themselves their parents, infact Samar's thoughts jerked Payal out of her reverie,
" Samar uncle is right, our dear parents are not going to know whats hit them ... " she turned to look at Arnav and Zee,
" Arnav I will testify in the court for Khushi ... " but Khushi interrupted her,
" no Payal, you cant. You would be putting yourself into the danger of getting prosecuted if its to be known that you were part of the plans of Maya and Raj Gupta, it would become difficult to prove your innocence. "
But Payal waved her off, her expression fierce !
" Do I look like I care Khushi ?
You think am worried about getting put behind bars ?
Honestly speaking I deserve it Khushi, I deserve it for what I did to you !
You are my sister and I have given you nothing but pain, so don't stop me now Khushi, whole of my life I have never done any good but I have done plenty of bad.
This is my chance to do something right for once in my life, you can call it my penance for my sins, I am not doing this for you only, am doing this for myself too.
I will speak for you and my testimony will be important Khushi, there is no one better than me to vouch for the cruelty that our parents meted out to you. "
Khushi walked upto Payal and hugged her, she was happy that she finally had her sister whom she could call her own, she had always wanted to be close to Payal, for them to share the love of sisters and finally they were able to, Alisha and Alaka watched them happily, they both could understand very well how it felt to have a sister who would stand up for you and fight for you.
Zee and Arnav exchanged a smile, Payal's support for Khushi would be an added bonus to the build up of their case, with the evidence they had, both material and witnesses, this case would be iron clad and Raj Gupta or his accomplices would never be able to make a dent in it.
Arnav had a sudden thought in his mind which soon developed into an idea of its own, he smiled to himself as he walked upto Khushi and whispered into her ears,
" Khushi I am going out for a couple of hours or more, just be ready by the time I come back, we are going out in the evening and no, don't ask me any questions. Its is a surprise. Just be ready. Alright ? "
He kissed her on her cheeks before walking out, Akash Zee and Rehaan were following him out. As they reached outside he turned to look at them,
" Guys, I have to go now, its something for Khushi which I cant put aside for now. But I need your help too, go and meet Aryan, brief him everything that happened.
Zee , Rehaan, gather all the evidence we have on Raj Gupta, we need to build up a strong front, look into all his corporate activities, am sure we will find enough dirt in there, I will contact Aman, he will help you in finding the right resources, you will have complete access to the Raizada Companies's facilities.
Akash, there is something I want to do for myself, I want to gather enough evidence on Khushi's and Rahul's mother s murders as well as Rahul's, I will work on it from tomorrow but just get Aman to run up on the police officer who handled the cases back then and also the doctors who did the post mortem, its time to round them all up. "
All of them nodded at Arnav's instructions, the plans were clear for them all as they headed out whilst Arnav went off to plan his surprise for Khushi.
Meanwhile back home, the ladies spend the rest of the day together, by midday they decided to take a trip to the gallery being set up by Alaka and Khushi, but Khushi had to stay back since she had to get ready for Arnav and when she told them the same, she had to endure another round of teasing before Sayali came to her rescue and took the girls out so that Khushi could be left alone to get ready for the evening.
She walked into their room and opened her wardrobe, she had decided to wear a sari for the occasion though she had no idea what Arnav had planned for her, she searched through her clothes until her hands fell on a peacock blue chiffon sari with gold embroidery, Arnav had selected it for her when they had gone shopping once and she felt it would befit the occasion.
An hour later, Khushi had showered and she was adorned in the sari which was her husband's gift, her beautiful tresses left open, a simple diamond chain adorned her neck, her hands adorned in a few silver bangles, she smiled as she placed a pinch of sindoor on her vermillion, barely seen but it was visible for her and she knew would be visible for Arnav's eyes too.
She had laid out a coffee brown shirt and black suit for Arnav for the evening, knowing that it was one of his favorite colors.
A little while later, she heard footsteps and knew that Arnav had arrived, he came into the room, only to be stunned by the beauty standing in front of him, Khushi smiled at him in happiness as she came forward and hugged him, burying her face into his chest,
" I missed you Arnav ... You were gone the whole day ! " she pouted at him.
Arnav chuckled as he gently caressed her cheeks, her fingers grazing her lips which caused her to shiver in his arms,
" I was away so that we could spend this evening together, I missed you too princess, now give me half an hour and we will b ready to go, wait here for me Khushi. "
He said as he kissed her lightly and then went off before she could ask him anymore questions.
A while later they stood in front of the mirror as Khushi buttoned up Arnav  as he held her close, watching her. Once he was ready, he took her hand and walked out into the beautiful moonlit evening. They drove away from the city, Khushi was humming a slow tune as Arnav listened to her, letting her beautiful voice soothe his senses, his wife was no less than a nightingale.
An hour's drive and Arnav stopped the car outside a resort that was known to be on the outskirts of the city, Khushi knew it to be an exclusive resorts accessible only to the elite of Delhi, it came with the option to rent out private spaces which gave the customers the privacy they craved.
Arnav gave her a mysterious smile that held a lot of secrets as he came to her side and helped her get out, he took her hand and walked inside, the staff greeted them and led them away, as Khushi followed.
They walked for a while and then Arnav turned at a corner and Khushi gasped out in surprise !
The area in that part of the resort had been restricted off, but the beauty of the sight left her speechless, a hundred fairy lights adorned the trees as golden flecks of light lit up the area, there was a table for 2 set at the middle, golden lanterns adorned the skies.
Arnav reveled in Khushi's happiness, she turned to him, her eyes sparkling in happiness,
" Arnav this is so beautiful ... Its one of the most beautiful sights that I have ever seen !! "
Arnav took her hand and kissed her lightly,
" I am happy you like it, come with me Khushi, lets have dinner "
He led her towards the table, the time flew as they had dinner, looking at them now, no one in the family would have ever thought that a serious decision had been made that very morning, Arnav and Khushi were as happy and carefree as they had ever been.
Khushi blushed a million shades of red and rosy hues as Arnav flirted with her the whole of the evening, his eyes glinting naughtily which send shivers down her spine, as they finished the dinner. Arnav walked over to Khushi and held out his hand,
" dance with me Khushi "
She smiled at him as she slipped her hands into his, he dragged her up and slipped his hands around her waist and pulled her close as a soft ballad played in the background. Khushi shivered in his arms as he twirled her around, her hands caressing her hands, slipping through her tresses, holding her close, his gaze scorching into her senses, his passion overwhelming.
They danced uncaring of the time that slipped by, they eventually slowed down, stood there under the starlit skies, wrapped in each other's harms, silence surrounded them, serene in its essence as they listened to the other's heartbeats.
After a while, Arnav pulled back a little, looking at her with such love and tenderness, that Khushi felt her heartbeats pink up pace, and then to her astonishment, she saw him go down on one knew, she felt the breath leave her body, she knew what was coming and she barely dared to breathe.
He clasped her hands in his, his heart didn't miss a beat as he looked at her in the eye, Khushi felt something heavy being placed into her hands, she looked down and her eyes reflected her shock, there was a small box in her palms, in it a diamond ring with a huge ruby in the center, she looked at Arnav, barely able to believe what was happening, she tried to speak but Arnav beckoned her to hear him out,
" Hush Khushi ... I know it's a huge shock for you, its sudden and unexpected but please don't be surprised or taken aback Khushi.
You have known it already that I have forever been married to you, its just a matter of making it public. Khushi everything that happened today, we made important decisions today, but nothing is more important for me than our love and marriage is a matter of huge importance, because it means sanctifying our love, not just for the society, but for ourselves too, following the customs and traditions of the culture we were raised in.
After everything we decided today, I just didn't want to wait any longer Khushi. If we are moving forward with so much in our life, then why not this ?
Khushi what am asking you today, you have full rights to refuse me. "
Khushi nodded her head in acknowledgement as Arnav drew in a deep breath before he continued, his eyes echoing a new found fire,
" Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada, I promise to love you, not for this moment alone but for the rest of our lives, for forever, for eternity, and for as long as we will be born in this earth, my love for you will live beyond my mortal life span. I want to spend every moment of my life with you, with you by my side as my rightful half of my soul. I want each morning to start beholding your face, every night as I close my eyes, it should be your face that I look at, if ever a woman has a right over my heart and my love, I want it to be you, body and soul you have me Khushi and now I want to make you mine.
Marry me Khushi ... Marry me on the very same day when we send the culprits of your past to their deserving ends.
Marry me for the world to see that you will never be alone ever again.
Marry me and make my family complete.
Marry me and make me the happiest man ever to have lived on this earth.
Marry me Khushi ... because I love you and I want no one but you as my better half. "

A long silence followed Arnav's words as tears slipped through Khushi's eyes, her heart inflating and flying high in happiness as she thanked the gods repeatedly for blessing her with the wonder that Arnav was in her life.
And then before he knew it, Khushi had gotten down on her knees and hugged him close, they sank to the ground, their lips found each other as they lost themselves in the moment of insumrmountable love that enveloped them, in between a lot of tears , Khushi spoke out the words that made Arnav as happy as he ever could be,
" I will marry you Arnav ... I wouldn't want anything more from my life ... I am all yours husband "
As she spoke, she felt Arnav slip the ring onto her finger, they both looked at it, as it sparkled on her finger, a perfect fit, their fingers entwined together as Arnav's lips descended on hers once again and they lay there on the grass, with the fairy lights and lanterns lighting up the skies, the stars twinkling, a star shining brighter than all as his sister found her haven with a fine specimen of the male species.
Nature reveled in this happy union, and it celebrated for without any warning, the skies opened and it rained down in torrents.
But Arnav and Khushi couldn't care less as they lay there under the rains, getting wet and drenched but nothing could quell the fire of love and passion that consumed them.
Hours later, they drove back home in silence, but they stopped at a mandir that their family frequented, they stood  in front of Khushi's devi maiyya, they stood as man and wife , as lovers, and they thanked the gods and fates for bringing them together.
And they left together, hurrying home to share their happiness with the people that loved them unconditionally, their family.

FF Let me Love You - Part 41

 
 

okay I know  I promised LIDV this week but somehow after the previous update of LMLY, it felt important to post this update this week itself and honestly when it comes to this story, the words do not stop ... I just keep on writing ! 

so yes ... as promised .. heart to heart ... there is only Arnav & Khushi in this update !

Happy Reading !





Once inside their room, Arnav locked it shut before turning to Khushi who was sitting on their bed, she was watching him, he could see her eyes pleading him to talk to her but words failed him today, he was at loss for all the emotions that overwhelmed him, he didn't even know how to tell her everything without causing her pain, he didn't want her to feel the trauma anymore, she had suffered too much already, even as he walked upto her, his eyes were drinking in her sight,
Her tresses flying slightly around her face because of the wind flowing in through the open windows, clad in a simple cotton top and jeans, her face unadorned, a small bindi on her forehead, she looked so innocent, so pure, so beautiful, and yet he knew that beneath the faade, there were memories that she wished to forget, memories of a hell that she had to endure while being alive.
He knelt down by her side and held her hands in his, he kissed each finger softly, and then he kissed the inside of her palms, he hugged himself close to her warmth and he felt her hands come around him and envelop him into a hug, the wave of peace that engulfed him whilst being in her arms, to feel the pulse of her heart and know that she is alive and holding him, protecting him from all the pain he had to endure in the past hours, and right then Arnav truly realized how precious she had come to be in his life, she was literally the reason he was alive, the reason he lived for and hell be damned, he wouldn't let anything happen to her !
He looked at her, his fingers grazing the side of her face, her wide anxious eyes asking him what had happened that was hurting him so much and he knew that he couldn't hide the truth from her, she deserved to know the truth and he knew she was strong enough, his Khushi was a fighter, he got up and sat in bed next her and kept his head on her lap, his face facing hers, his eyes looking straight into hers, he held her hands clasped tightly in his,
" Khushi, what am about to tell you, hear me out, do not stop me in between and once I finish, you can tell whatever it is that you feel but promise me that you wont let this consume you or break you apart, I want you to fight the demons Khushi, I want you to show them that beasts like them cant taint your heart or your body, promise me that you will fight along with me"  said Arnav as Khushi looked at him, she increased the grip of her hands in his as she replied,
" I promised you already Arnav, I have chosen to live my life with you, to walk with you as your wife till the end of times and whatever life throws at us, I will be there to face it with you. Now tell me what happened ? "
Arnav felt a sense of calm in his heart at Khushi's resilience as he started to narrate everything that had happened,
" Khushi, as part of the ongoing investigation against Nikhil, Rehaan and Zee have been tracking down his entire life, his friends, relations, personal and official assets, his financial transactions etc etc. we were mainly doing this so as to collect all those tapes and images that he has of you, plan was to collect them all so that it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
Rehaan managed to confiscate all his assets but there was this one property Rehaan found, which was gifted to Nikhil by your father and since I wasn't around, Rehaan went there to check it out and what he saw there ... "
Arnav couldn't go on, his eyes fell shut as he tried to muster the courage to tell her, he felt her stroking his forehead,
" go on Arnav .. what did Rehaan see ? " asked Khushi as she held him.
Arnav steeled himself as he resumed speaking,
"  Khushi ... Rehaan came back from the house absolutely broken and shattered, and he narrated everything that he saw there to Akash and Zee because he was worried as to how I would take it but I saw them talking, I saw their pain and they couldn't hide it for long and so they told me.
Khushi I went to the house a few hours back, we all did .. Akash and Zee never saw the room though they know whats in there but I did "
Khushi's heart began to pick up pace, her eyes reflected fear, she could already sense what Arnav must have seen there but she didn't want him to stop, she urged him to continue speaking,
" what did you see there Arnav ? "
" Khushi ... the room I was in, it was hell. If there is ever a hell in Arnav Singh Raizada's life then its in that room. Khushi the room I was in, its in the same house used by the Guptas as their guest house, which your father gifted to Nikhil, I was in the room where they almost killed the woman I love ! " said Arnav, his eyes welling up in tears again.
Khushi felt her heart twist and knot as the memories engulfed her but she fought it as she held onto Arnav because she could feel the raging pain in him, she could see the struggle with which he was finding words to tell her what he saw there,
" don't stop Arnav ... tell me what you saw" 
Arnav held her close, his face pressing into her bosom as he continued,
" the bas***d, Vaid .. he had the walls lined with your images, too many of them Khushi ... Each one of them depicting your pain and tragedy of that hated day in your life, there was a TV screen in the room and if you switch it on ... Nikhil wasn't lying to us Khushi, he really has everything recorded in tape, the tapes played one after the other Khushi and I could do nothing but watch you.
It felt as though I was there with you and yet could do nothing to save you !
I saw that day in your life Khushi. I saw your pain ... your agony.
Until today, all the pain I thought I understood was from the memories you shared with me but today, now I know the true horror of what they did to you.
I saw everything Khushi ... forgive me but   couldn't run from there like a coward in the face of your agony. "
Khushi sat still, but her grip on Arnav didn't relent, her heart felt heavy under the onslaught of emotions, she couldn't gather her thoughts anymore, the memories were burned into her memory as clearly as it would be on tape, tape could be erased but not her memory !
The nightmares of that day had decreased ever since Arnav entered her life but she would never forget the day and to know that Arnav had come face to face with the very day in her life which she never wanted to visit ever again.
She looked down at him and all she saw was the pain and anguish and helplessness in his eyes as he looked at her, now she understood why Akash Rehaan and Zee had made that promise to her. She could so clearly understand their pain and how she wished they never had to deal with it.
She felt Arnav wiping away the tears that she couldn't stop, he got up and pulled her into his arms, hugging her close, Arnav let her shed out all her pain as he cried with her.
After a while he spoke to her,
" talk to me Khushi ... don't hold back ... its all been laid bare for us now "
Khushi pulled back a little and looked at him, her fingers caressing his face, he was shocked to see her smile through her tears and her words that came after left him astounded, shocked as he realized how much her trust in his love had healed her,
" what do I say Arnav ?
Yes am hurt ... am in pain ... but its not for myself or what happened that day, my pain is for you, for Akash Zee and Rehaan who had to deal with the reality that I never wanted anyone of you to know.
You walked into the house, knowing the horror that lay within, you had to see me at my weakest hours and I know the feeling of helplessness you must have felt, I saw the same in Rahul when he first found me in that mess, he was my brother and it killed him to see me that way, you are my husband, the pain you must have felt seeing the woman you love bleeding to her almost death, its worse than any pain that any man could ever endure ! its equal to death and yet you faced it all alone !
Rehaan walked into the unknown and he is enduring the same pain that I saw in Rahul's eyes.
But look at me Arnav ... don't you understand ? I am one of the luckiest women alive today !
Most of the women who have been in my place, they were abandoned by their families friends and the society, they were cast away to bleed to their deaths, they .. the victims were termed as the culprits, they perished Arnav, they died all alone knowing that they were hated for crimes they never committed.
And look at me, my own family threw me into that hell but they couldn't destroy me, Rahul came for me, he saved me, he avenged my death at the cost of his life, he left me in the protection of Naina and Alaka until you came along, you Arnav ... you took me into your life as though I were the center of yr universe, despite knowing everything that happened, you love me unconditionally.
You gave me a family that's mine more than my own blood could ever come to be !
Maa Papa Pari Akash Alisha Zee Rehaan ... I have each one of you to hold onto.
Aryan and Naina who have already done so much for my protection ... I can never stop counting my blessings ever !
Today after everything that happened, I have 3 brothers who promised me they would always protect me.
And I have YOU.
Arnav, today you saw something that no man would ever want to see of the woman he loves. Most of the men, if they were put in your place, they would have abandoned me, never bothered to look at me again, they would never want me or any woman who has been in my place !
And yet you returned to me, you never even once hesitated to touch me, to show me your love, I can see the pain in your eyes but you aren't disgusted at me.
You love me Arnav ... and none of what happened to me could ever blemish that love of yours.
What more do I want Arnav ?
Everything I need .. I already have it. I have you.
I have run away too many times from you thinking that I was doing it for your happiness but then I promised you last time Arnav, that am choosing you and our future over my past and I intend for us to live our happily ever after Arnav.
I wont let my past ruin it for us.
I love you Arnav and I trust you. " said Khushi as she kissed him on his lips.
Arnav who was too shocked to respond, gathered her close as he kissed her back a moment later. It wasn't a kiss of passion or need.
It was the promise of unconditional love.
They broke apart after a while, Arnav looked at her, there was one more thing he had to do, he took her hand in his,
" Khushi I know you trust me ... so if I do something now, can you just believe in my love and let me do it and not stop me ? " asked Arnav.
Khushi was puzzled by Arnav's request but she nodded her head in agreement.
Arnav left the bed and went to draw the curtains and shut the window, the pale light from the lanterns in the room illuminated their surroundings giving it an ethereal glow. He came to her and took her by her hands and made her stand in the center of the room, he held her hands as he spoke to her,
" Khushi ... I have felt that I am married to you from the day I first saw you, you are already my wife to me in my heart but like I promised you, I will give you the wedding of your dreams and the first time I make love to you will be on the night when the world knows that you are my bride, the love of my life.
But today, Khushi I saw your wounds, I saw you bleed, I saw the bruises on your body and I can never forget it or ignore it.
I love you body and soul Khushi, and I want to heal the wounds, the ones in your soul and the ones in your body.
I am not asking for your permission Khushi ... I am just asking you to trust me, trust me to allow me to heal those wounds which I know are still there, lingering traces of the horror you faced. "
Khushi barely breathed, she didn't refuse, she closed her eyes as she remembered the wounds, Arnav was right, she still had the traces on her body, marks on her arms and limbs and torso that refused to fade away, and deep in her heart, she didn't want to hide them from Arnav anymore, she wanted to feel his touch.
Arnav didn't want to intimidate her so he took off his shirt first so that she wouldn't feel uncomfortable being exposed in his presence.
She opened her eyes to see him standing shirtless in front of her, he moved closer to her and slowly removed her top from her body, and then he removed the jeans she was wearing, Khushi stood in front of him in her inner wear, her eyes echoed the peace in her heart, there would be no more secrets between them.
Arnav took her hands in his, he saw the slight marks in her arms and he kissed each one of them, letting her feel his touch, allowing it to sink deep into her senses.
There were marks in her chest ... her bare waist ... her legs ... and he kissed them all without hesitance, it felt as though he were talking to her body and to her soul, he kissed each one of our wound marks, letting them know that each one of her scars was precious to him, that he loved them all, that they were the mark of her strength and survival.
His fingers lightly caressed her body, his lips leaving its touch on her marks, she felt enveloped in his essence, she could hear the beat of his heart, she could feel his touch, she could see his eyes which never left hers, that moment and Khushi felt as pure as any woman could ever feel, the horrors of her past seemed to fade away, all she could remember was Arnav, the man she had given her heart and soul to.
Khushi felt her heart pick up pace as she felt his touch scorch her senses, he hadn't missed a single scar, he had found them all and loved them unconditionally.
She opened her eyes to see him smile at her, he took her hand and led her into the shower, where they stripped away the little amount of clothing on their bodies, he turned on the shower and they stood under it, letting the water cascade down their bodies that were completely nude and laid bare.
They held onto each other, felt the water cleanse their body and soul, they shed a few tears ... they cried a little ... they laughed a little ... their eyes echoed their love for each other, their hands caressed each other without inhibitions. The felt the water wash away the dirt of their past. To Arnav, everything that happened to Khushi ... all her pain .. he imbibed them onto himself.
And as they stood there with their bodies laid bare, touching each other head to toe, there wasn't an iota of lust or desire they felt, they didn't feel the need to possess each other like lovers would do, they were attracted to each other, deeply attracted but they both wanted the blending of their bodies and souls to be born out of love and not as an escape from the horrors of their past.
Arnav turned off the shower, he wrapped her in a white towel and took her out of the cubicle and then he wiped away the water on her body, after which she did the same, they walked into their bedroom and without a word, he lifted her into his arms and placed her gently on the bed, he switched off the lights and got in next to her and held her close, stroking her face, occasionally peppering her faces with kisses, he slowly lulled her to sleep, he saw her close her eyes and drift off into a peaceful sleep with a beautiful smile adorning her face. And soon he too fell asleep, his face buried into the crook of her neck, their bodies held close as they clasped each other tight, a tangle of arms and legs, they slept like a pair of entwined souls they were.

Arnav through his act wanted Khushi to know that she could sleep bare with him, the man she loved  without the fear of having to meet his sexual needs, he wanted her to know that he wasn't in love with just her physical beauty but also her soul. He wanted her to feel safe and protected in their physical intimacy, she had been scarred by the brutal touch of men who were animals, and he wanted her to know that a man's touch could be loving and caring too ... he wanted her to know that he would always protect her and so he did.

Khushi slept that night, completely naked in the arms of her husband, Arnav was the first man in her life to whom she had laid bare her soul and body without any fears and her trust in him was iron clad, he had become the man who had healed every single wound in her body and her soul, given to her by men who were nothing short of animals. She could feel it in her soul that Arnav's touch wasn't born out of lust but out of his unconditional love for her.

FF Let Me Love You - Part 40

 


Hola


okay if there is anyone out there who wants to aim an axe at me for keeping u waiting this long .. you are free to do so coz I know I deserve that ! I know sorry wont suffice guys and I just wish I could write as frequently as I wish to but studies and career .. its taking up a lot of my time. but these stories I write on Arhi .. they are damn special to me, so I will never give up on them and will always write as I get the time and I want to thank each and everyone of my readers who have been so amazing in supporting whatever I write !

coming to the update, this I feel was the most difficult part I have written for LMLY, coz this I would call as one of the most crucial updates, the banner being used on PG1 of this thread of LMLY was mainly designed by Tammy as  asked her to keeping in mind this update. as a writer it was difficult for me to write it, there were times when I doubted as to whether I did it justice but I hope I did.looking forward to the feedback

Special mention ... this update is dedicated to my lil Cherry .. my bday girl Ananya who celebrated her bday yest ! Happy Bday lil one ... I hope you like this update ! bday hugs !




The days passed but there was a flurry of activities going on at Vaikuntha, to the extent that Rehaan Alisha and Zeeshan had temporarily decided to shift in along with Arnav & Khushi. Zeeshan and Aryan had analyzed the security situation and decided that no member of the family should be without protection until the case was solved, even Arnav's parents who were at their ancestral house had been placed under security. 

One of the upper study rooms at Vaikuntha had been transformed into a work area for Zeeshan and Rehaan, Zee had his staff work hard at find out anything and everything they could find out about Raj Gupta and his assosciates whereas Rehaan was on his own doing a thorough background check on Nikhil's activities over the years since what had happened to Khushi. 

Nikhil  was in custody but Rehaan had bigger plans, but he had a bigger worry and concern and he decided to discuss it with Zee and Akash before informing Arnav, and so the three men were in their study, 

" what is it Rehaan ? why did you call us here and why not let Arnav know ? "  asked Zee as he took a seat facing Rehaan while Akash sat on his other side.
Rehaan sighed to himself as he pondered on how to deliver this piece of information but he knew he had to, 

" Akash .. Bhaijaan .. over the past few days I have been tracking down Nikhil's activities over the past years, I have hacked into his email accounts, his bank accounts which I did because I got the clearance with the help of our lawyers, every possible activity of his I have them traced out, my intention was to remove and erase any digital copy of the films on Bhabhi, but then I realized that if we erase it then we would be destroying proof and it would weaken our case in the court, so they need to be preserved until the case has been dealt with on court which I know will take time. 

Now whilst going through Nikhil's accounts, I also checked for any possible conversation between Nikhil and his friends around the time when Bhabhi was raped, just to see if they were storing any possible hard copies of the tapes and I found out this plan they had, when Nikhil told us that copies of the film were made and were given to some of his friends for safekeeping, that's a lie !! 

I think he wanted us to go fishing on dead ends, I think he planned to feed us the names of the people who were involved in the incident and finish them off but that doesn't mean the evidence would be totally destroyed because there is no mention of any kind of evidence backup, maybe yes they met in person and discussed the details and we have to check into it but what I feel is that none of them have any copies except Nikhil. Of the multiple addresses that Nikhil has to his name, I had some of our men trace all these locations, Arnav Bhai and me, we both over the past few days did personally go to each of these locales and searched the house but there were no hard copies .. BUT .. " 
Rehaan hesitated as though he was struggling to bring out his next few words, Akash looked worried, even scared as to what he was about to hear but he encouraged Rehaan to go on, 

"  But there was this house that I checked on my own, Arnav bhai couldn't make it that day because of an important meeting back at the office and am glad he didn't make it because he would have been shattered if he had been in there unknowing of what to expect !! " 

"  what was in there Rehaan ?? what did you see .. tell us "  said Akash as Rehaan's body tensed up. 

" What I saw in there ... it left me shocked as to how inhuman some humans can become, worser than animals , worser than beasts ... some humans can be real demons !! 

And Nikhil is a demon, maybe he didn't directly hurt Bhabhi but he is as bad as the animals who tried to destroy her, he is a sadist of the extreme kind and someone who can descend to any levels to get what he wants. I doubt as to whether he was born to human parents to begin with because  cant fathom a human being like involved in such cruel acts. 

That house contains a room .. a room where hard copies of what happened to Bhabhi are kept but its not like its kept well concealed, its more like he created a hell, he is a psychopath ... he created life size portraits of every frame he captured of Bhabhi, there is a full screen TV in there which if you switch on will play the tapes in tandem order !! ... "  Rehaan couldn't complete his words as he choked on them. 

The words hung between them, suspended in space, echoing in their ears, as they tried to process the horror of what they had just heard. Rehaan had his head between his hands as he tried to block out the images that he unwittingly witnessed, his body shaking as hot tears escaped his eyes, Akash and Zeeshan got up and hugged him tight as they tried to process the truth that hung like an executioner's sword, Rehaan continued speaking, 

" I didn't know what to do, I didn't know whether to rush out of the place, or burn it up, Bhabhi agony and suffering, its all been put up for display, she isn't the only one in there, other victims I suppose, numerous other tapes, its all there. All I know is that Nikhil is a psychopath who shouldn't be allowed to live for another minute, every minute he is alive, he is a blotch on humanity's existence. To think that he drew pleasure from seeing other's destruction, I don't think I have met a more dangerous man in my life !!
And there is another thing, that house under Nikhil's name, it was given to him by Raj Gupta, I found copies of the property deed in Nikhil's account. It was gifted to him around the same year when they went after Bhabhi. I think it was a GIFT.

I feel sick ... and I feel I cant breathe anymore, how can any father do this to their daughter ? how can people be so cruel !! 

And .. 

How do we tell all this to Arnav Bhai ?? this will destroy him "  , Rehaan's eyes were the picture of agony as he looked at Zeeshan and Akash.
None of them spoke for a long while as they sat lost in thought, trying to figure out their net step, rage boiled in their deepest pits and coursed through their veins as the desire to rip Nikhil into shreds grew stronger but they knew that would hurt the case they were building up against Nikhil and Raj Gupta, they needed him alive. 

After a long while, Akash finally spoke, 

" we have to tell Bhai ! " 

Rehaan and Zeeshan looked at him with pain in their eyes, because even they knew that Arnav deserved to know, Arnav had the right to know, 

"  this will destroy Bhai, but he has the right. This is about Bhabhi and he needs to know this from us before he finds it out by any other means.
I know my brother, he is strong ... " Akash broke off in midsentence as he saw Arnav standing at the door. 

Rehaan and Zeeshan whipped around as they saw the shock on Akash's face, they felt fear knife through as they wondered how much Arnav had heard. They waited in trepidation as Arnav walked across the room towards them, his face set and serious, 

" tell me what guys ? 

I heard Akash, its something about Khushi and if its about her then I need to know. What is it ? " , Arnav's voice was calm like an ocean as he waited for their reply. 

Akash and Rehaan looked at Zee and nodded, after Arnav he was the eldest amongst them and they felt that it would be right if Zee told Arnav, Zee being the one who would understand Arnav the most as he too had a woman whom he loved like how Arnav loved Khushi.

Zee took Arnav's hand and made him sit down.

What happened in the next 20 mins inside that room was left to no one s imagination because as they feared, it left Arnav absolutely broken, the pain in Rehaan's eyes was enough for Arnav to understand the horror of the images and the tapes. His eyes had turned red as he clenched his fists tight, he looked at Rehaan directly, 

" take me there now. " 

Akash and Zee felt their hearts pick up pace, they knew Arnav would want to see the place and they knew he couldn't be stopped.

None of them said a word more as they stood up and headed out, Akash took the wheels as Rehaan sat next to him, while Arnav and Zee took the rear seats, Arnav had his eyes closed, deep in silence as they drove and in what felt like no time at all, they had reached the spot, the house loomed in front of them as if it was hell itself welcoming them in, dread and fear creeped into their hearts, knowing what lay inside, but Arnav got out without a word and started walking towards the house, the others were behind him but they hesitated as they reached the house, Rehaan didn't want to witness that room not for another instance while he was alive while Akash and Zee didn't want to glimpse the horror that was inside but at the same time they couldn't let Arnav walk in alone but just then Arnav turned around, 

" wait here ... I don't want anyone to come inside with me ... this is mine and Khushi's battle and this is about her ...I know that someday what lies inside will become part of a criminal investigation but until then I don't want anyone to witness it until it needs to be. Rehaan saw them unwittingly and I wont put my brothers through the horror of witnessing it along with me. So wait here, I will come back. "  he said as he looked at them one last time before heading in.

Arnav turned around and left, despite sounding so strong in front of his brothers, his heart threatened to fail with each step that he took closer to his destination, his body shook as he neared the door, his hands on the knob, he steeled himself as he opened the door calmly and entered the room, his eyes closed as he shut it and locked it behind him, and then he opened it ... and his heart stopped beating.

Arnav felt the earth slip away from beneath his feet, he felt the air leave his lungs as he felt the vines of agony vise around his heart, choking him, he stumbled forward into the room as the images overwhelmed his senses and threatened to kill him, none of the other faces mattered, she was all that mattered.
Khushi's face, a picture of agony and destruction, Arnav lost his step and slipped to the floor as the images swam in front of his eyes, the bruises on her body, the blood around her, it wouldn't be too much to say that Arnav didn't shed tears but he shed blood at that moment, his eyes fell on the TV screen and his hands reached for the remote, his fingers touched the button and what came next had Arnav wishing that he were dead than having to witness Khushi's destruction. 

Her helpless cries crazed his senses into insanity, the animals laughing at her pain as they went on her relentlessly, brutal and animalistic, the long hours of agony which saw Khushi falling silent in the face of abandonment. Her cries ceased, she looked deathlike in her acceptance of her fate, as the fight left her heart and her body, as the mirth of her attackers reached fever pitch while she lay there as though dead, the silent tears that left her eyes, the blood that oozed from her wounds, he bruises darkening.

Arnav felt his sense explode, his heart shattering as he witnessed the love of his life being torn apart. His helplessness when he saw Khushi lying on the floor as though dead while her attackers exited the room, a lone face left to die in the prison her attackers had led her into.

The rage coursed through him and he knew he would never be able to contain the revulsion and hatred that welled up inside him, if Jay was alive today then Arnav knew he would have ripped him with his bare hands and have him fed to the dogs and erase his identity. The rampant desire to kill the ones who were still walking scot free rose in Arnav like a raging volcano, he knew that a fate worse than death awaited each one of them. He looked at Khushi's face, his thoughts went back to all the times he had spend with her, his respect for her surmounted as he understood fully as to how much she had struggled and survived, he felt the urgent need to see her, to be with her, to hold her in his arms and tell her that he would shield her from all the evil in the world, that he would avenge her, that he would love her forever. And with that thought in mind, Arnav found the strength return, he stood up and exited the room without another glance.

He met the others who were waiting for him, if they were shocked seeing him, then they didn't utter a word, they got in with him as he took the wheels this time but he drove him calmly like always, if there was a battle raging in him, then none of them knew about it or were allowed to witness it.

They reached Vaikuntha, Arnav looked at them,

" go inside guys, do not tell Khushi anything, I will talk to her, this is something she needs to hear from me, I will come inside in a short while, I just need sometime alone, don't worry, I am just going to the garden. " 

They nodded as Arnav exited the car and went off while they entered the house, Alisha saw them come in and one look at their faces and she knew something was wrong but before she could ask them anything, Zee spoke, 

" where is Khushi ?? " 

Alisha gestured them towards the inside as she looked at them worriedly, she had never seen Zee so upset, the deathlike stare in his eyes scared her but before she could ask anything they walked away and she followed them inside, Khushi was sitting on the couch and talking with Alaka and Payal.
Akash Rehaan and Zee walked towards her as quick as their feet would take and whatever happened next, it left Khushi shocked and worried, because she saw three men who were like her own brothers to her break down onto her waiting arms, they slid onto the floor next to her and hugged themselves onto her lap as the tears slipped down their faces, she held them but looked at the shocked faces of Alaka Payal and Alisha who were all left equally speechless, the minutes passed and they didn't speak a word. 

Meanwhile it had started to rain outside and Arnav let the water seep into his body, as he attempted to control the fury raging in him, the tears fell like drops of blood as he sat there, the fury consumed him and as the thundering rainstorms turned to a drizzle, he felt as though a storm had passed, once he believed himself to be in control, the need to meet Khushi overwhelmed him, he knew she was waiting for him and so he walked back to the house.
Back inside, Khushi saw the three men who had just wept in her arms look at her with something akin to divine love and respect, specially Rehaan, the understanding she saw in his eyes instilled a sense of fear in her heart, she felt as though he had witnessed something that made him understand her agony to its full extent but when Akash spoke, she knew he was speaking for all three of them,

Bhabhi, today as your brothers, we promise you that everyone single person out there, each one of those demons who ruined your life, Raj Gupta, Maya, Nikhil , and all the others. They will never be free for long. We will make sure that they get a fate worser than death, because death would be too kind a punishment for them, we will make sure they beg for their death at your feet, we promise Bhabhi and  will do anything and everything that needs to be done to fulfill our promise. " said Akash as he kissed her hands and got up and walked away, Rehaan hugged her tight before following Akash while Zee got up, he cupped the side of her cheeks and smiled at her fondly before placing a kiss on her forehead. 

He looked at Alisha who was watching him worriedly, tears glazing her eyes and he smiled at her, held out his hand for her to take, and he led her away while Alaka and Payal followed them.

Khushi sat there, she had tears in her eyes as she recollected their promise, her heart seeking the solace that only Arnav could give her, she knew that today she would get her answers only from Arnav, or else they wouldn't have left her there all alone, she knew that Arnav would soon be by her side and just as she looked up, she saw him walk in and the sight of him left her shocked, he was drenched in rain, his eyes looked bloodshot with all the tears that he had shed, he looked like a man who had been destroyed and then brought alive, but with scars haunting him, and he reached her before she could blink, her name fell like a prayer from his lips as he scooped her into a hug,
" KHUSHI"
Without a word, he picked her up and carried her away into their room.

PRECAP - HEART TO HEART.
next update will be Love In Death Valley ( next week )