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Showing posts with label The Wait. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Wait. Show all posts

The Wait - Chapter 30 (Last Chapter)




PREVIOUS PART 



ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA



One month Later


The atmosphere at AR Mansion has shifted in the past month, like the subtle change in seasons that goes unnoticed until the first chill of autumn touches the air. The family's joy is tangible, a collective exhale of relief that lingers in the rooms and corridors. Dhruv's realization of his mistakes and the family’s understanding of where they were at fault so far, has become a symbol of hope, a proof of our strong familial bonds that seemed frayed but were, in truth, unbroken.

Dhruv has settled back into the rhythm of our lives, and the AR Group office, where he once held resentment and disdain, now witnesses a transformation in his approach. His genuine interest in the details of our business is evident, a far cry from the days when his presence in the office was marked by complaints and comparisons. The change is not lost on me; it's as if a veil of bitterness has lifted, revealing a brother who is eager to learn and contribute to the family business.

I keep an eye on Dhruv as he steers the office dynamics with a newfound curiosity, engaging in discussions with the team and immersing himself in the workings of the company. There's a lightness to his demeanor, a genuine joy that emanates from within. It's a stark contrast to the cloud of resentment that had shrouded him before.

The Wait - Chapter 29




PREVIOUS PART 



CHAPTER 29


DHRUV SINGH RAIZADA


Images of Khushi unconscious, carried away by Arnav, haunt my thoughts. I've become the very villain they always believed me to be. Sharing those pictures of Khushi and my affair with the family, exposing our past, was a desperate attempt to hurt Arnav and Khushi, to disrupt the happiness they had found in each other. I wanted to shatter the perfect image of Arnav, the one everyone adored.

Jealousy, like an insidious poison, had seeped into my soul since childhood. The family's perpetual comparisons, their unspoken preference for Arnav, had fueled my resentment. I grew up in the everlasting shadow of the 'perfect' twin, always the 'bad boy' in their eyes. It was a label I tried to defy, but the judgments persisted.

When I got the news of Khushi marrying Arnav, I couldn’t let Arnav once again wining over me. I couldn't stand the thought of being the lesser one once again. That’s why I returned to the family, with a hope to unravel their happiness, to break Khushi and Arnav’s marriage being my only motive. But seeing her with Arnav, happy and content, reignited the flames of my bitterness. Khushi's determination to move on from me and choose Arnav over me even during today’s confrontation we had, shattered my delusions. Knowing the family will once again see my imperfections in trying to ruin Arnav-Khushi’s marriage, I resorted to the only weapon I thought could wound them — the revelation of our past. Little did I realize, it was a weapon that would ricochet, injuring me far more profoundly.

The Wait - Chapter 28




PREVIOUS PART 



CHAPTER 28


KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA



In the dimly lit room, Dhruv's anger simmers beneath the surface.

"You are choosing Arnav over me?" he asks, his voice, edged with frustration, cuts through the tense silence.

I meet his gaze with determination.

"Yes, I am. And I would always choose Arnav over you. Now... and forever."

The atmosphere crackles with the intensity of our confrontation. Dhruv is unable to contain his rage. He clenches his fists tightly and slams them on the table beside him. The impact reverberates through the room, unsettling everything in its wake. I didn’t know he had got a cake too with the words 'I love you, Khushi' delicately scripted on it.

The sudden force of Dhruv's action sends the cake toppling down, a cascade of emotions mirrored in its descent. Startled by the unexpected crash, I glare at Dhruv knowing he is losing his calm.

The Wait - Chapter 27




CHAPTER 27



KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


Next Day

As I am alone in the kitchen, my thoughts drift to two days ago when Arnav shared his concerns with me. He believes that it's high time to confront Dhruv about his behavior and the way he's playing with his life and the emotions of those who love him. Arnav had a heart-to-heart conversation with Akash too, revealing the extent of Dhruv's misguided actions.

Akash was appalled to learn that Dhruv had blatantly rejected Lavanya's employment at AR Group, despite knowing her feelings for him. It was a clear sign that Dhruv was more focused on his quest to break Arnav and me apart than on the people who genuinely cared for him. Arnav also confided in Akash about our past, my affair with Dhruv, and its bitter end. Arnav also shared about him having feelings for me much before Dhruv’s proposal and the ones that never truly faded.

After discovering that Dhruv had faked his own accident and death in Greece, Akash was furious. He vowed to do whatever it took to help their brother find his way back. That's why Akash pretended to be so interested in Lavanya suddenly, offering to help her settle into her new apartment. The entire act was aimed to get Dhruv's attention on Lavanya and divert his fixation on separating Arnav and me.

The Wait - Chapter 26

 



PREVIOUS PART 


LAVANYA KSHYAP


Flashback Begins

Nine months back – Greece

The pub in Greece was pulsating with energy. The DJ's music thumped through the crowded room, drowning out all other sounds. It was bitterly cold outside, with snow falling gently from the night sky. I had entered the club with my friends, celebrating the modeling contract I had just landed with a prestigious fashion company. Laughter, cheers, and the clinking of glasses filled the air as we toasted with vodka shots, shouting over the deafening music.

As the night progressed, I decided we needed more shots. I made some quick excuses and squeezed my way through the lively crowd to the bustling bartender's table. Leaning forward, I ordered the shots, my voice barely audible over the DJ's beats. While waiting for the drinks, I glanced around the crowded pub and noticed a handsome man sitting alone at the bar, almost next to me. He seemed lost in his thoughts, his fingers tracing the rim of a nearly empty glass.

Curiosity piqued, I couldn't resist making a comment. I leaned toward him, raising my voice to be heard above the music.

“You must be celebrating something really special for that number of drinks alone.”

He turned his gaze toward me, giving me an appreciative once-over before grinning mischievously. "I am celebrating my death. How about that?"

His response caught me off guard. I slid onto the barstool next to him, intrigued and taken aback.

The Wait - Chapter 25

 






ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


I sip my coffee while reading the file in front of me. She got the job. Hmm.

“She was the best in today's auditions,” Aman continues to fill me in with updates.

Ever since Lavanya told me this morning that she was interviewing for AR Group's beauty product, I asked Aman to keep an eye on it.

“The interviewers were quite impressed with her portfolio and her auditions, that's why she got the contract. But if you do not want her to work here, then...”

“That's fine, Aman,” I say, sipping some more coffee. “I don't see why she shouldn't work for us. You've already verified her background and other work records, and she's good. So, yeah, why not?”

Aman smiles. “Good. Then I'll send her in. You need to sign her contract and the appointment letter. That's all.”

“I will.”

Aman nods and leaves the cabin, only for Lavanya to enter a minute later.

“Hello again,” she says, giving her dimpled smile to me.

“Come in, Miss Kshyap,” I call her formally, and her smile vanishes.

“Sorry, I should have greeted you better, Sir.”

“No problem.” I gesture for her to take a seat. “Congratulations. You have both surprised and impressed the team, I heard.”

“Your team was very hard to impress, ASR.”

The Wait - Chapter 24









CHAPTER 24



KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA

“He still thinks there are chances of you to return to him.”

Arnav’s words keep echoing in my ears. I glance at Arnav, his eyes searching mine for a response. The intensity in his gaze mirrors the intensity of my own thoughts. My voice comes out in a near-whisper, a mix of surprise and unease. “You really think he believes that?”

Arnav's expression softens, his hand reaching out to gently cup my cheek. “Khushi, I don't want you to worry about this. I just want you to be aware. That’s it.”

Despite his comforting words, I can't shake off the feeling that there's more to this situation than meets the eye. The remnants of my past with Dhruv, however distant they might be, seem to have cast a shadow over the present.

“No, that’s not .. I.. I don’t think he…” I was short of words. Arnav reached me and gripped my arms.


“He has said those exact words to me, Khushi. I’m making none of this up.”


I stared into his eyes with shock.


“Dhruv said this to you?”

The Wait - Chapter 23



CHAPTER 23



KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


Kissing my husband under the shower passionately, was in my checklist but never did I realize when it would really happen, it would be so consuming. Arnav’s body presses my back to the cool walls of the shower cubicle, as he kisses me rough and deep. With his hands squeezing every inch of my curves, my mind spins, and my inner thoughts scream crazily, wanting him to continue this. I kiss him back hungrily, my fingers tugging into his wet hair all the time, drawing his mouth closer. When my hands slide from his head towards his neck, and towards the strong muscles of his arms, Arnav slows down the kiss. Though my eyes are closed, I still feel him smiling against my lips. It’s only when he stops kissing me, I open my eyes and look at him. With the water cascading down our bodies, Arnav rakes his fingers in his hair giving me a soft grin.

“You kiss like an angel,” he whispers.

Do I? I look sideways not wanting to comment on it. Arnav pulls my chin forcing me to look at him again.

“I’m booking next week’s flights to Scotland,” Arnav adds. “I can’t keep my hands off you, Khushi.”

I know. So do I.!! But I don’t tell him that nor he needs my confirmation because he’s felt it all when we kissed.

“I think we might have a great honeymoon,” he teases, inching towards my lips to kiss me again.

That’s when I stop him. I place my palms over his chest.

“We’ll see about that but right now you need to go out. I’ve to shower.”

The Wait - Chapter 22





CHAPTER 22



KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


As the party comes to an end, the Raizada family gathers in the living room, the air still buzzing with the excitement of the evening. Dhruv's announcement that Lavanya will be staying with us for a while surprises everyone, but Nani, Maami, and Maama seem to instantly take a liking to her.

Nani's warm welcome echoes through the room, "She is most welcome to stay here until she likes."

Maami is more interested in her fashion tips and Lavanya promises to teach her a lot more about fashion during her stay here. Akash is already sensing it like me and Arnav that Lavanya is more than a friend to Dhruv.

As the family members disperse to their respective rooms, I exchange knowing glances with Arnav. It's clear that there's something more to Lavanya's presence than what Dhruv has shared so far. The four of us, Arnav, Dhruv, Lavanya, and I, remain in the living room, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air.

Dhruv exchanges a tight hug with Lavanya.

“It’s been a long day,” he says.

Lavanya pats his cheek affectionately.

“You have no idea how much I missed you! We definitely need to catch up. How about the gym tomorrow morning?”

The Wait - Chapter 21



CHAPTER 21



KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA



I step out of the warm shower, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Drops of water trickle down my skin as I wrap myself in a soft satin robe, the fabric caressing me like a gentle touch. My hair is damp, and I quickly reach for a towel to dry it as I look at the wall clock and let out a soft sigh. I'm already getting late. Dhruv's welcome party is tonight, and there's still so much to do.

"Already getting late, Khushi," I murmur to myself, a tinge of worry in my voice.

I quickly rub the towel over my damp hair, trying to dry it as much as possible. My mind is filled with thoughts of the party, making sure everything is perfect for Dhruv's welcome. I want him to feel welcomed and loved, just like any family member should. The family is too excited about this party. Drops of water fall on the tiled floor, creating a small puddle around me. I shake my head, trying to get rid of the excess water, but it seems to be a never-ending task.

"I should have taken a quicker shower," I chide myself, my brow furrowing in frustration. I always lose track of time when I'm in the shower, and today is no exception. But I can't help it; the warm water is so comforting, and it's the perfect way to relax after a long day. And of course I want to look my best today for Arnav. His words from yesterday morning still echo in my mind, especially the way he looked at me when he announced the honeymoon plans still makes my heart flutter.

The Wait - Chapter 20



CHAPTER 20


ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA



The breakfast was a mixture of surprises and tension, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of it all. Dhruv's sudden decision to join me at the office and his attempt to impress Khushi with his attire was just another reminder of his foolishness. He clearly didn't understand that Khushi is my wife now, and no amount of imitation could change that.

As I observed Dhruv interacting with Khushi, a part of me felt a pang of jealousy, but I quickly dismissed it. Khushi is strong-willed and devoted to our relationship. She would never entertain any advances from Dhruv anymore.

However, my own decision to announce our honeymoon without Khushi's input was driven by a need to assert myself and gain an upper hand over my twin brother. I wanted to show Dhruv that Khushi and I were moving forward in our relationship, leaving the past firmly behind us. But I knew deep down that this decision may not have pleased Khushi, and it was essential for me to address her concerns once I returned home.

I am aware that Khushi has numerous questions swirling in her mind, regarding the honeymoon plan, and it is my responsibility to provide her with the answers she seeks. Our relationship is built on trust and open communication, and I am determined to ensure that Khushi understands the reasoning behind my decisions.

The Wait - Chapter 19




CHAPTER 19


ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA

When we reach Shantivan, Akash rushes to us.

“How is Dhruv?” I ask, worried for my twin.

“He is in his room. Dad and Doctor are upstairs but he is not willing to let the doctor treat him.”

“What is happening?” Nani panics. “He looked okay so far. What happened all of a sudden then?”

I turn to Di and Maami and ask them to look after Nani. When I turn to Khushi, she equally looks panicked.

“You can stay here with them. I will go check on him.”

“I’m coming with you,” she insists and I don’t argue.

We hurry to Dhruv’s room and see Maama almost at the doorstep, trying to convince Dhruv to let the doctor treat him. When we enter, the sight before us shocks us both. Dhruv is sitting on the floor hiding at the corner of the room. His eyes are red, his hair disheveled. He is screaming at the doctor to leave him alone, and is pressing his head hard as if to curb the headache.

The Wait - Chapter 18



CHAPTER 18



KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA



“For you,” he says. “I still remember your love for roses. That’s why I went out and got this one for you today. I hope this changes your mood.”

I'm taken aback by his gesture, feeling a mix of shock and unease. It's not right for Dhruv to be giving me a rose now.

Suddenly I feel him. Arnav slides an arm my waist, standing next to me. Both Dhruv and I are stunned by Arnav's sudden presence. I turn sideways to look at him whereas Arnav is too busy giving glares to Dhruv who has still held out that rose for me. Gosh! This is bad!

“Take it,” Arnav mutters stunning me all the more. He moves his gaze from Dhruv towards me and then smirks. “Take the rose, Khushi. Dhruv has specially got it for you.”

Is he joking? Or am I missing the sarcasm here. I look away unable to comprehend but not without glancing at Dhruv once who is grinning, as if he liked to see Arnav witnessing this scene.

The Wait - Chapter 17




CHAPTER 17


KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


As I enter the kitchen, the warmth of the morning sun mixing with the aroma of freshly cooked food greets me. However, my surprise is palpable as I see Nani and Maami bustling around, preparing breakfast. It's evident they've been here for a while, considering the variety of dishes filling the serving bowls.

"Nani?" I inquire, my voice laced with curiosity. "What are you both doing here?"

Nani turns towards me, a smile lighting up her face. "Khushi, good morning," she greets me warmly. "We thought of making breakfast today. Dhruv has returned, and we want to celebrate his homecoming with his favorite dishes."

At the mention of Dhruv's name, I feel a sudden stiffness settle within me. Memories of our past relationship and his sudden reappearance in my life flood my mind, creating an undeniable tension. I try to compose myself and respond to Maami's inquiry about my well-being and health, assuring her that I am fine.

Determined to ease the awkwardness and be of assistance, I insist on joining Nani and Maami in the kitchen. We begin making aloo parathas together, the familiar routine of cooking helping to distract my racing thoughts.

The Wait - Chapter 16




CHAPTER 16


ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


The door is unlocked and it gives me a sigh of relief. At least she is not shutting me out. I enter the room, and find Khushi sitting on the bed, her eyes red from crying. The sight breaks my heart, and a mix of emotions floods over me. I approach her cautiously, my voice laced with a mix of concern and determination.

“Khushi,” I say softly, my tone a stark contrast to the anger that had consumed me earlier. “We need to talk.”

She doesn’t say a word but the moment I’m about to sit next to her, she gets down and walks to the French windows. That’s not good. It only proves she is in for a huge fight. I sigh, getting down the bed and make my way towards her.

“Khushi, I-”

“Don’t,” she snaps turning around to face me. “You can’t have any logical reasoning for what you hid from me, Arnav.”

Before I can retort, she clutches my shirt over my chest angrily, looking into my eyes.

The Wait - Chapter 15






CHAPTER 15




ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


“I was back to reconcile with Khushi that night,” Dhruv adds. “Had even planned to cancel going to Greece. But then seeing you two like that… I.. was raged. And I decided to teach you a lesson. A lesson for life… By faking my death.”

Faking death!! He did all of this on purpose? To avenge me? How dare he?

“You faked your death?” I growl. “That means.. you.. you never met with that accident in Greece?”

Dhruv glares back at me without answering a word.

“Dhruv speak up,” I shout, almost on the verge to hit him. Yes, I want to hit my twin because if he really faked his death for something as silly as this, then he deserves my punch.

“You are diverting the topic, Arnav,” he sneers. “The point your actions that night, with my girlfriend made me do this,”

“Your Ex,” I scowl back, this time clutching his collar. “She was your Ex that time. And most importantly, I had no idea you were even planning to reconcile with Khushi. And even more important than that, Dhruv, I don’t believe you wanted to reconcile with Khushi.”

The Wait - Chapter 14






CHAPTER 14


ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


I sit beside Khushi's bed, holding her hand tightly as she lies unconscious. My heart is beating fast with fear and anxiety. She had collapsed as soon as she had seen Dhruv returned in Shantivan, and I can't help but blame myself for not being able to do anything to control this situation. Of course I’m happy that my twin brother is alive. I love him too and his safety is all that matters but knowing the complexity between him, Khushi and me now, my mind is in turmoil.

Suddenly, Khushi stirs and opens her eyes. She looks around, confused, and then her gaze falls on me. But instead of calling out my name, the only word that escapes her lips is that of Dhruv. She is not fully conscious to realize it’s not him but me, yet it feels like a sharp needle piercing my heart as I hear her speak his name. Not mine. The pain and hurt are evident on my face and I retreat from her bed.

“Khushi?” Garima aunty, who is sitting beside her, tries to help her wake up. She notices the oddity in my behavior, but chooses to focus on Khushi instead. I can't bear to be in the same room as them anymore, and I walk out in anger and hurt.

It’s hard to believe that after everything that happened between Khushi and me, she still thinks about him. But again, she is yet to know the truth that Dhruv had broken up with her before heading to Greece. She was yet to know a lot about that night where I met her in club and things went a bit ahead between us, where she took me as Dhruv and I couldn’t stop her either. But today seeing her taking his name, not mine, even after eight months of the last she had seen or met Dhruv, makes me feel betrayed and hurt that she could still consider him at a time like this.

The Wait - Chapter 13



CHAPTER 13



KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA



I can’t imagine Arnav walking out on me over this conversation. Does he think he can hide everything and give his lawfully wedded wife only the superficial bits she needs to know about him and his feelings?

“Khushi, toothbrush,” Arnav says again from inside the bathroom.

I march to the bathroom, push the door open and without even giving him a glance open the drawers below the mirror. Grabbing a new dental kit, I hand it over to him.

“Thanks.”

I swallow angrily looking at him without moving an inch from the bathroom. He opens the toothbrush, applies the paste on it and waits for me to leave but when I don’t, he knows I’m in here for the details on his nightmare.

“There is nothing more to tell,” he shrugs.

“Nothing more?” I repeat. “Last night one nightmare shook you so much that you didn’t bother informing anyone from your family and came straight to me here. You looked devastated and in need of some assurance that I would be forever with you. That doesn’t look like a ‘nothing more’ situation to me. We had an arranged marriage Arnav and just one night back you had agreed to give me the space I need for physical intimacy and yet last night, you couldn’t help needing that intimacy from me as an assurance that I am with you. No matter what, I’ll always be with you. And you want me to believe the nightmare you saw meant nothing more?”

The Wait - Chapter 12

 




CHAPTER 12



ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


The room is dark but I hear feeble voices from inside.

“Khushi..” I call out her name, hoping she will answer me if she is in here. “Khushi.?” I call again but to no luck.

I keep getting inside pushing the curtains away. There are too many curtains on my way. Thin, white transparent curtains, all flying due to the breeze coming from the windows which are open. It’s thundering outside. There’s a storm brewing. Which season is this? I don’t much remember.

“Khushi?” I call out again moving inside and the feeble voices turn familiar. It’s Khushi’s voice.. I don’t know what she is saying but she is speaking to someone… to a man.. Who is she speaking to?

I keep walking inside the room, pushing the curtains off my way and there she is.. my wife Khushi hugging a man.

The Wait - Chapter 11





CHAPTER 11


KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA



I didn’t expect Arnav to be so sensitive suddenly over my words. I stare at him as he leaves the kitchen angrily. It’s the first day after our marriage and we fought. However silly I think the argument was, I’m not going to let it pile on.


“Khushi?” Nani enters the kitchen glancing behind once and then back to me. “Why is Arnav’s mood sour all of sudden? What happened?”

I don’t want to give the details of our conversation though I know all Nani wants to do is help. I put a smile and shrug.

“Nothing serious, Nani. We are good. The kheer is ready by the way. I need bowls to serve them.” I try to divert her.

She opens the side closet and takes out a tray and a few bowls.

“here..” she passes them to me.