Chapter 11 - When Fate Plays

P.S. *drumroll here she comes with another bloody warning* :P. 

This chapter may not go according to plan mwaha! 

~
He had to miss me. It's not possible for one person to miss another person so much she thinks she might die, and for that other person not to even miss her at all, is it? I mean, we'd been soul mates. Soul mates are forever. Aren't they?
- Melissa Kantor
~

His mind was still fragmented, in pieces and commotions of problems that he would never be able to solve. He leaned back against the cold steel of the creaking hospital chair, his fingers tightening on the fragile cardboard of the paper cup he held by each passing second. His eyes were bloodshot, glazed over as he pondered through too many of the miseries in his mind that he could never escape. He wanted to throw the damn coffee against the wall, watch the ugliness of the spill as it would seep into the paint then spread it's tentacles all the way to the smooth vinyl floor. He wanted to grab his hair and scream like no one was listening, just scream and scream till he was out of breath. He needed release, something, anything to free him of his past, his memories, his duties, the wretched love that he still held for his sister.

"Di where are you going? It's 10pm, it's not safe to go out at this time," 

He saw her brows furrow together, her lips parting then coming back together with words that she wasn't able to form. He was by her side within seconds.

"Di? What's wrong? Is something wrong? Should I call Vimla Chachi?" He questioned, always quick to catch onto her every problem.

"Nahin chotey the company I work for has demanded that I do an extra shift tonight. We have a ball organised and I need to be there."

He didn't quite believe her reassurance, her eyes that darted to everywhere but his telling a different story altogether.

"What nonsense is that di? It's not safe for you to go out at this time let me go drop you off," he offered then but she waved him off.

"No no Chote they've arranged a car for me I'll be fine," she mumbled, attempting a smile before she practically ran out of the door.

He ran out after her only to stop in his tracks as she stepped into a large black mercedes. He continued to walk after it, his pace slower as his mind calculated over a dozen different questions. He was sure he had seen the vehicle before, was sure that he'd washed it in the valeting service he worked for. 

On his way back, he felt things fall into place slowly, unanswered questions that he had previously dismissed resurfacing. He was gradually seeing a change in Anjali, her new abrupt nature, not answering any of his questions clearly, excessive amounts of make-up, expensive jewellery and saris, none of which added up.

It wasn't till a few weeks later, when he had seen the car and the man inside it once again, it wasn't until that night when he had lain in bed whilst his sister had been out once more during the night that it had all finally fallen into place. When he had finally realised exactly what was wrong ... And he had been too late.

As he sat there in that same place once more still unknown to what compelled her to take such steps it occurred to him that he in fact did not hate Anjali. If Arnav Singh Raizada was being completely honest with himself, if he stepped past everything and stripped it down to one thing, it was himself that he hated. He hated his own weakness, his inability to have saved Khushi all those years ago, to have prevented his sister or realised sooner, he hated his own misgivings. It was himself that he hated.

****

Taking a deep breath in Aman finally let his knuckles fall on the wooden door. As his hand came down a second time on a knock the door creaked open. Raising an eyebrow he peaked in, instantly being taken aback by the site before him.

She sat at a corner of her bed, her knees pulled in, her arms around her knees, her face void of any emotions, her eyes blank and distant. He felt his heart sink slightly, shit things were worse than he had anticipated. He walked in hesitantly, still quite unsure as to how to proceed. Arnav was away and he'd decided to just talk to her for once, try and put her mind at ease.

Her head snapped up just as he walked in and she felt herself crouch into the corner reflexively, her eyes widening and her arms tightening around her knees.

He held his arms up, stopping in his tracks as if in surrender. "Sorry I come in peace," he tried, attempting a smile as her brows furrowed and she continued to shuffle further away. Okay maybe comedy wasn't the best of approaches with her.

Khushi felt wary, she didn't no what to think, her mind in a spiral of conflicting thoughts and assumptions and this man, this unknown man standing in front of her was not in the least bit helpful. "I... I don't know," she began to stammer, her eyes flickering from his face to the floor then back to him again, not sure of what to say or do. She just wanted to run away, from the confines of what felt like this prison cell that he had placed her in. A part of her wanted to believe the sincerity in his eyes, his quietly mumbled promises, whilst the other part didn't know what to do, what to expect.

"You don't know me!" Aman began, his voice not losing the jovial nature of his for a second as he hurriedly sat on the bed, at a distance that she would feel comfortable at. "I'm Aman," he began, completely ignoring the baffled, frightened look she threw his way. "Don't worry I really don't bite, I'm pretty nice actually, if I do say so myself," he continued, a large smile on his face.

Khushi watched the man in front of her, Aman, completely bewildered. Who was this man and why was he rambling on like a mad person?

"Seriously, you can trust me, even more than Hawk because well he's not the most open of books now is he?" It was like he was talking more to himself now. Having being brought up around computers for most of his life, his experience with girls was pretty pathetic, so he made his attempts with the little he knew.

Closing her eyes for a second and taking a deep breath in she finally looked to him. "Listen Aman?"

"Yes! We are at least getting somewhere, you've got my name correct!" He beamed, suddenly slightly excited.

She put her hand out to stop him from speaking further, her fingers clearly trembling.

"Yes ... Aman, I don't understand any of this which is..."

"Yes nor do I but then we never rarely understand much in this world anyway now do we?" He butted in, clearly assuming that he had formed some sort of connection with her now.

She shook her head quickly, coming out of the small ball she had wrapped herself into, her worries and fears subsiding to confusion with this demented man and his ramblings.

"No no you don't understand I don't even know you," Khushi began, edging off of the bed to stand up.

"No you do, I'm Aman, I'm a friend of Hawk's," he smiled back reassuringly, standing up with her.

She felt anger course through her this time. What did he think of himself? This time it wasn't sorrow, it was pure undiluted rage. She could feel it shake through her every bone. And this man? What did he think of himself? The audacity of him to lie to her too.

"You mean Arnav?" She stated definitively, squaring up to him, this time takin a step towards him, her hazel orbs blazing with fury.

His eyes widened immediately, Arnav's words playing over on his mind.

"She shouldn't know my name," Arnav's voice was quiet but the instructions in them clear. 

"But why?" Aman questioned, not new to his friends ambiguity but attempting for an answer nonetheless.

"It's a long story Aman, just... Just don't let her know my name. It's something that I need to tell her myself," he finally mumbled, arousing Aman's suspicion all the more but he decided not to prod him further. Prodding did no good when it came to Arnav Singh Raizada and he would have plenty of time to do that when everything was sorted. 

He took a step back instinctively, his mind jumping to the worst, feeling for the gun that was stuffed in his back pocket. "Wait how do you know that?" He questioned, suddenly feeling apprehensive about this girl and then Arnav's intentions.

She couldn't believe her ears, she felt blind with rage, fury that would surely consume her any moment now. "What the hell do you mean by how do I know his name?!" She screamed, taking a further step forward as Aman's hand automatically tightened around his gun. "Why don't I ask you the same question? How do you know my name? How does Arnav know my name? Why are you keeping me here?" She could feel herself being on the verge of punching this man in front of her square on the face. How dare any of them ask her any questions?

Fucking hell! This girl was a piece of work, he thought to himself as he slowly released his grip on the gun. This wasn't what he had anticipated but it was personal and he would have to get to the bottom of this the right way. If anyone knew about Arnav, it was Aman, he knew his best friend and he could tell, every action of Arnav's screamed disaster and this was it. His friend was falling, head down for this girl who had a connection to his past, who he had possibly known before meeting Aman and now she knew who he was. It didn't take him long to connect the dots.

"Hold on," he stopped her before she actually pounced forward and hit him, taking a deep breath in and bracing himself he finally began again. "How do you know his name? I'm not asking for questions in return just an answer," he tried to make his voice even, each word pronounced loud and clear.

"And why should I tell you that when you aren't answering any of my questions?" She retorted back, clearly exasperated.

"Okay, if you answer me then I could maybe answer some of your questions," he bargained. He watched as she pondered over that thought for a few seconds, a small smile spreading over his lips.

Her lips quivered, her eyebrows knitted together but she needed to know so she finally gave in, it wasn't as if it was the most important fact in the world anyway. "That man that came to get Arnav called him out by his name," she finally mumbled, sighing.

Fuck! NK! Of course he should have known and now not only NK but he also would have to face the wrath of Arnav. Shit! This was all going so desperately wrong.

"And now you have to answer my questions," she stated this time, looking straight into his eyes, her gaze challenging.

He began to feel himself stumble against his own thoughts. What was he supposed to do now?

Taking a deep breath in, the deafening silence, the only audible noise their loud breaths calming his nerves he finally took a decision.

"Give me an hour and I'll get back to you. I'll be in this same place so I won't be running away," his words were flowing out quickly, as he properly formulated a plan. She took another step towards him, trying to understand but he was too quick for her, already walking out of the door.

****

"Sir the new shipments has been ordered," Aakash reported to Shyam, his fingers furiously working away at his other phone as he replied back to Payal's message, a slow smile spreading over his face as he desperately tried to hide the amusement from his boss.

"Good! Now for the girl Aakash! I want the god forsaken girl!" Shyam screamed down through the other end of the phone, he was growing more and more restless by the second. He could literally feel her skin against his skin, smell her soft fragrance. He closed his eyes swallowing, his desires overpowering him, she was like a drug, he felt like a man dying of thirst, his thirst for her. He wanted her next to him, with him, in his arms, allowing him to inhale her in completely.

Clicking the phone down and sliding it across the table he leaned agains the table, his breaths loud and ragged. His whole body was shaking, he was craving for her. "Khushi," he whispered, feeling the taste of that name on his mouth. It wouldn't be long before he got her now.

****

"Mr Arnav Singh Raizada?" The doctor walked upto the man that clearly looked distressed, not really wanting to disturb him as he sat with his face buried in his hands.

He looked up looking slightly disorientated, his bloodshot eyes and haggard expression already giving too much away to the doctor.

"Mr Raizada, I'm sorry to disturb you," she began as he quickly stood up, gathering himself together, fixing his hair, wiping his face from not even knowing the state that she had just awakened him out of.

He shook his head slowly, insisting on her to continue.

"Mr Raizada, according the hospital records this is her third attempt at suicide," she began as he nodded slowly in return.

"We can't let this go on, I mean I can offer suggestions."

Audibly gulping he looked her straight in the eyes, evidently letting her know that it was his turn to speak. "Listen doctor I'm aware it's a problem," he began, clearly not the same emotionally distraught man that he had been only seconds before. It didn't even surprise him anymore, this ability of his to just switch off but it was required, this is how he coped and he had to address this issue. "But this is not something I can solve, this is her choice, all I can do is be there for her when she needs me."

"But Mr Raizada her occupation," she looked at him properly this time, he looked decent to him, it wasn't in her profession to judge but there was definitely something wrong here.

"Listen, Dr..." He looked to her name badge, "Kashyap? I'm going to tell you this for the last time and I'd like this to be put into the hospital records. I do not take responsibility or care for any of her actions. I am simply managing my responsibility towards her. If you are so interested yourself you are more than welcome to help her, in fact I will pay any of the charges that that may incur," he stated matter-of-factly, getting to the point and not bothering for any judgement that the doctor may pass.

She looked at his features for a few seconds, he was indeed handsome she had to admit to herself, his chiselled features along with his stubbled cheeks that clearly defined his high jaw line, his molten caramel penetrating eyes, his stern face, there was something about him that even had her heart beating slightly faster. And then there was this demeaning manner of his, it was more than evident that he cared for his sister but his cold demeanour left her completely baffled. "But sir, the next time," she tried to make him understand and that's when she caught it, that tiny flickr of concern that rapidly passed through his features.

Lavanya Kashyap was running an overtime shift at the A&E today but otherwise being a trained psychiatrist she was quick to read him; at first his despair and now his all too evident concern. "Mr Raizada," she began again, "this is my card, I run my own psychiatric center and your sister is more than welcome there, please contact me if you feel it to be a good step," she finally said placing the card in his hand, then gently smiling walked away.

Arnav looked down at the card for a few seconds, his thumb flicking at the square edge. He walked over to her room slowly, his thoughts lost in that far distant corner all the while.

"Ch...Chotey," she attempted to sit herself up on the bed as he entered, her eyes now used to the conflicted emotions of her brothers face. She yearned for one more chance to hold him, to brush his worries away, to let him rest his head on her lap whilst she weaved her fingers through his hair, gently lulling him to sleep. She closed her eyes, welcoming the raw pain as the tears sprang out of the corners and flowed down her cheeks.

He looked away, his fingers tightening on the thin cardboard, even after all of these years he found it difficult to digest her pain.

"Chotey I'm sorry," she began her voice breaking through the sobs, her arm automatically stretching out to him but he kept his distance.

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't do this again," when he spoke again that cold mask was back on, his words to the point and unflinching. "But for your well being and to make sure that I don't have to go through this a fourth time, I'm going to put your name forward to Dr Kashyap for counselling."

She listened intently, not losing out on even a single one of his emotions as he spoke, not the ones he seemed devoid of but his true feelings that he hid only so little below the surface. "Chotey... Please just listen to me once," she begged, the tears choking her voice.

He closed his eyes for a second, taking another deep breath in, this was always difficult no matter how much he braced himself for it before hand. He quickly began to trace his steps back the way, not playing heed to any of her words, afraid that that would make him even more weak.

"Chotey..." she mumbled from behind him, struggling out of her bed to stop him but he had already opened the door and before she could reach him shut the door behind him, not even allowing himself a glance backwards.

He went out into the corridor, still holding in the tears that threatened to fall out and spill for her. He refused to think back to all the other times that he had done this. He wanted to leave her behind, forget that she existed. He desperately wanted to stop caring but he couldn't, he'd tried on so many occasions  over and over again but failed.

He slumped back onto the chair, his body weak and his thoughts lost in a hazy mess somewhere. Like every other time he would remain in the corridor, every memory of his playing through his mind vividly till she would be discharged.

This is all that remained of their relationship, her broken pieces and him picking them back up.

****

"Aman what the hell are you doing?" NK questioned, attempting to read the text rapidly loading on the screen in front of him as Aman continued to furiously type away, seemingly oblivious to the prying eyes of NK.

"Go away NK, I'm busy," he attempted to wave him off.

"With what? Another mission?" NK continued to harass him with questions.

"Fuck off NK you are annoying!" Aman complained, pushing him away with one hand as he still continued to type away with the other.

"You've been at this fucking typing business for like half an hour. Are you guys keeping some sort of secret mission from me? Because that would be mean," he moaned pulling a chair and moving closer to Aman as Aman rolled his eyes in return.

"Aman batao batao, you need to tell me!"

"Fucking hell Nand Kishor! You are the biggest nuisance on the planet right now!" Aman exclaimed throwing his hands up in the air, if only he could punch NK in the face and not get shot in the process.

NK's eyes widened just then, almost popping out of his sockets. "What the hell are you doing?" He screamed, shoving Aman over to the side to get a closer look.

"Im digging!" Aman shouted back pushing NK away.

"You mean you're digging your own grave!" NK exclaimed, "that's Arnav's secure details!"

"So? I'm a legal hacker! I'm allowed to do these things! And this is only for his well-being!" Aman tried to explain then as NK's face scrunched up in confusion gave up with him and just pushed him out of the way completely.

"Fine!" He finally decided, "am I getting in on this let's stalk Arnav plan of yours or do I bust your cover?" NK questioned, edging closer again.

A smirk spread over Aman's face just then. "NK baby I believe we have a deal. Now you stay here whilst I go make Khushi your bhabi!" He grinned to himself then strode out of the room before NK could prod him any further, leaving a very confused NK behind.

Aman was now a man with a plan!

****

Khushi opened the door and walked out even before Aman could think of walking in.

"I gave you an hour!" She exclaimed, she had been ready for this, the words were already formulated in her mind. For the first time in years Khushi Kumari Gupta was furious and she needed venting! Arnav had left so this man would do!

"Wow! Hold up! Hold up!" Aman shouted taking a step back, his hands up in surrender.

She glared back at him, trying to understand what exactly this man was made of. Her expressions quickly changing to one of confusion as he smiled back.

"Follow me," he smiled turning on heels and walking towards the end of the corridor.

"Where?" She demanded, keeping her feet firmly planted on the ground.

He turned around, allowing another smirk, "to meet the man that is now Arnav Singh Raizada."

~

You're waiting for a train. A train that will take you far away. You know where you hope this train will take you but you don't know for sure. But it doesn't matter. Because we'll be together. 
- Inception
~

... :( sorry that there is a lack of Arshi but this chapter leads onto Arshi scenes ;)... x Pinks loves you all! Please don't hit me with your chappals :P xx

Chapter 10 - To Burn in Flames

This is going to be a bit of a rollercoaster. You have been warned ;). So brace yourselves :P xx

~

Your name burns in me,

warming from the inside,

each letter a flame. 

- Tyler Knott Gregson

~

As she attempted to move a piece of wool up to his face he stopped her, his hand falling on top of her arm, his fingers in a tight grip. He looked straight into startling hazel large spheres this time, pools of chocolate against orbs of hazel. His fingers grazed her soft porcelain skin ever so slightly as he spoke not breaking eye contact for a second.

"Khushi I need to tell you something..."

She sat watching him, her fingers stilling against his skin, not understanding exactly what he wanted to talk to her about but keeping quiet anyway, letting him say what he had to say. She wanted to know so much, ask him so many things but refrained herself for she was afraid that it would turn him into the ruthless man that he was capable of becoming.

He gulped back the fear that was slowly climbing up his spine, not sure how he was going to begin, his fingers unconsciously tightening around her arm as she continued to watch him, her piercing gaze unnerving. He attempted to think through the many consequences of telling her and then of not but couldn't, his coherent thoughts lost in a haze. He closed his eyes for the smallest of seconds, attempting to clear his mind but couldn't, it being focused solely on just telling her, of lifting this huge burden off of his shoulders.

****

Her nimble fingers ran over the frayed edges of the envelope, lifting its flap slowly, making sure not to let the already tattered paper crumple in her hands. Angelica had grown up with expectations for life, simple hopes and dreams that every girl carried with her but it was not to be, it was never to be and she had now accepted that fact, accepted her retched fate. In this cruel world, things rarely changed, the world continued around you in its horrid gait whilst you stood in the middle, drowning in a puddle of your own misery, wishing that someone, anyone would help you out but knowing deep inside that help wouldn't come. Ringlets of her hair fell to the tiled floor, its water dripping to the cool surface and leaving the smallest of puddles. She inserted her finger into the envelope, having to pry it open slightly with the edges of it stuck to the letter that it held within. Tears continued to silently flow down her face.

Her thoughts travelled back towards him again, Arnav, she couldn't remember the last time she'd seen his face, his melted chocolate soulful eyes that spoke volumes in themselves. It saddened her, how much they'd grown apart, how life had not failed to break her completely, shatter her every dream, her every memory, her every tie. But she was happy for him, for the route he had chosen and even though he hated her she was happy in that far off feeling of the fact that even in the darkest corner of his heart, he still loved her. That he still cared. If only he knew the truth, if only she could tell him but she wouldn't because his life in the end was worth a lot more than her own. He deserved happiness, even if that meant she had to forsake her own.

She gently pulled the paper out, her fingers trembling against the worn letter, its edges yellowing and breaking away and opened it slowly, reminding herself of another that had given up her life for something that had happened many years ago. But that's how it is when tragedies hit, no one really gets over them, everyone tries to get up, gather the broken pieces and just walk away but no one truly does. Because pieces of it stay with you forever, like the tiniest shard of glass embedded in the sole of your foot, you can never find it, but you know it's there, piercing you with every step but you can't get it out. And that's what it was, it still affected them, all of them, it was a part of them and the pain and guilt coursed through her like a burning fire. She let her eyes run over the perfectly slanted handwriting once more, her tears obstructing her view slightly.

Dear Chutki,

I hope you are well and I hope you get this letter. I don't know much about you but I felt that I must send it before I make my decision, whatever it may end up being. What happened still remains like a scar on my mind and I still feel angry at myself, at my parents for not telling me, for not letting me know earlier. I still regret that I never got a chance to meet you, to meet amma and babuji and I will forever feel that that part of my life is missing, incomplete. 

But today I write to you in the hopes that you are still alive because I can't escape that feeling that you survived and I pray to god that you get this letter and you read it and understand and more than anything you find out about me too. But it is too late for me, I'm in a mess that I cannot escape from so I wanted to tell you this before I leave. 

I request that you never disclose your identity to anyone, that you never repeat to anyone the events of the past. The people that created this, they are still looking for you, they suspect that you are still alive and you have something, something which is of importance to them and they want it back. The Jhas, if they find you... I can't even begin to thing of what that may lead to. But please be safe, be vary, do not let anyone near you, do not confide in anyone. This is my last attempt to get to you and I sincerely hope I have. You may not find me by the time this letter reaches you... I may not be alive by then. 

Yours with love and affection 

Diya Nayak

Angelica fell over the trunk, her sobs escaping her in loud ragged bursts, it had reached that point again where she couldn't take it anymore. She lay with her body splayed over the floor, her tears trailing down the sides of her face as she scrunched up into a ball, her loud sobs changing into screams as she pulled at her hair. She needed escape!

****

"Erm, I just," he gulped struggling to find the right words, his eyes hovering over her innocent face.

She could read the trepidation in his eyes, a distant fear, a determination to tell her something and yet his mind torn on that very decision. She blinked rapidly for a second, pulling herself out of his gaze.

"Arnav you know you can't hide things from me! I can read everything in your eyes! You should teach them to lie first!" She yelled at him as he turned away and stormed off, rapidly walking after him, determined on not leaving him alone. 

She felt the beating of her heart increase, too many memories, similarities flooding back to her and paralysing her senses. She wanted to stop it! Stop this comparison! This constant reminder that he was her Arnav. She pulled her arm away from him without any conscious thought to the action.

He looked down at her arm immediately, his eyes reading her completely bewildered impression and his grip loosened then let go, feeling the second he did that he had lost a part of himself too. He looked down to the ground, then took a deep breath in, how was he to begin. "Khushi," he began again. his voice low.

She looked to him once more, unable to understand exactly what it was that he was finding so difficult to tell her when her eyes snapped up suddenly.

He turned around abruptly as the loud knock broke through his train of thought, his eyes disapprovingly falling upon NK's troubled face in an instant. Scrunching his brows and sighing he got up to walk over but before he could NK was already by his side, his thumbs fiddling against each other as he bit his lower lip.

"Arnav it's Angelica! She's done it again," NK mumbled, the panic in his eyes completely evident as Arnav's eyes widened and he felt his senses go completely numb. He felt his legs go weak beneath him, the reality of his own life come crashing down upon him as he let NK lead him away, seemingly lost as to what he had been attempting to do only seconds before, the panic, the fear too real for him to be able to think of anything else.

NK's voice echoed inside Khushis mind as she sat their unable to comprehend what to do or say next. Her eyes wide, her mind blank.

"Arnav.... Arnav..."

Her hand went to her throat as she attempted to calm the burning sensation riding up her throat, her breaths coming out fast and ragged, her heart beating away at a pace that she had not imagined possible. She crumpled the sheet in her fingers, holding onto it almost as if she was holding on for dear life.

She had been right, her senses had been right, his eyes, the ring to her name every time he said it, his actions, her ability to understand him. She'd known all along.

"Khushi I need to tell you something."

And he had known, he'd found out who she was. That's why he had known her name. That's why he'd refused to tell her his own name.

She felt so completely loss, emotionally drained. She closed her eyes for a second, attempting to stifle the sensation to throw up all of a sudden, her blood rising to her cheeks, heat engulfing her. It was as if she was seeing everything through a haze.

This moment, this truth, this realisation that she had spent her whole life waiting, praying, hoping for was finally here. He was alive, in front of her, protecting her and yet she didn't know what to do. She sat their frozen to the spot, unable to will her limbs to move, her breath stuck in her throat.

Tears trailed down her cheeks, and she didn't know how to stop them, to gain the strength to move her hands. Her every prayer had been answered and she simply did not know what to do...

****

"Arnav wait! Wait! Just hold up a second they are still on the way to the hospital!" NK screamed out as Arnav quickened his steps, walking hurriedly then fell into a run, his feet hitting off of the ground noisily as he ran to the garage, already unlocking it from the distance.

Aman too ran after him, faster than NK on his feet, his hand falling onto Arnav's shoulder as he dragged him back. "Arnav listen to me! Just calm down take a breather. Everything will be fine," Aman reassured him but Arnav was lost, his eyes focused on the distance, his mind chaotic.

He moved Aman's arm away looking straight at him this time, "listen Aman I need to get there. I know she's not supposed to mean anything to me but..." his voice broke halfway, he stopped himself before he broke down.

Aman nodded in reply, taking a deep breath he placed both his hands on Arnav's shoulder, causing him to look up, that understanding that they had between them sparking in an instant. "I'll come with you, NK can take care of things here," Aman reassured, his voice low, not unknown to his friends pain. And that's when it hit him again, Arnav's eyes widened and he felt himself loose his thought process all over again.

Khushi! He had been about to tell her, he had gotten so close. He scrunched his eyes shut, everything a bit too overwhelming for him. He took several deep breaths in, attempting to calm himself, his mind constantly flashing back to the last time she had done this, the last time she had ended up in hospital and how much it had weakened him. He didn't want to go back to that place again. Her words, then Khushi's face, Khushi's eyes, large hazel orbs, then dark brown ones.

"I can't do this, I don't want to do this anymore," Angelica's tear stricken face, her large eyes raw with tears.

Khushi's gentle fingers against his skin, her tiny gestures, her bewildered eyes.

"Please just let me die, let me go, please," her voice, pleading for release, for closure.

Khushi's hand in his, how perfectly it fit, the relief of finally knowing that she was alive.

"You know showing your pain doesn't weaken you," those same words after so many years, how good it felt, how much strength it gave him.

He turned around suddenly, wanting to go back, just blurt it out, shout it out to her. Scream at the top of his lungs. Then stopped, midway, his mind whirring back to Angelica, how he had to be there for her because who else would? His mind torn, his thoughts frayed. His hands automatically went to his temples, he needed to desperately calm the storm that was raging through his mind. "Deep breaths Arnav deep breaths," he mumbled to himself then finally sighing turned back towards Aman.

"No Aman you stay here, I want Khushi safe just keep a look out on her and I'll try and get back soon," Arnav stated quietly, his voice hoarse with tears that threatened to spill out then quickly strode off.

****

Khushi walked over to her room, her mind in a trance like state. It was as if she was walking on a cloud, her mind not quite registering the impact of her feet hitting the ground. Arnav, he was here, in the flesh, alive, after all of these years. And he knew that she was alive, that she was here. He was keeping her here, keeping her from the truth yet protecting her. She closed the door behind her, her movements robotic, automatic. She let her frail body rest agains the back of the door, not realising when she had slid down to the floor, not realising the tears that continued to flow down her cheeks.

"Angelica," that struck a cord somewhere, why had he been so troubled on the mention of her? Who was she? Even when the rest of the world had believed him to be dead she had kept her hopes, her heart had recognised him. She belonged in heart and soul only to him but had he given himself over to another? Was that why he was so reluctant to tell her? Tell her the truth? Her, who had been waiting for so many years, surviving on only that tiny glimmer of hope? Had he not believed her worthy of the truth, of relief?

So what if he loved another, she decided, he had the right to move on. But that didn't mean that he keep things from her. A battle was raging through her mind, a war that had always been fought but today a bit different, today it was at the forefront, threatening to cripple her every sense.

His molten brown eyes flashed across her mind, she closed her eyes for a split second trying to understand the man that he now was. She'd met him in the midst of chaos just like she had lost him all those years ago. He'd left her with dreams, not nightmares but dreams, her mind had not recognised them at first but now she understood. She buried her face in her hands, her sobs loud as her body shook with the torrents of them. She couldn't stop herself from thinking about too many possibilities at the one time and then about how perfect she felt around him. The way in which their hands intertwined without a word, his gentle words, his soft promises, the smallest nudge of his hand against hers. She moved her head back, banging it on the door, crying for escape.

She wanted to leave, flee, hide in a place where she would never see him again. She'd wished for this for so long! Wished that he was alive, wished that they would have a future together but now that she knew, she didn't know what to do, wasn't sure she knew him. His deep dark secrets, his many walls, the mystery that constantly surrounded him, she didn't know if she wanted to know him anymore. What if he dragged her back to that very place she dreaded? Her heart was sure of him, of his sincerity, of his gentle eyes that offered nothing but soft promises but her mind refused to give in.

****

Arnav continued to press on the lift button, willing for the damn machine to just come down but it wouldn't and he was in a hurry, he had to get to her, make sure that she was okay. His heart was racing away in his chest, the blood pounding through his ears. Looking both ways gulping down the bile that rose up his throat he began to run, pushing people out of his way.

His feet were rapid on the stairs, taking two at a time, his breath ragged, his head throbbing, a pounding at the back of it as a result of thinking through too many things at the same time.

He slid to a stop in front of the reception, trying to make his way through an already present commotion.

"I told you I don't know her fucking last name!" The girl swore, she was dressed in a short black dress, it's hem barely covering her, her feet not quite straight in her large platformed heels.

"Sorry ma'am but we can't admit her in without a last name, it's a regulation here," the receptionist answered, attempting to be patient as the girl fumed, shouting more insults at her, waving her hands about in the air in exasperation.

Arnav caught on quickly, still catching his breath, placing his hand on her shoulder she moved the girl out of the way.

"Hey excuse me?! Can't you see that I'm talking here? Do people not have any fucking manners?" She growled, her eyes furious but Arnav ignored her completely, instead leaning over the counter he trained his eyes on the receptionist who was watching him equally taken aback.

"What's the name of the patient she wants to admit?" He questioned, his voice stern, commanding.

"Sir?" The receptionist questioned.

His jaw tightened, his eyes re-igniting with that raw anger. "Can't you answer a blood question?" He yelled, done with his patience. "I asked what the patients name is!" He exclaimed through gritted teeth.

Her eyes widened for a second then quickly arranging herself she answered, her voice trembling, "sir that's the problem we don't have a proper name," she tried then.

"Yes she has! I just told you! It's not my problem that you won't accept it!" The other girl jumped in, looking from Arnav to the receptionist, not entirely sure what was going on. "It's Angelica! I told you once!" She exclaimed, exasperated.

Sighing he turned back towards the receptionist, "I want her treated right now you got that? I want her out of the mess that she's put herself into!" He warned, his eyes furious.

"But sir," her voice shook as she tried to explain to him, "it's not possible without a full name."

"She has a full name," he muttered, his voice almost inaudible, his eyes averting to the ground suddenly, as if he was ashamed to even address her by her name anymore. Both their eyes snapped up to him.

His jaw tightened, his fists clenched at his sides, he had to close his eyes for a second for himself to be able to still address her as that. Finally giving in he looked to the receptionist, "her name is Anjali Singh Raizada and she is my sister."

~

We are the fragments

And the broken off pieces

of all we have missed

- Tyler Knott Gregson

~

Mwahaha! Another cliffhanger tihihi :P. But hey I cleared a lot in this chapter so I wasn't that evil :P xx

Important Note Reg. All FFs

So I still don't quite understand what is going on and frankly I'm not happy with any of it either. I hate being left out in the blind and not even knowing who exactly to be more pissed off at. But if Barun is leaving for good then I honestly wish him the best of luck and hope he reaches more and more heights in his career. It is a show after all and one of these days it had to come to an end.

For me I don't care if it continues or not anymore, although I would personally like it to end if Barun is not going to remain in the show.

Anyway regarding my FFs, I know some people have decided to wrap up their stories etc. etc. And therefore I have received some PMs asking if I will be wrapping up my FFs or just leaving them or whatever. And the answer to that is no I will not be wrapping up my FFs or discontinue writing :). Be rest assured. I have a lot of readers that have stuck with me even through the bad times so thank you so much for that and I'll keep writing as long as you guys show me the support :). I can understand a lot of people leaving IPK altogether with what has happened and I am also one of them although I won't stop reading FFs so for all the other people like me I will not be stopping them :).

Just imagine Barun in all of my Arnav/ASR roles, especially the Diwali Barun with the short hair :P. But then again I don't mind his hair part if that's what ya guys like :P.

Right now my updates are appearing a bit too late because I have piles and piles of work to get through. But I promise to sort my life out as soon as and get the updates up real quick!

I know a lot of you are demotivated and to be frank I was pretty down about this issue yesterday as well but I've made peace with it and moved on reassuring myself that IPK finished on a happy note after Shyam left :P.

I have also started a new FF which actually focuses on going back through all of the old episodes and re-writing aspects of them into the future, to sort of re-live the magic. So hope you like that :).

Updates will be re-starting starting tonight and I hope to get "When Truth Prevails," "Paper Roses" and "The ASR-KKG Files" updated by Sunday night. "A Sprinkle of Stardust is going through a sort of transformation in my mind so that will probably only be up mid-week next week :).

Sorry for the delay once again!

If the show does end here and the forum closes down or I stop coming on to IF or whatever the stories will always be updated on my blog!

The main index blog link is this: Beyond The Stars Index and it will always have a list of all of my FFs and OSs.

I hope you guys do continue to read my work and continue to leave your lovely amazing comments that never fail to make me smile! Stick in there guys! IPK or the true essence of it when it started was epic and legendary and it will always continue to be! In the end we only remember the good times so just remember the good times ;).

Lotsa Love Pinks xx

Chapter 9 - Her Coloured Hues

Another mega update :S. I just can't stop with this one! Aah! So it will be pretty long :(. Sorry in advance xx

Loads of things in this chapter ;). Hope you guys can pick up the hints that I've dropped ;). xx.

~

Find the colours and mix them well. Spread them thick and thin them out. Let them bleed and watch them blend. Black as ink and dark as night, orange like fire and purple like the sky has bruised. Perch atop the tallest branches and lend your silhouette to the scene. Find me here. Find me here. 

- Tyler Knott Gregson

~ 

He led her out of the chopper, her hair blowing agains the harsh movement of the blades, her dupatta flickering across his face. He could see the trepidation, the slight fear in her face even through the dim light. Could tell it all through the slight tremble in her lips, the sweat in her soft hands, the little shake of her against him. He repressed that sudden urge of his to squeeze her hand in his, look into her eyes and just let her know that she would be okay, that he was back now and he would not let any harm come to her but knew he couldn't, she did not know what he knew.

She squinted through the darkness, letting her eyes adjust to her surroundings and spotted the four large blocks of light emanating through what looked like a large square building. She felt long strands of grass graze across her ankles, her feet sink in ever so slightly into soft, damp mud. She turned her head around slowly to watch the side profile of his face, his high jawline, his determined gaze as he strode pulling her with him, keeping his pace deliberately slow so that they were able to walk side by side. 

She still failed to understand him and now the thought of him being Arnav had been on her mind for so long that she was beginning to doubt herself, doubt his actions. What if she was walking straight into a trap? She gulped back the fear that rose up her throat. For some reason her mind refused to accept that fact.

He looked at her again, watched her scrunched up brows, the new worry that had now taken over the features of her face as her fingers involuntarily tightened their grip on his hand.

"Don't worry. You'll be safe here," he reassured her once more just as they reached the doorstep. She nodded slowly in reply, her senses now in overdrive, she wasn't sure what to think anymore.

He slid open a metal panel to reveal a black glass square with a square grid, and she watched both in amazement and surprise as he placed his hand over it and it whirred into life. She listened to the muffled clinks of bolts turning against each other, the tiniest of beeps and then watched as he pushed the door knob in and then down, swinging the solid door open into blinding light.

(This is what I imagine the house to look like)

She took in the large bright surroundings completely awestruck. The house seemed to reflect everything that his cold exterior did not. The hall was large, bright and graciously spacious, every inch of it constructed out of solid wood; for were it stood, in the middle of nowhere surrounded by darkness it was nothing like she had expected. And then suddenly her eyes fell on someone else, quickly walking towards them from the far side of the room. She automatically moved in behind him, fearing the worst yet clinging onto that distant trust that he would not hurt her.

He kept his hand clasped in hers even as Aman walked towards them, recognising her fear instantly and wanting to just tell her right there and then that he was her Arnav and therefore he would not harm her.

Aman took in the sight before him, analysing them as he walked over, a slow smile spreading across his face. He watched her slight movements as she quickly moved behind Arnav, as if he was her shield, the way they held hands. Arnav's determined eyes against her bewildered ones, his set jaw and tensed muscles against her innocent almost child-like features, his tanned skin against her ivory white soft skin. From afar they appeared to be complete polar opposites, from their body language to their features and yet they seemed to mould into one, just before his eyes already they appeared to have this unknown, unspoken understanding and that surprised him. Aman thought back to the only other time he had seen such a similar bond exist within Arnav, back to the first time he had recognised the true person inside this shell of a man, where even within hatred he had shed tears for a woman that he still despised and right then at that moment Aman knew he was only so much away from solving the puzzle of Arnav Singh Raizadas life.

"It's okay, don't be scared. You'll be safe here," he murmured looking back at her as she continued to crouch away from Aman. He attempted to pull her out from behind him slowly, then as she refused moved over to the side slightly. "This is Aman, he's my friend, you can trust him," Arnav attempted to reassure her. She moved forward carefully, taking her time, almost as if she took longer then all this was happening would quickly disappear.

Aman extended his hand out then, a smile adorning his face, "hey I'm Aman, it's nice to meet you," he offered wanting to make her feel at ease.

She watched him for a few seconds, not sure what to make of it, her heart galloping away in her chest. She sent her eyes darting around the room one more time, there didn't seem to be any pictures, no sign of anyone else, just these two men that she didn't know in a large house, in the middle of nowhere. She gulped, bile rising up her throat. What if they did something to her? She scrunched her eyes shut, suddenly willing it all away, her fingers tight against the palm of his hand, digging into his flesh. She wanted to escape everything.

Aman withdrew his hand a little, she looked pretty shaken. He turned his head towards Arnav, raising an eyebrow as Arnav nodded back. And for the first time that day he did something that his mind was telling him to do, because holding back was not helping anyone; he squeezed her hand in his.

Her eyes snapped open, she turned around abruptly to look at him, loosing herself in his caramel spheres for a few seconds. She'd felt that, the soft nudge of the tendons of his hand against hers. A thin smile spread across his face and at that moment she wanted to believe in him completely, believe that he would pull her out of this chaotic mess. "You'll be safe. I promise," his voice was a soft whisper and a distant corner of her mind felt that she could believe him, trust his promise to be true. "Trust me," he tried again, his eyes not leaving her for a second. "I just need to go somewhere for a few hours and then I'll get back and we'll sort things out," he explained continuing to watch her slowly changing expressions. "I would right now if I could, but this is urgent," he looked away as he said that, not wanting for a minute to leave her in this state but at the end of the day he was bound by duty and he couldn't allow that priority to be jeopardised.

"I'll show you to your room," Aman cut in then. "Don't worry we won't bite," he attempted to joke just as Arnav threw a death glare his way, warning him to shut up. He walked behind them as Arnav slowly led her upstairs then into the room that he had had prepared for Khushi and leaving her their with her bewildered gaze, closed the door.

"Oh man she's shit scared," Aman commented just as Arnav threw another glare his way.

Completely ignoring any other comments Aman would have to make about Khushi Arnav pulled the gun out from his jeans, checking his bullets once more. "So how long have we got?" He questioned, back to himself now.

"58 minutes and half the guys are already down there. NK's trying to set up two teams so that we have cover," Aman stated walking beside Arnav as he headed towards the chamber.

"And you aren't coming?" Arnav questioned turning towards him.

"No I was thinking I'd stay, have a look through the cameras from here rather than on site," Aman stated calmly

"Yeh that would be better actually, we can't risk you blowing up," Arnav commented stopping to open the metal cupboard at the side and grabbing a bullet proof vest.

Aman chuckled back, "yeh that would sort of be a bummer now wouldn't it," he laughed taking a microphone out of his pocket and handing it to Arnav.

"So we've got two cartons landing? One with weapons and one with drugs?" Arnav questioned quickly re-briefing himself over the events as he pulled off his shirt, then pulled the bullet proof vest over his t-shirt.

"Yep two cartons. Drugs, heroine to be precise and weapons. Not sure what the weapons are but.."

"We need to grab them before he does because weapons means something big and this could post-pone that," Arnav cut in, already steps ahead.

"Exactly. Only Aakash and Shyam will be collecting but of course their men will be with them," Aman moved on to the details of what would take place.

"So ten more men?" Arnav questioned inserting another gun into the front of his jeans.

"No news as of yet, obviously I need to get back to the chamber and have a look but I wouldn't think there'd be any more."

"So how many men are we taking?" Arnav questioned then, trying to get his bearings right and form a plan.

"twelve, two groups of six and then NK leading one and you on the other," Aman stated.

Arnav nodded back, "right I'll take the front and NK can cover." He grabbed the microphone and fixed it into his ear then took the map that Aman was holding and brought it infront of him.

Aman entered the keycode then entered as the large metal door slid open and let Arnav place the map on the counter. Arnav grabbed a pen, his eyes already flitting through the many routes they could take. He drew a red line through the front row of containers.

"I'll head my team down this way, through carton 22, take a sharp left then end at this path, second down from the front and we'll move to the dock that way," he stated.

"So a man through each carton since there are six?" Aman questioned, quickly catching up with Arnav's plan.

"Yep, exactly that," he stated placing dots in the spaces in between the large containers. "I want tranquillisers used, we don't need Aakash and Shyam dead," he stated, his eyes still on the map.

"Already done, I guessed as much so they've been given tranquillisers too," Aman replied, already steps ahead.

Arnav threw a smile his way, "I'm impressed Aman, too much coffee?" He joked.

Aman couldn't help but chuckle back, he could see a slightly changing Arnav, he didn't seem to be as stressed anymore. "Aah you know me too well. I think since yesterday I've had a gallon and a half," he joked as Arnav chuckled then folded the map up.

"Alright then we're good to go," he stated then grabbing the keys to his SUV strode out of the rear entrance of the chamber.

****

Shyam closed his eyes for a few seconds, his breathing controlled, a deep breath in and a deep breath out. So many things remained to be done, too many ideas were flitting through his mind and he was unconsciously moving about his own deadlines. He still revelled in Angelica's magical touch, in his mind her features changing to that of Diyas. Diyas soft hazel eyes, her angelic features. He pounced forward on his chair suddenly, his fists coming down and rattling the contents of his desk, the fury building up inside of him exploding into a loud agitated scream. He couldn't get her out of his mind, "Khushi Kumari Gupta," he mumbled. "I will have you! I WILL HAVE YOU!" He screamed.

He stood up, unable to take the full effects of his fury and began pacing around the room. Snippets of his past kept on flashing across his mind, her lifeless body as it hung in mid-air, her trembling quivering lips as he pushed her against the wall. He had loved her tenderly and she hadn't bothered to return it to him but Shyam Manohar Jha was a man that always got what he wanted. Sure he'd lost the first lap but he'd definitely win the second, Khushi Kumari Gupta would be his and only his!

****

"Point 2 are you in position, I repeat point 2 are you in position?" Arnav spoke into his microphone, crouching behind the large container, his flesh grazing against the cold metal as he listened to the distant sounds of whipping helicopter blades.

"Affirmative sir,"

"three men entering from the right, point 2 should have a clear shot," Aman stated as he watched all that was happening on screen, tilting the picture from all angles as he gave Arnav instructions.

Arnav edged to the corner, his gun trained and at the ready, his eyes quickly focusing on the three men approaching from the right. His eyes met Nikhils then nodded back, confirming his instructions, "point 2 you have a clear shot, take it!" He ordered just as Nikhil trained his gun and fired. One tranquilliser cut through the air and pinged off of a metal pillar at the side as two heads turned and one face scrunched up in fury. They turned back around as one of the men fell to the floor, his body creating a large thump as it fell lifelessly to the ground. They turned back round to the containers, Nikhil was already out in the open as he continued to move towards them, gun at the ready, now bullets, firing shots that all missed as the other men ran for cover and began firing towards the row of containers, one shot only missing Nikhil by a fraction of a centimeter.

Arnav watched all of this as if in slow motion when his eyes met with the bullet flying Nikhils way, he didn't have time to think, his limbs moved of their own accord as he ran, his legs fast on the ground  then launched himself at Nikhil, flinging him to the ground. He scrunched his eyes shut in pain as his felt the metal bullet pierce through the skin of his arm creating a large gash as it whizzed past but he didn't have time to react. "Fucking idiot!" He screamed, "what the fuck was that?" Pushing Nikhil over to the side behind the container he took up his new position.

"Aman I'm at point 2, Nikhil is down, where the hell are Shyam and Aakash?" He questioned just as NK entered the line.

"Aakash approaching, I repeat target approaching, five men, all moving toward your end Arnav." NK spoke as bullets whizzed around in the background. He too crouched behind a container moving out every few seconds and aimed for shots.

"Where the fuck is Shyam?" Arnav exclaimed as he moved out once more and aimed for another man, forget the tranquillisers he was hurt, the pain was excruciating and he now refused to play that game. He pressed the green button on his mike, "fuck the tranquillisers, take the shots." He instructed, as he peaked out and saw the two men approaching, his fingers tight on the trigger as he aimed and fired, ducking just in time as another bullet ricocheted off of the container, "take the fucking shots! We have nine men remaining, only save Aakash!" He instructed as he rolled over on the ground, his gun aimed shooting both men at the knees before they could react then rested against the next container. "Two men dead! Seven more!"

"Man down, I repeat man down! Tarun is down!" Another voice came through the speaker.

"Shit shit shit! This is getting messy!" Aman muttered to himself as he moved closer to his screen, looking for some way out. "Arnav they've surrounded, you'll have to spill blood!" He exclaimed.

"I'm trying you dumbass!" He yelled back, putting pressure onto his arm which was now bleeding profusely. He peeked back out as two more men rounded the line of containers, "Maan you are in range, take it!" He instructed just as Maan moved out from behind the container and crouching down fired two clear shots even before Shyam's two men could react.

"Five more!" Arnav exclaimed.

"And we need to move fast!" Aman instructed, scrolling through the screen, "Aakash is already on the damn ship!"

"Fuck!" Arnav and NK both grunted at the same time. Arnav leaned against the container, bringing his gun forward as he ejected his bullets then slammed in a new cartridge, "I'm moving in! NK cover that side! Maan, Varun, Karan give me cover! We are taking plan B! Plan B!" He instructed as he pointed the other three through the container.

"Plan B?" Aman questioned, "but that means..."

"I know! But we'd rather destroy the shit than get killed in the process!" He exclaimed as he ran towards the opening. Maan fired a shot as he approached, taking another man down.

"Four more!" He exclaimed into the ear piece.

"Three more!" NK yelled back as he took another shot and a second man fell to the ground.

Aakash saw the number of men they had left. Shit he should have brought Shyam! He jumped back off of the ship as Arnav quickly zig-zagged his way through the opening, crouching behind random barrels, rapidly approaching the ship, his bullets pinging off of the metal barrier.

"Sir we are under attack!" Aakash exclaimed into the phone.

"What?!" Shyam exclaimed back, "how the hell did anyone find out?" He screamed, his eyes furious, the muscles of his face twitching as anger coursed through him.

"Sir I don't know and we've lost too many! Abort mission?" He questioned, as another bullet ricocheted only centimeters away from him. He grabbed his own gun, aiming from behind a large barrel.

Closing his eyes Shyam sighed loudly, "abort mission, put another order in! We have a leak!" He stated then ended the call.

Arnav crouched behind a large red crate, his eyes surveying the battlefield. It was a gory mess as it always was. There was no sign of Aakash. Pulling the pin of the bomb with his teeth, he threw the grenade towards the docked ship, signalling with his head towards NK who was leaning behind a crate only mere meters away from him.

Nodding back NK did the same.

Aakash quickly climbed into the chopper. "Mission aborted, back to bay," he instructed to the pilot as the vehicle quickly lifted off of the ground.

Arnav finally walked out from behind the crate, to be joined seconds later by NK. They both stood side by side with the distant sound of a chopper flying off, watching the large ship alight in flames.

Closing his eyes Arnav exhaled loudly, "mission complete, two men down, cartons destroyed," he stated blandly as Aman sighed with relief from the other end.

"Call up the meds for Tarun and Nikhil and get back to your locations!" He instructed as he walked back towards his SUV, "we are done for today! Good work guys!"

NK quickly followed stuffing his gun in his pants, "aah that was intense, now for a nice hot piping breakfast," he stated to himself as he walked behind Arnav.

Arnav smirked to himself, "yeh I'm sure I'll be a while before I do that," he stated, running his fingers over the bloody ghash, trails of blood dripping down his arm, wiping it against his already muddied pants got into the SUV.

****

Angelica stepped out of her bathroom, her feet still wet as they lightly hit against the cool tiles of her bedroom floor. There was a smile on her face but her eyes were distant, a sorrow hidden deep within them. She let the loose wayward curls of her hair hang against her white simple salwar, the tiny ringlets wet against her back. Crouching on the floor she dragged out a large trunk. The large intricate designs on it's silver lid now slightly faded, it's paint peeling from the edges. She ran her fingers through the smooth metallic edges of it, a small spark igniting in her now soft unadorned eyes. Sitting on the floor completely, her legs folded, she let her finger graze over the lock then pushing the small button lifted the latch, her eyes glazing over with the tears that threatened to fall out.

****

"Well you look like shit!" Aman stated as soon as Arnav stepped in, his muddied boots leaving footprints on the light grey floor.

"Thanks! That makes me feel so good!" He remarked, rolling his eyes as he sat himself down on a stool then ejected his bullet cartridge.

"You know what I realised, our team is so good looking compared to those ugly bastard that Shyam's hired," NK commented, his voice filled with amusement as he walked through the doors.

Aman rolled his eyes, clearly not surprised then threw a coke can his way, "oh such a vain boy," he commented as Arnav smirked back.

"Sometimes I get worried NKs trying to seduce the enemy. Way too much gel on a boy that's going out to battle," Arnav added in just as a can was flung his way and he caught it right on time, ducking slightly.

"Oi guys! I gotta look good okay! Some hot chick could be there and I could start a new sort of affair," he winked, his actions animated.

"Yeh you mean like the fat-bellied man that you shot down," Aman chuckled.

Arnav joined in, almost choking on his drink, "it's a shame. You killed the potential love of your life," Arnav added, laughing.

NK frowned, clearly not amused, "aah whatever! I will get this evil chick of mines one day," he commented his eyes dreamy as he walked over to the fridge then stopped suddenly, his eyebrow lifting. "Wait why are the main house lights on?" He questioned suddenly.

Arnav's eyes darkened all of a sudden, the small smirk that had been on his face only minutes before quickly fading. Quickly downing his drink he made to get up.

"Oh Khushi you know that chick?" Aman questioned as NK turned around completely, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Arnav brought her here last night, he's got a damsel in distress saving scheme on the side ya know?" Aman joked as Arnav glared back.

"What Khushi? That hot chick? Here? Where?" NK began running towards the door, clearly excited.

"Wow wow wow! Stop!" Arnav warned moving quickly towards the door to block his way, "NK just go eat your breakfast!" He growled, pushing him back slightly.

"I told you Arnav, NK just needs to get laid!" Aman exclaimed back, his back facing them now, already looking into anything new that could crop up whilst NK having gotten Arnav's message sulked back off towards the fridge.

****

Arnav stopped outside of her door, his finger brushed off of the metal of the handle, not quite sure what to do anymore, where to start, how to start, would it even make sense? His brows were scrunched together as he contemplated all the different scenarios.

Khushi stopped pacing around the room, she was trying to make sense of things but couldn't. She attempted to reassure herself in the knowledge that she could at least trust herself to be safe here. But then they had locked her in a room and not talked to her for hours. The sheer effort of waiting was both terrifying and tiring at the same time. She felt completely drained, her emotions a blurred mess. Wait what if the door wasn't locked? She walked over slowly, her footsteps measured then let her hand fall onto the handle. She turned it slowly, surprised to find that it in fact had not been locked, the small clink of it already dispersing the small glimmer of doubt that she had had left.

Arnav stepped back suddenly, his eyes wide as she opened the door for their large gazes to clash once again. She took a step back, not sure how to react, moving her gaze to the floor, his penetrating gaze doing nothing to calm her mind.

"Erm, I erm..." He struggled for words, not having anticipated her to have stepped out so abruptly. He looked to the ground as her eyes lifted back upto his, seeking answers that he did not know how to provide. "I was just checking if you were okay," he muttered, lifting his eyes to just barely meet hers.

She took the sight of him in then, her breath hitching in her throat, his hair was messy and lying scattered over his forehead, there were dried blood marks down the side of his face. His arms were muddied, the muscles of them clearly defined, he was wearing a tight fitting black t-shirt that was also soiled. She scrunched her brows together, her eyes widening the next second as her gaze landed on the large gash on his left arm, blood still dripping down the length of his arm.

He followed her gaze, cursing himself inwardly, why couldn't he have changed first? He took another step back as she attempted to take one forward.

"Err, actually I just got back," he admitted, his voice still quiet, "I'll erm go clean myself up. Breakfast should be out so you should go and eat," he offered then letting a small smile adorn his face walked away from her as she continued to stare at him completely bewildered.

****

He took the first aid box out, wiping his hair and flinging the towel to the side, little droplets still falling onto his back. Arnav felt better now, as he always did after a long hot shower. Seating himself down he slowly opened the first aid box then stared into the contents of it for a few seconds, his mind somehow lost somewhere else. His thoughts were too conflicted, he wasn't able to think straight, he wanted to tell her but didn't know how to go about it, where to start, what to say.

Dipping the cotton wool in antiseptic he slowly moved it over to the gash, even the tiniest of drops against it sending ripples of pain up his arm. He scrunched his eyes shut, his other hand clenched into a fist at his side, his fingers digging into his palm as he moved it against the gash, the pain unbearable.

She took in the unfamiliar yet welcoming surrounding of the house as she slowly made her way down the corridor. It wasn't homey and yet it wasn't foreboding, in fact more than anything it appeared as if no one lived there. She'd now walked around the whole house barr the end of it and the only person she had encountered was the servant so was there no one else? Did he live alone? That struck a cord somewhere, she was beginning to feel sorry for him, understand the full gist of how genuine a person he was. She liked him, she decided, even with his random angry outbursts, his resemblance to her Arnav, she liked him. But wait there had been another man? So where was he? Aman his name was, she remembered then, it was all weird, unusual. She finally stepped through to the end part of the house, wondering to herself where he had actually gone or even where he had come from for that matter, when she heard a slight groan from up front.

Her feet moved quickly against the flooring as she approached a doorway to her right. She stopped in her tracks suddenly, her eyes widening in surprise. She felt her heart melt, all worries and tension just subsiding. Her feet carried her over the threshold of the door of their own accord as he sat there, his eyes scrunched shut, attempting to wipe his own wound.

"Aman it hurts like a bitch!" Arnav exclaimed, his fingers shaking against the cotton wool as he blindly dabbed at the gash. A few seconds later on getting no response, he slowly opened his eyes, his fingers froze on the cotton immediately, his eyes widened. "Oh erm," he felt himself loose his train of thought again.

She took another step in, her tender fingers against the wood of the door, her eyes large as she looked from his wound to his face, imagining the agony that he would be going through, "could I, I mean would it be okay if I... came in?" She asked, her voice timid, her eyes still focused on the large wound on his arm.

He nodded slowly, giving her a small smile, "of course," he offered gently, not sure what else to say.

She walked over slowly, her eyes downcast, not even sure what she was doing but letting her senses take over anyway.

He attempted to get up, when she placed her hand on his shoulder suddenly stopping him. His muscles tensed from the sudden reaction, his eyes widening. She immediately withdrew her hand, realising what she had done. "Please don't stand up," she mumbled then, averting her gaze. He watched in confusion as she slowly sat herself next to him, her eyes still downcast. She tore a piece of cotton wool off and dabbed it against the antiseptic. He moved his hand out as if to stop her when instead she interrupted him. "It's not good to clean your own wounds, it hurts more," she murmured, still looking away from him, her trembling fingers grazing his skin as she placed the wool on his skin.

He watched her quietly, his eyes large with amazement, completely taken aback by this gesture of hers, the only registering actions being her soft delicate fingers against his rough skin. He closed his eyes, revelling in the beauty of that very moment, his thoughts completely scattered.

"Is it sore?" She questioned, her voice a barely audible whisper.

He opened his eyes slowly to meet inquisitive hazel orbs, peering into him then watched, dazzled as she blinked then looked down again.

"Erm no," he was finding it so difficult to form sentences, "it's okay really I can do it myself," he tried again, flinching slightly as the searing pain finally started hitting him again.

She watched him for a few seconds, how his features seemed to now soften around her, the gentleness in those melted chocolate eyes of his.

"Arnav! Just let me help you with it! It needs a plaster!" She screamed as Arnav walked away from her, limping, blood trickling down his left leg. 

"I'll be fine! Just go home!" He shouted back walking into his house. But she ran after him, not new to her best friend antics. Moving up the stairs and reaching his room he quickly attempted to close it when she pushed through, trying with all her might to just enter when he finally let go and she almost fell into the room. She ran after him frowning. "You will not be fine! You need a plaster!" She shouted this time, turning him around to face her. 

"I am fine and I can put it on myself! I'm not a child!" He exclaimed, his nostrils flaring. But Khushi would be damned if she gave up without a fight. "Just shut up and sit down! I'll do it!" She yelled again, shoving on him so that he sat on the bed. 

She felt him jerk his leg back under her fingers, her eyes surveyed the seconds worth of contorting features of his face. "Does it hurt?" She questioned softly. 

"No," he mumbled back, the pain evident through his voice. 

"You know showing your pain doesn't weaken you," she suggested finally knowing that the both of them understood the bigger meaning to that statement. 

She snapped back out of her thoughts, losing herself in the depths of his soulful eyes once more. Why did everything about this man remind her of Arnav? Why did she think he was Arnav? What if he was? What then? Could she ask him? She closed her eyes for a second, willing those thoughts to disappear out of her mind. She would have to sort it out in her own time.

"You know showing your pain doesn't weaken you," she mumbled what she had said to the person that she held the dearest in her life.

His eyes widened in shock as she finished bandaging his arm then moved her hand to his forehead, nimbly brushing the strands of hair that fell to the side, her fingers like trails of sparkling magic on his skin. His mind whirred back to all the times she'd said it, all the times that he had gotten hurt and she had done exactly this.

As she attempted to move a piece of wool up to his face he stopped her, his hand falling on top of her arm, his fingers in a tight grip. He looked straight into startling hazel large spheres this time, Pools of chocolate against orbs of hazel. His fingers grazed her soft porcelain skin ever so slightly as he spoke not breaking eye contact for a second.

"Khushi I need to tell you something..."

~

Do I haunt you there, 

there in the space I don't fill,

The hollow in you? 

- Tyler Knott Gregson

~