"(You were there right? You were there. Somewhere near)" Khushi asked coming out of the hug. Looking at him hopefully

"Khushi.." Arnav breathed shocked.

"You were there Right?" She asked

Arnav couldn't help but smile. How could he forget their connection. She obviously sensed him!

"" Arnav asked softly cupping her face

Khushi looked at him with an unfanthomable expression

"" Arnav asked

"" She chuckled humourlessly

Arnav's heart dropped at that. He reached for her face, Half expecting her to back away but that never happened instead he found her eyes brimming with tears. "" He whispered

" (What had happened that inspite of being there.. You didn't come to the altar. What had happened.. That even after you saw me dying bit by bit.. Your heart didn't soften towards me? You had told me you can't bear my tears.. Then what changed that even my tears didn't affect you?)" She asked breaking down into fits of tears right in front of Arnav

Arnav's heart contorted in boundless pain as he held her close to himself.

"" Arnav pleaded

" (You had told me you know Amma was not the culprit.. You had)" Khushi asked confused.

"" Arnav said making her all the more confused.

"" Arnav apologized sincerely.

"" She stuttered confused

Khushi took the file from his hand and started reading it's contents.

A few minutes passed in silence as Arnav watched Khushi keenly for any signs of discomfort or shock. But her face showed no expressions at all.

"" Khushi asked looking up from the file

"" Arnav tried to remind her

"" Khushi said

"" Arnav apologized.

"" She breathed

"" Arnav said sadly

Khushi blinked.

" (The roots of the past are very deep Khushi.. I need time.. Just a little time. I promise I'll make everything right)" Arnav said holding her hand. Khushi blinked again.

""

"" She whispered as a tear ran down her cheek.

Arnav wiped her tear. "" He said

"" Khushi pleaded. Her voice cracked

Arnav looked at her shocked. " (You are my wife.. We had legalized our marriage that day Khushi.. How can you even think that I'll hate in any circumstances?)" Arnav asked

""

"" Arnav said softly

"" She breathed gesturing the still open file.

Arnav chuckled lightly. "" He said softly.

Khushi looked at him innocently, His heart went out to her. Arnav positioned himself comfortably close to her. "(I'm there Khushi.. Forever. Forever with you. No truth.. No lies.. Nothing can saperate us anymore. Our relationship has been through so much lately. And still we're here.. and I'll not let another lie.. another misunderstanding come between us.)" Arnav cooed to her. Khushi kept her head on his shoulder.

" (nuptial chain?)" He asked

"" Khushi said

"" Arnav asked tracing her neck which was still a little red.

Khushi nodded innocently.

"" Arnav explained

Khushi sighed.

"" She asked

""

"(First it was a contract marriage.. then a registered marriage. Will I ever get to have the nuptial rounds with you?)" Khushi asked

"" Arnav said

"" Khushi said

"" Arnav said firmly

Khushi nodded like an obedient child

"(Rest of the talks can wait, First eat something. I've troubled you a lot in these few days didn't I? You haven't eaten anything since morning)" Arnav said

Khushi nodded

"" Arnav said standing up from her bed

" (You go.. son. I'll feed her)" Madhumati entered the room with a tray of food.

"" Khushi held his hand stopping him. Arnav looked at her and she was looking at him with a pleading face.

" (I am there Khushi.. Forever)" Arnav assured her

Bua ji glared at him accusingly. Arnav sighed deeply and moved out.