The Wilted Rose: Chapter 6

Writer's Comments

Well, I love writing this story. I hope you like reading it as well. This story started with a title. When I had thought of the title, I thought this will be a short story which will finish in 4 parts. I didn't even have a plot at that time. All, I knew was that it was sad story.

Then I wrote the first chapter. Now we are at the sixth. This is a short story and will always be one. However, it was this one story that I had wrote spontaneously, which I will always remember. Right - now we are off to chapter 6. Readers if you spot any mistakes, please email me or PM me. I have proof read it. However, a writer can miss things out. I am not a genius.

Love,

Mishty

Chapter 6

Khushi saw the door close. Her mind was at rest now. At least, Arnav would get some rest now. An hour later, she heard a knock on the door. She called the person in. The person was accompanied by the Police Officer.

“Hi, I am Aisha, I work for ETF. I am the sketching artist. I was sent here to make some sketches of the killers,” said Aisha. Khushi remembered Rathod mentioning Sketches.

“Oh yes, please come in!” said Khushi politely. The Police officer then soon left them. Khushi explained to Aisha what the six men looked like vaguely. However all the information was still enough to make decent sketches. It took them 2 hours, to make the correct sketches.

“Okay, Khushi. I will pass them on to the team! Thank you for your co-operation!” said Aisha kindly and soon left. Khushi then lied back down and sighed in relief. She was thankful how everyone was supporting her. Strangers who she didn't know.

Maybe sometimes Strangers are more trustworthy then the ones who know.

Arnav was at home. He had just finished his shower, and some food. He stretched his hands in the air.

She was right. He was tired.

A shower was just what he needed. Now he was sitting reading the newspaper.

At the back of his mind, he still thought that it was not safe to leave Khushi alone in the hospital. Her life was still in danger. His heart was telling him to go back. He knew that there was a police officer but still.

No, she would probably be fine, he thought. He began reading the newspaper again, when her face flashed in front of him again. He could feel her calling out to him again and again. Like she was when he first saved her. He sighed. He knew that he couldn’t concentrate now, so he left with the car keys, and drove to the hospital. He tried to convince his mind that nothing would have happened, and that she was still safe. She was probably still sleeping, like he had left her.

Thousands of thoughts whizzed through his mind in a second. As the thoughts came, the speed of his car increased, trying to reach there as soon as possible. He quickly parked his car and strode through the hospital, running through the corridors.

He was there at last. He noticed that the police officer was not outside. He turned the knob and the sight that greeted him, sent him into shock. A tall masked man was standing with an injection in his hand, with Khushi’s wrist in the other hand. He saw Khushi’s eyes closed, her body trembling from fear. He was about to plunge the injection in her wrist when Arnav strode through, pulling him away. He took the injection out of his hand, and threw it in one corner of the room. The man looked shocked upon his arrival.

Khushi saw Arnav stride in. She was too much in shock to realise anything. She just closed her eyes and prayed that nothing happened. It felt like a dream. One minute she was sleeping, and one minute, there was someone, trying to kill her. After Aisha had left, she wanted to catch up on her sleep. She was feeling okay, but she still felt weak.

However, after speaking to Arnav, her stranger and the ETF team, she found some peace in her heart. There were still some good people out there, who still cared about others. She felt stronger, like she could handle this. She was still grieving about her husband, but she knew that she must move on. It was the only way to lessen the pain.

But she still was adamant on one issue. Rohan will get justice.

She would make sure of that.

So she lay down, and turned on the side, so that she was facing away from the door. A second later, she thought she heard something, but just took it to be her imagination. Soon, she felt a hard grip on her neck. She was being turned around. The grip was strong enough to strangle her. She saw the masked man. She squirmed trying to get away from him. She looked into his eyes.

As soon as she looked into his eyes, she saw regret there. She felt that he didn't want to do this, but was being forced. However those thoughts flew out of her mind, when she saw that he had pulled out the injection. He trapped her small wrists in his large hand, and he was about to plunge the injection, when he was flung away from her. Her eyes opened in shock, and she saw her angel, saving her once more. She now sat up and watched the happenings with silence.

He held the man’s collar and punched him across his jaw; his jaw had started bleeding due to the pressure of his punch. The man was flung across the room, hitting the cabinets in the room. Arnav then kicked him across the stomach, and stepped on his hand really hard. Then he slapped him across his cheek. The man was screaming in agony. Soon he fainted due to the pain but Arnav was still punching him. The hospital room door burst open, and the police officer strode in feeling shocked. He ran to Arnav and pulled him off the masked man.

“Leave him, he will die!” exclaimed the Police officer. It was the wrong move. Arnav’s anger still had not vanished. He stood up and held the collar of the Police man’s uniform.

“Where were you, when all this happened?” asked Arnav.

“Did he pay you as well, so you could disappear while he killed her? Where were you? YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE PROTECTING HER DAMMIT!” shouted Arnav.

“I am sorry Sir! I went on a bathroom break!” squeaked the Police Officer.

“I didn't know this was going to happen!” said the Police Officer. Arnav left him, disgusted at his carelessness. He immediately sent a text to Arjun, informing him that he should come to the hospital a.s.a.p. The police officer scrambled outside, guarding the door.

Khushi saw him punch the man. She felt gratitude towards Arnav, but she also wanted to stop him. She felt very weak and suddenly she felt herself falling.

His eyes went to Khushi, when he saw her lose consciousness. He immediately ran and engulfed her in a hug. He felt her squirming. He moved back slightly to see that her cheeks were pale. She opened her eyes. He rubbed them, when he saw color once again returning, he stopped. He rubbed her back, in circular motions.

He knew what just happened was a lot for her to take in. In two days, she just got attacked twice. She has gone through a lot. He hugged her once again. Their heartbeats were slowly merging into one. Arnav realized the impact his actions would have caused, if had not come in time. If he hadn't listened to his heart, the woman sitting in front of him with her hands on his chest, would have been dead.

He tried not to think about all of this, but her scared face, kept coming in front of his eyes. He found Khushi looking up at him. He took her hand in his and locked his gaze with hers. 

The Wilted Rose: Chapter 5

Writer's Comments

Another update! I wrote two chapters but I wanted to break it up - slightly. So here is another one. I hope this update makes sense. I know what you all might be thinking. They are practically solving the case in the hospital, but let me tell you, Khushi is the biggest evidence herself. 

She saw everything happen, first-hand. However, they still need to back her statements up with proof. I know there is not a lot of Arnav in this update. However remember that this is an investigation. It's different to all the other fictions of mine.

Love you all,

Mishty

Chapter 5

“Killer tho hain! Par kuch choot raha hain!” said Arjun.

“Ab kya choot raha hain Sir?” asked Shree.

“Agar Khushi ko rape hi karna hota toh they could have easily shot Rohan and then had their way with her. If they wanted to rob them, they could have easily threatened them and they would have given their jewellery and money. The big question is that after they stabbed Khushi, they killed Rohan. A person doesn't die from being stabbed. They could have easily taken the knife out and had their way – but they left her there to die. At least they thought that she would die. These were not any random killers, I think they were contract killers! They were hired by someone, to kill them! They didn't think that someone would come and rescue her, right Arnav?” said Arjun.

“Exactly, that is what I thought! There are too many loop-holes in their strategies! Khushi were they wearing masks?” asked Arnav.

“No, they were not! I can identify them!” said Khushi.

"Great! That means we can make sketches!" said Shree. 

“Statistics ke hisab se 90% killers who do not wear a mask, kill their victims so there is no eye-witness!” said Riya.

“Haan Sir, so that means that there was a murder!” said Shree.

“Ek sochie, samjhi, saazish!” said Chotu.

"Khushi, we will send someone here to see you, and get them to make the sketches," said Rathod.

“Khushi, humhe crime scene se kuch zyada nahi mila!” said Rathod finally, “we just found two different blood samples, one was yours and the other was Rohans. Koi weapon nahi mila tha. We found your car. As soon, as we matched your blood samples, we sent Rohan’s body to the lab, to find the cause of death and the time of death! Our theory matched your story. The death was due to the Iron Rod against his skull, not the knife. We called in many of the suspects, but they do not have a motive,” said Rathod.

“Yes, we called in your parents, Rohan’s parents, the guests who attended the wedding, but most have proofs of where they were, at the time of death,” said Chotu.

“No-one had a clear motive!” said Riya.

“Khushi, was there anyone who hated Rohan? Or could have a reason behind his death, or someone who would benefit from his death?” asked Shree.

“I don’t know much about his enemies, but two days before the attack, Rohan was very stressed out about his business. He was saying how he lost a deal to his rival, Mr Singhania. I tried to ask him about this, but he said that it was just business issues,” explained Khushi.

Arnav looked deep in thought.

“Who is in Rohan’s family?” asked Arnav.

“His mum, dad and his brother!” said Khushi.

“His brother?” asked Riya.

“We don’t know any brother!” said Shree. Arjun looked up.

“Oh he lives in London, that’s why. Rohan said that he was coming back to India and would attend the wedding. He also said that he would permanently shift back here!” said Khushi.

“A brother who just made plans to move back to India, before Rohan died!” recited Arjun.

“Nahi, Rajan was at the wedding!” said Khushi.

“Why does he live in London, I mean Rohan's family is very rich?” asked Riya.

“Actually, Rajan and Rohan don’t get along, so he decided to move to London, to carry his education forward,” said Khushi.

“Okay – we will have to interrogate him – Chotu!” said Arjun. He gave him an eye-signal, and Chotu left.

“We need to get back to the headquarters!” said Rathod.

“Umm, can someone contact my parents please? They will be worried, from two days I haven’t spoken to them and also my in-laws!” explained Khushi.

“That is already taken care of. Right now they are in our custody; we need to ask them a few questions! We have informed them and they know that you are in hospital, but we need to ask them some important points and so they are all under our observation. Take care Khushi, Arnav!” said Arjun.

They all left leaving Arnav and Khushi in the hospital room once again.

Khushi looked at Arnav once again. She gestured him to sit down.

“Thank you so much for saving my life. I can’t thank you enough!” said Khushi.

“You don’t need to thank me!” said Arnav.

“You look really tired! You should go home! I will be fine here!” said Khushi.

“I am fine! Your life is in danger, remember?” reminded her Arnav.

“I will be fine! There is a guard standing outside remember? You need to go home and change! Please!” said Khushi meekly.

She was right he knew it. He needed to go home and change, have a shower, eat some food, take a nap, but something didn't feel right. He wanted to go but not leave her here by herself. However he had no excuse to stay. He looked at her, and nodded his head. He slowly put her back on the bed and lay her down, kissing her hand. He then slowly left her.

That was one of the biggest mistakes he ever made.

The Wilted Rose: Chapter 4

Writer's Comments

Okay so this update is dedicated to Shraddha! Happy Be-lated birthday my dear!

Well sorry for the late update! I had a lot of loop-holes in my update when I was initially typing it. Well, if you find any, let me know!

Right - I hope you read my note here!

Note (Please read)

Love,

Mishty 

Chapter 4

“I am Arnav Singh Raizada! You are?” asked Arnav.

“Khushi Kumari Gupta, I guess, now as Rohan is not with me! Thank you for saving me, you didn't have to do that but you did! I owe you my life!” said Khushi.

“You don’t owe me anything! I just did what anyone would have done! Come, we must go back, the doctor has to finish your check-up!” said Arnav.

Khushi let him take her back to the hospital room. She bent her head down and apologised to the doctor for her appalling behavior and thanked him for saving her life. She went to sit down and let him do her check-up calmly.

After having that chat with her stranger, he didn't feel like a stranger anymore, more like her guardian angel. He was right, though. She couldn’t just waste her life. ‘Rohan’ wouldn’t want that either. He would want her to move on. After a while, the nurse came in and offered to give her a sponge bath, and some food, while Arnav one again stepped outside to give her the privacy she needed.

She wanted to stop him, tell him that it is not necessary, but somehow couldn’t formulate the words. He soon returned once again, inside the room. She was now on the bed, analyzing his moves.

“You are tired!” she said. It was a statement which they both knew was truth. They looked away from each other. She wanted to ask him, why is he still here, when he could have gone home. Arnav on the other hand knew that he had to tell khushi the truth before ETF team arrived.

“There are some facts you need to know Khushi!” he spoke slowly, annunciating each word clearly.

“This wasn't a plain robbery case!” said Arnav finally.

“A Robbery case?” asked Khushi, “This was never a robbery case! They wanted to rape me, when Rohan tried to protect me, then they killed him”, she blurted out with difficulty.

 At the same time the door burst open with the whole ETF team striding in confidently. Arnav stood up, ready to greet them, while Khushi stared at them all in surprise, while they were looking at her carefully.

“Who is this?” asked Khushi, looking a little confused at the 5 members, standing in front of her. She looked at Arnav with worry while he nodded re-assuring her that everything was okay.

A tall man stepped forward towards her bed, “Hi, I am Arjun Suryakanth Rawte, we are part of the Emergency Task Force (ETF), and this is our Chief Rathod. That is Riya, a research specialist. On the left is Shree, and that is Chotu.”

Riya stepped forward and stood next to her on the bed, “We found out about your husband’s death. I am sorry. We are here to help you. This is not a simple case. We need your help, Khushi!” said Riya.

“I am ready to help you, as much as I can, but can someone tell me what is going on? They were after me and Rohan tried to protect me!” said Khushi.

“Protect you?” asked Rathod, confused, “I thought this was a robbery case!”

“Ms. Khushi can you please tell us exactly what happened from the beginning!” said Arjun.

Then Khushi explained the happenings, how there were 6 men attacking them. Then Arjun filled her in about the stolen items, like jewellery but her anklet wasn't stolen. They were trying to make it seem like a robbery. When he finished reciting it, she had tears in her eyes. Riya noted all the points down. Riya then came forward and handed her a tissue.

“Khushi, it’s over. He is not here anymore. I can tell from your eyes how much you loved him, but please do not blame yourself. I know what one goes through when you see someone you love unconditionally die in front of you! The pain you go through is unexplainable. But please do not blame yourself. Your husband would not want you to live a life, blaming yourself, in depression. You need to move on!” said Riya. Arnav looked at Khushi, which was now in tears.

Although she was speaking to Khushi, trying to comfort her, she was looking at Arjun, while he looked away from her gaze.

Arjun’s wife was murdered in front of him, and he blamed himself, because he should have been able to save her. Riya shook her head; she could still remember when her father was shot in front of her. That was why she joined ETF in the first place, to get justice.

Someone did say it right. Only your close ones have the power to hurt you.

Love was a strange thing.

It could give you so much happiness at one point, but at another point there would only be despair.

Only darkness shadowing you.

Arjun looked at Khushi. Of course he knew what pain was. What she must be suffering, he knew exactly. He had been through it. He knew what Riya was implying but sometimes ignorance is bliss.

He once again looked at Rathod, and began discussing the case. Riya, Shree and Chotu were showing Khushi various pictures of what the killer could look like all their suspects.

“So Khushi, this is a complicated case. As Arnav pointed out, there was a motive. So your life is in danger. They haven’t yet found out though that your alive, otherwise the killer would have striked again. However your life is still in danger so the hospital door will still be guarded by a police member! He is standing outside. If you need anything, just ask him!” said Rathod.

“Is there anything else you can remember Khushi? Yaad karo Khushi!” said Arjun.

“They didn't need to stab me! They could have killed Rohan and left me! I guess they wanted to see pain in his eyes, but then again there was no need! When they finally left, one of the men called someone! I can’t seem to remember what they said!” replied Khushi. 

Note 27/02/2013

NOTE: 27/02/2013

Hey, everyone! I have deleted 200 people off my PM list on India Forums. You all are aware of the fact that I hate PMing people on India Forums about my updates. Well, I have found a faster solution. 

Yesterday, I emailed 126 people who gave me their emails about the updates. I don't know how many checked. However if you got the email and are happy then it's okay. 

However, If you were someone who did not get the email and would like to receive emails about my updates. Then please leave your email address in your comment below. I will email you regularly, like once a week, on the updates.

However that means, that I know exactly who follows the blog. If I don't see your comment, either here or on face book or on any of the threads on India Forums, then I will delete you. I am sorry, but silent readers are not getting the emails.

I will still PM from my India Forum's account, once a month, if anyone does not like emails, they can check there.

Love you all,

Mishty

Coerced Alliance: Chapter 28

Writer's Comments

I am not good with words - so personally I don't think this chapter has turned out well! But I had no more strength to re-write it! 

Sorry,

Mishty

Chapter 28

It was in the morning when they both woke up, cuddled together. Khushi looked up at Arnav and gave him a sweet kiss on his cheek, while Arnav smiled. They both got up and had a shower quickly. Today was an important day, for both of them.

They came downstairs to see the family serving breakfast to one another.

Arrreee, Mami ji, let me do it, you should sit down! Said Khushi.

Bitya, your mami is pfit and pfine. You no worry! said Mami.

So mami helped Khushi serve. Khushi then served Arnav, while he eyed her to the chair, motioning her to sit beside him. Anjali caught them, and laughed mutely.

Oh god! My Chote is in love. They are so cute! thought Anjali.

Akash can you please handle the office with Mama today. Me and Khushi have something important to do so we will be out most of the morning and afternoon. Also Di, one of our clients is holding a party in two days and we are invited, so I thought I should just let you know. Me and Khushi have to attend, said Arnav.

Theek hain...Chote! said Anjali.

Alright bhai! We will make sure everything is fine, said Akash.

What? This Lard Governor did not tell me anything about this party. Oh god, that means I have to dress well and everything. What an annoyance! thought Khushi.

Cool, we will see you later! said Arnav.

Khushi, let’s go.

They soon left, while the family was still having breakfast.

So how are the preparations? Said Payal.

Yep, everything should be ready! The hotel staffs were informed about every-thing, so yeah it should be cool! Anyway it is officially bhabhi’s last day at university tomorrow, after that she will be free said Anjali.

Haan, di! From our side, all the arrangements have been made, said Akash.

I just hope, Khushi bitya likes everything said Nani.

Hmm....said Mami.

They all got to work, arranging everything for the surprise in 2 days.

-

Khushi and Arnav were in the car, while Khushi was constantly fidgeting with her duppata. Arnav looked at her and sighed, knowing that something was bothering her, and that she will soon tell him herself.

Arnav? Asked Khushi. Bingo. He knew her too well.

Yes, replied Arnav.

Why didn’t you tell me about this party? asked Khushi.

Oh so that was what was bothering her! I knew it! thought Arnav.

It wasn’t important that’s why. Also it is in 2 days. What was the hurry? asked Arnav.

Hmm...okay! said Khushi, while a smile returned to her face. Arnav looked at her nodding his head, “Pagal” he thought.

-

They soon arrived at Sameera’s flat. They had got the address from Aman. They looked at the building. Arnav grabbed Khushi’s hand tightly and led her in. They knocked on her door. The door opened on the second knock. Sameera was stunned to see the “ASR” standing in front of him. She let them in.

So, what do we have here? ASR and his wife, said Sameera while smirking.

You know ASR, I thought you would be quicker in trying to get to me but anyway. Better late than never right? said Sameera while laughing.

So what can I do for you? She asked.

You don’t know who you are messing with! snarled Arnav.

Oh really, you must have shocked to see Nani, right in hospital? Said Sameera.

That’s how I felt when you had slapped me that day in my apartment. How I felt when you broke our engagement. I loved you! Said Sameera.

Love is a word that doesn’t sound good from your mouth Sameera, said Arnav.

You just like money and power, that’s why you cheated on me right? asked Arnav.

I didn’t cheat on you! He came to me! said Sameera.

Yeah right! said Arnav.

Plus, I thought you had a good taste of women, so why did you marry her? Did you just pick her off the street? said Sameera.

And you Ms. Behenji, do you even know how many affairs he has had? Asked Sameera.

Oh look, what an adorable couple! They don’t even know about each other, said Sameera.

By this time, Khushi had listened enough. She had only remained quiet until now because she thought Arnav could handle someone like her. However her patience had just gone by now.

Ms. Sameera, you out of all people don’t need to tell me what my husband does. I already know him, so much more than you or any of the other girls that he has been with. You know why? Because I am Mrs. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. He is only mine. I have all rights on him, not you! Since we are together, he hasn’t been with anyone said Khushi.

Oh Mrs. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada? Mrs. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada? Wow – you amaze me! Your husband doesn’t even love you, what type of rights are you talking about! I heard all the rumours. Mrs. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada? He doesn’t even like you as his wife!

I haven’t seen such a besharam women as you, trying to keep a man by calling him yours, said Sameera.  Khushi had tears in her eyes, listening to this. Arnav wiped her tears and turned to Sameera.

Sameera, it is better if not say one more word. She is my wife. Arnav Singh Raizada’s wife. If any woman matters if MY LIFE, then it is my wife, Khushi Singh Raizada. Models like you have no value – you are just meant for use and throw, said Arnav.

ASR – shouted Sameera.

Don’t Shout! Said ASR. Suddenly the door burst open, and Mr. Garg and the police barged in.

You are under arrest Ms. Sameera Kapoor! Said the inspector.

What? Why? Asked Sameera.

You were found giving yourself extra bonus from the current company you have been working with and stealing valuable clothes from “Rohan’s Fashion House.” That counts as fraud, so you are under-arrest. Take her away! Said Inspector.

This is not over! I will come back! I will get you for this! Said Sameera.

They hand-cuffed her and took her away, while Mr. Garg stood grinning in front of Khushi and Arnav.

Our Plan Worked, ASR! Said Mr. Garg.

Plan? Asked Khushi.

Yes, Mrs. Raizada! We were here just to provide a distraction. Actually there were two more people with Sameera, awarding them extra bonus’s. So we had to make sure that someone inside the company doesn’t inform her and so she runs away. In the mean time, Mr. Garg and Aman informed the police and they got here before she could pack her bags and run! explained Arnav.

Okay, Mr. Garg! We will see you later! said Arnav. While Khushi grinned at him in glee. She always knew her husband was intelligent.

Wait but how do you know that she gives herself bonus’s? Asked Khushi.

Aman went to meet one of her friends and offered her 20 lacs and she sang like a canary about everything that Sameera could get charged for! said Arnav.

Hmm...said Khushi.

-

They back in the car, driving to Khushi’s college. She missed a lecture to come with him in the morning but now she had to return.

Arnav, did you mean everything you said? Asked Khushi.

Arnav looked into her eyes.

I meant every-word! said Arnav.

Khushi about the affairs –

No Arnav what I said was true, since we have become friends, there has been no-one in your life! said Khushi confidently.

How do you know? Asked Arnav.

I know you! said Khushi. They both smiled, and reached Khushi’s college. 

The Wilted Rose: Chapter 3

Writer's Comments

Okay readers of Wilted Rose - I have something to share! This story is dedicated to the girl who was gang-raped in the streets of Delhi. People could have helped but there was no-one to step forward at that time. There should be good Samaritans like "Arnav" who have power and should help to correct the corrupt world of India. People should learn to help others and stand against the crime.

So as I said - this is to salute the ones that already do. This is a very sensitive topic as you may know already. However this is what the cruel world is like. People don't want to know you! It doesn't matter if your dying or someone is raping you. Society undermines you and abuses you and expects you take it. This is the reality of our world today!

I have changed the story because particularly I didn't feel writing about someone getting raped. So please follow this story! 

Love,

Mishty

Chapter 3

The room full of silence should have calmed him as usual, but this time it had an opposite effect. It made him anxious. The whole night he was there.

 He didn't know who she was?

Who her family was so he could contact them?

He hadn't heard from Arjun about any of the investigation so far.

All that had happened so far was that Aman kept on calling him and informing him about his meetings, and that the foreign clients got very angry when they didn't find him there. That was all he was told.

He remembered to the time when he first saw her face. The innocence attracted him to her, like a moth to a flame.

He didn't need to do this?

But why did he?

Why did he help her so much?

He could have left in the hospital to the doctors. They would have looked after her fine; made sure that she was fine.

Why did he stay with her past two days?

He could have attended his meetings, met all of his foreign clients, and completed the deals. The deals he had left were very important for AR, if they didn't sign the deals, it could cost him roughly 30 cores.

Why did he call Arjun for help?

The police could have sorted out the investigation, he could have told them but why did he want ETF to handle the case specially. What was the need?

However the biggest question was why did he care? For that ASR had no answer. He wasn't the usual Good Samaritan. He gave money to charity but that was all but that was part of building public relations; it was a part of business.

He could leave now, but he yet he couldn’t. There was something stopping him. This girl in front of him was a stranger but her life was still in danger. Just because of his ego, he couldn’t just leave her unprotected. He needed to get her justice. It would be morning, in an hour and she still hadn't got conscious yet. That could be dangerous. He closed his eyes and fell asleep at wee hours of the morning.

Something wasn't right.

It was like someone was calling out to her. Telling her to come to him, yet she couldn’t. She didn't have the strength.

The pain was gone, that she felt before.

Yet something was amiss. She then vaguely remembered what had happened.

How they had murdered her husband? Ruthlessly, just so they could rape her. She opened her eyes in rage. However when she opened her eyes, she was expecting it to be the lonely road, with her husband, or in heaven, but what she saw disorientated her. The walls were white. She looked around to see that there was a television across from her, handing on the wall. On her left there was a side table with a water jug, and on the right, there was a sofa, with a man sleeping.

She looked at the stranger more carefully. His shirt buttons were open to reveal the toned chest, and his abs. His eyes looked strained because he had dark-circles under his eyes. It looked like he hasn't been able to sleep for a while. She tried to get up but it was more difficult as the needle in her hand was pulled as well. She let out a small scream due to the pain.

Arnav heard the small scream and was jolted awake. He saw that she got injured as she was trying to get up. He moved swiftly from the sofa and helped her get up. He put a pillow behind her so she could be comfortable. He noticed that her eyes were on the jug. He walked to the other side and poured some water for her. He helped her drink. He could see that she was confused with him being there, but right now the doctor needed to check her.

That was the most important thing of all. He called the doctor by pressing a button by the bed. The doctor came in flat 2 minutes. He walked through the door genuinely happy to see the girl was awake and was sitting. “Thank you, for calling me! I will do her quick check-up!” said the doctor.

Arnav meekly nodded and stepped outside the room. He took his phone and made a quick call to ‘Arjun. He picked up the phone in two rings.

“Yes Arnav” said Arjun.

“The girl is awake now! The doctor is just checking her! I thought you might like to know!” said Arnav.

“Yes, thanks for letting me know! We will be there in an hour! Let her rest till that time!” said Arjun.

“Okay, see-you!” said Arnav.

Inside the room, the doctor looked at the girl.

“You are very lucky! The man, who just left the room, saved your life. If he didn't bring you to the hospital in time, you would have died. When you came to the hospital, you had a knife stabbed in your stomach. There was internal bleeding, and you were unconscious!” explained the doctor.

“You should have let me die! Why did you save me?” asked Khushi desperately.

“I need to go to my husband!” said Khushi. “He is calling me! He is calling me to the heavens above!”

“What is wrong with you? God decides who dies and who is alive. You were destined to survive. The man outside was there to save you. Everyone has a time to go and it’s not your time yet!” said the doctor, trying to get any suicidal thoughts out of her mind.

“No – I want to die!” screamed Khushi.

“Let me die,” she said.

The doctor tried to convince her, but when chose not to listen and carry on screaming, his patience disappeared and he called Arnav in to try and stabilize her. Arnav strode through the door, listening to her screams. He soon could the situation.

Off-course she would behave like this. She just lost her husband and that too on her wedding day.

They didn't want her to slip in depression. Her heath was getting worse by the minute. Arnav then lost his patience. She didn't want to see anything or hear anything. He motioned the doctor to take out the needles. The doctor followed his instructions.

Arnav then took her arm and hoisted her up gently. She looked at him confusion but just followed him without saying a word. She had lost the strength to scream and shout. She was still weak. He took her out of the hospital room, to a secluded corridor, connected to another corridor. He stopped her then and turned her towards an old couple.

“Look at them, are you seeing their faces? Their daughter just committed suicide because her husband died in a bomb blast, two weeks ago! Can you see their sad faces? Do you want your family to be like this as well? Will you get happiness by seeing them cry of their daughter’s death? Heck – I just saved you because I was helping you! It won’t matter to me if you die, because I don’t even know you! Why should I care? For me you will be a memory, a girl who I tried to save committed suicide because she wasn't strong enough to face her life! If you still want to commit suicide, then I will not stop you!” said Arnav in a low voice.

Khushi looked at the old couple who were crying their hearts out, because their daughter had committed suicide. Her heart was in pain. The stranger standing in front of her was right. If she gave up on life, she will be giving everyone around her pain. Yes, her husband has just left her but she needed to be strong. She finally broke down into sobs. Arnav turned around to see her crying. He gently soothed her back, rubbing her arms. He gave her his handkerchief to wipe her tears.

“He is never going to come back is he?” she asked innocently.

“No – but that doesn't mean you give up on your life! This is your past. It has already happened and there is nothing you could do to change that! You need to live your life, you will find someone that you like eventually!” explained Arnav.

“You don’t know how society treats a widow! They are defamed publicly  No-one will marry me now! I don’t even want to marry now! I loved Rohan!” she said, “And now he is gone forever!”

“Look, you need to be strong. Society attacks the weaklings but you have to make sure you don’t crumble like they expect to you to! If they attack, you have to counter-attack!” said Arnav.

“Who are you?” whispered Khushi, looking at him in amazement.