The Wilted Rose: Chapter 11

Writer's Comments

This is the last chapter of this story. Next one will be epilogue.

Sorry, I had to take a long break of two weeks. My life is very difficult at the moment of time. I have exams May-June which decide my career to be honest.

So I have decided to give you 1 update every week, from next week. I am so busy with preparations that I do not have time to type. So I hope everyone's okay with that arrangement. Also, when I get time, I might type extra but it depends on my times.

Also I will update every Wednesday, so just check that day.

Love, 

Mishty

Chapter 11

They all retired back to the ETF office. Khushi sat with Priya, and assured her that everything will be okay.

As soon as they stepped inside, Khushi’s parents ran to hug her, while her in-laws also looked at her.

“Bitya, they wouldn’t let us meet you! You are okay! My bachi is okay!” screamed her mother.

“Khushi,” her dad whispered.  She just hug them both. Soon they parted and she looked at her in-laws.

“I am sorry beti. You are still are daughter no matter what! Khushi we want you to move on, forget that there was ever any wedding. We can’t see you become a widow!” said Rohan’s dad. She looked at her mother-in-law.

“He is right Khushi! We cannot keep you confined in one house! Move on, even Rohan would want that!” said her mother-in-law. Khushi nodded with tears in her eyes. Khushi hugged them once again.

They soon separated. The ETF team came forward and explained to their parents that Singhania was the one who murdered their son, Rohan. The parents were shocked.

“Sorry, for keeping you here. We needed all the information and we also needed to keep Khushi hidden,” explained Rathod.

“However, now you’re free to go! The case is closed! Rohan’s body can now be returned to you,” said Arjun.

Rajan turned towards his dad and hugged him. His parents were at least happy that he was safe and sound. They looked to his right and found a girl, who was standing there. His parents and Rajan shared a look.

“She’s your future daughter-in-law!” said Rajan, in a tone which meant this was not meant to be discussed any further. His mom nodded his head.

Priya looked up at him alarmed and yelled “NO.”

“I will not marry you! I am not pure! You do not deserve me!” she yelled.

Rajan’s anger grew and he pulled her. She tried to get out of his embrace, by pushing him and hitting him on his chest. His hold just got tighter. Her jerked her, so she fell on him slightly.

“No – listen to me! PRIYA!” he yelled, which made her quiet. She was scared when he yelled. He could see the pain in her eyes.

“What has happened in the last couple of days does not change the fact about how much I love you. You are the purest woman I have met. I love you. You cannot leave me Priya. Without you I am a dark shadow.

“I need you in my life, beside me. I want you to be there with me through every phase of my life. I want to watch us grow old. I only want you. You are my heart and soul. I will not be able to live without you.

Somewhere, I am to blame for your condition. I could not look after you like I promised I would. You are not the one with the fault, I am. So don’t you dare blame yourself! I love you and you love me. That is the only thing important. Forget about everyone else. Marry me Priya. Marry me!” said Rajan.

She could only nod her head. They all clapped in glee with that confession. Arnav looked at Khushi, if only they could be ones like that.

Rajan pulled Priya for a hug. He kissed her on the forehead.

The parents then thanked the ETF team. Khushi’s parents came forward and thanked Arnav for all his help.

“Thank you, beta! You saved my daughter, May god bless you!” said Khushi’s mom.

“No aunty, it was nothing!” said Arnav.

“No it was, No-one does so much for anyone! Please come and visit us soon!” said Khushi’s dad.

“Please come for his funeral!” said Rohan’s dad.

“He would want you there! Also all of the ETF team as well, you got my son justice!” repeated Rohan’s Mum.

“I will be there!” said Arnav. The ETF team nodded as well.

Suddenly Rathod addressed both sets of parents and said that there has to be some formalities done so they can take the body home. The four elders left, leaving the youngsters.

After the case was closed, Arnav and Khushi decided to grab a coffee together, while Rajan soothed Priya.

There was a small canteen and they both decided to stay in there.

“So much has happened in these days! I thought I was strong, but I am not. I am very weak! If it wasn’t for you, then I would have gone into depression!” said Khushi, “After Singhania is caught, I have to go back to my house and stare at those dark walls.”

“Maybe you don’t have to be alone!” said Arnav. Khushi looked up at him confused, he explained slowly, letting his words sink in. He knew he was taking a risk.

“Maybe, you should truly move on in your life. Live like Rohan would want you to live!” said Arnav.

“You mean get married again?” shouted Khushi.

“Are you insane? Do you even know what you are talking about? Who would want to marry a widow?” asked Khushi.

“I would. I know we have only met each other since two days, but I know a lot about you already! You need to move on in your life khushi, so why not now? And the kiss in the morning proves that you like me too!”

“Arnav, I have just lost a husband. I cannot think of marrying someone else. That kiss – I was scared, worried, I had a shattered heart. I wasn’t thinking straight. I am sorry Arnav! I am sorry if I gave you the wrong signal. I am just not ready for this right now!” said Khushi.

She got up to leave but was stopped by a voice.

“I will wait for you Khushi, forever. When you know you are ready, you know where to find me!” said Arnav, he walked out of the headquarters, not looking back at her. He knew she needed space.

He will give her space.

Khushi felt him walk away. She knew she was harsh, but she was not mentally prepared to get married again. She loved Rohan, and would love him. She couldn’t just let someone else take her heart.

She couldn’t.

However, after watching him walk away from her, she felt that she just made the biggest mistake of her life. She found her parents; they hugged her once more and took her back to their house. She didn’t go to her in-laws because every inch of that house would remind her of Rohan. She couldn’t go back there, not without him, her Rohan.

Arjun Suryakanth Rawte was surprised. Now that was a first, even for him. He was amazed at the love Rajan had for Priya. At one point of time, he was like that. He used to be a well-behaved son, a romantic boyfriend and a caring husband. However at this point in time, all those emotions were gone.

However, there was one person who evoked all these emotions.

Riya Mukherjee.

She was attractive, fun, caring. She had all the traits of a good person in her. The first time he met her, he was mesmerized by her eyes. They spoke volumes. He had tried to stay away from her, constantly pushing her away, insulting her, hoping that she would go back to her research desk. However nothing had worked.

Instead, the attraction was growing even more.

However, today he realised that in life Change is constant and that life is too short. He would give the relationship a chance. He knew Roshni would want him to move on in his life. He would take things slow, see where they were heading. He won’t betray Roshni, he would make her happy. The realisation brought a rare smile on his face, as he watched Riya laughing with Shree.

Everyone needed love in their lives, even those who never wanted to love again.