Branded: Prologue

A FF collaboration between myself (Mishty Shah) and Mrinalini!

I will be updating on blog, while a thread has been opened on IF as well. 

Please shower us with your love!

Writer's Comments

Well, we have just started. We hope you like the concept. This concept was given to me by a dear friend "Annie Anshra". So thank you my dear friend. I hope we do justice to your story!

Love,

~ Mishty and Mrinalini ~

Prologue

It was a dark night. The wind was howling while the trees were swaying in the silver moon light. It was the night of the bring celebration. In the outskirts of Delhi, a black limousine lined up in front of the Raizada Farmhouse. The door opened to reveal a handsome man. The press was cooing with excitement. Reporters were trying to get as near as possible.

Arnav Singh Raizada stepped out of the limousine, with his two bodyguards. He was a dark, handsome man. Dominance oozed out of his body. He was dressed in a crisp, black suit. Every girl wanted to stand next to him, just so it could flourish their careers. His face revealed nothing as he strode into his mansion.

He had just won the title of being “The Best Business Man of 2013”. It was something to be proud of. The party was held at his farmhouse to honour this success. He didn’t spare a glance at anyone. The party had already started, but ASR was known to attend parties late.

The minute he entered, there was silence in the hall, and everyone began to clap with joy. He made a short speech, of thanking each and everyone to attend this party and for congratulating him on his success. Glasses were raised and toasts were made.

As soon as that was finished, he swiftly walked to the bar to join his best friends. Rickesh and Vicky looked up when he arrived and gave him a hug.

“Congratulations, my friend. You deserve it,” said Rickesh.

“Yes congrats. Now since you are finally here, let’s get this party started!” said Vicky.

“Thanks, it’s good to be back. AR designs is now internationally the best!” said Arnav.

“Yes, all to your hard work!” said Rickesh.

Rickesh and Vicky ushered the waiter to arrange some shots. Arnav looked at them and was nodding no, but Rickesh held him and made him down a shot.

Then another one.

Then a third.

Then a fourth.

Fifth.

Sixth.

By the sixth shot, Arnav was totally gone. He was smashed. Vicky and Rickesh helped him outside, into the garden, by the sycamore tree. It was there spot. They always used to hang out side by this tree. They had also bought some drinks with them outside. Suddenly the garden lights were switched off. It was too dark. They couldn’t even see each other’s faces, someone must have accidentally switched off the lights.

They sat him down, by the tree.

“Now the real celebration starts!” said Vicky.

Soon Rickesh and Vicky were also heavily drunk due to the strong bourbon spirits. They nudged Arnav by the tree. He was looking at them.

“I like your secretary, she’s hot!” said Rickesh.

“Yeah – how come you haven’t bedded her yet? If you won’t, I will!” said Vicky.

“She’s just after the money and the status – like all the other bitches!” spat out Arnav.

“What you need to do, is to have some sex with a stranger!” suggested Rickesh.

“Yeah – dude. That is perfect. You can do it tonight as well. It’s the celebration night – you deserve some relief!” said Vicky.

“No, you pricks. I can’t just have some sex with a stranger!” shouted Arnav, opening another bottle to drink.

“I dare you – Arnav Singh Raizada to have sex with a stranger! Come on, be a man! We will go inside, and send you a nice girl to enjoy! You wait here!” said Rickesh.

“Yeah, we will get a line of girls, they aren’t gonna refuse some hot mid-night sex with you!” said Vicky.

Before, Arnav could utter a syllable, they were gone. Arnav carried on drinking, thinking that they will send someone.

The Wilted Rose: Epilogue

Writer's Comments

Well, this is final update. I hope you like it and it is not too cheesy for you all. Life isn't perfect you all and people do not get everything you want. Well I hope you liked this journey.

So please show your love by your comments. 

Love, 

Mishty

Epilogue

It had been a few days since the funeral of Rohan. She had seen him there. His eyes only held pain, for her. The brown orbs which always used to give her energy to live had now lost their spark. His eyes had dark circles.

He didn't once look at her during the funeral. It was just the family, he supported.

He was there for them. Somehow that thought was not very pleasing.

Did she want him to look at her?

Maybe –

Did she want him to support her?

Yes.

No –

Maybe.

The ETF team also came to the funeral, to give her there support. Rohan was an integral part of her life, one that she just can’t forget. He was her best friend, lover and husband. He was everything.

She liked Arnav, just as a friend, maybe because he saved her life, which made her feel slightly guilty at her behavior towards him. However was guilt enough, to just marry him?

No, it wasn't.

She knew that she had made the right decision, but why does this decision hurt so much?

It was then that she decided that was over thinking things and just left it. She saw him walk away from her – for the second time.

~ 6 Months Later ~

She felt really tired. Her eyes were forming dark circles. She just couldn’t sleep at night. She thought that after coming to her parent’s house, she might forget all the tragic things that have been happening in her life, but it was a nightmare that kept coming back. Whenever she closed her eyes, she could only see him. His soft, brown, orbs looking at her.

His eyes were haunting her.

After the funeral, she hadn't seen him. She couldn’t see him, because she knew that she was lying to herself when she had said that he wasn't affecting her.

He was. One look at him now, and she would agree to his every demand.

These 6 months had been hard. Everyone around her was frustrating her. They were showing her their sympathy. She didn’t want sympathy; she just wanted to behave normally. She wanted to forget about it, but the people around her, wouldn’t let her. She had moved out of her parents place. She needed some space, needed to be around new people, yet everything reminded of Arnav.

For once she admitted to herself that she was wrong about the whole thing. Right now – she was not moving on, she was exactly the same. The only thing that changed was the location.

She needed to see him.

She loved him. But would that betray Rohan’s love?

No it wouldn’t! Rohan would want her to be happy, and her happiness lies within Arnav.

She needed a companion, and some people said it right, that life is just too short, and you should spend it with someone who you like.

She needed to go and see him.

She will go, today.

Khushi had reached AR designs. It was almost lunch time. She didn't want to miss him. She walked up to the receptionist.

“Hello...Can you please point out Arnav Singh Raizada’s cabin? I need to see him, it is very important!” said khushi.

“Your name, ma’am?” asked the receptionist.

“Khushi Gupta,” replied Khushi.

“You’re the Khushi! Ma’am come this way, Sir has been expecting you!” replied the receptionist. She gave her a wide grin.

Expecting her?

Now that was unexpected. She didn't remember informing him that she was coming to see him.

Now that was a shock.

Does that mean all this time; he knew that she would come to him?

That he had been waiting for her to come. The receptionist led her upstairs, into one of the private lifts, which was only used by the staff members.

Most of the people were staring at her, probably wondering who she was.

She was here now, but now she felt nervous.

What would she say?

Would Arnav even listen to her now?

These questions were constantly being played in her mind. They halted just outside the cabin door, and the receptionist bid adieu, and left.

She knocked lightly on the cabin door, hoping that he wouldn’t hear it and then she would be forced to go back.

Arnav was reading through the file, when he heard a faint knock. He said “come in”. He heard the door open, and someone enter.

There was silence for a few minutes, and then he looked up.

It was her.

He didn't know what to believe, was she standing here for real? Or was she just a fragment of his imagination. He got up and walked up to her.

“Hi,” she said meekly, as she felt him move closer.

“Why are you here?” asked Arnav.

She could see he was tired. Tired of working or her?

He had grown a light beard. It looked sexy.

She had always been attracted to him; he carried a strong aura around him, which could make any woman weak in the knees, not that she would admit that to him.

“I had a few things to say to you, that I should have said 6 months ago, but I am saying them now!” said Khushi. He nodded his head to tell her to carry on.

“When you said to move on, I wanted to but it wasn't easy. I was a widow and Rohan was the love of my life. I had just lost him and in a way I would be betraying his love, if I married you.

“I walked away at that time, away from you. When I saw you at the funeral, I saw how you helped my family yet again. You didn't have to, but you did. You didn't once look at me. I thought you might be angry, but all I saw was pain, which I gave you. I let you walk away again.

“I tried to stay away from you, away from your care. These six months have been very painful. I missed a friend, a lover and a husband. There was no-one to fill that void. I couldn’t go to sleep, because every night, I would only see you.

“I was trying to not give you Rohan’s place in my heart, but I didn't realise that you already made space for yourself!” said Khushi.

Arnav stared at her in shock.

Tears were pouring out her eyes. He wanted to go up to her and kiss her senseless, but he also wanted to hear her thoughts. He wanted to know, what was in her mind. He always knew that she would come back, but he didn't imagine it to be like this.

He had already said to his receptionist, that one day a girl named “Khushi Gupta” would come, and at that time, she was to bring her straight to this cabin, using the private elevator. He was pulled out of his thoughts, when he heard her speak again.

“I can’t remove Rohan out of my mind, he was my first love, but I will try to move on. I want to give us a chance. I want to feel loved. I know I have given you lots of pain and you probably don’t want to see me again...” said Khushi, but she was instantly hushed by Arnav’s hand on her mouth.

In the next minute, she was pulled into his arms and kissed senselessly. His lips molded over hers in an erotic dance. His arms soothed her back, while pulling her in more deeply, so that her body was perfectly aligned with his. His tongue danced with hers, nipping and teasing. Her heart beat soared with this kiss. His arms moved from her back to her hips, pulling and squeezing, eliciting sweet moans from her mouth.

It was a few minutes before their passionate kiss had ended. She looked up dazed at him, shocked. She had never been kissed before, never on the lips. Her eyes blinked twice to see if she was dreaming or did that kiss really happen?

She saw a smirk on his face, and instantly knew that it was true. She had been kissed. A soft blush decorated her face. She looked like a fresh red rose.

He pulled her more into his arms and made her look up at him.

“Never say that I don’t want you. I will always want you. I told you that I would always wait for you. I love you khushi. I know that you can’t forget Rohan. I don’t want you to, but I hope you can make some room for me too!” said Arnav with a smile.

Who said you can’t get lucky?

He just did.

Khushi nodded her head with a smile. Arnav bent down and kissed her head and whispered “I love you,” into her ears.

Khushi hugged him and said “I love you too!”

It was not the perfect ending, but a fresh, new beginning for both of them.

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.