Accepting Reality

Part 2 - New Beginnings

Arnav's car sped through the quiet streets, heading towards Sheeshmahal. Khushi sat silently, her mind a whirlwind of emotions—fear, uncertainty, and a glimmer of hope. The grandeur of Sheeshmahal loomed ahead, its elegant architecture illuminated against the night sky. As they arrived, Khushi's heart pounded with trepidation. Arnav guided her inside, where they were met by a warm, kind woman with a gentle smile.

Arnav: "Khushi, this is my sister, Anjali. You will stay with her tonight. Tomorrow, we'll travel to Delhi."

Khushi: "But sir how can I?"

Arnav: "Just do as I say! Di make sure she is comfortable."

Anjali: "Come, Khushi. You must be exhausted," she said kindly, taking Khushi's hand and leading her away.

Later that night, after settling Khushi into a guest room, Arnav and Anjali sat together in the living room, reflecting on the day's events. Anjali looked at her brother thoughtfully.

Anjali: "She is very beautiful, do you like her?"

Arnav: "Di c'mon"

Anjali: "What?? I am just asking? I mean it's not everyday you bring a girl home and that too you are taking her to Delhi?"

Arnav: "Di, it's nothing like what you are thinking!"

Anjali: "Then what is it? The great rude and arrogant ASR being kind to a normal girl. She doesn't look like one of your fashion house people also."

Arnav: "She came to the fashion show by mistake, some of our people changed her dupatta and pushed her on the stage. She ruined the end, couldn't walk on the ramp so I thought somebody sent her to spoil our show and locked her in a room."

Anjali: "What? How could you lock her? Is that why you are keeping her here? Chote find out about her family and drop her back home. Come I will apologise to them."

Arnav: "Sit here di, let me complete. She told me it was her sister's wedding tonight, so I dropped her back to her place and there what I heard made me shiver."

Arnav recited the entire story and Anjali also had tears in her eyes.

Anjali (softly): "You brought her here to protect her, didn't you? She reminds you of us. Vulnerable, lost, and in need of a chance."

Arnav: "Her tears, her pleads just broke my heart di. I had you and you had me, she has no one. If those temple people didn't help us we wouldn't have been able to reach Naani and Maama so easily. Don't know how many days we would have to spend in that condition! Somebody helped us to reach here, we should help somebody to reach their destination as well, right?"

Anjali: "You're doing the right thing, Chote. She deserves a chance to rebuild her life. What are you thinking for her though? Give her a place in ARD!"

Arnav: "I will talk to her tomorrow, she's been through so much for the day."

Arnav lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind was unable to find peace. The events of the day had stirred up old memories, nightmares that had haunted him for years. As sleep eluded him, he found himself drifting back to that fateful night when he and Anjali were thrown out onto the streets from their own home. The biting cold, the fear in Anjali's eyes, and the crushing weight of betrayal from those they had trusted. His heart clenched with the familiar pain. No matter how successful he became, those memories were like shadows, always lurking in the corners of his mind. Seeing Khushi's vulnerable state had struck a chord deep within him. He saw a reflection of his past struggles in her eyes.

The next morning, Khushi woke up to the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the ornate curtains of her room in Sheeshmahal. She blinked, disoriented for a moment, before the memories of the previous day came rushing back. As she sat up, Khushi's heart felt heavy with the weight of her new reality. She had been torn away from everything she knew, thrust into an unknown world with people she barely understood. The betrayal of her family, especially Buaji and Payal, stung deeply. She had always believed that family was a source of unconditional love and support, but their actions had shattered that belief. Yet, amidst her sorrow, there was a glimmer of hope. Arnav Singh Raizada, a man of immense power and influence, had stepped in to protect her. Khushi felt a strange mixture of gratitude and fear towards him. As she dressed and prepared to meet Arnav and Anjali, Khushi steeled herself. She couldn't afford to be weak. Khushi approached Arnav hesitantly.