Horizons of Love✓

Part 9

 It is easier for mind, to forget than to forgive

"Nani humein lagta hai, humein sab ko Buaji ke ghar jaakar sab clear karna chahiye. Jo bhi hua hai,  jisne jo bhi kiya hai us sab ki humein unse maafi mangani chahiye."(Nani, I think we should go to GH and apologize for everything.) Anjali suggested focusing on salvaging whatever little was left.Everyone agreed with her and they went to GH.

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At GH

Raizadas meet Guptas and they discussed what all was there in reports, also they elaborately told them about Shyam. Guptas shuddered to think what if he had succeeded in his plans about Khushi. What if he had killed Shashi ! They had interpreted all his signals about Shyam in just opposite direction. It was DM's blessings that saved them. They realised how foolish they had been in trying to save Anjali's marriage. It was not their decision to make, her pregnancy or not. Least they could have done is inform Devyaniji and let Raizadas decide whether Shyam the monster deserved second chance. In their stupidity, his crimes of attacking Shashi, attempts on Anjali's life had gone undetected. They truly regretted not informing Raizadas, reasons like Payal's, Anjali's marriage seemed so hollow now. 

 Guptas and Raizadas consoled each other and finally the issue of ugly past was addressed. Arnav wept bitterly on his knees before Garima and apologized to her. Garima, who somewhere understood his anger towards 'the other woman' decided not to keep the grudge and forgave him. It helped her assuage the meaningless guilt that she always had in her mind.She had always felt for both the children, though Anjali was hardly  younger to her. But their relationship was that type. She hugged Anjali and Arnav who kept on asking forgiveness even as brother sister duo protested. 

Shashi didn't want to see his face and it was very clear from his expressions. Arnav apologized hundred times for assaulting and abusing her and Khushi but Garima didn't say its ok even once. Buaji who felt sympathy for him and Anjali after learning about Maliks was angry when Arnav brought up the topic of Khushi. Khushi unaware of this drama happening at GH was enjoying lunch break at school.  

Arnav and Akash made sure that Shashi's medications were as per the genuine prescription and got all of the medicines changed as a precaution. They offered for assistance of any kind. It was their duty as son-in-laws. Garima was hesitant with SIL tag but didn't protest. Buaji wanted to rebuke Arnav but controlled herself before Nani, who had been gracious and helpful throughout. Raizadas sans Arnav left after sometime. Arnav waited for Khushi to return home.He was anxious and nervous. Their last meet was disaster and so shameful that he had no idea how to talk to her but stayed back anyway. Buaji scowled at him as soon as they were alone and got up to help Shashi to his room. His presence was clearly unwelcome and he knew he was testing patience of even Garima, who like others seemed hostile on Khushi's matter. He asked her uncomfortable questions about their past three months(2 months and 20 days). About progress in Shashi's treatment, came to know about his physiotherapy sessions. He felt shameful for having turned his back on his in-laws.  He came to know that Khushi now taught at a school.  Garima tried to avoid her topic as much as possible. Khushi had yesterday told them about her decision of  not informing him about baby, she knew not why. 

She didn't know how to ask him to leave and looking at the way Buaji had left, she had no hope of help from her. Garima had never been a rude person and Arnav didn't seem to catch hint from her actions. So she got up with excuse of cooking.  Arnav in his guilt paid little attention to her so obvious gestures or you can say he understood but shamelessly sat there. He wanted to know everything about Khushi, it was his guilt for keeping her out of his life for about 3 months. She came back by 2 pm usually, he was told. It was 12 pm. Two more hours! He was scared and nervous to face her after office fiasco. He clearly recalled all bullshit he spoke two days before and warning Khushi gave him about never forgiving him. She had mourned his death. All that he said to her in anger, in his quest to hurt her the deepest, came rushing back to him. In anger we don't say what we believe is true, we say things which we know will hurt the other person. We go so blind in our quest to hurt, cause damage to the other party that we forget the repercussions of our deeds. Same happened here. Arnav knew where it hurts her the most and he kept going, just to satisfy 'so called itch' of his anger. He knew it was both their first time but still spoke all that fu**ing shit to her and now it has come back to bite him. So, finally he gave into his fears about her reaction and decided to go back and come again tomorrow, after gathering his guts.