Posted:
Thread 4!!! I can't believe this story has made it this far. Thank you so much you guys for all the love and support and help with this FF. I really appreciate it and I hope I can continue to keep it interesting for you. Here' the next part. Hope you like it. : )
Thread 1 http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1780940
Thread 2 http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2242602
Thread 2 http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2242602
Thread 3 http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2758196
Part 33-Page 1
Part 34-Page 20
Part 35-Page 31
Part 36-Page 40
Part 37-Page 55
Part 38-Page 66
Part 33
3 months later
"Damn my back is killing me!" Jai complained as him and Arjun walked off the football field. "You're getting old." Arjun said with a smile and a loud thump on Jai's back. "We're the same age!" Jai snapped as he slowed down a little. They had just spent the afternoon playing football with friends. Jai's first afternoon out for something other then work since his and Lara's baby girl arrived 1 month ago. "I should check up on Zara" Jai said as they stopped infront of their bags and he pulled out his Iphone. Arjun took a swig of water from his water bottle and watched his friend as he asked to speak to his new baby daughter and then proceeded to make little cooing noises at her. "Dada will be home soon baby girl." he was promising. A sad smile touched Arjun's face and he looked away. His throat suddenly constricting. He too would have been a father soon...how far along would Arohi have been by now? he thought to himself. And as usual as the thought entered his mind he quickly shook it away. "Arjun." Jai said from behind him. Arjun turned around and forced a laid back smile on his face. "How is she?" Arjun asked. Jai looked at his friend, his eyes seeing everything even what Arjun wanted to hide. "She's great, I swear she's a genius, she's only a month old but she can already say dada." Jai said with a smile. Arjun chuckled as he picked up his bag. "I'm sure she'll be reciting the alphabet to you by the time the week is up." he joked. Jai smiled like a proud papa. "No, dada is good enough, I don't want her growing up to fast." Jai replied. "You and Lara made one hell of beautiful baby." Arjun said. "Lara, I knew was going to be an amazing mom...but Zara got pretty lucky in getting a natural dad like you." Arjun said, genuinely happy for his friend. Jai grinned. "What's the date?" "I need to document this date because this is the first time in the history of our friendship that you have paid me a compliment!" Jai joked. Arjun raised a brow in a silent "don't push it" that had Jai cracking up. "Well thanks I'm truly blessed to have my girls." "They make life perfect." Jai said. Arjun nodded growing quiet as they walked to their respective cars. "Have you spoken to Arohi?" Jai asked a few moments later. "You know we speak once a week." Arjun replied quietly. "I ask her how she's doing?" "If she needs anything?" "She says she's doing fine and no she doesn't need anything." "We discuss the weather in Chandigarh and Mumbai, she asks how I am?" "I say fine." "Sometimes she tells me about some neighbor she had a conversation with or what she had for dinner." "Then she asks if I'm eating properly." "I answer ofcourse and then we sit through a few moments of awkward silence and then I tell her I love her, she tells me she loves me and we hang up. " Arjun finished. "Why don't you ask her to come home?" Jai said as they stopped infront of their vehicles. "No, she left because she wanted to work things out by herself so when she's ready she can come home." Arjun replied, a bitter edge to his voice. "You're still upset with her?" Jai asked. "No...yes damnit I am upset with her and I'm upset with myself but none of that matters because neither one of us is going to talk about it." "And I guess we'll continue living this way until one of us just can't." Arjun replied, staring off into the distance at the sinking sun. Jai turned to watch it set. "I know it looks bleak now but you two love each other too much to just let this marriage fall apart." Jai said. Arjun gave a mirthless laugh. "I think that boat has already sailed my friend." "The marriage has fallen apart, now we just need to decide if we're going to pick up the pieces and try to put it back together or just leave them as is...broken and mangled." Arjun replied. Jai shook his head but then forced a smile on his face. "Forget that, you're coming to the party we're having for Zara next weekend right?" "Don't even think about backing out." Jai warned as Arjun opened his mouth to make up an excuse. "Zara needs her Arjun chachu there, what are you going to say to her when she's older and she asks why you weren't at her first party." Jai asked. Arjun rolled his eyes and smiled. "Fine, I'll be there." "What should I get for her?' he asked. "Nothing, you've already bought her enough stuff to fill a bloody house!" Jai said with a roll of his eyes. Arjun laughed as he got into his car, and as he turned one last time to say something to Jai.. he stopped. Jai was on the phone this time flirting with his wife. Picking up his own phone he debated calling Arohi. What if instead of talking about the weather he asked her "Why the hell are you still in Chandigarh when your place is supposed to be with me... your husband!" He wondered what would happen to their calm and distant conversations then? He stared at his phone for a moment and then threw it on the passenger side of the car. No, it was best to just stick to talking about the weather.
"Lily, I don't want to be disturbed!" Arjun snapped as he stared at the spreadsheet infront of him, mentally checking calculations. "Hi Arjun." had him snapping his head up. "What do you want?" Arjun asked rudely. Niki's bright smile fell but she forced it back up. She looked stunning, like she usually did. Her hair straight and perfect falling down her back. A grey pencil skirt hugged her slim hips, and she wore a blue silk blouse and a matching grey jacket. Her make up was flawless. But all Arjun saw was how cold and fake she looked. How brittle and conniving she really was. How her eyes weren't bright and happy and full of innocence like Arohi's. No, Niki's eyes, he didn't no why he didn't see it before, Niki's eyes were calculating and shady, her gaze always on the prize, which had been him this time. "I was just in the neighborhood and I thought I'd see how you were doing." she began. Arjun gave her a shrewd look. "Maybe I wasn't clear when I told you and your father that if you want to see any money come out of this project I want zero involvement from you." "Your father seemed to understand but judging from the fact that this is the 2nd time you've shown up here, I'm thinking you didn't understand." "So now when I have my security throw you out on your ass, humiliate you infront of my staff and whoever else may be in the vicity, then maybe you will understand!" Arjun said coldly. Niki's face flushed red. "You have no right to speak to me like that Arjun!" "I came to make sure you're okay." "You're wife walked out on you and I'm just trying to be a friend, I'm trying to be there for you!" Niki stammered. Arjun took a deep breath and said "I don't need any more friends Niki, especially not friends like you." "Now get out and don't come back." Arjun ordered. But Niki was in full crazy mode today. "I think the reason you don't want me around you is because you want me." "It scares you how much you want me." Niki said. "What I don't understand is why you're not acting upon it.' "I mean Arohi is gone, so why can't you and I have some fun...I'm sure she's having lots of fun herself." Niki said with a sly smile. Arjun was around his desk in seconds, his face rigid with anger, grabbing Niki's arm in a vise like grip he hit a button on his phone. "Security I have an intruder up here, I want her escorted out of the building." Arjun snapped. As he hung up he glared at a frightened Niki. "Arjun, you're hurting me!" she whined. "Good, because of you my wife was hurt too." "Now let's get one thing straight, if I ever hear you utter my wife's name again, I will make you wish you'd never laid eyes on me." "I don't want you, I have no desire to touch you or be with you." "Arohi is the only woman I will ever want. "You come in a 100 m radius of Arohi or myself and I will slap a restraining order against you so fast your head will spin." "Understand?" Arjun snapped. Niki nodded as tears fell down her face. As security walked in Arjun pushed her towards them. "This woman is not allowed on this premise, if she gets in again, you're all fired!" Arjun snapped to the few members of this extensive security team that was present. They nodded and with one last look of contempt Arjun watched Niki being escorted out. "Pyscho!" Arjun snapped running a hand through his hair. "What was that?" Jai asked as he walked in having just seen Niki being escorted out. "That was psycho Niki at her best." "I swear why was I so blind to her craziness before?" Arjun asked with a shake of his head. "Because you were too busy working on the next deal, too busy seeing growth opportunities, and your name as business man of the year AGAIN!" "I on the other hand have none of those aspirations so I have lots of time to see how psycho crazy someone is or isn't!" Jai replied with a lift of his brow. Arjun paused for a moment and then burst out laughing. "You're an idiot!" Arjun said but even as he returned to his work he thought back to those months. What else had he missed? He'd missed the pain in Arohi's eyes when he canceled another dinner date, he missed the times she cried after their fights because he'd fallen asleep not thinking that it was anything serious. Not thinking that she would ever leave him. He'd missed a lot, and now when he was finally opening his eyes it looked like it might already be too late. Maybe he missed the fact that she wasn't really coming back.
"Drink sir?" a server asked. "Yes, thank you." Arjun replied grabbing a beer off the tray.. Arjun stood with a group of his and Jai's friends as they talked sports. He glanced up to see Jai walk into the room with his princess Zara in his arms. His grin showed just how happy he was. No one deserved it more then Jai. He was an all round good guy who was a great husband and father, wonderful son and brother and a true friend. Arjun made his way over to Jai and Lara, kissing Lara's cheek and shaking Jai's hand. "Let's see the princess." he said. As Arjun peered down at sleeping Zara he smiled. "Thank god she got Lara's looks." Arjun joked. Jai smiled and looked fondly at his wife. "Yeah, thank god." Lara blushed and Arjun felt like he was intruding on a private moment. As he moved to walk away Lara grabbed his arm. "Isn't Zara's favorite chachu going to hold her?" she asked. Arjun smiled and putting down his beer he carefully took Zara into his arms. Feeling a little awkward as he held her. "Is this okay?" he asked Lara who nodded and smiled. Arjun couldn't stop staring down at Zara. She was so tiny, tiny fingers curled up into a fist, tiny little button nose, with her tiny little pouty lips. Even her ears were tiny and perfect. His heart clenched in his chest and he stood in awe staring at this perfect creature in his arms. "Arohi." he heard the name from beside him and he felt his whole being come to a stop. His breathing, his movement, his heart. Slowly he raised his head and there stood infront of him a dream. It must be a dream he thought as he blinked a few times. But no, she was still there. Arohi, wearing a pale pink shimmering sari with sequins work on her border. Her hair was pulled back from her face and cascading down her back. Her make up pretty and minimal. Arjun and Arohi continued to stare at each other. Time stood still as their eyes stayed on each other. Arohi's heart beat an erratic drum into her ears as she took in the picture her Arjun made with a child in his arms. It looked so right, except it was wrong because their child was gone. Arohi felt that familiar pain that never really went a way. only dulled, she felt it resurface. Forcing it back down, taking short breaths she forced herself to look away from Arjun. A few moments later, composed again she made her way to Lara, Jai and Arjun still standing with the baby. Only his eyes were no longer on her but on Zara. "Arohi!" Lara said happily. "You got ready so quickly." "Did you find everything okay?" Lara asked. Arohi nodded. peaking a glance at Arjun who was now staring openly at her. "Hello Arohi." he said evenly. Arohi swallowed slowly. Was it possible that he could be even more handsome then he was the last time she saw him. "Hi Arjun." she said staring at Zara now. "When did you get back?" he asked his voice curt now. "Yesterday." she replied which had him clenching his jaw and giving Jai a glare. "Lara, let's take Zara and mingle!" Jai said quickly taking his daughter from Arjun's arms. Arjun let him go vowing to give Jai a piece of his mind later. "You didn't mention you were coming for the party, infact the last time we spoke you had no plans on coming." Arjun replied suddenly feeling hurt. Here he thought about her hourly and she'd been back for a whole day and didn't even bother to come to him. Meaning nothing had changed in their 3 month separation. She was still angry with him and he was still damn well hurt. "I wasn't going to come but Lara convinced me...it really was a last minute decision." Arohi said. "A last minute decision that you didn't think was necessary to tell me about." Arjun said quietly. " I could have come to get you at the airport...and you have a home you shouldn't be staying with Lara and Jai." "You damn well have a home!" Arjun said bitterly as he picked up a drink off a passing tray. Arohi bit her lip. "I know, I just wasn't sure you'd want me there." she replied quietly. Arjun's eyes flashed to her face. "That's your home and always will be, no one wanting you or not wanting you there will change that." he replied. "Just because you keep leaving it doesn't mean it's not yours." he said bitterly as he took a gulp of his drink. Arohi felt tears rush to her eyes as she stared at the set expression on his face. His eyes focused on something across the room. This wasn't how she pictured there first meeting after 3 months. But what did she expect? She'd left in a horrible way, saying things that were painful. She was in a bad place and Arjun had taken the brunt of it. It didn't take her long to miss him in Chadigarh, and wish that he would come for her. But he never did. Their remote weekly conversations usually left her in tears for the rest of the day. She could feel him slipping away from her. She knew that if she told him to come get her he would have, but so many things had happened between them that she was scared that when she did see him she wouldn't see her old Arjun, but someone who had no interest in salvaging their marriage. Right now she herself wasn't sure she had interest in salvaging her marriage. The only thing she knew for sure was the sight of Arjun still made her heart race. She still felt that overwhelming feeling of wanting to run into his arms and let him hold her tightly. She still loved him. But was love really enough?
"It's so good to have you home." Maria said as she brought it a stack on towels to put into Arohi's bathroom. Arohi smiled and looked around her room. Things had come full circle. She was back in the room she started in when she first came into this house as Arjun's bride. Their relationship had been unsure then...and it was unsure now. But this time around she was in love with the man that was her husband. They' gone through trial, and tribulation, they'd known the joy of being expectant parents how ever short the time was, and they'd know the loss of a child. How a part of you is never the same again. They had that in common now. They'd known great happiness and they'd known pain and hurt given to each other by each other. And they'd known love. Real and true love, love that never died but again love wasn't always enough. If it had been enough then they wouldn't have spent so much time apart from each other. They wouldn't have abandoned each other at the worst time in their lives. They would have fought harder. "Tomorrow morning I'm having cook make your favorite breakfast, with fresh home made jalebis." Maria said interrupting her thoughts as she made her way to leave. Arohi grabbed her hand and stopped her. "Has Arjun been taking care of himself?" she asked softly. Maria nodded. "Your weekly phone call to me about is he eating okay, sleeping enough, working too much should have answered all that." Maria replied making Arohi blush. "He's been sad and lonely without you." "But now that you're home everything will be fine." Maria promised. Arohi smiled praying that Maria was right.
"Are you starting back at the school?" Arjun asked as Arohi sat down at breakfast the next morning and sipped on her coffee. Arohi glanced up as Arjun folded hs newspaper and placed it next to him. "They don't have a position for me right now but in the new semester they think they should." "Until then I'm helping out at the youth centre with tutoring." Arohi replied. Arjun nodded and turned his attention back to his breakfast. A few minutes of awkward silence had Arohi asking "Are you working late tonight?" Arjun's gaze shifted back to her. "I'll be home for dinner." he replied and then said "I gotta go." "Have a good day." and with that he was gone. Arohi stared after him. There had been no sign of the loving caring Arjun that she'd known. Even when they were fighting his anger and his possessiveness showed how much he did love her. Picking at her breakfast she finally just got up and moved to call Shefali. Maybe some shopping would help pull her out of this slump.
Arjun passed by Arohi's bedroom and stopped when his gaze settling on her pretty face as she braided her hair. She'd been back home for just over a week and his big l empty house felt full again. Amazing how one person could do that. But it wasn't just any person who had that ability...it was only Arohi. Arohi hummed to some unknown beat as her chooria jingled with the tune. Today she wore a white and yellow salwar kameez. God she was beautiful he thought to himself. Since she'd come home a week ago he had stopped himself countless times from pulling her into his arms. He wanted to hold her, know that she was real and not just a figment of his imagination. He wanted to ask her what took her so long and he wanted to tell her that he would never let her leave again. But he didn't do any of that. Instead he got angry, and he felt pain, and he did his best to protect himself. So he retreated until he felt there was a safe distance between them. "Arjun..." Arohi said breaking into his thoughts. Arjun stiffened and forced himself to look at her. "Are you settled back in?" he asked tonelessly. "Do you need anything?" he added. Arohi shook her head. "I'm fine." she replied softly. "Arlight, I'll see you at dinner then." he said already moving away from the door. Arohi stared after him with a sense of deja vu. After the kind of year they had just had they were really back to this? she thought to herself. "No!" she muttered as she got up and quickly raced out of her room. Arjun who was loosening his tie and just shutting his door was surprised to have the door pushed open. "What the hell?!" he snapped as the door hit his leg. Frowning at Arohi he backed up as she shut the door behind her. Arjun watched as she stood infront of him biting her bottom lip and wringing her hands. "I...I...how are you?" she suddenly said. Arjun raised a brow and pulling off his tie he threw it in on the bed starting to unbutton his shirt. "Fine." he replied tonelessly. "Is there something you needed Arohi?" he asked again. "No...well yes." "I think we need to talk." she replied, the words rushing out of her. "About?" he asked as he slipped his shirt off and threw it on the bed and stalked towards his closet. He smirked as he saw Arohi blush and avert her eyes from him. "Am I making you uncomfortable Arohi?" he asked as he pulled out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Arohi quickly shook her head. She was blushing and she didn't know why! Considering how intimate they'd been in their marriage one would think she wouldn't have any issues with seeing Arjun half dressed." But apparently 3 months away and she was a blushing bride again. They really were going backwards! "I need to take a shower Arohi, so can whatever you have to talk about wait?" he asked, already moving to the bathroom door. Arohi wanted to say NO! No this couldn't wait..day by day the rift between them was getting bigger and she couldn't wait another second to discuss it. Taking her silence to mean the conversation could wait, Arjun walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him. Arohis hands settled on her hips and she scowled after Arjun, and the next thing she knew her feet were practically flying to the bathroom and she was throwing the door open. "Arohi, the what the hell are you doing?!" Arjun asked as he grabbed a towel to cover himself. "I..." Arohi looked at him and then quickly looked away. Had she completely lost her mind she thought to herself as the blush on her face deepened. They stared at each other in silence until Arjun finally said "I'm going to go ahead and take that shower, either you're joining me or you know where the door is...go ahead and use it." And before Arohi could say a word he dropped the towel and stepped into the shower. Throwing a smirk over his shoulder at her he slowly shut the shower door. Arohi stood frozen for a second, staring at the shower door and thinking about the naked man on the other side. It was so tempting to join him...just slip out of her clothes and step into that shower. That smirk that Arjun just threw her way would sure disappear fast. And god knew she wanted to but... It was at that "but" that she quickly turned on her heal and ran from the bathroom and then quickly out of his room and into her own. "What am I doing?' she asked herself. "Seriously Arohi, what did that little scenario prove other then you are still so attracted to him, which is no surprise...and that he's not planning on making anything easy on you.
3 months later
"Damn my back is killing me!" Jai complained as him and Arjun walked off the football field. "You're getting old." Arjun said with a smile and a loud thump on Jai's back. "We're the same age!" Jai snapped as he slowed down a little. They had just spent the afternoon playing football with friends. Jai's first afternoon out for something other then work since his and Lara's baby girl arrived 1 month ago. "I should check up on Zara" Jai said as they stopped infront of their bags and he pulled out his Iphone. Arjun took a swig of water from his water bottle and watched his friend as he asked to speak to his new baby daughter and then proceeded to make little cooing noises at her. "Dada will be home soon baby girl." he was promising. A sad smile touched Arjun's face and he looked away. His throat suddenly constricting. He too would have been a father soon...how far along would Arohi have been by now? he thought to himself. And as usual as the thought entered his mind he quickly shook it away. "Arjun." Jai said from behind him. Arjun turned around and forced a laid back smile on his face. "How is she?" Arjun asked. Jai looked at his friend, his eyes seeing everything even what Arjun wanted to hide. "She's great, I swear she's a genius, she's only a month old but she can already say dada." Jai said with a smile. Arjun chuckled as he picked up his bag. "I'm sure she'll be reciting the alphabet to you by the time the week is up." he joked. Jai smiled like a proud papa. "No, dada is good enough, I don't want her growing up to fast." Jai replied. "You and Lara made one hell of beautiful baby." Arjun said. "Lara, I knew was going to be an amazing mom...but Zara got pretty lucky in getting a natural dad like you." Arjun said, genuinely happy for his friend. Jai grinned. "What's the date?" "I need to document this date because this is the first time in the history of our friendship that you have paid me a compliment!" Jai joked. Arjun raised a brow in a silent "don't push it" that had Jai cracking up. "Well thanks I'm truly blessed to have my girls." "They make life perfect." Jai said. Arjun nodded growing quiet as they walked to their respective cars. "Have you spoken to Arohi?" Jai asked a few moments later. "You know we speak once a week." Arjun replied quietly. "I ask her how she's doing?" "If she needs anything?" "She says she's doing fine and no she doesn't need anything." "We discuss the weather in Chandigarh and Mumbai, she asks how I am?" "I say fine." "Sometimes she tells me about some neighbor she had a conversation with or what she had for dinner." "Then she asks if I'm eating properly." "I answer ofcourse and then we sit through a few moments of awkward silence and then I tell her I love her, she tells me she loves me and we hang up. " Arjun finished. "Why don't you ask her to come home?" Jai said as they stopped infront of their vehicles. "No, she left because she wanted to work things out by herself so when she's ready she can come home." Arjun replied, a bitter edge to his voice. "You're still upset with her?" Jai asked. "No...yes damnit I am upset with her and I'm upset with myself but none of that matters because neither one of us is going to talk about it." "And I guess we'll continue living this way until one of us just can't." Arjun replied, staring off into the distance at the sinking sun. Jai turned to watch it set. "I know it looks bleak now but you two love each other too much to just let this marriage fall apart." Jai said. Arjun gave a mirthless laugh. "I think that boat has already sailed my friend." "The marriage has fallen apart, now we just need to decide if we're going to pick up the pieces and try to put it back together or just leave them as is...broken and mangled." Arjun replied. Jai shook his head but then forced a smile on his face. "Forget that, you're coming to the party we're having for Zara next weekend right?" "Don't even think about backing out." Jai warned as Arjun opened his mouth to make up an excuse. "Zara needs her Arjun chachu there, what are you going to say to her when she's older and she asks why you weren't at her first party." Jai asked. Arjun rolled his eyes and smiled. "Fine, I'll be there." "What should I get for her?' he asked. "Nothing, you've already bought her enough stuff to fill a bloody house!" Jai said with a roll of his eyes. Arjun laughed as he got into his car, and as he turned one last time to say something to Jai.. he stopped. Jai was on the phone this time flirting with his wife. Picking up his own phone he debated calling Arohi. What if instead of talking about the weather he asked her "Why the hell are you still in Chandigarh when your place is supposed to be with me... your husband!" He wondered what would happen to their calm and distant conversations then? He stared at his phone for a moment and then threw it on the passenger side of the car. No, it was best to just stick to talking about the weather.
"Lily, I don't want to be disturbed!" Arjun snapped as he stared at the spreadsheet infront of him, mentally checking calculations. "Hi Arjun." had him snapping his head up. "What do you want?" Arjun asked rudely. Niki's bright smile fell but she forced it back up. She looked stunning, like she usually did. Her hair straight and perfect falling down her back. A grey pencil skirt hugged her slim hips, and she wore a blue silk blouse and a matching grey jacket. Her make up was flawless. But all Arjun saw was how cold and fake she looked. How brittle and conniving she really was. How her eyes weren't bright and happy and full of innocence like Arohi's. No, Niki's eyes, he didn't no why he didn't see it before, Niki's eyes were calculating and shady, her gaze always on the prize, which had been him this time. "I was just in the neighborhood and I thought I'd see how you were doing." she began. Arjun gave her a shrewd look. "Maybe I wasn't clear when I told you and your father that if you want to see any money come out of this project I want zero involvement from you." "Your father seemed to understand but judging from the fact that this is the 2nd time you've shown up here, I'm thinking you didn't understand." "So now when I have my security throw you out on your ass, humiliate you infront of my staff and whoever else may be in the vicity, then maybe you will understand!" Arjun said coldly. Niki's face flushed red. "You have no right to speak to me like that Arjun!" "I came to make sure you're okay." "You're wife walked out on you and I'm just trying to be a friend, I'm trying to be there for you!" Niki stammered. Arjun took a deep breath and said "I don't need any more friends Niki, especially not friends like you." "Now get out and don't come back." Arjun ordered. But Niki was in full crazy mode today. "I think the reason you don't want me around you is because you want me." "It scares you how much you want me." Niki said. "What I don't understand is why you're not acting upon it.' "I mean Arohi is gone, so why can't you and I have some fun...I'm sure she's having lots of fun herself." Niki said with a sly smile. Arjun was around his desk in seconds, his face rigid with anger, grabbing Niki's arm in a vise like grip he hit a button on his phone. "Security I have an intruder up here, I want her escorted out of the building." Arjun snapped. As he hung up he glared at a frightened Niki. "Arjun, you're hurting me!" she whined. "Good, because of you my wife was hurt too." "Now let's get one thing straight, if I ever hear you utter my wife's name again, I will make you wish you'd never laid eyes on me." "I don't want you, I have no desire to touch you or be with you." "Arohi is the only woman I will ever want. "You come in a 100 m radius of Arohi or myself and I will slap a restraining order against you so fast your head will spin." "Understand?" Arjun snapped. Niki nodded as tears fell down her face. As security walked in Arjun pushed her towards them. "This woman is not allowed on this premise, if she gets in again, you're all fired!" Arjun snapped to the few members of this extensive security team that was present. They nodded and with one last look of contempt Arjun watched Niki being escorted out. "Pyscho!" Arjun snapped running a hand through his hair. "What was that?" Jai asked as he walked in having just seen Niki being escorted out. "That was psycho Niki at her best." "I swear why was I so blind to her craziness before?" Arjun asked with a shake of his head. "Because you were too busy working on the next deal, too busy seeing growth opportunities, and your name as business man of the year AGAIN!" "I on the other hand have none of those aspirations so I have lots of time to see how psycho crazy someone is or isn't!" Jai replied with a lift of his brow. Arjun paused for a moment and then burst out laughing. "You're an idiot!" Arjun said but even as he returned to his work he thought back to those months. What else had he missed? He'd missed the pain in Arohi's eyes when he canceled another dinner date, he missed the times she cried after their fights because he'd fallen asleep not thinking that it was anything serious. Not thinking that she would ever leave him. He'd missed a lot, and now when he was finally opening his eyes it looked like it might already be too late. Maybe he missed the fact that she wasn't really coming back.
"Drink sir?" a server asked. "Yes, thank you." Arjun replied grabbing a beer off the tray.. Arjun stood with a group of his and Jai's friends as they talked sports. He glanced up to see Jai walk into the room with his princess Zara in his arms. His grin showed just how happy he was. No one deserved it more then Jai. He was an all round good guy who was a great husband and father, wonderful son and brother and a true friend. Arjun made his way over to Jai and Lara, kissing Lara's cheek and shaking Jai's hand. "Let's see the princess." he said. As Arjun peered down at sleeping Zara he smiled. "Thank god she got Lara's looks." Arjun joked. Jai smiled and looked fondly at his wife. "Yeah, thank god." Lara blushed and Arjun felt like he was intruding on a private moment. As he moved to walk away Lara grabbed his arm. "Isn't Zara's favorite chachu going to hold her?" she asked. Arjun smiled and putting down his beer he carefully took Zara into his arms. Feeling a little awkward as he held her. "Is this okay?" he asked Lara who nodded and smiled. Arjun couldn't stop staring down at Zara. She was so tiny, tiny fingers curled up into a fist, tiny little button nose, with her tiny little pouty lips. Even her ears were tiny and perfect. His heart clenched in his chest and he stood in awe staring at this perfect creature in his arms. "Arohi." he heard the name from beside him and he felt his whole being come to a stop. His breathing, his movement, his heart. Slowly he raised his head and there stood infront of him a dream. It must be a dream he thought as he blinked a few times. But no, she was still there. Arohi, wearing a pale pink shimmering sari with sequins work on her border. Her hair was pulled back from her face and cascading down her back. Her make up pretty and minimal. Arjun and Arohi continued to stare at each other. Time stood still as their eyes stayed on each other. Arohi's heart beat an erratic drum into her ears as she took in the picture her Arjun made with a child in his arms. It looked so right, except it was wrong because their child was gone. Arohi felt that familiar pain that never really went a way. only dulled, she felt it resurface. Forcing it back down, taking short breaths she forced herself to look away from Arjun. A few moments later, composed again she made her way to Lara, Jai and Arjun still standing with the baby. Only his eyes were no longer on her but on Zara. "Arohi!" Lara said happily. "You got ready so quickly." "Did you find everything okay?" Lara asked. Arohi nodded. peaking a glance at Arjun who was now staring openly at her. "Hello Arohi." he said evenly. Arohi swallowed slowly. Was it possible that he could be even more handsome then he was the last time she saw him. "Hi Arjun." she said staring at Zara now. "When did you get back?" he asked his voice curt now. "Yesterday." she replied which had him clenching his jaw and giving Jai a glare. "Lara, let's take Zara and mingle!" Jai said quickly taking his daughter from Arjun's arms. Arjun let him go vowing to give Jai a piece of his mind later. "You didn't mention you were coming for the party, infact the last time we spoke you had no plans on coming." Arjun replied suddenly feeling hurt. Here he thought about her hourly and she'd been back for a whole day and didn't even bother to come to him. Meaning nothing had changed in their 3 month separation. She was still angry with him and he was still damn well hurt. "I wasn't going to come but Lara convinced me...it really was a last minute decision." Arohi said. "A last minute decision that you didn't think was necessary to tell me about." Arjun said quietly. " I could have come to get you at the airport...and you have a home you shouldn't be staying with Lara and Jai." "You damn well have a home!" Arjun said bitterly as he picked up a drink off a passing tray. Arohi bit her lip. "I know, I just wasn't sure you'd want me there." she replied quietly. Arjun's eyes flashed to her face. "That's your home and always will be, no one wanting you or not wanting you there will change that." he replied. "Just because you keep leaving it doesn't mean it's not yours." he said bitterly as he took a gulp of his drink. Arohi felt tears rush to her eyes as she stared at the set expression on his face. His eyes focused on something across the room. This wasn't how she pictured there first meeting after 3 months. But what did she expect? She'd left in a horrible way, saying things that were painful. She was in a bad place and Arjun had taken the brunt of it. It didn't take her long to miss him in Chadigarh, and wish that he would come for her. But he never did. Their remote weekly conversations usually left her in tears for the rest of the day. She could feel him slipping away from her. She knew that if she told him to come get her he would have, but so many things had happened between them that she was scared that when she did see him she wouldn't see her old Arjun, but someone who had no interest in salvaging their marriage. Right now she herself wasn't sure she had interest in salvaging her marriage. The only thing she knew for sure was the sight of Arjun still made her heart race. She still felt that overwhelming feeling of wanting to run into his arms and let him hold her tightly. She still loved him. But was love really enough?
"It's so good to have you home." Maria said as she brought it a stack on towels to put into Arohi's bathroom. Arohi smiled and looked around her room. Things had come full circle. She was back in the room she started in when she first came into this house as Arjun's bride. Their relationship had been unsure then...and it was unsure now. But this time around she was in love with the man that was her husband. They' gone through trial, and tribulation, they'd known the joy of being expectant parents how ever short the time was, and they'd know the loss of a child. How a part of you is never the same again. They had that in common now. They'd known great happiness and they'd known pain and hurt given to each other by each other. And they'd known love. Real and true love, love that never died but again love wasn't always enough. If it had been enough then they wouldn't have spent so much time apart from each other. They wouldn't have abandoned each other at the worst time in their lives. They would have fought harder. "Tomorrow morning I'm having cook make your favorite breakfast, with fresh home made jalebis." Maria said interrupting her thoughts as she made her way to leave. Arohi grabbed her hand and stopped her. "Has Arjun been taking care of himself?" she asked softly. Maria nodded. "Your weekly phone call to me about is he eating okay, sleeping enough, working too much should have answered all that." Maria replied making Arohi blush. "He's been sad and lonely without you." "But now that you're home everything will be fine." Maria promised. Arohi smiled praying that Maria was right.
"Are you starting back at the school?" Arjun asked as Arohi sat down at breakfast the next morning and sipped on her coffee. Arohi glanced up as Arjun folded hs newspaper and placed it next to him. "They don't have a position for me right now but in the new semester they think they should." "Until then I'm helping out at the youth centre with tutoring." Arohi replied. Arjun nodded and turned his attention back to his breakfast. A few minutes of awkward silence had Arohi asking "Are you working late tonight?" Arjun's gaze shifted back to her. "I'll be home for dinner." he replied and then said "I gotta go." "Have a good day." and with that he was gone. Arohi stared after him. There had been no sign of the loving caring Arjun that she'd known. Even when they were fighting his anger and his possessiveness showed how much he did love her. Picking at her breakfast she finally just got up and moved to call Shefali. Maybe some shopping would help pull her out of this slump.
Arjun passed by Arohi's bedroom and stopped when his gaze settling on her pretty face as she braided her hair. She'd been back home for just over a week and his big l empty house felt full again. Amazing how one person could do that. But it wasn't just any person who had that ability...it was only Arohi. Arohi hummed to some unknown beat as her chooria jingled with the tune. Today she wore a white and yellow salwar kameez. God she was beautiful he thought to himself. Since she'd come home a week ago he had stopped himself countless times from pulling her into his arms. He wanted to hold her, know that she was real and not just a figment of his imagination. He wanted to ask her what took her so long and he wanted to tell her that he would never let her leave again. But he didn't do any of that. Instead he got angry, and he felt pain, and he did his best to protect himself. So he retreated until he felt there was a safe distance between them. "Arjun..." Arohi said breaking into his thoughts. Arjun stiffened and forced himself to look at her. "Are you settled back in?" he asked tonelessly. "Do you need anything?" he added. Arohi shook her head. "I'm fine." she replied softly. "Arlight, I'll see you at dinner then." he said already moving away from the door. Arohi stared after him with a sense of deja vu. After the kind of year they had just had they were really back to this? she thought to herself. "No!" she muttered as she got up and quickly raced out of her room. Arjun who was loosening his tie and just shutting his door was surprised to have the door pushed open. "What the hell?!" he snapped as the door hit his leg. Frowning at Arohi he backed up as she shut the door behind her. Arjun watched as she stood infront of him biting her bottom lip and wringing her hands. "I...I...how are you?" she suddenly said. Arjun raised a brow and pulling off his tie he threw it in on the bed starting to unbutton his shirt. "Fine." he replied tonelessly. "Is there something you needed Arohi?" he asked again. "No...well yes." "I think we need to talk." she replied, the words rushing out of her. "About?" he asked as he slipped his shirt off and threw it on the bed and stalked towards his closet. He smirked as he saw Arohi blush and avert her eyes from him. "Am I making you uncomfortable Arohi?" he asked as he pulled out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Arohi quickly shook her head. She was blushing and she didn't know why! Considering how intimate they'd been in their marriage one would think she wouldn't have any issues with seeing Arjun half dressed." But apparently 3 months away and she was a blushing bride again. They really were going backwards! "I need to take a shower Arohi, so can whatever you have to talk about wait?" he asked, already moving to the bathroom door. Arohi wanted to say NO! No this couldn't wait..day by day the rift between them was getting bigger and she couldn't wait another second to discuss it. Taking her silence to mean the conversation could wait, Arjun walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him. Arohis hands settled on her hips and she scowled after Arjun, and the next thing she knew her feet were practically flying to the bathroom and she was throwing the door open. "Arohi, the what the hell are you doing?!" Arjun asked as he grabbed a towel to cover himself. "I..." Arohi looked at him and then quickly looked away. Had she completely lost her mind she thought to herself as the blush on her face deepened. They stared at each other in silence until Arjun finally said "I'm going to go ahead and take that shower, either you're joining me or you know where the door is...go ahead and use it." And before Arohi could say a word he dropped the towel and stepped into the shower. Throwing a smirk over his shoulder at her he slowly shut the shower door. Arohi stood frozen for a second, staring at the shower door and thinking about the naked man on the other side. It was so tempting to join him...just slip out of her clothes and step into that shower. That smirk that Arjun just threw her way would sure disappear fast. And god knew she wanted to but... It was at that "but" that she quickly turned on her heal and ran from the bathroom and then quickly out of his room and into her own. "What am I doing?' she asked herself. "Seriously Arohi, what did that little scenario prove other then you are still so attracted to him, which is no surprise...and that he's not planning on making anything easy on you.
Arjun watched as Arohi moved her food around her plate, he didn't think she'd had 3 bites since they sat down for dinner. Arjun broke the deafening silence by finally asking. "Don't you like your dinner?" "Do you want cook to make you something else?" Arohi looked up and shook her head. "I'm not hungry." she said. Arjun frowned. "I'm noticed you've barely been eating anything at dinner, if you don't like something just let Maria know." he said. Arohi's eyes flashed as her fork fell on her plate with a loud clank. She didn't have a problem with the food, it was with the silence. The silence that had made it's way back into their marriage..their failing marriage. "We need to talk." she said softly. Arjun's aloof mask fell back into place and with a carefully blank face he said "I don't think talking right now is a good idea." Arohi gritted her teeth. "So you want to keep going on the way we have been?" "Living together but separately, just like we did when we first got married." she asked. "Just leave it alone Arohi." Arjun said quietly. "No!" "I can't leave it alone, I don't want to leave it alone." she burst out. Arjun slowly put down his fork and then looking at her with a cold hard expression, finally he said "Leave. IT. Alone." and with that he got up and stalked out of the dining room. Tears fell down Arohi's face, tears she quickly brushed away. She couldn't leave it alone, she loved that stubborn man and she had to tell him atleast what she felt.
Arjun was in the great room, one whole side of the room was floor to ceiling windows from where you could look out at the almost majestic city. It was a breathtaking view but right now he couldn't see any of it. With a drink in hand, and his body tense and stiff he tried to get a control of himself. What the hell did she think she was? Talking...let's talk about what happened! He saw what talking did, it tore them apart. It broke hearts, and kept them away from each other. What they had done to their relationship couldn't be fixed by talking about it. Her leaving him...that could not be fixed with "sharing their feelings." Them losing their child, that definitely could not be fixed by talking. Nothing could fix that. The next moment Arjun was hurling his half full glass across the room into the fireplace. Shattered glass flew everywhere and Arohi's gasp filled the room. Arjun kept his back to Arohi. "Not now." he managed to get out. Arohi turned to leave the room but she couldn't do it. Instead she closed the French doors and shut herself in with a furious Arjun. "We have to talk." she said softly. Arjun whirled around. His eyes flashing in anger. "You never leave well enough alone do you?"he snapped. "Talk..talk...%$^%#$ talk!" "Where has talking ever got us?" he asked. Tears filled Arohi's eyes and taking a deep breath in she said "If you don't want to talk that's fine just listen then." "I need to get some things out in the open, things that have been weighing on me." "Please Arjun let me do that." Arjun stared at Arohi and then finally gave a short nod. "Fine, let's by all means talk." he said bitterly as he sat down on the sofa. Arohi took a steadying breath and sat down across from him. "I..." Arohi began and then cleared her throat. "I owe you an apology." she said softly. Arjun's eyes snapped to hers. "I...before I left I said a lot of hurtful things, I..I blamed you for the death of our baby." she said in a quiet but strong voice. "I don't want to talk about the baby!" Arjun snapped, about to get up. "Please Arjun," Arohi said holding up her hand. "Just..I need to say this." Arjun's face was as hard as granite but he stayed seated. "I was in a very bad place at that time." "I blamed you but in reality it was me that was to blame." she said in voice thick with unshed tears. "I should have come home when I found out I was pregnant, I shouldn't have been so stubborn." "But I felt that if I gave into you and returned you would stop trying so hard to save our marriage." "You'd go back to being the old Arjun and I couldn't have that." "I'm sorry for pinning the blame on you, when it was me that was really too blame." Arjun watched as tears slid down Arohi's face, he wanted to reach out and pull her into his arms. Comfort her but the last time he'd tried to comfort her she'd run away from him. Sanding up and shoving his hands in his pockets so that he wouldn't reach for her, he moved to the window. "You weren't to blame, the doctor said miscarriages happen, most of the time there is no reasoning behind it." Arjun replied softly. "Even if you were here, I don't think anything would have occurred differently when it came ot the baby." he added. Arohi slowly lowered herself on to the sofa. "We don't know that for sure." she said tearfully. "I know that you did the very best for our child." "It just wasn't meant to be." "I don't blame you Arohi." he said softly and turned slowly to see Arohi sobbing. Her head in her hands as she wept. His own eyes filled with tears that he quickly pushed back and then because he couldn't help himself he walked to the sofa and sat down beside her. His hand reaching out to gently settle on her shoulder. The next instant she was throwing herself into his arms. Sobbing against his chest. "I wanted our child more then anything in the world Arjun." "I wanted us to be a family, it just wasn't meant to be." she sobbed. Arjun pulled her closer and held on tight. His own chest tight with emotion. Once Arohi had cried herself out, she pulled back slowly and took the handkerchief Arjun held out for her. "Sorry," she said after awhile. "I didn't think I had any more tears left." Arjun nodded, his emotionless mask slipping back into place. "I am better you know." Arohi said in between sniffs. "I talked to a councilor a few times in Chandigarh and I have come to terms with what has happened." "But what I said and did before I left all those months ago...well that's weighed heavily on me." "I didn't mean any of it." "I know how much you loved our child, and there was no doubt in my mind you would have been a great father." Arohi continued. Arjun looked away, his fists clenching and then unclenching as he tried to control his emotions. "I have some work to do." "Is there anything else you wanted to say." he said a little coldly. Arohi paused. There was so much to say, so much to talk about, like where their relationship was going to go now. But Arjun didn't seem to be interested in any of that. "I guess not." she answered and watched as Arjun turned on his heal and made his way out of the great room. Arohi stared after him. She'd never thought she'd see this side of him again, so remote and distant. His face void of any feeling for her. His eyes no longer showing the love that had once been so evident. Had she lost him forever? Now that she was really on this road what steps did she want to take? Did she want to give up or did she want Arjun back in her life, was she willing to try to get him back when he saw blatantly wasn't interested. What was she going to do?
"How's Arohi?" Jai asked a few days later as Arjun and him finished up a meeting. "Fine, I guess." Arjun replied. "You must be happy to have her home." Jai added looking at Arjun. Arjun's expression stayed neutral as he said "Sure." Jai frowned at the one word answer. "Are you two still fighting?" he asked. Arjun raised a brow at Jai and said "I find it quite funny how you think you have every right to meddle in my relationship with my wife." "I wonder how you would feel if I hounded you about Lara?" Jai smiled. "Ask me about Lara, I would love to talk about how I think she's even more beautiful since she'd become a mother." "How, still after all these years I ache to see her when she's apart from me." "How I..." "You can stop right there!" Arjun said with disgust. "I'm not interested in your "aches!" he added with a shake of his head. "As for Arohi and I, it doesn't matter if I'm happy she's back, it only matters if she's happy to be back." "Because we all know that if she isn't happy she'll be leaving soon enough." he said Leaving is something she excels at Arjun thought to himself not saying it out loud. "Well then it's your job to make sure she doesn't leave again." Jai replied. "No, that's not my job." "I'm not going to force her to stay where she doesn't want to." Arjun snapped. "What happened to Arohi is mine, I won't let her go!" "She'll stay where I am." Jai said mimicking Arjun. Arjun gave him a glare and started to move to the door. "I'm just saying that you don't sound like the Arjun Singhania I know." "Your wife runs away and your just going to take it sitting down." "You should make sure that doesn't happen again." "You should remind her who's wife she is." Jai said as Arjun walked out and shut the door behind him. A naughty smile lifted to Jai's lips. That should get Arjun going, he was never one to back off from a challenge. Jai knew Arjun had missed Arohi a lot and how bleak his life had become but unresolved problems, the loss of their baby and Arohi leaving had put a huge rift between them. Leaving them at a impasse as to where to go. The easy way out was to give up and move on, but Jai knew Arjun and Arohi loved each other a lot and they would never find love like this again. He just wished they figured things out before they both did something that ruined their marriage beyond repair.
"Where's Vicky?" Arohi asked Maria the next night. She'd been back all these weeks and had just assumed that Vicky was away on another vacation. But this was long even for him. "Vicky sir doesn't live here anymore." "He's moved to Singapore." Maria answered. "Infact he's been gone for about 5 months or so." Maria added. Arohi's eyes widened in surprise. "Why?" she asked. "He's working there for Arjun sir on some project." Maria replied. Arohi thanked Maria for the information and made her way to her bedroom. Arjun had asked Vicky to leave. The only reason he would have asked him to leave was for Arohi, because he wanted her home. She knew how much he loved his brother but for her he'd sent Vicky away. Arohi thought to herself as she sat down on her bed. Ofcourse this could all be her imagination but what other reason could there be for Vicky leaving. She knew he was too much of a besharm to leave himself. Deep in thought she looked up as Arjun passed her bedroom without even once glancing towards her. "Arjun." she suddenly heard herself call. But Arjun ignored her and kept walking. "How rude!" she snapped as she jumped up from her bed and raced after him. "How rude!" she snapped again as he shut the door on her face. Throwing the door open she marched inside. "Ever heard of knocking?" he asked rudely. "Why would I knock to enter my own bedroom?" she snapped. Arjun's eyes widened and he gave her a smirk. "Your bedroom huh?" "This hasn't been your bedroom in a long time." he said as he started to unbutton his shirt. "I...just because I haven't used it doesn't mean I've given it up!" she replied. And then took a quick step back as Arjun took a step towards her. "I, what's mine is mine and I don't give up what's mine easily." she stammered as she kept retreating and he kept advancing. "Really Arohi?" he asked as he stopped infront of her as she hit the bedroom door. "From what I've seen you run away quite easily." "I would say that's the same as giving up." he replied, turning away from her. "I wasn't giving up on us!" she stammered. "I..I haven't given up, but I think you might have." she said softly. Arjun was against her in a moment not even letting her catch her breath as his lips crushed against her for a punishing kiss. But as soon as their lips touched all the months of pain and loneliness slipped away, all the anger and hurt was pushed aside until it was just Arohi and Arjun and their love and desire for each other. Arjun's lips softened and Arohi moaned against him. Her hands coming up to his hair as Arjun pulled her closer still. Her lips opening for him and letting him in. It was his turn to moan now. It had been so long since he'd held her, so long since he'd breathed in her sweet scent. So long since she'd left him. Left him..as reality hit the cloud of passion also started to lift. Pushing her away he gave a ragged breath and took a step back. "I didn't give up Arohi!" "I've been here right where you left me." "It was you who gave up, whether you admit it or not." "It was you who decided to leave after the loss of our child because you couldn't even stand to look at me." "You wanted to get over it by yourself, then so be it, you wanted to leave me here to figure out things by myself, so be it but don't &*&^**& tell me you didn't give up!" "Do you think you coming back now is going to make everything fine between us?" "Do you think I'm going to be able to let my guard down and trust you to give this relationship 100% when I know that your track record is that when the going gets tough you run away!" Arjun asked. Arohi's eyes glistened with tears and she said softly "I love you Arjun." "And I love you!" "So where the hell has it gotten us?" he snapped. "We're miserable, and we keep hurting each other, we couldn't be there for each other during the worst time in our life...losing our child." "What has this love done for us other then give us pain?" he asked. "I can't trust you not to run and you can't trust me not to make you a priority in your life." he added but was cut off by Arohi. "I do believe you've changed Arjun and that you wouldn't put your work before me." she said tearfully. "For how long do you believe that?" he asked. "Every time I have to work late or cancel our plans are you going to start thinking I'm falling back into that same old place where I'm putting my work before you." Arohi stared at him. She didn't know what she'd feel. "The last few months without you Arohi have been hell for me." "I've missed you more then I thought it was possible." "You being back should make me happy, make me feel like everything is okay but I'm not." " I don't let myself feel anything because I'm just waiting for the ball to drop and something to happen between us that'll have you packing your bags again." Arohi clenched her duppaata until her knuckles were white. Tears fell down her face and she finally asked "What are you saying Arjun?" "What do you want?" she pushed. Arjun ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "I don't know." "I don't know what I want." he finally bit out. "I think you're lieing." Arohi said after a few moments of quiet. "I don't think you want this marriage anymore." she replied choking on a sob. Arjun stared at her. His eyes filled with pain and anguish but he didn't negate what she was saying. Arohi moved towards him and grabbed his shirt. "I want to hear you say you don't want me" she sobbed. "Say the words!" Arjun stared at her and shook his head. He couldn't say them because no matter what he felt or how hurt he was he would always want her. She was everything to him but that didn't make what they did to each other right. "You can't say it can you!" she snapped hitting his chest and stepping back. Her face was wet with her tears as she glared at him. "You don't want to end this marriage anymore then I do!" "I'm your wife Arjun and I'm not going anywhere!" "I'm not running ever again and you are just going to have to trust me and our marriage again." "As for me not thinking I'm a priority to you, it's up to you to make sure you don't let me think that way." "It's up to you to juggle your home life and your professional life!" "I am not giving up and I'll be damned if I let you give up on us." "This married but single life we've been living, it's over now!" "I'm back for good and you're going to need to make room for me in every place of your life again starting with our bedroom!" she snapped moving to the door. Arjun stared at her in stunned silence. "Marriage is hard, it's damn hard but that's what makes it worth it!" she said from the door. "It's time we both started working on ours." she added as she stalked out of the room.
Okay there it is. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Please let me know what you think of this newest part. Take care
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