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True Myth Part 13 Arnav’s decision

 Hi guys, I will start updating my stories on Inkitt again today. As of now, INKITT hasn't given any assurance but HOPE. I believe everything will be all right soon. And it's in my readers' hands. I need HIGH likes to prove myself. I hope you guys won't disappoint me. I'm sorry for making all of you rush here and there from Inkitt to my blog. From today onwards, our previous routine will be followed. I hope you will make me stay here by supporting me. Thank you. 

Part 13 Arnav’s decision
“Arnav sir, what are you doing here?” Khushi asked.
“I’m talking to him” Arnav looked at the man, but he was not there!
“whom you are talking about?” Khushi asked, looking here and there.
Arnav went behind the tree and looked for the man, but he was not there. He frowned, not understanding anything. Where did he go? How could he vanish in the blink of an eye? The mystery of the man's disappearance hung in the air, leaving Arnav and Khushi bewildered. How was it possible? Arnav could not understand because there was no place to hide. It was a plain.
“A man spoke to me. I don’t know how he vanished.”
“Vanished?”
“Yes, he was sitting under this tree.”
Khushi looked at the VILVA tree, known for its mystical properties that are said to attract spiritual things, and gulped down.
“What did he tell you?” Khushi asked curiously.
“He said something I can’t ignore…”
Khushi gazed at him sharply.
“I don’t know where did he go.”
Khushi understood that the man was not an ordinary person. She wondered why Arnav was facing unbelievable incidents after coming to that village. It seemed Arnav had a purpose in coming to this village. He would not believe her words if she said anything about it, so she decided to play the REVERSE game.
“Arnav sir, I agree you are facing unbelievable incidents in this village. But that doesn’t mean I will believe everything you say.” Khushi's scepticism was palpable, creating a tense atmosphere.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, it must be your imagination. No one would have been there.”
Arnav rolled his eyes.
“Let’s go”
Arnav clutched her hand and stopped her.
“Don’t you trust me?” he asked disappointedly.
“Arnav, sir, do you want me to think you met one of the SIDDHAS?” she intentionally asked.
“Siddhas? When did I say so?”
“What do you think? This is a place of Siddhas. What would people think if you say you met a man who suddenly vanished?”
“What?”
“People would think you met a Siddha.”
“Is it easy to meet Siddhas?” he asked thoughtfully.
“Not at all… It will become history if it is true.”
“It’s TRUE, damn it.”
“Ok… I agree you met a Siddha. Happy?”
“The man knew my Guruji’s name… people in our Ashram didn’t know his real name…” Arnav said thoughtfully.
“Is it?”
“Yes. He even knew about the place I got in the Palace…”
“How did he look like?”
“He looked like a simple man with a long beard.”
“You didn’t believe me when I said you are a special man. Your arrival to this village has a purpose…” She sighed.
“I believe,” Arnav said, surprised Khushi.
“What? What did you say?”
“I said I believe… I have a purpose for coming to this village.” Arnav's determination was unwavering, and his resolve was clear to Khushi. 
“Thank god you believe. And you will know the purpose soon.”
Arnav wanted to tell her that he already got to know the purpose, but he didn’t know if she believed his words. How could he say Arvind had an intention of marrying her? Though the man said her wedding would lead her to the Crown, he would not be quiet letting it happen. He would try his best to stop the bloody marriage. Didn’t the man say marriage would only occur after a big struggle? Why wouldn't he try hard to stop putting in effort? He would fulfil the purpose of his arrival by hook or by crook. He was even ready to give his life.
Arnav was caught in a whirlwind of thoughts. Why was he considering giving his life to Khushi? He questioned himself, his mind in turmoil.
It dawned on Arnav. He couldn't let Khushi, a girl with no one like him, marry an older man just because he was a king. Who gave him the right to decide on others' lives? This realisation filled him with empathy for Khushi.
“Why did you become silent?” Khushi waved her hand before his face.
“Nothing”
That was when a Palace servant came and called Khushi.
“Khushi, Big Sir is calling you.”
“Yeah, going…”
Khushi looked at Arnav and said,
“I’m going to the Palace. Do you want anything?”
“Why did he call you?”
“Maybe, to know the work progress.”
“If it is so, I will go to the Palace. You stay here.” He didn’t want Khushi to meet Arvind because he didn’t know his intention.
“But, he called me…”
“So what? I will manage.”
“But what will you tell him?”
“Leave it on me”
“One minute… you have a phone, right?”
Arnav understood what she wanted him to do. Taking his phone, he dialled Arvind. He attended the call.
“Haan, tell me, Arnav”
“Sir, why do you want Khushi to visit the Palace?”
“Ratna is continuously asking for Khushi and you.”
“Then, you could have called me…”
“You are supervising there… that’s why I called her.”
Arvind told the truth, but Arnav thought he was giving an excuse to bring Khushi to the palace.
“There is supervision needed here, sir. I will come to the palace if needed.”
“Ok, if you don’t mind”
“I will come,” Arnav said, disconnecting the call.
“I’m going,” he told Khushi.
She nodded ok. Arnav got into the car and headed to the Place.
Arnav went to Arvind’s room. Ratna smiled and rushed to him brightly.
“Where did you go?”
“I’m not feeling well. That’s why I went to the hospital.” He managed to lie.
“Do you have a fever?” she touched his forehead.
“No, stomach pain.”
“How are you now?”
“I’m all right. Did you eat anything?”
She nodded no.
“She just woke up. From the time she woke up, she kept asking for you and Khushi,” Arvind said.
“I will get her lunch.”
“No, wait… I will ask someone to bring it,” Arvind said.
Arnav nodded ok. Ratna made him sit on the bed. Arvind clapped, and a servant rushed.
“Bring lunch for Ratna.”
“Yes, sir…” he left.
“Did you eat?” Ratna asked Arnav.
“How could I eat leaving you?” Arnav asked.
Arvind gulped down hard. He didn’t know Arnav’s reaction when he learned he was his son. He was unsure if Arnav would have the same concern for Ratna. The lunch came. Arnav fed it to Ratna. She ate it happily. He did that because Arvind didn’t want to call Khushi for anything.
After feeding Ratna, Arnav stood up.
“Thank you so much, Arnav” Arvind said.
“It’s ok, sir… Khushi and I are equally responsible for Madam.”
“I’m glad about it.”
“Sir, may I ask you something?”
“Yeah, you can ask me anything.”
“I heard a few people tried to bring medicine that cures madam.”
Arvind nodded yes.
“Yes, a few tried. They could not come back but vanished. No one knows what happened to them.”
“Did you send them?”
“No. I didn’t send anyone because I know how risky it is, but some greedy people with meaningless courage went to bring the medicine.”
“What medicine is that? How could they have identified it?”
“You would have seen a mountain behind this palace.”
Arnav nodded yes.
“The medicine is available in the mountain. There is a temple at the peak. The medicine is grown up around the temple. It’s a very special medicine. It cures not only mental illness but many diseases because of the medical property it has”
“How it’s possible?”
“We can’t use its raw leaves. A particular mixture would be used for every disease.”
“Oh…”
“you said many greedy people tried to bring it. What made them greedy? What would they have gotten if they had brought it?”
“What are you asking, Arnav? The medicine would be used to cure the Queen of this Palace. They will get whatever they ask for. They will drench in the rain of money.”
“Oh, I see…”
“Many mysteries surround this village. But you don’t have to bother about them. You will get used to them.”
“Will you give anything who brings the medicine?”
“Of course… after all, it’s the word of a King”, Arvind smiled, but his smile vanished upon hearing Arnav’s question.
“Will you give me anything if I bring the medicine?”
Arvind was shocked to the core because he knew how risky it was. Then how would he allow him to go there? After all, he was HIS SON!
To be continued…         

Next to Impossible Part 32 Plan was ready.

 

Hi guys, I will start updating my stories on Inkitt ag todayain. As of now, INKITT didn't give any assurance but HOPE. I believe everything will be all right soon. And it's in my readers' hands. I need HIGH likes to prove myself. I hope you guys won't disappoint me. I'm sorry for making all of you rush here and there from Inkitt to my blog. From today onwards, our previous routine will be followed. I hope you will make me stay here by supporting me. Thank you. 

Part 32 Plan was ready.
Khushi, a new addition to Arnav's life, went to his room with his lunch. Arvind, a silent observer, followed her, neither entering Arnav’s room nor letting them know his presence. He stayed out of the room and observed them.
Khushi, not finding Arnav on the bed, was met by his emergence from the washroom, a small smile playing on his lips. She greeted him warmly, her care evident in her actions. She was attentive to his needs as she passed him a towel to wipe his wet face. The room was filled with the aroma of Khushi's prepared food.
Khushi gave him lunch. He took it from her and started eating. Suddenly, Khushi noticed Arnav feeling uncomfortable. He twisted his leg.
“What happened, Arnavji? Are you feeling uncomfortable?”
“Yeah, I think arm-string…”
“Whaaaat?”
Khushi noticed Arnav's discomfort and immediately offered her help. She sat beside him, turning his leg to ease his discomfort. Arnav, his face a mix of discomfort and gratitude, acknowledged her care, deepening their emotional connection.
“Is it ok?”
Arnav nodded yes.
“You should drink water. It’s due to dehydration. You would not have drunk water due to the fever. That’s why it’s happening. I think you should take a bottle of saline.”
Arnav looked at her.
“We have a state meet. The saline will give you energy and also confidence.”
“Do you think I lost my confidence?” Arnav smiled.
“No… It would be best if you didn’t lose your confidence. If you are fit, you won’t lose it. Physical health is important for a sportsman.”
“Ok, I will take a saline”, Arnav agreed.
Arnav continued eating.
“Do you have a pain balm?”
“Yeah, it’s on the side table.”
Taking a balm, she again sat on the bed and applied it to his calf. He stopped eating and smiled because his calf ached like hell.
“Do you know when our life had meaning?” He asked.
Khushi looked at him.
“Having someone to feed us if we are hungry, to ask us if we eat or not, to call us if we are late to house, to look after us if we are sick.”
Arvind swallowed hard. Khushi was silent.
Arnav’s voice was heavy with the weight of his loneliness, a burden he carried alone, a feeling that flooded the room. His loneliness was a constant companion, a stark reminder of his need for companionship and support. This heart-breaking moment highlighted the depth of his emotional struggle, evoking a sense of empathy in them.
Khushi's heart ached for him, and her empathy poured out in waves. It was a touchable connection that she couldn't ignore, evidence of her genuine concern for Arnav's well-being.
“I’m residing in the colossal bungalow where even a hundred people can live, but no one to live here…”
“Aman said you are sick… that’s why…” she tried to cover up, her concern for him evident in her voice.
“I know. At least you are concerned to see me.”
“Arnavji, this is not a time to discuss this. You need a rest. Keep your mind calm. Then only you can recover sooner.”
Arnav nodded and continued eating. He felt content because he had someone to concern him, a sense of comfort that Khushi's care brought him. Arvind silently left the place. He saw HP going to the kitchen. He beckoned him, and he rushed to him.
“When did she come here?”
“When the doctor came here…” HP knew the doctor would have told Arvind about Khushi’s presence in RM.
“Mmm… don’t tell them I came here.”
“Jee”
Arvind walked out. Sitting in the car, he dialled Lavanya. She attended the call.
“Hello, uncle”
“I heard Arnav has a fever…”
“Yeah, Aman told me, uncle…”
“Oh, do you know?”
“Yeah… I will meet him in the evening if possible.”
“Do you have an important class today?”
“No, uncle…”
“Mmm… bye…” he disconnected the call.
It didn’t seem Lavanya was interested in Arnav. Even though she was not interested, she could have shown concern for him as a friend, at least, he supposed.
He started the car and exited the RM campus; he saw Aman entering. He stopped the vehicle and got off. Aman was surprised to see Arvind at RM—not that he wouldn’t visit. The question was, was Arnav’s illness the reason for his visit?
“When did you know Arnav is ill?” Arvind asked.
“This morning… he called me and said he would not come to the college… so, he asked me to tell Khushi to do her regular practice without waiting for him.”
“What practice?”
“They are practising for the state meet. They have only a week.”
“If they have a week, why is the girl with him leaving her practice behind?”
“It’s because Arnav is more important for her than the practice”, Aman said.
“Why didn’t you tell me Chotte is ill?”
“I didn’t think you would do anything with his illness.”
“What do you mean? Do you think I’m not concerned about him?”
“No, uncle… Arnav would get upset if he saw you. It’s not good for him now because he is already ill.”
“I’m leaving. Call me if he wants anything” he was supposed to get into the car, but he stopped hearing,
“By now, you should have known what he wants, uncle”, Aman said with a hidden meaning. Arvind looked at him sharply and left RM. Aman came to Arnav’s room and saw him having lunch.
“How are you feeling now, ASR?”
“Feeling better”
“Really?”
“Mmm…”
“Did you have lunch, Khushi?”
“No, going to…” Khushi said.
“Ok, you go and have lunch. Then only you can be balanced when you go for your evening practice.”
“That’s ok, Aman… I will go to the practice tomorrow…(she paused and said) if he is all right.”
Arnav looked at her perplexed.
“No, Khushi… don’t miss your practice…”
“It’s not a big deal…”
“It is…”
“Of course, but I can win the medal even if I skip practice.”
“I, too, know that, but I want you to be in form.”
“I’m in form…”
“Khushi… you came here. It’s more than enough for me…”
“But, how will you be alone?”
“I’ve been alone for a long,” Arnav said, expecting a fitting answer from her, but to his disappointment, before Khushi replied, Aman said,
“I will be with him.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah… I will be here tonight. You can go to practice.”
Khushi looked at Arnav, who gestured for her to go. Khushi nodded.
“You too go Aman” Arnav said.
“I just had lunch.”
Khushi left downstairs.
“Didn’t you convey my message to her to do practice?”
“I said… but she came here to look after you.”
“She cooked for me…” Arnav smiled.
“She is a nice girl,” Aman said.
Arnav nodded yes.
“I think she also has feelings for you but hesitates to confess.”
“I know how to make her confess.”
“I know you will do it”, Aman smiled.
After finishing lunch, Khushi came to Arnav’s room to bid bye.
“Arnavji, I’m leaving.”
“Why so soon? You will start practice only at 4 o’clock, right?”
“I didn’t bring my sports kit. I should have to take it from home.”
“Oh, ok…” Taking his phone, Arnav called Mohan.
“Take Khushi to her home. Wait for her, take her to the ground, and then again drop her home.” He disconnected the call.        
“Mohan will take you.”
“I will manage, Arnavji”
“Yeah, you will manage…” he said.
Khushi sighed and left. Aman smiled. 
The next morning
Arnav felt better the next day. He came to the living room with Aman and had coffee. He saw Khushi rushing in her tracksuit.
“Khushi…”
“How are you feeling now?”
“Better”
“Don’t come to the college today. Take a rest…”
“Sorry, Khushi, I can’t obey your word… I’m bored of sitting at home. I won’t practice but will surely come.”
“What about saline?”
“The doctor gave me last evening.”
“Oh… then ok. I will meet you at the college.” She left smiling. 
That week flew by without wings. The State Sports meet closed up. Arnav was back to the FORM. Though Arnav and Khushi were ready, they were a little nervous, and it was apparent—only one day to the Meet.
Sheetal attended Lalith’s call.
“Hello, uncle…”
“Tomorrow is the State meet.”
“Yes, uncle… what are you going to do?”
“I will implement the plan at the right time. I want you to do me a favour.”
“Tell me, uncle.”
“Who is close to your Physical instructor, I mean his helper?”
“Ranjith Sir”
“Ok, done…”
“Uncle… Khushi should not win…”
“She will not… I will not let it happen.”
“That’s enough, uncle.”
“Go to the ground and see it by yourself.”
“Sure…” Sheetal disconnected the call with a winning smirk.
To be continued…   

Organized Chaos Part 19 Lovable Father

 

Part 19 Lovable Father

Arnav, in a state of emotional turmoil, could not guess which state he was in. But he was sure that every beat of his heart would echo Khushi’s name from that moment on. She would become a permanent resident in his heart, keeping him awake at night. His love for her, a force beyond his control, would swell and grow, a colossal wave of emotion.

He was determined to enter her life if she allowed it. Would he be granted the chance? His heart was a wild thing beyond his control. He was prepared to defy all norms for her companionship. He would wait for her with open arms, ready to conquer the world if she stepped towards him. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was resolute. He would make her come to him, no matter what it took.

Khushi, his child's mother, was a pillar of strength. He could only imagine the hardships she had endured as a single mother, which was a testament to her resilience. And yet, she seemed to face even more challenges. The family dynamics were complex, with each member carrying their own burdens. Why did they target her? Why did they make her father hate her? What had she been through?

Arnav was taken aback when Aashi tugged at his T-shirt. He looked down at her, struck by her pure innocence, a quality that never failed to charm and amuse him.

“Mom is calling you…” She giggled.

Arnav looked at Khushi.

“Where were you lost?”

Arnav shook his head. They saw Ratna coming downstairs.

“Aunty, why are you coming? I will bring you hot water,” Khushi said.

“It’s ok, beta. How long could I be sitting in my room?” Ratna looked at Aashi and asked,

“Why didn’t you come to meet me? Have you forgotten?”

“No… Mr Puzzle had a headache. To press his head, I stayed back.”

“Is it Chotte?”

Arnav nodded seriously. Khushi bit her lip to control her smile.

“Shall I prepare you coffee?” Ratna asked.

“No, Mom… I’m all right. Ms. Smile made my headache run,” Arnav said, making Ms. Smile smile.

“Wait, I will bring juice for Ms Smile”, Ratna said.

“Aunty, you please sit. Ask Hariprakashji to bring it.” Khushi said.

Ratna nodded ok and sat.

“Aunty, why are you doing everything alone? Get a fitting person to RM and be relaxing.”

Arnav and Ratna glanced at each other as they didn’t know whom she was talking about.

“Aunty, get Arnav married… and get a bahu. She will take care of everything, including ARNAV. What say?” Khushi smiled at Arnav, whose facial expression had changed. He became embarrassed. If it were a few days ago, he would have given her a funny answer, but now, everything has changed...! Of course, Khushi didn’t know about the change. That was why she was moving with him casually. Arnav looked at Ratna. He wanted her to say something about his decision not to get married.

Khushi looked at Ratna, who was looking at Arnav miserably.

“What happened, Aunty? Did I say anything wrong?”

Ratna nodded no.

“You are not wrong… it’s just that Chotte is not ready to get married.”

“Not ready to get married means? What does that mean?” Khushi asked, frowning.

Arnav observed Khushi, who looked confused.

“Why Arnav? Why don’t you want to get married?”

Arnav looked at Ratna, who hesitated to talk more about it. So, Arnav himself took the lead.

“I have a reason…” Arnav looked at Khushi.

“Oh…” she folded her lips as she didn’t know if she could ask the reason.

“Dadi, what’s marriage? What will you do in marriage?” Aashi asked.

“Marriage is a relationship between two people, I mean a man and a woman in which they live together…”

“What will happen if Mr Puzzle gets married?”

“He will become a husband to a girl and will get a wife. She will be with him for his lifetime.”

“Really?”

Ratna nodded yes.

“Mom, you, too, don’t have a husband. Marry Mr Puzzle and became his wife.”

The duo found themselves in a comical situation. Arnav could not understand what was happening within. He was torn between amusement at Aashi's innocent yet embarrassing questions about marriage. On the other hand, Khushi composed herself, using her years of experience in handling Aashi's innocent yet tricky questions that came to her aid, entertaining the audience with the family's humorous dynamics.

She laughed,

“If you talk like this, Dadi and Mr Puzzle will not let us enter RM.”

“Why?” Aashi pouted.

“Marriage is a big thing. There are many formalities. A kid like you should not discuss it, OK?”

Aashi nodded ok with a hung face.

“Nothing is like that. We will not say that. you can talk about anything.” Arnav said.

Aashi nodded, smiling brightly. Khushi rolled her eyes.

“Shall we go, Ms Smile?” Khushi asked, smilingly.

“Mom, today is a holiday. You go to the hospital. I will be here.”

“No, beta. We should not disturb Dadi.”

“There is nothing called disturbance. I told you many times,” Arnav said with a stern gaze.

“Ok, should be like a good girl…”

“I’m indeed a good girl,” Aashi said.

Khushi looked at Arnav.

“I will bring her home.”

Khushi nodded ok and left RM. Arnav looked at Aashi and asked,

“What are you going to do?”

“Mmm…” She thought, tapping her cheek cutely and said,

“We will watch a Cartoon.”

“We will watch it later.  Now, let’s go out.”

“Out? Wow…where?” She hopped, holding his hand.

“Park?”

“Heeyyyy… come on… Dadi, we are going.”

Ratna nodded.

Arnav took Aashi to the park. She ran to the swing and sat. Arnav pushed the swing fast, making her giggle.

“Fast, fast…” she laughed.

Arnav pushed her without getting tired.

“Stop, stop…” She shouted.

“What?”

“I will play in the slide.”

“Ok… go…”

She climbed the stairs and started sliding. After playing enough, she sat on the cement bench with Arnav.

“What about ice cream?” Arnav asked.

Aashi licked her lip and nodded ok, widening her eyes. Arnav chuckled, forgetting himself. How cute his baby was!

“Let’s go…” he stood up.

Aashi held his hand and walked, hopping joyfully. They came to the ice cream shop.

“What flavour do you like?”

“Chocolate”

Arnav brought her chocolate flavour and made her eat it. Aashi willingly ate it.

“Enough?”

“Mmm, one more?” She asked, raising her index finger prettily.

Arnav got another ice cream and gave it to her. Arnav admired her with mixed emotions. He didn’t know what would be her mother’s decision in his matter. Aashi was his baby, but he could not claim it. He could not tell anyone about it because her mother didn’t know the truth. No one would be in his condition, he thought. 

When they returned to RM, they saw Ratna in the living room. Aashi ran to her and recited everything to her. Ratna smiled at Arnav.

Arnav took the remote and changed the channel. Aashi watched Tom and Jerry. She laughed, giggled, smiled…! Arnav and Ratna entertained her. Aashi had a good time with them like ever before. She didn’t even think of Khushi at least once.   

In the evening, Arnav opened the door as he heard the calling bell sound. Khushi smilingly entered.

“Moooom…” Aashi rushed towards her.

Khushi lifted her.

“Did you trouble them?”

Aashi nodded no.

“We went to the park, ate ice cream, watched cartoons… I like Mr Puzzle and Dadi so much,” She said, spreading her hands.

“Arnav, you had done a blunder”

“What?”

“She is going to nag you for the same again and again.”

“After all, she is a kid…”

“Aashu bid bye to them.”

“Mom, can’t we be here?”

“You are going to get beaten up…” Khushi pinched her cheek playfully.

“She is right. You can be here,” Ratna said.

“Aunty… please, don’t do this. Aashu, say bye”

“Bye…” she said, making a face.

“I will drop you.”

“No, Arnav… a cab is waiting outside…”

“But why?”

“It’s ok, Arnav… whatever you are doing is more…”

“Don’t be formal, Khushi…”

“Ok… I will try to be informal the next time. Now, let us go…”

Arnav sighed.

“Bye, Aunty… bye, Arnav”

Clutching Aashi’s hand, Khushi walked. Arnav stood looking at them.

 

Night

After finishing dinner, Arnav went to his room. That was when he got a call. He smiled, seeing Khushi’s number. He attended the call. Before he talked,

“Have you slept?” Aashi asked.

“Yes, I’m sleeping and speaking with you in my dream.” He chuckled.

Aashi giggled.

“If I had slept, how could I attend the call?”

“Did you have dinner?”

“Yeah… you?”

“Having…”

“Oh…”

“I want to talk to you.”

“Tell me, beta.”

“Shall I come to your house tomorrow?”

“You are most welcome. You don’t need my permission… this is YOUR house.”

“Really?”

“Mmm…”

That was when Arnav heard a knocking sound on the phone.

“Who is that?” Arnav looked at the clock. It was 9 o’clock.

“Mom is opening the door.”

Khushi opened the door and was shocked to see Lokesh Ram standing.

“Mr Puzzle, Dragon Monkey is back.” She said nervously, making Arnav nervous.

“What does he do?” Arnav stood up from the bed.

“He is entering without Mom’s permission…”

Taking the car key, Arnav rushed to his car.

To be continued…

 

 

 

 

Love Is Not Blind Part 36 Only way

 

Part 36 Only way

Khushi stopped as she forgot to take her bag. Didn’t Vinesh ask her to shift to his place? So, she packed her things and brought them to the temple.

“I will bring my bag,” She said.

“I will also come.”

They came inside and saw Akash taking their bags. Khushi snatched it from his hand and walked.

“Khushi…” Akash called her.

Without a second thought, Khushi walked on, her grip on Arnav’s hand firm and unwavering. Arnav, understanding her silent plea, took her bag and walked alongside her.  

When Arnav and Khushi came out of the Temple, they saw Akshara waiting for them wearing a burqa. She looked nervous.

“What happened, Akshara? Why are you looking nervous?”

“Listen to me. Keep your face calm. Don’t look at our surroundings…”

“Vinesh’s men are here… I think the main culprit is alerted by Vinesh’s arrest. It seems the network is bigger than I thought. We need to act fast,” Akshara said urgently.

Arnav tried not to look around.

“Where are they?”

“Two guys are watching you. One is standing in the opposite tea shop, wearing a sandal-colored shirt. Another is in the bus stand, wearing an ink-blue shirt.”

Arnav volunteered and smilingly looked at Aman and NK.

“Check the bus stand and tea shop,” he said, grinning as if he told a joke.

Aman and NK laughed, understanding Arnav’s intention. Aman looked at the bus stand, and NK looked at the tea shop.

“Yes, there is a sandal colour shirt in the tea shop”, NK said, laughing.

“The guy in the ink-blue shirt is looking only at us,” Aman said.

“Yeah, sandal colour shirt also…” NK said.

“What are we going to do now?” Khushi asked.

“We should have to divert them...” Aman said.

“No… it won’t work. Because we don’t know how many of them are waiting. It’s not easy to escape from them.” Arnav said.

“No, you have to divert them and go somewhere else. Don’t go to the place where you are staying,” Akshara said.

“But how long we could run?” Arnav asked.

Akshara pulled Khushi towards her and whispered something in her ear. Khushi looked at her shockingly, and Akshara nodded, "Yes."

“Whaaaat?” Arnav asked, his shock mirroring Khushi's.

“Get married to Khushi immediately… that’s the only way to save Khushi from them,” Akshara said, knowing that this drastic step was their best chance at escape.

Arnav looked at Khushi, who nodded yes.

“Go to any temple and get married.”

“What about this temple?”

“No, they are watching you,” Akshara said.

Arnav thought for a while. He looked at Aman and NK.

“Do what I say”

“Tell me”

Arnav told them his plan. They nodded ok.

“Let’s go, Khushi," Arnav said, his voice filled with determination. He started the bike, and without a word, Khushi sat behind him. Payal, too, took her place behind Arnav. They were a team united in their mission.

Arnav started the bike. Khushi sat behind him, and Payal sat behind him. He moved from the place. Aman waited a while and saw the ink blue shirt and sandal shirt following Arnav’s bike in another bike.

“I think only these two are here,” Aman said, starting NK’s bike. NK sat behind Aman.

“I will wait here for a while. If I find anyone suspicious, I will call you,” Akshara said.

“Thanks” Aman followed the bike.

Arnav rode the bike, looking at the rearview mirror. Aman reared up the bike and reached the followers.

“NK, ready…”

“Yeah…” he held the bike tight.

Aman slightly dashed their bike. Losing their balance, they fell on the road. They were poorly injured. Aman stopped the bike. He and NK lifted them.

They saw the traffic police rushing.

“Thank god, the police came…” NK intentionally said.

The men stood, putting in effort, and tried to lift the bike.

“Arrey, brother, wait… the police are coming. Tell them we hit your bike.”

“No need… we have to go.”

The police reached the place.

“What happened? How did you fall?”

“We just slipped, sir… nothing else.”

Starting the bike, they left the place. Aman and NK looked at each other, smirking. Aman called Arnav, and he attended the call.

“ASR, our plan worked.”

“Yeah, we reached the Dadar station. I brought Khushi and Payal by auto.”

“That’s a good idea. We are coming.”

“Yeah, I bought our tickets. Come to the eighth platform.”

“Ok, we are coming.”

Aman and NK headed to the Dadar station, where Arnav took Khushi and Payal. They then went to the eighth platform, where Arnav waited for them.

They got on the train and seated.

“Where are we going?” Aman asked.

“Goa,” Said Arnav.

Aman and NK looked at him stunningly.

“Goa?”

“Yeah… Mumbai is not safe for us. You are also on leave. So, you, too, come with us.”

“But, we didn’t take anything.”

“You can manage with mine.”

“But, why did you decide to go to Goa? You asked Payal to be in Mumbai…!”

“I asked her because I didn’t want to send her alone, but now, we are with her… and probably don’t know who is behind us. We should not take a risk in this matter.”

“What if they come to Goa?”

“Before they come to Goa, we will get married,” Khushi said.

Arnav looked at Khushi, who was looking at him.

“Akshara wants us to marry ASAP. She said, then only they will stop their effort.”

Arnav nodded ok. It took fourteen and a half an hour for them to reach Goa. Arnav made Khushi sit near the window. He sat next to her. Payal sat opposite them. Aman and NK took seats next to her.

“What’s the plan?”

“We will reach Goa tomorrow at 7 o’clock. Tomorrow evening marriage…” Arnav said.

“Mmm…”

Arnav looked at Khushi and asked,

“I hope you have no problem getting married simply.”

“We are getting married… it’s more than enough for me,” she smiled.

Arnav smiled.

That was when Arnav got a call from Akshara. He attended the call.

“Haan Akshara…?”

“Are you guys safe?”

“Yes, they followed us, but we tackled them.”

“Don’t be in hope. They are dangerous guys.”

“Did any other fellow follow us?”

“No… only they two are Vinesh’s man. I waited for half an hour. After that, only I left.”

“You to be careful.”

“Yeah, I know…Vinesh is still in the police custody. Somebody tried to bring him out of the jail, but they could not as it’s a narcotic branch.”

“Mmm…”

“Where are you now?”

“We are going to Gatkophar”

“Oh… be safe.”

“I will call you later.”

Arnav disconnected the call and saw Khushi looking at him.

“Why did you tell her that we are going to Gatkhopar?”

“As of now, I can’t believe anyone. Not that Akshara is bad. She could have been in someone’s trap…”

“Mmm…”

“It seems someone tried to bring him out of the case, but they could not,” Arnav said.

“That’s why we trapped him in the Cocaine case…” Aman chuckled.

“I expected this… by the way, how did you do that?” Khushi asked.

“Don’t ask me how hard it was for us to get Cocaine. At last, we did it.”

“That’s why our plan succeeded… or else, Vinesh would have escaped easily.”

They had dinner on the train.   

“Sorry, guys, I can only get the ticket on the normal train. Please adjust,” Arnav said.

“No problem. If we had got trapped, our night would have been worse,” Payal said.

Arnav nodded yes.

“Are you all right?” Arnav asked.

Payal nodded yes.

“She is lying,” Aman said.

Payal looked at him and looked outside.

“Don’t be upset, Payal. Akash doesn’t deserve you,” Khushi said.

“Do you think I deserve this heartbreak?”

“You would not have been happy with him if you had married to him, Payal. He searches for better. He won’t be satisfied. Feel happy, you are free now.”

Payal nodded and closed her eyes, leaning on the seat. Arnav and Aman spared a glance. After a while, Payal dozed off. Aman and NK stood near the door, feeling the wind.

Arnav leaned towards Khushi and asked,

“What did Akshara whisper in your ear?”

“She asked us to get married.”

“Then?”

“Then what?”

“She said something that shocked you. Right?”

“Right”

“What was that?”

“I will tell you after our wedding.”

“Why not now?”

“It can’t be said”

“Why?”

“It’s a secret.”

“No place for secret between us”

“Maybe… but I can’t tell you that.”

“Why?”

“It’s like that.”

“May I guess?”

Khushi looked at him, flinching. Arnav leaned to her ear and said,

“She might have said you can’t be away from the problem until you are a virgin… right?”

Khushi looked at him, widening her eyes. She turned towards the window, getting embarrassed, and saw a smirk on his face.

To be continued…

True Myth Part 12 Mysterious Man

 Part 12 Mysterious Man

Khushi's heart raced as she faced the dog, her hand outstretched. She spoke, her voice steady but her nerves taut with anticipation, a bead of sweat trickling down her temple.

"See my hand, Bairavaji… the ring is not in my hand. I handed it to the person you wanted to give it to."

Clutching Arnav's hand, she showed the ring to the Dog.

"Khushi, what are you doing?"

"Shhh…. This is the same dog that bit my finger in my dream…"

The Dog barked.

"Please, trust me… I didn't take the ring intentionally. I know I should not wish to have someone's belongings. Please don't bite me." Khushi pleaded with the dog, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Khushi, you're a sight to behold," Arnav chuckled, thoroughly entertained by the unfolding drama.

"Funny? What do you know about the pain when the Dog bites our finger?"

“Do you know?”

"Of course, it felt like it truly happened to me…" She said terrifically.

Arnav gestured for Khushi to see the Dog. When she saw the dog walking away, she sighed in relief.

"Your Bairavaji is gone", Arnav laughed.

Khsuhi pouted. 

"Tell me what we have to do?"

"The Temple will be whitewashed. Its surroundings will be cleaned. It should be ready for the function. Many events will take place at the function by the villagers."

“Oh…”

"Arvind Uncle will send the workers. We will have to manage them."

“Oh…”

"There is a well in behind the temple. Don't go there. It's an old, abandoned well,"

“Why?”

"Thorny bushes have covered it. The well will not be visible from the outside. Be careful"

Arnav looked behind the temple. They saw a few workers coming with chopper, matchet, crowbar, and spade.

"Big Sir sent us, Manager sir," one of them said.

"Yeah, you can start the work. The work must be clean; is it clear?"

“Ok, sir…”

They started cleaning the temple's surroundings. Arnav was supervising them. He noticed the few workers cleaning around the well.

Khushi saw the Palace worker bringing buttermilk for the worker. She served it to everyone, came to Arnav with two glasses of buttermilk, and gave him one. The buttermilk contained Ginger, Coriander leaves, asafoetida, and green chillies for flavour. More than that, it was so sticky with butter in it.

"Thank you," Arnav said, taking it and tasting it.

"Wow… it’s so tasty… this is the real BUTTER milk…” Arnav drank it.

"Yeah, our palace buttermilk is so special. Not only buttermilk but everything prepared in our palace tastes superior."

"After all, it's a palace."

 "Yeah, buttermilk will cool our body. We are provided with this as we work under the sunlight."

"Oh… then what will be provided in the late night?"

"Dry ginger coffee or ginger tea…"

“Oh…”

Taking the buttermilk jug, she filled his glass again.

"No, Khushi, it's enough…"

"It's good for health… have it," she said, and she had one more glass of buttermilk.

"Does not everything seem unbelievable?" Khushi asked.

"What are you talking about?"

"You were supposed to go somewhere but ended up in this village…"

Arnav nodded yes.

"You are in this village and doing Temple work… it's amazing to me."

“Why?”

"Do you think it's simple to do Temple work?"

“It’s just work…”

"No… not everyone could do temple work. I think you are a dear person to God."

"Khushi, I don't believe in God."

"It doesn't matter if you believe in God or not. If you are truthful to yourself, you will be a dear person to God."

Arnav smiled with disbelief.

"Smile, how much you want. You will soon believe God."

Khushi left the place, taking the empty glass from Arnav. Arnav saw the well slightly visible. He headed the well and slowly looked into it. He jerked as suddenly the Damaru sound rose in the well, making ripples in the water. Arnav unknowingly touched the well's wall. He felt the vibration of the Damaru sound. He looked for Khushi. She was in the Temple's gazebo. He beckoned her, but she didn't notice him. The man who was working near him asked,

"Do you want anything, sir?"

"Yeah…" he pointed at the well.

The worker looked into the well and then Arnav.

“What, sir?”

Arnav looked into the well, and its water was calm. He was stunned and confused. He heard the Damaru sound, which created ripples in the water. He looked at the worker, not knowing what to say.

"Do you ask this water can be drunk?"

Arnav nodded yes.

"Usually we won't use… but at the time of Temple's function, people use this water for cooking."

“For cooking?”

"Yeah, food will be provided to the village people on the function day."

“Oh…”

The worker resumed his work. Arnav peered into the well and saw slight ripples again. He frowned. What was happening here? What did this mean? Was this a coincidence? Yes… when he came to this village, he heard the same Damaru sound that controlled the Dog that chased him. The incident must have been stored in his subconscious mind. That was why he remembered it when he looked into the well. Arnav found an excuse for the Damaru sound.

Thinking about that, he looked here and there for the Dog. He slowly walked, searching for the Dog. He got stuck as he saw a man sitting under a VILVA tree. He was leaning on the tree, caressing his beard. He smiled at Arnav.

"How are you?" He asked Arnav.

“Do you know me?”

"Why not? Everyone in this village is talking about you."

“About me?”

"Yeah, a new man entered the village and got a job in the palace. Everyone is talking about that"

“Oh…”

"And, I know something too…"

“What?”

"You got a place in the KING's heart too…"

“How do you know?”

"I know… do you like this village?"

"Yes, I like it…"

"You have to like it…"

Arnav frowned.

“Why do you say so?”

"Because this is your destiny."

“Means?”

"Means you belong to this village. You have many responsibilities in this village."

"My Guruji sent me to another village, actually."

“Who? RudraPrathap?”

Arnav was stunned. No one addressed his Guru by his name.

"How do you know my Guruji's name? How do you know who sent me here?"

"What's the big deal? I know Rudraprathap."

"Is it?"

"Yeah… I know everything…"

"Everything? Really?" Arnav smiled.

"Don't you believe me?"

Arnav maintained a smile on his lips.

"Ok, if you have doubt, question me. I will answer."

“What question?”

"Anything you want to know…"

Arnav thought for a while, and his mind sparkled.

"You know Khushi… right?"

"Of course I do. You want to know if the mystic's word will come true. Right?"

Arnav was stunned. How did he know what he wanted to know?

"What are you talking about?" Arnav intentionally asked.

"The mystic said Khushi will be the Queen of the palace. People who reside in the palace are torturing her as they cannot tolerate her becoming the Queen. Am I right?"

Arnav gazed at him with mixed feelings. How did he learn about that? The servant of the palace should spread the news in the village. He supposed.

"Now, you want to know if the mystic's word will come true when there is no chance for that to happen… right?"

Arnav composed himself.

"Arvind sir may not have an heir, but two girls could claim the rights. Then, how could Khushi become the Queen?"

"Didn't Arvind have an HEIR?" The man asked with a smile.

"You said you know everything… don't you know Arvind sir has no heir?"

"I will answer the question LATER. Now, I would like to clear up your doubts… Yes, Khushi will become the Queen of the Palace… do you know how?"

Arnav gazed at him without answering to know the answer.

"It will happen by a WEDDING."

"Wedding?" Arnav shrank his eyes.

"Yeah, if she married the KING of the palace, she would have to become the QUEEN, right?"

Arnav was shocked to hear that. Wedding? Did Arvind plan to marry Khushi? He gritted his teeth. How dare he think of marrying a girl who was his daughter's age! How cheap! It should not happen. Just because Khushi had no one, how could he take her for granted? Maybe this was why he ended up in this village… to save Khushi from the wedding…! Arnav's thought was broken as the man before him laughed.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Your thought made me laugh,"

"How do you know what I'm thinking?"

"I told you I know everything"

Aranv made up himself. 

"Why? What's there to laugh?"

"She will become a Queen. No one can change it, but it will happen after a BIG struggle."

"It will not happen. I will not let it happen."

“Oh, really?”

"Yes, I will bring the medicine that cures Ratna, madam. If she recovered, Arvind sir will not think of marrying Khushi…"

"What an idea…!" he laughed again.

Arnav was about to say something, but he stopped seeing Khushi coming.

"Arnav sir, what are you doing here?"

"I'm talking to him", Arnav pointed at the man, but he was not there!

To be continued…