Chapter 4

Sorry Guys.. Chapter 4 has been updated since long on india forum... but it's now I got some time to update it here!

Chapter 4

Tere Intezaar Mein... (In your wait...)

And whenever this door was unlocked, Stella, the head of Hope orphanage, knew that her kid, her Khushi was in pain.. And how she knew that? Arnav! Arnav was at his worst state! Tears welled up her eyes as she stared at the young man.. asleep with dried tears on his cheeks on a very old bed which was once Khushi's bed..

Her tears rolled down her cheeks, Stella held the cross pendant at her neck and walked to the bed.. She sat on the edge of the bed and passed her hands through the thick hairs of Arnav as she said with a heavy heart...

Stella: Why God? Why? Why are you punishing these kids? For how long, will they suffer? And Arnav?? How long will he keep on waiting?? If the hope of this kid is broken, I promise.. I'll lose faith in you god.. I'll lose faith!

And all of a sudden, Stella heard the church bell.. It was 6 pm, the time for her prayers.. She wiped off her tears and kissed the forehead of Arnav before walking away for her evening prayers..

*****

In the Church...

Since the past 7 years, Stella had been into this church, day and night praying for the same wish.. Hoping for god's grace.. On her knees, she joined her hands every day in front of her god.. asking for the love of Arnav and the life of Khushi.. Every night, hundreds of candles were lighted for Khushi before her prayers... Though she had lost hope since long, but she had to be strong.. for Arnav.. She had to continue to believe.. in her god and most importantly in Arnav's belief, and his love...

 When stella finally reached the last candle, she lighted it and was turning away when suddenly her elbow hit the table and the candle fell down... Shocked, she turned back and breathed a sign of relief when she saw Arnav on his knees holding the lighting candle... Arnav lifted his eyelids from the ground and a faint smile adorning his face, he said..

ASR: You won't lose faith in your god!... I promise mother...

With a teary smile, Stella placed her hands on Arnav's head and nodded in acknowledge as she said...

Stella: May god bless you my child.. and may he listens to all your prayers..

Arnav stood up and placed the candle back on the table.. He then looked at Stella and said convincingly..

ASR: He will! He has too...

Stella walked towards the altar. She sat on her knees and closed her eyes. Meanwhile Arnav turned his gaze towards the jesus crucified on the cross... And finally he began walking to jesus.. to the altar where he once heard that this is the home of jesus Christ... a home for justice... a home for love... where every sinner gets punished and every innocent finds the way to life..

Flashback

Their fingers entwined, Arnav and Khushi entered the church of Hope Orphanage... While Khushi had a wide smile curving on her lips at the only sight of the beautiful altar, Arnav signed irritatingly before saying grumpily...

ASR: Khushi, seriously why are we here?

Her eyes shot open as she said...

Khushi: Ssshhh... This is jesus Christ's home.. behave yourself!

And he replied sarcastically...

ASR: Really!... Man where am I stuck??

Khushi forcefully pulled back her hands from Arnav and said angrily...

Khushi: Agar tumhe bhagwan se itna problem hain, to jao yahan se... (If you have so much problem with god, then go from here...)

And Khushi turned away from Arnav..

ASR: Khushi...

Without sparing him a look, Khushi walked towards the altar angrily... She sat on her knees, joined her hands and let herself went lost into her prayers..

Arnav nodded...

ASR: Unbelievable!

Arnav began walking towards Khushi and finally sat next to her at the altar.. He looked towards her and a smirk adorned his face.. He had eyes only for her.. For how long she had been praying or how long he had been staring at her matters no less.. She looked so innocent.. She looked like an angel.. She was childish.. crazy.. innocent.. kind.. generous.. a pure soul... Though Arnav never believed in god, but if Khushi was not a god's gift, then how come he was blessed to have her in his life... Suddenly his thoughts broke at the voice of Khushi...

Khushi: This is the home of Jesus Christ... The home for Justice where every sinner gets punished... The home for Love where every innocent finds a way to life..

A smile curved on her lips... and she turned her gaze towards Arnav who seemed fascinated by her words..

Khushi: Its said that here, every prayers which comes from the heart will never go wasted...

And she looked back towards jesus Christ...

Khushi: Pata hai.. kabhi kabhi kuch halat ke waje se, hum bhagwan se naraaz hoja ta hain.. Jab main panch saar ki ti, ek dhin mein yahan aayi thi.. Bahut bahut zyada gussa lekar aayi thi.. Bhagwan se naraaz thi main.. Main bhagwan se kuch jawab maangne aayi thi.. Mujhe jaan na tha ke bhagwan ne mujhe maa aur papa kyun nahin diya.. Lekin uss dhin, mother stella ne mujhe ek baat samjayi thi.. Agar bhagwan dard dehta hain, to wo dard ko sehne ke liye wohi shakti dehta hai.. Maa aur papa ko le liya to kya huwa, bhagwan ne hi mujhe mother stella jaisi maa diya hai... orphanage ke baki bachon ko mere bahi aur behen banadiya... Aur ek hi par mein.. usne mujhe zindagi ki saari khushiyaan ko de diya... (You know... sometimes because of some circumstances, we are angry with god.. When I was five, one day I came here.. with loads of anger.. I was furious with god... I came to ask for some answers from god.. I wanted to know why god didn't give me mum and dad... But that day, mother stella explained to me.. If god gives pain, he is also the one who gives you power to overcome this pain.. Even god took mum and dad so what, he gave me mother stella as a mother... he made the orphanage's kids my brothers and sisters.. and in a single moment.. he gave me all happiness of life..)

And she turned her teary eyes towards Arnav as she exclaimed...

Khushi: Tujh mein!(In You!)

Arnav brought his hands forward and caressed Khushi's cheeks... Khushi brought her hands on his as she said comfortingly..

Khushi: Mujhe yakeen hai, ke wohi shakti usne tumhe bhi diya Arnav.. Zindagi ka samna karne ke liye.. Tum chahe jitna naraaz bhagwan se.. Lekin phir bhi haar kadam pe woh tumhara saat rehega... Aur mein...(I'm sure, he also gave you that power arnav.. to face life.. How much you want to be angry with god.. But still, he will be with you at every steps.. And me...)

And suddenly Arnav intervened her words..

ASR: Mujhe pata hai... Zindagi ka samna karne ke liye aur har kadam pe mera saath dehne ke liye.. usne tumhe behja meri zindagi mein... haina??(I know.. to face life and to help me at every steps.. he sent you into my life...right??)

Her tears rolled down her cheeks, Khushi nodded in acknowledge.. Arnav moved closer to Khushi and pointed a finger towards her as he said in a serious tone...

ASR: Lekin.. mein maa ke bina jee to raha hoon, par tumhare bina Khushi... mein nahin jeepaaoonga.. maar jaaooonnggaa...(But.. I might be living without mum, but without you.. I won't live.. I'll die...)

Instantly Khushi brought her hands to his mouth as she nodded in negation...

Khushi: Ssshhh... Nahin.. aisaa nahin hoga.. mujhe apni bhagwan par pura vishwas hain.. usne hi toh hum dono ko ek doosre ke liye behja to woh hame alaag kyun karega!...(Ssshhh... No.. this won't happen.. I believe in my god.. he is the one who sent us for each other so why will he separate us!...)

Arnav smiled at her... Her beliefs became his beliefs so easily... and then she said...

Khushi: Arnav... Kya aaj tum gussa ko bhoolsakte ho aur mere saat bhagwan se pratna karsakte... please! (Arnav... can you forget your anger today and pray to god with me... please!)

And he replied without any hesitation..

ASR: Haan.. Tumhare liye kuch bhi... (Yes.. Anything for you...)

Khushi smiled happily and extended her left hand towards Arnav.. He held her hand and they turned to the front.. closing their eyes.. both prayed.. true heart prayers of love and togetherness.. A promise of love, honesty and commitment towards each other..

FLASHBACK ENDS

And Arnav fell down on his knees at the altar... His eyes moist, while unconsciously he began humming some words...

Khuda Ko Dikh Raha Hoga

God must be witnessing this

Na Dil Tujhse Judaa Hoga

My heart won't be separated from Yours

Teri Taqdeer Mein Mujhko

In Your destiny

Woh Ab Toh Likh Raha Hoga...

He would be writing me

(He would be making me an inevitable part of Your life)

He lifted his eyes towards jesus Christ angrily...

Khuda Ko Dikh Raha Hoga

God must be witnessing this

Na Dil Tujhse Judaa Hoga

My heart won't be separated from Yours

Teri Taqdeer Mein Mujhko

In Your destiny

Woh Ab Toh Likh Raha Hoga...

He would be writing me

Tears rolled down his cheeks...

Tera Hi Bas Hona Chahoon

I just want to become Yours

Tere Dard Mein Rona Chahoon

I want to cry in Your grief

Tere Dil Ke In Zakhmon Pe

For the wounds of Your heart

Marham Main Hona Chahoon

I want to become an ointment

He joined his hands towards jesus...

Tera Hi Bas Hona Chahoon

I just want to become Yours

Tere Dard Mein Rona Chahoon

I want to cry in Your grief

Tere Dil Ke In Zakhmon Pe

For the wounds of Your heart

Marham Main Hona Chahoon

I want to become an ointment

And finally he closed his eyes as he bowed his head...

Kar Le Kabool Khudaya Mere Sajde

Oh Lord! Accept my prayers

Ab Toh Naseeb Mein Mere Usse Likh De

Please make her be a part of my life

Ho... Kar Le Kabool Khudaya Mere Sajde

Oh Lord! Accept my prayers

Ab Toh Naseeb Mein Mere Usse Likh De

Please make her be a part of my life

Slowly he opened his eyes when he felt a presence by his side.. He turned his gaze to his left and found Khushi praying to god.. Her eyes closed, lost into her beliefs..

Tu Phir Na Soya Hoga

You might have not slept again

Shayad Phir Roya Hoga

You might have cried again

He extended his arms and placed his hand on Khushi's head comfortingly..

Tu Phir Na Soya Hoga

You might have not slept again

Shayad Phir Roya Hoga

You might have cried again

Khushi turned her eyes towards Arnav and took his hands in hers... She kissed his hands tearingly...

Aasoon Meri Palkon Pe

These tears on my eyelashes

Yun Hi Na Aaya Hoga

Wouldn't have come otherwise

And suddenly she stood and ran away... Instantly Arnav tried to ran after her, but in vain.. She disappeared...

Dena Mujhko Aawazein

Call out to me

Ya Sun Meri Fariyaadein

Or else listen to my complaints

Ghere Hain Mujhko Yaadein, Bin Tere...

I'm surrounded by memories as I'm without You

Arnav turned and walked back to the altar while memories of Khushi flashed in front of his eyes...

Tujhe Hi Bas Paana Chahoon

I just want to achieve (attain) You

Khud Ko Main Khona Chahoon

I want to lose myself

Tere Dil Ke In Zakhmon Pe

For the wounds of Your heart

Marham Main Hona Chahoon

I want to become an ointment

Tera Hi Bas Hona Chahoon

I just want to become Yours

Tere Dard Mein Rona Chahoon

I want to cry in Your grief

Tere Dil Ke In Zakhmon Pe

For the wounds of Your heart

Marham Main Hona Chahoon

I want to become an ointment

Khuda Ko Dikh Raha Hoga

God must be witnessing this

Na Dil Tujhse Judaa Hoga

My heart won't be separated from Yours

Teri Taqdeer Mein Mujhko

In Your destiny

Woh Ab Toh Likh Raha Hoga...

He would be writing me

(music background)

Arnav stared at jesus... A fire in his eyes... and he said furiously...

ASR: Why? Why are you doing this?? Agar usse vapas le na hi tha to usse meri zindagi mein lekar kyun laye.. Kyun mujhe dhi ita khushiyaan.. aur phir itna gham.. kya hak hain apko... Bas! Tak gaya hoon mein.. Khushi unki bhagwan mein pura vishvas thi aur main.. Khushi ka vishvaas par yakeen hain.. Aap uski vishvaas tode nahin sakta.. main yeh nahin hone dhoonga..  (Why? Why are you doing this? If you had to take her back then why did you bring her into my life... Why did you give so much happiness.. and then so much sorrows.. what is your right.. Enough! I'm tired.. Khushi had so much trust into her god and me... I had trust into khushi's beliefs.. You cannot break her trust.. I won't let this happen..)

And he said rightfully...

ASR: Mujhe meri khushi vapaas chaaye.. Apko mujhe usse vapaas dilana hi hoga... Woh jahan bhi hain.. aap usse dhoon kar mera paas le aeegaa.. Mera pyar, meri zindagi, meri khushiyaan... I want her back.. I want Khushi back... Khushiii!!! (I want my Khushi back.. You have to give her back to me... Wherever she is.. you will find her and bring her back to me.. My love, my life, my happiness.. I want her back.. I want Khushi back... Khushiii!!!)

*****

Suddenly her eyes shot open while she was praying... The stormy breeze entered the temple from the open windows and instantly Khushi brought her hands to prevent the small diya from blowing out...

Dil Ne Ibaadat Ki Hai
My heart has prayed to God
Teri Bas Chahat Ki Hai
It has desired only You

Anxiously, she brought her one hand on her heart...

Dil Ne Ibaadat Ki Hai
My heart has prayed to God
Teri Bas Chahat Ki Hai
It has desired only YouLikh Aaya Arziyon Mein
I've written requests (to God)Tujh Bin Jeena Nahi Hai
That I don't want to live without You

And she signed.. "Arnav"

Mujh Mein Ab Main Kahaan Hoon
I'm not to be found inside meTujh Mein Rehne Laga Hoon
As I've started living inside YouMain Toh Bas Jee Raha Hoon, Bin Mere...
I just exist without myself

Her tears began rolling down her cheeks...

Tujhe Khwaab Mein Dikhna Chahoon
I want to be seen in Your dreamsTeri Saans Mein Khona Chahoon
I want to get lost in Your breathTere Dil Ke In Zakhmon Pe
For the wounds of Your heartMarham Main Hona Chahoon
I want to become an ointment 

And suddenly, she ran away from the temple.. as fast as possible, without stopping.. crying continuously.. Running through the dark corridors... till she reached her room...

Tera Hi Bas Hona Chahoon
I just want to become YoursTere Dard Mein Rona Chahoon
I want to cry in Your griefTere Dil Ke In Zakhmon Pe
For the wounds of Your heartMarham Main Hona Chahoon
I want to become an ointment

As she entered her room, she slammed the door and leaned her body against the door... And she let her lifeless body sliding to the ground...

Khuda Ko Dikh Raha Hoga
God must be witnessing thisNa Dil Tujhse Judaa Hoga
My heart won't be separated from YoursTeri Taqdeer Mein Mujhko
In Your destinyWoh Ab Toh Likh Raha Hoga...
He would be writing me

  

She said in tears...

Khushi: Mujhe yeh aansoon manzoor hai Arnav ke zindagi ke badle.. Mere bina woh teek nahin hain, pata hain mujhe.. Lekin mere saat.. iss sachayee ke saat woh nahin jeepaaegaa.. Hum dono ke dil kabhi juda nahin hoga.. Lekin, hum dono iss zindagi mein kabhi ekk nahin hosakta... Shayad yehi hai hamari takdeer mein... Yehi takdeer hain! (I accept these tears instead of Arnav's life.. He is not fine without me, I know it.. But with me.. with this truth he won't be able to live.. Our hearts will never be apart.. But we both cannot be one in this life.. Maybe this is our destiny... It's destiny!)

  

(Music background)

And she cried out loud...

*****

The car screeched to an halt and Bunny looked towards Naina while the latter crossed her arms to her chest and stared at the deserted forest angrily...

Bunny: Please try to understand Naina.. You've seen how ASR reacted.. He never likes visitors.. and... This is his personal life..

And he said pleadingly...

Bunny:  It's already difficult for him, please don't make it worst...  Please...

Naina looked towards Bunny guiltily and tears began welling up her eyes as she said...

Naina: I know Bunny.. You can't imagine how I felt when I entered this room.. It was... full of pain.. his love, it felt so real.. That song.. those feelings.. I felt as if my heart was torn off.. It's not anymore a story Bunny.. I want to help him.. I really do...

By now, her tears rolled down her cheeks.. And Bunny approached her hesitantly.. and took her in his embrace.. Naina let herself fell into his arms for comfort while Bunny said...

Bunny: I know how you felt Naina... I feel this every moment I see him.. I wish we could help him.. but.. I tried everything.. I searched for Khushi everywhere.. But she's nowhere..

Suddenly Naina's mobile rang and she pulled back from Bunny's hug... She searched her bag and as she found her mobile, she looked confusingly at the unknown number... She finally pushed on the answer button and said...

Naina: Hello!

But seconds later, Bunny jerked up in shock as Naina yelled excitedly...

  Naina: Aditi! Kaisi ho tum.. Itne saalon baad... Kahan ho tum.. Kab miloge... (Aditi! How are you.. After so many years... Where are you.. When will we meet...)

And the young girl from the other line said...

Aditi: Ok ok... tum baad mein sawal kardo... Atleast let me tell you that I'm in Dehradun.. I was sent here from delhi for 4 days.. ek business event ke liye mujhe apne magazine ke liye kuch photo le na hoga... (Ok ok... you'll ask questions later... Atleast let me tell you that I'm in Dehradun.. I was sent here from delhi for 4 days.. for a business event I need to click some picture for the magazine...)

Naina: Oh great... To Miss Aditi.. bahut bari photographer bangaya.. (Oh great... so miss aditi... became a top photographer..)

Aditi: Haan yaar kya kare.. ghar mein behte behte bored hogaya ta mein.. ek camera dhiki aur socha... kuch photos click kardo! (Yes friend what to do.. I was getting bored sitting at home.. I saw a camera and thought... let's click some pictures!)

And both girls laughed...

Naina: Atleast tell me when are we meeting??

Aditi: That's why I called.. Business event do dhin mein hain.. saat chalegii.. (That's why I called.. Business event is in two days.. will you go with me..)

Naina: Are nahin yaar... yeh sab events.. I get very bored.. (Oh no.. all such events.. I get very bored..)

Aditi: Exactly... aur mein akeli bored nahin chati.. chaloo naa, pleeeaaassseee... Aur tumhe acha lagega.. maybe it can help you with your stories... I heard that the one who's organizing this event is a great personality... Kafi historical zindagi hain uska.. Please chalo na... (Exactly.. and I don't want to get bored alone.. let's go, pleeeaaassseee... And you'll like it.. maybe it can help you with your stories... I heard that the one who's organizing this event is a great personality... He has quite a historical life.. Please let's go...)

Naina turned to Bunny and smiled at him before saying to Aditi...

Naina: Acha tikein, lekin kya mein apne saat ek dost leasakte hain.. (Ok fine, but can I bring a friend...)

Aditi: Ofcourse yaar!

Naina: Great.. so see you in two days...

Aditi: Yes.. I'll text you the time and address..

Naina: Tikein! (Ok)

Aditi: Aab mein phone rakti hoon.. badmein baad karte...(Now I'll hang up.. we'll talk later...)

Naina: Are kya naam bataya uss personality ke...(Hey what was the name of the personality you told me...)

Aditi chuckled and said teasingly..

Aditi: Dekha jaisa historical bataya.. bahut impatient horahi tumm.. (See as I said historical.. you are becoming very impatient..)

Naina: Kya karee.. aadat se majboor!(What to do.. compelled by habits!)

Aditi: Uska naam hai... (His name is...)

SHYAM MANOHAR JHA!