The Guilty Ones

Chapter 37

"Arnav, we were going to come and see you"

"Seriously Khushi, you not only went behind my back and took this step, you also kept this from me. You were correct, it was not your story. You at least should have asked me"

"I mean come on Arnav, what am I supposed to say? and don't you start with all these now. As I told Akash, I was only trying to protect your feelings. So if both of you can't be thankful, at least leave me alone. I am not going to be the salami in your sandwich"

Arnav ignored Khushi and walked towards Akash. Both Arnav and Akash looked at each other and in a second they both started having tears in their eyes neither of them wasted a second and hugged each other as tight as they can.

Khushi turned and looked at them. All the anger she had disappeared after she saw them. Being an only child she never understood the bond between siblings. But ever since she met Akash she felt the warmth of it. Although this reunion might cause havoc she was happy for both of them.

"You've grown up so well. I still remember you running around the house like a little duck. I am so sorry for leaving you like that. I wish I can go back and turn the time and make everything right"

"Don't be sorry, it was not your fault. You were a kid too and we didn't have a choice"

"But being the eldest it was my duty to keep you safe. That was what mom and dad would have wanted and expected from me. I have disappointed all of you. I was so focused on getting my life in order and left you out in the process"

"Please let's enjoy this moment Aran..."

Akash was about to take Arnav's name when he broke the hug and corrected him.

"Bhai... I am you Bhai Akash"

"Bhai"

"You have no idea how long I have been waiting to hear this. Come here"

Saying that Arnav pulled him back again for a hug. Khushi couldn't hold on to her tears anymore. This has been the most beautiful moment in her life.

After hugging, breaking the hug, and hugging again for quite a long time finally Arnav and Akash let go of each other and turned towards Khushi. Without wasting a single minute both of them rushed and hugged Khushi.

"Thank you so much for all your efforts Khushi"

Said Akash hugging Khushi.

"And I am sorry for yelling at you. But you have given me the most precious gift ever Khushi. I don't know how am I going to repay you"

Arnav hugged Khushi tightly. Although she was happy and kind of expected this gesture, Arnav's hug reminded her of the warmth she felt when they shared that beautiful night.

The feelings and the burning sensation she worked hard to ignore started coming out. Before she act upon these feelings she quickly broke the hug. She didn't want this moment to be her. It is their moment and only they should have the limelight.

Akash broke the silence.

"By the way Khushi, how did you crack this? I mean, you didn't have any clue or details"

"Well, as I said, when Arnav told me about his story it was pretty similar to what you have told me. The age gaps, timeline and surroundings were spot on"

"If you figured this out that day, why didn't you share your thoughts with us? Well, I can understand not sharing with me, but at least with Akash"

"I didn't want to give either of you false hope. This is not a subject you can joke around with. Actual emotions were at stake. So I thought about the best way to give Akash the photo. I knew Akash also had a photo, but handing it over to you didn't make sense, but handing your photo over to Akash was making all the sense"

"It's just, I can't believe my brother was right in front of me this whole time. Thank you so much, Khushi. If it was not your plan we wouldn't have met"

"Yes, even though the plan was to put me behind the bars, I have to agree. Thank you, Khushi"

They all spent the evening together discussing their past, the present and the future. Khushi mostly sat silently letting the two brothers talk. They had a lifetime of topics to cover. But both of them made sure not to question or comment about each other's professions. That is a sentimental topic that needs proper handling.

After having dinner, Akash decided to leave. Khushi was hoping he would at least offer to drop her off so that she can avoid the awkward ride with Arnav. On the other hand, Akash didn't bother asking the question because both Khushi and Arnav are going to the same place so it will be stupid of him to even think about the question.

Akash promised to come and see them tomorrow and left the cafe leaving Khushi and Arnav alone.

"We should leave, your driver must be sleeping in the car because it has been hours"

Khushi purposely mentioned the driver praying for the driver to be here. At least that would lessen the awkwardness. However, Arnav's words disappointed Khushi in a second.

"Driver? Why would I bring a driver when I am capable of driving myself?"

"I thought you might have bought him just in case. But why are you here anyway? I told your driver I will come with Akash"

"Mishra, Sheetal? Knife? Gun? Bullets? Remember? or shall I elaborate?"

"Those were accidents and even if something happened, I am quite capable of taking care of myself. In fact, I will bet on me than you"

"Khushi, I don't think you understand the dynamics here. Not everyone is as clueless as Mishra or Sheetal. If someone wants to hurt you they only need a few seconds"

"Ok, let's imagine someone is trying to hurt me, but why do you care? In fact, you should be happy that I am out"

"Shut up Khushi, let's go. It's getting late"

Arnav knew arguing with Khushi is like punching your own self. So he decided to ignore her question. Deep down he knew the real reason he ignored her question was that Arnav didn't want to admit the answer to that question.

Khushi sat on the passenger seat and took her phone out and started reading her emails. Because she knew, somewhere during this ride Arnav will start asking questions and he might want to discuss that night. But she was not going to have 'The Conversation' now.

It has been a day of revelations and confrontations. Khushi had enough for the day so she decided to act as if she is busy to avoid the hazel eyes that were turning towards her every few minutes. 

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