Hello friends,
Here is the next update of this FF,
Hope you like it.

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Not Proofread. Please ignore the typos and mistakes.

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Continued from last part

Banner done by GirlWithSparkleEye

CITY HOSPITAL,

LucknowIn the dead of night, a figure slipped into the ICU, cloaked in shadow. His gaze fell on the pale, fragile form of Khushi, lying still amidst the hum of machines. Tears glistened in his eyes, betraying a storm of emotions. He moved slowly, as if afraid to disturb the air, and sat beside her bed.

His trembling hand reached for hers, cradling it like delicate glass, fearing it might shatter.The room held a chilling yet strangely soothing silence. Staring at her wan face, his voice broke. "Wake up, please. You can't stay like this. After all these years, I've found you-I can't lose you again. I'm begging you... come back." His plea was a whisper, raw with desperation.

Helplessness clawed at him, a feeling he hadn't known in years. His jaw tightened, fists clenching with barely contained rage. He'd never imagined seeing her like this, broken and lifeless. "I swear," he growled, teeth gritted, "those who did this to you will pay. Their lives will be worse than death."He pressed her hand to his heart, his voice a vow.

"Come back to me."

A warm touch on his shoulder startled him. He turned, exhaling in relief at the familiar face."What are you doing here at midnight?" the newcomer, a man in his late twenties, asked softly.

"Go home, buddy."

"Same goes for you," the first man shot back, his voice sharp but strained.

The second man sighed.

"I get it. You've been aching to see her all day but couldn't. I know what she means to you. But you have to be careful. If anyone spots you here, everything we've planned falls apart. I'll keep you updated-go home."

The first man nodded, his eyes lingering on Khushi.

"I was missing her," he choked out.

"You know what I've been through. I couldn't keep going without seeing her once." His voice cracked, and the other man pulled him into a tight embrace, swallowing his own emotions."I know, brother. But you need rest. If you burn out, how will you finish this? Come on, let's go." He led him out, the hospital's sterile halls swallowing their footsteps.

•──────☆──────•

NEXT MORNING - GUPTA HOUSE,

While Sheetal drowned in her dreams of Arnav and stardom, Shashi Gupta's phone rang, shattering the morning's calm. "Hello, Mr. Gupta, this is City Hospital. Come immediately."

The line went dead.

Panic seized Shashi. Was Khushi alright? He called Buaji, his voice trembling as he relayed the message. He didn't bother telling Garima, knowing she'd only blame Khushi.

Buaji insisted on coming, but Shashi refused. "I'll go alone, jiji. I'll call if I need you." He rushed out, dread gnawing at his heart.

•──────☆──────•

CITY HOSPITAL

Shashi burst into the hospital, his voice frantic. "Doctor, what's wrong with my daughter? Why the urgent call?"

The doctor, silent, gestured for him to follow. Fear gripped Shashi, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios, but he held himself together and trailed behind.

When the doctor opened the ICU door, Shashi froze. A weak but familiar voice called out, "Babuji!"

Khushi's whisper was a lifeline. Tears flooded Shashi's eyes as he saw his daughter awake, her voice a miracle after days of silence. "Babuji, why are you crying? Look, I'm fine!" she said, forcing a cheerful tone, struggling to sit up.

"No, no, bitiya, stay down!" Shashi rushed to her side, gently stopping her. His hand caressed her hair, voice thick with emotion. "My baby girl, I've waited so long to hear you." He enveloped her in a tearful embrace, his heart swelling with relief.

As Khushi settled, a quiet joy softened Shashi's face. "Rest, bitiya. I need to speak with the doctor." He stepped out, hope flickering amidst his worry.

In the doctor's cabin, Shashi's voice was urgent. "Doctor saab, is my beti okay? You mentioned multiple injuries-any pain?"

The doctor smiled gently. "Relax, Mr. Gupta. You saw her-she's fine. We've given her the best care, as promised. She's recovering well."

"Can I take her home?" Shashi asked, his voice brimming with hope.The doctor understood the father's eagerness.

"I get your excitement, but she needs another week here. Her leg isn't fully healed-she'll require physiotherapy. We'll monitor her, then discharge her."

Shashi's face fell, but the doctor chuckled, lightening the mood. "Tonight, you'll sleep soundly, maybe even snore! Won't bhabiji kick you out for that? My wife does!"

Shashi managed a small smile, comforted. He left, promising Khushi he'd bring her home soon. Outside, he dialed someone, sharing the joyful news of her recovery.

.•──────☆──────•

SUCCESS PARTY VENUE

Sheetal's life felt like a dream. She had ASR's attention, or so she thought, and tonight's success party was the pinnacle.

Word had spread that Arnav would propose to her, cementing her as Mrs. ASR, the bride of the Malik and Raizada legacy. Her heart soared, weaving visions of wealth and fame, blind to the cracks in her fantasy.

At Sheesh-Mahal, Arnav arrived early, a rare glow on his face. As the chief guest, his presence was electric, yet he seemed lost in a private joy. Guests poured in-tycoons, media, socialites-all vying for a moment with The ASR. But he barely noticed, his mind elsewhere, ignoring business magnates who sought his alliance.

Sheetal entered, stunning in a red gown, expecting every eye on her. But her gaze hunted for Arnav, only to find him distant. Humiliation stung as he overlooked her, his contentment a stark contrast to the stern ASR she knew. Was this even him?

She waved eagerly, desperate for his attention. When he finally waved back, she exhaled, relief washing over her. He'd noticed her after all.

But Arnav's joy wasn't for her. In his contentment, he'd blundered-ignoring key businessmen and, worse, Sheetal. He'd forgotten the proposal, the centerpiece of his plan. Cursing himself, he signaled someone in the crowd, his expression unreadable, and approached her.Sheetal threw her arms around him. "Oh, ASR! I was so worried!"

He frowned, bewildered. "Why?"

"Why?" she echoed, incredulous. "You're not yourself tonight! The ASR I know is stern, focused. You ignored me all evening, busy with God-knows-what. You didn't even compliment my beauty once!" She pouted, her tone seductive, her red dress clinging provocatively.

Arnav's face remained blank. "I was planning a surprise," he said, voice devoid of warmth. "That's why. And you look... fine."

"Surprise?" Sheetal's eyes lit up, all over him. "What is it? Tell me, please!"He nodded, gesturing for her to follow. On the terrace, under a canopy of fairy lights, he turned to her. "Miss Sheetal Gupta, will you marry me?"Her scream was deafening. "Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes! Oh, ASR, I love you!" She flung herself into his arms, oblivious to the storm she'd just invited. "I knew you loved me too."

When he didn't respond, she pulled back, confused. "What's wrong, baby? You love me, don't you?"Arnav's smile was slow, calculated. He nodded, letting her cling to him, but his eyes held a glint of something darker. Sheetal, lost in her triumph, missed it. Yet doubts crept in.

The Raizadas were traditional-would they accept her modeling career? Was she ready to risk it to crush that wretched girl? Her face betrayed her dilemma.Arnav bit back a laugh, catching her expression. More surprises await you, Sheetal, he thought, masking his amusement with a cough. He lingered with her, ensuring no suspicion arose, then escorted her off the terrace.

•──────☆──────•

RAIZADA MANSION

Arnav returned home, his rare happiness lighting up the mansion. His parents, exchanged delighted glances, grateful to whoever had brought their son such joy.

Aditya called him over. "Arnav, join us!" He was mid-chess match with his mother. To their shock, Arnav sat down, grinning.

"Who's winning? Dadi, you?" Arnav teased, winking at Subhadra, his grandmother.

"And Daddy dearest, cheating as usual to beat her?" Subhadra smirked as Aditya sulked.

"How dare you, you ungrateful brat!" Aditya play-scolded. "I gave you life, raised you, fed you, let you live in my house, built you up, gave you a job in my company-and you call me a cheater? In front of my mother, no less?"

Laughter erupted-Subhadra's loud, Ratna's stifled, Arnav's mischievous. "Seriously, Dad? That's your defense? I call you a cheater because you are. You can't beat Dadi or me, admit it. And by the way, I earn my own keep, Sr. ASR!" Arnav pinched his father's cheek, grinning.

Aditya fumed, ready to retort, but Subhadra piled on. "He's right, beta. You're no match for us."

Aditya, feeling ganged up on, challenged Arnav to a chess match. Subhadra and Ratna exchanged amused glances, knowing Aditya's tricks.

Arnav and Subhadra agreed, smirking. They knew Aditya would pull every dramatic stunt to win, and Arnav loved baiting him for the fun of it.

•──────☆──────•

The game was set in the backyard garden, with Aman summoned to join. As expected, Aditya started his theatrics before the first move. He pulled Arnav aside, voice dripping with mock sweetness. "Mere lal, mere peele, mere pyare, please lose this one. It doesn't look good for a son to beat his father at chess, right?"Arnav grinned.

"Oh, really? Should've thought of that before challenging me. No amount of sweet-talking-yellow, blue, or green-will work, my dear kaale Dad. I'm not losing today." Aditya tried another tack.

"Think of your mother! How'll she feel if I lose?"

"Nothing," Arnav shot back.

"She knows your chess skills. But if you win, she and Dadi might have heart attacks. That's a different story." He brushed off the emotional ploy, smirking.

Aditya muttered under his breath, "Saale kamine! What did your mother eat to birth you?"Arnav's eyes widened, teasing.

"What the-Dad, you're cursing me? If Mom hears, you're sleeping in my bed-or the guest room. Shame on you, old man!" He shouted, "Mom! Momm-"

"Wait!" Aditya panicked, switching to bribery.

"I'll... I'll take you for ice cream! Deal?"Arnav cracked up.

"Ice cream? Really, Dad? Am I five? You always do this-challenge me, then beg me to lose. Not happening."Aditya's face lit up, sensing victory in Arnav's playful tone. He shrugged, feigning nonchalance.

Arnav shook his head at his father's antics and headed to the garden for the match. But what he overheard there turned his blood cold, a murderous rage flaring in his chest, aimed straight at Aman.

Why was Arnav so happy?

Was it really for Sheetal?

What did he hear that ignited such fury?

What will Sheetal do about her career?

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

Take care and stay safe,

Regards,
Dipanwita86
24/09/21