PART 9

Khushi was staring up at the frothy canopy of her bed,lost in thoughts.

She had once again seen the ghost of his past,the hurt,the pain that haunts him and strangely-though she knew him barely more than two days-she felt his anguish.It disturbed her,unsettling her to the core.

She badly wished to comfort him,but how?She did not know.

''Khushi,Ma and papa are coming day after tomorrow.I'm so excited.Finally the entire family will be together after such a long time.You know what,I already.....Khushi are you even listening?''Payal asked on noticing her sister's unusual behavior.

Usually khushi nearly went crazy with happiness on the prospect of arrival of their parents,yet now she was lying silently,lost in her thoughts.

''Khushi!''Payal asked uncertainly,looking positively alarmed.

The silence of her chatterbox for a sister was quite literally equivalent to the eighth wonder of the world!

She went by her side and shook her,stopping her chain of thoughts.

''Huh?''Khushi murmered dazed.

''What's wrong jiji?''she asked.

''I should ask the same question to you khushi!Ever since you came from office you've been so silent.Is everything Ok?''Payal asked concernedly.''

''Of course jiji!I was just thinking about a case that we're currently dealing with.Nothing much!''Khushi replied trying to sound off-hand.

''Are you sure?If there is any problem,you can share it with me.''Payal patted her head lovingly,still looking dubious.

''Oho jiji,there is nothing fishy.Honestly you should stop watching James Bond movies.You are turning into one!''Khushi said playfully,ducking in time to avoid being hit by the pillow that Payal threw at her.

She didn't want to involve her jiji in this.At least not for the time being!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASR was standing near the french windows,lost in thoughts.Moonlight sifted in his room,playing on the oriental carpets.

Poolside held an inexplicable attraction,an aura for him.No matter howsoever worked up he was,he always felt at peace in this place,yet now even it didn't sooth his frayed nerves.

He glared at the calm water of pool that reflected the clear night sky in all its glory.It was a stark contrast of the turmoils raging inside him.

''I'm not weak!I can't be weak!''he growled,punching the wall.

He drew the curtains close,shunning rays of light,making his room bath in omnipresent,depressing dark.He retreated in black,shutting and barricading himself firmly in a shell,determined to never to let go.

The world was still the same cold,cruel place where trifle sentiments such as love,empathy,compassion was a myth,a big lie.People only mocked at other's anguish,chafing their wounds raw.

Though howsoever he hated to admit it,he knew he had allowed himself to be vulnerable,to forget this harsh,vital truth due to khushi and he loathed her for that.She had made him to go weak!

But Mayappa's cold words had snapped everything in perspective.

Nobody can have an influence on him.He was the writer of his own destiny.

ASR had risen again,more powerful and resentful than before.......