PART 35

''I escaped that fatal accident with a broken arm and few wounds.My mother saw the speeding truck and pushed me out of the car and luckily I landed on a soft patch of mud.I saw them die before my eyes .After that,that minister threatened that if we uttered a single word about it to anyone.But my papa,I mean Garima Ma's husband, was adamant about making everyone see the true face of those perverts which was masqueraded by their money and power.Ma was against it.She had already lost her younger sister and brother-in-law and she couldn't bear to lose me.After that we moved to Delhi,to Buwaji's place.''Khushi sighed, her nails digging in her palms.

ASR reached out and gently smoothed her grip,lest she hurt herself.They were having their lunch in Imperial Blue Restaurant.By the time they left the verdure clearing,they were famished so they decided to have lunch before going back to office.

''Years passed by but I never really recovered from that trauma.That incident triggered in me an aversion to men,except my papa so much so that I barely talked with guys even in school.In fact several times I nearly collapsed, hyperventilating and sweating profusely!My Mum and Papa took me to psychiatrists,but I simply couldn't get over it.That's the reason why my jiji is so protective for me.She assumed my responsibility,caring for me like a mother would do.''Khushi smiled.

''That incident is the catalyst behind me joining police force.I saw those nutters who ruined my childhood,making me an orphan,in every felon.!''She admitted and ASR felt as if he was hearing an echo of himself.

''But that would've been impossible,given my reservation when it came to men. Had it not been for Akash I would never have reached where I am.''

''Akash?''ASR was surprised.

''Yes him!He knows about my past.I met him in college and that was the first time I ever befriended a guy because he was not like others.He always looked out for me.Akash was the reason I was never ragged in college.''Khushi giggled.

ASR felt a pang of jealousy shoot through him.Why did she have to speak so glowingly about him?

''Akash helped me get over it,forget the past.If I'm able to converse with men without going crazy its all because of him.He's my bestest friend!''She said.

ASR was burning in envy.For the first time in his life,he regretted his decision of going to Mumbai for higher studies.Had he been here in Delhi,then he would've met khushi earlier and probably she would've been speaking so highly of him,not Akash.

A waiter came and placed a dish on table.

''Chocolate ice cream!''Khushi squealed in delight.

''How did you know that I like chocolate flavor?''She queried,her innocent eyes wide.

''You aren't quite subdued about it are you?I could wager,that whole office knows about your likes and dislikes by now!''Arnav teased,grinning lopsidedly.

Pink patches appeared on khushi's cheeks and she glared at him wordlessly.

She took a mouthful and closed her eyes,savoring its taste.

''Hmm,its so delicious!Arnavji you are the best!''Khushi quipped.

All his jealousy,that he were feeling moments before disappeared into a puff and a warm,fuzzy feeling enveloped him.

ASR was falling more for this bubbly,childish girl with every passing second!