Chapter Ten

Determined, Arnav drove to the location. All he could think of was Khushi's safety. Driving roughly, he arrived to the location and stopped. He was outside of a run-down factory. It used to be a factory that made mattresses, but due to lack of money and then hitting bankruptcy, the factory had to shut down.

Arnav got out and just as Arnav was about to take out the bags, his phone rang.

"Hello," he said sternly.

"Ah, so my buddy has arrived." It was the kidnapper.

"I'm here."

"I know. I see you," he said matter-of-factly.

Arnav looked around under his eyelashes.

"Where's the money?"

Arnav cradled his phone between his ear and shoulder. He opened the car door and took out the briefcases.

"Very good," the guy said. "My men will approach you. They'll take you in."

Two men appeared and went to Arnav. One was short and bald, the other a little taller, but fat. Baldy held his hand out and Arnav handed the briefcases. Fatty had Arnav hold out his arms and he patted him down, making sure he didn't have anything on him. He held his hand out, gesturing for his phone. Arnav smirked and handed it to him.

Baldy turned and Fatty pointed a gun at Arnav's head. Arnav stayed chill and followed the two inside. Inside, the place looked terrible. It was run down, with rats running here and there, filled with cobwebs.

Going to an elevator, Fatty opened the small gate and the three got in. They went up and then got out. Arnav followed and once they turned the corner, he froze.

In front of him, in between high stacks of barrels, was Khushi, exhausted out from yelling and struggling. Her head hung forward, looking extremely tired.

"Khushi!"

Khushi looked up slowly and saw Arnav. "Ar... nav..."

Arnav was about to run towards her, when a guy came out of nowhere and pointed a gun at her head. Arnav stilled and his eyes widened at the sight.

"Let her go," Arnav said.

The guy chuckled. "This easily?"

Arnav recognized the voice. It was the guy from the phone.

"What do you want," Arnav asked.

He chuckled again.

"Let her go. I brought you your money, now let her go!"

He chuckled once more an then tilted his head to the left and tsked. "Ah, love. Such a cute thing."

Arnav was done with the nonsense. "Let her fucking go!"

"Ah, not so nice? Relax yaar! Bhabiji will definitely be released."

He looked at Baldy and gestured him to give Arnav the bags. Arnav got confused and looked at the main guy.

"You will personally hand me the money. This way it's fair," he said matter of factly.

Arnav just nodded his head and walked towards him, his eyes on Khushi. She looked really scared with the gun pointed at her. Arnav had never seen her like this and it was hurting him a lot.

"Walk," the guy yelled.

Arnav began to walk forward, his eyes never leaving Khushi. She was really scared, her lower lip trembling.

Baldy and Fatty came outta nowhere and pushed him hard, and since Arnav was caught off guard, he fell.

"Move," both roared.

Arnav got up and was about to swing his fist when her heard the small click. He spun on his heels and looked at Main Guy. He had his gun right against Khushi's head, ready to pull the trigger.

"Bring me the cash," Main Guy yelled.

Khushi had her eyes screwed shut and she was crying. Arnav couldn't bare the sight of Khushi crying and walked towards the guy.

"Good boy," Main Guy said, slurring his words.

Arnav handed him the briefcases and Main Guy pointed the gun at Arnav.

"Move back," he simply said.

Arnav put his hands up and slowly backed away. Once he was a good ten feet away, Main Guy untied Khushi. Arnav tried to approach to help her out, but Main Guy pointed the gun back at him.

"Back the fuck off," Main Guy yelled.

Arnav did as he said and stepped away. Main Guy continued to untie Khushi while pointing his gun at Arnav. Khushi was still tired and exhausted and when she was released, she was still sitting there.

"Get the fuck up," Main Guy yelled.

Arnav was about to explode, but the guy pointed his gun at Khushi.

"Stop," Arnav yelled. "Can't you see she's not in good condition?!"

"Like I give a fuck," Main Guy sneered.

Main Guy grabbed Khushi by the wrist and pulled her forward, making Khushi trip and almost fall. Arnav sprang forward and caught Khushi before she fell face forward. Her eyes were shut, her breathing slow.

"Khushi," Arnav called out.

He patted her cheeks lightly and Khushi slowly opened her eyes.

"A-A-Arnav..."

Arnav caressed her face in his hand and felt really bad. Khushi saw the feelings in his eyes and slowly reached up and caressed his cheek. Arnav looked at her hand and then at her and she shook her head, not wanting him to feel hurt at all, tears brimmed in her eyes.

"How cute," Main Guy said. "Anyways, I'll be going."

Arnav didn't care and held Khushi tightly. He scanned her, making sure she was okay. When he placed his hand at the back of her head, he felt something wet and Khushi hissed, shutting her eyes. Removing his hand, he saw blood all over his palm. His eyes darted at Khushi's for answers.

"They... they h-hi-hit me... w-wi-wi-with a-a-a- r-rod," she said, her eyes brimmed with tears.

Arnav looked into her eyes and saw the pain. His eyes began to fill with rage and Khushi got scared. She stroked her hands on his cheek, trying to calm him down, but Arnav was furious. He placed Khushi down and stood up.

"GET YOUR FUCKING ASS BACK HERE RIGHT NOW YOU MOTHERFUCKER!"

Khushi was in shock, not to mention the other guys. Khushi especially, since she had never heard him say such words. Ever! It shocked Khushi, especially the fact that he was doing this... because of her?

But why would he do that, Khushi wondered.

Main Guy, as well as Baldy and Fatty looked at Arnav.

"You fuckers have some nerve for hitting my wife," Arnav roared.

Wife, Khushi said in her head.

"And you have some balls for even touching her!"

Khushi gaped at Arnav.

"I'm not sparing you for this," and he charged at them.

Baldy moved forward and pointed his gun, but Arnav had attacked him already. Punching him in his stomach, Arnav twisted his arm behind his back and got the gun and pointed the gun at him.

"Move and I'll shoot him," Arnav threatened.

Main Guy chuckled. "Go ahead. I'd like to see."

"I'm not kidding."

"Nor am I. Do it."

Arnav loaded it and Khushi got scared.

"Arnav no," she cried out.

But Arnav didn't care. He was fuming, thinking they had some guts for hurting his wife.

"Arnav!"

Everyone turned and saw Mamaji as well as their men come running in, all armed.

"Fuck," Main Guy yelled.

Him and Fatty tried to run but Arnav's men caught him. Another guy took baldy and they began to lead them out. When Main Guy was near Khushi, he pushed the guy away, took his gun and went to Khushi and grabbed her, pointing the gun at her.

"Arnav," Khushi yelled.

Arnav turned, as well as everyone else, and Arnav froze.

"Arn-" but she couldn't say anymore because the guy put the gun in her mouth.

"Now then," Main Guy said.

"Let her go," Arnav demanded.

"Oh I will. First you're gonna let me go and you can get her."

Khushi's eyes were wide with fear, her squealing. Arnav stepped forward and Main Guy shoved it in deeper.

"Okay, okay," Arnav yelled. "I won't move. None of us will."

"Good," and he slowly started to back up.

But Main Guy hadn't noticed that one of Arnav's men we're behind him, so when Main Guy stepped back, the guy pointed his gun at Main Guy's head.

"Let her go," the worker said. "Or you're done."

Other men surrounded them. Arnav did as well, pointing Baldy's gun at him. Arnav neared in and Main Guy hesitated. One of Arnav's workers grabbed Main Guy's hand and pulled the gun out of Khushi's mouth. Khushi took her chance and ran towards Arnav, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly, crying in his chest.

Though Arnav felt a little tingly from it, as well as Khushi, neither worried about that now cause the situation was off.

Main Guy was fighting the other guy back, but everyone dived in and restrained him. Grasping his hands behind his back, they led Main Guy out.

Both Arnav and Khushi watched as they led him out. Khushi slowly looked up at Arnav and saw the anger, hate, and disgust as he stared Main Guy down. Then when Arnav looked at her, his eyes softened. He cupped her face in his hand and Khushi's lips quivered, her about to cry again. Arnav shook his head and a tear went down her cheek. He pulled her to him and hugged her, reassuring her of her safety and that nothing would happen to her, and that he was here for her. Khushi shook as she cried and Arnav knew she was scared. Shutting his eyes, Arnav kissed the top of her head and Khushi stilled.

This was the first time Arnav had ever kissed her. She was in shock and couldn't believe it. Just as she was about to look up, they heard yelling outside. The two looked at each other and then ran outside.

Outside, the three had freed themselves and had guns in their hands. They were moving back as Arnav's men moved forward.

"Stop," Mamaji yelled. "Or we will act!"

But the three didn't listen. They continued to move back. At a far distance, in the blink of an eye, they moved the gun to their heads and shot themselves.

Everyone blanched and Khushi screamed, hiding her face in Arnav's chest. The three bodies fell down, blood pouring. Arnav couldn't believe it and he didn't understand why they would do that.

Mamaji called the police and they were on their way. Arnav held Khushi tightly, when her hand dropped to her side. Her breath was shallow and Arnav pulled her back. Her head fell back and both hands had dropped to her sides.

"Khushi?!"

Mamaji turned as looked at them.

"Khushi?!" Arnav patted her cheek. "Khushi? Khushi?! Khushi, please!"

Arnav knelt down and rested her back against his knee, holding her against his chest.

"Khushi?! Come on Khushi, don't do this to me, please! Khushi!"

But she didn't wake up.

Mamaji went running to Arnav. "Whats wrong?"

"Mamaji," Arnav said hesitatingly. "Mamaji, she's... she's not getting up! Khushi! Khushi please!"

"I'll call the ambulance," Mamaji said and got his phone out.

"Khushi," Arnav called out. "Khushi please!" Tears came flowing down his face. "Khushi please wake up," he pleaded. "Please Khushi!"

Arnav hugged her tightly and tears flowed down from his cheeks to her hair. Soon the ambulance arrived and they rushed to the hospital, Arnav holding her hand the entire time.

Chapter Nine

After that night, Arnav and Khushi didn't bring it up. Arnav clearly remembered what he had said to her and felt embarrassed. Khushi felt weird about it, and couldn't get it out of her head.

Arnav liked me, Khushi thought. I can't believe it! I thought he never did! I mean I used to like him, but he actually liked me back?! OMG!!!

Khushi felt like a teen, but she didn't care. It was just mind-boggling to her! Day and night, it went through her head. But around Arnav, she would act calm.

Day after day, both began to feel comfortable and would get closer and closer. Not to that point, but they were closer than before. They were good friends but with time passing by, the want of love was getting bigger and bigger.

One day Khushi went out to the mall alone. She shopped here and there, when she stopped in front of a men's store. She decided to get Arnav a nice cologne, and then she went to Gucci and got him a nice watch. She just felt like getting it for him since the past few days, the only thing coming to her mind was just one person - Arnav.

Whenever he would be around, her heart would go dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak! She would dream about him, night and day. She felt the urge of wanting him, and she wanted to be with him.

Hmm, what else should I get?

She passed by some stores and thought of getting Arnav some clothes, but she didn't know his size. In fact, she didn't know much about him at all. That made her think back to their conversation they had earlier before she left.

*~*

"Arnavji, I'm going to the mall," Khushi said.

"Okay," Arnav replied, working on a file.

Khushi grabbed her purse. "Should I get you something?"

"No," he sighed.

"Meaning yes."

"No."

She shrugged on her purse. "Why not?"

Arnav looked at her. "What would you get?"

"I don't know. Anything I like?"

Arnav rolled his eyes, smiling lightly.

"Well, I don't know what you like," Khushi said in a low voice.

Arnav nodded, looking at the file.

"Or what you hate," she nearly whispered.

Arnav looked back at her. She seemed a bit sad and he scrunched his eyebrows.

"I barely know you," she whispered, sadly.

Arnav felt bad and wanted to hug her and comfort her, but he didn't move. He looked back at his file, disappointed he couldn't do anything.

"I wish you would let me get close to you," she said in a low voice. "I want to know you Arnavji. I want to know what you like and what you hate. ... I want to be with you."

Arnav gulped, daring not to look at her. Khushi just turned and left and Arnav looked at her as she left.

*~*

Khushi sighed. She couldn't stay upset at him for too long. It was his beautiful face that made it go away.

Finished with shopping, Khushi headed out of the mall. She went to the parking lot, when a group of men appeared out of nowhere.

"Ey ladki (Yo chick!)," a guy yelled. "Come with us."

"Excuse me?"

Khushi shut her door, all of her bags in her car.

"What, you can't hear," another ask. "Chal! (Move!)"

Two other guys grabbed her arms.

"Hey! What are you doing," she exclaimed.

The fifth guy gagged her.

"Take her away," the first guy said.

They dragged Khushi, Khushi trying to fight back, but it was no use. There was no one around and the group dragged her into the back of a white van and shut the doors. Khushi tried to fight away, but their hold on her was too strong. They tied her hands and feet and placed a black cover over her head.

Meanwhile...

Arnav stared at his laptop. After Khushi had left, Arnav couldn't even focus on his work. All he thought of was Khushi and what she had said. To think she would feel that way was mind-boggling to him.

Khushi? Wants to know him? That's so weird! Well, at least to him. The last girl he actually liked was her. Getting involved into politics meant a lot of studying so time for girls got off hands and books came into play.

He was too busy thinking this, when his secretary came running in, along with his Mama.

"Chote, come now," Mamaji said.

"What's wrong," Arnav asked, standing up.

"Sir, we have a problem on our hands," Arnav's secretary said.

"What?"

"We don't exactly know because the guy is demanding to speak to you. Him and his men are nonstop calling us, no matter how many times we're telling them to stop."

Without a word, Arnav headed out the door and his Mama and secretary followed. They headed out the house and Anannya looked at them as they left.

"Chote? What happened," she asked, running to the door.

"Di, stay inside," Mamaji said.

"What? Why? What happened?"

"Stay inside-!"

"No way," and she ran behind them.

Arnav headed into HQ and everyone was on the phone. His secretary went to her desk and Arnav went to his. His secretary's phone rang and she picked it up.

"Hello? ...wait." She looked at Arnav. "Sir-"

"Transfer the call," Arnav said.

She nodded and transferred the call. The line blinked and Arnav picked it up.

"Arnav Sing Raizada," he said confidently.

"Of course," the manly voice said. "Who else would it be?"

Arnav could tell he was smiling. "What do you want?"

"You know, the funny thing is, I've been trying to contact you for like hours-"

"What. Do you. Want?"

"Ah, straightforward... I like it."

"I don't like repeating myself sir-"

"Please! Don't be so formal! We could be pals!"

Arnav was about to cut him off but the guy continued.

"I mean come on ASR- you don't mind me calling you that, do you? No? Good," and Arnav could tell he was smiling again.

"I'll ask you again," Arnav said patiently. "What. Do. You. Want?"

"Well ASR, since you want to get down to business immediately... I'll tell you."

Armav rolled his eyes, letting out an inward sigh. About time, he thought.

"We have a very, very... prized possession, if you will, with us."

Arnav scrunch his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"Really ASR? I'm sure you would know what we're talking about."

"What the-?"

"We have your wife ASR."

Arnav's eyes widened. "Bullshit-"

"Don't believe me? Your pal? Well, listen to Bhabiji then."

There was a ruffling noise and then a tiny, weak voice spoke.

"Arnav..."

Arnav's eyes widened. It really was Khushi. "Khushi," he breathed.

Everyone else in the room gaped. Anannya covered her mouth and her eyes shot wide.

"Khushi," she asked. "What? How? Where-?"

Her brother raised his hand to hush her.

"Khushi, are you okay," Arnav asked, breathless.

"Arnav..."

"Khushi? Khushi, are you okay?"

"Arnav..."

"Khushi, don't worry. I'm coming, okay? I'm coming to save you."

"How sweet," the guy said.

"Where the fuck have you kept my wife?"

Anannya looked at her son in shock. Of the few months of their marriage, this is the first time he had ever seen Arnav like this, claiming her as his wife, not just saying it.

"Relax pal," the guy said. "Bhabiji is fine! We wouldn't hurt Bhabiji-"

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU?!"

Everyone jumped from Arnav yelling.

"Chill yaar! I'll text you the address, under one condition that is."

"What condition?"

"Bring 50 lakhs with you."

"What the?! 50 lakhs?!"

"I know you have that kinda money. Its too little for a man like you. Bring me the money, and Bhabiji will be set free and into your arms."

"You snake," Arnav snarled.

"Is that a way to talk to your pal? Eh, oh well. I'll text you the address. But khabardar, if you bring anyone, or even inform the police, then your wife gets it."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it."

"No, no I don't think you do."

All of a sudden there was shrieking.

"Arnav!" It was Khushi. She was screaming when there was a sound of a bullet.

"Khushi!"

"Relax yaar," the guy said, back at the phone again. "Bhabiji ko kuch nehi hua. Chill, 'Kay? Chill."

"If anything happens to my wife," Arnav said through his gritted teeth, his eyes filled with anger and power, "then I will murder you," he snarled.

"Whoa, chill yaar! Anyways, I can tell you're getting impatient for bhabiji. Fine, no prob. I'll be hanging up and sending you a text. Remember, no one with you. Not your people nor police. Or your wife gets it," and the guy hung up.

Arnav's grip on the phone loosened and somewhat slipped. He disconnected the call and looked side to side, running a hand through his hair.

"Chote," Anannya said, grabbing his arm, "where's Khushi? Where?!"

"She's been kidnapped," Arnav almost whispered.

"Kidnapped? What- how- why?!"

He looked at Mamaji. "They want money. 50 lakhs."

"That much," Mamaji replied. "But Arnav, it's a lot-"

"I don't care how much it is," Arnav boomed. "I need to save Khushi!"

Both his mom and uncle gaped at him, wondering when he started to care for Khushi so much.

"I need to save her," he said in a lower voice. He looked at his secretary. "Get my checkbook. I need that money. NOW!"

She jumped an quickly left. She brought it back and Arnav filled out a check and sent her to the bank, calling the bank to let them know of the huge withdrawal.

Arnav's phone beeped and it was a text. The text was from a private number and it was an address. Arnav sat in his chair and rested his lips on his folded hands, thinking of the call.

"We have your wife ASR."

"Bullshit-"

"Don't believe me? Your pal? Well, listen to bhabiji then."

There was a ruffling noise and then a tiny, weak voice spoke.

"Arnav..."

Arnav leaned back in his chair, thinking back to earlier in the day.

"I barely know you," she whispered, sadly.

Arnav shut his eyes.

 "I wish you would let me close to you," she said in a low voice.

Arnav opened his eyes and looked at his desk. He opened the top drawer and took out a picture of Khushi. He secretly kept it there and would look at it everyday.

"I want to know you Arnavji. I want to know what you like and what you hate. ... I want to be with you."

"I'm sorry Khushi," Arnav said aloud. "I want you too. I just didn't know how you felt. But now everything is going to change. I want to know you too. And I never want to lose you."

His secretary came back with two big briefcases filled with money. Arnav looked a the picture one last time.

I'm coming. I'm coming for you Khushi.

He put the picture away and took the briefcases. He headed to his car and Anannya and Mamaji approached him.

Anannya looked at him seriously. "Bring my daughter back safe and sound."

Arnav placed the briefcases down to take his mothers blessings. "I swear Ma, that I will bring her back. No matter what."

She placed her hand on his head and Arnav stood up. "My blessings are always with you."

Arnav nodded and put the briefcases in his car, got in, and drove off.