Truth is out

LONDON

Arnav stood outside his London house, his heart heavy with the weight of the truth he was about to reveal. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the emotional storm that was about to unfold.As he entered the house, the servants bowed, their faces expressionless. Arnav's footsteps echoed through the silent hallway, each step leading him closer to the moment of truth.

He reached the door to Khushi's room, his hand hesitating over the doorknob. He knew that what he was about to do would shatter the fragile trust between them, and he couldn't turn back now.With a deep breath, he turned the handle and pushed the door open. Khushi's eyes widened in surprise as she saw him, her face etched with a mix of fear and determination.

Khushi – Arnav Ji, you found me? Finally...where is this place? Who are these people? You have to hand them over to the police. (He was just looking at her, she continued) How did you find me?

Arnav - Khushi, relax...I have something very important to tell you. (voice was gentle, but firm)

Khushi - Let's go out from here first, and then you can tell me what you want. (eyes flashed with defiance)

As she tried to hold Arnav's hand and walk out of the room, he stood still, his eyes locked on hers. Khushi's face fell, her eyes welling up with tears not undestanding why he was not hurrying.

Arnav – Khushi, please listen to me... (his voice low and urgent) You can't leave this place. Not yet.

Khushi - Why? What's going on, Arnav Ji? Why am I being held here? Have they kidnapped you too? (Her voice trembled in fear)

Arnav took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Khushi's. He knew he had to tell her the truth, no matter how difficult it might be.

Arnav – Khushi... (his voice barely above a whisper) You're not kidnapped. You're...(Gulps his uneasiness) you're in our home.

Khushi - What? Our home? What do you mean? (face contorted in confusion)

Arnav's eyes never left hers as he took another step closer.

Arnav – I know this is not how it should have been... (his voice filled with regret) I'm sorry I kept you in the dark. I thought... (he gulped) I thought you were involved in my parents' death initially, and then I wanted to be sure of a lot of things before I told you the truth.

Khushi - I'm not able to understand. I don't even know about your parents. Is this the reason you always got angry at me initially when I joined the job? (Her face paled, her eyes wide with shock and confusion)

Arnav - The person you were searching for all this while...it's me. I am that cruel husband who left you at the altar that day and didn't come back. You're my wife. ( voice was laced with pain)

Khushi's world came crashing down around her. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut, her breath knocked out of her. She shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears.

Khushi – What? (her voice barely audible) No...this can't be. You're lying.

Arnav's arms tightened around her, holding her upright as her legs threatened to give way beneath her. He could see the turmoil in her eyes, the shock and confusion that had taken over her entire being.

Khushi's body trembled in Arnav's arms as she struggled to process the revelation. She felt like she was living in a nightmare, unable to comprehend the truth that had been hidden from her for so long.

Arnav's hands gently stroked her back, trying to comfort her as she sobbed uncontrollably. He could feel her pain, her shock, and her confusion. He knew he had hurt her, and he was willing to do anything to make it right.

Arnav - I'm so sorry. I was wrong to keep this from you. I was wrong to hurt you.(He paused, his eyes locked on Khushi's, his voice gentle and reassuring) I know this is a lot to take in. But I need you to listen to me, to hear me out. I had my reasons, Khushi. Reasons that I'll explain to you, if you'll just listen.

Khushi's eyes had glazed over, her mind reeling from the revelation. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of emotions, unable to process the truth that had just shattered her world. She slowly came out of Arnav's hold, standing facing him, her eyes filled with a mix of shock, pain, and anger.

Khushi - No...no...this can't be true. (She locks her eye with him) You knew...all along? (He nods) You knew I was searching for you...you messaged me all the while, and I was so guilty for having feelings for a man other than my husband.... You played me?

Arnav - I couldn't risk your life, Khushi. I had no choice. (He cupped her face, his touch gentle) You are more precious than anything, so I played along, unknown. I had to...

Khushi - When did you find the truth? Or was it from the beginning that you knew about me?

Arnav - No, initially, I thought you were my sister-in-law...and the message you sent on...(Khushi's voice cut him off, her eyes filled with tears)

Khushi - Karvachauth... (she looked at him, and he nodded) That's why you broke my fast so easily, and you never hesitated barging into my room without knocking anytime after that?

Arnav - Yes... (voice was barely above a whisper)

Khushi's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with memories of the past few months. She remembered the way Arnav had broken her fast, the way he had entered her room without knocking. It all made sense now. The pieces of the puzzle were finally falling into place, and Khushi's heart was heavy with the weight of Arnav's deception.

Khushi – You still pretended to be someone you're not. (her voice trembled with anger and hurt)

Arnav – I said I'm sorry. I was trying to protect you, but I ended up hurting you instead.

Khushi's eyes welled up with tears as she shook her head.

Khushi - You have no idea how much you hurt me. (her voice cracking with emotion.) You have no idea how much I loved you, how much I trusted you.

Arnav's face contorted in pain as he pulled Khushi into his arms, holding her close as she sobbed again. He could feel her pain, her anger, and her hurt, and it was tearing him apart.

Khushi - Why? (her voice trembling.) Why did you have to keep it a secret? Why did you let me suffer for so long?

Arnav cups her face and his thumbs stroked her cheeks, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

Arnav - I couldn't risk your life, not even for a moment.

Khushi's eyes searched Arnav's face, trying to understand the complexity of his emotions, the depth of his love for her. She saw the pain, the regret, and the longing in his eyes, and it slowly began to heal the wounds of her heart.

Arnav's words spilled out in a gentle, measured tone, explaining the intricate web of royal heritage and the brutal murders of their parents. Khushi's eyes widened in horror as the truth sank in, her mind reeling from the shock and grief.He handed her the pendrive, Khushi's hands trembled like leaves as she took it. She plugged it into the TV, and the room fell silent as the video played out before her eyes.

The video showed Arnav's parents, smiling and happy, explaining the circumstances of their marriage and the reason behind it. They spoke of the royal heritage, of the kingdom that awaited Arnav's return, and of the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

As the video ended, Khushi felt like her world had been turned upside down. She backed away from Arnav, her hands raised as if to ward off the fate that awaited them.