Chapter 2

Arnav stumbles back in shock as Payal calls out for the doctor.

As the doctor arrives, Aakash tells him in whisper about Khushi’s response.

The doctor instructs everyone to step out for further checkup.

Arnav slowly stumbles out and sits down on one of the hospital chairs.

Anjali assure him: Everything will be all right. Khushiji must be in shock. Once she gets her bearing, I’m sure she will remember you.

Nani agrees: Yes, Chotey. After all, she loves you so much. She even risked her life to save you. She can’t forget you so easily.

Arnav closes his eyes in pain and thinks to himself: How can I tell you Nani. I’m not in pain because she forgot me. Its better she forgets what I did to her. I’m in pain because she has lost her memory because of me. I can’t bear to see her in this condition.

The door opens and the doctor comes out.

Arnav rushes to the doctor: Doctor, is she all right? She doesn't have any health concerns, is she?

The doctor says: Mr. Raizada, she is perfectly fine health wise. But for some reason, she has lost her memory of last year of her life. Usually head injuries cause partial amnesia. But she doesn’t have any head injuries. So we are actually surprised how she got partial amnesia.

Garima asks the doctor: Doctor, other than head injury what else can cause this?

The doctor says: Well, Mrs. Gupta… Other then head injuries, we have reports of people suffering from major trauma in life sometimes block out unpleasant memories. Human brain has built-in defence mechanism. When it encounters unbearable pain or trauma, it can block those memories to maintain sanity.

Garima wrinkles her brow: But how that can happen with Khushi, doctor? She is married to this family who loves her and she herself told me that he is the best husband in the world and very loving and caring.

Buaji says to Garima: But Garima, remember Arnav babua got kidnapped a few days ago. May be the trauma she went through during that time caused this?

Nani and Anjali nod their head.

Mami sniffs: Hello Hi Bye Bye. I know what phatti saree went through to rescue Arnav bitwa. That must be it.

Arnav closes his eyes in pain because only he knows the reason for Khushi’s trauma and it was none other than himself. He opens his eyes and asks the doctor: What do you recommend we do now, doctor?

The doctor said: You have to behave normally with her. Since she has forgotten her memory, it might take her time to understand and accept what happened this past year. You have to give her time and don’t force her to remember because that might have a reverse effect. Be supportive, give her time… And she should remember everything eventually.

But I’d suggest, don’t try to remind her anything right now. Give her time to heal.

Arnav nods his head in agreement. 

Then he walks into Khushi’s room where she was sitting up watching tv.

As he enters, Khushi looks at him in surprise.

Arnav removes all expressions from his face and holds out his hand to her: Hi, I’m Arnav Singh Raizada. My brother Aakash is married to your sister.

Khushi smiles tentatively and slowly extends her hand for shake: Namaste.

Their hands meet and sparks shoot through both of their bodies instantly catching Khushi by surprise…