Can You Forget The Past

Chapter One: Prologue

“Pariiiiiii!!!!!” Khushi  squealed in excitement as she opened the door.

                Pari was Khushi’s best friend & they were meeting after a long time. Khushi hugged her warmly and dragged her to her bedroom before Pari could greet anyone else.

                “Ok, so you are here for the whole day. Tell Karan I’m not letting you go. Gosh we’re meeting after so long, it’s been like what… a month?” Pari waited patiently for Khushi’s excited rant to end.

She frowned at Khushi, “I know Khushi but I’ll be leaving after lunch. You know the wedding is next week, there’s so much to do. And as for us not meeting, that’s your fault. You shut yourself up completely.”

Khushi’s face fell, “I know dear but I needed time… you know that.”

“I’m your best friend Khushi.” Pari protested.

“Yes and I thought you would understand more than anyone else. After what he did to me…” Khushi’s voice broke as tears flowed down her cheeks.

Pari’s heart melted at the sight and she put her arms around her. This was why she was here. Her best friend was in pain and she could no longer leave her alone. Khushi had to come out of this solitude.

“Khushi” Pari said softly. “Karan & I miss you. We are getting married next week and it’s just not complete without you. Besides you can’t go on like this forever. Look what you are doing to yourself. This is not the Khushi I knew. You are lifeless. The Khushi I knew was full of life. She taught others how to live. Today when I see you, it’s like I never knew you.”

“I’m sorry Pari. I know I’m being a jerk. I know I shouldn’t be moping around at a time like this. Karan & you are getting married & I will be there for you guys. I promise.” Khushi smiled.

“That’s my Khushi” Pari smiled back. And they started discussing excitedly about Pari’s wedding dresses and jewelry and her honeymoon plans.

Khushi’s Mom and sister Payal were glad to hear the laughing and teasing voices coming from Khushi’s room. She was laughing after so many days. The two friends came out and all of them had lunch.

After lunch Pari asked Khushi to join her for some last minute shopping. Khushi tried to avoid but her mom & Payal urged her to go. “Khushi you haven’t been out for so long & you love shopping. It will refresh you.” Payal said.

“It’s honeymoon shopping you moron, you can’t expect me to do it with my mom.” Pari whispered to Khushi.

At that Khushi’s ears pricked up and a naughty twinkle crept into her eyes. “Alright let’s go then.” She winked at Pari with a wicked grin.

Latter in the evening after completing the shopping, (which involved a lot of teasing from Khushi as Pari’s cheeks reddened looking at the pieces of lingerie), they settled down at a coffee shop. The conversation drifted on to wedding invitations.

You know Khushi, everyone is just dying to meet you… Jas, Reva, Priya, Siya…, All our office mates are coming.” Pari chirped.

Khushi was suddenly nervous, “Have you…? You know… invited him…”

“Khushi, he’s our boss… I mean my boss. Of course I’ve invited him.” Pari stated matter of factly.

“B-But then… h-how will I…” Khushi trailed off.

“Oh for God’s sake Khushi, grow up. He should be the one who should be embarrassed to face you & not YOU.” Pari growled.

“B-But”

“Oh come on, you can’t do this to me, you promised to be by my side. How can you let anyone spoil my big day?” Pari pleaded. She looked hurt.

“Alright, don’t you start now; we’re in a public place. I will keep my promise Ok.” Khushi rolled her eyes.

“Good Girl. And most likely he will not turn up. You know how khadoos he is.” Pari tried to cheer her up.

“Yes. Laat Governor!” Khushi tried to smile but shuddered internally at the thought of again facing ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA!!!!