Chapter Thirteen

It occurred to Khushi that she really needed her question answered - were these men or little boys in the den? Every no and then there was shouting and whooping, and every now and then Khushi would look up from her work with distaste and annoyance. It was absolutely irritating!

They can't be grown men.

Khushi turned her attention back on the apple pie she was making. She picked some apples from the trees earlier and knew that she had to make a pie with them. She especially knew how much Nani loved her homemade apple pie.

"Ooh pie!"

Avantika came hopping over and took am apple from the basket that held them.

"Nani is gonna go crazy tonight, that's for sure."

Khushi grinned and placed the top pastry over the pie carefully.

"Will there be a spare," Avantika frowned, knowing the small chances she'll have at getting even a small slice of pie, let alone anyone, thanks to her grandmother.

Khushi smirked and pointed at the oven. There was already another pie baking.

"Dope! Looks like Nan can feast over that one alone," she said sarcastically.

Khushi pursed her lips, trying to hide jerk smile 

"Don't tell me-! You made a pie just for her," she shrieked.

Khushi nodded with a grin.

"That is so unfair."

Playfully rolling her eyes, Khushi picked up the pie. She went to the oven to place it in and turned to Avantika.

"How unfair-"

The sound of cheering filled up the air and Avantika frowned, placing her hands on her sides. "How ridiculous," she frowned.

Khushi scowled, rolling her eyes.

"You know you can be in there too. You are his best friend after all."

Not anymore.

"Besides, you used to before."

Exactly. Before I used to when I was an idiot. Not anymore.

"Khushi-"

"Hey Khushi!"

Khushi and Avantika turned to see Virat.

"Got anymore chips?"

Arnav entered the room, holding a tray. "And dip?"

Khushi shook her head, gaping at them, incredulously. Unbelievable! After all the chips and extra dip I put in! Savages.

Khushi frowned and took the tray from Arnav to refill it.

"Seriously Bhai, you guys are some savages," Avantika said, shaking her head.

Khushi pointed her hand at Avantika, gesturing exactly what I was thinking!

Arnav scratched the back of his head. "What," he said innocently. "Vikram brought beer-"

Arnav bit his tongue, wishing he hadn't said what he had just said. As he had expected, Khushi had stilled. Fuck! I'm screwed!

Khushi turned to them slowly, ever so cryptically, as if she were in a horror movie. Only she was the demon and she was ready to get him. It was clear by the look on her face that Arnav knew what was going through her mind - what did you say?

"Oh you're so dead now," Avantika grinned devilishly.

Arnav gulped. "Khushi, it was Vikram who brought it-"

But the look on Khushi's face read I don't care, did you drink?

I'm so screwed. "I did," he confessed.

For a brief moment, she gaped at him, and then her fists clenched, the bag crunching within her fist.

Virat looked from her to the poor bag of chips. "Khushi...."

Khushi slammed the bag of chips down on the counter and reached out to the cooking utensils.

Avantika's eyes widened as she watched her hand move. "Bhai...."

Khushi gripped a wooden spoon.

"RUN," both Avantika and Virat yelled.

Without a thought, Arnav dashed out of the kitchen and Khushi chased behind him, waving the wooden spoon in the air.

I am going to kill you Arnav Singh Raizada!

Arnav dashed into the dining room and went around the table, creating space between them. "I'm innocent!"

Khushi clenched her jaw and her grip tightened. The two ran around the table and Amoli caught sight of them, watching the cat chase the mouse.

"What did he do now," Amoli chuckled.

Avantika came running in, Virat behind her. "Drink beer, she piped.

"What?!"

"Chatterbox, both Arnav and Virat yelled, and Avantika frowned.

"Khushi, get him good. And give him one on my behalf," Amoli scowled.

"Ma," Arnav whined.

Khushi went after him and Arnav ran, running out of the room.

Avantika sighed and crossed her arms. "I missed this," and she and Virat went after the two.

Arnav dashed into the living room and went running into the den. When the boys saw the two, they froze, some with their beer midair. Arnav ran around the couch they were sitting on, Khushi chasing behind him.

"Khushi please!"

But Khushi wasn't stopping.

Arjun picked up a beer and tossed it to Arnav. "You'll need this!"

Khushi paused and so did Arnav. She eyed the beer like it was her enemy, like it was the devil himself. She glared at it and looked at Arnav. Don't. You. Dare!

Arnav looked at her carefully. This is almost like before - Khushi chasing me around the house like this. Last time she got mad at me for drinking beer, she was mad at me for seventeen hours, fifty six minutes, and thirteen seconds. He looked down at the beer. Should I?

Arnav looked back up at Khushi and could see the fire in her eyes.

I should.

Arnav took the bottle opener that was laying on the couch and opened the bottle. Khushi gaped at him as he chugged the whole bottle of beer down. Arnav watched her as he tossed the bottle aside, knowing that Khushi was extremely pissed, her jaw ready to break if she gritted it down any harder. Her fists clenched harder, and Arnav was sure the spoon would break in her hands.

In fact, it did.

Arnav's eyes widened. "Oh fuck."

Khushi tossed the top broken half of the spoon with a cry and Arnav ducked. The others watched it fly, right onto the darts board.

Wait a minute, did she just-? Arnav stood up. "Khushi-? Shit!"

Arnav ducked down again as Khushi tossed the bottom half of the spoon. The guys watched as the broken end went to the board, getting stuck right in the middle. They gaped at each other and then looked at the two. Khushi was panting and Arnav was crouched on the floor, covering his head.

Several seconds passed before he looked up. He saw Khushi glaring at him, but she didn't move a muscle, only breathe heavily.

"Khushi-"

Khushi pointed her finger at him, as if to say don't you dare speak. With a hmph! and a stomp, Khushi charged out of the den. Everyone blinked and then the guys looked at Arnav while Arnav looked down at the floor.

Did she just-?

Avantika and Virat came running in and their eyes went immediately to the dart board and then at Arnav.

"Oh come on," Avantika exclaimed. "You mean she missed?! Twice!!"

Arnav glared at her and Avantika ran out immediately.

Virat went over to Arnav, glancing at the dart board. "Damn... that sure got crazy, huh?"

"No kidding," the others said together.

Arnav chuckled and picked up a beer.

"You sure you want to do that," Virat asked as Arnav opened the bottle. "She just might kill you this time."

Arnav grinned, taking a swig. "Oh I do. I got a sound out of her."

Virat looked at him I confusion. "A sound?"

"That's right, a sound. And pretty soon, I'm going to get her to talk."

"Pretty soon? Don't tell me you're drunk already."

"I don't get drunk so easily. And don't worry - I'll get her to speak, or my name isn't Arnav Singh Raizada."

*~*

"I don't get drunk," a very buzzed Arnav Singh Raizada said.

Virat grinned and put his arm around his buddy's neck. "No friggin' way you don't!"

"That's right! Arnav Singh Raizada doesn't get drunk!"

Anjali shook her head at the sight, palming her forehead. "Of course he doesn't." Anjali entered the room and picked them up by the ear.

"Ow Di-!"

"Oh hush it Chote." Anjali looked at the rest of them. "The driver will drive you all home now."

The other guys drinking saluted and marched ton the front door, giggling like schoolgirls when one of them would stumble.

Geez!

When all of them were in the car, Anjali turned to Arnav and poked him on the side of his head.

"Di-!"

"I don't get drunk," she mocked. "Then what do you call this?"

"Buzzed, relax. I know when to stop, that's why I didn't drink another beer."

"Like that makes it any better, you still drank! You know how much Khushi hates that! You made her cry!"

Arnav's eyes widened. "I did?"

Avantika came walking over with her arms crossed. "You're such an idiot Bhai."

Arnav glanced at her and Avantika hid behind Anjali.

"You made her cry," she said from behind her sister's back. "That's messed up!"

Arnav sighed. "Where is she?"

"Where else would she be Chote," Anjali frowned.

Arnav knew exactly where and headed to the backyard. There was only one place Khushi could be right now, and that was on the swing by the big oak tree, by the garden. It was the only place Khushi would go when she was upset.

And just as Arnav had expected, Khushi was sitting on the swing, sniffling.

Arnav remembered the day his father ad hooked up this swing to tree. Khushi had fallen in love with it, and she wouldn't come off of it, not even when it was getting dark out. Arnav remembered being jealous of it and wanted to ruin it so that she would play batman with him. Unfortunately his plan flopped, but he was mad at her for seventeen hours, two minutes, and thirty six seconds. He remembered seething in his bed before falling asleep too.

Making his way to her, Arnav head her sniffling get louder and louder. He gripped onto the ropes of the swing, stilling it, causing Khushi to look up at him.

"I'm sorry."

Khushi looked away and wiped her tears. Arnav sat behind her and sighed.

"I'm really sorry Khushi."

Khushi rolled her eyes. Yeah right! You purposely drank that beer in front of me, purposely chugged it. 'I'm sorry', my foot! But why am I getting so high strung? Why should I care? After what he said-

"I'm sorry Khushi, forgive me."

Khushi twitched her lips. As if!

Standing up to leave, Khushi tried to escape. But Arnav followed up behind her and grabbed her wrist, pulling her back to him. One second Khushi was leaving, the next second her back was against the tree and Arnav Singh Raizada was against her front.

Arnav looked into her eyes and Khushi gulped.

Hai DM-!

"Khushi you know very well that when I apologize, I mean it. I'm sorry Khushi, I really am," he said softly.

Khushi simply blinked. Her brain could no longer work with Arnav's body against hers. As hard as she had tried to shut those feelings down of him, she couldn't do it entirely. And right now, they were reemerging from the pit she had thrown them in.

"I'm sorry," and he hugged her.

Khushi gaped as Arnav buried his face in her neck. Memories of all those time she had done this before flashed in her mind. She would be the one to always do this, and Arnav ended up copying her to apologize in her style, or so he called it. In the beginning it used to annoy her, but eventually it didn't.

For him to do this after three years... for him to do this after what he said....

I-

"I'm sorry Khushi," he muttered in her neck.

Khushi shivered as his breath tickled her. Arnav had felt her whole body react to him and he glanced up at her. Her eyes met his and both gazed away at each other. Neither said nothing and Khushi couldn't figure out what was going on. As for Arnav, his brain started to fall apart. The alcohol in his system was totally getting to him, and another part of him kicked in.

Brushing her hair off her shoulder, Arnav exposed her neck.

Khushi's eyes widened. What is he doing- what the!

Arnav's lips come in contact with her skin and Khushi pursed her lips. Her eyes rolled back as they shut, feeling him suck and nibble her neck.

Oh my- what is Arnav doing?

Arnav bit down on her flesh and Khushi gasped, gripping onto his sides.

Has he lost his mind! What is he doing, what if someone comes out here and-? Why.... why do I care? Why am I letting this happen? After what he said, after how he hurt me how can I....? But it's so hard to deny it - as hard as I try, I can't hate him, I still love him. I want to be mad at him, I want to hurt him but.... but this feels perfect.

"Khushi," he whispered, and then nibbled on her earlobe.

Khushi took in a sharp breath. This feels so perfect but-

"Khushi? She's just a poor girl! Forget that servant! She's no one important to me."

Khushi's eyes shot open and she pushed him away from her. Arnav snapped out of daze and watched as Khushi ran away, running towards her cottage.

Arnav's brain cleared and he wanted to punch himself. What have I done?

Chapter Twelve

Arnav sat on the edge of his bed, thinking of Khushi. His mind kept wandering off to the past, reveling in memories. Khushi's words echoed in his mind, and he could see and hear her laughing. Comparing to her then and now hurt him, as well angered him.

That son of a bitch! If I ever get my hands on you-!

Arnav's phone rang, snapping hm out of thought. When he saw who was calling him, he couldn't believe it. "Virat!"

"Arnav! My dude, what's up? How you been?"

"Good, what about you?"

"Good! I heard you had come back through my parents. Sorry man, I couldn't make it to the party."

"That's fine, everyone's got their thing."

"Yeah. Hey listen, when are you free? Let's chill like the old days."

"And not get busted for underage drinking? Sure."

"Great! I'll see you at your place tomorrow then?"

"Sure dude."

Both hung up and instantly, Arnav's mind filled up with thoughts of Khushi. This wasn't anything new for Arnav, this being a constant for him. It amazed him that he ever got any work done when he was away.

Hmm....

Arnav headed downstairs and just as he had expected, Khushi was in the kitchen. She was cleaning up, dinner ready to be served. He watched her for moment, watching her focused expression as she cleaned up the counter - the way she had her lips pursed as she tried to rub off a stubborn stain.

"Arnav Da?"

Khushi looked up and Arnav turned around to see Bhromor.

"Is something wrong," she asked.

Arnav glanced from Khushi to her. "Nothing."

"Did you need something?"

"Um, nothing really. O-one of my friends is coming over tomorrow so.... And knowing him, he might bring other people so...."

"Oh, that's not a problem at all. We'll make some snacks for you guys tomorrow."

"Okay. Thank you."

Arnav looked at Khushi and could tell by the expression on her face that she was curious about which friends were coming over. "Virat," he said. 

Khushi nodded and resumed her work. Arnav gave Bhromor a meek smile and walked out of the kitchen. 

When they were younger, Arnav and Khushi would hang out all the time, after all they were best friends. So it only made sense that Khushi knew all of Arnav's college friends. Because they were poor, Khushi hadn't gone to college, even though the Raizada's had insisted. But Khushi's family wouldn't budge and she would do housework while Arnav did schoolwork. 

So whenever Arnav would invite his college buddies over, Khushi would meet them all, though being the guy he was, Arnav would tell her to go away because they were "busy doing guy stuff".

The memories of his antics made Arnav laugh. He remembered the time Khushi had found his stash of porn and magazines when he had gone to the door to bid his friends goodbye after chilling one day. Khushi was furious with him when he had gone back to his room, not to mention that he was furious with her for sneaking through his stuff. 

Arnav arrived to his room and entering his walk in closet, he went through some of the many boxes in his closet and found his old stash of porn. 

"Five hours, forty three minutes, and sixteen seconds," Arnav chuckled. 

Some of the magazines were torn, courtesy of Khushi on that day. Boy did he remember how furious she got. That day he was angry, but today it made him smile. 

"What do I do, Khushi? What do I do?"

*~*

Virat is coming? Today, after so long? Well it makes sense, I mean he's Arnav's friend, if not second- er, first best friend. But knowing Virat, that means the whole gang is coming, right? Most likely.... So does that mean-?

"Khushi?"

Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and found Avantika looking at her curiously.

"What's wrong?"

Khushi shook her head and resumed her work, making sure there was more than enough dip for the boys, knowing how savage they could get.

"Well, I for one can't believe Virat is coming," Avantika grinned.

Khushi looked at her carefully and could see the poor girl swooning. She smirked at her and Avantika nudged her.

"Oh stop it you," Avantika frowned.

Khushi rolled her eyes but she couldn't help her grin. She still remembered the day Virat had first come to the house. Arnav and him had become good friends the first day of classes and Arnav had invited him over. While Khushi had been jealous of the new friend, Avantika had grown a massive crush on him, purposely messing with her brother to get Virat's attention. Khushi had called her hopeless then, but now she called her the hopeless lover.

The sound of the door bell echoed and within a matter of seconds, it was replaced by whooting and laughter.

And the boys are here.

"Let's quickly put the food in the den."

Khushi nodded and she and Bhromor followed behind Avantika to the den. They placed the snacks and drinks on the table, and just as Khushi and Avantika were about to follow out Bhromor, the boys entered the room.

"Hey Khushi, you remember the guys right," Arnav called out.

Khushi paused and turned around to them. Of course she remembered them. Especially-

"Hey, Khushi, long time no see!"

Khushi turned to the man in the white t-shirt and jeans, with shaggy brown hair and the ability to make Avantika drool like a mutt.

No kidding.

Virat stepped forward, holding his arms out. "Hey!"

He gave Khushi a hug and she patted his arm.

Virat pulled back slightly. "Come on Khushi, you can't be that mad at me, can you? I mean okay, I should've been more of a friend even though Arnav wasn't here. Sorry yaar."

Khushi smiled and Virat hugged her once more, this time Khushi hugging him back.

This time time when Virat pulled back, he had a sad expression. "I heard about what happened to you and your family..."

Khushi looked down.

"Sorry yaar. Really."

Khushi gave him a small smile and patted his arm.

Virat looked at Avantika. "Hey Chatterbox!"

Avantika gaped at him. "Not you too!"

Arnav smirked and came forward, wrapping his arm around his buddy's neck. "Oh yes, him too."

Avantika stomped and charged out of the room, annoyed. They chuckled and then Arnav turned to Khushi.

"Khushi, you remember everyone right? Arjun, Shivaay, Anurag, and Vikram."

Khushi nodded and looked down. Oh I know them alright. And I know what you said to Vikram-

"Khushi!" It was Amoli.

"Well, looks like you better go," Virat said. "It was nice seeing you again Khushi."

Khushi nodded with a small smile and she left, not wanting to be around any of them for another minute.

Chapter Eleven

Khushi busied herself in the kitchen. She had holed herself in there for the rest of the day and preferred it that way. After what had happened with Arnav earlier, Khushi felt weird and wanted to avoid seeing him. She worked away with the other chefs, assisting them here and there.

At lunchtime, Khushi quickly put the food at the table so that she wouldn't see Arnav. During lunch, Arnav found it odd that Khushi wasn't in sight. Deviyani, Anjali and Avantika found this weird, as well as Vijay and Amoli.

"Has anyone seen Khushi," Amoli asked. "It's not like her to not be around."

"True," Vijay said. "I haven't seen her all day today, which I found quite strange. She usually checks in with me once in the morning."

"She checks in with me as well, but she didn't today. How odd. Is she okay? Is it because of what happened last night?"

Arnav straightened his spine. The thought hadn't occurred to him and he wondered if Khushi had thoughts about the incident again.

"I hope she wasn't thinking about that again," Amoli said, stuck in deep thought, her chin resting atop her folded hands.

"No, she's fine."

Everyone looked up at Bhromor.

"She was in the kitchen all morning and now she's watering all the plants in the garden."

"All alone," Amoli questioned. "That's odd. Is something the matter?"

Bhromor shrugged. "I don't know. She seemed a bit distracted, but it didn't seem like she was disturbed or in pain, so that's a good thing."

"Hmm, I wonder what's on her mind."

Deviyani, Anjali, and Avantika glanced at each other and then at Arnav. He seemed to be deep in thought and they wondered what was going through his head.

Arnav was too busy wondering if he should excuse himself and go looking for Khushi. But then that would raise questions from the family, and he didn't want to deal with that. Then he wondered why that really mattered. After all she is his best friend.

Is she, his subconscious questioned.

Arnav shut the thought out.

Of course she is, he thought.

"Bhromor, if you see her, could you tell her to come to my room," Amoli said.

Bhromor nodded. "Of course."

Bhromor left the room and Vijay frowned.

"Why is she working in the garden alone," he wondered. "She usually does that when something is bothering her. What could be bothering her?"

"I have no clue," Amoli frowned. She looked at the others. "Do you guys know anything?"

Avantika spoke up first. "Who? Us? No," she blurted under pressure.

Amoli found her answer odd, as well as Arnav. Something just didn't settle for the two.

"I find this so strange," Deviyani said, trying to cover up her granddaughter. "I keep thinking about it, but I can't seem to come up with a reason that would have Khushi betiyan so... preoccupied."

Amoli didn't know why, but her mother's answer just didn't seem right. She had a feeling her mother knew something, but she decided not to push it. Instead, she looked at her son.

"Have you seen her Chote?"

"I saw her this morning when Di had her bring me a change of clothes."

Amoli looked at Anjali. "You saw her? But Avantika-"

"She's a blabbering mouth-"

"Hey," Avantika exclaimed.

"So obviously she's gonna say stuff. I did see her but that was it," Anjali said. "Chote called out to me and I needed to call your son in-law-"

"Son in-law," Vijay questioned. "What are you two bickering about now?"

Anjali rolled her eyes, knowing that this would definitely play things off. 

Amoli shook her head. "You two will never stop with that."

Anjali shrugged.

Amolo sighed. "What could be bothering Khushi?"

Arnav wondered himself and played with his food. I have to find her and figure out what's wrong.

*~*

After lunch, Arnav headed out to the garden. The garden was huge, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. It really wasn't necessary for them to go to the market for their produce and the Raizada's were proud of it.

Arnav walked around and looked for Khushi. There was no one in sight and Arnav wondered if she was still here. 

Is she still here? Then again the place is huge for one person to cover. Where could she be?

Arnav went to where the cucumbers grew and he saw something shine. He looked back and saw Khushi’s earring shine in the bright sun. Arnav made his way over to her and watched as Khushi picked some cucumbers and put them in a woven basket.

"There you are."

Only it wasn't Arnav who said that. Bhromor had come from the other direction and now stood before Khushi.

"Do you have any idea how long it took to find you," she huffed. "I've been running around this whole place to find you!"

Khushi arched her eyebrow with a faint smirk, and Bhromor knew she was making a comment about her running.

Bhromor frowned. "Yes I do know how to run."

Khushi just smiled and resumed collecting the cucumbers.

"You know they're worried about you."

Khushi continued to collect the cucumbers.

"I wish you would let me know what's bothering you."

Khushi shrugged, gesturing that nothing was bothering her.

"And I know that's not true."

Khushi tried hard not to pause, but the hesitance was obvious to Bhromor.

Bhromor crouched down beside her. "Besides, you always tend to the garden when you're preoccupied with something."

Khushi simply ignored her.

"And I also know where the idea of gardening came from."

Khushi looked up at her, arching her eyebrow questioningly.

"From Arnav Da."

Khushi's eyes widened for a fraction of a second and then she looked away.

Bhromor smiled lightly and got up. As she walked away she shouted back "I always knew!"

While Khushi wondered how Bhromor could have possibly known and wondered if it was Avantika that had told her, Arnav was smiling softly.

She still continued to garden because of me? It used to irritate her when we were younger, at least, until I got her into it. I can't believe she still does it... for me?

Khushi stood up and had difficulty holding the heavy basket full of goods. Arnav saw her struggle and immediately came forward and helped her out. Khushi was surprised to see him and watched as he held the basket with much more ease. Her eyes had darted to his muscular arms, but she quickly looked away and forced herself to not look at his arms whatsoever.

"I've got it," Arnav said, getting a proper hold on the basket.

Khushi nodded, thanking him.

"What are you doing here? Everyone is worried about you."

Khushi pursed her lips, feeling bad that she had gotten everyone worried.

"Hey, don't feel bad," Arnav said softly.

Khushi looked up at him.

"Mom's just a bit worried and is curious to know why you're here, without telling anyone where you were. Or why you didn't see her earlier."

Khushi hadn't realized she'd been gone for that long and looked down in apology.

"It's okay," he said softly. "Come on, let's head back."

Khushi nodded and followed beside Arnav as they walked through the garden and back to the house.

"So," Arnav began, "why did you come here to the garden?"

Khushi shrugged nonchalantly. To get away from you.

Arnav didn't believe her no reason answer because he knew better. "Remember when you used to get angry at me for always gardening?"

Khushi smiled softly at the memories, remembering one time when she had tried to pull him way by his ear, only to get into a fight with him where their mother's dragged them apart. Of course, it only took one hour, thirty seven minutes, and fifty two seconds to get over it.

Arnav chuckled at a memory. "I'll never forget the day you got me hosed down and drenched me. We were mad at each other for fifty eight minutes and thirteen seconds."

Khushi looked at him with surprise and Arnav smiled.

"Yes I still remember how long. After all it was one of our rules - always keep track of how long we were mad at each other."

Khushi smiled softly. Wow, he remembers that as well.

Arnav chuckled. "I can't believe all the silly stuff we used to fight about. Or even the fact that we would be mad at each other for so long. Like the time I stole your Kit Kat bar - I mean two hours, forty one minutes, and nineteen seconds?" He cocked his eyebrow, looking down at Khushi.

Khushi scowled.

"Okay, okay, I know - never come in between you and your chocolate. But you have to admit, it was fun annoying you like that."

Khushi frowned and Arnav laughed.

For a moment they were quiet, slowly walking back to the house, until Arnav spoke.

"I really am sorry about what happened to you and your parents," he said softly.

Khushi looked down, not wanting to meet his eyes. But then Arnav paused, and Khushi looked at him to know why. Arnav was gripping onto the basket tightly, the grooves and weaves of the basket imprinting onto his hand. If he gripped it any harder, the basket would break, Khushi knew for sure. She placed her hands over Arnav's and he looked up at her. Khushi smiled sadly, wanting him to calm down.

Arnav clenched his jaw and looked down. "I can't believe what that guy tried to- to you- what he-"

Khushi gripped his hands, urging him to clam down. Only it didn't work.

Arnav shut his eyes. "If I ever find that son of a bitch, I will kill him," he sneered.

Khushi's eyes widened. What?

Arnav looked down at her. "I wish I was told when this happened," he said softly.

Khushi looked away. You'd come running home for them, but it was more important for you to be there.

"Khushi-"

"Khushi!"

The two looked up and saw Bhromor coming towards them.

"Khushi, we need you in the kitchen," she said when she reached them.

Khushi nodded and turned to take the basket, but Arnav pulled away.

"You go ahead, I'll take these in," he smiled softly.

Khushi nodded once more and she and Bhromor went back to the house.

Arnav stood there for a moment, watching Khushi until she was out of sight, lost in his thoughts, then looked up at the sky.

Things were different now - much different.

How do I tell her what I've been wanting to tell her?