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.