Chapter Twenty Seven

After the revelation his sister had poured on him, Arnav was absolutely confused. Never did he think that Khushi... it just didn't make any sense to him.

Is Di lying to me? She had to have been lying to me, I mean... what the-?

Arnav felt a tap on his shoulder and when he looked to see who it was, he saw that it was Khushi.

"Whoa! I mean, hey, what's up?"

Khushi frowned at Arnav, tilting her head. What's wrong with him?

She held out his cup of coffee for him and Arnav swiped it away.

Huh?

"Um, I thought Bhromor was supposed to be going around giving everyone their tea and coffee?"

She went out to do some shopping, although its been quite some time... but what's it to him?

Khushi placed her hand at her waist and looked Arnav up and down.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Why are you acting all weird, she arched her eyebrow at him.

"Touché. Um... I've got some work to do, I'll be in my study," and Arnav headed off.

But-! What the?

"Oh good lord...."

Khushi turned to see Anjali, who was laughing away.

"...he's such a child," she laughed.

This time Khushi looked at Anjali with a frown, her head tilted.

"Uh, well... I may have let it slip that you would totally - if given the chance - be touchy, touchy with him..."

Khushi's eyes widened.

"...if you know what I mean," she winked.

What-? Di!!!

Khushi looked at her exasperatedly before covering her face with her hands.

Now I'm just as mortified as Avantika!

"Hey, relax," Anjali said, placing her hand around her shoulders. "I mean, now that he knows, you two just might have a chance at... yeah."

Khushi looked up at her with a scowl.

"Look, its gross for me considering he's my brother but you're my girl! You're like a sister to me, I have to look out for you!"

Khushi arched her eyebrow at her.

"Hey don't give me that look, you're making me seem like some weirdo."

Uh yeah, and she rolled her eyes.

"Hey I'm not being weird, I'm not being weird at all, the only one who acts weird is Avantika."

Khushi looked at Anjali, her expression questionable.

"Oh no," Anjali gasped. "I am acting like Avantika."

Khushi pursed her lips, looking away.

Anjali gasped once more. "Double oh no...."

This time Khushi looked at her in confusion.

"Khushi come with me," and Anjali grabbed her hand and dragged her upstairs.

What the-? She really is acting like Avantika!

Khushi followed after Anjali into her room. Anjali had her sit down while she went into her closet to rummage through her belongings.

What in the world is she up to?

Moments later, Anjali reemerged, holding a small box in her hands. Khushi couldn't tell what exactly it was from her view, but as Anjali moved closer to her, she realized what it was.

No way....

Khushi stood up as Anjali stood before her.

"Khushi do you think... do you think...?"

Khushi placed her hands over Anjali's, giving them a light squeeze. Anjali looked up at her, slightly worried, but Khushi gave her a hopeful smile.

"It's just... I mean I've tried before and its always been negative but this time feels different and I- oh geez, I'm rambling like Avantika," she chuckled.

Khushi gave her another light squeeze and Anjali nodded.

"You're right, I should take the pregnancy tests... that way I'll know for sure if I'm pregnant or just behaving weird for some reason."

Khushi smiled at her softly.

"Okay," she said, taking in a deep breath. "I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna do it right now.... I'm gonna do it."

Anjali headed to the bathroom with the pregnancy tests in hand and Khushi sat down on the bed once more, eager to know what her results would be. A few moments later, Anjali came out, telling her that she needed to wait two minutes before she would have her results. She sat down besides Khushi and Khushi took hold of her hand.

"I don't know what to think Khushi, I mean... I'm confused- I mean I am but I'm also not. My mind is racing, like how did this happen although I know how it did happen but.... We've been wanting this for some time now, we even started trying before his case started but things hadn't worked out then. Now... just... I don't know."

Khushi took Anjali's hand in hers and gave it a light squeeze. Everything is going to be okay.

Anjali looked at ot for a moment. "You think so," she said softly.

Khushi nodded. I know so.

"That makes one of us,"and she let out a heavy sigh. "I want this, we we want this, but I'm also terrified. Even more, I'm terrified to check the results, will you go and look for me?"

We'll look together.

Khushi stood up and tugged her hand. Anjali understood that Khushi wanted for her to come with her, and so with a deep breath, Anjali got up, and both went into the bathroom. The lonely pregnancy test sat flat on the sink, waiting to be read.

"You look first," Anjali said, pausing in the doorway.

She's very nervous... I guess she's afraid of getting negative results again, that's what's really scaring her. Hai DM, please let it be positive this time.

Khushi went over to the sink and looked over.

Okay, plus for pregnant, minus for not pregnant and the screen shows- oh my!

Khushi stepped back in shock and moved back in again.

No way!

"Wait, why did you do that," she asked, going over to her. "Khushi-!"

Khushi turned to Anjali and hugged her. It's positive! You're pregnant!!!!!

Anjali was absolutely shocked by Khushi's antics and looked over to the pregnancy test.

It was indeed positive. She was indeed pregnant.

"W-what... I... I'm pregnant?"

Khushi pulled back and grinned at her. Yes!!!

"I... I should take the other, I have to take the other one, I-I have to be sure."

Anjali reached out for the box, which was sitting on the other side of the sink, and pulled out the other test. "I need water-"

Khushi held her hand up to her and went out into her room to get the glass of water that was sitting on her night stand. Anjali gulped it down and immediately felt her bladder kick in, so Khushi stepped out and gave her a moment before Anjali stepped back out into the room.

"I'm pregnant, at least, that's what the first one says, that plus is unmistakable for a minus so... holy shit!"

Khushi scowled at her but Anjali was just way too shocked.

"Wait, the other one, let's check."

Both Khushi and Anjali went back into the bathroom and looked at the other test. This one was digital, and two bars were on the screen, one of them blinking.

Come on....

The second one steadied and a third began to blink. Not long later, it steadied and a fourth bar began to blink. Almost immediately, all the bars disappeared and only one word displayed on the screen:

Pregnant

"Oh my gosh I'm really pregnant!"

Khushi couldn't help herself and hugged Anjali once more, Anjali crying from happiness. Things were definitely going to be changing in the Raizada household.

But little did the two realize that there was so much more to it.

Chapter Twenty Six

Arnav simply stood at the door, expressionless. Khushi looked at him in wonder, trying to figure out what could be going through his head, but his face continued to give nothing away.

"Oh will you grow up," Deviyani said with a roll of her eyes. "Your sister has been in love with your friend, she didn't commit a crime."

Arnav's eyes widened as he stared back at Deviyani.

"Why is this family so afraid to say anything," Deviyani sighed, and she headed out the room. "Only Anjali managed to get my courage."

"We heard you," Arnav and Avantika called out after her, but Deviyani didn't respond and left.

Avantika placed her head down on her knees again. "Ugh, first he heard the voice memo, and now Bhai knows - I'm way beyond mortified!"

"I... bye," and Arnav left.

"What-? Bhai," but Arnav had already left. "Khushi, can you go after him? And make sure that he doesn't kill Virat?"

Khushi was about to roll her eyes, but then paused - she had seen many times how overprotective Arnav was when it came to Avantika. And be it Virat or anyone, it didn't matter and Arnav would swing his fist if necessary.

Shit!

Without another thought, Khushi dashed after Arnav, going to his room. When she reached it, she found Arnav sitting on his bed, his chin resting in his folded hands.

Now to this, Khushi couldn't help but to roll her eyes. Oh, it is not that serious, drama king!

Khushi entered the room and sat down beside Arnav. Arnav snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Khushi, then took her hand in his. He remained silent, looking down at their entwined hands.

What is going through that head of his?

Bringing her other hand to his cheek, Khushi tilted his face up so that he would meet her eyes. She tried to see if she could figure out what he was thinking, but he seemed to be confused as well.

Arnav let out a sigh. "Honestly, I dunno if I should punch him or just kick him where it hurts most."

Khushi scowled at him. Oh would you- it's not that big of a deal!

Khushi let go of his cheek and pulled her other hand out of his hold, and crossed her arms.

"Hey!"

Khushi scowled at him once more and looked away.

"Hey, she's my little sister! And I'm not gonna let any fucker just-!"

This time Khushi arched her eyebrow at him. Oh, so one of your best boys is now a 'fucker' hmm?

Arnav looked away, irritated.

Arnav....

With a sigh, Khushi wrapped her arms around his, placing her head on his shoulder.

"I know that she's not a kid anymore," Arnav said in a low voice, "but she'll always be my baby sister, no matter what."

Khushi nodded in agreement. True... but she has a right to fall in love with someone.

"It's just... why'd it have to be Virat? Not that Virat is bad guy, we both know how he is - way better than if it were Vikram, that fucker would've been knocked out cold at this point if it was him, but...."

Well you have a point, thank goodness it wasn't Vikram; but Virat's not bad at all.

Khushi rested her chin on his shoulder and Arnav looked at her. Her eyes said the words her mouth couldn't, and Arnav understood.

"No, Virat's not even close to as bad as Vikram, but Avantika is still my little sister. Do you honestly think I should just let it be? What about the awkwardness that would be created if things don't go well?"

Don't think negatively!

"Okay, okay, cool it, stop widening your at me like that," but Khushi scowled in return.

"I just don't want things to get weird."

That's not something we can control. It all comes down to those two.... The ball is now in Virat's side of the court - we'll just have to see how he responds.

Arnav let out a groan and laid back, taking Khushi with him. He held her in his arms and buried his face in her hair. "First us, and now my little sister and friend - what is going on?"

Khushi couldn't help her grin. I guess love is just in the air.

Arnav pulled away so he could look at her. "I'm not allowed to do anything, am I?"

Khushi shook her head.

"Not even a punch?"

She scowled at him and Arnav chuckled.

"Okay fine, I won't do anything on one condition - you have to kiss me."

Khushi rolled her eyes, even though she was absolutely humored by him. She had no problem with his condition whatsoever, so she kissed him.

"Question - can I hurt him if he hurts her," he murmured.

Khushi nodded. Absolutely!

"Perfect," and Arnav kissed her, holding her in his arms.

*~*

It's safe to say that after that day, poor Avantika was on edge. She was absolutely terrified to go before Virat and would do whatever she could to avoid him. Khushi, Anjali and Deviyani found this ridiculous, but Avantika was just being that - Avantika.

Arnav had managed a way to take Khushi out on their first date without Amoli or Vijay being suspicious whatsoever. The excuse had been that Anjali and Shyam was taking them out to dinner and that they'd meet the new couple there, thus allowing for them to leave separately. Of course, Anjali and Shyam had gone off to do their own thing, while Arnav took Khushi to an elegant restaurant.

Although many words weren't exchanged, for most of the time, the couple would hold onto each others hand. After dinner, they took a stroll in the park, walking hand in hand under the star-filled night sky. Later in the evening, when they went home, Arnav took her to her cottage and kissed her goodnight.

While there was a desire to take her to his room instead, Arnav knew it was wrong and suppressed his male urges. He did so every time because he loved her and respected her, and would never force her to do anything she didn't like. And so no matter how many times they went on a date, he would suppress it. Its not that it bothered him, but there was something else that did.

Her voice.

Arnav missed hearing Khushi's voice very much, and he knew his family did as well. With each day he spent with her, he hoped that it would encourage her to speak again. But as each day passed and she remained silent, Arnav began to lose hope.

"You should never lose hope Chote."

If there was anyone Arnav could turn to, it would always be Anjali. He had voiced his concerns to her many times before, and he did so this time as well.

"What else should I do Di? I can't exactly go up to her and be like hey, I want you to talk to again but you won't because you're traumatized, let's go to therapy! I mean that just sounds absurd."

"It is, and I get your frustration, trust me; we've been dealing with it for almost 4 years now."

"How can you tolerate it," Arnav asked, turning to her. "Her staying quiet and creating her own version of sign language, I mean how... shit!"

Arnav looked away and Anjali placed her hand on his shoulder.

"I wanna kill that fucker," he said, his voice menacingly low.

"I understand your anger, but you won't - it's wrong and you can never do something as evil as that, nor will you ever do anything that would keep you away from Khushi forever, and I don't just mean by going to prison."

Arnav didn't say anything, still quite angry.

Anjali sighed. "Even if we were to get justice, it just isn't possible. We don't know what that guy looks like and Khushi could never get herself to describe that man-"

"He's not a man, he's a monster."

"Whatever he is, we can't find him. We can only hope that he comes out on his own."

"He'll regret it the moment he does."

"Hmm.... Speaking of coming out, are you going to come out with us to the Kapoor's camping event?"

"Nah, I don't want to."

"Me neither, although Avantika is torn in between going and not going."

"How come?"

"Well," Anjali sighed, "there's the whole thing with Sana, you know how she can be when it comes to that girl. Then there's the matter of Virat."

Arnav rolled his eyes.

"Think what you want, but you know she's always been very childish."

"I know, and that's exactly why I'm making this face. I admit, I wasn't too happy about this in the beginning, but the way she's behaving is ridiculous. I mean she hid in a bush! A fucking bush!"

"Wait what? Why?"

"Remember two weeks ago when she asked me to pick her up from the mall? Well Virat was there buying a gift for his mother's birthday so when she saw me talking to him, she dived into the bushes and didn't come out until Virat left. And then she had the nerve to blame me for ruining her blowout."

"Hai DM-! What am I going to do with this girl?"

"Help her get some guts, I mean this has gotten way past the point of ridiculous."

"Agreed, I'll have to have a talk with her. Oh, and another thing...."

Arnav looked at his sister curiously.

"Have you and Khushi gotten past that point," she asked, wiggling her eyebrows.

Hard as Arnav tried not to, his cheeks heated. "Shut up Di."

Anjali burst out int laughter. "Hey, I'm only asking because I want to make sure my little brother is being safe."

"Di!"

"What," she laughed.

Arnav muttered below his breath, wishing for Shyam to be back. Ever since his case went back on, he had been even busier than before, giving Anjali even more time to mess about with her siblings.

"No really Chote," Anjali said as she calmed down, "have you two?"

"No, now drop it!"

"How chivalrous of you," and she crossed her arms. "Would you?"

"What the-!"

"Would you? That is, if you could, would you?"

"What is with this would and could nonsense," Arnav scowled.

"Oh hush it with that male ego, you know what I mean - if Khushi agreed, would you?"

Arnav looked away, very much annoyed with his sister.

If she thinks she's going to get an answer out of me, well, she's sadly mistaken.

"I mean... I know what her opinion is on this topic but oh well," and she turned away to leave.

What the-? 

Arnav turned to Anjali. "Wait what?"

Anjali glanced back at Arnav with a smirk and Arnav scowled at her.

"Di!"

"What," she said innocently. "I just know some things through girl chat."

"First of all, she hasn't spoken in years," Arnav frowned. "How would she have actually chatted about it with you?"

"Who said she told me recently? And who said I didn't make a recent follow up to know if it's still very much true," and she turned to leave.

"But- wait, Di," he called out, but Anjali had left.

What... she... what?

Chapter Twenty Five

Khushi's suspicions turned out to be true, Arnav bringing them to the old pond. In their younger days, they used to watch and try to catch the fish, as well as chase after the frogs. There were many good memories here, and Khushi cherished them all very much.

Going over to a tree, the two sat down, Arnav having Khushi sit in between his legs. Khushi leaned back against him and Arnav sighed.

"Now this is perfect."

Khushi looked up at him.

"You need to learn to take a break, you're always working so hard," Arnav frowned.

Khushi rolled her eyes and rested back against him.

"I mean it Kit Kat, you need to slow down; you work too hard.

"Mom doesn't like it one bit, but you just do as you please. If not for me, will you all least do it for her? She gets worried."

Khushi sighed and looked down at her lap. Arnav had a point; Amoli hated how Khushi overworked herself and how she always kept herself busy with work. She couldn't help it, she just liked to work, but Amoli didn't like it. She would rather prefer Khushi spend the whole day with Avantika instead of just working around and about the house. But Khushi was a stubborn girl, and worked away as much as she pleased.

"Please?"

With another sigh, Khushi nodded, and Arnav hugged her.

"Thank you. And I promise I won't tell Ma that you worked even after she told you not to."

Khushi looked up at him with her eyebrow arched. Promise?

"Promise," and he placed a kiss on her lips.

*~*

Hours passed and the couple continued to relax, Arnav telling Khushi of his time in France.

"...honestly, snails aren't even that bad, you have to try it."

Khushi grimaced with disgust and Arnav rolled his eyes.

"They are not that bad! Tell you what, we'll go to a French restaurant and then-"

Khushi rapidly shook her head. There is no way in hell that you are going to make me eat snails!

"Khushi-"

Khushi shook her head again and forced herself loose from Arnav's hold, rising up to her feet.

"What the-"

Oh stop it you! With a roll of her eyes, Khushi walked away.

"Khushi-! Hey!"

Arnav got up and followed after, stopping in front of her.

"Well that wasn't very nice," he pouted.

Khushi frowned at him. You're not twelve, that doesn't work anymore.

"Okay, okay, fine - I won't force you to eat snails, sorry."

With a roll of her eyes, Khushi crossed her arms. Damn right you won't.

Arnav stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Now will you stop being mad at me?"

Khushi looked him and his small puppy pout, and she couldn't help the smile on her face. Seeing her smile made Arnav smile and he kissed her once more. Khushi melted in his hold, everything around her beginning to become nonexistent.

This is perfect.

Pulling back, Khushi nuzzled her nose against his.

I love you.

"Khushi, I want to take you out on a date."

What the? Khushi's eyes shot up to his in surprise.

"Khushi, I want to take you out on a date."

What the? Khushi's eyes shot up to his in surprise.

"Since we are officially dating, its only right that I do - and don't worry, we won't go to a French restaurant," he grinned.

I- but-!

"You have no choice, you're going."

Khushi gave him an exasperated look. I can't just do that!

"Nuh uh, I won't take any excuses. You can save all your work and having to help Nani and what not, I won't hear it. I'm taking you out on a date and that's final."

But-!

"I'll ask Di and chatterbox to help out; that way mom and dad won't get suspicious. Heck, I'll ask Nani for her help. So don't even bother trying to back out."

Khushi let out a sigh. Oh well... there's no stopping him now. And I guess... I mean I've always dreamt of going on a date with him so... fine.

Khushi rested her chin against his chest, looking up at him with a small pout, her arms wrapped around his waist.

"I'm assuming that's your 'fine, I'll go' look?"

Khushi nodded.

"Good," and he placed another kiss on her lips. "We should head back, it's getting late."

Taking her hand in his, Arnav and Khushi walked back to the house. It was almost time for dinner, so Khushi was going to head to the kitchen.

"You sure that's a good idea," Arnav asked. "Mom really doesn't want you to do any more work at all."

Khushi smiled with a roll of her eyes. It'll be fine-

"Khushi!!!"

Both Arnav and Khushi snapped around to see Avantika running over to them, Avantika running straight into Khushi, landing into her with a hug.

"I fucked up, I fucked up, I fucked up!!!"

"What the f-?"

Khushi glared at Arnav but Arnav was absolutely confused.

Well 'what the' is right, but what did she 'fuck up' with?

"Where have you been, come with me right now, I fucked up big time," and without another word, Avantika took Khushi away with her.

"Chatterbox-! This girl I swear.... Well, at least Khushi won't be going back to work any time soon. But what... better find out for myself," and Arnav went after them.

Rushing up the stairs, Avantika led Khushi to her room. Entering the room, Khushi saw Deviyani in there already.

"Oh for heaven's sake," Deviyani muttered with a roll of her eyes.

"Hush it woman, you are my enemy!"

Deviyani scowled at her and so did Khushi.

Avantika!

"Well she is, look at what she made me do," and she thrusted her phone in Khushi's face.

At first, Khushi was stunned, staring at the phone cross-eyed. But when she fixed her sight and took hold of the phone and looked at it properly, she was still very much confused. All she saw was the texting app opened on Avantika's phone, opened on her conversation with Virat. There wasn't really much to read, as the conversations were pretty short and simple. Khushi looked at Avantika in confusion, completely confused.

"Look at the bottom!"

Khushi scrolled all the way down, seeing that there was a voice memo attached, sent from Avantika.

Okay... so?

"Play it," Avantika cried, and she went to her bed and buried her face in her pillow.

Um...?

Khushi looked at Deviyani and she simply rolled her finger by her head, gesturing that Avantika was crazy. With a frown, Khushi tapped on the voice memo to hear it.

"Um... h-hey Virat. How's it going? Um... there... t-there was something I wanted to tell you... something I've been wanting to tell you for some time now... um... I-I'm kinda nervous, I actually can't believe I'm s-saying this... oh geez, hear the way I'm stuttering, I mean I don't stutter, I ramble, I mean that's the reason why everyone calls me chatterbox, I mean even you do, which by the way is so rude, I mean its rude in general that everyone calls me that, even though they have a point- ouch, Nani! What did you do that- ugh fine! ...what I wanted to say was... was... I-really-like-you... a lot... and I have for a long time.... There, that was what I wanted to say to you... yeah... I just wanted to tell you that I really like you and... yeah... laters?"

What... the...?

Khushi looked at Avantika with wide eyes, who was looking at her already. Avantika let out a shrill and buried her face in her pillow once more and Khushi looked at Nani, confusion filling her face.

"It's about time, huh," Deviyani said. "I finally managed to convince her to say it, although I told her to say it face to face. But the little Miss is just such a scaredy cat, and sent that to him instead. I mean honestly, in my days-"

"This isn't the early 1900s Nani, this is now," Avantika cried.

But Deviyani simply rolled her eyes.

Wow... um... even I'm kinda speechless. I mean... wow Nani, I can't believe you got her to do it!

Khushi held her hand out to Deviyani and Deviyani high-fived her.

"Yes! Even Khushi is on my side."

Avantika sat up and looked at Khushi. "How could you be on her side?!"

Khushi gave a small shrug. Well Nani is right, it's about time!

"Khushi!"

"Oh hush it you! Even Anjali betiyan and damatji agrees with me, I called them while you were looking for Khushi. They both agree that it's about time you told Virat, and now, even Khushi agrees.

"But-"

"I mean honestly, I'm not getting any younger. Anjali betiyan is all settled, now Chote and Khushi are all set..."

Khushi blushed at Deviyani's words.

"...now the only one left is you, but if you keep acting like you're 12, well I may as well die before seeing my other grandson in-law."

"Nani-!"

"Oh stop it you! Khushi and I both have seen the way you've cared for him behind closed doors, and honestly, it's about time you opened those doors up for Virat."

"Ugh Nani, you just don't get it," and Avantika shoved her face in her pillow, placing it on top of her knees.

"You do realize I was married once upon a time and have this family yes? Your grandfather and I may not exactly have had a love marriage, but it was love at first sight when his family came to meet me. I know the feeling of being crazily in love, so if you think I'm just going to watch you suppress it and drive yourself insane, well, you just may be."

Avantika scowled at her but Deviyani simply shrugged.

"This isn't funny Nani!"

"You're right, its not - its quite serious actually. And the fact that you haven't been treating it seriously at all is quite disappointing."

Avantika looked down, while Khushi looked away. No one ever liked it when one was disappointed with you, especially an elder.

Deviyani sighed. "Look, I don't wish to be hard on you. But the fact is, you are grown up now and your childish habits must go. Instead of driving yourself insane, do what you need to do. Yes, you are the youngest, and you can get away with quite a lot of things. This however, I am not going to let slide. Do not waste your time over someone if they don't care about you. However, you can't even do that because you choose not to find out. Trust me Avi, it's better to know than to sit there in wonder, wasting your time away. For all we know, my future grandson in-law could be someone else and you're too busy with this guy, keeping me away from him.

"Nani," Avantika frowned.

"What," she replied, as if she hadn't said anything of the matter.

Khushi pursed her lips. Oh Nani.

"Whatever, point is - you're welcome that I gave you the push you needed."

"This sucks," Avantika muttered.

"Welcome to adulthood," and Deviyani got up, ready to leave the room, when she paused. "Chote?"

Both Khushi's and Avantika's eyes widened and both turned to the door.

Oh shit.

Chapter Twenty Four

I did not see anything, I did not see anything, I did not see ANYTHING!!!

Khushi chopped away on the potatoes mercilessly, as that was the first thing her eyes laid on when she entered the room. The other workers around her glanced at her curiously, but chose not to say anything.

"Khushi?"

Even though they hadn't chosen to say anything, it looked like their boss Arnav, did.

As for Khushi, well, she ignored him, chopping away at the potatoes.

"Khushi?"

But Khushi didn't stop, so Arnav stepped forward, grabbing hold of her hand. That was when Khushi finally realized his presence, and she stepped back with a gasp, somehow managing to cut herself.

"Shit! Khushi, when will you ever be careful," Arnav scolded. "Someone bring me the first aid kit!"

One of the maids came rushing forward with the first aid kit and Arnav took it. He pulled Khushi aside to the backyard, having her sit down at the table, Arnav sitting across from her. He tended to the wound, Khushi hissing at the stinging.

"Why can't you be more careful," he huffed.

Khushi scowled at him but Arnav ignored her, continuing to tend to the wound. Once he bandaged up her cut, Khushi pulled back her hand, holding it.

"You're welcome."

Khushi scowled at him once more and Arnav crossed his arms.

"Hey, its not like I asked for my towel to drop," he said with a roll of his eyes.

Blush reappeared on Khushi's cheeks and she looked away. Arnav could see that she was embarrassed, and to be honest, he was slightly embarrassed as well.

"Well... its not anything you haven't seen before," Arnav said in a low voice.

Khushi's eyes snapped to his, her jaw hitting the floor. What-?! We were children and our mother's would bathe us together, how could that possibly-?! ARNAV!!!

Khushi got up with a huff, her face as red as a tomato - from anger or embarrassment, still a debate.

"Wait, Khushi, I'm sorry!"

Arnav went after her, stopping in front her to prevent her from going inside. Khushi let out a huff and turned away, crossing her arms.

"I'm sorry, I was just trying to make a joke to ease the moment."

Khushi scowled at him and Arnav held his hands up.

"I know, I fucked up, I'm sorry."

Khushi looked away, but Arnav could tell by the expression on her face that she forgave him.

"And I'm sorry about before, I didn't mean for that to happen."

Khushi looked down at her feet and then glanced at him.

...it's okay. 

She went over to him and hugged him, burying her face in his chest, Arnav understanding that she forgave him, as she used to do this in the old days.

"Well, at least that lasted for only about seven minutes."

Khushi shot him a glare, causing Arnav to grin. He placed a kiss on her forehead and Khushi felt herself melt into him.

This feels so perfect.

"Khushi-"

"Khushi!"

Both Arnav and Khushi looked up at the sound of Amoli's voice. Khushi immediately moved away from Arnav just as Amoli arrived.

"What the-?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize both of you were here," Amoli said. "I was looking for Bhromor for her help, but I didn't see her, so I came looking for you Khushi."

Khushi found this weird, but she stopped herself from frowning.

"Do you know where she went," Amoli asked.

Khushi gestured that she had gone to the doctor, letting out a cough and placing her hand on her forehead.

"She... went to the doctors? Is she okay?"

Khushi gave a light shrug.

"Huh... well, if you don't mind-"

Khushi frowned at her and Amoli let out a chuckle. Instead of letting her finish, Khushi took hold of her hand and led her back into the house, ready to help Amoli with whatever she needed help with. She glanced back at Arnav with an apologetic look, but Arnav understood and nodded, Khushi giving him a smile before entering the house.

*~*

It was around the afternoon, after lunchtime, that Khushi was in the living room, dusting away. As soon as she was done helping Amoli, Arnav had tried to spend some time with her, but she couldn't as she needed to help prepare lunch. And since Bhromor still wasn't back yet, she had to do the dusting as well.

Where is she? The whole day has almost passed away.

"Hey Khushi."

Khushi looked up, seeing Bhromor come her way.

"Thanks for doing my tasks, I didn't think the doctor would take that much time, but you know, walk-ins."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows, tilting her head in wonder.

"It's nothing, but thanks for helping me out," she smiled.

Bhromor held her hand out for the duster and Khushi placed it in her hand. She went straight to work, dusting away. For some reason, Khushi found Bhromor's behavior strange, but why, she couldn't understand.

Maybe I'm overthinking things.... Well, since she's back, I have nothing else to do. ...I wonder if Nani needs help with anything? Maybe Avantika is still feeling down? Lemme go and see.

Khushi headed upstairs and just as she was about to head towards Deviyani's room, Arnav turned from the corner, bumping into her.

"Oh! Well hello," Arnav grinned, taking hold of her.

Khushi scowled at him and tried to release herself.

"You know, you're not exactly doing the dating thing right."

Khushi looked at him in confusion.

"Well you are my girlfriend now, and as my girlfriend, you've done a bad job of spending time with me - bad Khushi, " he pouted.

To say that he looked adorable, was an understatement. Khushi couldn't help but to be amused, pursing her lips to stop herself from smiling.

"Hey, I'm being serious," Arnav frowned. "All you did today was hurt yourself and work."

Interestingly enough, Amoli had said the same thing to her earlier when she caught Khushi trying to hide her wound from her. And even though Amoli had told her to stop working, Khushi went ahead and focused on Bhromor's chores.

I hope he doesn't tell her that I've been working all day.

"Spend time with me. It's not like you're doing anything."

And without waiting for an answer, Arnav lifted her up and tossed her over his shoulder, Khushi letting out a small shriek.

What the f-! Arnav!

Khushi tugged on Arnav's shirt but he ignored her.

"Boyfriend time," he simply said.

Khushi rolled her eyes. Unbelievable! I have to see if Nani or Avantika needs anything, let me go!

This time, instead of tugging on his shirt - since that never would work in the old days when he would do this to her - Khushi spanked him.

Let me go!

Arnav momentarily paused, but only for a second, before resuming. "Naughty," he smirked.

Khushi tried to look up at him.

"If that's what you want, I can give it to you," and by the sound of his voice, Khushi knew he was grinning.

Why you-! Let me go!

Khushi wiggled in his hold, trying to force him to let her go.

But instead, Arnav spanked her.

Khushi's eyes widened instantly, a gasp escaping her lips.

Did he... did he just...?

Although this wasn't the first time in their lives that Arnav had spanked her while hanging her over his shoulder, this was the first time he had spanked, him being her boyfriend.

And this had a complete different meaning.

Arnav noticed that Khushi had stopped and glanced back at her.

Why is she-? I'm such an idiot.

And only then did Arnav realize the same thing as Khushi had. But while Khushi was blushing, Arnav was amused. Arriving outside of his room, Arnav let her go, but immediately cornered her against the wall.

"Khushi-"

But Arnav stopped. He noticed the tinge of fear that had appeared in Khushi's eyes, and he immediately understood why, remembering the last time he had seen a fear so similar in her eyes. And as hard as Khushi tried to not think of that horrible time, she simply couldn't help it.

Arnav backed away from her. "Hey, its okay Khushi, its just me," he said softly.

Khushi gulped, forcing her mind to bring her back to the present and to stop picturing her past.

"I'm right here Khushi, its okay."

Khushi shook her head clear, keeping her eyes shut. Moments passed, but the images of her past were beginning to go away, the fog clearing in her mind. When she opened her eyes, she saw that Arnav was looking at her with concern, and she immediately hugged him, burying her face in his chest.

"Hey, its okay," Arnav said softly. "You're safe."

Khushi tightened her grip on him.

"No one can hurt you, never again, I promise. Everything is alright, you're safe and sound with me."

Caressing her cheek in his hand, Arnav tilted her face up, meeting her eyes.

"I won't let anything happen to you Khushi. I swear on my life-"

Khushi immediately covered his mouth with her hand, shaking her head.  She hated it when Arnav would say such things. Arnav couldn't help his smile and took her hand in his, placing a kiss on her palm.

"You know I mean it, yes?"

Khushi nodded; she knew very well that he meant it.

"I love you."

And this time, Khushi's heart melted. She absolutely loved hearing him say that.

I love you too, Arnav, and she nuzzled her nose against his.

"Now then, can I have a moment with my girlfriend, or is she gonna run off to work again?"

Khushi pulled back scowling at him.

"I'll tell mom."

Wait what?!

"I heard mom saying earlier that she wanted you to stop working after she saw you trying to hide your wound - and I know very well that you did work even after she said not to."

Oh no!

Arnav leaned in, bringing his face closer to hers. "Shall I tell her?"

Khushi immediately shook her head. Please, don't, she'll get upset with me!

"Then you will join me."

Khushi frowned at him. We've grown up and yet the blackmailing hasn't stopped.Only candy isn't involved like the old days.

"Based on your expression, it doesn't seem like you're agreeing."

Khushi rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. Fine, I'll join you.

"Much better."

Taking her hand in his, Arnav led Khushi to the gardens. They walked for quite some time, Khushi curious as to where he was taking her.

Could it be? I wonder....

Chapter Twenty Three

Just as Khushi had predicted, she would be sleeping over in Avantika's room that night. Avantika had made that news very clear as soon as they had entered Raizada mansion, asking for Bhromor to get them some snacks and to join them. Bhromor was happy to make the snacks but denied the sleepover, as she had to get up early in the morning for a doctors appointment. For some reason, Khushi found it a little strange but decided to not think too much on it.

Later that night, Khushi and Avantika were in their pajamas, chilling in bed. Or rather, while Khushi was chilling, Avantika was rambling away about Sana, walking back and forth every now and then.

"I mean honestly who the hell does she think she is to criticize my outfit, like have you seen yourself? I've never seen anyone more desperate in my life-!"

"Are you going to sleep at all or what?"

Both Khushi and Avantika looked to the door to see Arnav, leaning against the door with his arms crossed.

"Shut up Bhai, we all know why you're here," Avantika frowned, rolling her eyes.

Arnav rolled his eyes in return while Khushi blushed.

"Come on in and kiss your girl goodnight."

Khushi's eyes immediately snapped up to Avantika, but Avantika was completely unbothered, inspecting her nails instead. Arnav shook his head and came into the room. He went right over to Khushi but instead of kissing her, he laid down in her lap.

"Uh, what are you doing," Avantika asked, which was exactly what Khushi was thinking.

"Chilling," Arnav responded with a grin.

"Ha. Now will you just kiss your girl and get out? We have important matters to talk about."

"More like you ramble away like the chatterbox you are and keep my Khushi up all night."

"Do not-! Oh? Your Khushi, hmm?"

While Avantika grinned like the Cheshire Cat, Arnav was completely unaffected. As for Khushi, her heart was thudding in her ears as she gazed away at Arnav in shock.

"A little too soon to call her yours, don't you think?"

"I've known her basically my whole life - I don't think so."

Avantika rolled her eyes, muttering below her breath but Arnav ignored her and looked up at Khushi. Khushi was still very much stunned, staring at him in shock. Arnav was absolutely humored by the look on her face, so he thought he'd take advantage of the moment. Reaching up, he caressed her cheek and pulled her down to him and before Khushi could even process it, Arnav was kissing her.

"Oh-! Eww," Avantika shrilled. "I do not wanna see my brother making out with my girl! For the love of," and she covered her face, turning away.

Khushi slightly pulled back and looked down at Arnav. In his eyes she could see happiness, and it made her happy, bringing a smile to her face. She nuzzled her nose against his, letting out a contempt sigh.

"Ugh Khushi, don't egg him on, tell him to go!"

"Shut up chatterbox," he said, frowning at her.

"Get out!"

Arnav rolled his eyes and Khushi couldn't help her smile, entertained by the two. But she knew how important this sleepover was for Avantika, so she looked down at Arnav with a small frown, telling him that he needed to go.

"Why? She can say whatever she needs to say in front of me."

"No I can't, you're my brother - leave!"

Khushi pursed her lips, her expression saying she has a point.

"Oh come on! What is it you can say in front of Khushi but not me?"

"It's not the matter of you or Khushi; it's the matter of if you have a vagina or not, and in this case, Khushi does, so leave."

Arnav scowled at his sister's choice of words, but Avantika didn't care and pointed at her door. "Out."

Muttering some words below his breath, Arnav rolled his eyes and got up. The two grilled each other down as Arnav left the room, Arnav giving one last wink to Khushi before leaving. Once Arnav was gone, Avantika rolled her eyes.

"Honestly, what do you even see in him," Avantika scowled.

Khushi frowned at her and Avantika simply rolled her eyes and continued with her ramble.

"...honestly, who the hell does she think she is?!"

"A Kapoor."

This time it was Anjali at the door, wrapped up in a silk robe.

"Wow Di, I thought you'd be too busy for us tonight," Avantika teased.

"Well we are only human," she said, going over to Khushi to sit down beside her. "I thought I'd give us a moment to rest."

"Ugh, ew! First Bhai, then you - this family is gross!"

Anjali rolled her eyes. "Says the one who wants to suck Virat's lips off, hmm?"

"Di!!!"

Khushi pursed her lips, trying really hard not to laugh, while Anjali simply winked at her.

"I hate my luck," Avantika frowned, crossing her arms.

Anjali chuckled. "Anyways, don't let Sana get to you like this. She's just doing what a Kapoor does best, and that's to be bitter."

"I swear, all that plastic must be getting to her brain."

"Possibly."

Khushi gaped at Anjali but Anjali simply shrugged.

"I mean look Khushi, you know I'm all about giving everyone the benefit of the doubt, and compared to me, I know that Sana is just a kid like Avantika. However, let's face it, this girl wasn't like this all those year before. She wouldn't even have had the courage to say the things she said to Chatterbox tonight all those years before."

"Hey," Avantika frowned.

"Point is, her surgeries have definitely pulled off for her."

"Now that I'll agree with," and Avantika sat down on the bed, taking over Khushi's lap like her brother had before. "What do I do Khushi," she sighed. "I mean you just got the guy you've been hopelessly in love with since forever."

Khushi hit her arm lightly but Avantika was absolutely unfazed.

"Have you ever thought that maybe you should first admit your feelings to Virat," Anjali frowned, tilting her head.

"No! I could never tell him that I like him!"

"Avantika, you are not a teenager anymore! If you like the guy, then dammit, just tell him."

"Di, I'm not like you that I would just walk up to guy I like at his locker and tell him that I like him and ask him out on a date."

Khushi pursed her lips, as if to say me neither and Anjali rolled her eyes with a light scoff.

"Oh come on, it is not that big of a deal."

"Yes it is, Di. You literally had an audience around you guys, watching you ask Jij out."

"Well good thing I did it, I married the man in the end didn't I?"

"Well yeah but that's only cause things worked out for you in the long run. What if... what if Virat turns me down," she nearly whispered.

Anjali sighed and Khushi felt bad for her friend. She placed her hand on her head while Anjali reached out and took her sister's hand in hers.

"If that's the case, then it'll hurt at first, but I promise, you'll feel better eventually. Think of it this way - if its not Virat, then that means there's someone even better out there, waiting for you. Who knows, maybe you already know him and its just a matter of time."

Avantika let out a shaky sigh, trying hard not to cry. Khushi felt really bad, caressing her hair to comfort her. Avantika turned into her hold, hiding her face as she wrapped her arm around Khushi.

"Since Di has caught me up to speed on everything, I have to ask - how did you do it," she muttered. "How did you do it Khushi, thinking that the person you loved, didn't love you back?"

Khushi sighed, remembering the feeling she used to felt for the past few years. It definitely didn't feel good, but time did help to heal. Of course, once Arnav came back, it made things hard, but in the end things turned out to be completely different than what she thought.

"Actually, I probably shouldn't even bother asking since you turned out to be wrong and Bhai loved you all along. You're so lucky!"

"Hey, don't think like that Avi," Anjali said softly. "It's like I told you - if its not Virat, well too bad for him, he's stupid to let a girl like you get away."

Khushi nodded in agreement.

"Easy for you guys to say, you both have a man."

"Avi...."

Avantika let out another sigh. "Guys are so stupid."

"Now that I'll agree with."

*~*

Later that night, Anjali returned to her husband and both Khushi and Avantika fell asleep. The next morning, Khushi woke up early, Avantika still asleep beside her. Khushi decided to get up and head down to work, so she quickly washed up and changed into the spare clothes Avantika had her keep in her room in case of their sleepovers. She headed down to the kitchen, finding some of the other workers coming in as well. They all got right down to work and breakfast was ready to serve.

Khushi was in the dining room, setting the table, when the family slowly started pouring in.

Well, except for Arnav that is.

"Where's Chote," Amoli asked.

"I think he came back late from his run," Vijay replied.

"This boy, I swear- Khushi can you go get him please," Deviyani said.

Khushi's eyes darted to Deviyani's, Anjali and Avantika lightly smirking - even Deviyani.

"Oh yes, would you be a doll and get him please," Amoli said.

Khushi pursed her lips and nodded. Before she left the room, she glanced back at Deviyani, Anjali, and Avantika, and all three winked at her, causing her to widen her eyes.

Heading up the stairs, Khushi walked over to Arnav's room. Even though the door to his room was open, Khushi knocked anyways. When there was no response, she peeked inside, but didn't see him.

Huh?

Khushi entered the room and glanced around, looking for Arnav.

Where is he?

At that moment, the door to the bathroom clicked open, revealing Arnav.

In just a towel.

Khushi's eyes widened immediately and with a little shriek escaping her lips, she quickly turned around. Arnav was stunned and froze, staring wide-eyed at Khushi.

"What the-?"

Khushi quickly looked back at him with a scowl and then quickly turned away, hiding her face once more.

A scowl formed on Arnav's face. "Khushi you do this every time! How many times have I told you to knock?"

Khushi turned back to him with a scowl of her own, her hands on her hips. I did! She gestured around the room, saying that because she didn't see him, she came in.

"Oh... well... um-"

At that moment, Arnav's towel began to slip, semi-exposing him before he had caught hold of it, but Khushi had seen a lot more than she had wanted.

"Fuck!"

Khushi's wide eyes met his and she quickly darted out of the room, her face absolutely red. The poor girl did not stop until she made her way to the kitchen.

Or at least tried to.

"Khushi!"

Khushi paused and saw Deviyani and Avantika.

"Are you okay," Deviyani continued.

"No way, look at how red she is," Avantika grinned. "Looks like something happened," she sang.

Khushi didn't even bother to get back at her, deciding that running into the kitchen was a better idea than to drown in embarrassment, and so she did that.

"Khushi-! Ah well," Avantika sighed.

Just then Arnav, joined them, his hair a mess, Arnav fixing his T-shirt.

"Well good morning lover boy," Avantika smirked.

Arnav frowned at her. "Shut up. Have you seen Khushi."

"She went straight to the kitchen, blushing hysterically red," Deviyani said plainly, pointing at the kitchen.

A dot of blush appeared on his cheeks and before he could even give his grandmother or sister a chance to poke fun at him, Arnav went to the kitchen.

Deviyani couldn't help her chuckle. "Those two are something else."

"I wonder what the blushing is for," and before Avantika could take a step, Deviyani took hold of her ear. "Nani!"

"Oh no you don't, let those two be. You have your own issues to deal with."

"But Nani-"

"I don't wanna hear it. If you try me, I'll tell Virat everything myself."

"You wouldn't," she gasped.

Deviyani arched her eyebrow at her and Avantika knew immediately then that her Nani wasn't playing.

"Dammit," she huffed, and Deviyani laughed in return, letting go of her ear.

"Now come on, let's go to my room so you can blow my ears about Virat."

"Ugh, gladly," and the two headed off upstairs.

It's safe to say that just too much was going on in this household.

Chapter Twenty Two

"Awwwwwww!!!"

Arnav and Khushi instantly shot apart, the two staring wide eyed at Deviyani, Anjali, and Avantika.

"It's about freaking time," Avantika exclaimed.

"Look at how they're blushing," Anjali gushed.

In Arnav's defense, he wouldn't have been blushing if it were just his sisters and not his grandmother having caught them in their position.

"Oh I'm so happy," Deviyani smiled. "It truly is about time!"

Avantika came dashing over to them and sat in between them, breaking their hold. She wrapped her arms around the two and gave them a tight squeeze. "I'm so happy! I'm so happy! I'm so happy!!!"

"For the love of-! Not in my ear Chatterbox," Arnav exclaimed, Avantika instantly loosening her hold and scowling at him.

Anjali came over, chuckling. "Let them be Avantika. After all, they have just only claimed their love for each other."

Khushi looked down, blushing. Anjali went over to her and held her hand out to her, Khushi taking it and standing up.

"I'm going to assume Chote told you everything and that I knew of his feelings for you?"

Khushi continued to look down but nodded.

"Do you understand why I never told you anything from his side?"

Khushi shook her head.

"It wasn't my place to; how Chote felt for you or how you felt for him - after a good explanation from that lawyer husband of mine, I realized that, that was for you two to tell each other. And this misunderstanding you two had, could only be disputed between you two. Me being the messenger or an insider wouldn't have been the right thing. Do you understand now?"

Khushi looked up at her and nodded. Anjali smiled at her and kissed her forehead before turning to Arnav. "We'll leave you two alone now, take care of her and don't take too long," she winked.

Anjali, Avantika, and Deviyani left, giggling like little girls. Khushi still couldn't believe it that they knew, not to mention that any of this was happening. Arnav looked up at her and saw that Khushi was distracted, so naturally, he had to take advantage of the moment.

Arnav grabbed Khushi's hand and pulled her to him, quickly moving his hands to her waist and holding her in front of him. Khushi looked down at him in shock, Arnav grinning up at her.

"I missed that look on your face," he grinned.

Khushi rolled her eyes and arched her eyebrow at him.

"Looks like more than half of the family knows about us." Arnav rested his chin over her stomach. "What do we do now?"

But Khushi couldn't think clearly. She remembered the old days when she would do this to Arnav, gripping onto the sides of his T-shirt and asking him 100 questions, irritating the crap out of him! However while Arnav's T-shirt covered his flesh, her choli wasn't helping her and exposed most of her flesh, and the feeling of his beard against her not only tickled but gave a strange sensation she had never felt before.

Arnav noticed the expression on her face and at first was confused. But then he realized his actions.

And he had no regrets.

"Am I making you nervous?"

Khushi blinked down at him and looked into his eyes. She could see something form within them, but was confused. There was something dark forming, and Khushi gulped. Before she could think of anything else, Arnav playfully tried to nip at her bellybutton and Khushi instantly shut her eyes, pulling back slightly as a little squeal escaped her throat, surprising her. Even Arnav was surprised but he was mostly happy.

Once again he rested his chin against her. "Its interesting how I can always get these sounds out of you."

Khushi met his eyes again. The darkness within them faded and Arnav stood up, his hold still on her.

"I know that after what happened to you...."

Khushi glanced away.

"I swear, if I ever come across that fucker, he's fucking done for," he growled.

She felt his anger course through him and she immediately gripped his arm. Arnav instantly relaxed and he looked at her. He placed a kiss on her forehead and his lips lingered there.

"I understand that it was a traumatic experience, and there may be certain things that might trigger it like last time..."

Khushi remembered the last time it happened but immediately forced out if her mind.

"...but I'll do whatever I can to help you. "

Khushi slightly pulled back to look at him. Arnav smiled at her softly, wrapping his arms around her.

"I'll always be by your side Khushi, count on it. If anyone tries to lay their hands on you again, I'll make them regret it. I'll never let anyone hurt you again babe, ever."

Khushi smiled softly, bringing her nose to his, nuzzling him. I love you.

*~*

Going back to the party, hand in hand, Arnav and Khushi rejoined his sisters, Shyam, and Virat. From the look on his face, the two could tell Shyam knew, and him and Arnav did their little handshake.

"Honestly, its about time that this has happened," Shyam grinned.

"Did everyone know about us all this time," Arnav asked.

"No duh," Avantika said with a roll of her eyes, and the others chuckled.

"Congrats you two," Virat grinned, hugging the two, and Arnav instantly scowled at him.

"Protective already, hmm," Virat teased, and Khushi blushed. "But no worries, no worries, I won't be bothering you two."

Arnav rolled his eyes.

"Honestly though, its about time. I'm really happy for you guys," he smiled humbly.

"Thanks man. By the way, Di, did Nani say anything to mom and dad?"

"Don't worry, she's keeping her mouth shut... for now."

"What-? What's that supposed to mean?"

Anjali shrugged and wrapped her arms around Shyam's arm. "You know how she can be."

"Geez," Arnav muttered below his breath, but Khushi heard and nudged him. "What?"

Khushi frowned at him. Respect her, would you?

"But what if she tells my parents? I don't need Ma screaming her head off."

Khushi nudged him again. Arnav!

"What?"

Everyone else chuckled around them, bringing the new couples' attention back to them.

"Ugh, I'm so glad everything worked out between you two," Avantika said. "I really missed this... this vibe."

"Agreed," the others said.

"Also-"

But before Virat could get the rest of his words out, he was cut off by none other than Sana Kapoor herself.

"Hey! You guys actually came," she shrilled.

Khushi glanced at Avantika and saw that she was trying really hard not to scowl. She quickly took hold of her hand and gave it a light squeeze, calming Avantika without anyone noticing.

"So are you guys enjoying yourselves," she asked, flashing her doe-like eyes at Arnav and Virat.

The feeling of jealousy Khushi had felt the other day, didn't pop up this time. Maybe it was because of the fact that she knew Arnav loved her, that she didn't feel the need to be jealous.

"Yeah, it's a great party," Anjali said. "Lots of people, hmm?"

"Oh, yeah, my family knows a lot of people," she chuckled lightly. "From family friends, friends from the country club, business partners - you know, the usual."

Anjali hummed in response.

"Did you guys eat? The food is just amazing!"

"Oh heck yeah, my stomach is absolutely satisfied," Virat grinned.

Avantika rolled her eyes, glancing at Khushi. Khushi knew she was getting irritated, especially when Avantika released her hand from her hold and crossed her arms.

"Oh, Ava! Your outfit is so nice! And that shade of green though," Sana smiled.

Khushi tried hard not to purse her lips; she understood very clearly from Sana's voice that her enthusiasm was absolutely fake, no matter how hard she tried to lace it with sugar.

"Oh why thank you! It's from Sabyasachi, so I simply couldn't wait to wear it," Avantika gushed.

Khushi was confused. Did she not understand that Sana just tried to shade her?

"I like your outfit too," Avantika continued. "I think I've seen it before... oh yes," Avantika exclaimed, cutting Sana off before she could say anything, "I think I saw Sunny Leone wearing it or was it Rakhi Sawant," she wondered.

Whether it was true or not, Khushi had no clue, but she knew for a fact that Avantika had just thrown major shade. Not only her, but Khushi noticed the looks on Anjali's and Shyam's face as well, and knew that they had caught on as well.

"The pink is cute though," Avantika grinned with a casual shrug.

Sana gave a smile, though it didn't seem humble. "Oh, looks like someone is calling me, enjoy yourselves though," and she walked away.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Anjali turned to her sister. "Wow baby sis, way to go."

The two fist-pounded each other with a chuckle.

"Bitch had it coming," Avantika shrugged.

Arnav cocked his eyebrow at his baby sister. "Really chatterbox?"

"Look Bhai, I don't expect a guy like you to get it, although maybe you eventually will thanks to Khushi, but this egghead over here, I totally don't expect him to," she said, looking at Virat.

"What," he replied with innocence.

Avantika rolled her eyes. "Whatever, at least I look classy and sophisticated unlike that desperate plastic skank."

Khushi scowled at Avantika, as did the others.

"Hey," Arnav scowled.

"Oh please, you think she wore something as indecent as that for no reason? Puh-leez! All she wants is to put all these guys' dicks in fucking wheelchairs-!"

"That's enough, I don't ever want hear that kind of shit out of your mouth ever again," Arnav scowled.

But Avantika simply shrugged, by which Khushi understood that even though Avantika wouldn't be saying stuff like that around her brother again, it sure didn't mean she would stop thinking it nor saying it around her or others.

"Ugh, I need a drink and a pep talk, where's Nani," and Avantika walked away.

"What the-?"

"I'll go after her," Anjali said. "Babe?"

Shyam nodded and followed after her, the two going after Avantika. Meanwhile, Arnav, Khushi, and Virat stayed behind, Arnav shaking his head.

"I simply cannot understand her childish antics," Arnav sighed.

Khushi frowned at him and Arnav looked at her in confusion. She placed her forehead in her hand, confusing not just Arnav but Virat as well.

"I really don't understand you females sometimes," Virat chuckled lightly, scratching the back of his head.

Khushi shook her head and reached for Arnav's phone. Arnav handed it over to her and going to the messaging app, Khushi texted Virat. His phone immediately beeped and he looked at it.

You never could if you tried.

Arnav looked over Virat's shoulder and laughed. "Oh, burn!"

Virat frowned. "Yes I could, Khushi. I just don't see what the whole deal is with their outfits, like they're both nice colors, I mean I love green, that's my favorite color. "

Wha-? Seriously? Now I can't even blame Avantika for calling him clueless. Khushi rolled her eyes and texted him once more.

It's not about the colors dude! It's the fact that she tried to throw shade at Avantika and make her look bad in front of all of us.

"Okay, but we wouldn't have thought that, obviously. I doubt Arnav would've, nor Anjali, or even you, and I know I wouldn't have."

Khushi let out an exasperated sigh and shook her head, as if to say never mind. Virat looked at her in confusion and then at Arnav, but Arnav simply shrugged and took back his phone, which Khushi was holding out to him.

"What-?"

"Don't even bother bro."

"But-"

"Don't."

Virat opened his mouth to speak, but shut it immediately. He thought for a moment, and then opened his mouth again. "Never mind, I need a drink now, and maybe might even get one of those pep talks from Nani that Avantika mentioned," and Virat walked away.

Arnav and Khushi watched as he disappeared into the crowd and then Arnav turned to her.

"Can I interest you to another dance?"

Arnav held his hand out and Khushi looked at it. With a nod, Khushi placed her hand in his and followed him back out to the dance floor.

For a moment, things would be peaceful, that is, until they got back home. Khushi knew for a fact she would definitely be hearing about the whole exchange with Sana all night long from Avantika, therefore meaning that Khushi would be sleeping over in Avantika's room tonight. But that was okay, she would support her girl. For the time being, all Khushi would focus on was the fact that the man she loved, loved her back, and all was well.

At least, for now.

Chapter Twenty One

Arnav and Khushi sat down on a bench by a large fountain. He held her hand in his, but Khushi didn't allow for her erratically beating heart to distract her; she wanted her confusion to be cleared.

"Khushi, do you remember all those years back when there was that incident with Myra?"

Khushi's eyebrows met in the middle but she nodded.

Of course, who doesn't remember her sudden leaving from town? Not to mention her family, it was as if they had vanished into thin air.

"It was strange wasn't it? How the whole family just all of sudden picked up and left? Well did you know that Myra's father now owns and runs his own company?"

Khushi's eyes widened. Myra was just another small town girl and she was an only child just like Khushi. Myra's family was just an average-class family; in fact, Khushi's father knew Myra's father. Myra's father had worked as a chauffeur, Myra's mother working as a maid. So to learn that the man now had his own company, really surprised her.

But... how?

"I even saw them at an event in Paris; they're all doing very well. But do you know how they came across this kind of money?"

Khushi shook her head.

"Because the Kapoor's tried to pay them off."

Khushi's eyes widened in shock. What?

"Its almost amazing how no one in town ever got to know this. Its even more amazing how we didn't know this, and we were within this house so many times, and yet we missed it."

But what exactly did we miss?

"Khushi, you know that Myra's family worked for the Kapoor's, yes?"

Khushi nodded.

"Well, in that time that they worked for them... Myra had been impregnated by Vikram."

Khushi's eyes widened once more. What?!

"And... this isn't the first girl Vikram has impregnated."

Khushi looked down; even though she knew the guy, she never really got to know him like that. Among all of Arnav's friends, Virat was his only friend that she was really close with, and other than that, maybe with Shivaay a little. But other than that....

"Vikram has a bad track record, Khushi. He's been involved with a lot of girls, not to mention has been very careless with these girls.

"I didn't know any of this stuff when I first met him. But one night, he got really drunk and told me all of his shit. He told me how his family has paid off these girls and their families, getting these girls' abortions done. And they do this all for the sake of their family reputation."

Khushi couldn't believe what she was hearing; she felt absolutely disgusted.

"Ever since I learned of his ways, I kept my guard up, especially when it came to Avantika. But he must've learned that I wasn't going to be playing any games when it came to her and would beat any fucker up who tried."

That's true, Vikram would have to be stupid if he didn't believe it. Especially after seeing Arnav getting into fights in the past after some douchebag tried to get within close distance of Avantika, he would have to be brainless to not believe it.

"You might be thinking why I would stay friends with a guy like that, why any of us would but... the type of person he is Khushi...."

Khushi tilted her head, confusion filling her face.

"In the old days... I mean, its like when you're a kid. Like when you're friends with a certain person, they make you feel some type of way? That's what it was with him - feeling some kind of... superiority or popularity, or however you want to describe it."

I think I get it; it's like being friends with the popular kid in class - you feel some type of power. And I mean... you changed somewhat when you first became friends with the guys, acting somewhat like a douchebag, but now that I think of it, it was mostly when you became friends with Vikram.

"With a friend like that, and the connections he had - that his family had - it just wasn't that easy to just step away. But there was also a part of me that just wanted to deal with this guy and protect those that I love. I was torn in the middle and it was hard at times, but...."

Arnav's hold on her hand tightened, slightly hurting her.

"When I discovered that he had his eyes set on you, I wanted to kill him."

Khushi's eyes widened.

"If that fucker got anywhere near you, especially after the whole Myra incident, I swear Khushi, I would've killed him."

He... Arnav is so angry right now.

"But somehow he found out that I liked you, maybe cause of fucking Virat being unable to keep his mouth shut, or Di always chirping about it, I don't know. ...so he tried to use it against me."

Against you? Meaning?

"Its like I said before - he has this superiority. He could instantly make someone feel low of themselves... and that's what he did to me.

"He approached me, asking me about you. He told me how he had heard a rumor about me liking you and was concerned for what society would say about me - about me liking a maid's daughter and a whole bunch of other crap."

Khushi looked away.

"The way he said it... he's always had the power of persuasion. In that moment, not only was he reducing me to rubble, but he made me feel like I was nothing. And he fueled me into a rage in the heat of the moment, I said those mean things about you. I just wanted for him to shut up and fuck off, so I said those things.

"Later on, once I was calm, I justified it to myself by telling myself that it was okay; you hadn't heard anything. I also thought that by saying those things, it would turn his attention away from you; I was using his own tactics against him, and it did end up working... but I was wrong and you had also overheard what I had said all those years back."

Tears threatened to pour down her cheeks but Khushi stopped herself. Arnav caressed her cheek and tilted her face up so that her eyes would meet his.

"I didn't mean any of those words Khushi, you have to believe me. You're my best friend, we've been best buds for years! How could you think I really thought that way about you?"

Khushi looked away and Arnav sighed.

"I guess its my fault really; I never should've said something so harsh. And I should've tried to contact you the years I was away but Vikram was almost always around."

Khushi's eyes met his instantly. He was there?

Arnav immediately understood what she was thinking. "When he learned that I was going to be in France, he decided to go as well; he wasn't there the entire time I was there, but for the most part he was. He did some work things but he was mostly moving in between some French girl's legs."

The idea of that made Khushi shudder in disgust and Arnav couldn't help the curving of his lips. Truth is, he was disgusted by it too, especially since he lived with it, but it was humorously cringey as well.

"There were so many times I wanted to reach out to you," he continued, "tell you what was going on, but that idiot constantly kept bringing some girl over, or was almost always around. And then at the company, things just got busy and hectic.... I'm really sorry Khushi."

Khushi bit her lip, glancing away. For years, she was very hurt - hurt by the idea that Arnav, the man she loved, thought so low of her. But now she knew the truth, and yet still.... It wasn't that she didn't believe Arnav, but she was also surprised to learn of Vikram's true ways.

There was one thing she was curious to know, however.

Khushi gestured to Arnav's phone in his pocket and he looked at it in confusion. She held her hand out and Arnav understood she wanted it but was curious as to why. Khushi unlocked his phone - not even a little bit surprised that his passcode was the same one he had been using on all of his devices he had owned his entire life - and went to the notes app. On it, she began to type and then showed it to Arnav.

Tell me more about when you saw Myra's family.

Arnav was confused by her request but answered anyways. "Well it was a little surprising, but they're still very humble. The most surprising thing, however, was seeing Myra with her daughter."

Khushi's eyes widened. Does that mean...?

Arnav understood exactly what she was thinking and nodded. "Her family escaped and used the money they were given to restart their lives. Myra never had the abortion and is a single mother, working in her father's business."

Wow.... But does Vikram know about this?

She quickly typed that down on his phone and showed it to him. Arnav read it and shook his head.

"No - and they made me promise not to tell. They're worried what his family might do if they ever find out the truth."

Scared, Khushi quickly glanced around but there was no one around. And then paranoia was ready to fill within her, Khushi beginning to get ideas of cameras or microphones being hidden in the bushes.

"Khushi, relax," Arnav chuckled. "We're fine, no one else heard me and the only people who know this are you, me, and her family. That's it."

Khushi sighed and relaxed, and then nodded.

"So... do you forgive me?"

Khushi looked up at him. So much had been said and so much had been discovered in this short moment. But the biggest discovery was of Arnav's love for her... just like the way she loved him. It occurred to Khushi, that through all of his words, Arnav had basically admitted that he liked her from years before and both Anjali and Virat knew about this.

So she knew all this time and yet....

Khushi glanced away, her heart beginning to beat erratically. It thumped in her ears and blush filled her cheeks. There was no use in denying her feelings for him, she would only be telling one of the biggest lies in the world. Arnav watched as blush filled her cheeks. He could see that Khushi was hesitant, but he couldn't blame her, not after everything that was discovered.

So... he loves me. He's loved me for years now. Arnav doesn't think low of me, he just said it to keep Vikram and his cruel intentions away from me. Noble as his purpose was, he did do it wrong, I mean how could you say something so hurtful? Although it was never meant to cross my ears and just for Vikram to turn him the other way, but still....

Arnav was trying to protect me, he always has. Even after he discovered what happened to me... he said he would kill that monster if he ever crossed paths with him, though I hope he never will. ...my heart, it's going absolutely crazy, I think it might burst! He loves me, he actually loves me!

And I love him.

Finally, Khushi looked up at him. She brought her hand to his cheek and he nuzzled into her hold; Arnav had been waiting quite some time for a moment like this.

And so did Khushi.

Without another thought, Khushi brought her lips to his and kissed him, surprising Arnav. But it only took a moment for him to recover and he kissed her back, caressing her cheeks in his hands.

Arnav pulled back first, resting his forehead against hers. "I love you Khushi."

Khushi couldn't help her smile and nuzzled her nose against his. I love you, too, and I never want you away from me, ever again.

Chapter Twenty

It was as if time itself had slowed down, one by one, everything becoming nonexistent, except for her and Arnav. Khushi's heart began to beat erratically, is if a drum were banging in her ears. Arnav met Khushi's eyes and he did not drop his gaze. He simply could not control himself tonight and needed to confess to her, especially since he finally got the moment to.

Throughout the night he had noticed many men gazing at Khushi, and had even heard a few comments. One in particular pissed him off very much, and he had to control himself and his anger. Khushi was his and his only, and he needed for it to be known.

Especially by the woman he loved.

Perhaps jealousy did fuel him a little, but enough was enough, and he wouldn't waste an opportunity, especially since Khushi couldn't run away from him this time.

As for Khushi, well she was absolutely confused. None of it made any sense! How could he be in love with her when he himself had claimed her to be nothing more than a servant all those years before? How could he claim that he loved her, when he had said that she was nothing?

The memory echoed in her brain and tears pooled within her eyes. Arnav saw this but before he could even say anything, Khushi released herself and dashed away, needing air. But Arnav wasn't going to let this go whatsoever and followed after her, Anjali and Avantika noticing this.

Khushi went out to the gardens, gasping for breath. Even though there was a breeze, Khushi still felt very warm.

Do not cry, don't you dare cry Khushi, stay strong!

"Khushi!"

Khushi shut her eyes and gripped onto her lehenga. Arnav came from behind her and turned her to him. Khushi's eyes remained shut, not daring to look at him.

"Please look at me Khushi," he said softly.

Hearing his hushed tone made Khushi shudder, and this wasn't missed by Arnav. He moved closer to her, bringing his arm around her waist. Feeling the warmth of his flesh against her cool waist brought a breathy moan to her lips.

"Khushi?"

Khushi looked up at him through her eyelashes. He didn't say anything else and simply gazed away at her. Their breaths tickled in the small space between them, and the space only seemed to be decreasing until there was none at all.

Arnav placed his lips against hers and kissed her. He had been wanting to do this for so long and so many times, he had lost track. For so long, he kept his feelings for Khushi to himself, only Virat and Anjali knowing, otherwise. He lied and hid his feelings, waiting for the moment he could tell Khushi his truth, about his feelings for her. And now, having her in his embrace, made his heart beat with life.

Dhak dhak! Dhak dhak!

Khushi's heart beat with life as well but she was still so confused! Nothing made sense at all and it made her head swirl. Khushi pulled away and turned away from him, catching her breath. Arnav was surprised by her sudden action, confusion and anger taking hold of him.

"Tell me Khushi; tell me why, even after I've just confessed that I love you, that you're still angry with me. What did I do? How long have you been angry with me?"

Khushi looked back at him, her tears streaming down her face. Anger was evident in her eyes, but Arnav wanted his answers. Khushi could tell by his expression that he would not stop until she did... so she held up three fingers.

"Three? ...you mean 3 years?"

Khushi nodded and put the three fingers down, then held up three fingers again.

"And three... months?"

Khushi nodded once more and put her fingers down, then spun her index fingers around the other.

"And ongoing?"

This time she simply looked away, but that was the confirmation he needed.

However, Arnav was confused. What had he done about 3 years and 3 months ago to upset Khushi this much?

What the? Three year ago? And three months? That was... that was right about before I left for France. Yeah... yeah that was just some time before I left for France. But what did I do or say then that could've offended her-?

And then it hit him.

"Oh Kush...."

Arnav went over to her and hugged her, shocking her.

"You will forever be a butt-head, Kit Kat," he muttered in her hair.

Now Khushi was absolutely confused. What on earth?

Arnav pulled back and caressed her cheeks in his hands. "You overheard what I said to Vikram, didn't you?"

Khushi looked away, answering his question.

"Khushi, what I said to him was a lie - a lie that thankfully has protected you."

What-? Protected me? Khushi looked up at him, her brows meeting in the middle.

"There's something important I need to tell you Khushi, something I should've told you a long time ago, but didn't. Will you at least hear everything I have to say?"

Khushi looked at him. All this time, she thought that Arnav thought nothing of her, that their friendship was absolutely false. And now here they were, Arnav claiming to be in love with her. But now he had a secret he needed to tell her?

What could it possibly be?

Wanting to know, Khushi nodded.

"Good, come sit over here with me, and I'll tell you everything."

Chapter Nineteen

With the car hassle and Avantika's fuss finally out of the way, the Raizada's headed out, Vijay, Amoli, and Deviyani in one car, Arnav taking Khushi, Anjali and Avantika in his car.

"Di, you must be, like, so excited," Avantika grinned.

"It's been so long since I've seen him! Ever since he picked up this stupid big case, he's been so busy," Anjali frowned.

"But it's a really big deal Di," Arnav said, glancing into the rear-view mirror. "It's been all over the papers."

"I know, but still.... I'm happy for him and I know this case will have a really big impact on his career, but still... I miss him. I can't stand being away from him for so long."

"I bet there's others who can relate," Avantika smirked, looking at Khushi.

Once again, Khushi had been put in the front, sitting beside Arnav. At Avantika's comment she glanced back at her through the rear-view mirror with a small scowl, which wasn't missed by Arnav.

Others who can relate, hmm, he wondered.

It wasn't long until the family arrived to the Kapoor's residence, or rather, mansion. Valets parked their cars and the Raizada clan headed inside. Many guests had already arrived, covering many areas of the main hall. The family found Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor, greeting them and then heading into the ballroom to join the others. The family had thrown this party in honor of Sana's return home after all these years, as well as for her graduation.

At first, Khushi was surprised to see Arjun, Shivaay, and Anurag, but remembering Virat's reaction, her surprise didn't last for long. In fact, she noticed many handsome men around, and they all seemed to be looking around for something.

Or rather someone.

Khushi stayed with Anjali and Avantika, when the Kapoor's made an announcement. Standing with them were also Vikram and Sana, to which Khushi noted Sana's very, er, exotic outfit.

Let's just say, she would definitely be getting the attention of numerous men tonight.

The Kapoor's made a little speech, thanking everyone for coming. Khushi didn't really care to pay attention, as Avantika wasn't caring whatsoever and making silly faces, thus distracting her. With the speech complete, everyone mingled with each other throughout the night. Music played and some people were already enjoying themselves on the dance floor.

"Oof, where is he," Anjali pouted.

"He'll be here soon Di," Avantika said.

"Who, Jeejaji," Arnav asked as he walked over to them.

Khushi glanced up at Arnav and quickly looked away. He stood right beside her and she felt a little awkward.

"You know, you guys really look like a cute couple," Avantika said.

Khushi's eyes immediately widened as they shot up to hers. Her face instantly turned red, her cheeks feeling like they were on fire. Avantika!!!!!

Arnav opened his mouth to say something, but was immediately cut off by Anjali.

"Eeeek!!! He's here!"

This instantly turned everyone's attention to where Anjali was looking and at the entrance of the ballroom, stood Shyam, looking quite handsome in his black suit and slim black tie. With another shriek, Anjali went dashing over to her husband, Shyam's eyes instantly landing on her. He made his way towards her as she ran over to him and as soon as she came within his reach, he picked her up into the air, swinging her around.

"Awwwww," Avantika gushed.

The couple locked in embrace and kissed, not giving a single crap that all the aunties were gaping with disgust.

"Yaaaaaaaaasssssss," Avantika clapped. "Show everyone how its done sis, yas boo!!"

Arnav chose to ignore his baby sister with a shake of his head, shutting his eyes as he really didn't want to see his older sister getting smothered nor her being the smother-er. As for Khushi, her embarrassment had been completely forgotten, Khushi only being able to think how lucky the two were to be so in love with each other.

Hopefully someday, someone will love me like that as well.

The lights dimmed and slow music began to play. Shyam led Anjali out to the dance floor and once again, Avantika hollered for the two.

Just then, Virat came over. "Hey, I see Shyam is back. They look good together."

"That they definitely do," Avantika smiled. "Hey, wanna dance?"

"Nah I don't really dance to slow stuff, but next time Chatterbox."

"Don't call me that!"

Virat chuckled. "Ask your brother."

"No way! I'm not 5!" And then Avantika gasped, an idea coming to her head. "Bhai, you should dance with Khushi!"

Both Arnav and Khushi looked at her, Khushi in shock.

What?!

"Yeah, you guys used to always fool around when we were kids, dancing together to these types of songs. You guys should do it again for old times sake. Besides, you two are already  matching like a couple, so why not?"

That's when Virat noticed that the two were matching. He gave Arnav a sly smirk, Arnav giving him warning eyes in return. Things between him and Khushi were still rocky, and he wanted to fix it. Only, he barely got a moment alone with Khushi.

So this moment would have to be seized.

"Sure," Arnav simply replied, and he took Khushi's hand in his.

Khushi was absolutely shocked, as well as Avantika and Virat. But Arnav ignored them and led Khushi out to the dance floor, Khushi's feet moving after him on their own as Khushi's brain seemed to be malfunctioning. Arriving to the dance floor, Arnav turned to her. He kept her hand in his and took hold of her waist, and lead her as they danced. Khushi simply couldn't believe it, and she was still very much stunned.

"Khushi, don't look so surprised, please blink."

Khushi did as he said, blinking down to the floor.

"...you look very beautiful tonight."

Khushi's eyes snapped up to his in shock. W-what?

"Honest, you do. Other guys seem to think so too - they won't stop looking at you," he scoffed lightly, eyeing at some of those men.

His statement, Khushi wasn't so sure of, nor did she care. It was his comment that was causing her already malfunctioning brain to malfunction even more.

Wait, what is even happening right now?

"...We need to talk Khushi. Or rather, I need to talk to you. You've been mad at me for quite some time now and I don't like it."

Khushi looked away.

"I don't like the fact that my best friend is this mad at me. I don't like that she won't even bother to tell me what it is that I have done to make her so mad and keeps avoiding me. ...I don't like that the woman I love is ignoring my existence."

And in that moment, everything around Khushi had come to a halt.

Chapter Eighteen

With the movie complete and the shopping done, everyone met up by the cars.

"So you're going home now," Virat asked Sana.

"Yeah, I've actually got some things to do, especially with the party coming up."

"Oh, cool."

Avantika couldn't help her expression as she glanced at Virat with distaste, and then quickly looked away with a roll of her eyes.

"I hope you're all coming Friday night; it's going to be so much fun," Sana beamed.

Khushi glanced at Arnav and Avantika. Arnav had said in the morning that he wasn't sure if he wanted to go to the event at the Kapoor's. It made perfect sense before they had seen the recreation of Sana Kapoor, but now....

Mm hmm, Sana Kapoor.

"We can't wait," Virat said, once again throwing Avantika off.

Earlier, Sana had called for her car to come and pick her up, and it arrived. She quickly put her bags in - with the help of Virat - and sat inside. "Great! I can't wait to see you guys then! Bye!"

The car pulled away and Virat waved, causing both Arnav and Khushi to arch their eyebrows at him.

"What," he said innocently.

"Un-fucking-believable," Avantika huffed, and she went to the car, confusing him even more.

"What," he repeated.

"Nothing bro, just forget it," Arnav said. "Need a ride?"

Before Virat could even respond, the car Avantika had gotten into pulled away, leaving them. Khushi was a little surprised but she also understood - Avantika really liked Virat, not to mention for quite some time now. She knew her friend was a little heartbroken.

"What the," Arnav frowned. "What's wrong with her?"

Khushi quickly shook her head, gesturing to him to not worry about it... that is until she realized that that was her ride home.

"She is just... whatever. Khushi, get in the car, and you clueless, take a walk."

"Hey," Virat exclaimed and Arnav chuckled in return, getting in the car.

Khushi simply stood there, looking at the two, especially at Virat when he got in the back.

"Hey, I know you're always shotgun, I'm not even going to bother," Virat said, holding his hands up.

In the old days when they would hang out, unless Avantika was there, Khushi would always sit shotgun besides Arnav; the guys really had no choice. Luckily they didn't really complain much, especially since it gave Khushi GPS duty if necessary.

"Come on Khushi, get in," Arnav said. "Its starting to get late."

Pursing her lips, Khushi got in the car and shut the door behind her. She truly wished she didn't have to, but she did need to get home. And after her traumatic experience....

Simply put, it was very difficult for Khushi to be out on her own.

Arnav first headed to Virat's place, dropping him off. Bidding their farewell, Arnav headed home.

The drive home was rather silent and an awkward vibe filled the air. Khushi kept glancing at Arnav from the corner of her eyes, fidgeting with her fingers.

"You really must think of me as a stranger."

Khushi's eyes darted up to Arnav. He was still focused on the road, but he briefly glanced at her before looking back. Khushi looked down at her lap, folding her hands. She felt like she was a little schoolgirl who was about to be scolded.

"You're that angry with me that you've turned me into a stranger now?"

Khushi's eyes slightly widened but she didn't look at him.

"I thought we were best friends Khushi."

So did I, and oh how wrong I was.

Tears threatened to fall, but Khushi controlled herself. She turned her gaze out the window so that Arnav wouldn't notice her tear-filled eyes.

"Are you going to tell me what it is that has you so upset that you're about to cry," Arnav asked softly.

Khushi gasped, her eyes springing to him, finding him to already be looking at her. They were at a stop light, which meant that Arnav wouldn't be removing his penetrating gaze so quickly.

Hai DM!

Arnav looked into her eyes and could see the pain, see the hurt that she felt. But what he couldn't figure out was why and it was ready to drive him insane.

"I want to know what it is, Khushi, that has you so upset with me that you're behaving this way towards me."

Khushi looked away, returning her gaze out the window.

"Khushi-"

People from behind him honked, Arnav then noticing that the light had turned green. It wasn't long before they arrived to Raizada mansion and just as they did, Khushi let herself out of the car and dashed to her cottage, leaving Arnav to himself.

He simply couldn't understand it - what was it that had his best friend so upset with him? What was it, that the woman he loved, loathed him so much?

*~*

Through the rest of the week, Arnav was once again engrossed with work. He was mostly at the office, leaving Khushi in peace. She couldn't help but to wonder how Arnav had figured out that she was hurt by him, but then again, the dynamic between them was so much more different than what it used to be years ago. It was only a matter of time before he had noticed it.

All Khushi wanted now, was to avoid him, and fortunately for her, she was able to. However, the weekend arrived much quicker than she would have liked, and Arnav would now be at home. Luckily though, the entire family had decided that in fact, they would be going to the Kapoor's for their party, which meant that Khushi could get some more time away from him.

Or so she thought.

"I don't care if I have to drag you by the ear but you are going Khushi, and that's my final word," Deviyani said, holding the outfit Amoli had gotten for Khushi.

Khushi repeatedly shook her head, not wanting to go at all - especially given her situation with Arnav. But Deviyani was a stubborn old woman and she wasn't going to give up, no matter what! And to her perseverance, Deviyani won, and Khushi would be joining the Raizada family.

Oh, and she would have to see Arnav as well.

Khushi got ready in Avantika's room, Anjali and Avantika helping her. It wasn't long until they were ready and joined the others downstairs in the family room.

"Where's Chote," Vijay asked, fixing his cuff links.

"He forgot his phone in his room, he'll be down soon."

Khushi glanced to the side, toying with her fingers.

"Is it really so bad to be my daughter?"

Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Amoli, shaking her head. Amoli gave her a small smile and caressed her cheek.

"You know you'll always be like a daughter to me Khushi, you're a part of this family just like everyone else. Is it so bad that we want you to attend events with us?"

Khushi looked down, feeling bad, but Amoli tilted her chin back up. She gave her another smile and pulled back.

"You look beautiful Khushi, I knew this would look good on you."

Khushi looked down at her lehenga; it was a beautiful navy blue covered in golden embroidery and stones, her dupatta a lovely shade of peach. All together, her outfit looked absolutely amazing, courtesy of Anjali, who lent a hand.

Speaking of Anjali, she was very excited. Shyam was coming back to town tonight, his current case on hold, giving him a small break. He would be joining them at the party and Anjali simply could not wait to see her man!

"Chote," Amoli called out.

"I'm coming, I'm coming," Arnav huffed, coming down the stairs. "Ready to go?"

Although they were all ready, they were now all completely stunned.

"...What?"

"Nice suit, Bhai. Navy, huh," Avantika smirked.

"Peach tie, hmm," Anjali said, mocking her impression.

"And don't forget those golden cuff links he has on," Deviyani pointed out.

Arnav was absolutely confused. "Will someone tell me what's going?"

"You tell us," Avanatika smirked. "Or should we ask Khushi?"

Arnav looked at his sister in confusion and then looked at Khushi - and that was when he realized that somehow, without any communication, they were matching. Khushi was absolutely shocked by this, her eyes wide.

Hai DM, how did this happen?

"I guess best friends think alike," Amoli said. "Then again, I chose this outfit for her and you didn't know about this so...."

Vijay chuckled, wrapping his arm around his wife's waist. "That's coincidences for you. Now then, shall we get going?"

Coincidence or not, Khushi truly felt weird and simply couldn't understand why such things were happening with her.

This is just too weird, I mean the matching outfits, the car ride, the jealousy, the neck kiss thing, like no! Stop!! 

Khushi glanced at Arnav as she followed the Raizada's to the cars.

It doesn't matter how much I love him, and even after everything, want to be with him - it just doesn't! People always say it hurts more when the person you love doesn't love you back, and I just need to stop falling weak to him! I have to be strong. I can't let all these weird occurrences keep happening, I can't just fall back to the way things used to be all those years before.

Arnav sees me as nothing more than a servant, done! As much as it hurts, done! Just stop! No ifs or anything, and definitely no more feeling jealous, I mean seriously Kush, where did that come from? At the end of the day, the Kapoor's are one of the richest and most successful families in town, so if Arnav and Sana were to be a couple, it would be great for the family, and at the end of the day, that's all that matters. I have to stop falling weak to my heart and my emotions.

The Raizada's were busy among themselves, figuring out which cars they would take and who would be sitting in which car. While they did that, Arnav got his car and patiently waited for them and for his baby sister to stop fussing about taking her Audi R8 just for herself. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed Khushi standing away from the commotion and looked at her. Khushi was too lost in her thoughts to even care to notice, even though her eyes were on him. Arnav was curious as to why, but couldn't remove his eyes from her. Eventually Khushi did notice, but she didn't remove her gaze.

He. Does. Not. Love. You. He does not feel any type of feelings for you. Enough is enough Khushi... just... enough.

Look at it this way - you can at least say that once upon a time, in your life, you got the chance to experience the feeling of love. And that's more than enough and all it ever will be.

But oh was she in for a surprise.