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....