Chapter Ten

Khushi finished helping to clean up the ballroom. She headed out to the back and cleaned the patio. Bruce came running up to her and Khushi smiled. She bent down and petted him on his side. Bruce panted while she did and then he moved away. He found his ball under one of the chairs and picked it up. He came back to Khushi and placed it down, then panted. Khushi shook her head and stood up, showing him the broomstick, motioning that she was busy. Bruce pouted and whined, then sat down and whimpered.

"What's wrong Bruce?"

Khushi looked up and saw Arnav. He came walking over and bent down beside Bruce.

"What's wrong boy?"

Bruce simply whimpered.

Arnav noticed the ball beside Bruce and picked it up.

"Wanna play boy?"

Bruce lifted his head.

"C'mon boy! You wanna play?"

Bruce stood up and panted.

"Good boy! Come with me!"

Bruce followed behind Arnav and went down the steps. Once they were several feet away from the house, Arnav threw the ball.

"Fetch boy!"

Bruce went running off after the ball. While Bruce went after the ball, Arnav went over to the shed and got out Bruce's treats. When Bruce came back with the ball, Arnav treated him with one doggie biscuit. Arnav threw the ball again and Bruce went running off again. They continued to play while Khushi cleaned up the patio.

Anjali and Avantika came out and saw what Arnav and Khushi were doing. They moved back inside and hid.

"They're both doing two different things," Avantika said. "How do we get them together?"

"Hold on, let me think," Anjali said.

While Anjali thought, Deviyani noticed her two granddaughters. She saw them peek outside at Arnav and Khushi and then whisper to each other. Curious, she went over to them.

"What's going on here," Deviyani asked.

Anjali and Avantika froze. They both looked back at their curious grandmother.

"Nothing really," Avantika said.

"If it's really nothing, then why are you two spying on Chote and Khushi? Plus, I saw how the two of you were acting during breakfast, so it's obviously something."

"Well, uh... Di will tell you!"

Anjali widened her eyes. Deviyani looked at Anjali curiously, waiting to hear what she had to say.

"Um, uh, well-"

"Good boy Bruce," they all heard Arnav say.

The three ladies looked out and saw Bruce running back. Arnav was standing by the pool and Khushi was still on the patio cleaning up. She picked up some towels and was coming down the steps as Bruce came running. Arnav crouched down as Bruce got closer, but Bruce didn't slow down.

"Slow down Bruce," Arnav hollered.

But Bruce rushed forward.

"Bruce-"

Bruce came dashing forward and collided with Arnav, pushing Arnav into the pool. The three ladies gasped, as well as Khushi. Arnav came out of the pool with a frown and he spit out some water. Bruce just panted and just as the three ladies were about to go out to him, they heard a little giggle, as well as Arnav. Everyone's heads whipped to Khushi, who had the towels covering her mouth. 

Arnav gazed away as he looked at the gleam in her eyes. When she met his eyes, Khushi pursed her lips and lowered the towels. She looked down, trying to make her smile disappear. Once she managed to stop her smile, she went down the steps and held a towel out to him. Arnav looked at the towel, then at Khushi. Khushi looked away and continued to hold out the towel. Arnav reached for it and he touched her hand. Khushi felt a spark run through her and she looked at his hand, then at him. Arnav was already looking at her, feeling that spark as well.

Khushi let go of the towel, breaking their contact. Arnav came out of the pool and dried his hair with the towel.

"Thanks," Arnav said.

Khushi nodded and she looked at Bruce, who was panting, waiting for his ball to be thrown. Khushi shook her head at him and Bruce tilted his head with a whine. Khushi smiled and bent down, rubbing his side.

"Bad dog," Arnav said, though he was grinning.

Bruce barked and Arnav chuckled.

"Go on you."

Bruce barked and took the ball away. Khushi got back up, put the towels down, and headed back towards the house, the three ladies quickly moving away.

"Khushi?"

Khushi turned to look at him. 

"Your giggle is cute."

Deviyani, Anjali, and Avantika gasped, looking at each other with wide eyes. Khushi's eyes widened while Arnav smiled softly. She felt blush spreading through her cheeks and she quickly looked away.

Did he just...? But... I'm so confused!

Khushi turned back to the house and ran inside, running right past the three giddy ladies. They glanced outside and saw Arnav had a little smile running across his face.

"Di," he called out. "Di!!"

Anjali straightened her spine and Avantika and Deviyani helped her to calm down and to not smile. Anjali managed to pull it off, waited a few seconds, heard Arnav call her name out again, and went out.

"I'm coming, I'm coming, I- Chote, what happened to you," Anjali exclaimed, faking her shock.

Arnav put down the towel. "Bruce happened."

"Wait right there and wrap a dry towel around you so you don't get a cold."

"Yeah, yeah, can you just get my clothes. Mom will kill me if I go inside all wet like this."

"You got that right," Anjali chuckled. "Be right back."

Arnav nodded and Anjali went back into the house. Once she did, Avantika and Deviyani went rushing to her side and followed her up to Arnav's room.

"Oh my gosh, did you guys hear what Bhai said," Avantika shrieked once they were in Arnav's room.

"I know," Anjali gushed. "I can't believe he actually said that though!"

"I never expected that from Chote," Deviyani grinned.

The others nodded in agreement and Anjali pulled out a black t-shirt and some shorts for Arnav to change into. She opened her mouth to say something, but then she paused and frowned. Deviyani and Avantika looked at her curiously, especially when Anjali began to grin.

"What's gotten into you," Avantika asked, looking at her sister oddly.

"Both of you hide," Anjali said.

"What, why?"

"I have an idea, now hide!"

Deviyani and Avantika looked at each other and shrugged, then hid. Once they were hidden properly, Anjali called out to Khushi.

"Khushi? Khushi could you come here please," Anjali hollered out in the hall.

A few moments passed and then Khushi came into view. She came rushing over to Anjali and gave a small smile.

"Khushi, could you give this to Chote?"

Khushi's eyes had widened slightly and though she tried to hide it, Anjali had noticed.

"What happened was that Chote was playing with Bruce and he got pushed into the pool."

Khushi pursed her lips to stop smiling from the memory.

"He called me and asked me to take this to him, but I've got to call Shyam, so could you please go give this to him."

Khushi gulped and looked at Arnav's clothes in Anjali's hands.

But I don't want to go... but Di needs me to... what to do?

In the end, Khushi gave a meek smile and took his clothes.

"Thank you Khushi, I owe you one," Anjali smiled.

Khushi shook her head and gave her a smile. She turned to leave and once Khushi was out of sight, Anjali ushered Deviyani and Avantika out of their hiding spot.

"That was brilliant," Deviyani grinned.

"Now to see what happens," Avantika chirped, and the three went back down, towards the back.

They saw Khushi go onto the patio and they went back to their hiding spot. Khushi looked around for Arnav, and when she did, her eyes widened. Arnav was reaching down to the hem of his shirt and he pulled his shirt off. Khushi's jaw dropped as she watched his muscles bunch and his body glisten in the sun from the tiny water droplets spread all over his body.

"Show off," Avantika muttered, and Deviyani and Anjali shushed her.

Khushi continued to gape as she watched Arnav stretch. In the three years he was gone, his body had definitely improved. Before, Arnav didn't take working out seriously, only working out for a few days then took days off till he worked out again. But just by looking at his physique, Khushi could tell he had definitely been working out appropriately.

And boy did it do justice to him.

Khushi shut her mouth and clamped it shut so it wouldn't fall open again. She tucked her hair behind her ear, feeling that she had intruded on a private moment. Khushi couldn't figure out how to get his attention and as she tried to figure out how, Arnav turned around. Khushi's eyes widened as she met his six pack. Her eyes had darted down to his abs, up to his eyes, and back down where she noticed his V starting.

Oh my gosh, he has a V!!!

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows and he had a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. He knew what Khushi was looking at and he couldn't help but to be amused.

Stop looking at his V Khushi, stop! Look up at his face! Look!!!

Khushi forced herself to meet his eyes and when she saw his amusement, she knew she had been caught red-handed and she turned away.

"Khushi..."

Khushi pursed her lips and looked left to right.

"Can I have my clothes?"

Khushi looked down at his clothes in her hands and realized she had been clutching onto it the entire time. She turned back to him and made her way over to him. She was by the pool and just as she reached him, she slipped. Khushi was about to fall into the pool and Deviyani, Anjali, and Avantika gasped. Arnav reached out and grabbed Khushi's arm. He pulled her back to him, Khushi colliding into his chest. The ladies gasped again and this time, they were giddy with joy.

Khushi opened her eyes and her eyes met his chest. She looked up and found Arnav looking at her with worry.

"Are you okay," he asked.

She's just a maid.

Arnav's words echoed in her head and she pulled back, holding his arms so they had some distance between them. Arnav looked at her confusedly as she moved away from him. She held his clothes out to him and after a few moments, Arnav took it.

"Thank you," he said.

Khushi nodded, fixed her dupatta, and headed back to the house. Deviyani, Anjali, and Avantika hid and watched as Khushi entered the house and disappeared into another room. The ladies looked back out to see Arnav looking confusedly at his clothes. They then looked at each other and headed into the dining room.

"That was odd," Avantika said. "I thought Khushi would've melted."

Anjali didn't say anything and continued to frown.

He didn't mean what he had said Khushi, Anjali said in her head. I wish you knew that, would understand that.

Chapter Nine

Khushi made her way to the back of the house and ran out. She continued to run until she reached the servant's quarters. There were a few houses that housed several of the workers. Some had enough money and owned their own place. Others who weren't as fortunate, or needed to be at the house quick and early, lived here. Khushi and another maid, Bhromor, lived in their own cottage.

Khushi went running up the steps and entered the house. She went dashing into her room, passing Bhromor on the way.

"Khushi," Bhromor called after her, but Khushi didn't stop.

Khushi ran up to her room and shut the door behind her. She leaned back on it and caught her breath. 

Bhromor came up and knocked on Khushi's door. "Khushi? Are you okay? Open the door."

Khushi calmed her racing heart and opened the door slightly. She peeked out and looked at Bhromor.

"Are you okay," Bhromor asked. "Avantika told me about what happened."

Khushi nodded and gave a meek smile.

"Why did you run in like that?"

Khushi shook her head, brushing off the topic.

"Well, you better get ready quick."

Khushi nodded and shut the door behind her. Bhromor looked at the door dubiously for a moment and then she left. Khushi heard Bhromor's footsteps getting fainter and fainter and then she sighed. Knowing Bhromor, she definitely would've pushed her on, but lucky for Khushi, she hadn't.

Khushi went to her bed and bent down. She pulled out her trunk and opened it up. Inside it were numerous diaries, all hers. Once she finished the pages of a diary, she would lock it up in this chest. She would also keep her current diary in there, just to be safe. Khushi took out her diary, grabbed a pen off of her desk, and began to write:

Dear Diary,

Today started off in the weirdest way ever. Last night that happened again.... I ended up sleeping in Di's room. It took a while to fall asleep but eventually I did. 

I don't blame Arnav - he didn't know. But now... I can no longer hide it from him. Now that Avantika has told him, he knows everything! I just know he won't stop bothering me with this now!

But the main reason why I'm writing so early is because of what happened earlier. I woke up and found Arnav asleep in front of me! He had his hand in my hair, almost as if he were blessing me or something. What I don't get is why he was there. Was it out of guilt? Regardless, I know what he thinks of me and how he feels for me. There's no need for him to act all mighty and caring -_-

Anywho, off to work I go! 

Khushi put her diary away and quickly got ready. Ready for the day ahead, she dashed out of the house and went running back to the mansion. She went straight into the kitchen and helped out with breakfast.  Once it was ready, she took it to the dining room. No one had come down yet...

Or so she thought.

"Khushi?"

Khushi stilled at Arnav's voice.

Arnav entered the room and walked on over to Khushi. "How are you feeling?"

Khushi pursed her lips and glanced back at him. She saw the concern on his face but she remembered his words from years before. Turning away, she walked back to the kitchen. Arnav scrunched his eyebrows in confusion.

Why'd she make that face, he wondered.

"Good morning Chote."

Arnav turned and saw Deviyani walking in with a smile.

"Morning Nani," he replied.

Her smile turned into a frown. "Why do you look so confused?"

"It's-"

Khushi came walking in with more food in her hands. Arnav looked at her and she paused and glanced at him. Deviyani noticed the small exchange, but she said nothing. Khushi looked at her and gave her smile, her way of saying good morning.

"Good morning Khushi," Deviyani smiled.

Khushi placed down the bowl in her hands. Just as she did, Vijay and Amoli came in.

"Good morning Khushi," they both said.

Khushi gave them all a smile. She was about to head back when Deviyani held her hand.

"Avantika told us what happened," she said softly. "How are you feeling now?"

Khushi gave her a smile, reassuring Deviyani that she was completely fine. Amoli went over to Khushi and placed her hand on her head with a small smile. Khushi gave her a small smile back and went back to work.

“She shows so much strength to us, but on the inside, she broken,” Amoli said sadly. “She yearns to be loved…. Won’t my child ever get that?”

Vijay placed his hand on his wife’s shoulder. “Someday.”

Anjali and Avantika, who were standing in the doorway had heard what their mother had said. The two glanced at each other and then looked at Arnav, who was looking in the direction Khushi had gone. The both turned away and leaned against the wall.

“There just might be a way mother,” Avantika said mischievously.

Anjali nudged her arm. “No need to sound like a villain. Take this seriously.”

Avantika rubbed her arm. “Geez, okay.”

Anjali shook her head. “We need to get a way to Chote get interested in her.”

“Uh, hello? Did you not just see him gazing the way Khushi went?”

“I mean more. Just gazing at her won’t do anything. They need to be around each other more. Who knows… maybe he’ll get her to laugh.”

Both girls were quiet for a moment and then gasped. “That’s it,” they shrieked.

Making up a plan, they both headed into the dining room and took their seats. They both glanced at Arnav and then looked at each other. Their lips quirked up and before anyone could notice, they began to eat their breakfast.

Unfortunately for them, someone had noticed the exchange.

Chapter Eight

Arnav barely slept that night. All he could think about was of what happened to Khushi and her family. Memories of them played in his head and with each memory, his heart pitted more and more each time.

It was seven in the morning and Arnav was still awake. Curious about Khushi, Arnav got up and made his way to Anjali’s room. When he reached her room, he found Anjali’s door opened. Arnav knocked anyway and Anjali came walking over.

“Oh. Good morning Chote,” she smiled softly.

“Morning Di. How’s Khushi?”

Anjali looked back at Khushi, who was sleeping. “She slept peacefully for once.”

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows.

“Sometimes when this happens, she cries out in her sleep,” she clarified.

Arnav nodded in acknowledgement.

“Come in.”

Both entered her room and looked at Khushi. Arnav opened his mouth to say something, when Anjali’s phone rang. Anjali quickly dashed towards it and quickly picked it up.

“Hello,” Anjali whispered.

“Rani Saheba, how are you?”

“Oh, it’s you Shyam. I’m fine.”

“Um, why are you whispering?”

“Khushi….”

“Not again,” Shyam sighed.

“Yeah,” Anjali said sadly.

“What happened?”

Anjali looked at Arnav and Arnav nodded, gesturing that he’d watch Khushi while she finished up with her call. Anjali smiled lightly and left the room to finish her call. When Anjali left, Arnav looked down at Khushi. She was sound asleep, looking very peaceful. Arnav crouched down and ran his hand through Khushi’s hair. He continued to do so and within a couple of minutes, Arnav fell asleep with his hand in her hair.

As soon as she woke up, Avantika made her way to Anjali’s room. She found her Di in the hall, twirling her hair as she smiled away. Anjali was totally lost in her own world and Avantika planned on taking advantage of it. She walked on over to Anjali and as she got closer, Anjali turned her back to her, still twirling her hair. As soon as she got close to Anjali, she quickly snatched the phone out of Anjali’s hand.

“Hi Jeeja,” Avantika grinned.

“Avantika,” Anjali hissed, trying not to be loud so that Khushi didn’t wake up.

Avantika chuckled. “What’s up Jeeja?”

Shyam chuckled. “You’re never gonna grow up are you?”

Avantika tilted her head. “Why does everyone keep saying that?”

“Because it’s the truth.”

“Jeeja! Not you too!”

Anjali snatched the phone. “Until you stop it, everyone will continue to say it.”

Avantika twitched her mouth.

Anjali went back to talking with her husband and Avantika turned to go check on Khushi. When she opened the door, her eyes widened on the sight of Arnav and Khushi.

“Di,” Avantika hissed.

But Anjali was too wrapped up in her conversation.

“Di look,” she hissed, but Anjali still didn’t budge.

Shaking her head, Avantika caught Anjali’s arm and pulled her over.

“Avantika-!” Anjali’s eyes widened when she saw the two. “Eh. Ma. Gawd.”

“I know,” Avantika squeaked.

“What’s going on,” Shyam asked.

“Shyam, I’ll call you later babe, kay? Bye love,” Anjali said.

Before Shyam got the chance to say anything, Anjali hung up. Both she and Avantika looked at Arnav and Khushi, their eyes staying on them like a hawk’s.

“I can’t believe Bhai fell asleep like that,” Avantika whispered.

“Neither can I,” Anjali said. “I had noticed that he looked really tired but oh my gosh!”

They saw Khushi shift and quickly quieted down. Khushi moved her head slightly and then she opened her eyes. She blinked several times, clearing her vision, and when she saw Arnav, her eyes widened. Arnav had his head resting on his arm and Khushi realized that his hand was in her hair. Khushi blinked several times, shocked by their position. She tried to move his hand but as soon as she touched his arm, Arnav shifted. She withdrew her hand and watched as Arnav slowly woke up.

Arnav lifted his head slightly and looked around. His vision was blurry and once he blinked it out, he saw Khushi looking at him. Arnav’s eyes locked with Khushi’s. Neither of them could tear their gaze away from the other. They just looked at each other, stuck in their position.

Arnav then remembered the night before. “How are you feeling Khushi?”

Khushi pursed her lips and looked down, nodding her head.

“Did you sleep well?”

Khushi nodded again.

“Why didn't you tell me?”

Khushi looked up at him.

“Why didn't you tell me what happened to your parents and Buaji? Why did you stop my family from telling me?”

Khushi looked back down.

“You told him,” Anjali hissed to Avantika.

“He has the right to know,” Avantika hissed back.

Both Arnav and Khushi heard the two bicker. Arnav looked at them and the two shot up immediately and hid. Arnav shook his head and looked back at Khushi. Khushi felt awkward and she slowly sat up. Arnav just watched her, forgetting that his hand was on her hand. When Khushi looked back at him, Arnav once more got stuck in gaze. He just gazed at her and Khushi felt a bit uncomfortable. She looked up at his hand and Arnav followed her line of sight. That’s when he remembered and removed his hand. Khushi took this as her chance and quickly got up.

“Khushi!”

Khushi stilled and looked back at Arnav.

“Why did you hide everything from me?”

Khushi looked away and deciding not explain her reason, she quickly left the room.

“Khushi!”

But Khushi had already left. Anjali and Avantika watched as Khushi dashed down the hall and turned at the corner. The two ladies looked at each other and then at Arnav, who was looking down at the floor angrily.

Chapter Seven

Arnav was sitting on his bed, resting his chin on his folded hands. He couldn’t stop thinking about how Khushi had reacted from him just shaking her shoulders. The image of her shaking and shuddering was haunting his mind.

What happened to her, he wondered. She was fine earlier this evening. In fact… she looked beautiful. She… I don’t think I’ve ever seen nor met anyone as beautiful as her.

“Bhai?”

Arnav snapped out of thought and looked up to see Avantika at the door. She walked in and shut the door behind her, then went over to Arnav and sat down beside him.

“How’s Khushi,” Arnav asked, his voice low.

“Di managed to help her fall asleep. She kept refusing to fall asleep, but Di convinced her that there was nothing to be afraid of.”

Arnav remembered how his Di kept soothing Khushi. Remembering how scared Khushi was made him angry and wonder what happened to her.

Arnav stood up. “What the hell happened while I went away? Why isn’t Khushi talking to me? And where’s Kaka, Kaki, and Buaji? Why is Khushi all alone here and how come they’re not here.”

Avantika gulped. “I’ll tell you everything from the start-”

“Well tell me!”

Avantika looked down. “After you left, everyone noticed how Khushi had become... gloomy. We all thought that it was because you left, you being her best friend and all. But as the months passed, her mood didn’t change. She was upset, and although she tried to play it off, her eyes always betrayed her. The way her eyes looked… it was as if her heart was broken.

“More time went on and you called home for the first time. Khushi wanted to talk to you, but you didn’t have time to talk. I guess she took it personally, even though Di tried to explain it wasn’t so. She tried to call you, saying that she had something urgent to talk to you about, but you never picked up her call. Papa said he’d try and when he called, you picked up. It made Khushi angry and she decided that she wouldn’t talk to you. After that we didn’t see her the rest of the day. Later on we realized that she was… missing.”

Arnav’s eyes widened. “Missing?”

Avantika nodded. “Everyone got really worried then. Papa called the police and they said they’d go out to look for her. Kaka was impatient and wanted to go out and look for her himself. Papa and Ma tried to reason with him, but he simply refused and ran out. Kaki was very worried and she couldn’t help herself and ran after him. We tried to stop her, but she already ran out and was with Kaka. He told her to go back, but she refused to. In the end, both went…”

"What happened next?"

"Somehow, Kaka and Kaki went to that rundown factory. The one down by the bay? When they got there, they heard Khushi screaming. They ran towards her voice and when they saw her...."

"What?"

"A... a guy..."

Arnav's eyes widened.

Avantika took a deep breath and released it. "A guy had torn up Khushi's clothes and was trying to force himself on her."

Arnav shut his eyes and turned away. He clenched his teeth and fists, trying to control his anger.

"What happened," Arnav growled, opening his eyes.

"Kaka fought the guy off and his men attacked. Kaki went running to Khushi to protect her. They saw Kaka fight that guy and his men but Kaka wasn't strong enough...."

Arnav had a feeling he knew where this was going.

"One of the men had a really big knife, almost like a sword... and he... he-" Avantika's voice cracked. "He stabbed it right through Kaka."

Arnav shut his eyes and clenched his fists tighter, tears forming in his eyes.

"Both Khushi and Kaki screamed and Kaki went running towards Kaka.... And they- they shot her," Avantika cried.

Arnav opened his eyes and the tears streamed down. He turned back towards Avantika and looked at her in disbelief.

"Right after they did that, the guy tried to attack Khushi again. Khushi was screaming and crying, looking at her parents' dead bodies in a pool of blood.... Just as the guy was about to force himself onto Khushi, the police had arrived since they heard the gunshot and Khushi screaming. They pulled off the guy and arrested him and his men and when they turned to Khushi, they saw that she had fainted."

Arnav wiped his tears away. "What happened afterwards?"

"The cops told us and we all rushed to the hospital. They put Khushi in the ICU and figured out what happened. Due to trauma, she had fainted. Medical reports showed that Khushi was clean and that the guy didn't get a chance to do anything, though he did manage to hurt and bruise her."

"And Kaka and Kaki?"

"They were declared dead. Nothing could be done for them. Buaji went into shock and had a heart attack on the spot.... Unfortunately, she couldn't be saved either...."

Arnav pursed his lips.

"When Khushi finally came around, she was going crazy to see Kaka and Kaki.... Ma saw how she was acting crazy and unable to take it, she told her that they were dead and that she would never see them again. Khushi didn't believe it and she ran out of the room and found Kaka and Kaki's bodies down the hall where the cops were talking to the doctor. Khushi saw a third a body and when she revealed Bauji's face, she screamed out really loud.... She fainted on the spot."

Avantika sighed. "After that, Khushi stopped talking. She just wouldn't speak. We all tried so hard to get her to talk, but she wouldn't budge. The doctor said that it was due to trauma and depression,  and that her vocal were fine. Khushi chose to stop talking after that day. For a long time, Khushi was distant and she barely smiled. All she did was work around that house, and that was it. She was gloomier than ever! Ma, Papa, and Nani showered her with love, and we told her that we were her family before, then, and forever. That we were her parents, grandparent, and siblings. But that didn't make Khushi budge."

"Then how did she?"

"Ma was the most desperate for wanting her to speak again. She was going crazy and she began to fall sick. Worried for her, Khushi tended to her all day and all night. In the end, Ma got better and she finally managed to make Khushi smile.

"After that, Ma decided to take things slow. Through the years, Khushi began to smile again and she formed a way of communication with us. And if anything, she could always write it down for us, like she did with the police report.... But even though it's been three years, she still can't get over that day."

Arnav sighed and sat down beside Avantika. "All of this stuff happened... why didn't anyone tell me," he asked angrily.

"Because Khushi didn't let us."

Arnav looked at her. "What?"

"She wrote down that she didn't want anyone to tell you anything. We all begged her to reconsider, but she wouldn't budge. Taking her wishes into respect, no one ever told you anything."

Arnav shot up. "What the f-? Why?! I would've came home! I would've made sure those criminals paid for their actions! I would've made sure they were punished! I would have-"

"You would've left and would've come straight back home."

Arnav looked at her.

"Which is why Khushi probably didn't want us to tell you."

Arnav looked away.

Avantika stood up and placed her hand on her brother's shoulder. "What's done is done Bhai. Now we can only hope that Khushi recovers and will someday talk again."

Patting his shoulder once more, Avantika turned and left. Arnav stood there alone, processing the information in his head.

I can't believe all of that happened while I was gone! And Khushi didn't let me know anything? Why?! Why didn't she want me to know? Why didn't she want me to know about what happened to Buaji? Why didn't she want me to know about what happened to Kaka and Kaki? And above all, why didn't she want me to know about what happened to her?

Arnav shut his eyes.

Doesn't she care about me the way I care for her?

Arnav felt his heart beat.

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak! 

Why Khushi? Why, and another tear escaped and fell down his cheek.

Arnav shut his eyes and his mind played a vision of Khushi in his designed choli. The second he had gottem a full view of her in it, everyone else in the room had vanished. All he could see was her and he could hear his heart thump in his ears. At the moment, he thought he was being crazy, but looking at Khushi, he thought nothing more than how that choli was perfect for her.

Arnav opened his eyes and went over to his nightstand. He pulled the drawer open and took out his diary. Opening it to the first page, he gazed away at Khushi.

Do I mean nothing to you Khushi?

Chapter Six

Everyone had gathered in the ballroom. Waiters served finger food as well as drinks. Everyone was buzzing with talk, all lost in their conversations. Amoli and Vijay were busy talking to their guests. Avantika stayed with Deviyani so that she could avoid getting yelled at by Arnav, who was always a couple of feet away, giving her the eye.

Khushi was with Anjali, who was busy talking to some guests. Khushi didn’t feel good wearing the choli Arnav had designed.

He made this for someone special. It was designed specifically for her. And now that I’m wearing it… I should give this back to him regardless. Maybe he can create something else or recreate it if he wants.

The people Anjali was talking to left and she looked at Khushi. She noticed Khushi was down and wondered what was wrong.

“Khushi? Are you okay?”

Khushi shook her head and looked down.

Anjali understood. “Is it about the choli?”

Khushi nodded.

“It’s okay Khushi. It was an accident, you didn't know. It just ended up happening. Maybe Avantika will finally realize that she should stop messing around like a kid at her age.”

Khushi looked at Anjali exasperatedly but Anjali shook her head.

“No, don’t start Khushi. The way I see it, Chote is okay with it. If he wasn't, well, you know how Chote is. He would've said something then and there. He’s just acting angry to get back at Avantika for messing with his stuff. Regardless, you look beautiful and I want you to stop worrying about it.”

Khushi shook her head but Anjali wasn't budging.

Anjali cupped Khushi’s cheeks in her hands. “Khushi it’s okay. I’m telling you, it’s alright. Now stop it and have some fun. The music has just started playing so go have some fun. And while you’re at it, go help Avantika. She looks like she’s battling death instead of partying,” she chuckled. “Okay?”

Khushi shook her head exasperatedly.

“Khushi please? For me? Everyone else thinks you look beautiful in this. And now that all of what Avantika and Chote said is out in the open, forget about it.”

Khushi looked down, still not okay with it.

Anjali sighed. “Fine. Since it’s bothering you that much,” she tilted Khushi’s chin up, “if you want, you can return it to him once the evening is over. Happy?”

Khushi smiled slightly and nodded.

Anjali shook her head with a smile. “Stubborn little girl,” she chuckled. “Now go and have some fun.”

Khushi nodded and she went after Avantika. She saw Deviyani busy in conversation with an elderly and Avantika looked like she’d fall asleep any second. Khushi quickly rescued her and they walked around the ballroom.

“Thanks so much for saving me Khushi,” Avantika said. “Now Bhai will definitely stop acting like Death, creeping all around me and ish,” she shuddered.

Khushi rolled her eyes with a smile.

“At least they finally put music on. Wanna dance?”

Khushi looked at the center of the dance floor. There were a few people who were dancing, mostly couples.

“Come on Khushi, it’ll be fun!”

Avantika dragged Khushi out onto the dance floor, who looked back at her with wide eyes. Khushi looked at the people around them and noticed some people looking at them.

“Who cares if people are looking at you Khushi! Now let’s have some fun!”

Khushi shook her head, but Avantika ignored it. Instead, she took Khushi’s hand and twirled her around. Arnav noticed the two and saw how nervous Khushi looked.

Still afraid of a crowd, he said in his head. Some things never change.

“Come on Khushi,” Avantika said. “Stop being stiff!”

Khushi looked at Avantika pleadingly and then around the room.

Avantika paused. “You know what, you’re right. This music sucks.”

Just then, the song changed and “Desi Girl” started to play.

“Now that’s more like it,” Avantika grinned.

More people joined onto the dance floor, now that the music was more upbeat. Anjali joined the two and started to dance. It took a while until Khushi got comfortable and started to dance. Arnav gaped as he watched Khushi dance away. 

What the? Since when was Khushi a good dancer, he wondered. She couldn't even do the Cha Cha Slide when it was just the two of us!

Khushi danced away with Anjali and Avantika, becoming the center of attention. It was as if they were performing, all three in sync with each other as the song went on. When the song ended, everyone clapped and the three ladies bowed. Exhausted, they went over to a waiter to get a drink.

Arnav went over to them and grabbed a drink. “Khushi, I didn't know you could dance.”

“Well of course she can,” Anjali said to her rescue. “I’m the one who taught her.”

“You did?”

“Yes I did,” she said proudly. “I taught that one too,” she said, pointing at Avantika, who was hiding behind Khushi.

Arnav frowned at her and Avantika hid even more.

“Stop hiding will you! Chote’s gonna get you regardless.”

“Di,” Avantika whined.

Anjali chuckled and took a sip of her drink.

Arnav shook his head clear. “Khushi-”

“Khushi!”

All four heads turned to the person that was calling her. It was one of the maids who was waving her hands urgently, telling her to come.

“I guess that's your queue,” Anjali frowned.

Khushi nodded and Anjali took her drink from her. Khushi rushed her way over to the maid and followed her to the kitchen.

“Busy as ever,” Arnav said. “Some things really don’t change.”

“You’d be surprised,” Anjali sighed.

Avantika looked at her with wide, warning eyes.

“What do you mean Di,” Arnav asked.

“Nothing,” Anjali said quickly.

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows.

“Come Di, let’s go back and dance,” Avantika said, and quickly dragged Anjali away.

Arnav remained confused.

Something’s wrong. I just know it is.

Arnav looked at the door Khushi had left from earlier. 

And they’re hiding something from me.

*~*

The party went smoothly, the music playing away, and the food tasty and served on time. Everyone had a blast and unfortunately, the night came to an end. The guests slowly left, bit by bit, until they were all gone. Exhausted, everyone called it a night, only cleaning up some stuff, and headed off to bed. 

Khushi changed in Anjali’s room again, making it easier for her to return it to Arnav. She changed back into her clothes and headed off to Arnav’s room.

“You should reconsider it Khushi,” Anjali said softly.

Khushi looked down, but still not feeling right about it, she left to Arnav’s room. She made her way over there and knocked on the door. There was no response, so she knocked again. Once again, there was no response. Thinking that he wasn't here and finding it a good opportunity, Khushi entered. The room was empty so she quickly went in and placed the choli on Arnav’s bed. With a sigh, Khushi turned to leave.

“You can keep it.”

Khushi jumped at the sound of Arnav’s voice and whipped around to see him standing by the balcony door. She lifted her hand to her chest to calm down her racing heart.

“Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you,” Arnav said.

Khushi scowled at him, still trying to calm her racing heart.

Arnav entered his room and walked on over to the bed and picked up the choli. “You can keep it,” he said, holding it out to her.

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows.

“It looked good on you, to be honest….”

Khushi looked down.

“I want you to keep it.”

Khushi shook her head.

“Keep it Khushi. I’m telling you to keep it. It’s my present for you.”

Khushi felt bad. He hadn't planned on giving that to anyone. On top of that, he hadn't even planned on giving her a present and now she thought that he felt obligated to give the choli to her.

“It’s not out of guilt.”

Khushi looked up at him.

“I did get a present for you. But after seeing you in this… this is way better than what I intended on giving to you.”

Khushi felt down, feeling somewhat guilty.

“Take it Khushi. Stop being stubborn as usual.”

Khushi’s eyes widened as she gaped at him.

Arnav frowned. “Don’t make that face. You know that’s the truth. Everyone says it!”

Khushi twitched her lips and looked away.

“Oh come on! Don’t get mad at me.”

Khushi rolled her eyes.

“And stop giving me the silent treatment. I noticed ever since I arrived that you haven’t spoken a word to me.”

Khushi’s eyes widened.

“I know you’re most likely mad at me for not contacting you through the years but I’m sorry. I was busy with school and managing the company… I barely got time to call the family!”

Khushi bit her lip.

“So come on! Stop all this awkwardness and the silent treatment.”

Khushi looked side to side. What do I do?

“So what’s up Khushi? How have these last three years been for you?”

Khushi shut her eyes. Terrible… not that you care. I know what you said about me, so stop faking all of this. I know why you never cared to contact me.

“Well? Come on Khushi, talk to me.”

Khushi looked everywhere else but at him, hoping something or someone came to her rescue.

Arnav got irritated and went over to Khushi. He placed his hands on Khushi’s shoulder which had her looking up at him with wide eyes.

“Come on Khushi, talk to me.”

Khushi looked down, wondering what she should do.

Arnav shook her shoulders. “Come on Khushi!”

Khushi held her breath as old thoughts began to creep into her head.

Arnav shook her again. “Come on Kush, talk to me.”

Khushi shut her eyes and visions of the past played in her head.

Arnav shook her again. “Come on!”

Khushi shook her head, trying to rid her head of the memories.

“Come on,” Arnav said.

“Come on,” the voice said.

“Look at me Khushi.”

“Look at me sexy.”

“Why won’t you look at me?”

“Don’t be scared sexy. I’ll take good care of you.”

“Khushi?”

“Come here you sexy cunt.”

Khushi’s eyes shot open and she tried to free herself, visions still playing in her head. Arnav looked at her confusedly as she fought and struggled out of his hold.

“Khushi? Khushi what’s wrong,” Arnav asked. “Why are you acting like this? And why won’t you speak to me.”

Khushi clawed at his hands, trying to release herself. Tears came streaming down her cheeks as she struggled to be free.

“Khushi?”

Arnav and Khushi both turned and saw Anjali at the door. With Arnav’s grip loose, Khushi dashed towards Anjali and hugged her tightly. Her body shuddered and shook as the tears continued to stream down.

“Khushi, calm down,” Anjali soothed. “It’s okay, it was only Chote. See? It was only Chote.”

Khushi continued to shake in Anjali’s arms.

“There, there, Khushi. Everything’s alright. We’re at home and he’s not here. It was only Chote, see? Look, it was only Chote.”

Khushi peeked up out of Anjali’s shoulder and saw a confused Arnav looking at her.

Anjali saw Avantika down the hall. “Avantika,” she called out. 

Avantika looked at them and seeing Khushi’s state, she quickly ran over to them. “Khushi? Khushi are you okay?”

Khushi was still shaking in Anjali’s arms.

Avantika looked at Anjali and then at Arnav. “What did you do,” she breathed.

Arnav opened his mouth to say something, but Anjali cut in. 

“He didn't know, it’s not his fault.” Anjali stroked Khushi’s hair. “Khushi, look at me.”

She tried to pull back, but Khushi held her tightly.

“Khushi? Khushi look at me.” She tilted Khushi’s face up. “I want you to go with Avantika, okay? Tonight, you’ll sleep with her, okay?”

Avantika reached out to take Khushi’s hand but Khushi pulled away, holding onto Anjali tightly.

“Okay, okay,” Anjali soothed. “You’ll stay with me tonight. Okay? You’ll sleep with me tonight, alright?”

Khushi nodded as she continued to shake.

“Avantika, go tell everyone else what happened. And tell Bhromor that she’s staying with me tonight so that she doesn't worry. Okay?”

Avantika nodded.

“Come Khushi. Let’s go to my room.”

Khushi stood at Anjali’s side but kept her arms wrapped around Anjali. They slowly made their way to Anjali’s room, Anjali soothing Khushi with her words. Avantika looked at them worriedly until they turned at the corner. She looked at her brother, who was looking down, completely confused. Avantika was about to leave to go tell the others, when Arnav quickly grabbed her arm.

“What the hell was that,” Arnav said. “What is going on? What are you guys hiding from me?”

Avantika felt troubled, considering what she could say, but in the end she sighed, deciding that telling him the truth was the only way.

“Wait here,” she said softly. “Let me go notify the others and then I’ll come and tell you everything.”

Chapter Five

The house was buzzing like a swarm of bees. There were people all over the place, all busy with work for the party tonight. The decorators had arrived and were busy decorating the living room and the ballroom. Workers were busy in the kitchen preparing for tonight’s food. Others were making sure the decorators didn't make too much of a mess and cleaned up. Khushi and some of the other workers were out in the garden picking up some flowers and some vegetables for the food.

Khushi made her way back to the house and placed the basket full of vegetables down. She tapped on the chef’s shoulder and pointed at the vegetables.

“Thanks Khushi, this should be enough for tonight,” he smiled.

Khushi smiled and left the kitchen to see how preparations were going in the ballroom.

“What are you doing,” Khushi heard Amoli say. “It’s not straight.”

The worker nodded and fixed the drapes.

Amoli turned and saw Khushi. “Khushi, how’s everything in the kitchen going?”

Khushi motioned that it was perfect with her hand and Amoli sighed.

“That’s good. I want this evening to go perfectly.”

Khushi smiled.

Amoli cupped Khushi’s face. “And I don’t want you to get too wrapped up in work. You also have to get ready too, hmm?”

Khushi sighed and nodded. Amoli gave her smile and Khushi went off to resume her work. As the day went on, more and more work was completed and the house looked amazing. Everyone went off to get ready, excited for the evening.

*~*

Arnav had showered up and he was busy getting ready. He was fixing his cuffs when he remembered the bet between him and Avantika.

Find her tonight? As if, he said in his head. Crazy Chatterbox, he chuckled.

At the thought of the bet, Arnav thought about the choli he made. It was pretty special to him and he wondered how it would look on someone. He didn't let any one of his models wear it once it was completed. He only worked on a mannequin - specific of its measurements - and that was the only thing that ever wore it.

Thinking about it, Arnav put on his waistcoat and went to the wardrobe. He opened it up and took the packet out. He pulled out the choli, unfolded it, and gaped.

“What the f-?!”

Arnav looked at the choli and the lehenga, front and back.

"This isn't it! I didn't create this! Then where is-"

Arnav’s grip on the lehenga tightened.

“Avantika,” he growled.

*~*

Arnav came down and joined the few guests that had already arrived. Vijay caught sight of him and called him over to introduce him to some of the guests. Arnav spoke with them a bit, when he noticed Avantika talking to a woman. Excusing himself, he made his way over to her.

“Excuse me,” Arnav said to the woman, “I need to talk to my sister for a moment.”

Without waiting for an answer, he took Avantika away.

“Hey! What was that all about,” Avantika said. “And don’t you look snappy.”

“I think I’ll snap you in half first,” Arnav said in a low voice.

Avantika scrunched her eyebrows. “Why? I didn't do anything.”

“Oh? Then explain to me where the choli went.”

Avantika’s eyes widened. “What?”

“Where is it Avantika? I know you took it. You’re the only person I told and that knows about it.”

“What are you talking about? I-”

“This isn't a joke Avantika. I opened it up and there’s a different choli in its place. Now tell me – where did you hide it.”

“Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Back it up. You opened your wardrobe?”

“Yes.”

“You took the choli out?”

“Yes.”

“And when you opened it up, you saw that it was a totally different choli?”

“Correct. Now tell me, where is it?”

“Uh well- I um- Ma!”

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows and turned to see their mother coming towards them.

“Oh Arnav, you look so handsome,” Amoli beamed, hugging her son.

Taking this as an opportunity, Avantika escaped. Arnav tried to call out for her, but Amoli started talking to one of the guests and she was introducing them to Arnav. Avantika dashed through the crowd and made her way to Deviyani, who was talking to Anjali.

“Nani!”

Deviyani turned and both she and Anjali looked at Avantika confusedly.

Avantika came up to Deviyani. “Nani where is it?”

“Where’s what,” Deviyani asked confusedly.

“The choli!”

“What choli,” Anjali asked.

“The one Bhai created.”

“He designed a choli?”

“Yes and it’s- never mind, I’ll fill you in later but Nani he doesn't have it!”

“What,” Deviyani said.

“I took the packet from your room and snuck it back into his room but it turns out it was the wrong one!”

“But didn't you take it off my bed?”

“Whoa, wait, what? No, you mean the wardrobe. I saw it sticking out.”

“No, I left it on the bed so you could take it.”

“But there wasn't anything on the bed. I saw the packet sticking out of your wardrobe since the door was left open.”

Deviyani’s eyes widened and she gaped. “That was the choli I fitted for Khushi.”

“What?!”

“Laxmi was chewing on a shoe so I went after her. I saw Khushi then and I told her to take her choli… from my… r-room.”

Avantika smacked her forehead and shook it.

“Wait, so let me get this straight,” Anjali said. “Chote made a choli for some reason-”

“It’s for his future girl,” Avantika explained.

“Okay, so he made a choli for his future wife, which by the way is so sweet! You snuck it out for some reason-”

“I thought Khushi could wear it,” Avantika muttered.

Anjali gasped. “Avantika you-“

“Nani decided it would be better if she didn't. That’s why we decided to return it before Bhai got mad.”

“Okay. So you snuck it out, told Nani about it – not even me which by the way I’m mad about - devised a plan for Khushi to wear it, but didn't end up doing it.”

“Yeah, so I went to check if Bhai was in his room.”

“So you left and Nani left the choli on the bed. Laxmi came in then-“

“Actually I went to my wardrobe to take out Khushi’s choli first, and then Laxmi came in.”

“So you went after Laxmi and saw Khushi, so you told her to get her choli while you were busy on Laxmi’s tail. So when she went in…” Anjali gasped. “She probably saw the choli Chote made and thought that it was hers so she took that instead and when Avantika came back, she thought Khushi’s choli was the one Chote made and put that one back instead?”

Avantika tapped her chin. “Basically… but what I don’t get is why Khushi didn't return it. It wasn't hers so why did she keep it?”

“Because she never opened it,” Deviyani groaned. “I had chosen it for her and because I did, she didn't bother opening it and trusted my opinion.”

Anjali sighed. “Khushi will forever be the same,” she smiled softly.

“Yeah but where’s Khushi now?”

Anjali gasped. “She’s in my room getting ready.”

“Well we have to go stop her-“

“We’re too late,” Deviyani said.

Anjali and Avantika looked at Deviyani confusedly. They noticed she was looking up and followed her line of gaze. Both girls gaped at the sight of Khushi.

Khushi stood at the top of the stairs. With a deep breath she slowly descended the stairs. People noticed her and looked up at her, wondering who she was and how beautiful she looked. Arnav heard the muffled talk and looked at what everyone else was looking at. The first thing he noticed was the choli he had designed.

What the, he wondered. How did it-? Avantika!

Khushi went over to Deviyani and Arnav went towards them.

“Wow, you look so beautiful,” Deviyani said.

Khushi blushed and looked down.

“It’s amazing how it fits her perfectly,” Avantika said. “Isn't it Nani?”

“Completely,” Deviyani breathed, completely shocked.

“Ditto,” Anjali breathed.

Khushi looked at them confusedly, tilting her head.

Avantika gulped. “Uh well, er, you see Khushi… that’s not… yours.”

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows.

“That’s actually Bhai’s.”

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows even more. She held the skirt in her hands and looked at Avantika confusedly.

“N-not like that, oh heavens no,” she tried to laugh off. “No, not like that. What I mean is that… Bhai designed that.”

Khushi’s eyebrows shot up.

“And it was made for a special someone,” she said in a low voice.

Khushi nodded in acknowledgement and looked down at the choli.

He made this… that too for someone special to him…. She’s lucky.

Avantika looked up and saw Arnav standing before them. “Bhai,” she squeaked.

Khushi, Anjali, and Deviyani gasped and looked at Arnav with wide eyes.

“B-b-bhai… I can explain,” Avantika said.

Arnav looked at her in confusion.

She took a deep breath and blurted it all out. “I snuck the choli out from your room when I said I was gonna get my phone and I did get my phone, but I also snuck the choli out of your room and put in my room and later showed it to Nani while everyone was wrapped up in their own stuff and Nani absolutely loved it and then I got scared and wondered how I was gonna sneak it back into your room, so I went to check if you were in your room and you weren't because Papa had you stuck in stupid business talk so I went back, but by then Nani had taken out the choli she fitted for Khushi, which was also red, but then she saw Laxmi chewing on a shoe so she went after her and while she did, she saw Khushi and told her to get her choli from her room, so she went up to Nani’s room and Nani didn't tell her where she put it and when Khushi went in and saw the choli you designed on Nani’s bed, she assumed it was hers, so she took it and by the time I came back, the choli that Nani meant to give Khushi, which was sticking out of her wardrobe was what I thought was the choli you designed, so I took that and snuck back into your room and put it away, thinking it was the one you made, but it wasn't and after you told me, I asked Nani and then Di helped figure it all out and by the time we did, it was too late because Khushi was already ready and out here and that’s when,” she took a deep breath, “you came,” she nearly whispered.

Arnav, Khushi, Anjali, and Deviyani just blinked her.

“Anyone wanna dance,” she asked, trying to lighten up the mood.

Arnav shook his head and miraculously understood every word his sister said. He was about to say something, when Amoli and Vijay came their way.

“Khushi, you look absolutely beautiful,” Amoli gushed. “You look like you could be a bride! Doesn't she Vijay?”

“She does,” he agreed. “I just might have to hide you after tonight so that proposals don’t come rushing in,” he chuckled.

Amoli removed the evil eye from Khushi. “Is this the one Ma helped choose for you?”

Deviyani gulped. “Uh, well-”

“Bhai made it,” Avantika squeaked.

Deviyani, Anjali and Khushi widened their eyes at her.

Amoli scrunched her eyebrows. “Chote made it?”

Everyone looked at Avantika to hear what answer she came up with.

“Uh, well, you see… it’s a gift.”

“A gift?”

“Y-yeah! Just like how Bhai designed our presents, he also designed Khushi’s present.”

“Why Chote, you never told me you had a present for Khushi.”

Arnav looked Khushi up and down, who was looking down at the floor nervously.

“Well…?”

“I forgot to mention it,” Arnav said, not taking his eyes off of Khushi.

“That you got a present for her,” Vijay questioned.

“I did. I was nervous about how my best friend would feel about her present….”

Khushi looked up at Arnav in surprise.

“I was worried she wouldn't like it. I thought she would only like it if it was yellow.”

“But this is red,” Amoli said.

“I took a chance.”

“Well she looks stunning! Doesn't she everyone?”

Deviyani, Anjali, and Avantika nodded and gulped.

“People sure are curious to know who she is,” Vijay said, hearing the little buzzing.

“She’s my daughter, that’s who, and they should all hush down,” Amoli said. “I can hear the gossip spread right now,” she said dramatically.

Avantika chuckled. “You know how people are.”

“Doesn't she,” Arnav said.

Avantika looked down and gulped.

Amoli wrapped her arm around Khushi’s shoulder. “Come Khushi, let’s all go to the ballroom now.”

Khushi nodded and she followed Amoli and Vijay to the ballroom. They announced that they would be moving to the ballroom and the guests followed behind. Deviyani and Anjali made their way and Avantika went to follow behind, when Arnav caught her arm.

“This isn't over Chatterbox,” he said, and then left to follow the others.

Avantika gulped. “Why do I always have to be the one to get in trouble,” she pouted.

Throwing a small fit, she stomped her way to the ballroom.

Chapter Four

Dinner had gone by amazingly, just as Anjali had said. Everyone had gotten lost in Khushi’s jalebis and couldn’t stop eating them. Avantika took this as her chance and eyed at Deviyani. Deviyani understood and the two went up to Deviyani’s room. While the family busied themselves in Khushi’s jalebis, Avantika told Deviyani everything.

“He did what?”

“Bhai designed a choli for the one,” Avantika shrieked.

Deviyani shrieked along with her granddaughter. “Oh my gosh!!!”

“I know!!!”

Deviyani sighed. “That’s so sweet of Chote.”

“I know! It’s disgusting-”

Deviyani made a face. 

“What,” she said innocently. “Bhai all romantic? Yuck,” she shuddered.

Deviyani chuckled. “I just hope that the one meant for him is Khushi.”

“So do I,” Avantika sighed. “And I have an idea….”

“Oh? And what’s that?”

“Well… what if Khushi wore the choli he made. He just might fall in love with her.”

Deviyani thought about it. “I get what you’re saying but….”

“But what Nani?”

“What if Chote gets angry? You know how hot-headed he can get.”

“Ugh, don’t I,” she said with a roll of her eyes.

“It’s a good idea, but it’s too risky. Poor Khushi just might get yelled at.”

“So you mean I went through all of that for nothing?”

“Went through- Avantika, what did you do?”

Avantika held her finger up, telling Deviyani to wait a moment. She got up and left the room. Moments later, she came back in with the red choli in her hand.

“You didn’t,” Deviyani breathed.

“I did. While Bhai and I were going down to dinner, I forgot my phone, so I told him to go ahead. While I got my phone, I also swiped the choli and hid it in my room.”

Deviyani placed her hand on her forehead. “Hai DM… you’ll never grow up will you?”

Avantika tilted her head and frowned. “Why do you and Di keep saying that?”

Deviyani opened her mouth to explain but then she shook her head. “Never mind. Now let me see it.”

Avantika grinned and she shut the door behind her. She opened it up and showed Deviyani Arnav’s work.

“Wow… it’s so beautiful,” Deviyani said. “I never knew my grandson had such good taste.”

“I know right,” Avantika beamed. “And can you imagine how Khushi would look in this? She’d look sexy as hell!”

Deviyani rolled her eyes at her granddaughter’s choice of words. “Yes, she’d look absolutely stunning!”

“I guess we’ll just have to wait and see if she ever wears it,” Avantika sighed.

“Mm hmm.”

Avantika’s eyes widened. “Oh no.”

“What,” Deviyani asked as she folded the choli and placed it back in its packet.

“How am I gonna put this back in Bhai’s room?”

Deviyani looked at her. “Well don’t look at me. You got yourself in this mess, now you get out of it.”

“Nani,” she whined.

“Don’t Nani me. Figure it out.”

Avantika bit her lip and thought for a moment. “Maybe Bhai isn’t in his room yet. I should go check and then come back to put the choli away. Yeah, I should do that.”

Without another word, Avantika took off. Deviyani shook her head and chuckled at her granddaughter’s crazy antics. She got up and opened the wardrobe door to take out Khushi’s choli. She had worked on it earlier and she was done with her work. Just as she pulled out the choli, Deviyani heard bleating. In came walking Laxmi with a shoe a in her mouth.

Deviyani gaped. “Laxmi no!”

Laxmi wandered off and Deviyani went after her. As she followed Laxmi around, Khushi caught sight of her. She scrunched her eyebrows in confusion as she watched Deviyani. Tired, Deviyani stopped and leaned against the ledge. She looked down at Khushi’s confused state.

“Laxmi took another shoe,” she explained.

Khushi’s lips formed into an O.

Deviyani shook her head and looked at Laxmi who was chewing on the shoe.

“No Laxmi, stop!”

Laxmi wandered off again and Deviyani sighed and was about to go after her, when she remembered.

“Oh yes. Khushi?”

Khushi tilted her head.

“I fixed up your choli for the party. It’s upstairs in my room. Would you mind getting it?”

Khushi smiled and nodded.

“Thank you dear.” Deviyani looked at Laxmi. “Get back here with that shoe Laxmi!”

Deviyani went off after her and Khushi smiled away at Deviyani’s antics. Going upstairs she went into Deviyani’s room.

Oh no. Naniji didn’t say where she put it. Where am I supposed to-

Khushi noticed the red choli packaged on the bed.

Oh. She kept it out for me. I guess she was planning on calling me to give it to me.

Khushi went over to the bed and picked it up.

That’s so sweet of her. No matter what, Nani always thinks of me, she smiled.

Taking the choli with her, Khushi left the room. Moments later, Avantika came walking back in and shut the door.

“Phew! Bhai’s still not in his room. Thank you Papa for chatting him up into business talk. Now where’s the choli.”

She noticed that the bed was clear.

“Oh no! Where did Nani put it?”

Avantika looked around the room when she noticed the wardrobe door open. She noticed the package sticking out and she went over to it.

“Good thinking about hiding it, though not so well done Nani.”

Taking it, Avantika slipped out of Deviyani’s room and slipped into Arnav’s room. She put the choli where she found it and left, no one ever knowing she had taken it in the first place.

Well, for now.

Chapter Three

After playing with Bruce, Arnav had gone straight back to his room, completely tired out. He thought he could have avoided the jet-lag, but there was no escaping from it. He was tired so he went straight to bed and knocked out. It was 8:30 and Arnav was still asleep. Amoli sent Anjali up to wake him while she set the table for dinner. Anjali found him sound asleep and she woke him up.

“Chote, wake up,” she said with a push.

Arnav groaned. “Di,” he whined.

“Come on Chote. It’s almost time for dinner.”

“I’m sleepy.”

“Chote, come on!”

Arnav groaned and turned to look at his sister. “You’re still annoying.”

Avantika came running in. “Not as annoying as me!”

She charged right onto his bed and grabbed a pillow. She hit Arnav with it and while Arnav tried to stop her, Anjali laughed away.

“Cha- Chatterbox stop,” Arnav yelled.

“Keep calling me that and I won’t” Avantika said, hitting him again.

“O- okay! Avantika stop!”

She did as he said and sat with the pillow on her lap.

“Crazy,” Arnav muttered.

Avantika heard him and grinned.

“You two will never grow up,” Anjali laughed.

“More like this one never will,” Arnav huffed.

Anjali got up. “Bring him down to dinner. And try not to kill each other on the process.”

Avantika saluted. “Yes ma’am.”

Anjali chuckled as she left the room.

“Come on, you heard Di. Time to get up and go down for dinner,” Avantika said.

“I’m getting up, calm it.”

Avantika smiled as her brother got up and went to the bathroom. When he came back out, he was all freshened up.

“Oh yeah! When am I getting my present,” Avantika asked.

Arnav frowned. “I knew you’d ask eventually.”

Avantika simply blinked.

“Come here.”

She beamed and got up. Arnav went to his luggage and opened it up. He went through it and then pulled out a packet. He handed it over to Avantika and watched as she opened it up.

“Wow,” Avantika said as she picked up the pink choli. “It’s beautiful,” she said, completely mesmerized.

“It’s the only one in the world. I had one of our designers create it. It’s special just like you.”

“Aww!” Avantika reached out and hugged her brother tightly. “Thank you so much!!”

Arnav smiled. “Like it?”

“I abso-fucking-tively love it!”

Arnav grinned.

“What did you get for everyone else?”

Arnav showed the wrapped up presents to his sister.

“… and that’s for Jeejaji. This is for Di, only one ever designed, just for her.”

Avantika nodded in acknowledgement. “Everyone’s gonna love their present.”

Arnav smiled.

Avantika smiled as well until she noticed a packet with a red choli in it. “What’s that?”

Arnav frowned and looked at what she was looking at. “What, that?”

Avantika nodded as Arnav picked it up.

“I designed this one myself.”

“Oh? That’s really cool. Who's it for,” Avantika asked, wagging her eyebrows.

“No one. Not yet at least.”

Arnav got up to put the choli away.

Avantika stood up. “Meaning?”

Arnav looked back at her. “Meaning what?”

“Meaning what I said.”

Avantika was confused for a moment until her head clicked. “Oh! I get it.”

“Get what,” Arnav asked as he put it away.

“It’s for her.”

“Her?”

“Her.”

 “You’re not making any sense.”

“For her. The girl of your dreams.”

Arnav rolled his eyes. “There’s no girl in my dreams like some sap story.”

“You know what I mean! It’s for that special someone.”

Arnav rolled his eyes. “Yeah, whatever, that.”

Avantika shrieked. “Eeep!!! Who is she?”

“Didn't you hear me? I said no one. Not yet at least.”

“Oh la la! Someone wants a little romance in his life.”

Arnav frowned. “Shut up Chatterbox.”

“Hey! I told you not to call me that!”

Arnav smirked.

“Anyways, how will you know she’s the one?”

“I don’t know.”

Avantika shook her head. “Seriously, you men are so… ugh!”

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows while his eyes widened. 

“You’re supposed to say that you’ll feel your heart flutter. You’re supposed to say that the moment you see her, everyone else in the room disappears.”

Arnav rolled his eyes.

“You’re supposed to say that-”

“Okay! I get the point Ms. Romanticist. Heart fluttering, only see her – got it! Okay?”

Avantika frowned and then she went to get the choli back out. 

“It’s really pretty so your eyes should go wandering for it.”

“Well genius, I don’t even know who she is. How am I supposed to give it to her before even knowing who she is?”

An idea clicked into Avantika’s head. I have got to tell Nani this, she exclaimed in her head.

Avantika turned around and looked back at her brother. “Don’t worry Bhai. Even without this, I know you’ll find her.”

“Maybe. We’ll just have to wait and find out.”

Avantika wrapped her arm around his shoulder. “Perhaps. Who knows – you just might meet her soon.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“Well we do have that party for you tomorrow. Who knows – my future bhabi might be there,” she winked.

Arnav rolled his eyes.

“I’m telling you! She just might be! And- how about this. Let’s bet on it!”

“Bet?”

“Yeah. Like old times.”

Arnav thought about it for a moment. “Fine. Place your bet.”

“I bet that you will see her tomorrow night.”

“And I bet I won’t.”

Avantika shook her head. “Always the negative one. Anyways, if I win, you’re taking Di, Khushi, and I on a shopping spree.”

“Fine. And if I win, then… then you’ll have to manage all the accounts for two weeks.”

“Chi! I don’t wanna do business,” she said, as if it were something slimy and disgusting.

”I know you don’t. That’s why it’s the best thing to choose.”

Avantika stood up straight. “Well you’re gonna loose, so it doesn't matter.”

Arnav scoffed. “Oh yeah? You’re on,” he claimed, holding his hand out.

“Oh you’re so on,” Avantika smirked and she shook hands with him.

Chapter Two

Lunch was complete and Khushi went out to the patio. She watered all the plants then went out to the yard to check on the vegetables that were growing.

Suddenly, the sound of barking came from the distance and from behind the bushes, out came running a golden retriever. As he came running closer, Khushi crouched down to her knees and opened her arms. The dog came running up to her and Khushi gave him a hug.

Khushi smiled as the dog licked her with kisses. She stopped him and gave him a kiss then motioned him to follow her. She found his ball and showed it to him, wondering if he wanted to play. The dog was ready, panting for the ball. Khushi threw the ball and the dog went running.

"Good arm!"

Khushi turned around and saw Avantika. She came down the steps and stood beside her. Just as she did, the dog came running back, the ball in his mouth. He dropped the ball down in front of Khushi and wagged his tail.

"Good boy Bruce," Avantika grinned.

Bruce barked.

Khushi smiled and picked up the ball. She threw it again and Bruce went running after it. As Bruce ran off into the distance, a faint meow was heard. Khushi turned and saw Pepper, her kitty, walking on the patio ledge. She went over to her and picked her up.

"Hey there Pepper," Avantika smiled. "Such a cute little kitty!"

Pepper purred as Khushi stroked her fur.

"Khushi what can't you do? You take care of the house, take care of the family, are amazing with the pets, and fill up everyone's hearts! You aren’t a person Khushi, but a saint," Avantika smiled.

Khushi faintly smiled.

"You make everyone smile in this family – me, Ma, Papa, Nani, Di, Bhai-"

Avantika pursed her lips and peeked at Khushi. Khushi looked down at Pepper and slowly stroked her back.

"Well, you just might," Avantika said. "After all you do like him."

Khushi looked down. No, that was before. But you don't know that....

Avantika wrapped her arm around Khushi. "Now that Bhai's back, maybe there's a chance between you two. When we were younger, you made me swear not to tell him and I've kept my end of the bargain."

Khushi looked at her, cocking an eyebrow.

"O-okay, so I told Di. So what? That wasn't the deal."

Khushi rolled her eyes.

"Hey! Don't roll your eyes at me! I said I was sorry, like, a gazillion times!"

Khushi shook her head and placed Pepper in Avantika's arms and went over to Bruce, who had come back with the ball. She took it once more and threw the ball, and Bruce went after it.

"Khushi," Avantika said, going over to her again, "have faith! Maybe something might happen between you two. You never know!"

No… he only sees me as a servant. Nothing more. We were once something. We were once best friends. Now... now we're nothing.

"I wonder how Bhai feels about you? I can't wait for him to get moment alone with you and talk-"

Khushi looked down and Avantika pursed her lips. She placed her hand on Khushi's shoulder.

"I'm sorry Khushi. Sometimes I just blab away and-"

Khushi shook her head and gave her a smile.

Avantika smiled sadly. "Bhai doesn't even know what happened. You didn't let us tell him anything," she said sadly. "You knew how he'd react once he received the news."

Khushi looked away. He wouldn't have cared about what happened to me. But for them....

"Bhai would have ditched-"

"What would I ditch?"

Khushi and Avantika turned and saw Arnav standing on the patio. He came down the steps and joined the two.

"You would always ditch me, that's what," Avantika frowned.

Arnav smirked and messed with her hair.

Avantika pulled away. "I'm not kid anymore!"

Arnav chuckled.

Bruce came running back with the ball and Khushi bent down to hug him.

"Is that Bruce," Arnav asked.

"The one and the only," Avantika said.

"Hey boy!"

Bruce went over to Arnav as he crouched down. Bruce licked away as Arnav ran his fingers through his fur.

"Did you miss me? I bet you did! Who’s a good boy? Who’s a good boy?!"

Khushi smiled as she watched Arnav play with Bruce. She remembered the old days and how Arnav was crazy for that dog. He would always play with Bruce, take him out for walks, and take care of him. She remembered how for a while he was obsessed with Bruce and totally forgot about her. 

Avantika went over to Khushi and gave Pepper back to her. Khushi took the little kitty and headed back inside.

"Wait Khushi!"

Khushi froze at the sound of Arnav's voice. She turned slightly so that she could look back at him.

"Where are all of Bruce's toys?"

"What, you can't ask me," Avantika said, coming to Khushi's rescue.

"Oh? You're not scared of him anymore," Arnav teased.

Avantika frowned. "I was only 13 and he came running my way," she defended.

Arnav chuckled and petted Bruce on the side.

"Besides, I'm getting a puppy very soon."

"You are?"

"Mm hmm. A cute husky."

"What about the cat," Arnav asked, pointing at Pepper.

"The person selling him to me has cats as well. He's been around cats so it's all good. But just to be safe, someone will always be around when those two are in the same room together."

"That's good."

While Arnav was busy with dog talk, Khushi slipped away back into the house. Just as she made it inside, she sighed in relief.

"How long are you going to hide it from him?"

Khushi's head whipped up and she saw Anjali standing in front of her.

"You won't be able to hide it forever Khushi. He's going to find out."

Khushi looked down.

"I know you think-"

Khushi shook her head in denial, knowing that Anjali would try to defend her brother again. Anjali opened her mouth to say something, when Deviyani called out for Khushi. Using this as her escape, Khushi quickly dashed away.

Anjali sighed. "He does care for you though," she said sadly.

Chapter One

The ride back was just as buzzing as it was going to the airport. The only difference was that instead of Avantika chattering about her Bhai coming back, she was chatting away with him.

"Calm down Chatterbox," Arnav said.

Avantika pouted. "I thought you'd stop calling me that by now."

 "It's the only name that suits you."

"What?!" Avantika turned. "Di! Did you hear what he said?"

“Di won’t say anything because she agrees.”

“Di!”

“Alright, calm down you two. It’s like you’re still kids,” Anjali replied.

Avantika pouted while Arnav smirked.

“Wait till we get home and I tell Ma and Papa. You’re lucky they’re in the other car.”

“Oh. I just realized Khushi’s in that car as well,” Avantika said. “No wonder it felt kind of odd.”

“Not to sound mean, but why’d you bring her, that too alone,” Arnav asked.

Anjali placed her hand on his shoulder. “Chote-”

“Look, we’re home,” Avantika exclaimed.

Arnav looked up to see the iron gates pull open. The car came onto the driveway and went around the grand fountain to the front of the mansion. The car came to a halt and the workers came out immediately to greet Arnav. The car behind them pulled up and out came Vijay and Amoli Raizada. Khushi stepped out as well and she rushed over to the elderly woman standing in the doorway.

"Chote?"

Arnav came out and looked at the elderly woman. "Nani," he grinned.

Arnav went over to her and hugged her. Deviyani hugged her grandson back and greeted him home with a prayer. She led him into the house while the workers took up his luggage to his room.

"Was your flight okay," Deviyani asked.

"Perfect. Not a single problem."

"How's business going in France," Vijay asked.

Amoli nudged him. "Don't start with your business talk. Our son just came home after three years! Give him a break!"

Vijay held his hands up. "Okay, I surrender."

Amoli shook her head.

"Some things haven't changed," Arnav grinned.

"Are you hungry? You must be hungry. I'll go-"

"No Ma, I'm fine actually. I ate well on board."

"It's a private jet," Vijay said. "If they didn't, there would be a problem."

Arnav nodded. "I'm just tired. I was too busy working on my laptop on the deal-"

"No business talk, no business talk," Avantika said, covering her ears. "It's bad enough Papa says business stuff all day so don't you dare!"

Everyone chuckled.

"Fine Chatterbox."

Avantika frowned.

"Chote, why don't you head on up and rest," Anjali said.

Arnav nodded and got up.

"I'll take you to your room," Avantika smiled.

She took him by the arm and led him to the stairs. The family dispersed, Amoli and Anjali heading to the kitchen.

"I'll send you up some milk," Amoli called out.

"Ma I'm not a little kid anymore," Arnav said, leaning over the rails.

"Chote, age has nothing to do with drinking milk. It's good for you and I'll send some up for you. Avantika, make sure he drinks it."

"Yes ma'am," Avantika saluted.

While those two headed up, Amoli and Anjali entered the kitchen to find Khushi helping the chefs with lunch. Amoli shook her head and went over to Khushi.

"Not even a moment back home, and she sets right down to work," she said.

Khushi gave her a smile.

Amoli sighed and smiled sadly. "Bless you child."

Anjali walked on over to Khushi's other side. "What's the master chef got for us today," she smiled.

Khushi gestured at the food and Anjali took in the smell of all that food.

"It smells delicious," Anjali beamed. "And what's for desert tonight?"

Khushi revealed two pouches with batter in them.

"Your famous jalebis!!! Lunch is gonna be great but dinner tonight is going to be amazing!"

Khushi smiled while Amoli chuckled.

"You're married, yet you act like a kid," Amoli chuckled.

"Well my husband is away and I'm at home. Therefore I'm allowed to act like one," Anjali defended.

Amoli chuckled as she heated up some milk. Once it heated up, she poured it into a glass and placed it on a tray. Just as she was about to take it up, Vijay called out for her.

"Coming," Amoli hollered. She turned to Khushi. "Honey, can you take this up to Arnav's room. Make sure he drinks it all."

Khushi nodded slowly and Amoli gave her a smile before leaving to her husband. Khushi picked up the tray and caught Anjali smiling mischievously at her. She wagged her eyebrows at Khushi and Khushi simply looked away and left the kitchen.

I know what she's implying, but she doesn't know the whole truth.

Khushi went upstairs and went down the hall. She turned right and went towards Arnav's room. The door was slightly opened, but she knocked either way.

"Come in," Arnav called out.

Khushi opened the door and walked into the very familiar room. She would come here every day, regardless of the past, and would clean this room daily for the past 3 years. Khushi set the tray down on the table and when she stood straight, Arnav came out of the bathroom, dressed in gray sweats and a navy blue t-shirt.

"Can't believe Ma is still making me drink milk like I'm still little," Arnav said, shaking his head. He picked up the glass. "Thanks," he said to Khushi, and chugged it down.

When he finished it, Khushi took the glass from him and placed it on the tray. She picked it up and was about to leave the room, when Arnav spoke.

"We didn't get the chance to properly talk back there since Di wanted us to rush home. So tell me Khushi, what's up?"

Khushi clutched onto the tray.

Oh no, what do I do?

At that moment, Avantika came in. "Oh hey Khushi! I'm guessing you brought up Bhai's milk?" She looked at Arnav. "Did you finish it?"

Arnav rolled his eyes. "Yeah Chatterbox, I did. And I thought I sent you back to your room."

Avantika went over to his bed and sat down. "Can't get rid of me so easily Bhai! I've got three years of annoying you to catch up on."

Arnav groaned and covered his face while Avantika laughed away. Khushi took this moment as her escape and quickly left the room. She rushed her way back to the kitchen and set the tray down.

That was close.