Chapter Thirteen

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

They can't be grown men.

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

"Ooh pie!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Khushi pursed her lips, trying to hide jerk smile 

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

Khushi nodded with a grin.

"That is so unfair."

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

"How unfair-"

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

Khushi scowled, rolling her eyes.

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

Not anymore.

"Besides, you used to before."

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

"Khushi-"

"Hey Khushi!"

Khushi and Avantika turned to see Virat.

"Got anymore chips?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Khushi gripped a wooden spoon.

"RUN," both Avantika and Virat yelled.

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

I am going to kill you Arnav Singh Raizada!

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

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

"What did he do now," Amoli chuckled.

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

"What?!"

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

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

"Ma," Arnav whined.

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

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

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

"Khushi please!"

But Khushi wasn't stopping.

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

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

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

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

I should.

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

In fact, it did.

Arnav's eyes widened. "Oh fuck."

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

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

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

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

"Khushi-"

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

Did she just-?

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

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

Arnav glared at her and Avantika ran out immediately.

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

"No kidding," the others said together.

Arnav chuckled and picked up a beer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

*~*

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

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

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

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

"Ow Di-!"

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

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

Geez!

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

"Di-!"

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

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

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

Arnav's eyes widened. "I did?"

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

Arnav glanced at her and Avantika hid behind Anjali.

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

Arnav sighed. "Where is she?"

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

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

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

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

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

"I'm sorry."

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

"I'm really sorry Khushi."

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

"I'm sorry Khushi, forgive me."

Khushi twitched her lips. As if!

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

Arnav looked into her eyes and Khushi gulped.

Hai DM-!

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

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

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

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

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

I-

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

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

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

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

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

Oh my- what is Arnav doing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter Twelve

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

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

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

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

"Good, what about you?"

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

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

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

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

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

"Sure dude."

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

Hmm....

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

"Arnav Da?"

Khushi looked up and Arnav turned around to see Bhromor.

"Is something wrong," she asked.

Arnav glanced from Khushi to her. "Nothing."

"Did you need something?"

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

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

"Okay. Thank you."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*~*

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

"Khushi?"

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

"What's wrong?"

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

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

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

"Oh stop it you," Avantika frowned.

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

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

And the boys are here.

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

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

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

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

"Hey, Khushi, long time no see!"

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

No kidding.

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

He gave Khushi a hug and she patted his arm.

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

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

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

Khushi looked down.

"Sorry yaar. Really."

Khushi gave him a small smile and patted his arm.

Virat looked at Avantika. "Hey Chatterbox!"

Avantika gaped at him. "Not you too!"

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

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

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

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

"Khushi!" It was Amoli.

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

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