Chapter Eighteen

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

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

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

"Oh, cool."

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

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

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

Mm hmm, Sana Kapoor.

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

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

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

"What," he said innocently.

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

"What," he repeated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I thought we were best friends Khushi."

So did I, and oh how wrong I was.

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

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

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

Hai DM!

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

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

Khushi looked away, returning her gaze out the window.

"Khushi-"

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

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

*~*

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

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

Or so she thought.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Khushi glanced to the side, toying with her fingers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Chote," Amoli called out.

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

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

"...What?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hai DM, how did this happen?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But oh was she in for a surprise.

Chapter Seventeen

Going about with her work, Khushi was rather busy. She helped with the cleaning, as well as the cooking. Khushi was on her way up to see if Deviyani, Vijay, or Amoli needed anything, when Avantika called out to her.

"Hey Khushi!"

Khushi turned to Avantika and had to force herself from widening her eyes. The woman next to her was nothing like the young girl she knew about five years ago. Unlike the girl she knew, who almost always had her hair in pigtails, now had long, thick hair, flowing down her back. Unlike the girl she knew, who had broken out all over her face, now had porcelain clear skin, perfected with makeup. Unlike the girl she knew, who was constantly called a geek by the guys for her glasses and braces, now had shiny perfect teeth and contacts, revealing her sharp brown eyes.

Whoa.

"You remember Sana right," Avantika said, the two walking over to her.

Khushi nodded with a soft smile, quickly giving Sana a one-over. I remember her alright, but I don't remember her tits oozing out and being all over in my face.

For a moment, Khushi wondered if they were implants but quickly stopped herself from such a rude thought.

Still, can't help but to wonder....

"Hi Khushi," Sana smiled, giving her a hug.

Khushi was slightly taken aback by the girl's bubbliness, something she did not have when she was younger. Not to mention, when she had hugged Sana in the past, she had never felt the woman's breasts squeeze her like this, ever. Her eyes instantly darted to Avantika's who rolled her eyes with a smirk.

Avantika must be thinking the same!

Sana pulled back. "How are you," she chirped. "Wow, you still look the same after all these years..."

Can't say the same about you.

"...only your hair is a little longer. Um, I heard what had happened when I was abroad... sorry for your loss."

Khushi gave her another small smile, looking down at the ground.

"Hey, you wanna go shopping," Avantika said, lightening the mood.

"Yes," Sana squealed. "Khushi, do you want to join us?"

Khushi shook her head, gesturing that she needed to go upstairs to continue her work.

"Oh come on Khushi, it'll be fun," Avantika urged.

Khushi shook her head once more but based on the look on Avantika's face, she could see that the girl was desperate and didn't want to be alone with Sana at all.

I'm so confused.

"Come on Kush, I'll tell mom and dad, it'll be fine, please," Avantika pouted.

Khushi sighed; Avantika's pleading eyes had won, and Avantika was ever so happy. She quickly let her parents know that they were going out and that she was taking Khushi with her. Both quickly got ready, Avantika having her way and a little fun as she dressed Khushi up in her clothes, and then the three ladies headed out to the mall.

*~*

Both Avantika and Sana were loose canons. While Khushi watched the two girls dart from store to store, she also noticed the number of bags increasing each time they left one.

Hai DM, help these girls.

Avantika came huffing over, exhausted from carrying all of her bags. "Geez, and I still haven't even gone into Gucci yet."

Khushi rolled her eyes with a grin; Avantika was crazy, that much was definitely established.

"But enough about me, you missy, still haven't liked anything!"

Khushi looked away; she really didn't want anything.

Especially from something that had Avantika's expensive taste.

"Come on Khushi, please, would you please for once buy something? I'm begging you, please," she exclaimed, clasping her hands together.

Khushi simply shook her head in rejection and Avantika scowled.

Sana came walking over, her new purchases in hand. "Ava, you're not going into Louis?"

Ava? What?

"Not yet, I wanted to check out Gucci first."

"Oh cool, and then can we check Fendi as well?"

"Yes!"

Both girls dashed off, once again leaving Khushi behind. Though Khushi didn't feel bothered at all, the two girls having way too big of a taste for high-end things.

I swear, if she decides to buy another Birkin bag today....

"Khushi?"

Khushi whipped around at the sound of her name, finding Arnav and Virat behind her.

"What are you doing here alone," Arnav asked.

Khushi nodded towards the Gucci store and Arnav instantly understood.

"Typical Avantika," and he shook his head with a frown.

"Wait, but didn't Sana come over to their place," Virat asked.

Khushi nodded and then nodded towards the Gucci store.

"Oh shit, we gotta go!"

Khushi scowled at Virat. Oh come on!

"Oh nah Khushi, you know how that girl has me creeped, not after that Fabio shit, romance fantasy crap."

Khushi rolled her eyes. She's just a romantic, come on! ...well, maybe still is, who knows.

"Hey guys!"

All three of them looked up to see both Avantika and Sana walking over to them, each with a Gucci bag in hand.

Oh geez Avantika, more?

Khushi waited for Arnav to scold her for her reckless shopping, but it never came. In fact, Virat didn't make a slick comment either. Instead, when she looked at the boys, she saw that both boys were shocked by the sight of Sana.

Can't say that I blame them.

"Hey you two, you guys remember Sana right," Avantika said.

"Hi," Sana said softly, batting her eyelashes.

Well one thing's for sure - she still likes them.

And for the first time ever, Khushi felt something she hadn't felt in a long time - jealousy. Khushi glanced at Arnav, seeing how he was still stunned by Sana's new appearance. She glanced back at Sana and she could've sworn she saw hearts in her eyes as she gazed at the two men. Khushi's fists clenched automatically, gripping onto her sides.

Wait Khushi, stop! Don't feel this way, don't you dare!

Sana exchanged some words with the boys, Khushi stepping away from them and moving towards Avantika. She tried hard to ignore her feelings and she actually managed to do so because now she was feeling Avantika's jealousy.

"That bitch," Avantika muttered under her breath, but Khushi had heard it.

She looked at Virat; the guy who was just ready to run for his life, was now completely calm, chatting away with Sana. Khushi pursed her lips and looked at Avantika and Avantika looked at her, her annoyance crystal clear. But she quickly removed the expression from her face and went to split the conversation.

"So what were you guys up to," she interrupted.

"Uh... what was it we were doing," Virat asked, to which Avantika scowled.

"We were about to go and watch a movie," Arnav said.

"Yes! Yes, that's exactly what we were about to do."

"Oh cool, what movie," Sana asked.

"Age of Ultron, the new Avengers movie. We still haven't had the chance to see it yet," Virat explained.

"Oh yeah, I heard it's really good!"

"Yeah? Did you see it?"

Avantika shot a look at Virat, who was completely oblivious to it. Irritated, she cut in once more.

"Hey, Sana, didn't you say you wanted to go to Louis?"

"Yeah but-"

"I was thinking of going into Hermès as well, maybe get another Birkin."

Khushi's eyes widened. She is not!

Arnav's eyes widened and he glared at Avantika. "Av-"

But before he could even get her name out of his mouth, Sana shrilled, almost deafening each and every one of them. "Oh my gosh, yes! I just might buy one too, come on!"

Without another word, Sana grabbed Avantika and dragged her towards Hermès, Avantika turning back and giving Khushi a very evil smirk, wagging her eyebrows as she claimed her victory, before following after the girl.

"What the-!"

Khushi grabbed Arnav's arm, turning his attention to her. She simply shook her head, letting him know that she wasn't serious.

"Ah come on Chatterbox, she could've joined us," Virat frowned.

Khushi arched her eyebrow at him and Virat actually blushed, looking down, scratching the back of his head with a small chuckle. Arnav shook his head and even lightly hit him up-side on the back of his head.

"What," Virat said innocently.

Arnav shook his head and turned his attention back to Khushi, only to then realize her hold on him. Khushi realized it as well, and immediately flinched away, causing to confuse Arnav.

What the?

"Anyways, we should get going," Virat said. "The movie begins in 20 minutes and I want nachos."

Khushi rolled her eyes with a grin. Virat is still ever the same, forever getting nachos at the movies, she thought to herself, remembering the times before she had forced Arnav to take her to the movies with them.

"Hey Khushi, why don't you join us?"

Khushi's eyes widened and before she could even object, Virat took her arm in his and lead her towards the theater. Khushi could only stare at him in shock but Virat didn't care.

"I know you, and I know you won't go anywhere near any of those shops, so you have no choice but to join us, Arnav will let Chatterbox know."

But-!

"And no buts, ifs, and, whatever, you're joining us. She took one girl from us, we'll take one from her."

Once again Khushi arched her eyebrow at him and Virat became flustered.

"Okay, she technically she didn't take her from us, but she prevented a chance of her joining us."

Khushi couldn't believe what she was hearing and she was absolutely humored, and Virat could tell she was because it was ever so evident on her face.

"Hey don't give me that look and- yo Arnav! You not joining us?"

Arnav snapped out of his thoughts and went after the two, following behind. He still couldn't figure out why Khushi had flinched like that.

She forgave me for what had happened but why did she flinch? She didn't seem to mind taking my hand last night so why...? Did she think it was inappropriate? But how, it was just my arm? She's always had her arms wrapped around mine in the old days so why...?

Arnav looked up at the two and while Virat defended himself, Khushi only threw him looks, her expressions speaking for her.

A lot has changed in 3 years, but... something is just not right. And I need to find out why Khushi is mad at me.

Chapter Sixteen

Arnav led Khushi back inside, music thumping all around them. Bodies moved and swayed around them, some quite more, er, graphically than others. Khushi's eyes widened at the sight and she immediately looked away. Compared to earlier, the room was definitely more buzzed than when she was last here, and she didn't mean the buzzing from the amps.

Avantika went out to the dance floor, joining the swarm. She gestured for Khushi to follow, but once again Khushi denied. Avantika urged her once more, unaware of the guy behind her that was coming a little to close to her.

"Oh nah," Arnav huffed, ready to pounce on the guy.

"Whoa dude, let's not swing any fists," Virat said, blocking him. "I got this."

Khushi quickly grabbed onto Arnav, knowing that his protective instincts were coming out to play, and they weren't so nice. Luckily Virat took care of it, scaring the guy away with one glare. But Arnav was heated, so Khushi moved in front of him and warned him with her eyes, telling him to calm down.

"But-"

Khushi gestured to Virat, who had his arms crossed while Avantika innocently grinned, still dancing.

"But-"

Khushi scowled at him and Arnav sighed in defeat. "Fine... but I'll beat up the next fucker who even thinks of going close to her."

Khushi rolled her eyes, knowing all to well that no one would go near Avantika, not with Virat next to her. She couldn't think of anyone who dared to intimidate Virat.

Arnav sighed, looking at her. "You always know how to handle me Khushi."

Khushi rolled her eyes. No duh!

Arnav couldn't help his grin. "Obnoxious much?"

Khushi arched her eyebrow at him and rolled her eyes again, Arnav unable to help his chuckle. Just then, Justin Timberlake came on, singing about bringing sexy back, and Khushi's eyes widened. Arnav knew then that there was no controlling her - so did Avantika. So Avantika took it to her full advantage and grabbed Khushi's hand, dragging her to the dance floor, Khushi grabbing Arnav, taking him with her. Khushi instantly felt the beat and her hips swayed to the beat, Avantika getting lost in the track as well. Arnav couldn't believe his eyes, unable to remove his gaze from Khushi. She still had it, that much he knew, but it was nice to see her so relaxed.

What he didn't like, however, was the guy behind her, taking notice of her and getting a little too close. With a scowl Arnav scared the guy off and moved closer to Khushi, making sure no other douchebag came closer to his Khushi.

Yes, that's right - his Khushi.

But Khushi was oblivious of his doings. She was too busy, getting caught up into the music, swaying her hips to the beat. Nor did she realize when Arnav was getting into the beat and dancing along with her. Of course, it wasn't long until she did and she danced with him.

For a moment, all was good in the world. Khushi forgot of her hurt and Arnav could only think of the love he had for this woman. Smiles covered their faces, the two holding onto each other as they danced away.

Yes, for a moment, all was right in the world. That is, until an idiot dropped his beer on the floor, causing people to recoil, bumping into the two and taking them out of their bubble.

I know, annoying right?

Coming back to reality, Khushi looked up at Arnav. Her arms were still wrapped around his neck and his hands were still at her waist. Both simply gazed away at each other and Avantika had definitely noticed this, so naturally, she had to take advantage of the moment... so she purposely bumped into Khushi, Khushi falling into Arnav's chest, Arnav taking a firm hold of her.

"Are you okay," he asked.

Khushi nodded, trying to get her balance back, but there were just too many people.

Not to mention Avantika continuously bumping into Khushi.

"Hold on."

Arnav held onto her, supporting her, and led her off the floor. He headed to where the snacks were and gave Khushi a drink. Of course, Khushi glanced at it with her eyebrow arched and Arnav rolled his eyes.

"It's just punch, drink up."

It better be, and Khushi took the drink, chugging it down.

"See? Not alcoholic," and Khushi rolled her eyes. "You've still got it Khushi, even after all these years."

And that's when reality hit Khushi. This wasn't the old days where she purposely used to dance to get Arnav's attention. This wasn't the old days where all was good between them. No, this wasn't the old days, and his hurtful words came back to mind, instantly transporting her back to the present, causing her to look down at her feet.

Arnav noticed this and before he could ask, Avantika and Virat rejoined them. The two spoke away, Khushi paying attention to them and Avantika's silly antics. But Arnav couldn't - he simply couldn't figure it out.

What is it Khushi, that I have done, that to this moment, you're still mad at me?

*~*

Due to his intoxicated state, Virat stayed over at the Raizada's that night. In the morning, Amoli scolded the two but what could she do? Young men would be just that - young fools.

Everyone sat down together for breakfast, Khushi and Bhromor serving the food.

"By the way Arnav," Virat began, "are you going to that thing at the Kapoor's?"

Khushi was placing rotis on the table and she noticed Arnav pause for a fraction of a second and then reached over to get more roti.

Strange... why did he pause like that?

"Not sure," he simply replied.

Virat didn't seem to mind by his response, giving a simple nod. "Hmm."

Huh? What's going on?

Before Khushi could think more on the two's strange behavior, Arnav pushed back his chair and got up.

"Ma, we have to go," he said, Virat getting up as well.

"But Chote, you two haven't even finished breakfast-"

"We're running late, we have some work to do."

"But Chote, it's Sunday," Vijay said.

"It's something else, we'll see guys later."

Not wasting another second, both men left, leaving everyone in a confused state.

Well, except for Avantika.

"How immature," she scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"And you happen to know something of their odd behavior," Anjali questioned.

"Last night while we were at the party, I got a text from Sana saying that she's back from Australia and she's coming over today to visit. I'm assuming Vikram let them know this news."

Now things made perfect sense for Khushi. Sana was none other than Vikram's sister, who was Avantika's age. In the old days, when the boys first became friends, they used to tease her. That's because sweet little Sana was this young girl with pigtails, horrible acne, glasses, and braces; giving the boys no limit with the teases. Of course, young Sana hated that her brother and his friends would tease her, and Khushi always scolded Arnav for it. However, over time, young Sana developed crushes on her brother's friends, and the poor thing was exposed when Vikram snooped through her diary and found each of his buddies' names surrounded by hearts. Poor Sana was horrified, as her brother exposed what else was in her diary - fantasies that she had with each of his friends, thus creeping the guys out a little (more like a lot) and causing them to run in the other direction. Again, Khushi scolded Arnav for hurting the young girl's feelings, but Arnav simply called Khushi crazy for supporting the girl who fantasized him riding shirtless on a horse, coming to her rescue.

Oh yeah, that bad.

Khushi felt bad for her, the young girl only having innocent crushes on her older brother's friends. Avantika was grossed out when she learned of the fantasies her friend had of her brother. However, Sana was just absolutely mortified and forced her parents to send her away to Australia and she would complete her education there.

Drastic, I know, but these were rich people problems.

"I swear, they're so dramatic," Anjali said with a roll of her eyes. "She's such sweet girl, I felt sorry for her when that happened."

"Trust me Di, I know what Sana is, and sweet does not even come close to define her."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows at her. What does she mean? I mean Sana was always this nice girl, quiet like a little mouse. So why is she-?

The doorbell rang, cutting Khushi's thoughts.

"That must be her," and Avantika headed towards the door.

"Perhaps we should cover our ears," Deviyani quipped.

Khushi frowned at her. But she was just saying-

The sound of shrieking filled the air and everyone immediately covered their ears, hoping that their hearing wouldn't be permanently damaged.

Hmm... Avantika is up to something. To says something like that and then to be shrieking like they're best buds? Nope, something is up.