Khushi chopped away on the potatoes mercilessly, as that was the first thing her eyes laid on when she entered the room. The other workers around her glanced at her curiously, but chose not to say anything.
"Khushi?"
Even though they hadn't chosen to say anything, it looked like their boss Arnav, did.
As for Khushi, well, she ignored him, chopping away at the potatoes.
"Khushi?"
But Khushi didn't stop, so Arnav stepped forward, grabbing hold of her hand. That was when Khushi finally realized his presence, and she stepped back with a gasp, somehow managing to cut herself.
"Shit! Khushi, when will you ever be careful," Arnav scolded. "Someone bring me the first aid kit!"
One of the maids came rushing forward with the first aid kit and Arnav took it. He pulled Khushi aside to the backyard, having her sit down at the table, Arnav sitting across from her. He tended to the wound, Khushi hissing at the stinging.
"Why can't you be more careful," he huffed.
Khushi scowled at him but Arnav ignored her, continuing to tend to the wound. Once he bandaged up her cut, Khushi pulled back her hand, holding it.
"You're welcome."
Khushi scowled at him once more and Arnav crossed his arms.
"Hey, its not like I asked for my towel to drop," he said with a roll of his eyes.
Blush reappeared on Khushi's cheeks and she looked away. Arnav could see that she was embarrassed, and to be honest, he was slightly embarrassed as well.
"Well... its not anything you haven't seen before," Arnav said in a low voice.
Khushi's eyes snapped to his, her jaw hitting the floor. What-?! We were children and our mother's would bathe us together, how could that possibly-?! ARNAV!!!
Khushi got up with a huff, her face as red as a tomato - from anger or embarrassment, still a debate.
"Wait, Khushi, I'm sorry!"
Arnav went after her, stopping in front her to prevent her from going inside. Khushi let out a huff and turned away, crossing her arms.
"I'm sorry, I was just trying to make a joke to ease the moment."
Khushi scowled at him and Arnav held his hands up.
"I know, I fucked up, I'm sorry."
Khushi looked away, but Arnav could tell by the expression on her face that she forgave him.
"And I'm sorry about before, I didn't mean for that to happen."
Khushi looked down at her feet and then glanced at him.
...it's okay.
She went over to him and hugged him, burying her face in his chest, Arnav understanding that she forgave him, as she used to do this in the old days.
"Well, at least that lasted for only about seven minutes."
Khushi shot him a glare, causing Arnav to grin. He placed a kiss on her forehead and Khushi felt herself melt into him.
This feels so perfect.
"Khushi-"
"Khushi!"
Both Arnav and Khushi looked up at the sound of Amoli's voice. Khushi immediately moved away from Arnav just as Amoli arrived.
"What the-?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize both of you were here," Amoli said. "I was looking for Bhromor for her help, but I didn't see her, so I came looking for you Khushi."
Khushi found this weird, but she stopped herself from frowning.
"Do you know where she went," Amoli asked.
Khushi gestured that she had gone to the doctor, letting out a cough and placing her hand on her forehead.
"She... went to the doctors? Is she okay?"
Khushi gave a light shrug.
"Huh... well, if you don't mind-"
Khushi frowned at her and Amoli let out a chuckle. Instead of letting her finish, Khushi took hold of her hand and led her back into the house, ready to help Amoli with whatever she needed help with. She glanced back at Arnav with an apologetic look, but Arnav understood and nodded, Khushi giving him a smile before entering the house.
*~*
It was around the afternoon, after lunchtime, that Khushi was in the living room, dusting away. As soon as she was done helping Amoli, Arnav had tried to spend some time with her, but she couldn't as she needed to help prepare lunch. And since Bhromor still wasn't back yet, she had to do the dusting as well.
Where is she? The whole day has almost passed away.
"Hey Khushi."
Khushi looked up, seeing Bhromor come her way.
"Thanks for doing my tasks, I didn't think the doctor would take that much time, but you know, walk-ins."
Khushi scrunched her eyebrows, tilting her head in wonder.
"It's nothing, but thanks for helping me out," she smiled.
Bhromor held her hand out for the duster and Khushi placed it in her hand. She went straight to work, dusting away. For some reason, Khushi found Bhromor's behavior strange, but why, she couldn't understand.
Maybe I'm overthinking things.... Well, since she's back, I have nothing else to do. ...I wonder if Nani needs help with anything? Maybe Avantika is still feeling down? Lemme go and see.
Khushi headed upstairs and just as she was about to head towards Deviyani's room, Arnav turned from the corner, bumping into her.
"Oh! Well hello," Arnav grinned, taking hold of her.
Khushi scowled at him and tried to release herself.
"You know, you're not exactly doing the dating thing right."
Khushi looked at him in confusion.
"Well you are my girlfriend now, and as my girlfriend, you've done a bad job of spending time with me - bad Khushi, " he pouted.
To say that he looked adorable, was an understatement. Khushi couldn't help but to be amused, pursing her lips to stop herself from smiling.
"Hey, I'm being serious," Arnav frowned. "All you did today was hurt yourself and work."
Interestingly enough, Amoli had said the same thing to her earlier when she caught Khushi trying to hide her wound from her. And even though Amoli had told her to stop working, Khushi went ahead and focused on Bhromor's chores.
I hope he doesn't tell her that I've been working all day.
"Spend time with me. It's not like you're doing anything."
And without waiting for an answer, Arnav lifted her up and tossed her over his shoulder, Khushi letting out a small shriek.
What the f-! Arnav!
Khushi tugged on Arnav's shirt but he ignored her.
"Boyfriend time," he simply said.
Khushi rolled her eyes. Unbelievable! I have to see if Nani or Avantika needs anything, let me go!
This time, instead of tugging on his shirt - since that never would work in the old days when he would do this to her - Khushi spanked him.
Let me go!
Arnav momentarily paused, but only for a second, before resuming. "Naughty," he smirked.
Khushi tried to look up at him.
"If that's what you want, I can give it to you," and by the sound of his voice, Khushi knew he was grinning.
Why you-! Let me go!
Khushi wiggled in his hold, trying to force him to let her go.
But instead, Arnav spanked her.
Khushi's eyes widened instantly, a gasp escaping her lips.
Did he... did he just...?
Although this wasn't the first time in their lives that Arnav had spanked her while hanging her over his shoulder, this was the first time he had spanked, him being her boyfriend.
And this had a complete different meaning.
Arnav noticed that Khushi had stopped and glanced back at her.
Why is she-? I'm such an idiot.
And only then did Arnav realize the same thing as Khushi had. But while Khushi was blushing, Arnav was amused. Arriving outside of his room, Arnav let her go, but immediately cornered her against the wall.
"Khushi-"
But Arnav stopped. He noticed the tinge of fear that had appeared in Khushi's eyes, and he immediately understood why, remembering the last time he had seen a fear so similar in her eyes. And as hard as Khushi tried to not think of that horrible time, she simply couldn't help it.
Arnav backed away from her. "Hey, its okay Khushi, its just me," he said softly.
Khushi gulped, forcing her mind to bring her back to the present and to stop picturing her past.
"I'm right here Khushi, its okay."
Khushi shook her head clear, keeping her eyes shut. Moments passed, but the images of her past were beginning to go away, the fog clearing in her mind. When she opened her eyes, she saw that Arnav was looking at her with concern, and she immediately hugged him, burying her face in his chest.
"Hey, its okay," Arnav said softly. "You're safe."
Khushi tightened her grip on him.
"No one can hurt you, never again, I promise. Everything is alright, you're safe and sound with me."
Caressing her cheek in his hand, Arnav tilted her face up, meeting her eyes.
"I won't let anything happen to you Khushi. I swear on my life-"
Khushi immediately covered his mouth with her hand, shaking her head. She hated it when Arnav would say such things. Arnav couldn't help his smile and took her hand in his, placing a kiss on her palm.
"You know I mean it, yes?"
Khushi nodded; she knew very well that he meant it.
"I love you."
And this time, Khushi's heart melted. She absolutely loved hearing him say that.
I love you too, Arnav, and she nuzzled her nose against his.
"Now then, can I have a moment with my girlfriend, or is she gonna run off to work again?"
Khushi pulled back scowling at him.
"I'll tell mom."
Wait what?!
"I heard mom saying earlier that she wanted you to stop working after she saw you trying to hide your wound - and I know very well that you did work even after she said not to."
Oh no!
Arnav leaned in, bringing his face closer to hers. "Shall I tell her?"
Khushi immediately shook her head. Please, don't, she'll get upset with me!
"Then you will join me."
Khushi frowned at him. We've grown up and yet the blackmailing hasn't stopped.Only candy isn't involved like the old days.
"Based on your expression, it doesn't seem like you're agreeing."
Khushi rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. Fine, I'll join you.
"Much better."
Taking her hand in his, Arnav led Khushi to the gardens. They walked for quite some time, Khushi curious as to where he was taking her.
Could it be? I wonder....
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