Chapter 2

Arnav stood rooted to the spot. Destiny has for the first time in his life has brought a person, with whom he felt connected , with whom, he wanted to explore his feelings, with whom, he definitely envisioned a future. But this same destiny has taken her away from him , long time before anything between them started.

"Khushi, please go home. I need to stay alone for some time. Please leave.'.

Khushi herself didn't know, where they stand after this confession. She herself is hurting too. She was about to leave, but stood momentarily at the door & said, "I know, I have hurt you & may be hurting you still now. But don't punish yourself . Please have you medicines. I am not worth the pain you are suffering from' & then she finally left. Arnav sighed not knowing what to do. Unknown to both of them Aman witnessed the entire scenario , & their conversation.

Next day Aman met Khushi during lunch time.

For how long are you going to hurt yourself & Arnav sir'?

H.h.how did you know' ?

that is not important. You answer my question'.

But Khushi sat silent. Aman dragged a chair near her & sat on it. He confessed Khushi that he heard everything last night.

See Khusi, I know , it is very difficult. Moreso, because, the face you wanted to forget, is adamant on being your future. But still, you can't ignore the genuine feeling or heart that goes behind that face.

I know. But ...'

Aman interrupted her ,' Let me finish dear. See, I know it's not easy. But you can take a chance. You can make too many beautiful memories with this face that will overshadow your painful memories. I know, when sir flirted with you, it reminds you of Shyam, followed by the way he used to show his love for you, followed by the painful memories.So, the walk with Arnav sir will be quite a long one to overcome your fears. But, trust me, at the end , it will be worth it. If , you want , you can consult a counselor too. You simply just can't live in past & as for any other person - we both know, nobody can love you or help you the way Arnav sir can. So, please think about it & give it a try.

After meeting Khushi, Aman met Arnav too. He told him about his & Khushi's conversation. If Khushi, decides to take a chance, then Arnav will have to have lots of patience & extra cautious in dealing her.

Khushi went to meet Arnav on his insistence. He assured her, if she is not sure about them, then he will wait. He wanted Khushi to be comfortable around him, to be able to look at him & not get scared. Feelings & their future - everything can wait. But bringing Khushi to a friendly term with him is more important.

With Arnav's effort khushi falls into a friendly routine with him. Initially Aman also used to keep them company as khushi used to feel uncomfortable around Arnav alone. But later, Khushi used to hangout with Arnav alone. As time goes by , she started enjoying rnav's company. His sense of humor , his depth of knowledge , his ability to make any subject interesting - everything started attracting Khushi. Subconsciously, she still compares Arnav & Shyam , but Arnav's positive attitude make her push those painful memories at the extreme corner of her brain. She goes for long walk, sitting in absolute silence, talking about everything & nothing under the sun with Arnav. She met Arnav's actual friends (who doesn't belong to his business circle) & started understanding Arnav on a different level altogether. It is truly said ,' To understand a person better, one should travel with that person'. She used to go on roadtrips with Arnav & his friend's group. Yes, her fears sometime came alive, when Arnav tries to get a little intimate , but his presence also soothes her a lot. She indeed is enjoying this side of her life too.

Eight months already passed , but they are still stuck in the Friendzone'. There was no moving forward. Arnav has started become unsure of his plans recently. Moreover, he is loosing his patience too. He understands everything, but his heart is refusing to accept this being only friends'. So, he decided to take a break, lest he looses his cool & lashes out on Khushi.

The time away from each other becomes miserable both for Arnav & khushi. Arnav being Arnav missed Khushi a lot, whereas Khushi missed the times spent with Arnav. But, this break has started making her realize many things. She has long back stopped comparing Arnav & Shyam. Because, there can be no comparison. She decided to atleast admit her feelings to herself. In all these months, the beautiful memories they created , are too precious to loose. Life with Arnav can be difficult, but, it will be worth living with Arnav. She can never be this much happy with anybody else. It's time, that , she takes the next step.

Khushi came to know from Aman that Arnav is returning & decided to receive him from airport. Arnav was too shocked to react seeing Khushi at airport. He rushed towards her, but surprising him, Khushi met him midway & hugged him. Arnav was extremely happy to be back, but when he realized that, it was Khushi who hugged him first, he felt relieved. Slowly , pulling apart , he looked down at her smiling face.

Am I missing something? You looked ... changed, Arnav said in an amused tone.

I missed you.

WHAT ? seriously? I ...

I really missed you.

Oh god, Khushi. I too missed you a lot , baby.

Both of them hugged each other tightly. After sometime, they pulled apart with Khushi animatedly sharing him the details how' much she missed him. Arnav was already on cloud nine & seems like, he has no intention to come back.

I realized, life with you can be a little difficult, but without you ... it will be no life at all.

Arnav hugged her & lifted her off the ground. I am so so happy that you atleast decided to give us a chance . So, after all the detail description, will it be right to assume that you too love me'< Arnav asked arching his eyebrows but got a shy smile from Khushi in return only.

Oh no, but there is a problem'.

Now what? Khusi asked tensed.

I heard that there are total 7 doppeleganger for every person. You already met Shyam & me. There are still 5 look alikes of me around the world. What if, you met somebody among them & falls in love with him? What will happen to me? After all the effort, I put , to make you love me, what if, somebody else came & take you away from me?

Khushi stared at him unblinkingly , totally shocked. Out of everything, you have to say this ? Don't you have any nice thing to say ? You are simply pathetic'.

As soon as Khushi finished, Arnav started laughing maniacly. He so loves this person in his arms. Yes, she didn't admit her feelings directly. But, whatever, she said is no less than a confession. Ye, he also knows their life can be difficult at times, but Khushi herself said, it will not be a life' without him. They still have a long way to go. But he can see them as a very happy couple in near future.