Chapter 12

[MEMBERSONLY]

Chapter 12:

Payal had reached home, just after Khushi left for her date. She was happy for Khushi, but she still had apprehensions about Arnav. She had also realized that there was no point in being protective about Khushi anymore. It was time to let her make her own decisions and experience the nitty-gritty of life. She had also seen the immense happiness and excitement on Khushi's face over the last two weeks, and she knew the reason behind it was... Arnav Singh Raizada. She hoped with all her heart, that Khushi would find a man who would love her the way she deserved to be. Payal knew how much Khushi craved to be part of a family, and through Khushi, she had come to know about Arnav's loving family. She sent a silent prayer to Khushi's favourite Goddess, to make things work between Arnav and Khushi.

Amidst all this, there was a problem though...Akash Roy was just not being realistic, and she would have to knock some sense into his thick head. That was the reason she had invited him for dinner tonight, while Khushi was out with Arnav. She had cooked biryani and raita, and was waiting patiently for this sweet love story ka villain. As expected, the doorbell rang, with Akash Roy keeping up to his reputation of always being on time. Payal sensed that Akash was in a foul mood because he knew about Khushi's date. She knew it was a sensitive matter and she would have to tread carefully.

The dinner was a quiet affair, after which Akash and Payal settled comfortably on the sofa of the living room. Payal gauged Akash's mood to be slightly better now and asked, "Akash, what do you feel for Khushi?" She saw the stunned expression on his face and continued, "Don't lie to me, Akash. I know you have secretly liked her for years now." Akash sighed in resignation and fumbled to form the right words... "Payal, I guess there is no point hiding it any more. I have wanted to speak to someone about it too. Yes! I really, really like Khush... since our college years... but I guess my friendship with her was too precious for me to risk, by telling her my feelings. I tried to find out how she felt about me, but I realized that she had always treated me as her best friend... and nothing more. So I let things be..." He paused for a long time. Payal did not interrupt his thinking. She wanted to hear more.

He sighed and continued, "I may sound selfish, but it was all fine till Khushi was not falling for anyone else. However, when I heard Khushi talking about Arnav Singh Raizada, and saw the dreamy look on her face and the excitement in her voice...I was jealous. I had wanted Khushi to react exactly that way...for me... I wanted to be the one, to make her smile... in that special way... I still can't stop wondering why Khushi could not fall in love with me, Payal? What can I do to make her see me as something more than a friend?" Akash's dejected tone made Payal feel really sorry for him. She knew what heartbreak meant, and how one felt when one's love was not reciprocated. She moved closer to Akash and gently patted his shoulder to comfort him.

"I understand, Akash... I know how it feels to be friends with someone you want as your life partner. However, I probably know Khushi even more than she knows herself. I know what she feels about you. She loves you... but only as a friend. Don't get me wrong, but she looks up to you like an older brother, who would protect her from harm." Payal paused for a couple of minutes, looking at the pained expression on Akash's face. She felt terrible saying these things to him, but it was honestly best to put it clearly before him. She knew that Khushi was falling for Arnav, and if he was half as serious as she thought, things would surely work out between the two.

She continued, "Akash... please... try and understand. Don't jeopardize your friendship with Khushi. Knowing her, she will go into a shell with you. She would feel guilty about hurting you. That guilt would make her accept your feelings half-heartedly and thus, keep herself away from any real happiness. Don't be upset with her, please. She has suffered a lot since childhood, Akash. Someone or the other has always made decisions for her. It is time for her to take a stand and choose the life that she wants to...choose a life partner, whom she loves. I know it is difficult for you to see her with someone else, but trust me... it's for the best."

Akash nodded his head slowly and smiled at her, "Tum itni samajhdaar kaise ho Payal?? Khush and me are really very lucky to have you around. You are the one who balances our friendship". Saying that, he hugged her sideways. Payal felt lighter after getting this burden off her chest and she hoped Akash felt better too. He continued speaking grimly, "Payal... I really don't know if I can hide my emotions so easily... especially now that Khush might want to go out often with that Raizada... but I promise, I will try. I need some time however, to get over these feelings." Payal smiled at him warmly and said, "Sure, AR. I know you won't do anything to hurt Khush, because you know you will have me to deal with..." She winked at him and continued, "But seriously, Akash, if you ever need to talk to someone... I am always here."

Akash got up from the sofa, as it was almost time for Khushi to come back. He did not want to bump into her at the moment... especially after the emotional discussion he had just had. He was feeling choked and he needed to get away for a while. Payal waved a goodbye, and Akash must have barely walked a couple of steps towards his car, when he stopped...he stood rooted to the spot... Arnav and Khushi stood across the street, looking at each other dazedly. And the next moment, Arnav bent down to kiss Khushi's cheek. Something broke inside Akash's heart... a dream... a last bit of some hope, maybe... something in him shattered, as he watched Khushi's face, at that moment. He had never seen her so happy, so free... he had never seen her blush. Her eyes sparkled in the dimly lit road, brightening the smile on Arnav's face, and at that moment... he knew that Khushi and he, Akash, were never meant to be. As Khushi rushed into the house, he quietly made his way back towards his own home.

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Khushi stood in front of the mirror, looking at her reddened cheek. She must have been standing in the same position for the last twenty minutes... deep in thought... Deep in thoughts of the man, she had just spent an entire evening with. Her first ever date... an unforgettable date... a romantic date. She remembered how Arnav had booked entire rows in the theatre, so that no one would be sitting beside her. He had been an absolute gentleman... never crossing his limits. She had loved the fact that he had paid attention to her likes and dislikes...the way, he had arranged for dinner at the poolside... knowing how much she loved the water. She had enjoyed every moment of this special date, especially because Arnav had made her feel like a princess. For the first time in her life, someone had taken efforts to impress her, to make her happy and had taken the most marvelous care of her.

Her train of thought was broken by the sound of Payal pretending to cough. She turned around and faced her best friend. She knew Payal would want to know every little detail, and even the simple thought of telling her about that tiny peck on her cheek...made Khushi blush profusely. "Oye! Your cheeks can't get any redder. Khush... aisa kya kiya tum dono ne?" Payal teased. Khushi hit her on her arm and plonked herself on the bed, closing her eyes remembering every moment, going over each little memory again... to recollect Arnav's every smirk, his eyebrow arched in amusement, his beautiful eyes, gleaming with happiness. She narrated the evening to Payal... she told her of their conversation, about how cherished she had felt and how comfortable, he had made her feel. She opened her eyes, to see Payal, whose face shone with happiness for her. Khushi got up and hugged Payal saying "...and then, when we were just outside... he kissed me on my cheek... to end the date."

Payal laughed heartily seeing this side of Khushi. It was not always, that one got to see an embarrassed and blushing Khushi. She realized that her friend had lost her heart to a man; a man whom, she was still a little apprehensive about. She would pray just a little extra, a little harder, for Khushi's happiness. She thought the best way to get Khushi to confess how she really felt about Arnav, would be to tease her about it. With that in mind, she kept pulling her leg and teasing her best friend, gauging her reactions. However, Khushi did not give away much and finally, Payal had to ask her upfront, "Khushi, do you like Arnav... and I mean like him seriously? Liking him enough to date him and be in a relationship with him?" Khushi was a little stunned by this question, because she herself had not yet given it a thought. She had taken every day as it came and truthfully, she was enjoying these new feelings.

"I like him Payalia... I like him a lot. I guess I had never expected him to be so down to earth. I enjoy chatting with him and spending time with him...but seriously, it's too soon to say anything and I would like to be friends with him first... try to know him better. Then maybe, I can judge the depth of my feelings...and his, too..." Khushi answered truthfully. Payal was stumped by Khushi's reply. When had her crazy child-like best friend become so mature, she wondered. All she managed to say was, "Hmmm." Khushi understood her apprehensions, and so continued, "Payalia... don't worry. I will be careful. Arnav is a nice guy and agar usne kuch kiya bhi toh...tum ho na!!!" Payal laughed at her drama, and hugged her. She would always keep an eye on Khushi. She felt as if it was her right to look out for her... to protect her. She did not want Khushi to go through the hurt and humiliation she had gone through. She really hoped, that Arnav was different... different from that one, rich, spoilt brat, she had encountered...

As they switched off the lights and Payal turned around to sleep, Khushi lay awake in the bed. Her mind filled with thoughts of Arnav. The way he had held her hand, his big rough hands holding her tiny soft ones... the feel of his lips on her cheek. She wondered how they would feel aligned perfectly against her lips!! Just as that thought crossed her mind, she sat up in bed. What was she thinking?? There, Payal was trying to warn her to be careful, and here she was losing control over herself. As if Arnav had sensed her emotional chaos, her phone beeped...

Hey Khushi... you asleep?' She smiled seeing Arnav's name on her phone and quickly replied.

No. Kuch kaam tha?' She was surprised when her phone beeped within seconds of her sending the message.

Hmm... I just wanted to tell you that I had a great time today and I really hope you did too.'

I had a good time, Arnav. Thank you for a lovely evening.' She waited for what he had to say next. She laughed at herself, at her eagerness... like a teenage girl... and then... he did not disappoint her with his reply.

Well, then in that case, will it be too early to ask you out again? Do you think you can spare an evening to have coffee or dinner with me, during the week?'

Khushi laughed...she blushed and then laughed some more. He really was cute and there was no chance to refuse, but she thought she would tease him a little and responded with I am too sleepy, Arnav... I will tell you tomorrow... Good night.'

She did not get any reply for a while, and got worried if Arnav had gotten angry with her. She was about to type another message, when her phone beeped. She hastily read it, and smiled, seeing his reply. It read, Oh... okay... I will wait for you to say yes, Khushi. Even though I know the answer... I will wait for you to say yes. Good night and sweet dreams. ;)' Khushi held the phone close to her heart and willed herself to sleep. Dreams of a handsome face made their presence felt, all through the night.

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The Raizada Mansion was bursting with activity. Every Sunday, breakfast was a grand affair. It was the only day when the family could sit back leisurely and eat a meal together. Due to the busy lives of the father-son duo, Sunday was the only day for some family bonding. Arnav walked down the staircase, to the now almost-filled up breakfast table. His father sat at one end of the table, while his Nani took the other end. The middle seats were occupied by his busy mother and a hungry Anjali. As always, he took the seat beside Sumer, who had already started digging into his Aloo Puri.

Sumer was the one person, who always made it to this family breakfast. No invitation was ever required. It had been this way, since their childhood, and now, it was the most normal thing to have him there. After all, Ananya Raizada always thought of Arnav and Sumer as her two sons... her Ram and Lakshman. Sumer treated her with equal warmth and affection, and he was probably, more partial to her than his own mother. The atmosphere was bright and happy, exactly how Arnav was feeling from within. He had slept well last night, immersed in dreams of his angel... her beautiful glowing face... her laughter... her melodious voice... her pink blushing cheeks and her utter gorgeousness. These new exciting feelings had woken him very early in the morning, and with great difficulty, he had controlled the urge to call Khushi. He knew the answer to his question from last night... yet had wanted to hear it from her. To distract his mind from thoughts of her, he had hit the gym, which he would usually never do, on a Sunday. The extensive workout had worked, for both his body and mind, making him arrive at the breakfast table, without having to be sent for.

"Good morning, Arnav. What's the matter? You look so happy!!" Sumer's teasing voice not only made him snap out of his reverie, but also grabbed the attention of everyone at the table. Arnav mentally kicked himself, for having mentioned his date with Khushi to Sumer. He knew his friend was not going to let him off the hook so easily. He would tease him, embarrass him till he confided about his evening with Khushi. He tried to act nonchalant and shrugged, while answering, "No particular reason, Sumer. It's a relaxed Sunday... Maa has made my favourite pancakes and I have plans to beat you up all day." He grinned sarcastically at a laughing Sumer. The entire family laughed at Arnav's answer, not really realizing the silent undercurrents, which passed between the two friends. The family got into an easy conversation... about food, about friends and relatives and about the upcoming party at Shantivan. Thankfully for Arnav, Sumer did not probe further about the date, but he knew very well, that he would be cornered, as soon as they were alone.

Arnav took Sumer up to his room and once the door was closed, said gruffly "Okay, now shoot! Ask what you have been dying to ask since morning... or if I am not mistaken, since last night." Sumer sprawled on Arnav's bed and laughed loudly. He was amused at the changes that he had noticed, in his friend, over the last few weeks. It was like nothing he had ever seen. He knew Arnav was falling for Khushi, and even the mere mention of her would fluster him. Knowing very well, his friend's lack of patience, Sumer took his own sweet time, to speak... "Eehmm, so how was your date last night, Romeo? Did you manage to impress Juliet? Or did she run away from you, permanently?" Arnav could never remain annoyed with Sumer... his silly jokes and stupid remarks would always get him to laugh. He laughed out loud at being called Romeo, and laughed even louder thinking that it was an apt name. He got comfortable on the lounger and related bits and pieces of his date... not really getting into the details. Men generally never spoke much about their personal lives, and so was the case with these two best friends.

It was very late in the evening, by the time Sumer left Shantivan. It had been more than twenty-four hours since he had met Khushi, and he had been feeling restless since morning. After the series of messages they exchanged last night, he had wanted to call her first thing in the morning. He did not want to seem desperate and had managed to distract himself by playing PS3 with Sumer. However, now that Sumer was gone...his mind wandered to the girl, who had plagued his thoughts all day and his dreams during the night. He stood at the poolside, looking at the calm water and dialed her number. He heard the phone ring at the other end and waited with bated breath to hear her voice. The call connected and he heard her... finally... after more than a day... he could hear her speak...

"Hello... Arnav?" He could hear the smile in her voice, that her beautiful face would be wearing right then, and replied immediately, "Hey Khushi, how are you? Did I disturb you?" He heard her tinkling laughter as she quickly said, "No! No...not at all... Payal and I were just watching Tom and Jerry. It is a free Sunday evening and we thought of lazing around at home." Arnav smiled in amusement, at how simply adorable she was. He imagined them in his room--her, laughing at Tom and Jerry chasing each other around... and he, just enjoying the varying expressions on her face. He snapped back to the present, at the persistent sound of Khushi calling his name... "Well, I just called to know the answer to my question, Khushi...is it too soon?" he said, now lounging on the poolside chair. He heard her hesitate for a moment, and wondered if he was moving too quickly. "No..." He heard her almost whisper into the phone, and his heart soared at her answer. "So...that means it is a yes, right? We can meet up for dinner or coffee this week?" He heard her Hmmm' to his question and wondered, fascinated by the different sides to Khushi...sometimes she was this bold fire-cracker, talking to him without a care in the world... and sometimes, she was this naive... innocent girl, who would be shy and hesitate to answer the simplest of questions.

In every mood, in every way, he was besotted by her. Everything about her, attracted him, and it was as if, he just could not get enough of her. They spoke for a while, chatting about various things from food to movies, to the Ashadaan project. It was only when she yawned a couple of times, that he urged her to end the call. It really was a beautiful feeling, to know that 'one' person in the world meant so much to you... and you meant the world to that very person. Was this the emotion, which he had always wanted to feel? Was this the kind of relationship that his parents shared? Only time would tell... Arnav lay on his bed, turning the music system on, to an old melodious song... that soothed his senses... that filled his heart with a nameless emotion... that only belonged to Khushi.

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PRECAP:

"You have to come to the party, Khushi. It is my parents' wedding anniversary." Arnav had tried to reason with Khushi, but surprisingly, she had been very stubborn, giving him various reasons for not attending the party. "Arnav, please try to understand... your family and you will be busy greeting all the guests. I will get bored and feel left out." Khushi tried her best to try and get out of attending this party. She was apprehensive and scared. Things were moving too fast for her liking, and meeting his family in a more personal capacity, at a private function, was not what she wanted... atleast right now.

"Okay. If that is how you feel, I am going to invite Payal and Akash to the party too." Khushi looked at him, shocked at how quickly his mind worked, and replied, "No! You are doing no such thing. You barely know them and you haven't even met AR..." Arnav was slowly losing his patience with Khushi, and said "That is my problem, Khushi... I know Payal well enough, by now. In fact, I spoke to her a few days ago, to offer her a job in AR Designs...and as far as Akash... I mean, your AR is concerned, I want to meet him myself. This will be a good opportunity to get to know him." Khushi was shocked with this news about Payal and further silenced by Arnav's negotiating skills. She realized that there was no getting around, attending this party... whether alone or along with Payal and AR.

Chapter 13

This chapter is dedicated to all my readers, who have been patient and understanding... throughout these past two months. Love you all!!

Vandana and Chitra, your support, guidance and love has become a habit. I am so addicted to you'll... and I am sure I could live with this addiction...