Chapter 40
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[MEMBERSONLY]
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Chapter 32: Reunited
The rows of trees rushed past them, sunlight trickling through the emerald veil of nature every now and then as Arnav and Khushi drove further away from the caf. Despite the car AC on full blast, the warmth in the car was palpable. It was the kind that existed between two people who were exceptionally comfortable in each other's presence. The kind that even made silent stretches cozy and intimate.
Khushi's right hand, safely encased in Arnav's left; resting on his thigh was exceptionally warm. He was no doctor but he knew that her heart was still beating at an erratic pace.
Khushi noticed that he hadn't let go of her since they had gotten in the car but he had been quiet. Too quiet.
Khushi glanced at him several times, trying to read his expression. It was obvious that something was bothering him and with every passing moment, it became more unbearable for Khushi to not know what. Just as they were passing a quiet road, Khushi had had enough.
"Arnav, stop the car." She demanded in a gentle tone.
He looked at her confusedly. "Why?"
"Just stop the car. Please." She squeezed his hand firmly.
Frowning in puzzlement, Arnav smoothly pulled over to the side of the road. He stared after her when she pulled her hand out of his and stepped out of the car. Sighing, Arnav turned off the ignition and followed her out. Walking around the bonnet to her side, he approached her cautiously while she leaned against her closed door, watching him steadily.
"Is something bothering you?" She questioned before he even formed a sentence in his mind.
"Why do you ask?" He questioned right away, as if the response was a sort of reflex.
"You've been really quiet...it's kind of obvious that something's on your mind." Khushi searched his face desperately for hints. "What is it Arnav?"
"I'm sorry Khushi!" He began without any preamble. "I'm sorry that you had to see me with all those girls...I don't know how you've managed to look past all that. I only got a glimpse of that horrible feeling this morning and now that I know what I put you through...I can't tell you how angry I am at myself..."
The gears in Khushi's mind turned as everything started making sense. His sour mood wasn't from what he'd seen this morning like she thought...instead it was from the guilt. Because now he knew what it felt like to watch someone you loved kiss someone else.
He was digging up old graves again and she didn't like it.
"Arnav! Let it go." She interrupted his rant, putting her hands on his shoulders. "We've already accepted our mistakes. There's no point in focusing on the past. All that's done and over with. Yes, I loved you then...yes, things went wrong but it's all fine now. By some miracle everything has worked out for us despite the odds. I love you and you love me. Is that not enough?"
He cupped her face in his hands and moved closer, boring his eyes into hers. "It's more than enough..."
"Let's not think about the past then." Khushi smiled at him tenderly. "I want to forget all of that crap and just move on...I want to celebrate that everything has sorted out and my idea of a celebration isn't exactly crying over spilt milk..."
She was right of course. He was aware that highlighting things of the days past could do them no good. Everyone had taken their lessons from these experiences and everyone hoped to use this knowledge to ensure a better future. Who knew better than him to regret stupid mistakes and learn to never repeat them?
He relaxed visibly, the stress lines on his forehead disappearing within the blink of an eye. A mischievous glint entered his eyes and his lips quirked up in a bad-boy smirk.
"I can think of another way to celebrate." He fixed her with a gaze that made her heartbeat flutter.
"You can?" She raised an eyebrow, not quite catching onto the quick switch of his mood.
Arnav nodded once before taking a step closer, in turn pushing her against the car. She had just begun registering his intentions when her thoughts were thrown into frenzy the moment his mouth found hers.
She reacted within split second, throwing herself into the drugging effect taking over her. Her arms curled around his neck and she pulled him even closer as his lips claimed hers possessively. One of his hands curled around to hold her head in place while the other dropped down to wind around her waist.
Unlike their first kiss a few days ago, she wasn't paralyzed with shock. No guilt clouded her mind. All there was for her to was surrender. And surrender she did.
Her breathing and heartbeat spiraled out of control when she felt his tongue sweep between the crease in her lips. Following her instinct, she parted her lips tentatively and was rewarded by a pleasant shot of fire through her chest as his tongue invaded, finding hers within a moment. Her toes curled into the ground, trying to anchor her to the ground lest she fall because she knew that her knees weren't going to support her much longer.
This kiss, something she'd only imagined when watching movies, something she'd only read about in novels was finally happening to her. A soft, unrecognizable sound reached her ears and it took her a moment to realize that it was her.
All too soon, he broke the kiss. By some remarkable strength, she curbed the urge to pull him back into the dizzying experience and tried to regain control over her breathing while he did the same, his forehead rested against hers.
"You have no idea how many times I've wanted to kiss you like that." He admitted his voice a husky whisper.
She barely heard him over the loud thumping of her heart in her ears. Her head was still spinning in a daze, her eyes still seeing brilliant sparks wherever she looked.
Now she knew what NK was asking about this morning. The fireworks. The butterflies. And she did feel like she was floating on cloud nine.
"I can't tell you how happy I am..." Khushi whispered, feeling tears of relief burn behind her eyes.
"I know." Arnav kissed the tip of her nose.
"You do?" Khushi searched his face for an explanation.
Arnav smiled tenderly. "Of course I do, tiny. I feel the same way."
A wide smile lit up her face and she hid her face in his chest, enjoying this familiar yet new dynamic between them. She would never admit it to him out loud, but this nickname he had for her was one of her favorites.
Arnav gathered her in his arms and embraced her with his signature possessiveness, determined to hold on to her forever. He'd been foolish to let her leave once and he'll be damned if he let her go again.
From this moment on, he promised himself, there will be no more stupidity. No more games, no more moronic assumptions. He would ensure that the communication between them never suffered. He wasn't going to mask his emotions or feelings from her.
Open communication was key for them, he knew that now. Life had taught him that no matter how strong your bond, if you don't have proper means of conveying your feelings, the bond can take the brunt...eventually fading and even possibly breaking completely.
This new intervention wouldn't only apply with Khushi but with everyone. His sister, his father, his friends. Being closed off from everyone wasn't going to do anyone any good. He couldn't help but note, yet again, that perhaps if he had confided in his sister or his friends about his feelings for Khushi, they may have explained the scenario to him much earlier.
He was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that all these strings that seemed to have been tangled in hundreds of knots were finally all resolved.
"I can't wait to see everyone's reactions!" Khushi chuckled, bringing him out of his almost-epiphanic reverie.
Arnav smiled at the excitement in her voice. "Me too. Before we tell them, though...I want to tell someone else."
Khushi raised her head to look at him, a knowing smile on her face. She had expected this, of course. She even agreed with him. Someone else deserved to know this before their friends. "Let's go make your old man happy..."
"Oh, he won't be happy if he finds out you called him an old man'." Arnav laughed, kissing her forehead once.
Khushi laughed and slid into the car when he opened the door for her. With the smile still plastered across her face, she watched him walk around the front of the car and then get into his seat. As soon as the car was rolling forward again, his left hand sought out her right.
_____
Getting into the Raizada Mansion took some work. To make sure that they didn't run into any of their friends, Arnav and Khushi snuck in using the back door that led into the yard--the same yard where NK and Khushi had spoken this morning. After peeking around the wall of the hallway to ensure a clear path, Arnav rushed Khushi towards and up the stairs until they reached the wing that housed Arvind's study.
Arnav knocked on the closed door and waited until he heard Arvind's come in'. Thanking his stars for a successful lucky guess, Arnav opened the door and walked in, leaving Khushi standing against the door, hidden from Arvind's eyes. Arnav schooled his expression into a neutral emotion and greeted his father.
"Where the hell have you been? Akash and I have been worried..." Arvind lashed out, walking around the large desk towards his son.
"Sorry dad...I had to go and sort some things out." He smiled sheepishly.
"Bullshit!" Arvind exclaimed.
Arnav raised an eyebrow in question at his father. "Excuse me?"
"It's because NK is back, isn't it?" Arvind narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. "Akash said that you've been gone since NK and Khushi left...I hope you didn't go after her, Arnav. You need to give her some space. Poor girl's been dealing with more than anyone should have to...and most of that crap is because of my kids."
"I know dad!" Arnav interrupted his rant. "We all know. I really did need to go and sort some things out."
Arvind eyed Arnav curiously. What could possibly take precedence on his agenda over Khushi? He was sure that Arnav had gone to Payal's house to speak to NK and Khushi...if he hadn't been there...where was he all these hours?
"I want you to meet someone dad." Arnav smiled sheepishly again, taking a few steps backwards towards the door.
Arvind watched with increasing curiosity as Arnav reached behind the door. Surprise washed through him when Khushi walked into the room hand-in-hand with Arnav.
"I don't get it...you want me to meet Khushi?" Arvind questioned, wondering what the hell was going on.
"I'm sorry...let me introduce you." Arnav grinned. "Khushi...this is my father..."
Khushi chuckled and slapped Arnav's arm playfully while Arvind just watched him as if he had grown horns. Perhaps Arnav had finally lost his mind...?
"And dad," Arnav paused to wrap his arm around Khushi's shoulders and pull her closer. "Meet Khushi...my girlfriend."
"What?!" Arvind's eyebrows shot up.
He glanced between Arnav and Khushi repeatedly, his gaze skittering down to their hands every now and then. Was he wrong to have his doubts? Was he wrong to think that they might be just joking around?
"Is he lying?" Arvind directed the question at Khushi who looked taken aback at the inquiry.
"What the--" Arnav's brows knit into a scowl.
Khushi chuckled lightly, feeling faint heat rush to her cheeks as she shook her head in the negative. "No...he's not lying. Everything's been sorted...with everyone involved."
A small smile made a way to Arvind's lips even as he sagged with relief. "Finally."
"Finally." Khushi nodded with a shy smile.
An odd silence loomed for a couple of seconds. Somehow, in this scenario, it was out of place. Khushi had a question for the elderly man and probably now was the best time to deal with it.
"You're okay with this?" Khushi questioned seriously.
Both Arnav and Arvind looked at her bemusedly. What an odd question. Arvind had been exasperated with Arnav for all the goof ups. Arvind had been praying for this--for the happiness of all his kids, Khushi and Payal included. Why would he not be okay with this when he had always hoped that his foolish son eventually married his supposed "just best friend"?
"Why wouldn't I be okay with it?" Arvind frowned, straightening up, naturally adapting the gait he usually did during meetings when he had to win a contract in his favor.
Khushi twisted her fingers together and avoided Arnav's gaze. She looked at Arvind, hints of nervousness entering her body language for the first time since the anticipation at the caf.
"Because I have a broken engagement in my past now. As far as everyone is concerned, I was once committed to NK...no one will understand the reasons of the engagement or the ending of it." Khushi's voice trailed off.
Though Garima never voiced this out loud, Khushi knew that this particular fact bothered her. Though she tried to move forward with the generation, Garima's views and beliefs were still rooted in the older times where all of this was an anomaly. For the sake of her daughter's happiness and for NK's betterment as well, Garima had accepted these changes with as much grace as she could muster but in the back of her mind, the stigma associated with a broken engagement in their culture still worried her. The society could get quite brutal with their words even to this day when a girl tried to lead a life with a broken relationship in her past. As a mother, Garima worried that her daughter would have to go through that.
Khushi couldn't help but wonder whether Arvind would feel the same. Her friends would be happy for them, she knew. Because they would understand...their views were tad more liberal. Would Arvind accept her in Arnav's life with a grain of salt now?
Arvind sighed, understanding what Khushi was hinting at. In fact, he knew that when Manorama found out about this, she would no doubt point out Khushi's history as a negative. The child's worries, in his perspective, were not naive, nor stupid.
"What would your father have said, Khushi?" Arvind questioned.
Khushi smiled fondly at the memory of her father, knowing exactly what he would have said. "He would have accepted my decision but he would also advise me of the importance of relationships and how they shouldn't be treated like playthings."
Arvind nodded in what could only be agreement. "And what would you expect me to say if Anjali was in your place?"
"Probably the same thing..." Khushi answered thoughtfully.
Arvind crossed his arms again and gave her an almost-scolding smile--the kind parents reserved for their kids when they knew exactly what shenanigans were happening behind their back but listened to the story the kids had cooked up anyway. "Then why would you expect me to say anything different to you?"
The worry left her expressions to be replaced by slight confusion. Arvind chuckled, shook his head and approached her casually while Arnav observed the interaction with a smile on his face.
"Khushi, I'm not closed minded. As a man who was madly in love with his wife, I understand the power of the emotion. You must remember, always, that you're no different from Anjali for me. You, Payal, Anjali...all three of you have practically grown up in front of my eyes. The six of you have lived together like a family and you're all my kids." Arvind cupped her face with fatherly affection and smiled down at her. "And last but not the least...I don't give a rat's arse about what people have to say as long as my kids are happy and doing the right thing."
In a gesture to reiterate his words, Arvind lifted Khushi's and Arnav's adjacent hands simultaneously, ending the significant gesture by placing her hand in his.
"If you mess up this time, I will kill you Arnav." Arvind tried to speak sternly but the grin on his face diffused the intensity.
"I won't mess up dad." Arnav smiled at his father and turned to look at Khushi. Holding her gaze as she looked back up at him, he raised her hand to his lips and pressed a tender skin against her skin. "Not this time."
As Arvind watched them exchange a warm glance, he glimpsed first-hand, perhaps for the first time, the depth of feelings these two harbored for each other. It wasn't in the way she held his hand nor was it in the way he kissed her knuckles. It was in the momentary look that they exchanged as if they only had eyes for each other. As if their eyes tried to speak what mere words in a dictionary couldn't describe.
He felt as if a mountain had been lifted off of him. The stress of all these teetering relationships had taken a toll on Arvind--especially because for the most part he had to be an observer. Relief flooded through his being and then rushed into his eyes in the form of tears.
Before he could blink the moisture away, Arnav and Khushi turned to look at him.
"Dad!" "Uncle!"
The two of them exclaimed and moved simultaneously to comfort him, somewhat taken by surprise that he was tearful. Khushi beat Arnav to it as she walked into Arvind's awaiting hug.
"Don't get all filmy on me now!" Khushi chuckled.
"If you don't stop, she'll start crying and if that happens, she might flood your study." Arnav smirked, shaking his head as Arvind freed one arm to gather him in a half hug.
"He's back to being an ass!" Khushi slapped Arnav's arm with force, causing a sharp sting to echo in the study.
"Ow!" Arnav rubbed his arm where she'd hit him. "And you're back to being a witch."
Arvind chuckled and sighed. "And I'm glad you're both back to normal!"
_____
"I hope they're okay..." Payal glanced in the direction of the restaurant again, hoping to catch a glimpse of Khushi and NK.
"They're probably just catching up..." Akash reassured quietly, eying the suspiciously quiet and calm Arnav. What was more surprising was the way Lavanya and Arnav were chatting--as if they were long lost friends! What the hell had brought that on? Didn't Arnav always push Lavanya away because of her irritating flirting?
I hope Bhai's not trying the stupid jealousy thing again... Akash scowled to himself, not liking the idea one bit. He recalled Arnav and Khushi's reassurances that everything was fine between them. Does that still stand, now that NK is here?
Anjali, who was sitting next to Payal on the circular table, leaned closer to her friend to whisper. "Should I call her?"
"There she is!" Akash exclaimed as he caught a glimpse of Khushi and NK being led towards the table by the receptionist.
"I'm sorry everyone! We ran into a little flat tire situation..." Khushi walked around the table to Anjali and Payal to give them quick greeting hugs.
NK, looking dapper in a white shirt and navy blue jeans, greeted everyone with fist pumps and handshakes. No one questioned when Lavanya stood to embrace both NK and then Khushi in a greeting. Very casually, almost like a well rehearsed routine, the three of them sat down so that Khushi sat flanked by Arnav and NK while Lavanya took a seat on NK's other side. The smooth transition didn't raise any doubts about why suddenly Lavanya was sitting two seats away from her previous spot next to Arnav.
The conversations began anew and grew as they chatted merrily, reminiscent of the happy past, all the while effectively including NK and Lavanya. From the topic of Rohan and Anjali's honeymoon, which was currently postponed until Khushi went back to Australia, to the deliciousness of the meals they were devouring, the conversations flowed effortlessly. The strength of years of friendship and great camaraderie easily shoving aside the few upsetting incidents they had all undoubtedly, actively or inadvertently, been involved in.
Secretly holding hands under the table in between their courses, Arnav and Khushi participated fully in the chats. The closer they got to dessert, the more excited the two new couples became with the impending announcement.
Khushi all but plowed through her chocolate lava cake, making both NK and Arnav chuckle under their breaths. Setting her fork down on her plate, she retrieved her hand from Arnav's grip. Raising her wine glass to her lips, she took a long, deliberate sip, savoring the flamboyant taste. She threw a questioning glance at NK and then smiled in approval when he nodded slightly in agreement.
"Everyone..." NK began, noticing from the corner of his eyes how Arnav sat up straighter in his chair. "Khushi and I have an announcement to make."
Apart from Lavanya and Arnav, everyone else threw questioning glances at NK before settling their querying eyes on Khushi. Interpreting the statement incorrectly, Anjali and Payal exchanged a nervous glance, almost certain that NK was about to announce a wedding date.
Unaware of the conclusion Anjali and Payal had drawn, NK reached out and took a hold of Khushi's left hand--a silent promise that he would stand by her through the storm of questions which would surely follow.
"The last time we were all gathered like this, Khushi had announced our engagement..." NK set the stage, with a perfect touch of sincerity and suspense in his tone.
"Today...we want to announce that..." Khushi pried her hand out of NK's and held it up for everyone to see the barren ring finger. "We're no longer engaged."
Jaws dropped slowly. Faint gasps escaped. Apart from that, it was all quiet for a few moments. Too quiet.
"We broke it off this morning..." NK continued. "It was a mutual decision...no hard feelings. In fact, we've decided to stay friends like we always were."
The expected questions never came. Instead, four pairs of eyes swiftly turned to throw a calculative glance in Arnav's direction to see his reaction. His schooled expression gave away nothing and just for added measure, he took a sip of wine from his own glass quietly, avoiding everyone's eyes.
"Wow that...that's..." Anjali stammered, rattling her brains for the right words. "A bit of a surprise..."
What else could you possibly say to a couple that mutually broke off their engagement?
"You two must've had your reasons for taking such a drastic step." Rohan spoke before either Anjali or Payal could question the reasons.
That information was up to Khushi and NK to share. If they wanted to, they would. If they didn't then they shouldn't be questioned by anyone. Especially by Anjali and Payal.
"We did." Khushi contained her excited anticipation as she geared up to tell them.
"I have another announcement." NK interrupted, curbing the urge to laugh at the way the four heads swiveled between him, Khushi, and Arnav.
"NK and I are together!" Lavanya blurted in one breath, unable to take the slow wait anymore.
It was as if she was watching the reactions in slow motion. All eyes left NK's and turned to hers. Akash looked as if someone had pulled the rug out from under his feet. Anjali and Payal's jaws were hitting the floor. Rohan was in disbelief as if he wasn't sure he had heard her right.
"What?!" Anjali gasped.
"You and NK?" Payal questioned. "But...when...How?!"
NK and Lavanya launched into a quick summary of their steadfast journey to love. Everyone listened with utmost attention, asking questions and reacting with surprise at the right times. Away from their piercing gazes, Khushi leaned imperceptibly towards Arnav.
"Not gonna lie...I thought they'd be more dramatic than this." Khushi muttered under her breath.
"I'm sure you won't be disappointed..." Arnav muttered back, knowing that the real dramatic reactions will definitely come forth when the final announcement was made.
NK looped the story back around to how they decided to break the engagement--leaving out all mentions of Arnav and Khushi's relationship. Still slightly in a state of disbelief, Akash, Payal, Anjali and Rohan relaxed in their seats.
When they had showed up for dinner tonight...this was the last thing they had expected. Some light-hearted jokes and maybe even some awkwardness because of the Arnav-Khushi-NK triangle but never had they considered a broken engagement and a new individual included in the picture.
Akash watched Arnav suspiciously. Something about Arnav's lack of surprise or relief at this news didn't seem right. The news of Lavanya and NK being together should have brought the most relief to Arnav. But as he sat there, nonchalance at its best, Akash couldn't help but wonder whether there was more to it than what met the eye.
Then suddenly Arnav caught his eye. Instead of looking away, Akash continued to watch his cousin, his expression demanding answers. Akash raised his eyebrows slightly, silently reiterating the questions running through his mind. Understanding, a corner of Arnav's lips lifted in a smug smile in response.
"Yes!" Akash slammed his hand on the table in excitement and burst into relieved chuckles. Leaning back in his chair, he let his head fall back as he raked his fingers through his hair, feeling lighter than he had in days. The grief he felt for his friends, the helplessness at being unable to help, the guilt of how his girlfriend had played a part in their separation, all washed away with a simple small smile from Arnav.
Arnav joined in with the light laughter while everyone looked around, confused as to why they were laughing out of nowhere. Khushi caught on quickly and watched with a grin. Soon, Khushi, NK, and Lavanya joined in the laughter while Payal, Anjali, and Rohan just watched on, somewhat amused, somewhat annoyed, somewhat confused.
"What the hell are you guys laughing at?" Rohan scowled.
"We're laughing because Akash figured out that Khushi and I are together."
One beat. Two beats. Three beats...
"You, WHAT?!" Anjali and Payal exclaimed in unison, loud enough to grab attention from the fellow diners in the restaurant.
"At last." Arnav relaxed, glad that they wouldn't have to put up the front to keep the surprise contained. He liberally wrapped his arm around Khushi and pulled her into his side.
"Tell me I haven't lost my mind...what the hell happened in the span of a few hours?!" Payal was overwhelmed with all the new things surrounding them.
Taking a few minutes, Arnav and Khushi filled in the blanks that NK had so smartly incorporated into his story. Now, with both sides' stories, their friends had a clear and full version of the true events.
All the cards were on the table. All the stories were out in the open. There was nothing left to hide for any of them. This is what their relationship had reflected at one point before irrational decisions had driven them to begin hiding things from one another.
By making all their confessions, they had all restored, in a way, that bond they had shared once upon a time. This was their first step to resume their friendships, to free their bonds of any burdens of the past, to wash the canvas clear of any taints and smudges.
Granted, there were some changes in the group dynamics. There were new additions to the group. But at the end of the day, in a way, they'd come a full circle. Together.
This time when the silence broke, Anjali and Payal broke out into excited squeals and made their way around the table. Khushi stood up, all giggles herself. The three women united in an embrace, expressing their love and happiness for each other.
Rohan and Arnav shared fist pumps across the table while Akash, the most affectionate of the three, rushed towards his cousin. Arnav rolled his eyes and thumped Akash's back when he pulled him into a brotherly hug.
As expected, Anjali and Payal didn't let Khushi down in terms of the dramatic quota of their reactions for they both ended up tearful. Muttering and gushing about how happy they were, they even gave multiple hugs to Arnav.
Even after they settled back into their seats, the high spirits and glee didn't leave the group of eight. They fell back into conversations but suddenly, the tones had changed. Everyone was much more relaxed, much more comfortable.
The other diners often threw dirty glances at them when they got too loud, when they half-yelled in agreement or disagreement...when they laughed like they were the only ones in the restaurant. But they could care less about what anyone else thought of them for they were too engrossed in this chunk of time. This chunk of time was their true reunion.
_____
Love,
Katie
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