Chapter 57

Khushi stir in bed as her sleep broke ... she could feel the sun rays on her face ... she knew it is morning ... but she didn't want to leave the warm bed ... she snuggle her face more into the next pillow and smile as she smell the woody musk fragrance ... she inhaled deeply ... she like this fragrance very much ... all Arnav ... her Arnavji.

Slowly she turn to right ... stretching her arms and lower body like a kitten on the bed ... her eyes still close ... she sit up on the bed ... hands on lap over the quilt ... she moves her lips as if eating something and then murmur to sleep more and have some pratha in the breakfast ... that's when she heard a chuckle sound ... she opens her eyes and surprise to see Arnav sitting on sofa at right side of the bed ... one hand holding his zipper bottle and other was over his knee holding his chin ... eyes amused and a smile on his face ... looking intently at her.

"Arnavji ...", said Khushi in a sleepy surprised voice ... and then taking notice of his track suit, "were you leaving for the jog?" asked Khushi trying to stifle her yawn ... she knows of Arnav's morning routine to go for jogging before breakfast. Arnav chuckled again and slight shake his head, "No I just came back a while ago".

"huh ...", said Khushi and then realizing something she sat straight in bed and asked hurriedly, "what time is it?" and look around for wall clock but there was none.

"Around 9 I guess", said Arnav.

"oh ... why didn't you wake me up before?", said Khushi as she pushed and quilt away and put her legs down.

"So that I could miss this scene ... I am glad I didn't wake you up", said Arnav as he stood up and come near Khushi. And Khushi stood up hesitantly

"you look like a cute kitten in the morning ... do you always wake up like this?", asked Arnav with a smirk.

A blush started to creep up on Khushi's cheek as she lowered her eyes ... "um ... wo ...", she couldn't think of a reply.

"Lal hai", said Arnav taking a step towards. "Kya?", said Khushi looking confuse at him.

"Tumhari naak", said Arnav flicking her nose with his finger. Khushi open her mouth slightly at his open flirting.

"its time for breakfast ...", said Arnav and turn to go ... then turning back he said, "I will ask Ram baba to make pratha for you" and smile as Khushi mouth again open in a small O. Khushi rushed towards the washroom in shyness. Arnav chuckled at her reaction and went towards the kitchen.

When he woke up early morning ... he found Khushi snuggle upto him ... he looked at her for a while thinking that if its reality or dream ... then as previous events flash through his mind he turn to look at her closely happy that she is here ... don't know how many minutes past in admiring the beauty beside him ... her lush black hair ... milky skin ... innocent face ... pink pouty lips and her flowery smell ... he wanted to etched at scene permanent in his mind and heart. After many minutes he slowly and carefully get out of bed not disturbing her sleep ... and went for jog ... when he return he found her still sleeping ... so wanting to look at her for a while before he wakes her up he sit on the sofa and looked at her sleeping form ... few minutes pass and he saw her stirring ... he was to get up when he saw her stretching like a kitten on bed and that held him captive.

----------- At Same Time in Shantivan ...

Akash was pacing beside the dining table trying Arnav's number again and again but it was going "no-responding".

"Hello hi baye baye ... What iz this sasuma ... Arnav bitwa's picture in the newspaper ... aur wo bhi khushii k sath?", said Mamiji looking shockingly at the newspaper.

"looking at the picture it seems that it was taken within the office ... but who took this?", said Mamaji thinking worriedly.

"Akash bitwa ... did you get Chotey's number?", asked Nani looking at Akash ... she was too worried seeing the picture.

"No dadi ... I am trying but its going un-reachable", said Akash turning to his Dadi.

"And Khushi bitya ... did she know about this? Don't know what she will be thinking ... and her parents ... Devi Maiya sub thek kerna.", said Nani worriedly.

Akash look at her and said, "Dadi ... I don't have her number". He never needed her number before ... His Dadi and parents didn't know that where Arnav was and also that Khushi might be with him. Thinking that Aman must have Khushi's number ... he was about to dial his number when he get a call from another person.

He gulped seeing the name "Payal ... calling".

----------- At Same Time

"Aman ... whats the meaning of all this?", said Lavanya as she hurriedly put things in her hand bag ... ready to leave for office ... she was having breakfast reading the newspaper when she got choked on her juice seeing Arnav and Khushi's picture on front page of Business Section. She quickly called Aman and left the breakfast to go for office.

"Lavanya ... I don't know a thing about it ... I am as shocked as you are", said Aman as he open his car door.

"And ASR? ... Does he know?", said Lavanya as she moved out of her apartment.

"I guess not ... if he had seen the picture ... I would have gotten his call by now ... he will be really angry once he gets to know about this", said Aman as he drove towards the office.

"you are coming office right?", asked Lavanya as she started her car.

"yeah ... I was thinking to go to India Times office ... but then I thought to inform ASR first about this", said Aman.

"Yeah its better that way ... plus there will be media all over", said Lavanya.

"Shit ... why I haven't thought of this ... Lavanya call Anjali Di ... explain her the situation ... Nani ji will be worried about this ... and I will talk to Akash and Amit", said Aman

"ok I am on it ... take care", said Lavanya and cut the call ... and then dial Anjali's number stopping the car on the sideway.

-----------------------------------------------

"Hello Payal Ji", said Akash picking her call.

"Akash ji .. whats all this? Arnavji and Khushi's picture like this and whats is this all rubbish written?", asked Payal angry and worried.

"Look Payal ji ... I know you must be worried about all this ... believe me, we are worried too as we don't know anything about it", said Akash trying to explain her.

"How come you people don't know anything ... Media don't print news just like that ... someone must have given them some spice gossip about Arnav ji and Khushi to print", said Payal angrily.

"I know Payal ji ... but that someone is not one of us ... it must be some riv ..." Akash was saying when payal cut him.

"I don't care ... where is Arnavji ... give him the phone I will ask him about this rubbish", said Payal

"um ... bhai is not here ... I am also trying to call him", said Akash.

"What? He is not in office? What about Khushi? I try to call her but her cell is un-reachable ... has she reached office?", asked Payal as another thought came in her mind.

"um ... no .. I am not in office ... I was about to ask her number from you", said Akash.

"her number? Why?", asked payal.

"Wo um ... well ... bhai wasn't picking up so I thought ..." Akash was saying when payal again cut him

"Don't tell me Khushi is with Arnav ji and you don't know where they are", said Payal as she put things together in her mind.

"um yes ... actually ..."Akash was saying when Payal cut her again.

"What? she is with him? ... you don't where they are ... what the hell is going on there?", Payal said in a loud voice.

Akash gulped and try to explain her, "well I know where they are ... and we trying to reach them and also trying to solve this situation ... everything will be fine ... please don't worry".

"Its easy for you to say ... do you know what will happen when Amma and Baba come to know of this ... when people around us will start to gossip about Khushi ... you do know what type of words they use ... right ... so don't tell me that everything will be alright ... when I know it wont", said Payal with worry.

"yes you are right ...", said Akash in low tone as he come to realizes the complexity of the situation.

"I am coming there ... I have to be there to handle my parents and be with Khushi when they get to know about her and Arnavji", said Payal as she went to her room to gather her stuff.

"You know about bhai and Khushi?", asked Akash little surprise.

"Of course I do ... I am her sister ... what else do you expect .. and more my parents are there in Dehli .. I hope they haven't seen the newspaper ... I have to call buaji too.", said Payal and cut the call.

"pagal Khushi ... I hope everything is fine with you", said Payal as she put her stuff in small suitcase.

She was having her breakfast when she got call from NK and he told her about the article. Payal doesn't have the newspaper so she quickly check the e-copy of it online ... to say she was shock would be an understatement ... she was more worried about her parents reaction about the article .. she tried calling Khushi but her number was no-responding ... thinking that her crazy sister must again forget to charge her cell she dials the next number which came in her mind ... of Akash. As being Arnav's brother Payal thought he must know about this ... but it seems that no one knows about this article ... it seems that someone has done this to ruin the image of either Arnav or Khushi ... Payal was intelligent enough to figure this out ... but still she knows that not everyone will think this way ... given the rubbish written in the article.

So she called her school and told that she have to go away for family emergency and then locking the home she left for airport haling the cab ... she have to reach her parents as soon as possible.

----------- At Same Time

"NK calm down please ... its no use getting worked up", said Naina on the phone.

"I don't know yaar ... I cant get Khushi on phone ... I talk to Payal Di ... she talked to Akash ... they don't have any idea about this article ... I am worried for her", said NK worriedly.

"I can understand ... I am sure Arnavji will handle this thing", said Naina.

"Yeah right", said NK mockingly. "He always troubles her".

"NK ...", said Naina a bit sternly. "Don't ... you know how much both mean to each other ... you have told me yourself ... you were happy that someone like Arnavji is with her".

"I know yaar ... but I am angry on myself that I cant do anything for her", said NK.

"NK I know but you don't have to be with her all the time ... now Arnavji is in her life ... there will be times when only Arnav ji can be with her ... are you understanding ... what I am trying to say", said Nania trying to explain him.

"yeah ...", sighes NK.

"Good ... so just wait for some time ok", said Nania and NK agreed.

------------------ After half hour

"mmm ... its yummy ...", said Khushi as she ate pratha with alu sabzi.

Arnav chuckled as he sipped his juice, "Do you always ate this heavy in breakfast?", asked Arnav.

Khushi shakes her head in NO .. "not always ... but sometimes when I have a mood for pratha ... usually Amma makes alu pratha with dhai chatni for me ... now since I am here I didn't get much time in morning to make Pratha as I feel lazy to get up early morning", said Khushi while munching.

"ha wo toh dekha mein ne ... how lazy you feel while getting up", said Arnav with a smirk and Khushi quickly look down busying herself in eating ... not willing to answer for that.

"Waise ... jub uthi ho tub bhi khane k barey mein sochti ho?", asked Arnav with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Haan aur nahi toh kia", replied Khushi instantly not getting his tease as food is her favorite topic ... subse pehle yeh hi sochti hun k aj kia khaongi ... aur phir ..." Khushi stopped as she notice his wide smile and feel embarrass about her ranting about food.

"Arnavji please ...", said Khushi slowly like a child not to tease her.

"What did I do?", said Arnav coolly.

"You ... you are teasing me ... stop that", said Khushi pointing a finger at him.

"what if I don't stop?", said Arnav and watch Khushi mouth open in a small O.

Arnavji and tease? First flirt and now tease ... what happen to him, thought Khushi.

"So ... So I won't eat then", said Khushi as she pushes the plate away.

"Ok ... ok not teasing ... come on eat now", said Arnav as he push the plate towards her. Khushi smile and started munching again thinking that her trick, while Arnav have his usual light breakfast of juice and buttered toast.

------------------- At Same Time

Buaji was coming back home from the near by shop when she saw 2 ladies standing near her house and gossiping among themselves giving her a weird look and when she reach near her door those ladies immediately stopped and giving a weird look again they went from there. Thinking about it Buaji enters her house and keep the shopping bag on sofa ... just then her door bell ring. She open the door and found her neighbor Mrs. Shanti Mehra with worry on her face.

"hey nand Kishore Shanti ji .. sub thek hai?", said Buaji.

In reply Shanti came in and close the door behind her ... getting confuse on her behavior Buaji was about to ask when Shanti said, "Madhumati ji ... have you seen today's news paper?".

Shanti Mehar was Buaji's neighbor since long and two were good friends too. Shanti had always think nice of Buaji and her family and she knows Khushi too and instantly like her ... when she saw the article she got worried and come quickly to her friend.

Buaji shakes her head in NO ... and then move towards the side table where she had kept the newspaper before going out. Shanti stopped her and then hand her the newspaper which she got ... buaji looked down and after few seconds her eyes got widened.

"Haye re Nand Kishore .. eh sub ka hai", said Buaji loudly in shock.

"Madhumati ji ...dhere ... I also don't know about this ... I came here as soon as I saw the article.", said Shanti.

"What happened Jiji", said Garima coming in the living room, she was in the kitchen making the breakfast ... hearing Buaji's loud voice she came there to know what happened.

"wo um .. kuch nahi Garima .. wo bus Shanti kuch keh rahi thi", said Buaji hiding the news paper from garima.

"Namastey Ji .. hum Shanti .. Madhumati ji ki padosan aur dost bhi", said Shanti joining the hands together in greeting.

"Namastey .. aye bathye", said Garima gesturing towards the sofa.

"nahi ... I should go now .. my husband must be waiting .. I just came here to tell Madhumati ji something important", said Shanti and then putting arm on Buaji's shoulder.

"If you need any help Madhumati ji ... please don't hesitate to ask", said Shanti and then leave.

"Jiji ... is everything alright?", asked Garima seeing the worried expression on Buaji;s face.

"haan naa ... you go and make breakfast ... Shashi babua must be waiting for it", said Buaji gesturing with her hand and Garima left from there slightly confuse.

Is sankdevi ka mein kia karun ... thought Buaji worriedly and went towards the phone to dail Khushi's number when the phone ring ...

"hello", said Buaji picking up the fone.

"Buaji ... hum Payal",said Payal as she had made the call when she got into taxi.

"Payal bitya did you sees the newspaper?", asked Buaji.

"Yes Buaji ... that's why I was calling ... Did Amma Baba see the newspaper", asked Payal worriedly.

"Nahi bitya ... I just saw it few minutes go and couldn't tell Garima", said Buaji.

"Buaji please don't tell Amma Baba as of now .. I am coming there ... I am on way to airport", said Payal sighing with relief.

"Acha bitya till then I call that sanka devi to come home", said Buaji.

"Nahi Buaji" said Payal instantly. "Don't call Khushi".

"Kahe nahi", asked Buaji confused.

"I tried to call her but her phone is not responding ... you just take care that Amma Baba don't see the newspaper ok ... I will try to call Khushi again", said Payal and Buaji agree ... After cutting the call Buaji send a prayer to Devi Maiya to make everything alright.

------------------- At Same Time

"Aman ... did you reach bhai?", asked Akash as he made a call to Aman after talking to Payal.

"I tried both ASR and Khushi's number but both are not responding ... just leave that ... Akash do one thing ... send Mohan to the farm house ok ... I was about to call Ram Baba ... ASR didn't take his car.. and it will take atleast an hour and half to reach farm house ... we cant waste time", said Aman hurriedly.

"Ok Aman", said Akash and cut the call.

Just the front door open and Amit came in, "Akash Sir ...". Akash turn and look at Amit he seem worried.

"What Amit?", asked Akash.

"Sir there are two media van outside Shantivan also 3 reporters were asking for ASR ... they were saying something about newspaper article", said Amit.

Seeing Amit, Mamaji also came in the hallway .. he had the newspaper with him, "here ...", said Mamaji extending the newspaper to Amit ... he was shocked and worried too seeing the article.

"Akash Sir ... there are only 3 reporters outside right now ... but there will be more with time passing", said Amit.

Akash run his hand in hair with annoyance, "who the hell give this picture and information to the media", said Akash in frustration.

"Relax Akash Bitwa (Mamaji put hand on Akash's shoulder) ... its no use getting frustrate ... we have to handle the situation till Arnav Bitwa comes ... Amit Bitwa (Mamaji turn to Amit) you go out and handle the media ... don't answer their question ... just tell them at Arnav bitwa is not here ... try to make them go to AR ... Aman bitwa will handle them better", said Mamkaji and Amit went from there.

"I think I should also go to office", said Akash looking at the cell for time ... its 09:50 am now.

"No bitwa ... reporters are out there ... its better to wait here for sometime", said Mamaji

"Papa I will go from the back door" as Akash was saying when front door open again ... Akash turn towards the door.

"Di ...", said Akash as she move towards a worried Anjali.

"Akash ... whats all this Lavanya called me a while ago ... I didn't see the newspaper but what she told me ... and there are reporters out there asking me stupid questions about Chottey and Khushi and ..." Anjali was saying in worry when Akash held her shoulders stopping her.

"Di relax ... come ...", said Akash and take her to living room, where Nani and Mamiji was already seated on the Sofa. Anjali went to Nani sit beside her. Akash show her the news paper and tell her what he knew.

"Aur Khushi?", Anjali asked Akash who avoided her eyes but then holding her hand he said, "Di she is with bhai ... he is at the farm house".

"What? Why did he went there ... and why Khushi is with him at farm house?", asked Anjali not understanding.

"Well I don't know the details ... its just that Khushi get to know about Ku ...", but Akash immediately stop realizing on time that he was about to utter Kushal's name.

"I means something happen between bhai and Khushi and Khushi wanted to meet him to solve the problem ... so she took the address from Aman and went there", said Akash thinking of the excuse.

"ohh ...", said Anjali and look back at the article ... "but who did this?", asked Anjali.

"that we don't know but I guess Aman is on it to find out", said Akash.

"oh no ... Buaji", say Anjali after few seconds. Everyone look at her questioningly.

"Khushi's Buaji ... what if she has seen the newspaper too ... she would be worried about Khushi ... I guess we should call her", said Anjali and stood up to get to landline phone when Akash stop her remembring his conversation with Payal.

"Khushi's parents are here too", said Akash.

"What? How do you know?", asked Anjali ... Akash avert her eyes ... not wanting to tell her about Payal.

"Di media is out side Shantivan ... what if they go to Khushi's house as well ... we can handle the media but I don't think so they had ever face media", said Akash with worry remembering what Payal told him about society and all that.

"Oh no ... now what should we do", said Anjali her mind diverted from the question. "that's what I am thinking as well", said Akash.

"Akash Bitwa ... I guess we should call them here ...", said Nani and everyone get surprise with her suggestion.

"Khushi's Buaji house is in Laxmi Nagar ... she told me ... and after seeing this article I know there will be gossips among their neighbors and if Media also gets there ... it might become a scene ... its better we call them here ... or ... I think Akash bitwa you go and bring them here ... you can explain the situation to them as well", said Nani.

"I agree with Ma ji ... Akash Bitwa you go and bring them here", said Mamaji and Akash went towards the back door dialing Payal number on the way to ask for the address.

-------------------------------

After coming to the office Aman went straight to ARID ... the head was waiting for him, as he too got to know about the article and with his experience he knows that it is done by someone to taint Arnav's image and to build gossip about him in the media ... he also knows that this will greatly affect Khushi's image as well ... Although he didn't know much about Khushi beside her being an good employee of AR ... but after the incident where Khushi got stuck in the store room and how Arnav took care of her ... it clearly shows that his boss had soft corner for the lady ... but he was experience enough to not interfere in someone else's personally life and that too of his boss.

"Saurav ...", called Aman coming to the head of ARID Mr. Saurav Mehta. "I want to know who took this picture ... look at video of security camera in the office hall ... there must be something about the person who took this picture ... seeing the angle and distance (Aman showing the picture to Saurav as she taken the newspaper with him while coming to office) the person who took the picture must be standing in the Management section of the hall and must be up close to take that much clear picture" said Aman ... he had thought all about this while driving towards the office.

"ok Aman", said Saurav and called his IT guy and told him to look through the video footage of that day when Khushi got stuck in the store.

"Also find out who have written this article and how India Times gets this picture ... someone must have emailed them or personally handover it ... look if you can find an inside man in India Times", said Aman and Saurav left from there telling that he will report back to Aman in an hour or two.

Aman went out of ARID when his cell ring indicating NK calling ... he talk to him and tell him what he knew so far and tell him not to worry and wait for Arnav and Khushi to come back. After ending the call he was about to call at farm house, as he knew that there is no use calling Arnav or Khushi, his cell ring again indicating Akash's call. After talking to Akash he dialed farm house number ... he had already thought to send a car to farm house ... so that if they could not contact Arnav or Khushi at least they could come back here.

------------------------------------------------

After finishing the breakfast Arnav went for a shower as he was still in his track suit ... mean while Khushi clear the dinning table and wash the dishes. She was just placing the washed plates in the rack when Ram baba came in the kitchen.

"Arey Bitya ... why did you do all this ... I was coming here to do that", asked Ram Baba quite surprised at the young lady's gesture.

"Its ok baba ... I like to do house stuff plus I didn't have anything else do to", said Khushi with a genuine smile.

"Arnav baba? ...", asked Ram Baba looking around.

"in his room ... I guess to freshen up", said Khushi and Ram Baba went from there.

Not finding anything else to do Khushi went to the living room and switch on the TV. Not much interested in watching TV Khushi kept on switching the channels waiting for Arnav to come. After 15 minutes Arnav come to the living room ... seeing him Khushi stood up and look at him ... he looked fresh and was wearing a casual jean with grey and black strip T-shirt. Arnav smirk seeing Khushi lost in him checking out. He moves towards her and this broke Khushi's trance ... before both could say something they heard the landline phone ring.

Arnav stopped and turn ... just then Ram Baba too came there hearing the ring ... but Arnav gesture him to go and pick up the phone thinking who would be calling him ... somewhere he was sure that it must be his Di.

"Hello ...", said Arnav. "ASR ...", it was Aman.

"Aman?", said Arnav in confusion.

There was a deep sigh from Aman's side that confuse Arnav more.

"Can you please tell me why your cell is going on no-responding mode since last night", said Aman trying to suppress his anger but Arnav didn't miss his tone.

"My cell?", said Arnav and then remembering something he said, "Oh its battery died and I forget to charge".

Aman was literally shocked at the casual way Arnav said this ... Arnav was always carefull about these little things in his life ... to keep his cell and laptop full charge as he used to say that he don't want a minute of delay in his work due to these stupid things and sometimes when Aman forget to charge his cell Arnav use to scold him and now saying casually that he forget to charge his cell was really something indigestible for Aman.

"Shit ...", said Khushi while smacking her head ... Arnav looked at her asked her with gesture of hand what's the matter but Khushi quickly shakes her head and went towards the bedroom where she kept her bag.

When Aman didn't say anything for few seconds Arnav said his name ... coming out of shock Aman said, "well it's a news to me that you DIDN'T CHARGE YOUR CELL", said Aman emphasing on the last words a bit mockingly.

Sensing his sarcasim and the reason behind it Arnav smile a little but kept his tone stern, "What is it Aman?".

"Khushi is with you right?", asked Aman .. "hmm", Arnav replied.

"I guess she too forget to charge her cell as I tried to call her many times", said Aman

"I guess if your saying so ... Aman come to the point", said Arnav now getting irritating at Aman's investigation.

Aman was somewhere glad that Arnav forget to charge his cell phone otherwise he would be getting calls from various people regarding the article.

"Ok .. ASR please ... please listen to me without getting angry or annoyed", said Aman

"Aman ..."Arnav wanted to say but Aman cut him in between.

"Please listen first ... Akash have send Mohan to pick you and Khushi ... he is on way and most probably will reach to you in an hour ... come to Rahul's apartment once you reach here ... Don't ... I repeat don't go to your home or office ... media is there ... and ...", Aman was saying when Arnav cut him.

"Media ... why Media is there ... what are you not telling me?", said Arnav quickly as soon as he heard the name "Media" which he dislike very much.

"ASR its no use telling you now when you are not here ... its better you come here first then we can deal with the situation", said Aman. "And before you get angry which I am sure you are ... nothing happen to anyone in the family ... everyone is fine in case you are worry about them ... you do trust me right?", said Aman.

Arnav taken aback with his question ... trust was never an issue between them since the time they know each other ... after his Di if he trust someone that will be Aman ... he had known him inside out ... there bond was different from normal friends ... they understand each other without even saying their thought out loud ... so this question somewhere made Arnav angry.

"You don't need to ask me that", said Arnav gritting his teeth ... and Aman smile understanding his anger.

"Well then do what I say with out asking anything ... and yes keep your cell phone off", said Aman in a challenging tone which Arnav didn't miss.

"Fine ...", said Arnav in curt tone ... "Good .. See you then", said Aman and cut the call.

Aman smile ... its impossible to make Arnav do something which he is not willing too and Aman always gets thrill if he get succeed in it at rare times. But the next moment he realize what the situation is ... he dials Lavanya's number.

"hey ... did you talk to ASR", said Lavanya picking up the call.

"Yes finally ... he will be back with Khushi in 2, 3 hours", said Aman.

"that's great ... did you tell him about the article?", asked Lavanya.

"Nope ... its no use ... he will get angry and beside he won't be able to do anything until he reaches here and also because Khushi is with him ... I know she will get hysterical if she knows about it ... its better they reach here first ... at least we will be with them to handle if needed", said Aman.

"Hmm ... Aman ... people are gossiping here in the office ... it's good that no one from VF team had seen the article ... and I asked Prachi and Vijay to take care of it ... also I asked the design team not to say anything about it but you have to talk to other employees", said Lavanya.

"Ok ... I do that", saying that Aman cut the call and went out of ARID.

------------------- At Same Time

Akash ring the bell of the gupta house. Buaji who was in her room trying to hide the newspaper so that Garima and Shashi don't see the article got startled to hear the bell ... thinking that it will be another neighbor who came to ask about the article Buaji rush out of the room ... quickly putting the newspaper in the drawer. But didn't look back to see that the drawer didn't close properly.

Garima was on way to the door when Buaji called her, "Garima ... I will see it ... you go prepare the tea for Shashi babua", said Buaji and rush to the front door. Garima got surprise at her behavior.

Buaji open the door and got confuse to see a young man standing there. "yes bitwa ... can I help you?", asked Buaji.

"Namaste", said Akash holding hands. "I am Arnav Singh Raizada's brother ... Akash".

Hearing Arnav's name Buaji got alret. "Do you know about the newspaper .. and where .. where is Khushi?", Buaji hurriedly ask in lower tone so that Garima don't hear it.

"yes I have come here regarding that .. I need to talk to you something important", said Akash.

Garima who stood few distance away come near and try to remember where she had seen him.

"you ... I have seen you before", said Garima and Buaji got worried.

"yes aunty ... I am Akash ... we came to you house for lunch remember in Mumbai with my family", said Akash.

"Oh yes ... Khushi's collegue right ... she works in your office", said Garima remembering the time they come for lunch.

"yes aunty ... I came here to ..." Akash was saying when Buaji cut in.

"You come in Bitwa ... Garima ... go quickly get tea", said Buaji taking Garima's arms and pushing her lightly ahead.

"Ji .. jiji", said Garima confuse but none the less went to the kitchen.

"Bitwa tell me what is it ... where is Khushi?", said buaji ... looking towards the kitchen seeing if Garima is there or not.

"Aunty ji I have come here to take you all with me to my home", said Akash.

"hain why bitwa .. Khushi is there?", asked Buaji.

"No buaji .. she is with Arnav bhai ... they are coming here ... but you all have to come with me ... because media is at our place and we fear that they will also come here ... we don't want a scene to create here ... it will be bad for Khushi .. please understand Buaji and come with me", said Akash and Buaji started to think about it.

Meanwhile Garima was making the tea ... she had ask Buaji to bring ilaichi and sonf for tea so she went to her room and found a shopper on the bed ... she looked in it and fine a small packet of ilaichi and sonf ... when she turn to go her eyes fell on the drawer. She came to the table to close the drawer properly when she saw the newspaper. She got confuse that what newspaper is doing here ... she took it out as Shashi read newspaper with his tea ... but the next second ... her eyes got widened and the packets fell from her hands.

"Shashi ji ... jiji ...", shouted Garima and came in the living room.

"Jiji ... jiji ... look ... whats this ...? this?", said Garima showing the newspaper to Buaji ... Buaji got upset now what she will tell Garima.

"Garima what happened?", said Shashi who also came there listening to Garima's voice.

"here see this ... Khushi ... our Khushi ... how ...", Garima couldn't form the words and handed the paper to Shashi.

Shashi also got shock and upset reading the article and seeing the image.

"Khushi ... call Khushi ... ask her about this ... I will call Khushi now", said Garima and move towards the phone but Buaji stopped her.

"Garima ... stop ... listen Khushi wont take the call .. I tried to .. but her number is going off", said Buaji.

Before Garima could say anything Akash went to Shashi and explain himeverything ... Shashi got relax a bit but still was worried for Khushi.

"please uncle come with me ... I know Bhai will take care of everything", said Akash. And Shashi agree after thinking for a minute. Garima was reluctant to go but then Shashi asked her to go as he too think that its better.

------------------- At Same Time

Keeping the phone down Arnav turn to see worried Khushi ... she was holding her cell.

"What happened?", asked Arnav.

"My cell ... I guess its battery got finished and I don't have my charger as well", said Khushi slightly worried ... thinking that if her mother or Buaji called her to know about her whereabouts.

"its ok ... Aman had send the driver to pick us up ... you can charge it once we get back", said Arnav sitting on the sofa.

"wow ... that's very thoughtful of Aman", said Khushi and sit of the sofa opposite to him.

"hmmm", thats all Arnav did thinking what could have happened that Aman is not telling him now and why media is there when the next sentence from Khushi break his thoughts.

"he really loves you", said Khushi with a smile.

"What the ...", said Arnav looking at Khushi as if she had grown horn over her head. "Are you crazy?"

"oh ... I meant as a friend", replied Khushi quickly.

When Arnav didn't say anything and kept looking her with the same expression Khushi launch into her explanation of friendship. "See Arnavji just like NK cares for me a lot, worries for me in the same way Aman cares for you and worries for you", said Khushi with a smile.

Arnav didn't say anything just raised an eyebrow as if telling her that whats new in that he somewhere knows that.

"you know Aman ji always take care of your medicines and food. You know who ask peon to give your medicine to you every day ... Aman. He regularly reminds peon to handover your medicine to you. He always carries your medicine with him. Even in London I had heard Aman telling the hotel manager in London to prepare less spicy veg food especially for you as you like. Plus he never ignores your calls, day night whatever time is it ... he always available for you. He never questions you. Never argue with you. Your final word is final word for him. Can't hear any bad word about you. He is even ready to fight for you. He trust you blindly. That much he respects you ... In short he always there for you ... So he loved you just like best friends do.", said Khushi beaming at Arnav.

Arnav on the other hand was awestruck at her explanation. He knows that Aman respects him and care for him ... but he never thought much about it until now when Khushi point out the things.

"And you are no less hai na", said Khushi. "What you mean?", asked Arnav not getting her.

"you care for him too. Once when he was ill but still came to office ... you yell at him ... poor Aman he was confuse at what he did ... you even called the doctor and order him to go to him .. didn't you?", said Khushi with a mischevious glint in her eyes.

"How did you know that?", asked Arnav astonish at how she knows that.

"I have my sources ... but the point is ... just as he blindly trust you ... you also do the same. You never doubt his actions ... always consult him first in every matter. Always takes his suggestion in business matters ... you have given him the authority to take decision in your absences which even Akash can't do. He knows things about you which even Anjali ji doesn't know. You two just have this connection that is pure, strong and so understandable and you two sometimes don't even needs words to express your thoughts ... just like me and NK", said Khushi ... "So in short he is your best friend and you are his best friend because I haven't seen him with any other guy as much I have seen him with you ... and same goes for you".

Now Arnav was completely stunned at what had Khushi said ... he never thought things between him and Aman in that perspective ... yes he knows this fact that he trusts Aman very much and that's the reason he didn't question him second time when Aman didn't tell him about the issues. But that much strong ... and best friends ... he never thought in those lines before.

"Sahi kaha na mein ne", said Khushi wiggling her eyebrows at Arnav as if telling him that she knows what he don't know.

To change the topic as Arnav didn't want to get fluster he stood up from and sofa and came to Khushi leaning down at her ... Khushi leaned back not understanding his gesture and a little shy.

"Aur kya kya observe kiya hai tumne mere bare mein Khushi", said Arnav with a smirk

Khushi gulped in shyness, "nahi toh ... aisa nahi hai ... mein sub ko observe kerti hun"

"jaisey?", asked Arnav leaning more on her that now Khushi sit her back with sofa.

"Jaisey ... jaisey Lavanya ji ... She is your friend too ... she care for you too ... but she care for Aman more because they ..."

"Love each other .. I know" Arnav competed her sentence as she stood straight

Khushi surprise look at him and seeing the known expression on his face she beam, "you know ... great ... they look cute na ... you know Lavanya thought that Aman was interested in me", said Khushi remembering past incidents.

"What?", asked Arnav surprise ...

Khushi nods her head and then started to tell him about what happen between Aman, Lavanya and her. And soon Arnav was sitting next to her talking away not caring of time after so many years.

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