Selection confirmed

Khushi's curiosity was piqued. "What's going on, Arnav? You sound really anxious."

Arnav took a deep breath. "The Under-19 team announcement is today, and I have a feeling that if you're here with me, I'll get selected."

Khushi couldn't help but laugh. "Arnav, you're crazy! But I'll come over anyway. I want to be there to support you."

As Khushi arrived at Arnav's house, she was greeted by Dada and Dadi, who were both teasing Arnav mercilessly. "Arnav thinks Khushi is his good luck charm," Dada said with a chuckle.

Dadi playfully rolled her eyes. "Well, if Khushi's presence can guarantee Arnav's selection, then we should make her a permanent fixture in our house."

Arnav blushed, looking sheepish, but Khushi just grinned and gave him a reassuring hug. "Don't worry, Arnav. I'm here for you, no matter what happens."

The TV announcer's voice filled the room, and everyone's attention was glued to the screen. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been waiting for... the announcement of the Indian Under-19 cricket team for the upcoming World Cup!"

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the TV screen. Arnav's heart was racing with anticipation, and he could feel Khushi's reassuring presence beside him.

The announcer began to read out the names of the selected players, and the room remained silent, with everyone holding their breath.

"Rohan Sharma, captain..."

"Vikram Singh, vice-captain..."

The announcer continued to read out the names, and Arnav's anxiety grew with each passing moment. Would he make the cut?

Khushi, sensing Arnav's tension, reached out and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. Arnav looked at her, and their eyes met in a moment of shared understanding.

And then, suddenly, the announcer said the words that made Arnav's heart leap with joy: "Arnav Singh Raizada, batsman...".

The room erupted in cheers and applause as Arnav's name was announced. Dada and Dadi rushed over to congratulate him, beaming with pride.

"We knew you could do it, beta!" Dada exclaimed, patting Arnav on the back. Turned to his son Arvind "Didn't I tell Arvind? Khushi cam and he got selected; I knew it."

Arvind smiled at his father "Yeah, Khushi is really a lucky girl."

Khushi's face lit up with a bright smile as she was showered with praise and affection. She felt happy and proud to be considered a lucky charm for Arnav. Ratna comes and hug her. "This time once you finish you 10th standard exams you are coming with us for vacation. No more reasons"

Khushi felt a sense of comfort and belonging. She had always felt like a part of the Raizada family, and moments like these made her feel grateful for their love and acceptance.

Arnav, who was still on cloud nine after hearing his name announced, turned to Khushi with a huge grin on his face. "Thanks, Khushi! I couldn't have done it without you!"

Khushi playfully rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right! You're the one who's been practicing day and night. I'm just a lucky charm!"

Arnav chuckled and ruffled Khushi's hair. "Hey, don't underestimate the power of a lucky charm! You've been with me through all the ups and downs, and I couldn't have asked for a better friend."

Just then, Dada intervened, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Now, now, let's not get too sentimental. We have a celebration to plan! Arnav, you're going to be a part of the Indian Under-19 team! We need to make this a day to remember!"

Kashish burst through the door; a bright smile plastered on her face. "Arnav, congratulations! I just heard the news!" she exclaimed, rushing over to him.

Without waiting for anyone's permission, Kashish threw her arms around Arnav, hugging him tightly. Arnav, taken aback by her sudden display of affection, stood stiffly, unsure of how to react.

Kashish, seemingly oblivious to the awkwardness she was causing, continued to hug Arnav, her face buried in his shoulder. The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the uncomfortable scene unfolding before them.

Just when it seemed like Kashish was going to let go, she leaned in and planted a kiss on Arnav's cheek. Arnav's face turned bright red as he pushed Kashish away, looking embarrassed.

"Kashish, what are you doing?" Arnav asked, trying to compose himself.

Kashish smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm just celebrating your success, Arnav. You deserve it."

Khushi's eyes widened in shock as she watched the scene unfold before her. She couldn't believe Kashish's audacity. Who did she think she was, kissing Arnav like that?

Dada and Dadi exchanged a disapproving glance, their faces stern with discomfort. Ratna looked like she was about to intervene, but Arnav's embarrassed expression stopped her.

Arnav took a step back, trying to create some distance between himself and Kashish. "Kashish, I appreciate the sentiment, but you didn't have to do that," he said, his voice firm but polite.

Kashish's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, come on, Arnav. Don't be shy. I'm just happy for you," she said, her voice dripping with insincerity.

Khushi's eyes met Arnav's, and she could see the discomfort and embarrassment written all over his face. She knew she had to do something to diffuse the situation.

Khushi stepped forward, a bright smile on her face. "Hey, let's not forget why we're here. We're celebrating Arnav's amazing achievement! Who's up for some cake and snacks?"

The room erupted in a chorus of agreement, and the tension was momentarily broken. Dada and Dadi bustled off to the kitchen to bring out the celebratory treats, while Ratna started pouring drinks.

Arnav shot Khushi a grateful glance, and she winked back at him. Kashish, on the other hand, looked like she'd been doused with cold water. Her face fell, and she took a step back, her eyes narrowing.

Khushi pretended not to notice Kashish's reaction, instead focusing on helping to distribute the snacks and cake. But she was aware of Kashish's gaze on her, and she could sense the other girl's growing resentment.

Khushi was barely 15, and she didn't want to get into a fight with her sister, especially not in front of Arnav and his family.

Arnav, sensing Khushi's distress, reached out and gently put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked softly.

Khushi nodded, still looking away. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Arnav's family looked on, uncomfortable with the tension between the two sisters. They didn't know what to say or do, so they just stood there, waiting for the awkward moment to pass.

Khushi decides to go back home "Ok Arnav, I will get going. Nana and Nani will be waiting."She rushes out without waiting.

Arnav immediately sprang into action, feeling bad that Khushi had to leave on an awkward note. "Khushi, wait!" he called out, rushing after her.

But Khushi was already out the door, hurryingdown the stairs. Arnav followed her, feeling a pang of concern. He didn't want Khushi to feel uncomfortable or upset.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he saw Khushi rushing out of the building, not looking back. Arnav sighed, feeling helpless. He hoped Khushi wasn't too upset.

Just then, Kashish appeared beside him, a smug look on her face. "Looks like someone's running away with their tail between their legs," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Arnav turned to Kashish, his eyes flashing with anger. "That's enough, Kashish. You've done enough damage for one day."

Kashish's smile faltered, and she took a step back, her eyes widening in surprise. "What's your problem, Arnav?" she asked, her voice laced with defiance.

Arnav's anger simmered just below the surface. "My problem is you, Kashish. You always have to stir up trouble and cause tension. Can't you just leave Khushi alone?"

Kashish's face fell, and for a moment, Arnav saw a glimmer of hurt in her eyes. But then, her expression hardened, and she sneered at him. "You're just blinded by Khushi's sweetness, Arnav. You don't see the real her."

Arnav's eyes narrowed. "I see exactly who Khushi is, Kashish. And I know she's a thousand times better than you'll ever be."

Kashish's face turned red with rage, and she spun on her heel, storming off. Arnav watched her go, feeling a mix of anger and frustration. Why did Kashish always have to cause so much drama? was the question which always haunted him.