Feelings Surfaced

Upon their return from Australia, Arnav's life underwent a dramatic transformation. His incredible performance in the World Cup match had catapulted him to overnight stardom in India. Everywhere he went, he was mobbed by fans clamoring for autographs and selfies.

Khushi, on the other hand, embarked on a new academic journey, enrolling in a pre-university course at a prestigious college. She was excited to explore new subjects and forge new friendships.

Kashish, unfortunately, faced a setback. Having failed her 2nd PUC exams, she was forced to repeat the course. Although her parents were disappointed, they encouraged her to work harder and improve her grades.

Arnav, meanwhile, skillfully balanced his academic pursuits with his cricketing ambitions. He joined a reputed college with a strong sports program, allowing him to pursue his graduation while continuing to improve his cricketing skills.

Arnav and Khushi spent more time together, their friendship deepened, and they found themselves sharing stories, laughter, and even their deepest secrets. Arnav loved listening to Khushi's college anecdotes, and she enjoyed hearing about his cricketing adventures.

Khushi would often regale Arnav with tales of her college escapades, from pulling all-nighters to finish assignments to trying out new foods at the cafeteria. Arnav would listen intently, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

In return, Arnav would share stories of his cricketing exploits, from the thrill of hitting a six to the agony of getting out on a duck. Khushi would listen with rapt attention, her eyes shining with excitement.

As they shared these moments, Arnav couldn't help but notice the way Khushi's eyes sparkled with joy whenever they were together. He felt his heart skip a beat whenever she was near, but he was careful not to reveal his true feelings, fearing it might ruin their special friendship. Especially after Khushi's warning about them being too young

Meanwhile, Kashish's annoyance grew with each passing day as she witnessed the strong bond between Arnav and Khushi. It seemed like they were inseparable, and Kashish couldn't help but feel left out.

She would often see Khushi accompanying Arnav to cricket matches whenever possible, cheering him on from the sidelines, and even attending his college events. Arnav's friends had also grown fond of Khushi, and they would often invite her to join them for movies, outings, or just hangouts.

Kashish felt like she was losing her place in Arnav's life, and it was eating away at her. Though Kashish and Arnav were classmates till she failed the class he and his friends never treated her as special as they treated Khushi now.

She began to wonder if Arnav was developing feelings for Khushi, and the thought made her feel uneasy and possessive. A pang of jealousy struck her heart, and she couldn't help but feel resentful towards Khushi.

The day of Khushi's Annual Day function had finally arrived, and Arnav was excited to attend it. He took his seat in the auditorium, eager to see Khushi perform live.

As the music began, Khushi took center stage, and Arnav's eyes were glued to her. Her dance was mesmerizing, a perfect blend of grace, elegance, and energy. Arnav was captivated by her movements, and his eyes sparkled with admiration.

As the dance came to an end, the audience erupted into applause. Arnav joined in, whistling loudly and shouting "Bravo!" Khushi, beaming with pride, took a bow, her eyes scanning the audience until they met Arnav's.

After the show, Arnav made his way to the greenroom to congratulate Khushi in person. "You were amazing out there," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Khushi's cheeks flushed with pleasure. "Thanks," she said softly.

Arnav took a step closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I'm really proud of you, Khushi. You deserve all the accolades."

Khushi looked down, fidgeting with the hem of her costume. "I never thought you would come..." she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arnav's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled warmly. "Why wouldn't I come?" he asked. "You are my best friend and you were... incredible out there."

Khushi's cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of pink. Arnav took another step closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Hey, Khushi? Can I tell you something?"

Khushi looked up, meeting Arnav's gaze. "What?" she asked.

Arnav's eyes locked onto Khushi's, his gaze intense and sincere. "You looked... really beautiful out there," he said, his voice low and husky.

Khushi's heart skipped a beat. She felt a flutter in her chest, and her cheeks grew even hotter. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air between them charged with tension.

As they parted ways, Arnav offered to drop Khushi home. As they drove, the silence between them was palpable. When they reached Khushi's house, she quickly got out of the car and ran inside, feeling shy after Arnav's compliment.

As soon as she reached her room, Khushi couldn't wait to share the excitement with her Nani. "Nani, you won't believe what Arnav said to me!" she exclaimed, still feeling the flutter in her chest.

Nani, who was sitting in the living room, looked up with a warm smile. "Kya hua, beta? What's got you so excited?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Khushi flopped down onto the couch beside Nani, still feeling a little breathless from her encounter with Arnav. "Arnav dropped me home from college," she began, her words tumbling out in a rush. "And then he said I looked beautiful on stage!"

Nani's expression changed from curiosity to surprise, and she raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And how did that make you feel?" she asked, her voice gentle and probing.

Khushi's cheeks grew hot again as she thought about Arnav's words. "I don't know, Nani," she admitted, feeling a little confused. "I felt happy, but also a little shy. I didn't know how to react."

Nani's warm smile returned as she put a gentle hand on Khushi's knee. "It's natural to feel shy, beta," she said reassuringly. "Arnav's words were a compliment, and it's okay to feel happy and a little overwhelmed."

Nani's eyes sparkled with knowing glints. "But tell me, Khushi, how do you feel about Arnav? You've known him for a long time, but do you think your feelings for him might be changing?"

Khushi's cheeks grew even hotter as she looked down, fidgeting with her hands. "I...I don't know, Nani," she stammered, feeling a little embarrassed. "I care about Arnav deeply, but I'm not sure if it's more than friendship."

Nani nodded understandingly, her expression soft and supportive. "It's okay to take your time, beta," she said. "Your feelings will become clearer with time. Just remember to be true to yourself and your emotions."

Arnav walked into the house, his mind still reeling from the image of Khushi on stage. He couldn't shake off the feeling of awe and admiration that had washed over him as he watched her dance.

As he entered the living room, he found his mother, Ratna, sitting on the couch, reading a book. He walked over to her and flopped down beside her, letting out a deep sigh.

Ratna looked up from her book, concern etched on her face. "Arnav, what's wrong? You look lost in thought."

Arnav turned to his mother, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "It's just Khushi, Mom," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I saw her on stage today, and...and she looked so beautiful."