The Proposal

Arnav's jaw clenched in determination. "I'll hold a press conference and set the record straight. I'll tell them that we are friends since childhood. That should shut them up," he said, his eyes flashing with conviction.

Khushi's gaze lifted, her eyes meeting Arnav's. She nodded slowly, a small smile on her face. "I trust you, Arnav," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arnav's face relaxed into a warm smile. "I'll go make the arrangements for the press conference. We'll get this over with and get your life back to normal," he said, standing up. Khushi's parents gives out a sigh.

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The room was packed with reporters and camera crews, all eager to get a scoop on the latest scandal. Arnav stepped up to the microphone, his eyes scanning the room with confidence.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming. I'm here to address the recent media frenzy surrounding my relationship with the girl you have been calling as "Mysterious Girl"" he began, his voice clear and strong.

The room erupted into a flurry of questions, but Arnav held up his hand, silencing them. "Please, let me finish. Her name is Khushi. She and me have been friends since childhood. We grew up together, and our families have been close for years. The hug you saw was just a friendly gesture, nothing more," he explained, his tone matter-of-fact.

A reporter from a prominent newspaper raised her hand. "Arnav, can you confirm whether you and Khushi are in a romantic relationship?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Arnav smiled wryly. "As I just said, We've been friends for years, and that's all there is to it. I understand that the media likes to sensationalize things, remember I am just 18 plus and she has barely crossed 16. So, I don't want any of such things to harm my best friend. If there is anything of that sort in future, I would myself tell it. For now just spare us"

The room fell silent for a moment, as the reporters digested Arnav's words. His emphasis on their young age and his protective tone towards Khushi seemed to have a sobering effect on the crowd.

A few reporters looked at each other, seemingly taken aback by Arnav's straightforwardness. One of them, a young woman from a popular online news site, spoke up. "Arnav, that's very understanding of you. Can we take it that you're shutting down all rumors about a romantic relationship between you and Khushi?" she asked, her tone slightly more subdued.

Arnav nodded firmly. "For now, let's just say that Khushi and I are close friends, and that's all. I'd appreciate it if you could respect our friendship and not speculate about something that's not there," he said, his tone polite but firm.

He paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "I care about Khushi deeply, and I want to protect her from all the unwanted attention. Let's just focus on the present and not jump to conclusions, okay?" he added, his eyes scanning the room with a hint of caution.

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Kashish's eyes narrowed as she scrolled through her phone, her mind racing with anger and jealousy. "How could he do this to me?" she thought, her heart seething with resentment.

She had always considered herself to be Arnav's closest confidante, his partner in every sense of the word. But now, it seemed like he was getting cozy with Khushi, of all people!

Kashish's eyes flashed with anger as she remembered the countless times she had warned Arnav about Khushi, telling him to stay away from her. But now, it seemed like he was ignoring her warnings and getting closer to Khushi instead.

She quickly dialed Arnav's number, her heart racing with anticipation. "Arnav, we need to talk," she said, her voice cold and detached.

Arnav, still reeling from the press conference effect, hesitated for a moment before answering. "Kashish, what's up? I'm a bit busy right now," he said, trying to sound casual.

Kashish's voice dripped with venom. "Busy? You're busy? You have time to hug Khushi in front of the whole world, but you don't have time for me?" she spat, her anger and jealousy boiling over.

Arnav got angry as well "I hug her or kiss her. Its between me and her. You better stay out of it."

Kashish's voice turned icy cold. "Fine, Arnav. Have it your way. But don't think for a second that I'll just sit back and watch you fawn all over Khushi. I deserve better than to be treated like this," she spat, her anger and hurt simmering just below the surface.

Arnav's tone remained firm, but a hint of warning crept into his voice. "Kashish, don't make threats you can't keep. And don't assume you have any claim over me or my relationships. I'm not yours to possess or control," he said, his words cutting through the tension like a knife.

The line went silent for a moment, before Kashish's voice came through, dripping with venom. "You're making a big mistake, Arnav. A big one."

Arnav's expression remained neutral, unmoved by Kashish's threat. He knew that Kashish's anger and jealousy were rooted in her own insecurities, and he wasn't going to let her manipulate him.

"I'm done with this conversation, Kashish," he said, his tone firm but detached. "I'll talk to you again when you're calm and rational. And Kashish?" he added, his voice taking on a slightly softer tone.

"Yes?" Kashish replied, her voice still laced with venom.

Arnav's expression softened slightly. "Despite everything, you're still Khushi's sister. And for her sake, I'll always treat you with respect. But don't think for a second that I'll tolerate your drama and threats. I won't," he said, his voice firm but measured.

With that, Arnav ended the call, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that he had handled the situation as best he could, and now it was time to focus on more important things... like Khushi.

With the media frenzy finally dying down, Arnav and Khushi were able to focus on their studies once again.

Arnav threw himself into his graduation coursework, determined to excel in his final year. He spent long hours studying and attending classes, his mind fixed on securing a good job or, better still, making it to the national cricket team.

Khushi, too, was studying hard, her eyes fixed on getting into a good college for her higher studies. She and Arnav would often study together, sitting in the same library or café, each lost in their own world of books and notes.

As they studied, their friendship continued to grow, strengthened by their shared experiences and mutual support. They would often take breaks to grab a snack or watch a movie together, their easy camaraderie a testament to the deep bond they shared.

Arnav had just completed his graduation and was feeling elated. He had worked hard to achieve this milestone, and it felt amazing to have it finally under his belt.

Khushi, who had just turned 19, was still in college, but she had taken the day off to celebrate Arnav's special day with him. As they sat together at a cozy café, sipping coffee and enjoying each other's company, Arnav couldn't help but feel grateful for Khushi's presence in his life.

"Thanks for being here, Khushi," Arnav said, smiling at her. "It means a lot to me."

Khushi smiled back, her eyes shining with affection. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world, Arnav," she said. "I'm so proud of you."

Arnav's heart swelled with emotion as he gazed at Khushi, feeling a deep sense of connection and gratitude towards her. He reached out and covered her hand with his, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Thanks, Khushi. That means a lot coming from you," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "You've been with me every step of the way, and I don't know what I'd do without you."

Khushi's face glowed with happiness as she smiled at Arnav, her eyes sparkling with unspoken feelings. "You'll never have to find out," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they sat there, hands touching, eyes locked, the air around them seemed to vibrate with an unspoken understanding, a sense of possibility that neither of them dared to acknowledge.

"Khushi," he said, his voice low and husky. "You are someone very special for me. You light up my world in ways that I never thought possible."

Khushi's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she leaned in closer to Arnav. "What are you trying to say, Arnav?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arnav took a deep breath and let his heart speak. "I'm saying that I love you, Khushi. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Khushi's eyes widened in surprise, and she felt her heart skip a beat as she processed Arnav's words. She had secretly harbored feelings for him for a long time, but she hadn't expected him to confess his love so suddenly.

"Arnav, I...I don't know what to say," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I care about you deeply, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for a commitment like that."

Arnav's face fell slightly, but he nodded understandingly. "I know we're young, Khushi, but I feel a connection with you that I've never felt with anyone else."

Khushi took a deep breath and placed a gentle hand on Arnav's arm. "Arnav, I'm flattered, really. But I still think we're too young to get into something so serious. I am still in college, and we have our whole lives ahead of us. Can't we just enjoy each other's company and see where life takes us?"