CHAPTER 7: CHOICES TO MAKE
The day went by in a blur. Now arnav sat on the roof of his house, thinking about the choices he'd made in the past few days. He wasn't sure if he'd be able to forget khushi but he would try, it'll be hard but he'll try. Khushi was the most special girl he'd ever met but if she didn't feel the same way about him then he would not sabotage their friendship. And Lavannya seemed to be the only way to keep khushi out of his head, to just be friends with her. He wondered about Lavannya. She was definitely a nice girl, he'd met her twice now and both the time she proved to be a good company. Maybe things will work out after all. He was in a deep thought when his mother called him.
'Arrnaaavvv! Beta dinner is ready. Come quick.'
She shouted from the step of the stairs.
Arnav smiled. He knew what he'd find for dinner. His mom must've made his favorite meals. He was sure she knew something was up, she always knew. But she never asked him until she knew he was ready for it. Arnav got up and as he walked into the house, he breathed in the delicious aroma of various spices and he realized how hungry he was'
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'Dee come out already, Arnav is waiting' Anushka yelled from the lounge. Arnav was waiting for khushi while Anushka kept him company. Anushka was very different from her sister. She was much more carefree and yet arnav noticed that she had a sensible side to her. But the two had the same brown eyes.
'So arnav, how's the project coming along?' asked Anushka
'Good actually, Khushi does most of the work so it's going by pretty well' he laughed and Anushka joined in.
'I'm ready. Shall we?' Arnav looked up and saw khushi standing in front of him wearing a black top and fell with perfect flows, matched with dark blue skinnies . For a minute he stopped, he'd forgotten where he was, all he knew was that there was the most beautiful girl standing right infront of him. As if Anushka has read his mind she said 'Dee you look stunning! Every guy is gonna have his eyes on you tonight.' She laughed.
Nope no other guy, just me, thought arnav.
How am I suppose to concentrate on Lavannya when you'll be three, right across the table-
'What are you thinking? .Its kinda out of character for you' said khushi interrupting arnav's thought.
'Lol that's not entirely true'
'No?'
'No.'
'So what were you thinking about? Bet it was lavannya'
'Partly'
'Lol tonight you should be thinking about Lavannya only. She's your date tonight after all ' unofficial but still your date'
'Lol yeah lucky girl Lavannya is.'
'You're so full of yourself'
'Every handsome guy is' Arnav smirked.
'Hahh who said your handsome'
'Oh just about a dozen girls''
'Not blind, I hope?'
'Haha yeah you're one to talk. Look at all those layers of makeup.'
'Haww, kajal n lipgloss don't count! And what does my makeup have to do with this?'
'Ooh nothing although if you were pretty kajal n lipgloss wouldn't make that of a difference.'
'Ugh you are soo lame. Make-up being out your beauty-'
'Yeah sure does' Arnav snorted but getting a glimpse of an angry look on khuhsi's face, he said 'Ok ok I was just kidding.'
'Ahan' was all he got in reply.
'No seriously, you're one the most beautiful girl I ever knew' as soon as he said it arnav instantly regretted what he said.
After a minute of awkward silence all khushi managed to say was 'Errr-'
'Oh no don't thank me. I'm a very good liar', said arnav making an attempt to fix the discomfort arising.
Khushi seemed to be processing what he said because about a minute later she cried 'Haww god arnav you're so rude-'
'Handsome and sexy'
'Ohh shut up'. And arnav's laughter filled the car as he parked the car outside Eclipse.
Arnav and Khushi reached the table where Lavannya, Ayaan and his date Maha were waiting for the two of them. All five greeted each other and sat down to place their order. For most of the night arnav was indulged in conversation with Lavannya. Lavannya looked pretty in her blue collar shirt. She was really fun to talk to, and when arnav escorted her to the dance floor, he discovered that she was an equally great dancer. Later they were joined by the other three, but arnav and Lavannya quit soon after that and returned to their table and spent rest of the night inquiring about each others lives. Lavannya told arnav that she was a fashion designer, and owned her own designer shop company and as much as she wanted to throw it all away at times, she actually loved her work and that was what kept her going. The night passed away in a blur, good times always did. Arnav walked Lavannya to her car.
'Thankyou a had a great time arnav'
'Yeah me too. You're perhaps the first girl who loves psp.'
'Lol that's a surprise', causing arnav to chuckle.
'So id like t meet you again sometime Lavannya just you'
'Yeah I'd like that too'
'So Sunday maybe? For dinner?'
'Sure sounds good'
'Ok then see you'
The two got into their cars and drove away, each one's thought on another.
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The next day it seemed as if Khushi had being dying to ask arnav for details.
'God didn't you interrogate me enough last night. Yes we're meeting each other. On Sunday.
'And?'
'Yes?'
'Well anything else?'
'Oh you're not gonna stop are you?'
'What does that mean? Fine I wont say a word'
After three minutes..
'So you really like her?' said khushi
'Hahaha lmao. That hard for you?'
'Ok ok joke later, details now'
'Look I don't know. But yeah she's nice. And getting to know her seems like a good idea'
'Hmmm' So do you like her?'
'Khuhsiii! God I thought you were the non-irritating smart one'
'Oh that I am. But I'm a girl too'
'Huhh, "aurat" might be a better word'
'Ha-ha. Anyways gotta finish this report and then later we need to visit the construction site too. So ill catch up with you in a bit'
'Three hours later, arnav and khushi returned from the site' Khushi had interrogated arnav to the best of her abilities. But what troubled arnav was that she didn't seem concerned, it didn't bother her that he was meeting up with Lavannya. Surely if Khushi had some deep inside feeling she'd be a little jealous or atleast not so eager for details.
The car came to a halt outside khushi's house. 'See you tomorrow'
'Yeah see ya. Thanks for the lift' said Khushi as she got off the car. Arnav started the car; the engine roared back to life but arnav didn't drive away just yet. He kept looking over until khushi stopped at the door, waved bye and disappeared inside the house. Huhh God who knew love was so complicated, thought arnav as he drove away from khushi's place.
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'Hey, what are you up to?' asked khushi as she entered the kitchen.
'Making a sandwich for myself, want one?' replied Anushka.
'No I'm full.' khuhsi gulped down the water and place the glass on the counter. 'Did mom call? How's everything in chandigarh? I think we should go there this weekend to see mum'
'Yeah I was thinking the same. She called earlier too asking if we'll come'
'Hm I guess then we'll go. I'll call her tomorrow' Khushi yawned, 'I'm off to bed'
Khushi was sleepy but yet she couldn't sleep. She knew this was the right thing to do. She and arnav were not a possibility. And Lavannya was a nice girl. She was right for him, atleast khushi hoped so. She didn't want arnav's hopes to linger on her. It was better this way. She wanted to spend the weekend in chandigarh, perhaps that way arnav will think more about Lavannya. Fingers crossed. Lavannya make him yours please. This was the right way' For all of them'
Ganesh Kartikeya
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