IPKKND FF | The Story Of Us (UPDATE: Ch5 Pg13) - Page 8

its awesome girl!!!! update soon

hahahhaaa,...unbelivable from me too...still laughing...wonderful chapter...hats of i loved the humor...:):):):)

lovely, sweet and sometimes soo sad!

Really liked the storyline...so new..so fresh... plz pm me the next update...

Originally posted by: shay1990

"Before you put on a frown, make absolutely sure there are no smiles available."

- Jim Beggs

A smile

If looked up, a smile can be defined as an expression that denotes pleasure, joy, happiness, or amusement. This in itself shows that a smile can tell you so much about a person. To smile is to put on a brave face, a smile can make you optimistic, and a smile... can make a person fall in love with you.

To give another opinion, a smile is not truly a smile if it does not reach the eyes. If a persons' smile can be seen in their eyes, then they are truly happy. A smile can be thrown about like a football, not to say that it's not a good thing, because one smile from someone can change another's day. But to meet that one person that sees' through a smile, is to meet someone who truly understands you.

The story of Arnav and Khushi is then, a story about learning how to smile

Chapter Four - You Give Me Something

The sharp edge of the knife was glistening in the dim lighting, glinting brightly as if taunting her weakened stature; as if mocking the fact that there was no such brightness in her life anymore.

She saw it floating above her weary eyes, as if ghosting through the air around her - finding it's way to it's destination... her.

She could hear the faint echoes of her mothers screams; her fathers' pleas as the knife came closer still. It seemed shinier then last time. Odd.

A familiar searing pain coursed through the side of her face, her vision blurring as she felt the hot trickle of blood slowly seeping through her wounds and weaving through her eyelashes. She could barely lift her head up off the ground as she felt the knife sink in to her stomach a final time; her eyes barely comprehending the fact that her parents were wasting away in the midst of venomous flames.

She was unable to fight; unable to keep herself awake for a few seconds longer to see her life fall to pieces.

Khushi was jolted awake from her shattered slumber, beads of sweat trickling down her brow as she clutched at her chest trying to stop herself from shaking. Taking a moment to regulate her breathing, she looked round at the sleeping form next to her and slowly got out of bed, padding across the floor to the bathroom.

She was relieved to have not woken Payal up. Usually she'd be up in an instant whenever she felt Khushi shaking uncontrollably in the middle of the nightmares, and she couldn't stand the fact that her Jiji was losing sleep because of her and her problems.

Splashing water on her face, she looked up at the mirror to see her reflection. Her eyes were beyond bloodshot. She saw how swollen they were as she started to shake again

'Breathe Khushi, just breathe'

Her hands were on either side of the sink as she just stared at herself in the mirror. In her mind, her fist was going through her tormented reflection as it mocked her; breaking it in to a million pieces. What right did it have to seem so whole, when she herself was cracked to the core?

The trouble with Khushi Kumari Gupta, was that she was just like Arnav Singh Raizada. Her problems were not shared with anyone. The only difference was that she did not blame the whole world. Her fears; her demons, her problems were her own, and no one else's. Why should she burden others with this? Plus she didn't think she could handle those sympathetic looks and sighs. Payal and Buaji were only ones to know what she had been through and she wanted to keep it that way. So for now, she took pleasure in the little things in life, because the bigger things? Well they just seemed too good to be true. There was a particular quote that Khushi swore by,

Smile like you've never cried, fight like you've never lost, love like you've never been hurt, and live like you'll die tomorrow.

She lived by this because she still wanted to live her life properly, she still had her whole life to live; and it was too soon to give up. She wanted that happiness; happiness that now only her future could offer her.

As she came out of the bathroom wiping her face, she heard her phone vibrate next to her pillow. Khushi felt some of her tension disperse at the thought of who was texting her. They had been texting for a few days now, right from the moment she told him she was home. It was nothing incredibly special. Just general chit chat and the occasional heated banter. It was nice to be able to talk to him like this. He was actually a really good person to talk to. 'And yes, it does help that he is so amazingly good-looking.' She thought cheekily to herself.

~

Akash looked at his brother for the first time since he had begun pacing up and down in his apartment bedroom.

'Bhai, tell me na, what do I do? How do I say it? What if she cries?'

Arnav had had enough; he was getting a headache just watching him, so he took out his phone and re-read the last text Khushi had sent to him. He noticed he'd been doing that a lot today and quickly put his phone back in his pocket, only to find himself smiling at the mere thought of her. 'Snap out of it Arnav.' He knew that he was taking a little bit too much of an interest in her. But was that so bad? And it's not as if anything was going to happen - attachment was on his list of things not do, and he wasn't about to let that change. He had a purpose in life, and that purpose was his Di's happiness.

Arnav realised he was side-tracking and quickly walked up to Akash and grabbed him by the collar.

'Akash! Enough! Man up and get it over and done with before I give you something to cry about'

Akash held his hands up in defeat. The last thing he wanted was to get on the wrong side of his ever angry brother.

'I know I know! It's just... it just doesn't seem right anymore Bhai'

Arnav sighed and patted him on the back.

'Well then Akash, you know what you have to do.'

Akash looked his brother in the eye and nodded determinedly.

'Let's go!'

~

Khushi looked up and stared at her cousin weirdly. Payal had been looking jittery all day, and now by evening, she looked a complete nervous wreck

'Jiji... Why do you look so nervous?'

She'd been out on plenty of dates with Akash before... what was going on? Before she knew it, Payal was in front of her face, staring at her with the craziest eyes she'd ever seen.

'Khushi. Akash woh... He was saying something on the phone. He needs to talk to me. He. Khushi woh, he seemed so upset. Akash. Khushi'

'Jiji you're not making any sense! And what's this about Akash. Is it him? Has he upset you?! Bolo na Jiji?!'

Before Payal could answer, they heard the door bell ring. Payal snapped her head towards the door, then back at Khushi worriedly, who stood straight up and held her arm out to stop her from going anywhere.

'Wait Jiji, let me talk to him first!'

Khushi bounded to the door, all set to give Akash a piece of her mind as she opened it.

'Now listen here Aka-'

Her words were drowned out by an odd sense of uncertainty as she looked upon none other then Arnav. He was scratching the back of his neck; an apologetic smile forming slowly as he shrugged his shoulders. Khushi, in the midst of her initial shock, took a moment to appreciate just how cute he looked in that particular moment. He didn't look angry, upset, or even miserable as usual... he looked like a normal boyish 23 year old. Before he had a chance to notice she was staring, Khushi snapped out of her trance and looked at him confused. Before she could say anything however, Payal rushed past them hurriedly.

'Hi Arnav! Khushi, behave yourself and make sure you lock the doors before you go to sleep, Ammas not here and I might be late. Accha hum chalte hai. Bye Arnav.'

They both watched as Payal mumbled a few more nonsensical sentences before heading out the house in a daze

'Hey... She sounds just like you!'

Khushi gawped at him for a second, unimpressed at his cheeky joke, before laughing loudly and then realising that they were on their own now, and she still had no idea what was going on.

'What, erm.. Hi, what are you...?'

Struggling to find her words, Arnav chuckled inwardly at her ever moving arms and helped her out a little

'Hi er... Akashs' car is in for repairs so he's using mine. Which means if I stayed at the apartment with the others I'd have no means of escaping. So I came with him. Mind if I stay here for a while?'

Khushi smiled at his honesty and guessed that he had probably been rehearsing that line the whole journey here. Feeling a little less apprehensive and touched that he'd rather spend his evening with her, she stepped aside and bowed down, her arm sticking out dramatically

'Aaye Aaye... Welcome to our humble abode'

~

If you were to look upon Khushi and Arnav at this particular moment in time, you would not be able to guess that both had suffered a great deal in their lives. They merely looked like two friends, watching TV and having a laugh. Some of life's greatest pleasures are those simple, intimate moments. And this one, was no different.

Arnav was sat casually in his jogging bottoms and t-shirt, slouched on the sofa whilst Khushi had curled up on the other end, her feet tucked neatly underneath her; a plate of fresh jalebi's resting on her thigh as she happily munched on them.

'So you want to be a journalist?'

Arnav thought she'd be a perfect one at that. 'She sure as hell talks like one.' He thought to himself as he watched in disgusted awe as she chomped on her 10^th jalebi. 'How can someone so gorgeous be such a foodie?!'

'Ideally, yes! I mean, I did used to want to become an illustrator but... let's just say I changed my mind!'

Again, he saw that flash of hurt in her eyes, replaced by that warm smile in an instant. This time however, he really looked at her. Her eyes seemed distant; clouded over with longing. How he could see that, he'd never understand. But all he knew was that her smile - just didn't seem genuine. But it wasn't his place to pry... Just yet.

'So Mr Raizada! So young and so much accomplished. You're family must be so proud.'

She grinned at him, wide eyes and waggling eyebrows - watching him as he turned his head to the TV and looked down for a moment before replying.

'Honestly I'm not too sure. I know Di's always happy when it comes to what I want to do. Whether she agrees with it is a different story. And mum and dad... I'd like to think they would have been proud.'

Khushi looked at him, momentarily shocked; scolding herself for bringing it up in the first place. No wonder he seemed so work-driven all the time. She watched him as he struggled with finding more words; torn between reluctance and admittance. She placed her hand on his arm and stopped him before he said anything else. She could tell he didn't want to.

'Hey... stop, you don't need to say anything. I understand'

There was a prolonged silence of comfort as both Khushi and Arnav felt a surge of companionship emancipating from the other. They wouldn't have been able to explain it. But it left them feeling... different. Khushi herself was left with an empty feeling knowing that this feeling of being around so many lovely people and being so carefree - wasn't going to last. She had to go back home in a few days. Arnav knew he was going down a path he shouldn't, emotions didn't have a place in his life schedule. But one look at her, and he couldn't help himself. He had to know everything about her.

There was a sudden fumbling at the door breaking them both out of their wistful thoughts as Payal stumbled through them, a look of shock etched upon her face.

'He proposed Khushi... Akash asked me to marry him!!!'

__________________________________________________

Thank you to all of you who are taking the time to read and enjoy my writing. I honestly appreciate each and every single one of you. You guys are amazing! 🤗

Lots of love

Shay X

loving the concept, its great!

I loved it! Please pm me when you update...

(A quick shout out to Sapphire (Priya) I've added a little bit about the proposal as requested, just for you 😉)

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"By ourselves we can enjoy life, but to really appreciate life we must find companionship"

- Anonymous

Companionship

People live their lives in different ways - some to the fullest; some at their own slow pace. Whichever way is chosen, it cannot be denied that company is key. Yes, it is true that everybody likes to be on their own at some point - Sometimes to themselves; maybe for a little peace and quiet? But when it comes down to it, a persons life cannot be deemed as fulfilled without the joys of companionship. This does not necessarily mean a significant other. It could mean the companionship of your children; your parents, or even your friends. Either way, life's greatest joys are spent sharing it with others around you.

To take another view, companionship makes a person grow. One might learn new things; learn new opinions - making them open-minded. And yes, finding companionship through new friendships can lead the way to finding true love. Thus, companionship opens us up to a world of possibilities.

The story of Arnav and Khushi, therefore... is one of companionship

Chapter Five - Under the Sun

'Payal... Listen I need to talk to you. There's something I need to say, and if I don't say it now then I don't know what will happen. I th-'

Akashs eyes went wide with shock; his rambling dialogue brought to an abrupt halt as Payal burst in to a stream of strangled sobs.

'Hey Bhagwan... You? Y- you're breaking up with me aren't you?'

He gaped at her, mouth wide open in bewilderment, 'Where did she get that idea from?!' he watched as the girl he loved was becoming more and more hysterical by the second. 'Crap! Do something Akash!'

'I knew it. I knew you didn't love me anymore. That's why you've been avoiding me all week! Why? Why Devi Maiyya? Why?!'

Akash, by this point, was beyond stressed. Taking off his glasses, he made an attempt to console his weeping girlfriend.

'What?! Nahi! No... Oh my god Payal please don't cry. Payal. No.'

He mentally cursed his cousin for giving him such ridiculous advice - or rather lack of! 'Thanks a lot Bhai... Ab main kya karoon?!'

'Payal, yeh sab? Please don't cry. Pakka promise I don't want to break up with you; arre I'm trying to propose to you Jaanu!'

Payal looked across at Akash who was getting all the more flustered by the minute; her tear stained face becoming blotchy as she blinked rapidly a few times - processing the absurdity of what she had just heard.

'Kya? K- Kya Kahan Aapne?'

Her voice was cracking as she choked back her sobs. Watching Akash intently as he slowly started to get down on one knee and reach in to his jacket pocket.

'Payal Gupta... from now until the very end, I want to be yours. Will you please do me the honour of becoming my wife?'

Payal, after the initial shock had lifted, felt the world around her become non-existent as the air whistled in her ears. All she saw was the man she loved, beneath her on bended knee, a beautiful ring in his hands, asking for his life, and hers. The tears were rolling down her cheeks silently, her vision blurring as she hastily nodded her consent and fell in to his embrace.

'I love you so much Akash'

ooo

'Jiji?!'

Khushi snapped her fingers in front of her cousins face in attempt to bring her back to reality. Sat dazed in her own dreamy thoughts, Payal could barely comprehend that all of this was happening to her. There was just so much to take in.

As soon as Payal had walked through the door that night, they had spent the next hour screaming and jumping around the house together as sleep eluded them, fully ecstatic at the celebrations at hand. Buaji after joining in for a while, had had enough of their antics and gone off leaving them both to their doings, muttering a 'paagal ladkiyan' in the process.

'Kya baat hai Jiji?... thinking about Jeejaji are you?'

Khushi gave her trade mark cheeky expression as Payal smacked her round the head.

'Ahh, Jiji!'

As Khushi mumbled a string of senseless profanities, rubbing her sore head, Payal gasped slightly as she realised she had almost forgotten to mention the most important thing. She sat up, looking around for her mother.

'Amma? Amma yahaan aaye na please. Mujhe aap se kuch baat karni hai'

Buaji came waddling through the door in the living room, rubbing her eyes; a confused expression etched on her disgruntled face.

'Kya hua Payalia?'

'Woh kya hai na... Because Arnav and Akash have finally set up their new business in Delhi, Akash has no need to stay in Goa anymore. So... Usne kaha tha ke shaadi ke baad agar hum dono...'

Payal struggled with her words as she realised just what she was actually asking her mother to do. She knew her mother missed Delhi, but she had grown to love Goa, and now fully considered this her home. Payal hated having to trouble her so much.

'Woh... We'd have to move back to Delhi Amma'

Payal hung her head, waiting for the lecture to begin. When it didn't happen, she looked up and had to double take as she saw her mothers eyes light up.

'KYA?! What was the need to beat around the bush! That's the best news I've heard in ages!'

'But Amma... I thought you liked it here?'

Khushi sniggered as she watched the mother daughter duo converse in utmost bewilderment.

'You think too much Payalia'

~

Khushi lay awake the next morning pondering over the time she had spent with Arnav so far. She especially thought about the previous night. How he had been so relaxed; how she had felt so relaxed being with him. He seemed like such a complex person, yet he seemed so simple. He was intriguing, and it scared her to no end how much she was thinking about him. She felt her stomach churn as she imagined his drawling sexy voice, and the way his t-shirt had rode up when he stretched his arms - giving her a delicious slight view of his toned abs. 'wow' she thought to herself. After she had leaped on Payal upon hearing the good news, Arnav had left them to their devices after mumbling a congratulations and thank you respectively to them both, but not before he turned to give Khushi a small heartfelt smile which left her reeling with compassion.

As if on cue, she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She felt a faint thudding in her ears as she looked at the name flashing on the screen. An involuntary smile appeared out of nowhere as she struggled to keep it hidden from a curious looking Payal 'Khushi?! Pick up the phone before Jiji starts getting any ideas!' She cleared her throat and hit the answer button with sweaty hands.

'Good morning Mr Raizada, to what do I owe this pleasure?'

Arnav grinned on the other end of the line at how chirpy Khushi was so early in the morning. 'Figures!'

'Morning Gupta! Just thought I'd see you hadn't choked on all those Jalebi's you were eating last night, you fat bas***d'

Khushi was not impressed; the guy was getting to cheeky for his own good. She hid her amusement as she thought of a good comeback.

'Ha ha, so funny Diabetes! I sense a little jealousy there... '

'Oh really?'

'kidding kidding'

Arnav laughed at her failed attempt of insulting him, nearly forgetting the reason he had called her up in the first place

'But seriously, I did actually call you for a reason. NK got a bit too happy about the Akash and Payal news. So he's organising a little get together this evening. On the beach. You reckon you guys would be up for that?'

Khushi heard NK chanting cheerfully in the background, laughing as she heard him mention her in his ecstatic rant as Arnav put her on loudspeaker.

'Double double celebrations hai bhai! Khushijiii don't disappoint, we need you and your hatke wale thumka's tonight!!!'

Khushi was now snorting out her laughter by this point. She had grown accustomed to the boys in the last 2 weeks. As crazy as they were, they were good people. And they had made her feel at home.

'Arrree Nanhejiii, how could I ever disappoint you?!'

Arnav held the phone away from is ear, wincing as he heard her high pitched squeal followed by a loud crash and the sound of clambering.

'Khushi you do know you're on loudspeaker right. You're making me deaf instead'

'...'

Khushi racked her brain for another witty comeback, but found nothing. 'I give up, it's too early in the morning' she thought begrudgingly.

'Shutup'

Arnav laughed once again as he ended the call before squeezing in one last insult.

'See you tonight fatty!'

~

The night was calm. The sky was clear; the stars glinting merrily in the back drop; witness to the joyous occasion. The night was cool; a soft breeze weaving through the air lightly as a small bonfire blazed; a feeling of warm contentment filling the atmosphere as the small group of friends sat around, happily enjoying the company of one and other.

Arnav Singh Raizada in particular was sitting on a slightly uncomfortable tree log a little way behind them, beer in hand, enjoying this sense of serenity clouding upon him. He suddenly felt the presence of another as they sat down next to him. He looked around to see Khushi. She looked beautiful. There was no other word for it. Wearing a long white summer dress; a dress that hung perfectly to every curve of her body, her hair loosely tied up in to a messy bun... she couldn't have looked more stunning then how she looked to him in this instant, under the night sky - breathtaking.

Khushi herself was all the more entranced with the man in front of her. What was it about this night; this dimly lit fire that made everything glisten, especially his eyes. He looked so peacefully handsome. Wearing just a t-shirt and beige chinos, his arms flexed, resting on his legs.

Out of nowhere, he extended his one arm, inviting her in to hug. She didn't hesitate one bit as she leaned sideways in to his embrace, his eyes never leaving hers as she welcomed the protective feel of his strong arms and his heady scent. She felt the faint thud in her chest as she breathed him in. 'he feels so good'

As they pulled apart, Khushi shivered feeling his cool breath on her cheek; her lips nearly ghosting across his as she turned her head up to look at him. Arnav didn't think he'd ever wanted to kiss a girl so badly then he did right now. Her lips seemed so soft; so full as they shimmered in the moonlight.

'Hi...'

He breathed the greeting out, as if struggling to find some semblance through the heat between them.

'Hey... Enjoying yourself?'

She couldn't trust herself to say much more at that moment, the proximity between them was still too close and his aura was excruciatingly magnetic.

'Enjoying myself a little bit more now'

He gave her a light wink, causing her to smile shyly as she averted her gaze and looked down at the sand beneath her feet.

'Smooth, Raizada... Very smooth'

He chuckled softly at her mocking tone, glad that the she had managed to return the atmosphere to normal; he didn't think he could have controlled himself nay longer then that.

As a steady conversation flowed between the two companions, they almost forgot about the others around them. Khushi glanced over at the rest of them, watching as Sienna and Priya teased Payal about her upcoming nuptials and then motioned to her to come over. NK and Aman had seen this and encouraged her further, wondering why Khushi hadn't joined in with them yet.

'Khushijiii, come on'

Khushi clapped her hands eagerly as she realised she was missing out on all the fun. Dancing was of course, her forte!

'Nanhejiii... Hum aa rahe hai!'

As Arnav watched Khushi dramatically dash of in the middle of them all, Akash took a seat next to him. As different as they were, Akash was never one for dancing either. He sat there in silence for a moment, arms resting on his legs, before he turned to look at his brother.

'I told you you'd like her'

Arnav gave his cousin a knowing stare. He knew Akash had never meant it in that sense at the time. But Arnav knew that he was definitely thinking that now.

'Well, I can safely say that she's a whole lot better then NKs attempts at hooking me up'

Akash laughed as he shook his head at the thought of the amount of times NK and Aman had tried to set his brother up.

'What?! Even better then Crazy Kamini?! Shocking!'

Arnav looked at his cousin in bewilderment before they both shuddered in sync at the thought of the creepy stalker who tried to get in with both of them during college. They laughed lightly at the memory, both comfortably enjoying the atmosphere surrounding them.

He looked in the distance, watching as Khushi danced happily, like she had no worries; that dazzling smile etched on her near-perfect face. She looked so surreal against the back drop of the beach; the dim light from the blazing fire dancing around her. He sighed as he took a swig of his beer and looked back down at the sand.

'She's different Akash. But you know me. I don't get attached'

Akash did indeed know his brother. And what he knew was that he hadn't seen his brother look this at ease before. He'd never seen him smile for no reason. And he'd never spoken so highly of any girl (apart from his Di) before. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, Akash knew that Khushi, in the matter of a couple of weeks, had managed give him back his old Bhai back... even if it was just slightly.

'Well, like you said Bhai... She's different'

Arnav raised an eyebrow at him before Akash got the hint and looked anywhere but at him - attempting to hide the cheeky smile on his face.

~

Payal, Arnav, Akash, Khushi, Sienna, Aman, Priya and NK were all taking a walk down the beach, heading back to the warmth of the bonfire, immersed in idle conversation. Khushi had never seen Payal so hyped up, and she was thoroughly enjoying watching her cousins eyes light up as she talked so animatedly amidst the others.

'We're moving back as soon as possible, over the weekend perhaps. No time to relax, this wedding has to be perfect!'

'Hey! You guys should get married on the same day as me and Lavanya?!'

'NK don't be stupid, you guys are getting married next week. I think I want my marriage to be a little less rushed then that'

'Oh my god, This month is going to be so good guys! We're going to have a blast!'

With that last sentence... Khushi held back as she felt her mind go blank; she felt a numbness that caused her heart to clench as a myriad of emotions raced through her. She watched as probably the only loved ones she had left in her life now, laughed and joked with each other, dancing in celebratory bliss. She watched on the outside; as if she were dreaming; as if it were a movie, with no means of entering the scene in front of her. She watched them all, tears prickling her eyes as they drank a toast. She watched Arnav as a slow smile formed on his face seeing his cousin so happy. As her eyes rested on him, the realisation fully dawned in her.

In her trance, Khushi had failed to realise that Arnav had seen her standing on her own and made his way over. The dazed expression adorned on her face causing worry to seep through him.

'Khushi... What's wrong?'

She half looked up at him, snapping slightly out of her haze as she uttered the words she so badly didn't want to come to terms with.

'I- I have to go back home tomorrow'

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I know things are moving quite slowly, especially with this being such a long update as well lol. But I'm trying to show a realistic progression between them - and it just seems like it's at a sluggish pace, so I do apologise. Bare with me, and I promise I won't disappoint 😃

Hope you all enjoyed it though!

Shay X

I loved it! The last chapter and this chapter. They are at ease with each other which I love so much. Thank you so much for the pm!

I loved it !!!!!! And she's going back tomorrow... You just had to end at the cliffhanger ! Update soon