Chapter 16 : The Start of a Blizzard.. Tasting the icy snowflakes in the cold, harsh storm, he let his arms out and smelt the breezy air. His sea green eyes closing effortlessly, enjoying the weather. His tensed muscles stretched while he tucked his hands into his black blazer. As he heard her voice, he turned around with a cynical smile and waved.
She stood there taking in his good looks. Someone had once told her how lucky she was to have him in her life. He looked like the carving of a Greek god. But somewhere along the line, she knew, he could never compete with the raw beauty that of his older brother. Thinking about him sprinkled a few water drops in her eyes; she shut of all thoughts and concentrated on the tall, lean boy in front of her.
He smirked teasingly at her and pulled her into his arms at once. She gasped at the sudden friction but soon settled and embraced him back. She noticed how thin he was, a little bulky and ragged; not at all like his brother. She bit her lip in frustration at her wavering thoughts. Why couldn't she stop comparing the two? They were literally North Pole and South Pole! The why?
He pulled back a little and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. His lips were rough and cold. She smiled a little but her memories went right back to him again. She remembered his velvety, smooth lips which kissed her forehead out of mere friendship. But she couldn't help feeling loved….but being in his arms, right now made her feel as if she wasn't right. This isn't what she wanted. But she still gave in.
He pressed his lips on hers and kissed her ever so lightly. Why did it feel so wrong?
She broke out after a little and shook her head. He nodded thoughtfully and kissed her forehead understanding that she wasn't ready.
He pulled out and looked at her from top to bottom. Relishing in the snowy, cold atmosphere of Manhattan, he smiled at her…
She grinned and waved at him. He laughed and shook his head not believing that she was finally here.
He breathed in some cold air and whispered…
"Sheetal….!"
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Stretching her arms up in laziness, she jumped onto the couch and yawned. Arnav looked at Khushi and laughed. "Munchkin, I can't believe how much you cried for that stupid movie!" laughed Arnav. Khushi narrowed her eyes at him and said "Shut up Mr. Know it all! It was NOT a stupid movie okay? I loved it so much! And oh my god….Ryan Gosling is literally the hottest guy I have ever seen!" she drooled and laid her head on Arnav's shoulder.
Arnav raised his eyebrows mischievously and said "Hottest eh? Are you sure about that? Or do you care to change that?" Khushi grinned and hugged him tighter and shook her head and said "Nope! I'm not changing that. He's my new hero!"
Well of course after that, she was in a fit of giggles after seeing poor Arnav's puppy dog expression. She hugged him tighter and said "Naww Arnav! I was just kidding! Of course I LOVE Gosling but you will always be my Noah Calhoun!"
"Really?"
"Really!"
Khushi grinned widely at Arnav as he stood up to go and make some dinner. He walked over to the Kitchen and pulled out some packet noodles. He held it up to Khushi and she laughed and agreed. "Do you even know how to cook Arnav?" she asked curiously.
He laughed and said "Of course I do munchkin! My sister taught me everything!"
"Talking about sisters; how is Di Arnav?"
"Oh she's fine! I guess after the death of Rehan, she's still recovering but other than that, I guess she's fine!"
"Oh...Yes…and urm how is uncle?
"Dad is…great."
"Great? That's it?" asked a curious Khushi.
"It's just that, I am not that close to him after Mumma's death. It just doesn't feel right. You know what I mean?" sighed Arnav.
"I get it Arnav, but how long will you go on like that? You can't just keep ignoring him for the rest of your life you know..." explained Khushi.
"I know…but after finding out all of this stuff. I guess I just need some time…"
"As you wish Arnav but I'm always here with you. Never ever forget that!"
"Thanks munchkin and same goes for you. Always…!" said Arnav while blowing her a flying kiss.
With that, she walked over to Arnav and hugged him from behind and watched him cook the food. She interestingly noticed how he was so concentrated in preparing each mixture. He professionally cut up each vegetable in proportion and added them to the noodles which were cooking in the stove. He added some olive oil and grinned at the delicious, aromatic smell of the seasonings. He looked at a shocked Khushi and burst out laughing.
"Okay, either Di is an excellent teacher or are you not telling me something which I deserve to know!" asked Khushi.
"Okay fine! Well, it is true though. Di did teach me when I was younger but I developed a liking for cooking so I used to go to a culinary school sometime back. I didn't do it professionally but I enjoy it. Cooking gives me relief…" said Arnav.
Khushi shook her head in shock and said "Culinary school? Wow! Now that's a shocker! I cannot believe I missed out on it! But I guess, luck is in my way today! I can't wait to taste this!"
Arnav smirked and plated the fried noodles on two plates. Khushi grabbed her plate and settled herself on Arnav's lap and quickly ate a morsel.
She closed her eyes in bliss while Arnav watched on amusedly. "So…how was it?"
Khushi opened her eyes and looked at him and placed a firm kiss on his lips. She pulled away and said "This is seriously the best food I have ever eaten! Don't you dare stop cooking and just to let you know? I am demanding food from you every day from today onwards. Understood?"
Arnav laughed and said "Understood Ms.Gupta!"
He placed a loud kiss on her cheek and told her that he was glad that she liked his food but she wasn't allowed to tell anyone about it because it apparently ruins his 'image'. Khushi sighed and slapped his cheek and told him to stop having such a big ego and that it wasn't good because it could ruin his love life.
They continued their everyday fights while Khushi just continued eating and listening. Arnav got tired and slumped back down on the couch and played a movie.
Khushi joined him back on the couch and cuddled closer.
She wasn't paying any attention to the movie. Her mind was somewhere else…
*Flashback*
"You know something Khushi? Bhai always used to tell me how much he hated to be kept in the dark! He hated to always be the one who didn't know what was going on and I think that was one reason why he gets so angry sometimes. I mean if you look at the facts, even you would get mad if your loved one didn't tell you something important right? So why is it so hard to explain what I am going through right now?" asked Rehan.
Khushi sighed and rested her head onto his bony shoulder and said "Look Rey, I really don't understand why you are so scared to tell him that you don't want to follow his footsteps! He is your brother after all, he has to understand. And I get it, if I were in Arnav's place even I would hate to be kept in the dark so please Rey, please tell him. You both are going to fade away from each if you don't! Trust me, as much as I know him, he will only support you!"
*Flashback ends*
Khushi realized one thing: she cannot keep Arnav in the dark anymore. She had to tell him. And she decided she would.
Tomorrow was the masquerade ball for the seniors at M.H. everybody was going and Arnav had asked her to be his date. Obviously, Khushi had agreed happily!
She decided that she would tell him tomorrow at the ball, alone. She was scared but she realized that she couldn't hide it from him anymore. He deserved to know.
He deserved to know about his brother…
The drive back home was quiet and soothing. Arnav had Khushi's hand firmly tucked in his while he drove back. Khushi laid her head down on his shoulder and closed her eyes allowing the chilled breeze to fan her face.
She was scared. She didn't know how he would react but it was for the better and at least he wouldn't find out about it from anyone else…
Khushi glanced at the glowing moonlight up above the sky. How beautiful it was indeed. Pure and stunning. She wanted to make a vow on it but she decided against it as the moon always changes and she didn't want her relationship with Arnav to change at all.
She looked at his handsome, peaceful face.
Would he forgive her for lying?
Would he give her another chance to explain?
Or
Would he run away again like last time?
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