ArHi SS: A Strange Encounter *Complete* - Page 44

Awww that was such a fantastic update

Wonderful update as usual! Khushi finally realised that she needed to trust Arnav and that was all that he wanted 😊 Such a cute confession! Continue soon!

Amazing update.
Wow, arshi to go on date, interesting. Loved khushi's confession, arnav was really sweet to give her a chance to speak. Liked how nk made her understand the importance of trust in a relation.
Thanks 4 pm

Beautiful update.Finally are going for a date.waiting for der date

Awesome update dear... loved it...Its the second last chapter😔... I don't want this SS to end😔

Awesome...Update Soon & Plzzz PM Me 😊

Love ur writing ... Read all parts in one go...
Plzzz pm me tooo...

superb aditi...

Part 15

As Arnav drove the car towards Raizada Mansion next day, he couldn't help himself from recalling the conversation he had with Lavanya during Akash and Payal's engagement.

After dancing with him quietly for few minutes, Lavanya spoke "ASR you really need to stop doing that."

Arnav looked up, frowning in confusion "Stop doing what L?"

Lavanya rolled her eyes in annoyance before replying "Stop ignoring Khushi like you are doing right now."

Mention of Khushi made him grim as usual, his face scrunched in pain and lips set in a thin straight line, he gritted out "Can we please not talk about her, L?"

"Come on ASR, you gotta be kidding me. Can't you see how much she is trying to talk to you?" Lavanya's tone rose a bit as she grew impatient.

"Ok I got that. But you do know why I am doing that L. It's for the best L. Don't think I am enjoying doing all this when the last thing I want to do now is stay away from her."

He twirled her around and when once again she turned towards him, she had a concerned and understanding expression on her face. She whispered softly "I know that ASR. But I can't see you both in pain especially you."

When Arnav didn't replied for a long time, Lavanya tugged at his hand impatiently making him look into her eyes and said "Even to get a proper closure of things between you and Khushi, you need to talk to her. Give her a chance ASR. She acts without thinking and as a girl I can understand what she felt whenever she saw you with some another girl. As a result, she snapped and said what she shouldn't have. I am your best friend ASR and I know you are dying to look back at her whenever she looks at you. Please for once forget the past and live this moment. Just go and talk to her."

Arnav nodded as he was having similar thoughts regarding it as well. Lavanya smiled as the song ended and they stopped dancing. Arnav looked at Khushi and felt Lavanya pushing him towards her. When he looked back, Lavanya winked at him before walking away.

His happiness knew no bounds once he heard Khushi asking him out for a date. If her asking him out on a date made him happy, his heart soared with happiness feeling overwhelmed the way Khushi finally admitted about her feelings to him. He wasn't able to sleep that night as his heart refused to slow down even for a second. He just wanted to grab Khushi and kiss her senselessly for finally opening up to him but he knew it wasn't the right time with everyone busy in wedding preparations. So the first chance he got after the wedding when he saw Khushi walking alone towards her room, he decided to make the most of it and followed her. An involuntary smiled crept on his face as he recalled their soul-stirring kiss. He never felt this happy ever. The way Khushi kissed him back last night wiped many doubts from his mind. She was equally affected by him like he was to her and the way they stole glances at each other every now and then throughout their stay at Gupta farmhouse made him more eager for their first date. He grinned happily as RM came into view.

********************

"My my someone is looking handsome." Anjali chirped happily as she saw Arnav walking downstairs, dressed in a casual light blue shirt and black denims jeans. Shyam who was reading some document looked up and smiled shaking his head at his crazy wife.

"Di you really need to stop doing that." Arnav replied looking a bit embarrassed.

"Going on a date with Khushiji, are you?" Anjali said, her eyes dancing in mischief stunning Arnav as always.

"How do you know that, Di?"

"I have my own sources you know and don't forget that I am your elder sister." Anjali replied, blowing air on her manicured nails.

"Even if I wish to forget that you won't let me forget it, Di." Arnav muttered under his breath. Shyam who was watching it all silently chose to intervene now. He stood up and said "Arnav we are leaving for our house in an hour."

Arnav's head jerked towards him suddenly, his eyes widening "You guys are leaving so soon."

"Of course Chotte. We thought it's better to leave now since we annoy you so much." Anjali replied instead, sighing dramatically.

"Shut up Di. Stop saying all this nonsense and yes you guys are not going today, that's final. I need to leave now."

Arnav walked away muttering grumpily under his breath. Leave it to Di to spoil his happy mood and then ...

"Chotte!!!"

Arnav turned back to look at his Di and Jijaji. They both smiled brightly at him and said together "All the best for your date."

Shaking his head at their madness, Arnav turned back smiling once again and started walking with a sudden spring in his steps.

"Shyamji I never saw him this happy since Maa-Papa died. I am so happy for him." Anjali spoke, tears trickling down on her cheeks the moment Arnav left.

"Anjali you don't need to interfere so much in his love life, you know." Shyam shook his head, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"I know that but I can't myself from doing all this, Shyamji. My Chotte has suffered so much."

"So did you. You need to let go of him. He can woo a girl on his own. Just let him control his life for a change. You did a lot for him, Anjali."

"You think Maa- Papa will be happy with the way I looked after him?"

"I know they are very proud of you Anjali. You are the best sister one can ever have." Shyam replied gathering her in his arms as she sobbed softly, resting her head on his chest.

****************

"Akash just go now. Somebody may see us like this." Payal said pushing Akash away as he leaned down to kiss her once again.

"Can't this pagphera ritual wait for few days, Payal? Let's go home na." Akash replied trying to pull her back for a kiss.

Smacking his arm, Payal shook her head looking incredulous "You are talking nonsense Akash. We are standing outside and now you want to go back. Let go."

They both were still bickering leaning against the front door of Gupta house when suddenly the door was opened by Khushi, making them loose their balance and fall in front of her. Khushi giggled as Payal and Akash quickly stood up, looking down feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Sorry Jiji and Jijaji, I waited enough for you guys to ring the bell but when you didn't, I had to open the door."

Khushi giggled once again as Payal and Akash gave her a sheepish smile when Shashi and Garima came and all exchanged pleasantries. They were still talking when the door bell rang and Khushi almost ran to open the door, while smoothening down her hairs and checking out her reflection in the mirror once, with a bright smile on her face. Before Khushi could open the door, Payal's hand shot out of nowhere, grabbing her wrist tightly.

"Jiji what's wrong with you? Leave my hand and let me open the door." Khushi hissed, wriggling her hand a bit.

"Why? Is someone special coming today? Why are you dressed like you are going out on a date or something?" Payal questioned, taking in Khushi's appearance. Khushi's face went deep red as soon as she heard the word 'date' confirming Payal's doubts.

"Oh my god, you are actually going out on a date? But with whom?"

"With Arnav, of course." Khushi looked at Payal as if explaining her something very obvious and basic.

"What? When did it happened?"

"During your engagement and marriage." Khushi replied looking down, blushing a bit. She felt Payal smacking her arm before saying "And now I am getting to know about it."

Khushi was about to reply when the door bell rang again, panicking her a bit. Tugging at her hand, Khushi spoke hurriedly "Jiji I will answer all your questions once I come back. Now let me go."

She raced towards the door as soon as Payal let go off her hand and nodded her head frantically when she heard Payal shouting after her "I need all details after you come back."

Khushi quickly opened the door feeling a bit breathless with all the running she did. Her face was lit up in anticipation as she looked up to see the person in front of her. Her gaze trailed upwards taking in sport-shoe clad feet, black denim jeans and light blue shirt. Her eyes stopped at his face, feeling a bit flustered at the way his eyes looked at her in amusement. She watched with bated breath as his lips curved up in a breath-taking smile which she witnessed only once till that moment.

Hey Devi Maiya he is looking so handsome!!!! Devil at his best!!!!

She was still drooling over him when she heard him speaking in his deep husky voice, which made her feel dizzy and light headed "Hi Khushi."

"H...H...H...Hi Arnavji." She replied nervously, looking down not wanting to let him see how much nervous she was feeling right now.

"Arnavji???? Since when you started calling me that Khushi?" Arnav asked looking highly amused at the way Khushi was behaving, his eyes never leaving her face.

'Since the time I realized that your presence can make me nervous till this extent.' Khushi thought before smiling at him nervously. Arnav clicked his tongue softly making a sound, before speaking "Too bad Khushi Kumari Gupta getting scared of me, I never thought I will ever see this happening."

"Oh you wish." Khushi's nostrils flared as she heard his words, making her forget all about her nervousness.

"Shall we leave now?" Arnav asked offering her his hand, bowing a bit in front of her. Khushi's eyes widened a bit after seeing this, before she started laughing feeling glad and special at the efforts Arnav was doing to put her to ease.

Linking her arm with his gladly, she allowed him to drag her to the car while they both stared at each other lovingly. As he opened the door for her, she got inside the car. She watched with a smile as Arnav jogged towards the driver's seat and got in.

Suddenly he leaned towards her tucking a strand of hair behind her ear letting his eyes roam over her, making Khushi conscious of her appearance. She hoped that she looked okay in red anarkali suit she decided to wear for the date and in silver jhumkas and bangles she chose to pair it with.

She looked up startled seeing a red rose in front of her. Sensing her questioning gaze on him, Arnav smirked "It's for you."

With strange sensations erupting in the pit of her stomach after hearing this, Khushi took the rose from him blushing to the roots of her hair and her hands shaking a bit. She barely managed to squeak with all emotions overwhelming her "T..T...Thank you."

"You know you don't look bad today. Red suits you." Arnav said, smirking devilishly at her as she glared at him.

"Well thank you." Khushi replied sarcastically before turning her head towards the window making Arnav chuckle.

**************************

"DAMMIT !!!!" Arnav let out a frustrated growl while looking inside the engine of his SUV. He drove the car for a fair amount of time after which it stopped abruptly and refused to start again.

"So what are we going to do now?" Khushi asked, trying not to look at how handsome Arnav looked with dark locks falling on his forehead and his shirt sleeves rolled up.

Arnav looked up at his watch realizing that he had wasted a fair amount of time and he couldn't go with his original plan he had for the date. He thought quickly as he collected his mobile and Khushi's purse from the car and looked at the surroundings. An idea flashed in his mind making him sigh in relief.

"Hello!!!! Arnav what are you thinking?" Khushi snapped her fingers in front of him, her mind filled with thought like 'this is going to be a disastrous date' etc.

"Well the thing is we are already late to go to the place I wanted to take you since it's in the outskirts of Delhi and there are no chances of coming back tonight if we go there now. So how about watching a movie together and then spending evening at some other place?"

Khushi thought for a moment before giving in as Arnav waited for her reply with bated breath. If this was the backup plan Arnav had for their date, then it was as good as his actual plan whose details he refuse to share with her.

***************************

"Careful Khushi." Arnav spoke grabbing her by waist as she stumbled when the metro stopped at a station. Since their car was already broken down, Arnav insisted on traveling in a metro and Khushi reluctantly agreed as she never traveled in it before.

Ignoring the tingling sensation she felt where Arnav kept his hand, Khushi squeaked a nervous 'thank you' before seeing her hands resting on his broad chest, making her widen her eyes. She tried to take a step back when Arnav's hold on her waist tightened making her look up at him, colors rising to her cheeks and her heart skipping a beat seeing him smirking down at her devilishly.

As a cool voice rang inside the metro announcing the arrival of their destined station, Arnav and Khushi moved towards the gate with Arnav hovering around her protectively, saving her from getting pushed by the crowd.

Khushi watched in wonder as Arnav instructed her how to push the token inside the exit barricades for exiting from the metro station. Once they were out, Khushi couldn't help herself from asking "How do you know all this? I mean you are Arnav Singh Raizada, owner of AR and I never thought I will ever see you travelling in public transport."

Intertwining his hand with her, Arnav replied casually "Khushi I was never this rich earlier. You are forgetting the fact that AR was formed around 4-5 years ago only. I had enough experience of travelling in public transport."

After walking inside the mall, Arnav turned towards her and asked "Which movie would you like to watch?"

"Any hindi movie which got released recently." Khushi replied at once making him purse his lips in annoyance. Before Khushi could ask him what's the matter, Arnav walked away and returned after 20 minutes with 2 tickets of noon show of Ranjhanaa movie.

"Let's go eat something first. Still some time is left before the movie starts." Arnav said leading her towards the food court.

As Khushi took a bite of the cheese burger, she spoke "Arnav you don't like hindi movies?"

"Not much ever since Di made it a point to watch an emotional hindi movie with me whenever she get time." Arnav replied munching on his salad, chuckling a bit.

"I am sorry. You know we can watch any English movie you want to watch." Khushi replied, feeling a bit guilty about not asking his opinion before.

Waving his hand in dismissal, he replied nonchalantly "It doesn't matter as long I have you sitting next to me inside the theatre, Khushi."

Shying a bit at his words, Khushi rested her hand over his on the table making him raise his eyebrows at it. Hesitating a bit, Khushi asked the question which was eating her mind right now "Was it too difficult starting AR?"

Arnav's face hardened at this question as memories flashed in front of his eyes. He stopped eating and leaned back on his chair answering Khushi's question in a dead voice "After graduation, I got a job in a MNC. Di was very happy with this and finally agreed to marry Shyam. I was happy that finally I am not a burden on my sister. I worked there for 3 years when I realized that this is not what I wanted. That time idea of starting AR came in my mind since Delhi was getting acknowledged as the fashion hub of India than Mumbai. But no one was ready to invest in my idea. I had my savings but it wasn't enough then Di once again came to my rescue. She gave me all her savings and sold all our ancestral jewelries she had of my mother which she fondly wore in her wedding. AR had a slow start but I never lost hope. Those years were the hardest years of my life when every day I was living under the fear of shutting AR and going back to my previous job. But finally my and Di's hard work paid off and AR started blooming."

Khushi traced patterns over Arnav's hand in an assuring manner while he spoke all this. Her heart pained to see his face twisted in pain as he recollected all those memories. She never had been through a painful past like Arnav so she decided against saying something like 'I understand' and kept quiet.

"I was so wrong in believing that you are a spoilt son of a rich businessman, Arnav. I am so sorry for every wrong word I said to you." Khushi said feeling genuinely sorry for the guy sitting in front of her.

Arnav shook his head not accepting Khushi's apology and said "you don't need to apologize for that, Khushi. I forgave you and I know all the mindless and heated arguments we had were just for fun nothing else. So tell me about your life?"

He placed his elbow on the table, looking at Khushi with great interest as she started speaking "Well there is nothing much about my life. I was born and brought up in Delhi by my amma and babuji. I did my schooling from DPS and then graduation from DU, south campus. Worked in Dreamerz as manager for 2 years before getting promoted as CEO. So yeah that's it."

"Didn't you'd any boyfriend?"

Flushing a bit at this question, Khushi replied "No I didn't had any boyfriend ever. What about you?"

"Well I had 2-3 casual flings earlier which lasted for a month or two."

"So is that what you think about our relationship too?"

"Well I am afraid that our relationship is not like a bit like that. You don't have any escape clauses in this relation for the rest of your life." Arnav replied smirking at her making her look at him with wide eyes.

********************

"Stop crying Khushi. He didn't die in reality so there is no need to shed tears." Arnav said irritatingly as Khushi wiped her tears while coming out after watching the movie. They kept walking quietly when Khushi started sniffing again and broke into fresh tears.

Arnav rolled his eyes offering his handkerchief to Khushi which she took readily, wiping her tears away. "I hate sad endings." She wailed once again making Arnav cringe.

"So you didn't like the movie?" Arnav asked trying to divert her mind from crying.

"It was good except the ending. I loved Dhanush." Khushi said with a dreamy look on her face making Arnav fume.

"Well I liked Sonam Kapoor. She looked so beautiful." Arnav drawled casually, startled to see Khushi glaring at him.

"What??? I said what I felt. She acted so well in this movie.She looked much better than anyone else." Arnav shrugged his shoulder nonchalantly before Khushi started hitting her tiny fist on his chest while saying "How dare you praise her in front of me." Arnav yelped first and then started laughing as Khushi's punches didn't affect him a bit, making Khushi fume in anger.

***********************

"Take off your shoes and then walk." Arnav said as he did the same and started walking on the grass bare foot holding his shoes in his hand. Arnav insisted on visiting India Gate once they left the mall around 4 pm.

When they finally reached there, cool breeze ruffled their hairs as the weather looked a bit cloudy. Many people were there to enjoy their leisure time. Arnav looked up and smiled realizing that any moment it'll start raining owing the monsoon season that had finally arrived in Delhi.

Khushi felt a sense of calmness descend on her mind once she did the same and spoke in a daze "How do you know all this Arnav?"

"Well there are many advantages of having an elder sister. We used to come here many times when we were kids. You know Shyam actually proposed Di here and Di like a fool ran away terrified of him. She was so busy in match making that she didn't noticed Shyam's feelings ever. But at last she realized and confessed here as well after few days. This place holds a special place in my and Di's heart."

"That's so sweet." Khushi replied admiring the way Arnav's face lit up with joy while recollecting happy memories.

It was then she realized that how small things like this made Arnav happy. The way the corner of his eyes crinkled when he laughed, the way his eyes lit up with excitement while talking about his loved ones made Khushi feel a warm feeling inside her heart as if realizing such a fool she was to consider him as the most annoying, selfish and irritating guy she ever met.

He was not a devil!!!!!!

She broke out of her reverie as Arnav snapped his fingers in front of her and said "Khushi I think we should go. It's 6 pm already."

Khushi nodded her head as her face fell realizing that her first date with Arnav got over before she even realized it. If the conversation she had with Arnav during their lunch deepened her feelings for him, the fact that she actually enjoyed their date made her truly happy. It was then an important realization dawned upon her. It didn't matter for her what they did throughout the day, it was Arnav's company that made her enjoy every moment. She enjoyed every fight, every silent moment and every conversation she had with Arnav just because of him and she was sure that it'll stay like this forever. Like the way Arnav said earlier, she too didn't want any escape clause in their relationship. Finally she realized that she fell in love with Arnav. When, why and how she didn't know, she just knew that she love Arnav and she needed to confess it right now not wanting to waste any moment. She looked up to see Arnav walking ahead of her and turned away. She wanted to stop him and yell out her feelings for him loudly.

Sensing her unspoken plea, Arnav stopped suddenly with his back towards her.

"Khushi ..."

"Arnav..."

They both called out each other's name at the same time staying in the same position. They waited with bated breath for other to speak something when they both spoke again together

"I love you..."

"I love you..."

They both turned towards each other in a swift motion, their eyes wide after hearing what the other said. As Arnav took a step towards her with his eyes speaking the love he always felt for her, Khushi too took a step towards him with her eyes conveying the same. They met in mid way drawing each other in a bone crushing hug with few water drops falling on their faces. They looked up to see it was starting to rain heavily with most of the people running to get under a shelter but they stayed where they were, drawing their gaze back to each other's face. A happy laugh escaped from their mouth before their lips met in a kiss. A kiss that spoke of their growing love for each other they just realized. That spoke of the confession they had after getting through all the misunderstandings.

It was a kiss that spoke of a disbelief that a strange encounter they had at first bloomed into the most beautiful feeling of the world, love. Weeks ago, Arnav never wanted to get married as he never met the girl he waited for and now he realized that marriage is a strong bond which he wanted to share with Khushi only.