ArShi SS: Finding Solace (ATTTM) ~Chapter Ten page 91~ 26th Nov. - Page 23

Originally posted by: mrin0709

Hi

Just found this story and it is awsome...

loved it.. your way of writing is so flawless, beautiful...

Originally posted by: dazzlerabi

Awesome story,loving it!

Originally posted by: PRUM

nice ff ...

Originally posted by: laksh65

read all 5 ch in one go loved it cont soon

Originally posted by: addicted25

Shaimaa, lovely update. Yep there's definatly more than hate going on between these two...and there is definately a past. Did Arnav go out specificaly to see her, knowing shd eould want to be by herself? Hmmm maybe her pasta blew him away after all the way to a mans heary is though his stomach... no definately a physical attraction here. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT CHAPTER..
Hope you update Bd2 soon too.

Khushi closed her eyes, trying not to remember that day. But how can someone remember what is unforgettable?

Holi was celebrated in full swing in Shantivaan's garden, with friends being invited especially the Guptas as Arnav was going to travel the next day to study in Harvard. For the content of Di and Nani's heart, Arnav agreed to play Holi this year; he was not a fan of such festivals. After participating in games for a while, Arnav decided to head to his room for a shower. However, things did not turn out as he had anticipated. He halted in his steps as he took his time to appreciate the figure in front of his eyes.

She was wearing a once-white salwar kameez with a see-through dupatta.

Her hair was left unbound.

Her face and clothes were smeared with colours and...watery colours.

Her clothes were stuck to her body.

She looked out of the world.

Khushi.

Yet, against all his wishes, he resumed walking ahead to his room with the intention of having a cold shower.

Arnav walked out of the bathroom wearing a black T-shirt and navy blue jeans. He had a towel wrapped around his neck. He started drying his damp hair to be surprised by the sight of Khushi in front of his eyes. "What are you doing here, Ms. O'Hara?"

Khushi had noticed Arnav's absence from the garden, so she had gone in search of him as the thought of him traveling next day surfaced. She pouted hearing his question and the title he gave her. On one hand, she did not expect him to tell her why was she there; and on the other hand, she did not like to be called by that. "I hate this title, Mr. Butler?"

"Why do I always forget this?" Arnav smirked although seeing her pout like that made his stomach do weird summersaults. He put the towel on the bed and faced her again.

"Because you like that girl?"

"And you don't?" He had started calling her by this name since Khushi turned sixteen, which happened three months ago.

"Yes. She just keeps thinking about beaux even after her husband died and she has his child."

"It seems that you've read only the beginning. And what about Mr. Butler?" Arnav smirked for the second time, seeing her irritation.

"I don't like him either." Khushi sighed annoyed at having to discuss this when she had been intending to ask him about his future plans and expectations. She wanted to know what he wants and wishes to have in life. She had always admired that about him, that he knows what he wants and sets his goals then works hard to reach them.

"And me?" His voice turned husky.

His eyes only focused on her, checking her out from head to toe, surprising himself with the way he observed her.

His eyes gave special attention to her face.

Her mesmerizing hazel eyes captured his with their innocence.

And her lips...her pink, bow-shaped, kissable lips.

This is madness!

His breath hitched as these thoughts crossed his mind. Why now?

That's when a realization hit him hard. He did not like the idea of not being able to see her for two long years.

That's when he realized that he was attracted to her.

"You, what?" Khushi's eyes blinked in confusion as they registered a change in his demeanor.

He watched her without a blink, and decreased the distance between them without pondering over what he was doing.

"I will miss you, Khushi." He cupped her face, moving a strand of hair behind her ears. Unconsciously, Khushi's breath hitched, and her chest heaved up and down as her throat became dry.

"M...me too." Even though that she could feel a strange emotion, Khushi thought of this to be his way to bid her goodbye.

He bent his head down. Intoxicated.

She waited for the unknown. Bewildered.

And just like that, his lips kissed hers.

She stilled. Shocked.

He pressed. Bewitched.

A push landed on his chest, taking him by surprise.

A realization of what he did, taking him by surprise.

It all dawned to him.

It all hurt her.

The force. The strangeness. the suddenness.

And she ran away. Tears rolling down her cheeks.

He ran a hand through his hair. And called her.

But she was gone.

Khushi opened her eyes. She could not help but feel hurt.

"No. Just... some lips and tongue were moving. Does this produce a voice? Oh! We still need teeth and other organs to... you know...produce a voice, right Gupta?"

She remembered what he said few hours ago. What did he even mean by that? Was he referring to that or what? Sighing, Khushi stood up and walked to her balcony. Fresh air can help.

_______

Arnav closed his eyes tiredly; he was so tired of fighting himself, of fighting with her.

He had not known when exactly she had grown up into a beautiful woman, or when he had noticed her for the first time. He had never doubted the elegance she had, but there had been something about her that he could not stop himself from approaching her that day. He could not compose himself as he had given a free rein to his new found attraction with every step he neared her. After what had happened, Arnav had tried to talk to Khushi and explain, but she had not been willing to listen to him. The next day he had gone abroad, leaving with a conviction that everything would be fixed with time that she would realize the turn and change in their relationship...not friends any more. But alas! If days could prove him something, it would be how wrong he had been, and days had done so.

In the morning of his travel, he had wanted to see her and explain what happened, but she had not shown up with her family to bid him goodbye. He had called her, but she had not answered his calls. Frustrated with himself and partially with her, he had left home.

When he had called her for the first time from Boston, she had answered the call as the number was not familiar to her; but when she had heard his voice, she had disconnected the call. And just like that, his all attempts had got the same result.

Grapping his car keys, Arnav left Raizada Mansion in frustration. He could not bear the mere thought of those days. He had thought that he was over them, but tonight proved him wrong. She still affects him, badly. He could still feel the softness of her earlobe, of her hair. He could still smell her fragrance.

Aimlessly, Arnav drove his car in the dark streets seeking an end to his thoughts.

_______

As it was a Sunday, Khushi called Nani, Anjali and Mami to invite them for lunch. Khushi wanted to keep her word to Anjali about meeting her and being daily in touch. The Raizada men were having table tennis matches in the Raizada's huge sport room, and Shashi had joined them. That was a relief for Khushi to spare her having him as her guest.

Garima and her daughters made the lunch, and Khushi made the desserts. The best part is that they knew the Raizada ladies favourite dishes.

They all ate, talked and laughed to their heart's content.

In the evening, The men decided to surprise the ladies with a visit. Khushi was holding a chai and biscuits tray then. When she saw Arnav sitting on a chair in the dinning room, she put the tray on the dining table quickly, and excused herself with fake coughs.

Arnav was the only one who understood her fake gesture. Making an excuse of wanting to have some cold water, he followed Khushi to the kitchen refusing Payal's offer with a 'thank you'.

Payal sat down on her chair opposite to Akaash's with a smile while Shashi poured the hot chai for the guests and Garima offered the biscuits.

Khushi sat on a chair around the kitchen's small table. She poured some water to ease her dry throat.

"Hi," The husky voice from behind startled Khushi.

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