ArHi SS: Swayamvar | COMPLETE | 31/7 - Page 20

Arnav says this? To Khushi or in the show? Gawdn And that too next week? Long time to go!! Hmm

wow...loved it...cant wait to know whats going on on Arnav's mind...

Speculating as in J's SS.
Arnav to Kushi in real life just running away from the truth.
Kushi to Arnav in real life to cover her insecurity.
Arnav to kushi in real life to give tough time to kushi
Kushi to Arnav in real life to avoid the embarrassment
Arnav to Lavanya in reel life before the elimination.

Nice teaser...thanks for the PM

Chapter Eight

"Di, this is Khushi. My... friend."

My heart plummets, and I smile tightly at the family standing in front of me. Anand gives me a huge grin, and the tense air eases slightly.

"Mom, I'm hungry! What's for breakfast?"

Anjali looks at Arnav questioningly, placing a hand on Anand's shoulder.

"I don't know if Arnav Mama would want us to join him and his... Friend. They might be... Eating."

She winks at me, clearly enjoying the deep flush that fills my face. I avoid Arnav's eyes, feeling them on me almost immediately. He doesn't take his eyes away from me as he answers her, making my heart thud uncomfortably in my chest.

"Of course you're free to join us, Di. We can always eat alone... Later."

I burn with embarrassment, pointedly avoiding the satisfied smirk on his face. Anjali sniggers quietly behind her hand, leading Anand into the kitchen behind Aman and Arnav.

I struggle to contain the pangs of desire that threaten to overwhelm my irritation with him. Immaturely, I want to stay mad at him, hoping that he will initiate the conversation I'm afraid to.

What if last night only changed things for... Me?

Anjali brings out a plate of steaming dosas, and I take them from her hands to place them on the table. She smiles gratefully, nodding dutifully at Anand's chatter as we sit down to eat.

Arnav hands me the filter coffee, and I nod stiffly to him in acknowledgement. I lift the cup to my mouth, savoring the familiar scent. Payal made it all the time in college, and I've developed an unhealthy addiction to the drink. But more often than not, I end up grabbing a cup of bitter black coffee, lacking the time to make a good cup.

I nearly choke on the first sip, my eyes widening in surprise as the taste spreads over my tongue.

It tastes exactly like how I like it, down to the two spoons of sugar.

He doesn't look at me as I gape at him, calmly continuing his conversation with Aman.

How could he possibly know?

I don't recall ever telling him how I like my coffee, and whenever we've had breakfast together, I've always made my own.

"Khushi, you graduated with Chote, right? I remember seeing you as the valedictorian... NYU's film program, if I'm not mistaken?"

Anjali's innocent question brings back the memory of yet another rejection, and I barely muster up a smile for her.

"Yes, that's right. NYU."

"Are you currently working on anything?"

"I have a script, but I haven't found anyone to take it yet. I'm currently filming the Bachelor, actually."

Anjali rolls her eyes, glaring disapprovingly at Arnav.

"Yes, that show."

"Di, we've been through this. I did it for NK. I highly doubt I'll find my soulmate in that batch of women."

Anjali notices my fleeting glance towards an entraptured Anand, and quickly sends him off to wash the dishes before continuing.

"It's the principle, Chote. You're leading them on!"

"Please. Like any of them actually believe I'm perfect for them. They just want the money. And my... Expertise."

Aman hides his laughter when Anjali shoots him a reproachful glare, folding her arms across her chest. I shift uncomfortably, not wanting to be caught in the middle of a family argument.

"And what happens when it's the final rose and you've met their families and raised expectations? You tell them you've already got a... friend? That you're sorry you can't reciprocate, tell them you love them?"

I stiffen immediately, realizing the truth behind Anjali's words. While we've been doing... this, I've successfully managed to put Arnav's position as the Bachelor out of my mind. Anjali's words bring back the painful tug of my heart, reminding me of the passionate kiss he shared with Lavanya.

"Di, it'll be fine. I know better now, and I won't repeat my mistakes."

"Mom, I've got karate in half an hour."

Anand interrupts the heavy silence, glancing between the four of us. He seems to sense the tension in the room, and quickly tugs Anjali and Aman out. His perceptiveness surprises me, especially in light of his age.

Anjali gives me a quick hug as she leaves, smiling at me.

"You know, Khushi, I almost never meet Chote's friends. It's so nice to-"

"Mom! Let's go!"

"We'll finish this later."

She gives me one last smile, before shooting Arnav a meaningful look.

He closes the door behind her, turning to face me with a sigh.

"Sorry about that. Di tends to be... Inquisitive."

"Don't apologize. She's sweet, and Anand is adorable. Aman seems... Quiet."

"He's always been quiet. Di more than makes up for it with her nonstop nonsense."

"She doesn't seem to be happy about you doing the Bachelor."

"No. She isn't."

I wait for him to continue, and he regards me carefully.

"I made a mistake with a woman a few years ago. She thought we were heading for marriage... I had no such plans. She made a huge fuss in the media, and it turned into a huge scandal."

"This was... Ashwini Singh, right?"

"Ashwini, yes."

I nod tightly, walking back into his room to grab my stuff. I hear him following behind me quietly, clearly on edge.

"Khushi..."

"Yes?"

He opens his mouth like he's going to say something, but then closes it, apparently thinking the better of it.

"What?"

"You're unhappy."

"We're friends. What's there to be unhappy about?"

"See, I knew you would be upset about that. How else was I supposed to introduce you in front of Anand?"

"I don't know, Arnav, why don't you tell me?"

"This is what you always do, Khushi! You shut me out."

"Tell me Arnav, do you sleep with all of your friends?"

"Was I supposed to tell Anand that we're f**k buddies?"

"Is that what we are?"

He takes a step closer to me, his eyes glinting in fury.

"I don't know what we are. We've never talked about it. You have no right to be angry that I called you a friend."

"We've been sleeping together for over a month."

"That doesn't mean anything."

"Doesn't mean anything?"

He sighs heavily, running his fingers through his hair.

"That's not what I meant, and you know it."

"What exactly does this mean to you?"

He stares at me for a minute, his expression inscrutable. He clenches his jaw, pushing me up against the wall as he steps forward again.

"I know that I like you. I think you're funny, smart, and I'm very attracted to you. I don't think I've ever had better sex in my life, and I'm not a sanskar virgin by any means. I think we could have an amazing relationship, beyond the sex- But if you're looking for confessions of love, I won't be able to give it to you. At least not yet."

He steps away from me, his eyes penetrating me as I gape at him.

I'm completely floored by his honesty. I hadn't expected such a candid answer from him. I had thought he was a Casanova that would run at the idea of commitment.

And he proved me wrong again.

He's waiting expectantly for my response, and I take in a shaky breath. I owe him a response as honest as his, and that idea scares me.

"I enjoy being around you. You're easy to talk to, and you like Harry Potter. That's an automatic bonus. I can't deny that the sex is amazing-"

I see his cocky grin, and roll my eyes.

"I know that I have... feelings for you. It's not just about the sex for me. I won't be able to give you a confession of love either, because I don't know how I feel. I'm not an easy person to be in a relationship with- but I'd like to try. If you're willing, of course?"

He smiles, a true smile that crinkles the corners of his eyes up.

"Well, Ms. Gupta- let's do this relationship thing then."

I wrap my arms around his neck, pressing my lips to his in a gentle kiss. The kiss quickly turns heated, and my lips are tingling when we finally break away.

He gives me a wicked grin, lifting me up before I can protest.

"How about we have brunch together?

-***-

"NK, why don't I get to film the date with our handsome bachelor?"

NK closes his eyes, and I can hear him counting backwards underneath his breath.

"Because you're not competing, Shyam."

"Please. I could beat all these young ladies hands down in a hotness competition. Am I right or am I right?"

"Shyam, shut the-"

"NK!"

"-f**k up."

"Can we, like, just like, get shooting please?"

"Um, uh, NKji, I- I haven't finished pooja yet."

I hear the buzz of my phone amidst the commotion, and reach for it immediately.

Arnav: Need an Advil yet?

I glance across the room to see him smiling at me, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I'm about to respond when I see Shyam step up to him, placing his hand on Arnav's bicep as he trails his fingers down. I see Arnav's eyes widen, turning to see Shyam smiling up at him coyly.

I strain to hear Shyam's words, snorting at Arnav's displeased expression.

"Baby, we're starting shooting soon. Are you sure you don't want... Me in there?"

Shyam purrs, looking at Arnav with a comical coyness. I fight my laughter, and sober as soon as Arnav's eyes fall on me, narrowing threateningly.

I wink at him, grinning impishly.

To my surprise, Arnav and I have worked out thus far. We have had our share of arguments in the last couple of weeks, but overall, our relationship has only gotten better.

A lot of that has to do with the openness we now have. He no longer tiptoes around me, and I try my best to face issues head on. We've avoided bringing back a situation like earlier, and sit down and talk through our problems.

But besides our relationship, our friendship has developed as well. Our conversations spam everything, and I find that he's well versed in a variety of subjects.

I find myself smiling softly, grateful for the friendship I've gained from this relationship. Arnav's perspective is refreshing, and it's nice to have another point of view to consider.

My phone buzzes beside me, and I lift it, expecting to see a text from Arnav.

But I find myself holding the phone with trembling hands hovering over the accept button instead.

-***-

I stare at the screen in disbelief, unable to hit the accept button.

Shaan Chopra, Devi Productions.

The one man that holds my future in his hands.

The ringing stops, and I realize it's going to voicemail. Hastily, I hit the accept button, interrupting my pre-recorded message.

"Hello?"

"May I speak with Khushi Kumari Gupta?"

"That is me."

"This is Shaan Chopra, calling from Devi Productions. You had sent us a script for a short film about a month ago."

"Yes?"

"We had asked for more time to consider it, and I wanted to let you know that we've made a decision."

There is a pause on the other side of the line, and I steel myself for rejection.

"Your script has some work that needs to be done. The writing is a little sloppy, and it could be cleaned up further. It lacks a certain level of maturity, but you are a new writer, aren't you?"

I blink back tears at the familiar words, before choking out an affirmation.

No matter how many edits I make, it never seems to be enough.

"However. Your story is incredibly strong, and your characters are more well developed than any new I've seen recently. If you're willing to work with an editor, I, and Devi Productions, would love to work with you."

I barely hear what he says after my delighted acceptance of his offer, quickly noting down the date and time he wants us to meet.

I can't stop the happy tears that spill over, or the shriek of joy that fills me.

My hands unwittingly dial a number, and I raise the phone to my ear as it rings. I'm delirious with happiness, completely stunned by this recent development.

Devi Productions is one of the most renowned, and I can't believe that they've actually accepted my script.

This opportunity is something I only held in my dreams, and I can scarcely believe that it is a reality now.

"Hello?"

My grip tightens on the phone as the familiar, deep voice of my father washes over me.

In my joy, I had automatically dialed the number of my parents.

"Bauji?"

My voice is shaky, and I can almost feel my father stiffen across the line.

"Khushi. Tum... Kaisi ho?"

"Bauji, my... My script got accepted. At Devi Productions."

There's a poignant silence that seems to stretch endlessly, and I swallow, trying to calm myself.

Even after all that's happened, I can't stop myself from hoping that my father will... Finally be proud of me.

There's a heavy sigh on the other end, and I prepare myself for the worst.

"Congratulations, beta. I knew you could do it."

His voice is tender, something I haven't heard in years. I can hear his pride, and I know he has the same expression he had when he found out that I won the local writing competitions, and the same one he had when I won the Science bee.

It brings tears to my eyes, and I find myself sobbing on the line with my father listening quietly as I recount the conversation, hiccups and all.

I barely register my mother's proud, teary congratulations, telling me I have to attend a pooja she will hold to thank Devi Maiyya for giving me this chance.

All I can think is that my father is... Finally, finally proud of me.

I haven't failed.

-***-

I step into Mr. Chopra's office the next morning, nearly shaking with excitement.

I smooth my dress out for the millionth time, hoping there aren't any wrinkles.

A small smile takes over my face when I recall what happened this morning as I tried to get dressed, trying on outfit after outfit. Arnav had watched with an amused smile, before pulling me to him and telling me I looked better in nothing.

Needless to say, I was a little harried on my way here.

We discuss my script, with the editor sitting in on the meeting as we go over details. I can hardly believe I am here, in this office, discussing my script.

Shaan, as he requested I call him, proves to be incredibly involved with the entire process, sitting through the whole meeting.

He's attentive and interested, with his glasses perched on his nose and a green pen in his hand to make insertions and comments along with my editor. His slightly grating hair and kind eyes immediately set me at ease, and before I know it, the meeting is over.

I stand up to leave, grasping his hand in a firm handshake.

"You know, Khushi, I have to say- I'm pleasantly surprised. I was hesitant to read your script, since I usually don't take newcomers. But Arnav convinced me to give it a shot, and I have to say that I am impressed."

I try to smile at his praise, even as my stomach drops to my feet. My mind goes blank after his statement, and I nod and walk out robotically, attempting to come to terms with what he has told me.

Arnav was responsible for this?

-***-

I raise my hand to knock on the door, trying to control my temper.

I haven't been this angry, this hurt in a while, and the feelings are hard to control.

Arnav swings open the door, a bright smile on his face as he presses his lips to mine in a tender kiss.

But I stand there stiffly, refusing to reciprocate.

He pulls back, his brow furrowed as he stares at me.

"Khushi? Did the meeting not go well?"

"You told Shaan to look at my script."

His eyes are startled, and he takes a step back from me. He quickly regroups, but I can see that he's thrown off guard.

Was he never planning to tell me?

"Shaan is a mentor of mine. I did tell him to read your script, since I knew he usually doesn't consider newcomers-"

"Even after me telling you that I wanted to do this on my own? That I refused my father's help because I wanted to... find my own way?"

My voice is trembling, and I feel the unpleasant prickling of tears at the back of my throat.

Arnav's eyes soften, and I hate the look of... Pity in his eyes.

"Khushi, you did do this on your own. I didn't tell him to accept it, only to look-"

"Damn it, Arnav, I don't want your pity!"

His eyes harden, and he steps away again. His figure is stiff with indignation and anger.

I know I'm being unfair, but I can't stop the devastation I feel upon realizing that I've had to rely on yet another person to have any success.

Why can't I achieve anything on my own?

"Pity? Khushi, I didn't pity you! You're my girlfriend, and my friend, and I-"

"Exactly! What if I wasn't either, Arnav? Would I have gotten this chance?"

"Of course you wouldn't have!"

Disbelief courses through me, and Arnav immediately backtracks.

"Khushi, that's not what-"

"I know perfectly well what you meant."

My voice is icy, and I struggle to keep the hurt of the betrayal out of it. I whirl around to leave.

I feel a rough grip on my wrist, and I'm spun around to face caramel eyes, glittering in anger.

"Don't you dare leave without hearing me out."

"I've heard enough."

"Khushi, you know what your problem is? You're too damned naive."

I open my mouth to rebut, but his steely expression stops me.

"When I say you wouldn't have made it, I mean that because you can't make it in this industry without connections. You have to have someone vouching for you, or you'll languish forever, no matter how talented you are. You need to learn to accept help, Khushi. It's not a sign of weakness- it's a sign of maturity that you can accept that you aren't capable of doing everything."

"Are you implying that I'm immature?"

"In some ways, yes. You are."

I wrench my hand from his grasp, fury and hurt coursing through my veins.

"You know what your problem is, Arnav? You're too damned arrogant and think you can play God. Thanks for the advice and help, but I think I can make it on my own from here on out."

I wrench my hand out of his grasp, and stalk out of his apartment, ignoring the tears that stream down my face.

He doesn't come after me.

-***-

I sit at the camera, my hands fiddling with the lens. I pointedly avoid Arnav's gaze, ignoring the buzz of my phone.

I haven't talked to him in a week, and I've thrown myself into my work with Devi Productions and filming to keep my mind occupied.

I know I should apologize, but my pride refuses to let me. I'm still furious at what he said, the hurt a sharp ache that won't let me go.

I feel like he doesn't believe in me, and that hurts more than anything he could have said.

"Arnav, Lavanya, let's shoot the fantasy suite scene. Lavanya, you're accepting his offer."

I wait for Arnav to turn him down, to tell him that he's in a relationship.

But it never comes.

Instead, he simply nods, and turns towards her, smiling softly as he offers the key to the room. I know the bed is decorated with roses and hearts, since I had to decorate it with NK.

I watch him disappear into the room, following behind her, and the door closes with an ominous click.

As soon as I can, I hit the stop button and rush out of the studio, muttering out an excuse before Arnav can see me.

This time, the betrayal hurts even more. I sit in my car, staring out of the window blankly.

I grit my teeth, steeling myself. I won't let the tears fall, not anymore.

I am done with Arnav Singh Raizada.

-***-

Note: And that's where I'll leave you for now! Next chapter will be Arnav's perspective, and I'll put a teaser up soon.

This story will have 12 chapters + and epilogue, and I've had that planned from the beginning. That being said, that means this story is reaching a close. do have something in mind to write after this, but I am not entirely sure- I'll have more information underneath the epilogue, and I hope you will join me for that journey- if I choose to take it- as well.

Please follow this blog or @ipkchotidesi on Twitter for story notifications and update links.

Love always,

Choti

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Lovely Update. Confused a little but waiting to know Arnav's perspective.😊

fantastic update! i love how khushi is so confident n determined..but her attitute in some cases disappoints me. why cant she take help from someone for a change?? arnav is not a stranger..he is helpin her 'coz he really wants to. she seems very stubborn! she should also think abt the bigger picture..takin advice frm someone once in a while doesnt harm anyone! why do arnav thinks he cant love anyone? has it got something to do with his past? or maybe he doesnt believe in it. really want to knw his perspective on the whole situation. waiting for the nxt update...

loved it ...feel for khushi..commented on blog as well

Yep. messed up big time. I can't say who's right or wrong at this point, coz i am in a pissed off mood myself, I fell like strongly siding with Khushi and kicking Arnav's a**.

We always hanker for parental approval don't we.