ArHi SS: Swayamvar | COMPLETE | 31/7 - Page 26

i finally caught up with this story and im loving it..

Loved the update!
Happy for Khushi.
I am eager to know the bachelor result.

I am dying to know what is Bachelor end :-)

Chapter Eleven

I tentatively push open the door, wincing as it creaks.

"Khushi? Is that you?"

"Haan, Amma, it's me."

She takes off her reading glasses, immediately walking into the kitchen to fix me something to eat.

"Amma, I just ate-"

"Haan haan, I know what you must have had. Woh Chinese khana hai na,fuzz' ke saath."

I fall silent, since she's right. She expertly rolls out a roti, perfectly circular, and then tosses it onto the scalding tava. My mouth waters as the warm, cooked roti falls on my plate, with dark brown spots that aren't quite burned through.

"Amla, nimboo, ya aam ka achaar?"

"All three."

She glares at me reproachfully before putting three dollops of each achaar onto my plate.

I rip a piece of roti off, letting it melt in my mouth. I savor the taste of the spicy achaar with the soft roti, licking my fingers clean.

"What did you want to talk about, bitiya?"

I pause, keeping my plate off to the side as I finish the last bit of roti. I'm always amazed at how perceptive my mother is, and today is no exception.

"Woh... Can we wait until Bauji gets back?"

She nods, before handing me the soap and a sponge.

"Now that you're here, you might as well wash the dishes for me."

I groan, glaring at her. She smiles serenely, gesturing for me to begin. We talk about everything as we wait, and she doesn't once attempt to talk to me about my relationship with my father.

It's a testament to how things have changed, and she too has seen the difference in our relationship. It feels good to talk to my mother without tiptoeing around awkward topics, and I realize just how much I've missed having her around.

"Khushi... can I ask you something?"

I still at the tone of her voice, not liking the uncertainty it has. Taking a deep breath, I realize I should give her the benefit of the doubt before I jump to conclusions, and I nod for her to continue.

"Woh... the man you were talking to the night of your movie premiere. Who is he?"

"NK?"

"No, no, I know him. The man you talked to after you talked to NK and that... hand-waving guy."

"Arnav?"

My mom hesitates for a second, and then nods. Her eyes are questioning as they search my face, looking for something.

"Yes, him. He was in your class, right? He called you... what was it... chashmish."

"He did."

I keep my voice purposefully light, trying to avoid the topic I know my mother wants me to address.

She sighs heavily, clearly giving up on me broaching the topic.

"Bitiya, is there something between-"

"Khushi?"

My dad appears in the doorway, holding his laptop bag from work. Amma glances between the two of us, before silently taking his bag and giving us some space.

"Beta, kuch hua kya? Sab theekh toh hai?"

His eyes cloud over in worry, searching my face. I smile reassuringly, and he immediately relaxes, giving me a slight smile.

"Woh, Papa, actually... do you remember when you offered to give me money to use for my career?"

He nods slightly, and I can see immediately that he's apprehensive of what I'm going to say next.

I can't blame him, especially with the way I had acted with him at that time.

"I was wondering... is that offer still open?"

I meet my father's surprised gaze directly, forcing myself to hold it. It's not easy asking him for money, especially when I was undeservingly harsh with him the last time he offered.

"I know... I know I don't deserve it, especially after the way I responded the last time you offered. Now, I can see that you only wanted to help, and I reacted immaturely. I would like to finance a short film, and... I need money for that. I promise I'll pay you back with interest- we can work that out. I would go to the bank but..."

He looks at me for a long moment, considering what I've said. I begin to wonder whether this was a mistake- I shouldn't be asking my parents for money... what if he-

"The offer is still open, Khushi. You're my daughter, and you can always come to me for help. I didn't act well either, and in hindsight, I should have made more of an attempt to understand your situation. But as of today, it is all water under the bridge. It's time for us to move forward- how about we discuss this over dinner?"

I smile gratefully and give my father a tight hug, knowing that the tentative truce we had is now permanent.

As I leave later that night, my mom holds me back for a second, giving me a surprisingly long hug.

"Bitiya, you've done well. I'm proud of you, but I want you to be happy too. Don't punish yourself forever for mistakes you've made. It's not a good way to live. And you'll get wrinkles early."

I roll my eyes, placing a quick kiss on her cheek before shutting the door. But I don't miss the double meaning behind her words, and I realize that my mom knows more about my situation with Arnav than she's let on.

My parents are right- it is time to move on.

But that's easier said than done.

***

"I love Piya, but I have to say it is nice to get out for a while."

Payal reaches over and grabs a slice of pizza, settling next to me on the couch. She looks exhausted, with dark circles around her eyes, but happy.

"Akash is a great guy for letting you off the hook so easily."

"It's the least he can do for all the times I let him go out on 'guys night'."

She grins mischievously, dipping a breadstick into tomato sauce and taking a large bite.

"Speaking of good guys... What's the deal with Bachelor boy?"

"He's probably not a Bachelor anymore. The last episode aired last week, didn't it? And nothing is the deal. I apologized, he accepted, it's done."

"Wait- what do you mean, he's not a bachelor? Didn't you watch the episode?"

I pause, glancing up at Payal.

"No. I figured he proposed to someone- that's how they always end it, final rose and all."

"Khushi, he didn't propose to anyone, or agree to continue a relationship . He said he wasn't ready for marriage or a serious relationship."

This new piece of information shocks me. I've purposefully kept away from news of the Bachelor, not wanting to dredge up my feelings again.

I thought Arnav would have proposed, or at least continued a relationship.

Why didn't he?

Payal looks at me in disbelief, before reaching for the remote. She flicks through the channels, and stops when Shyam's face lights up the screen.

"Good evening! We are so happy to present to you LIVE, our exclusive, After the Final Rose interviews! I'll be your host for tonight, the fabulous, amazing Shyam Jha, and with me are the two finalists- Puja and Lavanya... And the sexy, hot Bachelor himself!"

"Namaste, Shyamji."

"Hi Shyam."

"Pleasure."

"It certainly is."

Shyam tosses Arnav a naughty wink, and I can vaguely hear NK cursing in the background.

"So, let's begin simple. What have you three been up to in the days since the final rose?"

"Um, uh, I have b-been doing puja and keeping vrat. I say Vishnu Sahasranamam every single day."

"I've been modeling, the usual."

"AR Corporations has kept me busy. The acquisition of Triangle Plus has forced us to make some tough choices in recent months, especially as the economy takes a turn for the worse. Thankfully, we've managed to keep our layoff-"

"As hot as you sound talking about AR, let's get to the real business at hand. Here's the question everyone wants the answer to- what really happened in the fantasy suite?"

"Isn't that supposed to stay off camera?"

Arnav clearly looks discomforted, despite his blas retort.

"Please sweetheart, we want to know. We've been following your quest for love for so long, you can't deny us this!"

"Arnav told me that he wasn't going to propose or continue a relationship because he didn't see us going anywhere. He said that... he was attracted to someone else, and that he was sorry he hadn't come clean sooner."

Lavanya suddenly interrupts, cutting off any further waffling from Arnav. I don't miss the sharp glare he throws her way, or the slight clench of his jaw.

He clearly had not meant for that to be revealed on live television.

I ignore the questions burning in the back of my mind, forcing myself to focus on the interview instead.

"Th-that's what h-he said to m-me too!"

"Someone else?! Arnav, you didn't mention this!"

"Yeah, well, it wasn't exactly public knowledge."

Arnav's tone is wry, and I can hear his clear displeasure behind his voice.

"Alright, alright, we won't probe. But we have to know- is this "someone" still in your life today?"

There is an awkward pause as Arnav shifts his feet, trying to think of a diplomatic answer.

I lean forward, his soft mumble forcing me to strain to hear.

"We're... taking some time to examine our priorities."

It's an honest answer, but the deep pit in my stomach only seems to grow larger. I realize that subconsciously, I had been hoping he would... say something different.

"You want to talk about that?"

Payal mutes the TV, turning to me. I fidget, knowing that I won't be able to avoid this conversation.

"I was listening, you know."

"Taking time off to examine our priorities?"

She ignores my statement, ploughing on.

"Look Khushi, I know things didn't end well on the relationship front between you. But the look on your face tells me that you were expecting a different answer than what he gave. Why?"

"Why?"

"If it is really over as you have said, and that apologies are done and everything is fine and dandy, you wouldn't have that look on your face."

"Did you really just say fine and dandy?"

"Khushi, stop avoiding the topic."

"I don't know what you want me to say."

She simply looks at me, refusing to let me out of this.

"Payal, it's done. I thanked him for all he's done for me, and now we've gone our separate ways."

"That's it? You don't want to be friends? What about your relationship?"

"What about our relationship?"

She rolls her eyes, clearly exasperated.

"Don't play dumb. You were happy with him. The sex was great, you two got along well. Why are you giving up?"

"Because I don't deserve it, okay? I wasn't ready to be in a relationship, and I don't think I'm ready now."

"Fine, forget relationship. You don't want to be friends? You said you liked hearing his perspective, that he's interesting to talk to."

"I don't think he wants to be friends with me, Payal. And that's fine. I don't want to get into this."

She shakes her head, her mouth set into a straight line.

"No, Khushi. You're just being timid, again. You're expecting everything to fall into place on its own, instead of making it fall into place. After all that's happened, I would think you would have learned this. I guess I was wrong."

With that, she walks into the kitchen, leaving me with my thoughts.

Her statement hurts, but I know that she's right. I am being timid, and I do want him to make the first move.

But... maybe that's not what we need right now.

I want to be friends, to be able to talk to him about everything. I recall our easy conversations, and his brutal honesty that forces me to take another look.

Unwittingly, the memory of the tender, passionate sex between us comes into my mind, and I immediately feel the goosebumps erupt on my arms.

Six months later, and that memory still makes me shiver.

I let the thoughts sink in, finishing off the last bit of my crust. I can hear Payal washing her plate in the background, talking softly to Akash on the phone as she does so.

"Payal, I'll be back. I have to do something."

I don't hear her response, slipping on my shoes and running out of the door.

***

I ring the doorbell twice, before realizing I have no idea what I'm going to say. I swear underneath my breath, cursing my lack of planning, and turn to leave.

"Khushi?"

He's standing in the doorway, wearing dark, worn jeans and a maroon button down. I can smell the scent of his aftershave, and I swallow thickly, attempting to control the sharp pang of desire that shoots through me.

"Arnav. Hi."

We stand in his doorway for an awkward minute, just looking at each other.

"You want to... come in, or something?"

"I saw After the Final Rose."

The statement is out before I can stop it, but he doesn't react. He's just as aloof as he was earlier, and he leans against the frame, regarding me with a shuttered expression.

"Oh?"

"Yeah. You... uh... Didn't propose."

"I didn't."

"Or propose a relationship."

"I didn't."

"Because you, uh, weren't ready for a serious one."

"I believe that is what I said."

"And you told Lavanya vaguely about us. And you said we were taking time to examine our priorities."

He stiffens slightly, but doesn't give anything away, only nodding.

"And, uh, what does that mean?"

He cocks his head, an amused smirk curving his lips.

"It means that we are not currently dating, but we haven't ruled that option out yet either."

My eyes snap up to his, and I take in a shuddering breath.

"So we're... on a break?"

"I guess you could say that."

"In the Ross Rachel sense?"

"Did you really just make a Friends reference?"

"Hey! Friends is a great TV show."

He smiles at me, before becoming serious again.

"If you're asking whether I am also interested in another woman and have slept with her, the answer is no. I haven't had time, and I didn't want to end up with a Ross Rachel situation on my hands."

He says dryly, running a hand through his wet hair.

"I... I want to start over. As... friends."

"Friends?"

"I think... I think everything moved too quickly last time, and I would like some time to get to know each other just as friends. And maybe this time, you'll actually ask me out before we have sex."

"If I recall, you threw yourself at me."

"What bull! I did not throw myself at you!"

I can see him restraining his laughter, a smirk playing on his lips. His eyes seem warmer, and I see a hint of a smile curve up his lips.

"Arnav Singh Raizada."

He sticks out his hand, and I pause a moment.

Taking a deep breath, I place my hand in his and give it a firm shake.

"Khushi Kumari Gupta. We were... classmates, weren't we?"

***

Scroll Down for Epilogue

Epilogue

"So Khushi, this is your first foray into directing. How did it go for you?"

"It's a very different experience. Until now, I have spent my time either filming or writing. Directing has given me the opportunity to bring my words to life in my own way- Anyone that has ever read a book knows that each person visualizes a piece of writing differently. I get to pick actors as I've visualized them, and that's a very unique experience."

"Harsh Truths has been an unprecedented success. Short films generally don't garner much attention, but your films always capture the interest with their very... real and relatable storylines. How do you bring that feeling to your writing?"

"I think its important to keep in mind that in the end, the goal is to connect with the audience. It's not so much the story as it is the characters. In order for the audience to empathize and connect with them, the characters have to react realistically, and that is what I attempt to do whenever I write."

"Your first short film, in collaboration with Shaan, had a... bittersweet ending. Most audiences want that happily-ever-after- how do you balance the two?"

"It's important to note that bittersweet also includes the sweet. Too often, people forget that not everyone works out all the time. Sometimes, people are better apart- and that's what happened in that story. The two characters just were not in the right place, and at that time- it wasn't right for them to be together. That's a happy ending, even though it may not be conventional, because they are happier apart."

"Has your real life influenced that idea?"

"... I think it has. I've always been a little cynical, but I think my own experiences have truly proven to me that sometimes, people are better apart. Whether it's permanent or for a short while, taking a break can truly be helpful to a relationship."

"Speaking of relationships- there's an elegant solitaire diamond on your ring finger. Is there some news you need to share?"

"(laughs) Is that a not-very-subtle way of asking about my recent marriage?"

"Marriage?!"

"Yes, Arnav and I had a small, court wedding about a month ago. As you know, we like to keep our public lives separate from our private. With all the drama that happens at Indian weddings, who knew if it would even happen? (laughs)"

"A court wedding? (laughs) How did that go over with your families?"

"Ah, well, they tried and failed to convince us to invite 500 relatives we've never seen. But Arnav and I were insistent. Marriage should be between the couple and a handful of people that truly matter. Both Arnav and I believe that very strongly."

"Well, congratulations, Mrs. Raizada! On behalf of everyone, I would like to wish you a very happy married life. As always, it was a pleasure talking to you. Khushi's new film, Harsh Truths, is in theaters now."

"Thank you, Anisha."

"Never would have happened? Is this a veiled statement about how much you hate being married to me?"

Arnav gives me a mock horrified look, and I lean over to press a kiss to his cheek.

"Please, the only reason I married you is because you're an amazing cook. And because you're rich."

"Not for my skill in the bedroom?"

"Arnav!"

"What? We're in the privacy of our own apartment. You're my wife. I can be as dirty as I want to be."

I snatch his plate out of his hands, rolling my eyes as he chuckles behind me.

If someone asked me four years ago whether I would be happily married, I would have laughed.

Arnav and I remained close friends for nearly a year after I approached him after "The Final Rose", and our mutual decision to start off platonic was one of the best we've made.

While the passion was still overwhelmingly there, forcing ourselves to build up our friendship set up a much stronger relationship.

While we had talked a lot during our initial fling, being friends allowed us to get to know each other as people, beyond a relationship. We couldn't divert important topics with sex, and that lesson has been valuable to our relationship as a whole.

There's something to be said about letting out repressed sexual tension as well.

I blush as I recall the memory of when we finally decided to take the next step.

We had simply been sitting on his couch, talking, when Arnav had stopped mid-sentence. I still remember his next words, and the memory never fails to bring the aching desire between my legs.

"I want you. f**k, I need you, Khushi Kumari Gupta. But since you said I have to ask you out before we have sex, I'll give you exactly three seconds to answer to this question before I rip of your clothes and take you right here. Go out with me."

"That's not a ques- mmph!"

He hadn't waited, threading his fingers through my hair and pushing me back onto the couch. His kisses were bruising, desperate as he nipped at my lips over and over. I had given in without hesitation, a strangled moan escaping me as he began swirling his tongue at the base of my neck.

He fumbled with the buttons on my shirt, groaning in frustration as my bra refused to come undone. When he finally got it off, he tossed it into a corner, suckling gently on my breasts and making me mindless with desire.

He pressed hot, wet kisses down my stomach as he unbuttoned my jeans. I had kicked them off eagerly, and his eyes seared through me as he stared at me with hazy eyes.

"f**k Khushi, you're going to kill me."

I had blushed as he tugged off his own jeans. I had had a feeling of anticipation that night, and consciously had chosen not to wear any underwear.

He leaned over me, straddling me as his lips hovered above mine.

"I'm going to take you now, and I'm not messing around. I've had enough of this waiting. I'm going to make you sore tomorrow, and make sure that the neighbors can hear you begging for more."

He thrust into me in one, sharp thrust, and just as he wanted, I had let out a keening cry. He was relentless, bringing me to the edge with long, deep thrusts that had my head spiraling in minutes. He had collapsed against me shortly after, smirking in satisfaction.

"I'm just going to take that as a yes."

"You're remembering the night I fu-"

"Language."

"-cked you senseless, aren't you? I think the neighbors woke up with that one."

"You have no neighbors, genius. You live in a penthouse."

"Ah, well, the people below us had to have heard something with how much I make you-"

"I certainly hope the floors aren't that thin. Or we're in some serious trouble here."

"I'm not the one who has a habit of being... vocal."

"Really? Because I seem to remember this one time during AR's annual conference when-"

"Khushi Kumari Gupta, are you goading me into having kitchen sex?"

"I'm hardly kumari anymore, am I?"

"You're not a Gupta either."

"And I regret it everyday."

He gives me a smoldering look, lifting me up onto the counter in a fluid move, groaning softly.

"God, you're heavy. How much weight have you put on?"

"You're mean. If you're trying to seduce me, it's not working."

"I don't need to seduce you to get you into my bed, Khushi. Besides, I rather like your curves."

He winks at me, sliding his hand underneath the hem of my tshirt, making my eyes flutter shut as I lean into his touch. He takes my lips in a soft kiss, and I pull him closer, deepening it.

We finally separate, and I reach to pull off my glasses as he begins to unbutton my shirt. His hand stops me, and I look up at him, confused. He shakes his head, a slight smile quirking up the corner of his lips.

"Leave those on. You look sexy in them... Chashmish."

***

Note: And that's where I will leave you with this story! I have to say that I'm incredibly, incredibly sad to let it go- it's been an absolute pleasure to write, and even though I've always planned to end it here- I can't believe it's already over.

I would like to sincerely thank Luna, for giving me the idea to write this.

Also deserving a huge, huge thanks is Semanti- who has put up with my theorizing and has helped me edit so many times, despite her own busy schedule. These characters are sensible largely thanks to you and your always insightful critique. Thank you, as always!

Another thanks to my friend, D, who puts up with my fangirling in asli duniya, and never fails to have a sarcastic retort and an eyeroll. She's also never afraid to kick me, so thanks for the bruises too. I didn't capitalize after ellipses, so spare me this time please.

To Rith, thank you for being an awesome friend- Arnav's strawberry chapstick will always thank you, ya? (and I guess... I thank you as well). But really, thank you so much for always listening to my babbles and such. You're a wonderful person!

I do have another story on the line, and I will post a teaser from the prologue below. I'll also post a link to the IF thread when it is up on this blog. I hope you will join me for that one as well, which I will post only on India Forums- however, I will open a blog for it once I'm finished.

***

Do Deewane: Small Excerpt from the Prologue

His eyes lingered on her legs, and he was jolted out of his... study by her shifting in her seat. He quickly brought his eyes back up, and caught a glimpse of her hand.

A glinting, diamond ring rested on her finger, and he watched as she turned it slightly with her thumb.

Damn it.

She was engaged.

***

Anyone who doesn't have an IF account that wants to read is free to tweet me @ipkchotidesi or email me at thechotidesi@gmail.com.

Thank you, to the most important people- the people who take the time to read. Thank you for always being wonderful readers. I thoroughly enjoy your comments, and writing would not be the same without your support.

Until next time and love always,

Choti

Chotiii kya ending hai yaar...read it quickly at work..superb..loved it..will read it again and again tonight..

Just now read excerpt from Do Deewane..omg omg ..is it Do Deewane NY shahar mein?

...very good ending ...they done it very good way ..first they become friend now a very good life partners

Wonderful Update and Epilogue Dear!!!