ArShi SS-The Blue Lie *Chp 9* upd 20/02 - Page 4

The later hours of the day kept Khushi very much busy. She had much of her court work to do but the happiness of finding Lavanya just had her going. She returned from court by late evening. She saw the familiar black car parked at the front of her house and groaned loudly at the thought of facing Neil again. She wanted to get rid of him as soon as she can. She had already collected 50% of proofs against Neil and his family but she also wanted witnesses which were hard to find as Neil's family had their influence in Shimla. Everyone was scared to take a stand against them even if they were wrong. So, bracing herself to face Neil again, she got out of her car. Fortunately she met him at the main door itself. It seemed that he was leaving; he just gave her one of his arrogant smirk and left without a word. Khushi was surprised but was glad anyway. She's never in a mood to talk with him, so she just shrugged and entered her home. As soon as she entered the living room, Garima beamed at her and said, "Khushi bitiya, you're home! How was your day? Did you meet Neil beta on the way, he just left." Khushi smelt something fishy as she saw her mother so excited. Her mother was a happy person but never excited. "The day was okay Amma! Can you please bring me a cup of tea? I'll answer rest of your questions then." Khushi asked in a nonchalant tone. "Yes yes, sure Bitiya! I'll bring it right away!" replied Garima and practically ran to the kitchen. Khushi was even more perplexed now and was quite sure that her mother's excitement has got something to do with Neil. Soon, her mother was out of the kitchen with tea and took a seat across her after handing Khushi her tea. "So did you meet Neil? Did he tell you anything?" Garima asked excitement in her voice intact. Khushi frowned but replied, "He did meet me, Amma. But just smiled and walked away. Why are you so excited about Neil meeting me?" Garima slyly looked at her daughter and stammeringly replied, "Woh..oh.. Khushi, Neil was here to know your answer to his proposal and..and said that he would like to personally talk with you." Her sly smile turned into a grin. Khushi was terrified with what her mother just said though she didn't show any of her emotions on the face. "What? Neil said that?"Khushi asked. Garima nodded and said, "He also told me to ask your opinion. He wouldn't like to force you just because he likes you. He's such a nice boy." Garima cooed. So Neil had already made his move. And my opinion? Damn! That would be the last thing he would think of. He just wants to flatter my parents.', thought Khushi. "Amma! I need time to think. I haven't even given my marriage a thought. So there's no question about thinking about my groom.", lied Khushi. She had always dreamt of marrying Arnav. "And for Neil, he's just an acquaintance not even a friend. So I need time, I hope I'll not be forced from your side." Khushi continued. "No! No Bitiya! Absolutely not! No one's going to force you, I'm just asking you to think over it." Garima replied calmly. Khushi nodded and left towards her room contemplating over fact that what should be her next move against Neil.

She went to her room, freshened up and then settled on her bed with her laptop. As soon as she opened it, messages from Arnav popped out.

Arnav: Hey Lav! Don't say sorry! I can understand you're busy too. And yes I'm very desperate to meet you and see how you look now. BTW, you don't know where Khushi is? You both were inseparables back in those days! Anyways, I would like to meet her too when I come back.

Arnav: Expecting a reply from you soon.

Khushi was very happy to know that Arnav wanted to meet her too. Arnav never ceased to surprise her. When she thought he had forgotten her completely, he had asked about her and now, said that he wants to meet her too. She did a brief happy dance before typing her reply.

Khushi (as Lavanya): Hey Arnav! Haha! You have to wait to see me! *Sabra ka phal meetha hota hai* :D

And about Khushi, I seriously don't know anything. People change as time changes. She might be in Shimla itself. I'll try to contact her before you come back so we three can meet. :)

Good Night. Sweet dreams! :D

After sending the reply, she checked her other official mails and closed her laptop.

Next day, in the court her colleague lawyer asked her if she could replace her for the lawyer's conference in Delhi High Court next week. Khushi being the kind soul had instantly agreed. Lavanya too lived in Delhi; she knew it from the bytes that she had given to the newspapers. So she had decided that she would meet Lavanya when she'll go to Delhi.

The week had passed by quite soon. Neil's frequent visits to flatter Khushi's parents were highly irritating Khushi. Her chatting with Arnav was also scarce in that week as he had to wrap up his work in Australia before he shifted to India. So this week had given her time to think about how she would deal with various issues in her life. Today was finally the day, she was going to Delhi.

Khushi had tracked down Lavanya's address and now was standing in front of her apartment building. Lavanya now stayed in Delhi. Luckily, she had some work in Delhi High Court which provided her a chance to meet Lavanya without being suspected by her parents. Neil was hovering around her house everyday. She went near the watchman's cabin and asked for Lavanya's flat number. Just then he saw Lavanya exiting from the building and pointed towards her. Khushi immediately looked in the direction he was pointing and sprinted towards her. She was genuinely happy to see her childhood best friend after so many years. Once she was behind Lavanya, she tapped her shoulder which made Lavanya turn. Lavanya took a while to realize who was standing in front of her. "Are you by any chance, Khushi Gupta?" she asked yet not believing her eyes. Khushi just nodded, grinning, happy that Lavanya had recognised her and was immediately pulled into a bone crushing hug by Lavanya, Khushi hugged her with equal fervour.

After some time, they were in Lavanya's apartment catching up on those years they missed in each other's lives. Khushi had finally decided to tell her what she wanted to. "Lavanya, I had been chatting with Arnav as you in all these past years. And now that he's coming back to India I want you to meet him." Khushi had finally dropped the bomb while Lavanya looked at her shocked.

P.S: Khushi has the same e-mail ID of Lavanya while they were in school.😉