Arnav and Khushi- a cinderella s CHAPTER 3/3tory

THEM

Arnav looked back one last time at the mansion before he left. He had decided to leave without saying goodbye to her. He couldn't face her. More importantly, he didn't trust himself to see her and not want to stay. He didn't understand the extent of his feelings. All he knew was that Khushi had done something to him. Her gentle face swam in front of his eyes and he had a desperate urge to turn back and look at her one last time. But, if I do, what will I say? He didn't know. With a heavy heart, he rode on, dwelling the memories of last night.

Khushi had a bath and changed as fast she could. She hurried with the dressing of her wound and rushed downstairs to catch a final glimpse of him before he left. She couldn't comprehend for the life of her how a seemingly stranger had become so important that just the thought of never seeing him again was killing her. On reaching downstairs, she looked everywhere for him but he was nowhere to be seen. She asked one of the servants if they had seen him.

"Lord Arnav left in a hurry, Miss. He refused to have breakfast as well."

She stood there, her heart aching with sudden loss and her breath labored. He left. He didn't want to see her before leaving. I should have known better than to expect even a farewell. He had made it crystal clear to her when he had refused to kiss her. He had done her the honorable thing and helped her out, brought her home safely. All she had wanted was a chance to see him one last time. She remembered his face when he had said sorry last night. Sincere, caring. She closed her eyes tight to preserve that image, the image she would hold onto forever.

HIM

Arnav was working in his official chamber at the manor. Someone knocked on the door.

"Come in."

An orderly entered and said," My Lord, your grandmother has asked you to come to her chambers for a meeting as soon as your work permits."

"Please tell her, I will be there shortly."

"Yes, My lord," said the orderly and bowed before he left the room.

Later, walking towards his grandmother's chambers, he knew precisely what she had in mind. He braced himself and entered.

"You asked for me?"

"Yes, Arnav. Please take a seat." She said, without looking at him. She was seated on a high chair close to the window in her parlor, watching the gardeners in the grounds.

He took a chair by the fireplace on one side of the room, wishing to keep his distance from her.

"Arnav, I want you to get married and I have made it clear that you must do it this year itself. September is at its end. I need your answer."

"I have told you before I'm not ready. I don't know how to choose."

"You have met so many ladies of different noble households, Arnav. Don't tell me none of them appealed to you."

Khushi's face flashed by his eyes. The memory of their kiss filled his mind and he swallowed hard to drive her out of his thoughts. He couldn't let his happiness depend on someone else. He wouldn't let anyone rule over him. Love was for weak, sentimental fools. Love was not for him.

"No, none of them did." He said, stubbornly.

"In that case, we should hold a Ball in November for you and you can choose a bride among them."

"A Ball, really??" he said smirking.

"This maybe a laughing matter to you but I have had enough. I have prepared a list of invitees. Please go through it. It's on the table in front of you."

He picked up the sheet and quickly went through the names. His eyes came to rest on one. Guptas. She would come. He could see her again. May be the ball wouldn't be such a bad idea.

"Okay, grandma. Please do as you please." He placed the sheet on the table and got up to leave.

"So, you'll choose a bride at the Ball?" she asked, sternly.

"I won't promise anything" he said, matter-of-factly and left closing the door behind him.