ArHi SS: Tu Bhi Aaja Saawariya

"If that girl is meant for you, then nothing on Earth can keep her from you. And if she isn't meant for you, then nothing on Earth can bring her to you." - Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Despite all signs pointing to the contrary, Khushi felt as though she were bathed in moonlight. She stood there on the dimly lit bridge, Arnav's hand in hers giving her a sense of warmth she desperately needed in the chilly night air. Her heart felt heavy as she contemplated that she would soon have to let go.

"It's only a couple of weeks, Khushi," Arnav's low voice seemed to echo through the silence.

"I know," Khushi whispered, her throat locking as she desperately tried to hold back tears.

He sighed, turning to face her. "Then why do you look so pale? More than usual I mean." Arnav's mouth lifted in a faint smile, which faded away as he realized that it was not going to be reciprocated. "Khushi." He placed a finger under her chin, slowly lifting her face until he saw the glistening tears that she was so desperately trying to hide beneath her lowered lashes.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice heavy.

***

NK zipped up his last suitcase and collapsed onto his hastily made bed. He could hear his mother and brother arguing outside, Bhai's voice getting louder and louder as his frustration grew.

***

"One month, Khushi. That's all I'm asking for. One month, and I'll be back, and next time I'll be taking you back to Delhi with me." Said Arnav, his voice breaking at the thought of having to leave her.

***

NK swallowed, struggling to maintain his composure as his older brother enveloped him with a hug. "Be safe, bache." Said his Bhai, his wise eyes looking at him seriously. "You're the first person in our family to ever leave home. Don't make me look foolish for trusting you above all else."

NK shook his head vigorously. "Never Bhai. I'll make you proud."

He walked over to his Ma, bending down to touch her feet. His heart fell as he saw her move her feet back before his hands could touch them. Steeling himself, he slowly raised himself up, towering a good foot above his mother. "Babuji's not coming?" He asked, though he already knew the answer.

"No." His mother's voice was filled with contempt, but NK could see the concern for him shining in her eyes. "It would be better if you left before he came back."

NK nodded. "Bye Ma," he whispered, before turning around towards the door.

***

"30 days, and you and me will both be standing on this bridge, holding hands and laughing as though the previous month never even happened." Said Arnav.

"Promise?" Khushi asked, hot tears making their way down her face against her will. "Promise you'll be back?"

"Of course, stupid." He chuckled, holding her slender hand against his heart. "How will I survive without hearing your sweet voice wishing me 'Eid Mubarak'?"

She smiled for the first time that night, and Arnav felt his whole world light up. He lifted her hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss on it before letting go and stepping back.

"I'll see you on Eid Khushi," he said before turning and walking away.

While this is an ArHi SS, I'll warn you right now that most of it will be about Khushi and NK (just as friends of course!). If you've seen the movie Saawariya, just imagine Khushi as Sonam and NK as Ranbir, and Arnav as a not-annoying version of Salman Khan's character :)