Chapter 4 – The Prince or the Dark Knight?
Arhaan was eagerly waiting in his office.. What is wrong with me? Why am I behaving like a teenager? It's just a girl.. Wait his heart said she's not just any girl.. She's different! He was lost in his thoughts when Khushi knocked and came in! He smiled, trying to hide the fluttering of his heart at seeing her in a pink suit! This girl is the goddess of beauty.. He thought so simple and pure..
Khushi- "hi Arhaan, how are you??"
Arhaan- "I'm good Khushi and you?"
Khushi- "me too so shall we discuss about the ward?"
She told Arhaan what exactly she had in mind; he was impressed by her ideas! She wanted to make it a place only for kids.. Decorating it for them..
Arhaan- "well I understand what you want, and I've seen the place too.. So we'll start work tomorrow! We have to first visit all the showrooms and decide what material, furniture we want, max it should take a month or two and you will have your ward ready!"
Khushi- "thanks, so I'll see you tomorrow I guess!"
Arhaan- "yes I'll pick you up from the hospital at 12!"
………..
It had been 20 days since arhaan and Khushi were working together! He would pick her up, they would look around for stuff, have lunch together, and he would drop her back!
Today they were meeting Akash and Arnav too at AR, because Khushi wanted to discuss with them everything and all their work till now! Then Akash had called and said that they would meet over lunch, and that was where they were headed!
Khushi- "thanks Arhaan not only for your help and assistance, but also for your friendship! You're like the best friend I always wanted..."
Arhaan, smiled- "ya ya right I know.. Now don't start with your tactics of thanking and all.. I'm glad I met you too Khushi..!!"- Ya hell I'm glad he thought.. You have no idea what you are to me now Khushi.. I have fallen so damn hard for you...you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.. I'm happy that you look at me as someone so close as a best friend..That is the first good sign.. I know this is love for me .. I love that I've fallen for you.. I won't exchange this for any damn thing in this world...
For Khushi- Arhaan's friendship was a huge support and comfort, she liked him.. He was the nicest guy ever..she still struggled with remembering trying to recall her memory but only in vain..she hadn't told Arhaan any of that..
Today she was way excited.. She hadn't seen Arnav in almost three weeks and that's because both of them were so busy and he had gone to London for his business trip in fact today she had decided to keep this meeting so as to see him.. Her heart longed to see him.. She didn't know why..
Arnav and Akash were waiting for Khushi and Maya to arrive! Akash had told him that they'll be meeting her for lunch as she had to discuss the progress of the ward and even the person she was working with from Oberoi's would be joining them! And both of them assumed it to be Maya!
Arnav was dying to see her.. He hadn't got the time in weeks because of his sudden business trip to London and he had gone because it was work that cudnt be ignored and secondly he could use the distraction to ponder and think over everything that had happened…to cope up with his heartache…loosing his khushi.. to fate the way he had…it hurt so much that she didn't remember them…
But now that he was back he couldn't wait...
He saw her walk in, and she took his breath away..she was so angelic, he was so engrossed that he didn't even notice the guy next to her.. It was only until Akash spoke "who is that with Khushiji?" that he noticed this wasn't any Maya.. Walking right next to her was a very good looking man.. Who was talking and smiling with his Khushi..Jealousy raged through him as he saw his Khushi pat his shoulder signaling him towards them..
Khushi- "Namaste Jijaji and Arnavji." She smiled! Her eyes locked with Arnav's and she felt her heart flip as always..
She continued.. "This is Arhaan Oberoi! He's helping me with the work!" As they all got seated, she saw Arnav x-raying Arhaan.. Was it jealousy she saw?
Akash- "hi Arhaan, I've heard about you! We didn't know you were personally helping us in this project! I had hooked up Maya to do that!"
Arnav thanked his brother mentally for the question for he desperately wanted to know why this guy was hanging out with Khushi and looking at her like that.. And he knew it had been weeks since the work had started! He almost died of jealousy at the very thought that they had been working together for so long... And this Arhaan had been spending too much time with her.. "damn my trip! That's why I didn't know about this until now..."
Arhaan- "oh yes, it's an interesting story..Khushi should I tell them..or you would?"
Khushi nodded and smiled asking him to continue!
Arnav- Khushi is smiling way too much at him.. She seems so comfortable with him.. Like she never seems with me.. His heart sank...he looked at her.. He met her gaze while Arhaan talked, filling them over on the way they met and then working together..
Arhaan- "well I'm so happy to work with her..and not only that I've found a very good friend"
Khushi- "haan aur hum bhi".. Before she could finish Arhaan completed her sentence.. "you are like the best friend I always wanted"
And they both laughed!
They discussed the work and ate and Khushi could feel his gaze on her all the time! Why is he so tense she thought? Did he not want to meet me after all this while?
Akash knew what his brother was going through! He was jealous of Arhaan..
Arnav was trying to act all normal but the way Arhaan was looking at her was making him really uncomfortable.. Something deep down told him Khushi was more than a friend to him..
As they all got ready to leave, Payal had called Akash and asked Khushi to come over.. Khushi had agreed as she was really missing her jiji too! As they were getting into their cars-
Arhaan- "it was nice meeting you Arnav and Akash! I'm sure you'll be happy with our work! I know you've known dad and bro for a while.. But I'm glad I met the famous Raizada brothers finally! Khushi really praises you all a lot!"
Arnav and Akash- "it was nice meeting you too Arhaan!" As they shook hands... Arnav was happy to finally see him go..but what he heard next killed him-
Arhaan, giving a side hug to his Khushi- and Khushi hugging him back as he said- "bye Khush.. I'll see you in a while.. You remember you have to come home for dinner tonight.. Bhabhi is dying to see you and so is Krish.. I'll pick you up at 8?"
Khushi laughed- ya right Arhaan I just met Krish yesterday, so you see I know he's not dying"
Arhaan- "fine you caught me.. It's me who can't wait to see you again" as he laughed and entered his car..
Khushi laughed and replied- "how many times Arhaan, you're at it yet again.. Behave now will you.."
Arnav had had enough of this scene.. He couldn't believe it he had been out for a couple of days and already some guy had the freaking audacity to flirt with Khushi in front of him this way.. As he glanced at Khushi from the review mirror.. He thought.. "Why are you doing this Khushi?" But then he remembered his innocent love did not remember them she was a victim of destiny just the way he was.. As they reached Shantivan he decided.. Enough Khushi I'm not going to sit back and let you have space anymore..I have to have u back Before someone gets in the way.. I'm yours.. And you mine..Arhaan Oberoi- the war is on!!
Khushi was coming to Shantivan first time after that tragic day..And Arnav decided that he had to get her to stay here.. She might run away from me everywhere else but not here..
As everyone welcomed Khushi, he took Akash and Payal and Di aside and spoke to them – "I need her to stay here Di, Payal.. That's the only way she'll give me the time of the day.." Akash went on to explain their meeting with Arhaan and how Arnav had sensed danger- "Di I know it.. The way he looks at her.. I don't want things to get more twisted than they are.. I don't want it to get messy.."
They understood.. Payal had an idea told them.. And went on to call her bauji and Amma.. "Don't worry Arnavji I've got this!!" Di and Akash returned to Khushi and Nani meanwhile Arnav smiled and patted himself.. Sometimes being the ASR isn't that bad.. I do get amazing ideas! What has this woman's love done to him, he didn't know but all he knew was.. She was the reason for him to live..
As they all sat for tea at the table, Khushi served everybody..
"Mamiji yeh aapki .. Di aapki.. Jiji, jijaiji, Mamaji yeh apki aur haan yeh wali Arnavji , humne aapka liye banayi hai.. Isle cheeni nahi Dali..."
They all looked at her surprised!! Arnav was shocked how did she know this?? No one had told her. Wait a minute did she remember anything? His heart skipped a beat. "Khushi tumhe kaise pata ki I can't have sugar?"
Khushi surprised with herself- "woh pata nahi kaise.. Hume bass pata tha.. Kaise pata nahi." She was clearly confused!! Arnav didn't want her to be stressed..Di understood and covered- "are chote she must have heard hp or something!!"
He smiled at Khushi and sipped his tea...Khushi broke away from his gaze and sat down to have hers when she saw her Amma, bauji and buaji walk in with a suitcase..
Khushi- "Amma kya hua? Aap aise yahan achanak? Sab theek hai?"
Bauji and Amma- "haan bitiya hum tumhara samaan yahan chodne aaye hai.. Woh kya hai hume achanak Lucknow jaana hai .. Bauji ka kaam agaya hai.. Thode din mein aajayenge.. Par tumhe akele kaise chode toh issiliye Payal aur Anjaliji ne kaha ki tum yahan rahogi tab tak!"
Khushi- "arre Amma aise kaise achanak se, Acha theek hum bi chalte hai aapke saath..."
Arnav groaned within, why was she bent upon ruining his every plan he thought but was saved the trouble as Payal and Di handled it- " nahi Khushi.. Tumhara kaam bhi toh hai.. Yahan raho na hamare pass thode din..Hume Acha lagega"
Khushi couldn't refuse her sister's ,in-laws of course! So she agreed and hp was ordered by Arnav to take her luggage to the guest room..
They bid the Guptas farewell.. As they were walking back in they heard Khushi's cell ring-The way she smiled and picked up Arnav knew it was her newly found best friend, he fumed! The rest of the family was worried about the situation but it was always amusing for them to see Arnav jealous! Last he time was a treat to watch with Nk.. Nani and Anjali silently exchanged smirks recalling the incident..
Khushi- "yes Arhaan.. I am coming definitely.. I don't ditch! But yes you have to pick me up from the Raizada's , I'll be staying here for a while now! Now don't start with your questions.. I'll explain once I see you.. Yup in an hour that is!"
She put down her phone to look up at the eager faces of her sister's family! And the one most tensed was Arnav trying his best to mask it Why? she wondered Why are you such a mystery? You haven't spoken a word to me.. you look at me as if there's so much u want to say but you don't! She shut away her thoughts that if whatever this was between them didn't make any difference to him, she would make sure it stopped mattering to her too!
She explained- "woh Mamiji , Naniji,hamare dost hain Arhaan Oberoi we are working together.. Aaj Hume unke ghar jaana hai dinner pe.."
Nani ji, smiled- "theek bitiya".. She knew it pained her naati but in this situation there was no other way out!
Khushi went to get ready! She wore a pink saree.. Let her hair loose.. Did a little makeup on her eyes and lips that's it..and smiled to herself in the mirror..as her thoughts shifted to Arnav.. How am I going to ignore you now living right next to you..you don't want to look at me , talk to me.. Then why does my heart want to walk the path of this one sided torturous feeling.
Meanwhile downstairs the Raizada's were sitting and discussing and celebrating their conspiracy of getting Khushi to stay! Arnav was happy.. He knew now that she was near it would be easy for him to put his plan in action.. Just then hp opened the door to let his rival in-
Akash- "welcome Arhaan," he introduced him to everyone!
Payal and Anjali and Mami and Nani admired this young fellow- he seemed so nice and good!
Arnav- not saying much as trying to control himself or Arhaan would have been black eyed! As the rest of his family chatted away with him his anger grew..
Just then his princess walked down the stairs.. His heart stopped as he was mesmerized and recalled the sari being the one he had picked out for her earlier on in life when he was wooing her before the fateful happenings.. She looked out of this world.. This is your palace princess.. I'm happy your back to where you belong.. And soon you will be back forever..
Arhaan stopped talking as he saw Khushi walk down! This was it .. He knew he had told his family that he loved her.. And wanted then to get to know her.. So that he could confess to her soon and make her, his! And as he saw her walk down the stairs.. He was 1000 times sure his heart had made the perfect decision and no matter what happened he would always love her and only her...
All the love expressions of his didn't get missed by the rest of the family and specially Arnav.. And gave his family the look.. I told you so in anger..
Arhaan smilingly- "hey Khush.."
Khushi- "Arhaan you are early"
Arhaan smiled and admitted- "ya ya alright fine I admit again i couldn't wait at home.. Krish was making my life hell to come get you.. And everyone is so eager to see you.. Who told you to be such a sweetheart..Everyone loves you.." And he looked right in her eyes Before saying that..
Khushi now embarrassed by Arhaan's words- "oho shut up you! Aap sab iski baton ko seriously mat lena.. Yeh pagal hai.. Ab chale.." Hum jaldi aajayenge she told everyone .. Aiming it for Arnav who was killing his phone as if it had done a crime..and as they left she sighed thinking to herself.. I don't want everyone Arhaan, just that one my heart aches for.. I wish I knew why..
Arnav and the rest hadn't missed Arhaan's- everyone loves you dialogue! And ASR was raging, while everybody calmed him down..
"Di Akash, I told you.. He has the guts..He's dead he's so dead.."
Anjali- "Chottey you are adorable when you're jealous! Haha .. Don't loose hope! You have to fight for her.. So what.. I know we all know Arhaan likes her..But so what we know she loves you..."But then realisation struck Arnav and as he turned to everyone and sadly said with tears in his eyes.. "Di she used to .. She didn't remember anything and even if she does .. Aap ko kya lagta hai will she take me back after all that I've put her through? And this Arhaan really likes her but that's not my fear.. My fear is what if Khushi likes him too? What am I going to do? She doesn't remember us Di .. She doesn't.."
Payal- Arnavji don't worry.. you can't give up now!"
Arnav- "I'm not Payal I don't Want to hurt her anymore with anything.."
Payal and Akash- "no you won't, we are with you!"
Nani ji- "yes Arnav bitwa be the one you are"
He couldn't thank them enough.. No I won't hurt her.. I'm going to show her how much I love her.. Arhaan may have won a dinner but he didn't know , Arnav had her heart and once she was back from dinner he would put his plan in action..
……………………
Meanwhile at the Oberoi mansion, everyone was having a lovely time..they all loved Khushi.. And Arhaan was so happy as everyone gave him their silent approval..he would confess soon he'd decided before he would drop her tonight.. He smiled to himself!
Khushi was having a lovely time.. It was a good distraction and she genuinely liked all the Oberoi's , Arhaan was a gem of a person..She was joining them back on the table.. for dessert after putting Krish to bed as he had insisted.. And suddenly she got some flashes of memories..Her falling into Arnav's arms.. There were so many so many incidents where she fell and he caught her always.. She felt a sharp pain in her head and dizziness took over and all went black as she fell to the ground!
Arhaan ran up as he saw her fall..Khush he yelled..
Diya and Nikhil settled her on the couch and tried to sprinkle water to bring her back.. Arhaan panicked.. Not working...He called Shantivan.. She had to stay there.. Maybe they knew what had happened to her all of a sudden.. After all they were family..
Payal received the call- 'as everyone was over at the table!
Payal- "haanji Arhaan ji kya??" Her hands shook.. "Aap bas use araam kariye..hum aa rahe hai and we are getting the doctor along!"
She ran up to everyone on the table-Everyone looked up wondering what got Payal so worked up!
Payal- "Arnavji woh Khushi..."
"Kya?" He panicked "kya hua Khushi ko" he yelled
Payal- "woh Arhaan ka phone aaya hai.. She fainted and she's not regained consciousness in ten minutes.. We have to rush"
Arnav got up, called her doctor- "doctor rush to Oberoi mansion.. Khushi is there..She's fainted.. Yes I'm reaching there with Payal and Akash .."
Meanwhile Khushi had regained consciousness..
Arhaan- "Khush are you fine Khush.. Omg you almost killed me.."
Khushi- "yeah Arhaan I just got some flashes and then the pain..."
Diya, Nikhil and Arhaan, all confused- "what flashes?"
Khushi- "ok Arhaan I haven't told you this.. A few months back .. I.. I .."again the pain seared..
Arhaan- "Khush just relax I don't want to know.. you tell me later..ok I've called your sister.. She's coming.."
That very minute.. Arnav, Akash and Payal rushed in..and to his surprise it wasn't Payal who ran to her side first, it was Arnav Singh Raizada.. "Khushi.. Are you ok? U exert yourself so much.. you won't ever listen .. Will you? How are you feeling? Answer me dammit!"
The Oberoi's were shocked to see the great ASR this way, they all knew of him as cold and ruthless, so why was he talking to Khushi as if.. As if.. Arhaan shuddered at the thought.. No maybe cause she's family!
They had got the doctor.. Khushi was gazing silently at Arnav as the doc checked her .. What is this? Those flashes? He is so worried for me? Did' I have something with him in the past I don't remember ?
Doc- "what happened Khushi?"
Khushi- "doctor I was walking and then all of a sudden I got these flashes of some memories.. And then pain in my head and the rest I don't remember.."
Doc- "hmm, I'm giving you these medicines.. You need to rest Khushi.. And I totally want you to do that or the next week.."
Arhaan- "yes Khush, we can carry on the work later please you take care I can't see you like this"..Arnav flinched
Payal- "chalo Khushi ghar chalo.."
Arnav and Akash thanked the Oberoi's and helped Khushi in the car...
Khushi- "I'm sorry aap sab ko meri wajah se.."
But before she cud continue-
Arhaan put his hand on her lips- "shhh Khush..just shut up! Take care please you don't know you almost gave me a heart attack tonight..It almost killed me to see you so pale.. He gently patted her hair.. you rest tonight.. I'll come to see you tomorrow at Shantivan.."
Arnav and Khushi were both surprised at Arhaan's words-
Arnav thought Arhaan was playing around but this was serious- was it possible he loved Khushi?
Khushi- was surprised! I know he flirts with me at times but this is more than normal care and concern..Her mind couldn't take it anymore and nor could her heart.. As she laid her head on Arnav's shoulder in the backseat of the car- "Arnavji I am tired can I please sleep on your shoulder?"
Arnav broke from his chain of thoughts- he shifted in to give her his shoulder as she snuggled to him and she whispered "thanks" and he instinctively kissed her forehead as she slept away.. Genuinely feeling bad for Arhaan .. He was going to get hurt..very hurt..
He had tucked her in her bed and sat there next to her.. He had asked Payal and Akash to sleep as he'd watch over her.. She was still holding his arm.. He wished she would remember them soon or else Arhaan her best friend was going to get hurt and he knew that would hurt her too.. But no he didn't want her to remember anything if it would cost her her health..He thought as sleep took over him..
She woke up the next day..and recalled what had happened.. And then at that moment Anjali and Arnav walked in.. "Khushi are u fine? How do you feel??"
Khushi smiled- "thanks Arnavji , Di.. Feel better par thodi weakness hai"
Arnav- "bas ab tum ghar pe hi raho.. Kuch din tak toh koi kaam nahi Khushi.. Aur baad mein tum Arhaan ko ghar bulake karlena theeke?"
Khushi, didn't want to argue- "ok Arnavji.."
Just then her phone rang- "yes Arhaan" she answered "I'm fine.. Ok if you want to"..she was feeling a little uncomfortable seeing his care for her last night.. Had she given him the wrong idea??no she couldn't have.. She didn't like him that way,
Khushi- "Arhaan is coming to see me.. Is it ok?"
Anjali-"haan Khushiji but u please rest.."
Khushi- "Arnavji Hume aapse kuch Baath karni hai.."
Arnav stayed back- "kya Khushi," as he sat next to her and Di left
Khushi-"Arnavji, I got some flashes.."
Arnav- instinctively just cupped her face and looked at her- "shh Khushi pls abhi nahi tum theek hojao fir we'll talk this out.."
Khushi just hugged him- "Arnavji Arnavji" and she cried...
Arnav- "shhh shhh"
Khushi- "arghhh it's so frustrating that I don't remember and get these flashes.. Feels so helpless.. I want to know I want to know.. I saw you in my flashes.. you catching me so many times as I fell.. What is it that you are hiding from me Arnavji?"
Arnav worried and happy at the same time- "Khushi relax theeke I'm here ok? please tum itna stress mat lo.. I'm not hiding anything.. I'll tell you.. It's just that you were so clumsy you used to fall all the time and call it luck but I was always there to catch you"..he chuckled lightning the conversation!
Khushi smiled and broke the hug now embarrassed with herself- "why have you been avoiding me Arnavji? I thought we were friends.."
Arnav- "I'm sorry Khushi.. I didn't mean to.. "
Khushi- "Arnavji I'm worried about Arhaan.. Yesterday I felt weird with him taking care of me and talking to me that way.. Do you think I've given him a wrong idea? Arnavji he's my best friend.. I can't hurt him I'll hate myself forever".. As she sobbed again
Arnav, knowing that the damage was done though..-" no Khushi, you scared him, and you can talk to him when your fine everyone was worried..after all didn't he say everyone loves you.. So now smile" and he turned to go out!
Khushi held his arm and looked right at him- "no Arnavji I don't think everyone does! Not everyone loves me…"
Arnav smiled inwardly as he added silently I do Khushi…and so does everyone else..but this was not how he wanted to tell her..he waned her to be fine first..and so he walked out giving her a small smile and he said- "pls rest Khushi now, we'll talk later!"
…………………
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