Arshi FF: Zindagi Ke Mausam: Part 25b UPDATED! - p.86 - Page 32

Originally posted by: Linsie

Beautiful... khushi and NK... friendship
khushi past..

Now the drill on akash and payal to confess...

Originally posted by: Dreamer-89

This story is shaping up nicely each character is slowly playing their respective roles

Excited to see how nk Kushi Lavanya Arnav equation goes forward will it be a cliched route of misunderstandings or will it be a twist

Thanku for the pm

Zindagi Ke Mausam: Part 22b

I really enjoyed writing this update, also I added more than what I had previously written out, I hope you guys like it !

Translations: In Red

Thoughts: Italics

Khushi felt her heartbeat quicken as she hurriedly walked after Arnav, who was walking in ridiculously long strides. She sat in the SUV struggling to put on the belt hoping she'd have it buckled before Arnav noticed.

Arnav: Do you not know how to buckle the damn seat belt?

Khushi: It..it's stuck. I'm doing..I'm doing it.

Growing agitated, Arnav leaned over her to grab the seatbelt for her when he felt her body still under him.

Devi Maiiya, mera dil tho aaj sach mein fail ho jaayega. Iss laad governor ko itne paas aane ki kya zaroorat hai, aur agar aata bhi hai tho mujhe yeh kya ho jaata hai?

Devi Maiyya, my heart will really fail today. What's the need for this Laad Governor to come so close to me? And even if he does, why do I react like this?

As he moved away, he stopped momentarily at her lips which seemed to be quivering.

No... her lips aren't quivering. What is she mumbling? Devi Maiyya? Governor? This girl has lost her... but her lips, they're plump, pink and if he just..what the ! What am I thinking?!No.

He quickly moved away and started the car, zooming in to the streets of Delhi.

Khushi: Did you want to know anything specific about the project? We..we wanted to present it to Mrs.Gill before we went through with it. Arnav ji?

What is she--oh right the project. It's good GG mentioned it before I headed out, otherwise how else would I keep her away from NK?

Arnav: Do you have a marketing strategy? Is there a design you finalized? Who thought of how the design should be finalized? Which part of society are you catering to? Tell me everything.

Yes, he could talk business. This was his realm. This would be easy.

Khushi: Woh... Vikrant and Yusuf are working on the financial aspect, how'd we present to investors. Jay thought instead of giving a mock presentation, we'd treat this as an actual project AR would work on. Since AR likes to start the new year with a new collection we decided it be good to try something completely different. We went through a few ideas and came to the conclusion that we should work on promoting the designs through songs.

Arnav: Songs?

Khushi: Every bride is different as is their own personal style. Every woman also comes from different levels of society, in what they can afford. We'd create different styles, using different fabrics, catering to the different kinds of brides you know, traditional, modern, indo-western, brides who want to be as bright as their personality, brides who want their calm demeanor but classy selves channeled in to what they wear. We'd then market the trousseau wear using the songs that helped inspire the making of their outfit. I know it sounds like a lot and maybe it doesn't make complete sense, but I think it can work. We'd be able to have AR worn by all different people, from different classes of society.

Arnav's business man took over, processing the idea and concept, sure it was rought but perhaps it could work.

Arnav: Who thought of this idea?

Khushi: All of..us

Arnav: Bullshit. Really, which one of you thought the idea?

Khushi: I... I did but I mean..we all contributed for it to get where it is right now

Arnav: How did it come to your mind? The using songs to promote the wear?

Khushi: I... I sketch. Even if this internship is focused on marketing, my interest lies in designing. I was working on a personal project that's based off the idea. I had certain song that I used to help me design the outfit, based on the person, on their love story. While I'm not advertising it to anyone, I think if I did with the song in mind, it would sell.

Arnav: You finished it. The design you mean? What is it?

Khushi: It's actually um Lavanya's reception outfit. It's a surprise. She knows I was working on something for her but she doesn't know it's complete.

Arnav: You made Lavanya's reception outfit? How? Where?

Arnav's mind was ticking, if her idea made sense and it was practical, he could use it for the upcoming collection he wanted to present in the new year. But her words couldn't be enough, he needed proof that it would work.

Khushi: Rehana's studio...in Delhi..I've been working there. A favor from her.

Arnav: I want to see it. Where is it?

Khushi: It's at home and okay, I'll show you.

Arnav parked the car and they entered the Jha's mansion.

NK: No more work discussion! How's the reception preps going Khushi?

Khushi: Good, Bhai's been helping me.

NK: Bhai?

Akash: That would be me NK, no need to look confused. I got a promotion from Jeeju to Bhai, isn't that so Khushi?

Arnav: Khushi, where is the finished product? I want to see before I head out for a meeting. Go get it.

Khushi: I uh..actually...

Lavanya: What are you talking about ASR?

Khushi: Your..your reception outfit. It's finished.

Lavanya: Really?! I have to see it! Finally get my wedding gift from you! But ASR why do you want to see it?

Arnav: Has to do with the final project the interns are presenting. Now where is it? You said it was at home, go get it.

Khushi looked at Akash and then at NK and then back at Arnav who was growing impatient.

NK: Why aren't you going and getting it? Alright, fine I guess it's a surprise for me? Take Lav and Arnav to your room. Show them.

Khushi: NK, I.. I have it in my room. My room isn't here.

NK: What do you mean? Are you living in the outhouse still?

Khushi: No, no the outhouse.

NK: Then what?

Khushi: I don't live here at the Jha Mansion since I've been back NK. Please, please don't freak out. Or get mad or anything. No one told you because I asked them not to and I didn't mean to tell you like this either but... Just don't be mad okay?

Arnav wasn't expecting this at all. Hadn't he assumed she lived here? It was the one thing that was a hindrance in keeping her away from NK but if she didn't live here where did she live?

Khushi: NK? Say something. Come on.

NK: So where are you staying?

Khushi: In a flat..in Connaught Place. It was my choice. I know you probably have a lot of questions and I'll answer all of them and

NK: I have no questions Khushi. Apparently, lots has changed with you since I left. That's fine. My opinion obviously didn't count for much otherwise you would've consulted me beforehand, but it is what it is. I think the jet lag is kicking in. I'm going to be resting up in my room. Lavanya? And thank you for coming to pick me up, must've been quite an inconvenience, with you not living here and all.

Khushi: No NK, I... listen...NK..

NK walked up the stairs leaving an awkward silence lingering in the room.

Lavanya: I'll..I'll be right there. Khushi, he'll be fine. I'll talk to him.

Khushi nodded at Lavanya, not having the energy to say anything else.

Akash: Khushi...

Khushi: I...I have to go. I'll see you later Bhai.

Khushi turned to leave when she looked at Arnav.

Khushi: I can show you the outfit if you have time.

Arnav nodded and headed out of the Jha Mansion with her. Khushi sat in the car and gave her address.

This is where she lives? Sure the place isn't probably the most expensive place but it's definitely not cheap. How can she afford it? She couldn't have possibly gotten money from NK for this...Akash maybe? What does it matter Arnav? She doesn't live at the Jha's, away from NK and Lavanya. And after NK's reaction, there's no need to worry about them making peace for a while either. You just need to see the outfit she is gifting Lavanya. Make sure it's not something cheap and gaudy. See if the idea she's working on with the interns isn't worthless. Who knew what this girls taste is like?

Another corner of his mind was telling him that he wanted a sneak peek in to her life, this apartment, a secret she kept from even NK, he wanted to be able to experience it first.

Khushi unlocked the door to her apartment as Arnav followed in behind her.

Arnav looked around the apartment. He noticed that the apartment was clean, and decorated in colors as mute as the ones his room was painted in.

Khushi: Aap behtiye. Mein aati hoon.

Sit, I'll be back.

Khushi felt very robotic with all the movements and words she was speaking. She knew NK was hurt. She also knew that while she wanted to clear the air...but it would mean telling the truth. She couldn't tell him anything, not anymore. Not after seeing how happy he was.

Khushi walked back in to the living room with a cup of coffee and set it in front of Arnav who looked up from his phone with surprise.

Khushi: Coffee. Don't worry, it doesn't have sugar. I'm sorry I don't have anything sugar free snacks at home. I can make something but I don't know if you have the time...

Arnav: No, I'm fine.

Khushi went in to her room and pulled out the bag out of her closet.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/d1/16/6f/d1166f3fd36682ed8e229d504b2cbdf2.jpg

Khushi unzipped the bag and held out the beautiful peach lehenga saree with dull gold embroidery.

Khushi: Here it is.

There were very few times in Arnav's life that surprised him like today. The outfit she was holding was impeccable. It did not seem like she was a rookie designer. It was stylish, classy, modernity in traditional wear. It was Lavanya.

Arnav: What song?

Khushi: What?

Arnav: You said that's what helped you design the dress. As inspiration. What song?

Khushi: Man...

Khushi's phone rang as she was about to answer the question.

Khushi: Excuse me.

Khush walked to the kitchen trying to speak quietly in to the phone.

Khushi: Nahin sorry Bua...kaam ki wajah se...promise next time milke jaaoongi. Haan, sab teek hai. NK? Nahin you know jet lag ho jaata hai. Haan haan, acha, okay Bua, rakhti hoon.

No sorry Bua, because of work..I promise I'll meet you before I leave next time. Yes, everything is fine. NK? No, you know you get jet lagged. Yes, yes, okay, okay Bua, I'm going to hang up now.

Arnav walked in to kitchen, listening on to the conversation in which Khushi spoke monotonously. Hearing him step in she turned around.

Khushi: Sorry woh Bua ka phone..I would've come..

Arnav handed the empty cup to her which she went to grab, her hand holding on to Arnav's instead. She looked at their hands and then up at him, her eyes locking with his.

Arnav: NK is very important for you.

F**k Arnav. You're supposed to keep her mind away off of NK. Do something.

It sounded like a question and a statement all in one and Khushi wasn't expecting him to breach the topic. Khushi moved her hand away from his, as he set the cup on the counter. She picked up the cup and turned the faucet on.

Khushi: Lavanya is important for you.

They both stayed silent for a few moments before Khushi felt Arnav behind her.

Arnav: And I think you're important for...

Arnav's words whispered in to her hair, causing her to drop the cup in to the sink, water splashing on to her face. Arnav turned her around, with her back against the sink and Arnav not even an inch away from her. Khushi felt the tension palpitating around and between them.

Khushi: Ar..Arnavji...

Arnav wiped the droplets of water from her face with the back of his hand. His voice was just below a whisper, "you completed the sentence for me."

Without any other words spoken, Arnav walked out of the apartment.

---

Same Time : Jha Mansion

Lavanya: Babe, I know you're not happy with Khushi's decision and ...

NK: I don't want to talk about it Lavanya.

Lavanya: Look she's probably got a valid reason and it shouldn't be a big deal...maybe she wants to be independent. I lived by myself for the most part too.

NK: It's not about that Lavanya. I know Khushi. Something was off. Something has changed and she isn't telling me. I don't know if living by herself is related to it or not.

Lavanya: Give her some time, she'll come around.

NK: You don't...

Lavanya: Understand. I've heard that so many freaking times these past few weeks. You're right. I don't understand and you won't help me with that either! Anything that has to do with Khushi ends with a You won't understand'. We're supposed to be two halves of a whole Nand Kishore and every time you say that I feel incomplete. That's not fair to me or to us!

NK: Are you serious? Are you really going to do this right now?

Lavanya: Yes. Yes, I'm serious. I don't understand why Khushi is some unchartered territory that we tip toe around. She's obviously important to you so I don't know why you won't be honest with me?! I told you how I liked Arnav but I eventually got over it.

NK: You think I'm harboring some unresolved feelings for Khushi? You've got to be f**king kidding me!

Lavanya: What else am I supposed to think? What else is it?

NK walked off in to the bathroom slamming the door and leaving Lavanya wiping angry tears off her face.