Arshi FF: Zindagi Ke Mausam: Part 25b UPDATED! - p.86 - Page 37

Originally posted by: Archu61

I liked that you opened the topic of Lavanya insecurities concerning Nk bond with khushie .he had clearly tell her the truth sothatshe there for khushie .I hope Tanav does not hurt khushie because of Lavanya .

That Night

Khushi sat at the edge of her bed contemplating calling NK for the 100^th time when her phone rang with NK's name popping up on the caller ID.

Khushi: Hello?

NK: You know, every time you dial my number, I do get the call, even if you decide to hang up after a ring Khushi.

Khushi: NK, I just, please, can I talk to you?

NK: About what Khushi? I don't think there's anything to discuss.

Khushi: But there is, I want to tell you...

NK: Look Khushi, it's late and I want to head to bed. Goodnight.

Khushi sighed deeply as he hung up the phone. She'd convince him, hopefully. She just needed some time. To think. About everything.

--

Lavanya: NK, look listen I...

NK: There's nothing to talk about Lavanya. You realize what the underlying meaning of what you said about me and Khushi is right? Do you really think I'd have an affair with her but marry you? What kind of man does that make me? And what do you think of Khushi?

Lavanya: I do not think like that NK! Why would you say that?! You know that!

NK: Well that's what it would sound like to an outside person Lavanya.

Lavanya: But you know I wouldn't...

NK: You wouldn't what? I really hope Lavanya that whatever happens between us, stays between us, even something like this.

Lavanya: What are you implying?

NK: Its late Lavanya, I don't want to deal with this right now. We can talk tomorrow

Lavanya: But...

NK: Goodnight Lavanya.

---

The days passed by with strained meetings and conversations between the best of friends. To Khushi's relief, Lavanya loved the reception outfit and assured her that she was going to wear it the day of. However, Khushi did notice that there was something off in Lavanya's mood every time she visited. They were all finishing preparations for the upcoming reception at the Jha's when the thoughts came to her mind.

I hope it doesn't have to do with me. She's trying too hard to be her usual self. Did NK tell her everything? Is she afraid she'll offend me or think I'm feeling awkward? Maybe she doesn't know what to do with all this new information? Should I try to ask NK?

Khushi waited until everyone was busy with their errands when she approached NK who was walking up towards his room.

Khushi: NK?

NK: Yeah Khushi?

Khushi: I...uh..did you tell Lavanya?

NK: What?

Khushi: Did you tell...Lavanya about..me?

NK: Why are you asking me this Khushi?

Khushi: So you didn't tell her NK?

NK: Khushi, why are you asking? Did she say something?

Khushi: Are you serious right now NK? I told you to tell her. No, she didn't say anything, but...you need to talk to her NK. It's not fair to her. We're friends, you should listen...

NK: I don't think I need the one reminding that we're friends Khushi. I'm not the one who didn't think that it was important to tell me about your living arrangements. What I tell Lavanya and what I don't tell her is between us Khushi, so let us be okay? I don't need your input.

Khushi: I..was just..

Khushi turned away on her heels brushing away the tears with her hand as she rushed down the stairs muttering her goodbyes.

NK: Shit! Khushi, Khushi! Khushi listen!

Later That Night

NK walked in to his bedroom where Lavanya was getting ready for bed. She had been quiet for a few days as well, perhaps he was wrong in both arguments and needed to fix things. He decided he'd best fix this first.

NK: I'm sorry Lavanya. I shouldn't have behaved that way with you and you're right, I should share things with you and I do. I always will too, I just need some time. There isn't anything between me and Khushi, I hope you know that.

Lavanya ran in to her husband's arms, quickly accepting his apology. As the days had passed she had frightened herself with the most outrageous consequences due to the argument.

Lavanya: I'm sorry too. You know I love you.

NK: I love you too. And you're right, I'll give Khushi time. I think it's been a bit too much the way I've been behaving. I'll apologize to her tomorrow during the reception.

---
Rey: Khushi, I'm coming with you to the reception tomorrow.

Khushi: But...

Rey: But what? Your parents can't make it so you won't have to worry about them. You can introduce me as your friend, whatever you want but I'm not leaving you alone at that party. I'm sure the security will be there but a party at this scale, I can't trust to leave you alone. And do yourself a favor, okay? Stop moping around. I know it's been difficult for you but tomorrow is supposed to be a big day for NK. I know you're happy for him so be happy. Everything will work out eventually. He means well, you know that. And your sister will be here soon and you have to figure out what you're telling her.

Khushi: You're right. Sorry I've been miserable company these last few days. I am happy for him. And we're sticking to the story. Boyfriend it is.

Reyaansh: Oh thank you for blessing me the honor my lady.

Reyaansh bowed in front of Khushi, getting her to giggle.
--

Khushi's doorbell rang and she greeted Payal by tackling her with a hug.

Akash: Hey! Behen aayi tho Bhai ko bhool gayi?!

Hey! Your sister came so you forgot your brother?!

Khushi: Of course not, how can I forget my handsommmeee Bhai, kyun Jiji???

Khushi nudged her sister who pinked at the comment. Akash grinned at Khushi after giving her. A high five.

Khushi: God! Jiji! Come. I have to show you and tell you so so much.

Akash: That is my cue to leave because man oh man can Khushi talk ears off.

Khushi: Ha ha very funny Bhai! I'm going to walk in to my room so you can say bye to Jiji because you know, I'm the nicest sister ever.

Akash leaned down and gave Payal a kiss on the cheek, '"I'll see you tomorrow."

Khushi: Can I come out now????

Akash chuckled replying yes and walked out of the apartment.

Khushi: Jiji come sit. I cooked you know. Sirf aap ke liye. Everything you like and I have so much to tell you like how I'm doing so well in my class and I have a friend..who's a boy...kind of like a boyfriend and I can't believe I'm almost done with
AR's internship. You have to meet all my friends from the...

Payal: Titli, breathe. Now I'm 98% positive my ears heard right but did you say you have a boyfriend? You Khushi Kumari Gupta have a boyfriend?

Khushi: Yeah I mean it's not a big deal or anything Jiji, and you know I made your favorite dessert..Ras Malai.

Payal: Of course it's a big deal! Oh my God! Who? Are you serious? How? How long? Who knows?! Is he a good guy? Are you happy?

Khushi: Jiji...you're not mad?

Payal: Does he keep you happy? Does he take care of you?

Khushi: Yes but...

Payal: Then that's all that matters to me Khushi. Do you know how scared I was that you'll never be able to trust someone to be part of your life like that? If you've found someone whose able to make their way in to your heart my baacha, then I am only happy for you titli.

Khushi: Jiji I love you. I love you.

Khushi felt the tears sliding down her face as she hugged her sister tightly. The guilt of lying to her sister gnawed at her heart but more than that her sister's love for her overwhelmed her.

How right her sister was. She was afraid to trust, she didn't know if she'd be able to bear her soul to anyone, to love someone the way they should be loved. Perhaps she wouldn't ever...but for now, if this made her sister content and kept her away from the issues in her life, then it be best.

Payal: Pagal, tu roh kyun rahi hai?

Why are you crying, you crazy

Khushi: Cause you're the best sister ever.

Payal: Tho phir do what you're supposed to do for best sisters.

Khushi: Kya?

Payal: Ras Malai khilaa! And of course, tell me everything!

---

Khushi told her sister all about her internship, class and new friends. She told her about Reyaansh, sticking to the story she'd agreed on with Reyaansh keeping it simple but sweet getting oohs and aahs out of her sister. She told him that Akash knew and met him and only kept it from her because Khushi asked him too, and not to be angry with him.

Payal: Sab kuch tho batah diya hai but uska naam kya hai?

Khushi: Naam se better, would you like to meet him?

Payal: Abhi? Iss waqt?

Khushi: He..he lives on the same floor as me.

Payal: What?!

Khushi: Yes but...Jiji believe me..I...

Payal: Pata hai. Acha bulaa usse.

Khushi: Jiji, do me a favor? Don't speak Hindi in front of him, okay?

Payal: Par kyun?

Khushi: Just..Hello? Are you free? Yeah...no no, Jiji wants to meet you. Okay.

Payal: So? Kya keh raha tha tera woh??

What was your special someone saying?

Khushi: JIJI! God please aise maht bolein. He should be here in two minutes, I'll be right back okay. Just look through the peephole before opening the door, teek hai?

Payal: Teek hai meri maa!

True to Khushi's words the doorbell rang and before Payal had a chance to look through the peephole she heard a deep voice announcing himself.

Reyaansh: It's me Khushi. Open the -- oh. Hello Payal.

Payal took in the 6 ft built man with crystal blue eyes and fair skin smiling at her. He was a gora!

Payal: Hello, come in. Khushi will be right out. Khushi!

Khushi: Aayi!!

Reyaansh: How was your flight?

Payal: It was fine, pretty short so...

Khushi: Hi! Do you want dinner?

Khushi plopped on the sofa next to her sister.

Reyaansh: No, I just ate dinner.

Khushi: Frozen food doesn't count as dinner. OH by the way Jiji, this is him, I mean you were asking his name and here he is, this is Reyaansh.

Reyaansh: You hadn't told your sister my name? Well, I'm not surprised, it is you we're talking about. You'll talk about everything and then forget what you were supposed to actually tell.

Khushi: Haw! That's not true!

Payal started laughing at the banter when his name struck her.

Payal: Reyaansh? Are you...

Khushi: He's Indian Jiji, which is why I asked you not to speak in Hindi because Devi Maiyya jaanti hai...what he's had to hear because people think he doesn't know Hindi.

Reyaansh: Agar mujhe sahi yaad hai Khushi, you were the first with that misconception. I think Payal is smarter than you.

If I remember correctly Khushi, "..."

Payal: I'd like to think I'm the smarter sibling.

Khushi: Hey! You aren't supposed to gang up against me Jiji!

Reyaansh: Khushi, did you call Mr...

Khushi: Yes, yes I did. Thanks for reminding me, I did.

Reyaansh: I'll be heading out now, you ladies enjoy the night. I'll see you tomorrow.

Payal: Khushi, mein jaoon, so you can say bye properly?

Khushi: NO! Bye! I'll text you.

--

Payal: Tho NK ko Reyaansh ke bahre mein nahin pata?

So does NK know about Reyaansh?

Khushi: Nahin. He's been mad at me for living by myself here. He didn't even let me explain. We keep arguing.

Payal: Tu kab bataye gi? And who was Reyaansh asking about earlier? Whether you called or not?

When are you going to tell him?

Khushi: Woh...I wanted to tell you and NK together but he's being difficult so I guess he'll have to wait but I'm talking to Dadu now.

Payal: You are? Really? That's so good Khushi! Life's too short to hold grudges. He's good to you right? So..Reyaansh knows that you're Mr.Sahay's granddaughter...I mean..he's not...it's not just the money...you understand what I'm saying right Khushi?

Khushi: It's still awkward sometimes...but we're getting there. He's trying. And he sometimes showers with me so much love and attention...I don't know what to do. I can't just..be absolutely okay with everything but maybe I will be completely eventually. Yes, I mean he knows that he's my grandfather but I told you na, he..he liked me before he knew. He found out by accident, and he doesn't ever bring it up..really either.

Payal: Look at you, my little butterfly sounding so mature. Reyaansh ka asar hai kya???

"..." Is it Reyaansh's doing?

Khushi: Jiji! Please! And you like him right? Aap ko usse koyi...problem tho nahin hai?

"..." You don't have a problem with him, do you?

Payal: The age difference had me concerned and if things become serious between you and him...Amma and Babuji might take some convincing but for now...it's enough for me that he keeps you happy. He seems like a nice guy Khushi. Also, if you know he's with you, for you, then what can be better than that?

Khushi: JIJI! It's 3 AM! Haw! I'm going to look like a monster tomorrow. Kitni baatein karti hain aap, let's go to sleep warna no amount of makeup will help.

"..." You talk so much, let's go to sleep otherwise no about of makeup will help.

Payal: Mein kitni baatein karti hoon? Acha Ji? Abhi tujhe dikhaa thi hoon!

How much do I talk? Oh really? Let me show you !

Payal grabbed a pillow and hit Khushi, a pillow fight commenced full of laughter that rang through the apartment.