ArHi FF[Complete] - Running From The Truth#3 Epilogue pg. 102 - Page 40

loved it absolutely amazing chapters... hope everything stays in line...glad how things for everyone have worked out...continue soon

finally Buaji sort of accepted..

Great updates both . Looking forward to the last few parts.

I am also eagerly waiting!

great updates😊
arshi n payah is paired what abt sid?

Miss ur update. Jus read ur ff again. Mind blowingMind blowing

Ah what a wonderful way to wake up, No wonder Arnav wants it for the rest of his life...


The entry of the Bua and the fact that she likes Khushi very much and how she gave Arnav the kangan shows how much she appreciates her as Arnav's choice..

NK being there for her and realising that something is wrong was so sweet and especially how he made her feel good about herself...

Payal and her brother are hilarious hahaha! I understand why Buaji is so reserved towards Arnav but In the end she did give Arnav a chance

It was an amazing amazing amazing update! Can't wait to read more

thank u for writing this wonderful story n sharing with us..read all the chapters in one go...mind blowing yaar...cant wait for next update...

Chapter 39A - Assent

Two weeks later, Arnav paced his office room back and forth, something that had usually been able to release him of any stress that had been weighed on his shoulders. His feet moved swiftly, and one could tell by his stance that he was unhappy, a person that one would preferably stay away from. His fingers were clenched tightly around his cellular device as he barked into the phone.

This was precisely how Khushi had found him when she visited his office on her lunch break that day. His shoulders hunched, his eyes flickering with anger...and something in Khushi immediately snapped to life as she realized she had not seen Arnav this angry in a very very long time. Her eyes widened slightly as she stood at the door, her fingers gingerly placed against the wooden surface. Khushi did not bother knocking as she did not want to disturb whatever important conversation was ensuing between him and what seemed to be and...Anjali?

"Di, would you just stop thinking like that?!" Arnav exclaimed angrily. "Fine, I'm done talking about this. Bye."

Arnav pressed the end button with needless force and slammed his phone on the table. Khushi flinched in her spot, rooted in place when Arnav caught her from his peripheral vision and turned to look at her. His expression changed from rage, to slight fear as he caught her staring at him in wonder. He straightened immediately and gazed at her almost apologetically.

"Khushi? I didn't see you there..." He mumbled, immediately turning his back to her and Khushi knew immediately that he was hiding whatever expression that he could no longer hide. He was gazing out of his office building, crossing his arms as Khushi walked over to him slowly, watching his tensed stature.

He softened almost immediately when Khushi placed her hand on his shoulders, the slight frown on her face instilled in place. "Arnav..."

"I'm sorry, it just makes me angry that she blames herself. She does not deserve this, if anyone could be an amazing mother...it is her." Arnav muttered, his expression still hard.

It had been a week since the reports came out for Anjali and Shyam, and they had found out that she was incapable of being a mother. The doctors had told her that they could keep trying, however the chances were very rare. She had been utterly devastated ever since, although she had a hunch that this would be the case, to hear it herself was worse. She had been blaming herself, and both Arnav and Khushi had been trying their absolute best to divert her thoughts from that direction. However to no avail.

"I know, it upsets me too. But she needs time Arnav, this is a big deal. You're right, she is meant to be a mother. She practically raised you..." Khushi said softly, her hand now tugging at his and he uncrossed his arms and turned to her. She brushed her finger across his knuckles in a soothing manner, her eyes holding the hope that he seeked himself. "She will realize it on her own, she's just devastated. And last time I talked to her, she seemed so much better."

Arnav nodded, moving his hand to entwine his fingers with hers as he held her tightly. "You're right. She will be fine. And Jeejaji is already thinking about alternatives...adoption is one of them." Arnav said with a sigh.

Khushi nodded with a smile, knowing that would be a lovely idea...a small child who might have been orphaned, a child who had no one...who would love them better than Anjali?

He leaned in, releasing her hand and placing both around her waist to pull her close as his lips curved into the small smile she loved. "Thank you, your mere presence makes me feel better."

She grinned and placed her hands around his neck, pulling his head down to level with hers. "I know. Why do you think I'm always following you around? Definitely not for my own benefit." She said, tongue in cheek.

He chuckled, and then his lips were hovering over hers. "Really? So it's not because you love me?"

"No way." She said, and then closed the remaining distance by pressing her lips against his urgently.

It was much later that they sat down on the couch in his office, and ate lunch together, chatting about anything and everything. Their comfort with one another was the most natural thing Khushi had ever known of. There was no fear, no wonder that he would judge her for something, or the other way around. There was nothing to hide, and they knew it all about one another. They had grown up together and known each other then, now they had grown into different people and they had taken out the time to know each other now.

"How is everyone else Arnav?" Khushi asked casually after they had finished their meal.

"They are fine. Just awaiting Lavanya's baby...the due date is nearing." Arnav said.

Khushi nodded in understanding, "Have you heard anything about NK?"

"Uh...not specifically no." Arnav admitted with a frown, trying to recall anything about his cousin that his sister may have mentioned. He then looked up at Khushi, her eyes slightly downcast and realization decided to hit him at that very moment. He gave her a wry smile, "I am sure he is fine Khushi."

"I hope he is." Khushi smiled wistfully. "I don't really know what to do...I wish I could find out for myself how he is, however on the other hand...I don't know how things are between us. It has been so long since we last spoke, I never voice it but it scares me from time to time. Is he angry with me? Is he happy? Does he even want to talk to me?"

"Khushi, I understand completely that NK is very important to you. He was there for you during difficult times, and you both became really good friends. He could never hate you Khushi, why would he? And I am sure he wants to talk to you, it's just...the situation is so fragile, perhaps you both are on the same page. Wondering about the other. I understand...you were upset with the way he reacted when it came to both of us initially...but Khushi he told me to come here himself. Doesn't that count for something?" Arnav asked.

Khushi sighed, leaning down to place her head on his shoulder, her hands finding his. "I guess you're right."

Although she tried to hide it, Arnav knew that she was finally ready. Time had healed it all, and the fact that she had no contact with NK truly upset her. They had been doing so well, Arnav was not about to let her be unhappy for another second.

"Khushi, did you know your Buaji called me this morning?" Arnav changed the topic.

"What?" Khushi immediately sat up and looked at him in wonder.

"Yes, she called me. She said that you and Sid were freaking out about the big day tomorrow." He chuckled, earning a gasp from her side.

"She called you and told you that?"

"Yes, are you forgetting that we have a budding friendship going on now?"

Khushi rolled her eyes and giggled. "Right, now I feel as if she likes you more."

"Yeah, I think she does too." Arnav shrugged his shoulders, earning the pinch Khushi gave him as he laughed.

"Truly though, I am so glad she has finally warmed up to your presence. It...it means a lot." Khushi smiled happily, remembering how some days ago, her aunt had corrected Arnav when he had called her Aunty, and told him to call her Buaji from now on. It had taken some time, but how could one not see Arnav for the man he truly was? What was there not to appreciate about a man who genuinely loved her niece? She also felt tears sting in her eyes at the thought of all they had been through...all they had missed. Things were finally falling in to place and she just hoped that they would stay that way.

"I am too Khushi. But did you doubt she would? I mean come on...between the two of us, who is better? I am her new favourite." Arnav said smugly, making Khushi giggle again relentlessly telling him he was crazy for thinking so. He watched her in relief, the happiness that shone through all of her features as her troubles were momentarily forgotten. He hoped it would be that way until he figured something out.

---

NK hummed under his breath as he walked towards his room, happy that he could come home slightly early today. So he could see...well, there was no point in hiding behind his own self any longer, he wanted to see Lavanya. He wanted to be with their baby. And her. The feeling of being around both of them was something he could not decipher words for, it was one of those matters that one had to experience themselves to understand.

Opening the door gently, he looked up to find the room dimly lit, small candles placed around various places in the room, the scent filling his lungs. In the middle of the room was a small round table, with white plates sitting idly and another candle in the middle. Lavanya appeared into view with a smile on her face, first hesitant however after looking long enough her smile relaxed.

"Lavanya...what..." NK started, but was cut off mid-way.

"Here, give me that." Lavanya strode towards him and pried his fingers away from his bag before placing it aside. She seemed to have found it amusing, how shocked he was, because her smile grew as she ushered him towards the small table. "Sit."

When he finally did, she took a seat opposite to him, taking her time and minding her very big baby bump.

"Lavanya?" NK questioned, waiting for her to explain.

"Well, I thought you've been really stressed lately and you needed a nice dinner to relax." She said with a small grin, waiting for his response. When he merely stared at her, she decided to talk some more.

"Look, NK...I just wanted to do this to thank you. For everything really..." She admitted. "Since the beginning, you've been nothing but caring and understanding towards me...towards this situation that you've been thrust upon. It was never fair to you, yet you never complained. You took each day as it came, and I could not have been luckier. So, thank you." She looked up at him from her fixed gaze on her joined hands.

He felt his own lips curve into a smile, a broad one, and he reached out to hold her trembling fingers in his own. "Hey, you never need to thank me. Whatever happened, happened. It's in the past now. It doesn't matter how we got here Lavanya, but just the fact that we are here." He assured her.

"I know, but you had to change so much because of me. I just..." Her eyes were downcast.

"Lavanya...I should thank you. For being so understanding as well. For never pushing me, for waiting...I know it was never easy for you. And I'm not talking about now, but back when we were dating too..." NK admitted.

She blinked back any tears that had come her way, tightening her grip on his hands. "I made you some of your favourites!" Lavanya said happily, changing the subject because they were past all of that. Because there was no use in giving so much importance to that phase in their lives.

"Oh yeah?" He grinned, and she nodded as she yelled for Hari Prakash. He came in wearing a white chefs hat, along with the matching white cotton jacket, a large tray of food in his hands.

NK let out a chuckle at the sight and gave HP a very questioning gaze.

"Lavanya Bhabi bought it for me." He smiled, his eyes moving to Lavanya who winked at him and then giggled.

NK watched her, unable to tear his eyes away even when the moment was long gone, her dimpled smile and glittering coal black eyes making something stir deep within.

------

The next day both Khushi and Arnav hardly had a minute at each other's expense, both busy with last minute preparations and both running around. It was no different for Siddharth and Payal either, and even Akaash was found in his most serious avatar.

As Diya Sen looked down at the sheets held in front of her, she scanned the potential names of clients, guests, making sure she had not missed out on anything or anyone in particular. Her brow furrowed as she realized there had been no word from Divya Chopra, their most popular model who had been assigned showstopper of the event. Picking up her cell phone, she dialed the number that immediately connected to her headset and after moments of speaking she starting biting her nails from the nerves. The model could not make it. She had been held up somewhere. And it was late, terribly late to find an alternative who would be willing. A flash of someone passed from the corner of her eyes as she caught Akaash striding off somewhere.

"Akaash Sir!"

He stilled immediately, looking over at her with a slight look of impatience in his eyes, as if he was running off to meet some lover.

"There's a problem..."

He listened carefully, his lips set into a thin line and his forehead sporting a slight frown. However, it passed as fast as it came, and was replaced with a gleam in his eyes. "I'll take care of it, I know who can fill in for our showstopper." Akaash smiled that charming smile of his that left her speechless and slightly confused. However she chose to let him take care of it, her eyes slipping back to the sheet in front of her as Akaash hurried away.

---

"Are you mad?" Payal shrieked. "First of all, what are you doing in my change room!?"

"Nothing I haven't seen before." Akaash grinned wolfishly, earning a glare from Payal. They had been seeing each other regularly since their first date, texting one another and it had gotten more serious than either of them had expected. Much more than the casual flings Akaash was used to, and much more than what Payal had expected of Akaash. She was not stupid, she knew what she was going for before she entered. But seeing things turn out like this, surprised her. A good kind of surprise of course.

"You're crazy. Did you know that?" Payal questioned, with an incredulous look.

"Look Payal, I'm serious. Only you can do this now, otherwise we are screwed! It is either you, or no showstopper." Akaash exclaimed desperately.

"I...I can't do it. I'm going to fall and mess up and ruin AR's reputation, and make a fool out of myself and--"

"Payal." Akaash used that assuring voice of his that made Payal look up at him slowly, as he approached her until he stood right in front of her.

"I think you can do this. I'm not asking you to do this because we are secretly seeing each other and I really like you. I'm asking you this because I know your capacity and I think you are very capable of doing this. It's okay to be a little nervous, but really Payal we need you to this. There are only hours left until the curtains were pulled. "You are very beautiful. You have a certain appeal and charm, and of course your figure..." Akaash smirked, dodging a punch from her side.

"But..."

"I will take care of everything else you were supposed to do. Just say yes?" Akaash asked.

Payal sighed, followed by a groan as she threw her hands up in the air. "Fine! I'll do it. But you owe me big time." She threw back at him.

"You name the price baby, and I'll do it." Akaash slowly snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

"Oh please, at least let me name what I want!" Payal rolled her eyes. "Do you remember that necklace I was talking about the other day? You know, the one I said would match with that dress?"

Akaash pursed his lips and pretended to think. "No."

"Do you ever pay attention to me?" Payal asked with narrowed eyes.

"Yes, it depends on what you're talking about." He shrugged, as Payal held in a smile.

"Okay, well I want that." Payal concluded.

"Fine, done." Akaash smiled brilliantly, dazzling her even further.

She stared at him for some time then, leaving Akaash a moment to scan her face, the flawless make up, the glittering eyes and small smile.

"Did you say you really liked me a second ago? Am I seeing things, or has Akaash Singh Raizada truly fallen?"

"You're seeing things." He grinned, leaning in for her lips, realizing that she may be right.

------

"For me?" Khushi asked in awe. Arnav was standing in front of her, holding his cell phone for her to take, stating that there was a person on the line who wished to speak with her. "Are you sure? Who is it?"

"I'm positive and I'm not sure." He smiled at her, leaning in to place a lingering kiss on her cheek before taking her hand and placing the phone in it, wrapping her delicate fingers around.

She frowned briefly, finding something very strange as she watched Arnav walk off and talk with his assistant in the distance.

Putting the phone to her ear gently, she mumbled, "Hello?"

"K...Khushi?" The voice spoke, the very familiar voice that she knew so very well. She felt tears stinging the back of her eyes as a lump formed in her throat.

"NK?" She asked, her voice breaking. She looked on in the distance and caught Arnav glancing at her, looking away from his assistant to give her an assuring smile, before turning back to his conversation.

"It's me Khush." She could hear the smile in his voice. "How are you?"

"I'm...I'm great NK. How are you?" She asked breathlessly.

"I'm great too! I'm...really sorry about not calling before this. I was never sure...if you wanted to...or if I should..."

"Then I should apologize too, I was feeling the same way." She smiled with a slight twinge of regret.

"I won't take up much of your time Khush, but I just wanted to tell you...I'm sorry for how I reacted before, I'm sorry for the way things have turned out between us...our friendship is in pieces and it is entirely my fault." NK said in a blur, and knowing Khushi would cut in he continued fast.

"I just...I've always just wanted you to be happy. No matter where you are, who you're with..." NK said. "And I guess I just had this huge wake up call when Lavanya came into the picture. I came to realize it all. And I just want to say...I'm so happy for you and Arnav. I truly mean it Khush. I hope you both continue to keep one another as happy as ever."

A tear fell from Khushi's eyes, realizing just how much she had craved to hear that from NK. They had been tackling everything lately, and this had made Khushi's happiness fly to no bounds. She had never truly known whether NK would ever accept them together, or even whether anything could ever be the same again. And as much as it pained her, sometimes one had make certain sacrifices, and this whole time she had expected NK to be one of those. But now, as she heard his voice...

"Really?" She asked, taking in a deep breath.

"Really." And she heard the sincerity in his voice, the assurance, it almost sounded apologetic.

She let out that breath she had been unknowingly holding, relaxing further as she took a seat on a nearby chair.

"Are you going to continue and shed happy tears, or are you going to ask how things are going with me?" He asked, and she let out a nervous laugh, knowing that things would be perhaps not the same, but almost there, in no time.

"How is everything with you?"

"Great. Lavanya's due date is almost here, and I have never felt so nervous in my life." He admitted.

"You're nervous?"

"Of course! I'm going to have a little person in the house...the doctors said it would be a girl. And we want to name her Anya. Well, I do." NK concluded, making Khushi laugh.

"You seem more excited than nervous. That's wonderful.' She grinned.

"I am Khush...really excited. I can't wait to see her. I look at the ultra sound pictures all the time and wonder what she will look like...be like...I hope she looks like Lavanya." NK said.

Khushi's smile only widened hearing this, not saying anything for she wanted NK to continue.

"I hope she gets her eyes, and her smile. And everything else from me." NK finished, leaving Khushi giggling again, clutching the phone in her hands tighter.

"I think...I've fallen for her Khush. I never thought I would...it was just something natural that happened." He admitted.

"That's...really great NK. I think she really likes you too." Khushi said happily.

"Really?"

"I may not be there, but one would be blind not to see it NK. I think she has liked you for a while now." Khushi explained. "She has changed so much...and it's really for you and your baby. Otherwise...why give up so much, when it's not worth it?"

She heard him sigh, "You're right Khush. You must be. Thank you, I think I needed to hear that." He smiled.

NK missed Lavanya walking in the room, taking an abrupt stop in front of the door at the mention of Khushi's name. NK had also missed the way her bright eyes flickered from shock, to confusion, to despair, as she turned on her heels and left, not wanting to disrupt anything further.

"You'll come visit won't you? Me and Lavanya and the baby? She needs to see her aunt and uncle." He said softly, making her want to tear up again.

"Of course NK. Things are a bit busy at the moment, but as soon as all of this is done...of course we will visit. That is...if it's alright with you guys?"

"It most definitely is. Don't worry about any of that...just come see us soon. I promise, it will be great." He assured, his tone trying to sound light however edging on a serious note.

"I promise, I will." Khushi said, sealing the promise with a smile, falling into an abyss of happiness...of anticipation of what would come next. She had her friend NK back, she had regained so many things lately that it amazed her. And it felt so good, she wondered if she could cling to it forever? Could she just bask in this light for some time, where there was only acceptance and love for everyone? With Arnav, it was all possible.

------

The immaculate stature of Sheesh Mahal was not one he could ever forget, the memories of his childhood lingering in the shadows of the edifice, the past flickering scarcely before him. His mother calling out to him, his Di shouting at him for hiding her dolls, his father's baritone voice as he gave Arnav instructions on what to do...

The gates, heavy iron rods...the lavish design and architecture, the intricate carvings in every brick and stone still in tact on the burgundy doors. The marble floors and dangling chandeliers had been replaced with newer, better ones. It was almost majestic, he realized. He had chosen it for this very reason, for this event. He wanted this show to be perfect, he wanted this partnership with Khushi to reflect in what they really were with each other...there would be no mistakes where she was involved.

He was standing in what appeared to be his old room, where he resided when they came here on vacation, while his mother was still alive. After that, he had not set foot here. Perhaps the distance was what was causing the stirring in his chest, or perhaps it was merely the fact that he missed it.

A pair of warm hands snaked around his waist from behind, He did not need to turn to see her beautiful face coming to rest on his shoulder as she placed a kiss on his jaw.

"Thank you...for what you did." She whispered.

"What did I do?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You know what you did. You made me happy. You make me happy."

He smiled, his eyes crinkling around the corners as he placed his hands atop hers, around his own waist.

"How did it go?"

"Well, nothing will ever be just the same. But it will work out, I know it. He sounds so happy, with the baby coming...and with Lavanya too. I couldn't be happier for him."

"That's great Khushi." Arnav said meaningfully. His eyes returned to stare at the wardrobe in front of them, as he wiped away the memories.

"Lots of memories associated to this place, aren't there?" She asked lovingly.

"Yes." He sighed, shaking it all off. "But I'm more fond of making new memories." He turned around and caught her by the waist, holding her as close as could be.

She smiled up at him, finding exactly what she wanted in his caramel depths, and then looked around the room. "This looks like it could be your old room. Seems pretty bland." She grinned, trying to leave and explore the room but he only held her tighter.

"Hey, my choice is not bland. Then, you would be insulting yourself." He pointed out smugly.

She pursed her lips, and then finally nodded agreeing with him, making him chuckle.

He watched her eyes change from playful, to serious as she went on her tippy toes and put her arms around his neck. She let her lips hover over his, her gaze dropping to his lips, and then back up to his eyes. "I love you Arnav. I've never loved someone so much in my life, it's scary."

With one hand staying on his waist, the other roamed until he buried it in her tresses and closed the distance between them as he placed his lips on hers, moving to a familiar rhythm that set them both ablaze. His hands continued to roam her body, her hands pulling him closer if that was even possible. And he poured everything into that small moment of sanity before the lights shone down, the curtains were drawn, and the show was rolling in some mere hours. He moved their bodies back, until her back was against his own wardrobe, giving them both more leverage as he kissed her more deeply, slanting his mouth across hers, eliciting a moan from both of them. Finally tearing his mouth away as he moved across her cheeks, onto her jaw, down her neck as she threw her head back slightly and closed her eyes. A small smile played on her lips, as she realized he was indeed, making new memories.

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Previous : Chapter 38 Next : Chapter 39B

Hi everyone!! Thank you to all those who waited so patiently for me, I am finally here. Unfortunately, I could not post part B because I really wanted to post them together, so I apologize if it feels short. I will be going away for a week, taking some kiddies up north to a camp and have been busy packing, so the next part will be up when I am back :) Which means, about 2 more updates left until the end!

Hope you all enjoyed this part! Do hit the like button and leave any comments if you get the chance. I always love reading them and it is really appreciated. Again, just want to thank everyone who has stuck here until now, all my readers are awesome.

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