1 | ArHi FF Resistance | COMPLETE - Page 69

Khushi walked over to Arnav with the hot aloo parathas, placing them on his plate. She could feel her heart thudding in her chest as she stood next to him, his proximity unnerving her. She could smell the scent of his shaving cream, and she immediately felt the heat rising up her cheeks.

She momentarily wondered whether his clean shaven cheeks would be softer than the scratchy stubble she had brushed her hand against, and her breathing quickened when those thoughts transformed into memories of his lips working against hers, the heat of his hands on her waist.

She hadn't been able to forget the kiss, the scene replaying in her mind the entire night. She hadn't been able to sleep, a foreign warmth spreading through her at the thought of his lips pressing against hers.

She suddenly felt a warm hand over her wrist, the heat spreading through her.

"Just how many parathas are you planning to feed me, Khushi?"

She gasped when she realized that there were almost five parathas on his plate, plumes of steam swirling up from them. She could hear the barely repressed note of amusement in his husky voice, and scowled, turning her gaze to him.

Her scowl faded when she met his eyes, the slight smirk playing on his lips making her suck in a sharp breath. She could feel the heat in his gaze, the way his eyes never left her face as he slowly slid his hand away. He purposefully let his fingers linger on the sensitive skin of her inside wrist, and she pressed her legs together, struggling to keep her breathing steady.

She hastily retreated, murmuring a quiet apology as she slipped back into the kitchen to where Sakshi Ma was making more parathas. She leaned against the countertop, letting the cool granite rest against the warm skin.

"Khushi? Tum theek ho?"

"Huh?"

She turned to see Anjali looking at her through narrowed eyes, and jumped away from the countertop, smiling brightly.

"Oh, yes. I was just... woh... it's quite hot, isn't it?"

"Hot? It's only seven in the morning, Khushi."

Khushi struggled to come up with a response, opening and closing her mouth fruitlessly. Anjali tilted her head curiously, wondering what had flustered her best friend so much.

"Khushi? Anjali? Come out, we have to eat."

Khushi breathed a sigh of relief, thanking Devi Maiyya for Sakshi Ma's timely interruption. When she came back out, followed by Anju, she purposefully didn't meet his gaze, focusing straight ahead.

She could feel him looking at her, sensing the smirk playing at the edge of his lips. The pale yellow shirt he was wearing accentuated his broad shoulders, the light cloth contrasting beautifully with his toned, tanned forearms.

Khushi cursed mentally, stepping over an extra seat to distance herself from him. She didn't think she could stand to sit through an entire breakfast with his toes just centimeters from hers, occasionally brushing against hers when he shifted in his seat.

That man needed to stop invading her thoughts.

Ashok's hand stilled on the way to his mouth when Khushi didn't sit across from Arnav. Instead, she sat where Anju usually sat, across from Sakshi. Khushi gave Anju a mischievious smile, and Anjali simply shook her head, sliding into Khushi's usual seat. Ashok watched her closely. Her smile seemed to hide a tinge of nervousness.

What had Arnav done this time?

"I figured it would be nice to change things up a little."

Anju regarded her for a minute, shaking her head with a smile before slipping into the seat next to her. The two of them immediately began discussing something from class the previous day, and Ashok saw no traces of the nervousness he had seen earlier.

Was he just overthinking it?

Their chatter continued, and the rest of them watched in amusement as Khushi and Anjali talked nonstop. Ashok glanced over at Arnav, only to see him looking at Khushi with an emotion he couldn't quite place.

Khushi looked up for a split second, her eyes meeting Arnav's. Arnav's gaze held hers, his eyes smoldering with warmth and a glimmer of mischief. Ashok saw Khushi's cheeks turn pink, and she nervously brushed a nonexistent piece of hair behind her ear as Arnav's eyes followed her hand.

She immediately turned away, smiling even wider and nodding at something Anjali said. Ashok could see the satisfied smirk on Arnav's face as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes not leaving Khushi for a second.

Glancing between the pair, Ashok interrupted the conversation.

"Khushi, you said you had a severe headache yesterday. Is it gone now?"

Khushi stiffened, pointedly avoiding Arnav's gaze as she turned to Ashok with a bright smile.

"Haan, Papa, my headache is much better now."

"Did Arnav give you the medicine? It's a new medicine the doctor's gave your Ma for her headache, so I figured..."

"Yes, Papa, the medicine worked really well. Khushi seemed to feel much better."

Arnav interrupted, his face completely impassive. His eyes were focused on Khushi, but his voice was directed at Ashok, decidedly neutral. Ashok saw Khushi flush deeply, suddenly becoming very interested in the plate of food in front of her, pushing her food around.

"Doesn't it, beta? Khushi, I'm glad you're feeling better. I was worried last night; you seemed to be in so much pain."

Sakshi smiled at her reassuringly. Ashok looked between Arnav and Khushi again. Khushi was still staring down at her plate, and Arnav was leaning back with a satisfied smile.

Anju and Sakshi didn't seem to notice anything... he must just be looking too deeply into things.

Khushi and Anjali cleared the table, slipping into the kitchen.

Arnav could hear the quiet murmurs of their conversation. Aman was out on a trip with his father, working underneath him so he could take over the family business, and there was light laughter as Khushi teased Anjali for missing him.

Arnav smiled as Khushi threw her head back in laughter, her entire face lighting up as Anjali turned a bright pink. His eyes lingered on her, drinking in the sight of her mischievious grin, the hint of wickeness in her eyes as she ribbed his sister.

"Stop it, Khushi! Kitni besharam ho tum."

She shoved Khushi gently, letting her hair fall in her face to cover up her blush. Anjali glared at her halfheartedly, fully embarrassed, since she knew Khushi was exactly right. Her best friend had been relentless, poking and prodding at her unabashedly.

"It's been... two days, and you're already moping about as if he has been gone for months."

Khushi dissolved into another fit of giggles, ignoring the playful glower Anjali threw her way. She couldn't muster up anger, instead burying her face into her hands as Khushi continued to snicker.

Arnav took that moment to step into the kitchen, and watched as Khushi's laughter immediately faded, her eyes hesitantly meeting his gaze. Anjali stared at her brother, noticing the way his eyes went directly to Khushi, staying firmly there. He didn't even glance at her, his gaze roving over the other girl appreciatively.

She heard Khushi's sharp intake of breath, her fingers tightening around the sudsy sponge she was holding. Arnav didn't give her a moment's respite, only stepping closer.

Anjali glanced between Arnav and Khushi, who seemed oblivious to her presence. Her brother's eyes swept over Khushi's face, pausing at her lips before dragging them back up to her eyes. She could feel the tension between them, the air crackling with desire as they stared at each other.

She cleared her throat uncomfortably, a small smirk mirroring that of her brother's appearing on her face.

"Ahem."

Arnav kept his eyes on Khushi, addressing Anjali. She saw Khushi's eyes widen in shock at his audaciousness, but Arnav ignored her expression, continuing on in a commanding voice.

"Anju, Ma wants you."

Anjali debated protesting, but his tone left no room for argument. She looked between Khushi and Arnav once more, before nodding, leaving the dish on the counter.

There was a pause as the couple regarded each other.

Arnav could see wariness in Khushi's eyes, her expression revealing the nervousness she was feeling. She stiffened when he stepped closer, and stepped back, her breathing coming in quick gasps as she stared at him through thick lashes. He took another step forward, pushing her up against the shiny, granite countertop.

Khushi hissed as the cool stone met her bare back, goosebumps erupting on her skin. She could feel her heart thudding in her chest, an insidious heat spreading through her. She forced herself to meet his gaze, trying to ignore the obvious effect he had on her.

"W-why did you send her out?"

"I wanted to speak to you."

His blunt statement was unnerving, and Khushi looked away, trying to tame her rapid breathing. She nervously brushed the bangs framing her face out of the way, her hands trembling as she tried to make her voice firm.

"There's nothing to talk about."

"Really?"

He drawled, crossing his arms over his chest, tilting his head slightly. His husky, low voice made her heart slam against her chest, the heat rising in her cheeks. Khushi's gaze snapped to his, her eyes flashing indignantly at his tone.

"Nothing. What would we need to talk about?"

He shrugged, keeping his gaze pinned on her. She shifted uncomfortably, hating the knowing, mischievious smirk. Her voice had been tellingly high, revealing the nervousness she was feeling.

"How about the medicine for your headache? Did it work well?"

"Yes. The pills were very effective."

"Are you sure it was the pills that solved it?"

She swallowed nervously, grasping the granite tightly and leaning back. The cool stone failed to do anything to stop the traitorous warmth, only emphasizing it further.

She wished he would look away, intsead of staring at her with that... look in his eyes.

"I- yes."

She jutted her chin out determinedly. He stepped closer, bringing his lips closer to her ear. Her eyes fluttered shut as she took in a shuddering breath, fighting the urge to sigh as his familiar scent washed over her, making her nerves tingle in anticipation.

She mentally counted backwards from 1000, trying fruitlessly to focus.

1000, 999, 998, 997...

"I certainly hope this will help with that blush, even if it didn''t help with the headache."

980, 979,97...

He turned his head slightly, pressing his lips to her cheek. He heard her sharp breath, and lingered against the skin, pulling away slowly. All of her thoughts flew out of her head, her mind focused only on the warm lips pressed to her skin, searing through her as the slow warmth burst into flames.

He took in the sight of her, his breath catching at how beautiful she looked. Her eyes were closed, thick lashes resting against her flushed cheeks. Her breath came out in quick gasps, her knuckles white from clutching the counter tightly. He could hear her murmuring numbers vaguely, the order completely lost and jumbled.

He slid his hand down her cheek, brushing his thumb against her lips just as he had yesterday. Her eyes flew open, dark and swirling with a myriad of emotions. His gaze rested on her lips, the primal hunger in his eyes making her shiver as she swallowed nervously.

He dropped his hand, taking a step back as the left side of his mouth curled into a smirk. She felt the cool air wash over her, and her entire body whined for his touch as he stepped further back. She berated herself, but to no avail, the telltale thump of her heart giving it away.

"I guess I only made it worse."

Still smirking, he turned and strode out of the room. Khushi let out a shuddery breath, trying to regain her bearings. She lifted a hand to her chest, feeling her heart pulsing against it.

When Anjali returned, this was the scene she came upon.

Khushi standing against the granite countertop, her lower lip pulled shyly between her teeth as she held a hand to her chest.

*********

Khushi walked over to the man digging in the dirt nervously, wringing her hands. She didn't know how to react to this new development between the two of them.

Until they had kissed, she could have plausibly denied that he reciprocated the feelings she held for him. She could have convinced herself that this was one-sided, that it was useless to pursue.

But the kiss had confirmed what she had known intuitively, that she affected him just as much he affected her. She could still hear the groan of pleasure as he ran his hands through her hair, the way he had gently soothed the nips he had placed on her lower lip.

Just the thought was enough to make her flush, to make her want more.

She felt the goosebumps erupt on her skin, her stomach flooding with a new, throbbing warmth. Her breath came faster, her pulse racing.

Damn it.

Until now, she could have kept a distance.

The knowledge that he wanted this just as much as she did made it that much more difficult to resist. The attraction between them burned, fascinating her like flames licking up from wood, crackling and flickering.

But no matter how mesmerizing the bright orange flames were, if she got too close, she knew she would get burned.

He looked up at the sound of her feet, his eyes immediately meeting her hazel ones. He could see the tension in her furrowed brow, the way she couldn't quite meet his gaze. He set his trowel down, leaning back on his heels as he gestured for her to join him in the grass.

"We need to talk."

Her voice was soft, and he didn't miss the slight tremor of nervousness that shook it. She sat down next to him, staring at the new shrub that he had just finished digging the hole for.

They sat in a tense silence, not quite touching, but still able to feel the other's presence next to them.

She spoke first, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear as she stared straight ahead.

"This... us..."

She took a deep breath, unsure of what to say. She couldn't articulate how she felt about him, and wasn't entirely sure she wanted to. She didn't know how to describe the warmth that spread through her, the way her heart sped up at the thought of seeing him.

He pulled at a piece of grass beside him, twirling it between his fingers. It was a quiet murmur, and there was a nervousness she had never heard before in him.

"I'm attracted to you, Khushi."

She turned to look at him, her eyes wide with surprise at his bluntness. He didn't meet her gaze, staring at the grass between his fingers.

"I like the way you fight for what you believe in, even if I may not necessarily agree with you. I like that you have your own opinion that you form based off of your experiences, and not only off of what others tell you. I like the way you love Ma and Papa, the way you've taken care of them, and your deep sense of loyalty. And I like that you're beautiful, of course."

He could see the flush on her face out of the corner of his eye, and he couldn't hold back the small smile. But he sobered quickly, knowing the weight of the situation. He took a deep breath, ploughing forward.

"We have differences, major ones. But I don't think they're unbreachable. I'm willing to agree to disagree, but I will admit that I do enjoy the ocassional debate with you."

He sighed heavily, turning to face her.

"I'm willing to take the chance. There's something between us, Khushi, and it's too strong to ignore. I can't just... forget about you, and the memory of your kiss is enough to keep me up at night."

Her cheeks darkened, and she looked away.

"We'll never know if we don't try."

She regarded him for a long moment, her eyes sweeping across his earnest face. He could see the emotions flit across her face, the conflict raging within her.

"Arnavji, this can't just be... a fling. I know you are used to your angrezi culture, but that isn't how it works here. If we get into this, Ma and Papa will want us to get married, regardless of whether it works between us or not. Are you willing to do that? And what if it doesn't work? Our differences would tear us apart. We can only brush them under the rug for so long, Arnavji. What happens when you want to move back to England? What happens to me, to us?"

They fell into a tense silence once more, each considering the impact of their feelings for the other.

It could end in a beautiful relationship, or turn bitter with hatred and resentment.

Was it worth it?

"I want to try, Khushi."

Arnav spoke, his voice belying the determination he felt. He had never been more certain, the nervousness giving way to a quiet confidence.

"I can't live with the constant what if...' plaguing me. I want to try this, to make it work. I can't ignore my feelings for you, Khushi, not when I know that you feel the same."

He paused, trying to find the words to express himself.

"But... I ask one thing. I would like us to keep this from Ma and Papa, at least until we can figure out ourselves what we want, and whether this will work. That way, we won't feel obliged to follow their request."

Khushi considered his words carefully, chewing on her lower lip. She took a deep breath, looking at him with wariness. She could see the unconcealed anticipation on his face, and knew her next words would make that eagerness fade.

"I want some time to think about this. It's a big decision, Arnavji, and I can't just... "

She saw his face fall. He nodded quietly, murmuring his acceptance, but she knew he was disappointed. Her heart constricted, and she wished she could comfort him somehow.

Tentatively, she slid her hand to the side until their pinkies were just touching. He started, surprised by the sudden press of her finger against his. He could feel the warmth coming from her small hand, and turned to her.

A smile bloomed across her face as she looked up at him, and he felt his heart thud in his chest at the way her face lit up with that smile.

He reached down, grabbing a trowel and handing the other one to her.

Together, they lifted the shrub, placing it gently into the hole he had dug earlier. As they patted down the dirt, their hands brushed against each other.

This time, they didn't move away.

*********

Note: And that's where I'll leave you for today! I hope you enjoyed it- if you get the chance, please do like or comment and let me know what you think. I love to hear your thoughts!

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I'll be back on Tuesday with a teaser.

Love always,

Choti.