1 | ArHi FF Resistance | COMPLETE - Page 77

Yummiieee😳😳😳 can't wait for the update 😃 please give us a biggg waala update 😃

Yummy... both Arnav and Gol Gappe... I want one too ;-)

You made me drool twice.

Wow gol gappe...is khushi feeding Arnav gol gappe?...can't wait for the update...nice teaser...

Originally posted by: sudhareddy

Lovely teaser 👏

Khushi going to feed golgappe to our angrezi babu Arnav ... haayee

Nice teasing teaser. .
Eagerly waiting for the update. .

"Ma, I need new notebooks for class. May I go?"

Sakshi glanced up from her embroidery to see Khushi waiting for her, standing by the doorstep with her patchwork bag slung over her shoulder.

She was an embodiment of contradictions, Arnav thought to himself as he looked at Khushi. When she was challenged, her eyes would light up with a fire, and she would go to any lengths to defend her beliefs. She was never disrespectful, but she didn't mince words either.

But right now, her demure poise was completely opposite to that of when they argued. It was a careful balance, one that he admired deeply.

Sakshi didn't notice the way Arnav had suddenly turned towards their conversation, his eyes trained on Khushi. Khushi tried to ignore his slow, sweeping gaze, taking in the simple khadi of her sari, the gentle twist of her hair, and the exposed nape of her neck that was incredibly distracting.

"Lekin beta, you'll go alone? What if-"

"I'll go."

Khushi's eyes shot up to his, a silent warning in them. He ignored her, meeting his mother's eyes directly.

"I would like to pick up some books for myself as well, and that way, she won't be alone."

Sakshi glanced between the two of them. Khushi's eyes were downcast, and Arnav's were strong and confident.

There was something... she couldn't quite place her finger on it.

Shaking her head, she pushed the thoughts out of her mind, smiling softly at her two children.

"Yes, that's fine. Take Chote with you."

Khushi opened her mouth to protest, but quickly closed it, simply nodding. Arnav slid on his shoes, placing his hand lightly on her back as she stepped out. He heard her barely audible gasp, feeling the way her skin tingled at his touch.

She whipped around as soon as the door shut, glaring at him as she stepped away. He simply leaned back with a smirk, his hair casually messy and his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His glasses rested on the bridge of his nose, framing his amused eyes, and he was carrying his suit jacket in the crook of his arm.

Hmph... laad governor kahin ke.

"Did you say something, Khushi?"

He could see her jaw tighten, a flash of irritation crossing her face as she strode out in front of him, her braid swaying with every step.

They walked in silence for a while, with Khushi walking just ahead of Arnav. She was lost deeply in thought, her hands playing with the tassel on her bag.

Arnav grimaced as the stench of trash hit his nose, rolling his eyes at the litter on the sidewalks. He stumbled slightly as the people rushing down the street pushed past him, crumpling his neatly ironed shirt. He reached up to his forehead, brushing away the beads of sweat that had formed under the sweltering heat.

He was amazed at Khushi, whose sari was still neatly pleated despite the people jostling her. It wasn't even slightly crumpled, the fabric falling neatly over her shoulder, just centimeters from the ground yet not the least bit dirty. She slipped through the crowd, navigating the backalleys and oddly shaped winding streets with ease.

"If you didn't always wear that, you would not be quite so hot."

Her voice was quiet, but he could hear the slight sharpness behind her words. He knew by the way her mouth twitched slightly at the sides that she was not impressed, unamused by his British attire.

"There is a reason men wear a kurta-pyjama here. It is much more comfortable, and keeps you much cooler."

"They're so itchy, and the collar makes me feel as if I am being strangled. I don't know how men wear those things."

"And you feel better, wearing that tie and the thick suit?"

"Yes."

He knew she was right, of course, but he didn't want to give her the satisfaction of admitting it. He refused to wear the kurta-pyjama. Even if it was comfortable, he liked the crisp dignity of the suit.

"The suit is so much more dignified. It's well fitted, and doesn't hang baggily around the body like your kurta-pyjama'."

Khushi rolled her eyes, unfazed by the disdain behind his words.

"I beg to differ, Arnavji. The kurta-pyjama is just as, if not more dignified than that... suit you wear. There is a reason politicians wear-"

"Because Indian politicians are such exemplary examples of upstanding citizens."

The dry sarcasm didn't go unnoticed by Khushi.

But she chose to ignore it, not wanting to get into an argument.

She would simply have to show him India. Actions did speak louder than words.

They stepped into the bookstore, with her giving a small smile of acknowledgement to the man at the counter. He smiled a bright, paan-stained smile back at her, his youth hidden by the thick moustache and yellowed teeth.

"Good morning, Khushi madam! You have not been here in so long. I have new books for you!"

"Sorry, Bankelalji, I have been so busy with class and..."

She trailed off as he nodded in understanding, walking towards him as he pulled books out from underneath the shelf. Her hands lingered over the covers, listening intently as Bankelalji animatedly outlined plots of the novels.

Arnav stood behind her, glaring at Bankelalji.

He was entirely too happy to see Khushi. Who did he think he was, smiling at her like that?

She seemed oblivious to Bankelalji's obvious affection for her, the way his moustache twitched a little and his eyes softened as her face lit up with excitement. Arnav scowled.

Couldn't she tell how her enthusiasm was making him look at her like... that?

"Khushi, didn't you mention that you also needed notebooks?"

Khushi looked up at him, startled by the hardness in his voice. She had been so lost in her own world, paging through the books, her eyes flying across the pages as she skimmed them.

She had almost forgotten he was there.

She could see the tautness in his jaw, his eyes narrowed in irritation. Smiling apologetically at Bankelalji, she set aside the two books she wanted, requesting him to keep the others for her the next time she came.

She walked to the back of the store where the notebook were, with Arnav leaning against the counter with his mouth set in a straight line. She briefly wonder what had bothered him so much, but it slipped her mind when she saw that the notebooks were at the top of the shelf.

She glanced around, looking for something to stand on. Not finding anything, she stood on her tiptoes as she tucked her pallu into her waist, the tips of her fingers just barely reaching the bottommost notebook.

She heard Bankelalji's voice behind her, telling her that he would help. But before she could react, she felt a hard body pressed up against her, reaching over her head to easily pull down the top notebook.

She sucked in a sharp breath, recognizing the hard planes perfectly. She could feel the buckle of his belt pressing into her, the heat of his body emanating from the thin fabric of his shirt. His hand rested lightly against her hip to steady himself, the top of his thumb just barely brushing up against her skin.

She wanted to lean back against him, her entire body craving for his touch. She resisted the urge to protest when he stepped away from her entirely too quickly, his face impassive as she turned around.

He seemed to be unaffected, unlike her.

"Arey, bhaisaab, I would have gotten the-"

"There is no need for that. Please, put this on the bill. We're in quite a hurry to get back home."

Arnav's voice left no room for argument, and he seemed immune to Khushi's disapproving glare. She was furious with the tone he was talking to Bankelalji in, completely bewildered by his sudden coldness.

He barely gave her time to bid goodbye to Bankelalji, stalking out of the store with long strides. She had to almost jog to keep up with him, her books jostling in her bag as she tried to keep up.

"Why were you so rude to Bankelalji? He didn't do anything to you."

Arnav halted suddenly, his jaw tight with tension. He whirled around, turning to face her.

"Must you be so cheery all the time? What was the need to smile so brightly at Bankelal? Who is he to you?"

She looked at him incredulously, stunned by his outburst.

"What- Bankelalji has been a close friend of mine for a long time. He has been working in that store for as long as I can remember. He really isn't that much older than us, only a few years old..."

She trailed off at Arnav's obvious displeasure, slowly beginning to realize what was wrong.

He was jealous. And of all people, he was jealous of Bankelalji.

A slow smile of satisfaction spread across her face as she saw the irritation flash across his face.

"Bankelalji used to write the most beautiful poetry. He would give me a poem every time I came by, asking me to look it over for him."

She watched the scowl grow out of the corner of her eye, biting her lip to keep the laughter in.

"He used to always keep an extra jalebi for me when I-"

"Shall we go?"

He interrupted gruffly, avoiding her gaze. She continued on as if he hadn't spoken, singing praises of Bankelalji.

"-I came, and he would take care to leave me extra kesar. Do you know, he's always kept my favorite books separately, and he knows exactly what books I like, and he's-"

"Khushi, let's go."

She could see that he was seething, completely set off by her praise of Bankelalji. Smiling internally, Khushi looked up at him with wide eyes.

"Of course, Arnavji. But I forgot to tell Bankelalji that I miss his poe-"

"You can tell him next time."

His voice could have cut a diamond, sharp with unhidden annoyance. She smiled innocently, nodding as she fell in step beside him. The two of them walked in companionable silence, walking quietly towards home.

Khushi glanced at Arnav occasionally, noting the way his face held contempt at the grime. He would carefully place his feet, grimacing at the sight of the dirt and dust. She shook her head, slightly annoyed by his disgust.

Arnav noticed Khushi shaking her head. He could see the irritation on her face every time she glanced at him, particularly when he grimaced at the dust. He thought for a moment, before tempering his disgust, carefully keeping a neutral expression.

Khushi glanced at him occasionally. He was focused on placing his feet exactly where she had, his expression neutral.

Had he noticed her annoyance?

Catching a glimpse of a pani puri stand, Khushi's eyes lit up. She shot Arnav a pleading glance, and he immediately stepped back warily, shaking his head.

"Arnavji, please? I promise, they are absolutely delicious."

"Khushi, do you see the unsanitary conditions? Britain would never ser-"

"You are in India, this is how it is. It is part of the charm."

"Charm?"

Arnav scoffed, even as Khushi dragged him towards the pani puri stand. He felt the immediate tingles up his spine at her delicate touch, her dainty fingers sliding around his large palm as she pulled him with her.

He couldn't stop the thud of his heart, the delight that she had taken initiative. She wasn't hesitant about touching him, her hand firmly grasping his. Her hands were small, fitting perfectly inside of his.

Khushi felt his fingers tighten around hers, and suddenly became aware of the fact that she had grabbed his hand. He threaded his fingers towards hers, filling the spaces between her fingers.

What would people think if they noticed?

She should have felt embarrassed, but... she didn't. Instead, she felt a sense of contentment, of comfort.

She dropped his hand hastily when they reached the stand, unnerved by the feelings he was evoking in her. She felt a sense of loss at the absence of his warmth, and glanced over at him.

Their eyes met, and they looked away quickly.

She ignored his muttering, watching with delight as the vendor dipped his hand deep into the water. Arnav winced, the dirty nails making him cringe.

Khushi handed him a plate with ten pani puris, laughing as she popped one easily into her mouth in one go. Arnav hesitantly picked his up, trying to figure out how to bite it such that it wouldn't break apart.

Khushi shook her head, watching as Arnav bit into it halfway. The water dripped down his forearm, staining his shirt. She couldn't stop the laughter from bubbling out at his dismayed expression, her shoulders shaking at his plight.

Arnav mustered a half-hearted glare, unable to take his eyes off of the woman in front of him. Her eyes danced with amusement, her cheeks tinged with red. She shook her head, exaggeratedly lifting the next pani puri and slipping it into her mouth. Her cheeks puffed up, the round puri disappearing as she chewed.

"It's not that difficult, Arnavji. You have to eat it in one go. You cannot eat this daintily, with a fork and knife as your angrez would."

"At least the English eat with dignity. This makes me look like a clown."

Khushi felt her stomach tighten painfully at his harsh words. She shouldn't have let it affect her.

But she couldn't help it.

She shouldn't like him. This was wrong, she knew it was. His statement had just proved how fundamentally different they were. He would always hold disgust for India, and she would never be able to reconcile herself to that fact.

He saw Khushi's face fall, the light fading from her eyes.

This was important to her, and he...

He kicked himself mentally. He hastily attempted to cover it up, not wanting to spoil the moment. He glanced down at the plate, then at the stand, the thick layer of dirt covering the metal making him wince.

He could see her crestfallen face out of the corner of his eye, hating the way her radiance had dimmed.

In one, swift move, he lifted the pani puri and popped it into his mouth. The substance oozed out of the corners of his lips, and he reached up with his wrist, brushing it away.

Her eyes widened in surprise, her mouth falling open as she stared at him. He could see the surprise mingling with pure delight, her eyes sparkling.

She caught him watching her, his eyes scanning her face almost frantically. It was as if he was searching for something. Taking a deep breath, she smiled tentatively at him, she saw the worry fade from his eyes, replaced with something akin to relief.

She popped the final puri into her mouth, the delicacy exploding, the water staining the edge of her lips and dripping down her chin. Arnav fought the urge to reach out and brush it away, his eyes following Khushi's hand as she wiped it away messily.

She licked her lips, trying to get the leftover spices. Arnav's eyes dropped down to them, his stomach tightening in response as she wet them. He could feel the pulsing need, the desperate need to touch her, feel her pressed up against him.

He could still feel the shadow of her artless response to him against his lips, the way her tentative ministrations had frayed the last strands of his control.

Khushi froze under his intense gaze, her eyes locking with his. Arnav's Adam's apple bobbed nervously, his eyes swirling with the desire she had become familiar with.

Groaning, he hastily turned away, placing the money into the vendor's hands before urging Khushi to follow him.

They walked in silence back home, the air thick with their desire for each other. They had both realized that they needed each other, the chemistry between them unquenchable.

Every time they touched, they only wanted more.

Khushi looked at him nervously as they stepped in through the secluded back door, sliding off their shoes. He hadn't looked at her since then, keeping his gaze carefully averted.

She recalled the last encounter they had here, the harsh, punishing kiss and the hate that had followed.

Things had changed so much since then.

Her feelings for him were growing stronger, beyond the immediate lust and fire between them. She had come to enjoy his dry sense of humor, the deeply rooted love he had for his family. He loved to read, and had even pointed out a few books for her to pick up next time.

She was realizing that while they had differences, they could find common ground as well.

She turned around, accidentally stumbling into him as he stepped towards her at the same time. His hands slid around her waist to steady her, and she could feel his warm palm against the exposed skin. She shivered, wanting more.

But this time, it would be different.

Taking a deep breath, she tilted her head up to his face, breathing in his scent, her nose grazing his cheek as she pressed her lips against his in a slow tentative kiss. She saw his eyes flutter shut, his fingers tightening around her hip as he responded.

Their tongues slid together, exploring as goosebumps erupted on their skin. They broke apart, gasping for breath as their foreheads pressed together.

His hands loosened around her waist, and she took a step back. His hand cupped her cheek, sliding slowly down her face before they parted. They stepped into the house together, turning to leave in opposite directions.

But just before they disappeared from each other's sight, they turned around, their gazes meeting.

Her shy blush made his breath catch, and they let their gazes linger over each other before they turned away, smiling.

*********

Note: And that's where I'll leave you for today! I'd love to hear your thoughts, so please like and let me know if you can :) This one's for IB, love you much!

As always, please follow @ipkchotidesi or PM me your email for update notifications.

Love always,

Choti.

Ready for Gol Gappe... bring it on my Chota Packet...🤗