ArHi FF || Serendipity #5 || CH 59 Pg 136 (JAN 16TH 2017) (new update) - Page 24

"I think Anjali would prefer the peaches and cream cake over the strawberry one, Khushi."

"But we need to consider Aman too, Mr. Raizada. He's allergic to peaches, so I think it's safe to say the option is off the table"

"Listen, anything is better than that mango shit Aman liked. Peaches and cream  is winning for me so far."

Typical Arnav, Khushi smirked to herself, as he excused himself to use the washroom. Foolishly blinded towards everyone and everything but his precious Anjali Di. It was this attitude that had ruined the prospect of a relationship between them, and looking at the disheveled, unstable man in front of her today, she was extremely grateful it had.

There had been a time when Khushi was certain that she was in love Arnav Singh Raizada-- deeply, insanely and irrevocably. But in truth, her idea of "love" had been nothing more than foolishness and naivete.

Love was not adrenaline and fire. Love was not betraying Lavanya's trust and stealing moments by the poolside. Love was not bruises on her wrists and infrequent, reluctant apologies. They had never shared love. They had scorched and singed in burning desire. 

Yes, she had desired him. He was a powerful, intelligent, handsome man-- and she had been a young, impressionable woman. 

But love was... comfort. Warmth, not heat. It was silent encouragement and gentle touches. It was strong arms holding her in a strong embrace and black, reassuring eyes. Love was Tarang Kher.

Love was Kinara and Shagun.

Khushi took a moment to steal a glance at her girls, the younger one taking neat spoonfuls of her chocolate cake as Kinara wiped the cream stuck in her hair. They were such precious, beautiful girls... beautiful as the love that helped them grow and blossom.

As beautiful as the love that existed between her and her wonderful husband. She smiled unknowingly at the thought, silently thanking an old friend for blessing her with a man she wasn't sure she deserved.

 Tarang Lal Kher, the man who had supported from the very moment he laid his midnight eyes on her. The man who held her hand and dared to love a broken woman. The man who helped her rebuild life the way she saw fit; who indulged her strangest dreams and shared her deepest fears. The man who gently kissed her good morning and passionately made love to her at night.

He had fallen in love with her heart, Tarang often said. Whether dressed in a sari, or a skirt, or bright swinging pompoms... all he saw was a woman who had respected his grandmother, who had birthed his daughters and who had selflessly dedicated her life to building his family.

She was his will to live. And he was her everything.

"So I requested the waiter to bring a slice of black forest cake", Arnav suddenly interjected, bringing an abrupt end to her unusually wandering thoughts. She wasn't a daydreaming, dewy eyed schoolgirl... especially not on the job. "And a slice of cheesecake, just so we can officially cross that off the list"

Khushi wanted to resist when he pulled his chair closer to hers, but forced herself to paste a rigid smile and nod in acknowledgment. Arnav was a client, and it would be inappropriate to disappoint or insult him.

Especially... after that night

Tensions between Arnav and Khushi had eased since the mishap with the children. She had apologized (albeit grudgingly) and he had gracefully understood the regret. She, on Tarang's suggestion, had sincerely tried being more civil with Arnav. If not forgiving him for his wrongdoings in the past, then at least seeking to ignore them.  It was her job, after all, to give Anjali her happily ever after, and if there was one thing Khushi Kumari Gupta wasn't, it was a sloppy professional. She didn't appreciate distractions while she worked, and therefore Arnav and his emotional baggage would just have to be tolerated.

"Honestly Mr. Raizada, I think we should go with the lemon raspberry mousse. It's fresh, earthy and sophisticated-- perfect for a couple in their late thirties and perfect for a warm, summer wedding. I just can't suggest peaches and cream if the groom is allergic. The entire thought is completely absurd"

With a small smile, he shrugged and called Anjali, confirming the cake order as well as the other dessert options.

"Said it's genius", Arnav laughed, as he disconnected the phone. "She was shocked that the idea didn't occur to her earlier. Lemon and raspberry was apparently in her top five" He passed a rather ecstatic Kinara his untouched sample of cheesecake, smiling as she gave him an enthusiastic high five.

"So we need Aman to agree and then I'll place the order", Khushi nodded, scribbling notes for the rather extravagant design the couple had settled upon last week.

"We don't need to ask Aman, Khushi. He won't give two shits. This wedding is Di's through and through"

"It's a wedding", she immediately countered, without looking up from her untidy notes. "It requires the consent of a husband and a wife. If a voice is ignored or belittled, the relationship leads to failure." Her pen paused for a moment, and her back stiffened angrily. "Much like ours did", she silently whispered.

It was then that she shifted her steely hazel eyes to his brown ones, burning in rage, indignation and resentment. But most of all... in pain.

Pain at being neglected and suspected

Pain at being separated from her parents and family

Pain at being left abandoned and vulnerable

Her steel tight barrier broke open, and the memories flooded over; memories of the most painful months of her entire life. Arnav's breath hitched in his throat, as he felt an overwhelming need to comfort her.

"Khushi, I --"

"But you'd know a lot about that, wouldn't you Arnav? How to make a mockery of a marriage? Sorry. I forgot who I was talking to"

"Khu--"

The ringing of her phone interrupted him mid-sentence, and his gaze shifted to the word "Jaan" flashing on the home screen. With a relieved sigh, she lifted her cell and cradled it against her breast, excusing herself to take the call.

From a distance, he observed the softening smile and the blushing cheeks; the quiet laughter and happier eyes. This wasn't the Khushi who had been sitting across from him just minutes ago.

The pain had disappeared the second he had called. 

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A/N 2: I know I don't really deserve much, due to my erratic update schedule and everything else. But likes and comments bring the brightest smile to my face. Even two sentences are appreciated. Feedback helps me understand what I need to work on and what I'm not clarifying correctly (and silent readers, please! Chirp up! ;-)  )

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE: S H I F T E D