ArShi FF: UNSPOKEN LOVE #5 [Ch53 Pg103 + Ch54 Pg112] Link to Th6 given - Page 68

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Unspoken Love

Chapter 53

Khushi realised that she was holding Arnav's hand. She left his hand at once and locked her fingers together, embarrassed. Her gaze was on the floor and her mind thinking of something to say. Arnav was staring at her with a smile of satisfaction. There was silence. Khushi could feel Arnav's gaze on her. She didn't want to look into his eyes because she feared that it may lead to something that shouldn't happen now. She could feel her heartbeats rise. She just wanted him to take his eyes off her otherwise it would be difficult for her to stay away from him. Finally she thought of something to speak. She could sense Arnav getting up from his chair and coming closer to her.

"Is Karan's mother alright, Sir?" she blurted out as she closed her eyes tight.

Arnav smiled to himself knowing what Khushi was going through. As there was no reply from Arnav, Khushi looked up at him and found him looking here and there. What was he looking for?

Khushi stared at Arnav in confusion. "What happened Sir?" she asked.

Arnav, still looking around, said, "Whom are you talking to? I don't see any 'Sir' here..!!" He smiled naughtily and then Khushi understood that he was teasing her. "Oh!! Are you, by any chance, talking to me? 'cause I don't think you are talking to yourself and I am the only other person in this cabin!" he said pulling her leg. "And I think I have told you to call me 'Arnav'..." he added.

Khushi told him that she wasn't very comfortable with calling him 'Arnav' especially at office. After a lot of arguments, it was decided that Khushi would address him as 'Arnav Sir' at office and as 'Arnav' away from office.

*****

Days were passing by. Arnav and others had slowly got over Karan's death.

Khushi was very happy with the way things were progressing. Arnav and Khushi knew each other very well now. Their bonding, emotionally as well as professionally, was great. There was nothing like private meetings, or going on dates, or going for a movie, or candle-light dinners, or spending time together, or long phone calls... But still, Arnav and Khushi were happy with the unique relation they shared with each other. They greeted each other with smile whenever they came across in the office. During meetings, Khushi always tried to reach the conference room before time to make sure she sat next to Arnav. And whenever she was late, Arnav reserved the place for her. They never spoke of it, but that was their understanding of each other. Their presentations and seminars together showed their excellent chemistry and were always appreciated by everyone including Anup Singh Raizada. Just the sight of Arnav made Khushi's day and she hoped that the same was with Arnav. Seeing each other was enough to assure them that everything was fine.

Akash and Payal were very happy to know everything from Aman. And they knew very well that Khushi had a very good impression on the others as well, including their little Riya. Everyone at Khushi's home was happy too. Anjali too was glad for Khushi. But Shyam was against it for some reason and frequently expressed his dislike for Khushi being with Arnav in front of Anjali and sometimes in front of Khushi too. But Khushi believed in her love and ignored what Shyam said.

Arnav's routine was fixed. His day began with his morning jog with Lavanya. Lavanya was pleasantly surprised to see the changing Arnav. He was so rude when she had come, but now he was gentle and understanding. Arnav-Lavanya bond had developed well and was becoming stronger day by day. Arnav was now less irritated by Lavanya's chattering. He felt that Lavanya was indeed a very sweet person. Lavanya was glad that now Arnav liked her. She was waiting for the right time to ask him for marriage. She wanted to make the proposal very special.

*****

It was lunch time. Khushi, Shyam and Anjali were sitting around a table in the canteen discussing about their weekend plan. It was Saturday the next day. The plan was to go to Mumbai wih Shyam, stay at his home overnight with his parents and return to Pune by Sunday evening. All three were excited. They were about to open their lunch boxs when Khushi's phone began ringing. It was Arnav calling. Khushi answered the call.

"Uhm... started with lunch?" asked Arnav.

"Not yet... We are about to begin!" replied Khushi. Arnav seemed upset. Khushi sensed it. "What happened Arnav... Sir?" She realised that Shyam and Anjali were listening and so added that 'Sir' in the end.

"Khushi" Arnav paused, "Will you have lunch with me today? Please?... If you don't mind?"

Khushi could sense that something was wrong. She agreed to have lunch with Arnav and told him that she would be with him in a minute.

"That's not fair Khushi, we always have lunch together yaar...!!" complained Shyam.

"Sorry Shyam, but I must go...!" said Khushi and left with her lunch box.

Shyam banged the lid of his lunch box on the table in anger as he stared at Khushi's back as she walked away.

Anjali was shocked by his action. "Seems like someone is jealous...!" she said in a teasing tone.

"Shut up!" he fired back as Anjali laughed.

*****

Khushi sat against Arnav in his cabin as she placed her lunch box beside his on the table. Both smiled at each other and then there was a long silence before Khushi asked the reason for calling her here.

"I didn't want to have lunch alone... Aman is also not here as he has gone for a meeting. So I just called you over. Hope you don't mind having lunch with me" said Arnav.

"Ofcourse not!" said Khushi, "But is that the only reason to call me here? Or is there something more?" she asked.

Arnav stared at Khushi in surprise. How does she know? "You know me too well, don't you?" he said.

Khushi grinned. "Now tell me..." she said.

Arnav took a deep breath. "I am missing my Maa very much, Khushi... It's her birthday tomorrow!" he smiled as his eyes watered.

Khushi was silent for a moment. She then smiled and said, "Maa's birthday is a reason to be happy Arnav! Why are you sad? Wherever your Maa is, she must be watching you. She would never like to see a sad Arnav on her birthday, will she?" Arnav looked at Khushi as she continued. "You should celebrate the day Arnav! Celebrate all the sweet memories you have of her! She will be happy to see you happy..." said Khushi.

Arnav wiped his tears and sniffed. "Khushi, will you be with me tomorrow? For some time atleast? Please?"

Without another thought Khushi agreed. Arnav felt much better now.

Khushi and Arnav had lunch with Arnav sharing some of his childhood memories related to his Maa.

*****

Khushi told Shyam and Anjali that she would not be able to go with them to Mumbai the next day. This made them upset and the reason irked Shyam.

Later, Anjali tried to pacify Shyam. "Don't be so upset Shyam. We both will go this time. Next time, Khushi will come with us, big deal..!!"

"We are not going anywhere...!!" said Shyam.

"What's this yaar? What if Khushi's not coming? I want to meet your parents... We will have fun!"

"Don't you understand? We - are - not - going - anywhere!!" repeated Shyam stressing every word.

On one hand, Shyam and Anjali were quarreling over their cancelled trip to Mumbai, and on the other hand, Khushi was looking forward to spending time with Arnav.

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