FF- Sparkling Dreams (COMPLETED) epilogue pg 43 - Page 12

Another hit with this chapter, NJ! Arnav is so in love is he not! He needs a little blow to realize perhaps because the dude has convinced himself that what he feels is a mere attraction towards his best friend...which he wishes toRun away from!

Waiting!

Let's see how this seed unravels...

Arnav fiddled with his pen, absently staring at the presentation that was being given by one of his employees, putting in an occasional nod, he perfectly gave the impression that he was listening while his mind wandered far away. Anjali had left last evening and he remembered her parting words, she simply looked into his eyes, and told a string of words that had left him befuddled and walked away before he had a chance to say anything. What was his sister trying to do? Drive him insane? He wondered with a sigh.

"Arnav, just don't ever be afraid of holding close the things that help you breathe, promise me that." She had said before giving him a quick kiss on his cheek.

Concluding the meeting with a few prompt words, he closed his eyes. His dream had startled him, this was his Khushi and he almost felt terrible for thinking of her that way. Would she be horrified if she knew the thoughts running through his mind? He wondered. His thoughts would only end up hurting her and making things very uncomfortable, he was finally able to smile and he didn't want to ruin things, especially when he had someone who meant so much back in his life again.

Throwing a paper ball absently into the bin, he rolled up his sleeves and did what he did best, he immersed himself in work.

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He waited at the arrivals area, glimpsing at his watch occasionally. When he had called Khushi a while ago she mentioned that she had landed, he refused to let her take the cab home and asked her to wait for him.

There she was, dragging a travel bag behind her, her eyes wide and searching with her hair pulled up in a ponytail. Her floral pink top matched the colour of her lips while her eyes looked sleepy from travel and work. He waved at her, a small smile playing on his lips as she walked towards him, her face brightened by a smile so vibrant as her eyes met his that it almost made his heart clench.

He enveloped her in a hug, the smell of her hair, so enticing and fruity that he bent his head to rest his chin right above her head for a moment. "Hope the conference was good" he asked as he took the travel bag from her and lead her out. "It was mind-numbing, you have no idea how glad I am to be back, the only good thing was the wonderful hotel and the room service" she said with a laugh as she walked beside him.

As they drove to Khushi's home, she filled him in on all the boring lectures, doing detailed impressions of various speakers as Arnav laughed aloud. "I really wonder man, how do these people not get bored with themselves" she said, "I mean I do love my job but for a while I wondered if I was in the wrong place, ugh I just hope that one day I don't wake up to find myself with graying hair and thick glasses knowing that all I can speak about is the legal and taxation system without even cracking a joke" she whined as she fiddled with the radio controls while Arnav smiled at her and answered, "Never am I letting you attend any of my meetings, I'm sure you would fling objects at me".

They pulled up in front of Khushi's house, "Arnav, come for dinner na, Maa said she has prepared a lot of food since I was away" she said before hopping out of the car. Then she literally dragged him to the entrance.

"Khushi, how many times have I asked you to not drag your feet, I can hear you even from the kitchen" her mother yelled as she walked out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. Her expression suddenly changed into one of warmth and affection as soon as she saw Arnav stand beside Khushi. "Yes, aunty this Khushi...uff such a klutz" he said with a grin as Garima welcomed him with several words of fondness.

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"Aunty, I still can't believe...this paneer masala tastes just the same, wow!" Arnav said digging in hungrily, as Khushi muttered "Hog" and earned a tap on her head from her mother. "Arnav, so are you settling here in Delhi or do you plan on going back after laying a foundation for the branch here" Shashi asked, while Khushi waited with observant eyes for his answer, Garima silently watched the look in her daughters eyes as she reached for the dal. "No uncle, I might have occasional meetings back there but I'm solely in-charge of the Delhi branch so I'll mostly be here" he replied. Khushi's expression was suddenly masked as she looked down intently at the patterns on her roti.

Dinner continued pleasantly with various childhood tales and laughter while Garima and Shashi looked adoringly upon the two of them who had grown up so much, yet did not lose that special warmth even after all these years.

While Arnav was leaving Khushi waved at him from the gate before telling him, "You should not come here often or my parents would sell me and adopt you" she said sticking her tongue out before yelling goodnight and hearing his loud guffaw echo through the night.

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The dangling stars above her head whispered to her as she smiled at how him being at home reminded her of the endless times he had stayed for dinner and earned too much of her mother's appreciation while Khushi fumed irritated at the praises he used to receive. Being away in Mumbai helped her realize that though Arnav was deeply embedded in her heart, staying and watching him smile made her feel content, as for the love she felt for him, she had packaged it up and hid it somewhere deep within, not wanting to unravel something explosive and terrifying. Before closing her eyes she hoped that one day she would be able to feel none of this confusion, that everything would be crystal clear and she would have a place for someone else within her heart, she hoped that one day she wouldn't feel like every feeling of hers revolved around him. One day she hoped the pain would no longer be buried instead it would cease to exist.

The noise echoed through the quiet room as Arnav placed the phone down a little too harshly. Khushi had abruptly disconnected his call once again before hurriedly mentioning that she had to go for dinner with a friend from university who also happened to be her client, she apologized for cancelling their plan and promised to make up for it.

Yet Arnav seemed unsettled, this was the second time this week that she had claimed to be busy. Frowning, he signed a sheaf of papers, his eyes skimming over them briefly while annoyance still lurked within his curious eyes.

A very brief update, will try to put up another one today.😃

Oh, what will it take to tell Arnav that this is the real thing. For someone who is supposed to be intelligent, this man is always rather slow on the uptake in matters of the heart. Hopefully he will get there soon. Khushi is on an emotional roller coaster poor girl! Waiting...