My very own Arnav- Arshi FF - Page 2

PART-6:

At Gupta Mansion on an unpleasant sunday morning:

Khushi cried a lot. The tears were not only because her family thought about someone else for her, but also due to Arnav's complete ignorance towards her.

For the first time in life, she felt miserable and helpless.

Shashi Gupta realized something was really wrong. He was unable to place it exactly. He saw his sister and wife rise from their seats to follow Khushi up to her room. He gestured them to wait. He wanted to talk to his princess first. He wanted to know what was going on in her mind without any untoward pressure.

Shashi came to Khushi's room and knocked on the door softly. He could not control himself from going in when he heard her soft sobs. He rushed in, made Khushi sit up on the bed and started talking to her.

Shashi: Beta, We are very sorry if you are hurt because of this proposal. Don't worry about it. Like I said before, you will not be pushed into anything. But I really want to know what made you so sad. Please tell me what's going on?

Khushi could not answer. Her tears would not stop.

Shashi understood that she needed time. He made her wash her face with cold water, ordered the servant to make some tea for her and got her out into the garden. They sat under the canopy in the garden chairs. Madhumathi and Garima watched them silently from far.

Once tea was served with some snacks, Shashi and Khushi drank in silence for a while. Slowly Shashi started talking about some random stuff to cheer Khushi up. Then he started asking her some simple questions.

Shashi: Khushi, what really got you so sad?

Khushi was shy to talk about her prince with her father. She kept looking here and there not sure what to answer. Her Bua then came and silently joined them under the canopy.

Bua: Khushi, do you remember how I always tell you that you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen? Khushi nodded. Your smile is the best thing in your face. You don't look good without a smile sweetheart. Can I have my smile once? Please?

She kept prodding Khushi until she smiled.

Bua: Now tell me do you think we are pushing you into marriage? Khushi shook her head in a NO.

Bua: Do you think we are trying to send you away from the house? Khushi shook her head in a NO.

Khushi: But then I don't want to ever go away from you all.

Bua and Shashi looked at each other and smiled.

Bua: Do you not like Abhinav? Khushi nodded a yes.

Shashi: (Confused) So you like Abhinav? Khushi instantly looked up and said NO.

Bua: Did he not behave well with you anytime? Khushi shook her head in a NO.

Bua: So, that's not the reason you dislike him? Khushi was silent.

Bua: Ok then, is there someone else you like?

Khushi's head shot up and she looked at her dad and Bua with frightened eyes. Bua instantly understood.

Bua: Who is it Khushi?

That question got the immediate attention of Shashi and Garima. They looked at Khushi who was sitting with her head bent and eyes on her intertwined fingers.

Shashi: It's ok beta, don't worry. Tell us who it is.

Khushi took a deep breadth and decided it's either now or never. She said in a small voice..

Papa, it's Ar...Ar...Arnav.

Shashi: Who?

Khushi: Ar... Arnav... Arnav Singh Raizada.

To say Shashi was shocked was an understatement. Bua and Garima did not know who this person was.

Shashi: ASR?

Khushi nodded an yes.

Garima: Who is he Shashi?

Shashi: He works for me here at Delhi Gupta Industries in Fashion designing branch.

Garima was disappointed. She did not expect Khushi to fall for a mere employee of Gupta Industries.

Garima: Khushi, since how long has this been going on?

Khushi: He does not know Amma. I like him but I have never spoken to him much.

Shashi: So it's not two-sided?

Khushi: No it's not. He does not know about my feelings papa.

Shashi: Ok beta, give me sometime. I need to think about this.

Garima: But Shashi, what will we tell the Mehtas?

Shashi: Let's keep that on hold for now Garima. Anyways, since Khushi's exams for the last semester are coming up, let's tell them that we need to wait until they are done. That will buy us some time. Meanwhile let me think for a solution regarding this.

Bua asked Khushi to come inside so Shashi and Garima could talk regarding how to go about this.

Khushi and Bua went back to Khushi's room and spent the rest of the day chatting about other things, looking at old picture albums and reminiscing old times. Bua was able to successfully divert Khushi.

Monday Morning at Gupta Industries:

Shashi Gupta was earlier than usual in his cabin. He had called his friend Swaroop who was a private investigator and requested him to investigate about ASR.. his professional and personal lives. Swaroop promised he would get back to him within 48 hours.

Shashi also decided to talk to his other employees about ASR.

Thinking of a plan, he casually walked down to the cafeteria. Most of his employees were present; Some catching up on week end gossip over coffee whereas the others busy with their phones while having breakfast.

Shashi glanced around and found the object of his interest. ASR having coffee and chatting with Aman and Akash. He was smiling at something Akash was describing animatedly.

Shashi watched him more. Previously there was no need to watch him, but now the situation demanded so. He was inquisitive about what made his daughter fall for ASR. True, he was hard working, well educated, dignified, extremely intelligent and resourceful; Not to mention very handsome.

"Hmm" Shashi thought, "this is not sufficient. I need the background check from Swaroop first."

Just then Sheetal entered the cafeteria and was surprised to see the boss there.

Sheetal: Good morning sir.

Shashi: Hi Sheetal

Sheetal: Sir, do you need anything from the cafeteria? I can get it sent over to you.

Shashi: No thanks. I was just..um..checking to see how everything was going on here. Shashi tried to smoothen it out. "Is our cafeteria good enough Sheetal? Do we need any changes?"

Sheetal was surprised, but then said immediately "No sir, we have a good cafeteria here. Our employees really like it. I will check with others and incase of any negative feedback I will let you know."

Shashi: Alright, let's get back to work.

(Two days later) Wednesday at Gupta Industries:

Shashi had received a report from Swaroop that morning regarding Arnav. Everything was clean. Shashi had also enquired about Arnav in a very sophisticated way from Sheetal as she was the fashion head, and also from other department heads during the past two days. He did not find any black mark on Arnav.

The same evening, after dinner, as the entire family sat down in the living area, Shashi declared that he was ready to talk to Arnav regarding Khushi. Garima was perturbed. Shashi comforted her by saying that he had enquired about Arnav and did not find anything negative about him.

Khushi was ecstatic. Bua held Khushi's right palm in her left and smiled at her warmly. Though Garima was not convinced, looking at Khushi's excitement, she could not say No.

Bua and Khushi went back again to Khushi's room while Shashi and Garima chatted on for a long time.

Bua started asking and teasing Khushi regarding how she first met him, and what exactly had happened between them. She wanted to Know how Khushi started liking Arnav.

As Khushi started talking to her Bua about him, she realized how deep Arnav ran in her blood. She then suddenly realized that it was not just a crush, or an infatuation or craziness...

She was head over heels in love with Arnav, her Arnav...

...Part-7 on Page 3...

nice so she finally tell her family that she likes arnav. hope she talks to arnav next time she meets him r at least try maybe don't look at his face n it will come out idk tho she is crazy in love...

oh so shashi is investigating arnav hope everything works out in khushi favor n here I am only talking about khushi n arnav doesn't even know that little Missy loves him to death.

lovely update...

Read all parts in a go

PART-7:

Friday of the same week at Gupta Industries:

Shashi decided it was time...

Shashi Gupta had called his PA Rita to block him and ASR off for an hour or more during the first part of the day. Rita blocked both of them from 11 AM onwards assuming if their meeting extended, it could spill over into lunch, thus giving them a decent buffer. She was, however, completely unaware of the nature of the meeting.

Arnav reached Mr.Gupta's cabin in the second floor unsure of the meeting since neither was he informed nor was he prepared. He assumed it had something to do with the Summer collection that would be coming up soon.

Arnav was actually surprised first thing in the morning to see his schedule blocked off that too with the big boss. He was astounded, though, when Sheetal told him that she did not have an invite for this meeting.

Sheetal being the head of Fashion designing department where Arnav worked, he wasn't sure why he would be needed in a meeting without Sheetal's presence. Sheetal, being the ambitious person she was, was furious that she had been sidelined.

Arnav entered Shashi Gupta's cabin and was greeted warmly. He took a seat and looked curious to know the reason for the meeting.

Shashi Gupta: Good morning Arnav. How are you?

Arnav: I am doing good sir. (Arnav was clearly unhappy with the way Shashi took his first name instead of the conventional ASR. It sounded too informal to him and made Arnav uncomfortable.)

"A man of few words" Shashi made a mental note.

Shashi: I am not here to discuss business Arnav.

Being the professional he was, Shashi continued "I'm sorry for blocking you off in the middle of the day and taking away your office time. But I have to do this."

Now Arnav was truly nonplussed.

Arnav: No worries sir, please go ahead!

Shashi: Arnav, you know how I'm impressed with hardworking youngsters. In addition, I like your character and professionalism. You are not just an amazing employee but a good person as well.

Arnav was clueless where this was going.

Shashi: Arnav, I don't want to beat around the bush anymore. I really value you and I would like you to marry my daughter.

Bam... Arnav was sure he heard wrong. "I should've listened to Di and had my breakfast even if it was made by Mami", he thought.

But a few more seconds of silence started clearing his mind.

Arnav: What? Come again...

Shashi now took a deep breath and said "Arnav, I want you to marry my daughter Khushi".

Now Arnav was enraged, his temper soared up. "How dare Mr.Gupta thinks he can just wing it on my face? Without bothering to ask my opinion, how dare he orders me regarding marriage as if it's as simple as making a presentation?" he thought.

Now even though he was super temped to leave Mr.Gupta's cabin then and there, Arnav controlled himself as this was his boss. If not his designation, he had to at least respect the old man's age.

Arnav: Mr.Gupta...

Shashi thought "Oh, so now it's Mr.Gupta instead of sir, this guy is surely pissed."

Arnav repeated: Mr.Gupta, I'm not sure what made you come to this conclusion. Still I'm flattered that you consider me as a potential suitor for your daughter. But I should say, I'm really sorry to disappoint you. I cannot accept this alliance. If there is nothing else we need to discuss, I think I should get back to my work.

"Wow! smooth and precise" Shashi made another mental note. Shashi had not expected this.

A few minutes of uncomfortable silence reigned in the cabin.

Slowly Shashi started speaking: I am not completely done Arnav. I would like to know why you rejected my proposal.

Arnav had to tighten his fists and grind his teeth to control himself from exploding. "I really need anger management classes" Arnav thought.

Arnav: First of all, because we belong to different financial and social strata of the society. I would like to marry a common middle class girl who would understand and blend in well with me and my life style.

Secondly, your daughter is born and brought up in luxury, she will not be able to accommodate in our house within my family.

Lastly, I am not interested in marrying your daughter. Period.

Shashi was pissed now. He thought "Sure, this guy can cut with his tongue".

Arnav then excused himself saying he had to get back to work leaving Shashi to ponder over the disastrous meeting.

....Scroll down for Part-8...

PART-8:

At Gupta Mansion:

The weekend went off in a frenzy as the Guptas had relatives visiting them from Sydney, Australia. It was Garima's paternal cousin Madhu Kapoor and her husband Rajendra Kapoor with their son Nandu Kapoor fondly called NK by everyone.

NK and Khushi had not only been great cousins but very good friends thanks to the Kapoors visiting India at least once a year for month-long stays. NK was fascinated by Hindi even though he sucked at it big time.

This distraction worked well for Shashi in three ways:

One- Shashi could give time and space to Arnav after the disastrous meeting.

Two- Shashi could cool his mind and start thinking about other possible solutions for the problem.

Three- Khushi was fully occupied by NK and his parents showing them around Delhi and playing the perfect host.

A Month rolled by:

Arnav had never mentioned the proposal to his friends or family and carried on with his work as usual. Even though Arnav knew there was a silent volcano brewing in the boss's cabin, he carried on with Shashi as if there were no hard feelings after the meeting that ended on an ominous note.

Shashi pretended the same way while still trying to work around the problem.

A warm saturday afternoon after NK and his family returned to Sydney, Shashi sat back in his study at Gupta Mansion and pondered over the discussion with Arnav that happened a month ago.

He had been keenly observing Khushi through the last month and realized various things. Although Khushi looked occupied with NK, there were many instances when she was deeply lost in thought. She never voiced them out to her parents or Bua. Every time Khushi paid a visit to Gupta Industries, there was an underlying wave of restlessness and anticipation that could not be concealed by her. Her eyes would start searching for the One person she liked to see and then would follow him everywhere.

As much as he tried, there was no denying the fact that his daughter was hopelessly in love with Arnav. Garima was unhappy with Khushi's choice and tried to convince her to accept the Mehta alliance time and again over the period of one month and failed miserably. Shashi was also very tempted to convince his daughter and would have been thrilled if she had agreed to marry Abhinav. Knowing Arnav's opinion regarding the proposal, Shashi wanted to protect his daughter from getting hurt.

But Khushi was tough as stone, she would not budge from her choice. It was only Arnav for her. Finally it sunk into Shashi. The only person she would accept as a spouse was unfortunately the same guy who was not interested in marrying her.

Khushi was not aware of the discussion that had happened between her dad and Arnav. She kept thinking that her dad had been waiting for an appropriate time to put forth the proposal to Arnav.

Khushi's POV:

It had been at least 4 weeks since her confession in front of her family. As much as I wish dad could take this proposal forward, I want mom and dad to take their own time to adjust to the fact that Arnav is my choice. I'm glad that it's very clear to everyone in the family now.

But, what about Arnav? Will he and his family agree to this proposal? What does he feel about me? Does he ever even think about me? But then what about after that incident 10 days back- Would he now think about me at least occasionally?

Khushi was transported back in time.

Flashback...

10 days ago, Khushi was coming back home after shopping with her friends Payal, Deepu and Sowmya at the mall. Payal and Sowmya's houses are closer,hence they drove to the mall and back in Payal's Scooty. Deepu's brother picked her up from the mall and drove her home. Khushi's driver, Mohan was waiting for her and started driving her back home. Since it was a long ride, Khushi had fallen asleep in the car but was rudely woken up by the sudden brake applied by Mohan.

The car had a malfunction, and Mohan was desperately trying to get it fixed without freaking Khushi out. It being a poor signal coverage area, they were not able to reach out for help.

Mohan tried to stop a few cars to see if they could hitch a ride back home. He could always come back for the car next morning. So far the plan had not been successful.

Khushi was shocked and then thrilled when a pulsar pulled over to help Mohan. The rider of the pulsar being none other than Arnav.

That was the time when Khushi believed in divine intervention by Devi Maiyya. Her Devi Maiyya had surely heard her.

Having not noticed her face, he suggested that he could give the lady a ride back home. Though Mohan was apprehensive about how his boss would react once he found out, Khushi told the driver that she knew Arnav and hence was safe. Arnav noticed Khushi then; and the gentleman that he was, he could not leave her considering the time and the place she was stuck at.

Arnav asked Khushi to step on his motorbike, made sure she was holding on tight and then started off.

Khushi kept thanking Devi Maiyya all through the way.

Everytime there was a need to stabilize herself due to the copious numbers of speed breakers, Khushi had to use her palms against his shoulders on the back. She felt her heart thumping in her chest and warmth spreading all across her face and neck. Though the drive was in complete silence, she felt her heart ready to jump out of her any minute.

Arnav dropped her off at her house, waiting for her to get off safely. Khushi remembered how he looked at her for one second and without giving her a chance to thank him, drove off.

Khushi so badly wanted to invite him home for a cup of coffee, but was it new that she turned mute every time she was in front of him???

Flashback ends...

Present Day at Arnav's House:

Everyone was chatting and having dinner together. Nani and Mamaji were resting on the Diwaan couch listening to Ajit cracking jokes on Anjali. Arnav was silently chuckling, his chest rising and falling with every one of Ajit's jokes. Anjali was getting more and more furious by the minute while Mami was engrossed in her daily soap on TV.

Nani: I am happy to see my grandchildren having fun. But I'd be ecstatic if I get to see my great grand children.

This casual comment turned serious when everyone looked at Anjali since she was the oldest of the three. Anjali had an alliance that was broken due to the slight limp that she had. Although the limp was not much pronounced, Anjali was shaken and was not ready to go through matrimonial process. The previous groom's parents had asked an obscene amount of dowry two weeks before the wedding as a compensation for her limp. That had shattered Anjali mentally and she broke the alliance.

Arnav wasn't comfortable getting married without his Di getting married, and hence had rejected many proposals.

Mami then chimed in: Sasuma, I found an old friend from Lucknow when I went to Mandir yesterday. She said there is a very good alliance from Lucknow for our Arnav Bitwa. What do you think?

Everyone looked at Arnav now. Instantly he was transported to the day of Shashi Gupta's proposal and his refusal.

Khushi Gupta!!! He remembered. How he had seen her at work a few times after the proposal and how he chose to ignore her completely. Hell, he had even ignored her dad as much as possible. Maybe, it was time to search for a new job just to be on the safer side...

But the night he had dropped Khushi off at her place; well it was an interesting night. I didn't know her palms would feel so soft on my back. And once she got down, was it blush that was all over her face and neck? She looked cute... Was she really blushing that hard? Is she that shy?

Forget it...Who the heck cares!!! She does not belong in my environment. Period...

Anjali: Chote, where are you lost?

Arnav: Nowhere Di.

Nani: So can your Mami say yes?

Arnav: For what?

Mamaji: Arnav, of course for the proposal, to go see the girl in Lucknow.

Mami: Please say yes Arnav Bitwa. Only if you get married, we can start thinking of Ajit.

Arnav: (sighing) fine, do whatever you want.

Anjali: You should come with us Chote.

Arnav: Ok, but it can only be on weekends. Because I don't want to end up wasting my leave.

Ajit: Whatever you say Huzoor..

Arnav glared at Ajit while the others laughed.

....Scroll down for Part-9...

Arnav is being mean

Nice update
Lol so khushi still doesn't know to use her tongue in front of arnav.
That conversation between arnav n shashi was damn funny.
Khushi I am warning u from early talk r u gonna loose arnav...

PART-9:

Many days later:

"Life is smooth without any confrontations" thought Arnav. He was relaxed that Mr.Gupta had not brought up the topic of the proposal again. Arnav, an ambitious guy, wanted to make it big in his career. He didn't want any glitches/ road blocks. Having said that, he was also not the one who would use relationships to climb up the ladder of success. He respected himself much more than that, his integrity would never let him do such a thing. He believed firmly in his intelligence and the fruits of hard work.

Arnav and Akash caught up with Aman and Nisha at Aman's place for dinner and movie. Nisha had cooked a simple delicious meal. Later Akash wanted to watch a horror movie while Nisha wanted to watch a romantic comedy. Finally they settled for an action movie. Arnav had liked the "Bourne Series" before, hence he wanted to watch the movie "Jason Bourne".

The guys started enjoying it while Nisha was bored to death. Throughout, Nisha would criticize the movie with Akash retaliating; and Aman supporting his wife time to time. Finally Nisha was pissed and went to bed before midnight. Arnav and Akash burst out laughing when Aman ran behind his wife to pacify her.

"This is the comfort level that should exist between spouses", thought Arnav. "Ms.Gupta, being the only daughter of a rich father, can never blend in this way with me, my family or friends; neither can I adjust with her lifestyle".

Arnav had no regrets that he rejected Khushi's alliance.

On a normal day at Gupta Industries:

Arnav was busy with his work. Earlier that day he had received a call from Mr.Neil Becker, the head of Fashion Designing at Mumbai Gupta branch. Arnav was requested to visit Mumbai to help finalize some designs and to talk about the changing trends for Summer and Fall collection. Arnav spoke about this with Sheetal and made an appointment with Rita to meet up with Mr.Gupta regarding discussing the same.

Arnav: May I come in sir?

Shashi: Come in.

Sheetal: Hi sir

Shashi: Hi Sheetal, Hi ASR

Sheetal noted the slight curt tone that Shashi used for ASR. If she was surprised, she was smart enough to hide it.

Arnav: Sir, Mr.Becker from Mumbai branch would like me to meet with him to finalize on some selections and discuss about the latest trends for our future collections.

This was the first time Arnav was back in Shashi's cabin after the proposal day.

Sheetal: Sir, ASR has discussed with me regarding the same. I will be conferencing with ASR and Neil from here before the selections are finalized.

Shashi: Sure ASR go ahead then. Our travel desk will get in touch with you regarding the tickets and dates.

Arnav: Sir, Mr.Becker also mentioned that they were understaffed and he needed help. I wouldn't mind shifting my base to Mumbai if necessary.

Now this was where, both Shashi and Sheetal were stunned.

"Where is this coming from?" Shashi wondered. "Is this because of the proposal?" He did not voice it out though.

Shashi composed himself quickly.

Shashi: We will see ASR. Let me talk to Neil and we will take it from there. For now, go ahead with the original plan of travelling to Mumbai to help the fashion department there.

Sheetal and Arnav walked back from Shashi's cabin discussing a few things. All the while Sheetal was lost. If she had any doubt about a friction between Shashi Gupta and ASR, it was confirmed now. "What is the cause?" Sheetal pondered.

As they started walking down the staircase, they noticed Rita laughing with Ms.Gupta. Sheetal immediately stopped to have a chat with Khushi, while ASR was silent. Arnav and Khushi did not talk to each other.

Sheetal noticed how Khushi's eyes lowered as soon as she saw Arnav, and the huge smile on her face was replaced by a rapid blush on her cheeks. Sheetal was irritated. "So little Ms.Gupta has a crush on ASR ha? Could it be that it was a personal and not a professional reason for the friction between ASR and the big boss? Will keep my eyes open from now".

Sheetal was pulled out of her thoughts when ASR excused himself from there. Sheetal watched Khushi's eyes linger on him for a while until he disappeared from her sight.

Sunday night (party night):

Mohit worked in Apparel section of Gupta Industries. Being in his late twenties, he was almost the same age as Arnav and his friends. He clicked with them well.

Mohit got engaged to his childhood sweetheart and threw a party for his colleagues and friends.

Arnav: Congrats Mohit.

Mohit: Thanks guys, enjoy yourselves.

Akash: Really nice place man. Thanks.

Mohit: You are welcome! Excuse me yar, will catch up with others and be back.

Aman: No problem, carry on.

Arnav: This is a good pub. Aman you should have got Nisha too.

Akash: Exactly. Look at the couples dancing. You both could have danced too.

Aman: Nisha is not feeling well; and by the way I can't dance.

Akash: Duffer..

Aman: Shut up Akash.

Sheetal: Do you both always fight like this?

Aman and Akash: Hey Sheetal

Sheetal: Hi guys! Hi ASR

Arnav: Hey Sheetal, would you like to have a drink?

Sheetal: Sure, I would like a Margarita please.

Arnav left to get drinks for both of them.

Just then a pretty girl stepped in and asked Akash for a dance. Sheetal raised her eyebrows and nodded at Akash to carry on. Aman left to take a phone call.

Arnav (handing the drink to Sheetal): Where is everybody?

Sheetal: Akash is dancing. Aman stepped out to take a call.

Arnav looked in the direction and smirked at Akash's desperate efforts to dance with the pretty lass.

Sheetal kept looking at Arnav and finally asked: ASR would you like to dance with me?

Though Arnav was surprised, he didn't want to look rude.

Arnav: Sure

Arnav took Sheetal's hand and lead her to dance. DJ had changed into a softer beat and Arnav and Sheetal swayed gently to the music. Sheetal, wearing a revealing dress, was trying to flaunt her assets.

This made Arnav uncomfortable. For him Sheetal had been nothing more than a casual friend. Arnav tried looking around to catch a glimpse of his friends so he could gently shift partners.

Sheetal moved closer to Arnav, and before he noticed, she rose on her toes and kissed Arnav on his lips. Arnav disengaged himself right away, and went back to the bar.

Sheetal felt insulted but composed herself. If she wanted ASR, she had to take this slow. She walked to the area where he was standing and said "ASR, I'm really sorry. I don't look at you that way. It was just a weak moment. I guess the alcohol got to my head. I'm sorry again. Please forget this incident."

Arnav: That's fine Sheetal, make sure this doesn't repeat in future. Let's forget this and move on.

Sheetal: So, are we good?

Arnav: Yes

Arnav decided to be more careful and reserved with Sheetal from then on. He had to work with her closely, heck, she was his department head. He couldn't dismiss her easily.

A couple of weeks later:

Khushi: You are crazy Payal. Hand bags again? How much of shopping do you do?

Payal: Not just hand bags; Shoes, hand bags, nail polishes and dresses. I am crazy about all of these.

Khushi and Payal were out shopping as Payal wanted to celebrate having finished the exams.

Payal: We are done with the semester. We are done with the exams. We are done!!!

I want to talk to your dad and request an internship at Gupta Industries.

Khushi: Why not? I'm sure Papa will have no issues with that. My parents like you a lot Payal.

Payal: I know. I love your entire family. No, I take it back. I don't like your Shashank Chachu. Preetham is creepy too.

Khushi: Shut up Payal. Preetham is just withdrawn due to Chachi's death. Shashank Chachu feels that I get everything laid out in a silver platter while Preetham does not.

Payal: I think both of them are jealous that you are way more prettier than Preetham. I also feel you are smarter than her.

Khushi: Preetham is smarter than me. But I have no issues with that.

Payal: No, you are smarter; Preetham is more shrewd and cunning.

Khushi: Preetham is not cunning.

Payal: Open your eyes Khushi. Don't be so naive! Watch what's happening around you.

Khushi: Stop it Payal. I don't like you commenting them anymore.

Payal: Alright Missy. Let's change the subject. How is your hero doing?

Khushi's expression changed instantly. She had a huge smile on her face.

Payal: Tsk, Tsk. Haye, haye! Just his thoughts can get such a huge smile on your face, huh? By the way, did uncle talk to him?

Khushi: Not yet. I guess papa was waiting for my exams to get done. Though, I'm surprised Mom and dad have still not refused Mehta alliance yet. Chachu was not happy when the Mehtas came with a proposal for me.

Payal: I guess he wanted something similar for Preetham.

Khushi: Well then, he can gladly have it. My Arnav is sufficient for me.

Payal: My Arnav??? Wow lady, since when did he become Your Arnav???

Khushi blushed to her roots. She just realized what she had said.

Payal: You are redder than a tomato now. Chalo, we have more shopping to do.

Both the friends cruised through the mall, carrying shopping bags.

Anjali: Hi Khushiji, hi Payal.

Khushi: Hi Anjaliji

Payal: Hi Anjaliji, how are you?

Anjali: I'm fine. That's a lot of bags. Is there anything special?

Payal: Yes, we are celebrating since we finished our exams successfully.

Anjali: That's amazing. You guys deserve a treat. Chalo, I will get you both ice creams.

Khushi: No Anjaliji, that's not necessary.

Anjali: Arey, how can you say that? It is necessary. There is no reason to feel akward. Come on, let's go.

Payal: Anjaliji, are you here all by yourself?

Anjali: No, Mamaji and Mami are here with me today.

Anjali introduced the girls to her Mamaji. They exchanged pleasantries with Mami who was happy to see Khushi again.

They got inside an ice-cream parlor and placed their orders chatting all the while. Khushi had fun watching Mamaji crack jokes on Mami. Payal and Anjali chatted the most. Once they were done, they stepped out.

Khushi: Thanks for the treat Anjaliji.

Payal: Thanks so much. It was fun meeting you all, specially chatting with you Anjaliji.

Anjali: We should catch up more often.

Mami: Ha, Anjali bitiya is right. We should do this more often.

Mamaji: Khushi and Payal bitiya, we would love to stay back longer but we are really pressed for time. If not for the function, we would have called you home.

Mami: Ha bitiyas, we have lot more shopping to finish today.

Payal: What function aunty?

Mami: Arnav bitwa is getting engaged this sunday.

Khushi froze. She could not hear anything else.

Anjali kept talking: We saw this girl from Lucknow a few weeks back, and Arnav being the stubborn head he is, did not agree soon. It took a lot of convincing from us for him to accept it. We are so glad it's happening...

Payal realized Khushi's state. She didn't want Khushi to break down in front of them. She hurriedly said her byes to Arnav's family and pulled Khushi out of the mall.

Shattered...that's what she was... totally completely shattered...

....Scroll down for Part 10...

PART-10:

The same day at Gupta Mansion (GM):

Garima: Payal, what's wrong? Why does Khushi look so pale?

Bua: Payal, why did Khushi run up to her room like that?

Payal (Running to Shashi): Uncle, you have to talk to Arnav about Khushi.

Shashi: What?

Garima: Again?

Payal (looking at Shashi and Garima): What does that mean? You have already spoken to him before?

Bua: Ha Payal, He refused!

Payal was stunned.

Payal: What? But Khushi doesn't know this.

Garima: She doesn't. Had she known, she would have been really hurt.

Payal gasped.

Shashi: But what's happening Payal? Why is Khushi upset and why were you asking me to talk to him?

Payal: Uncle, he is getting engaged this sunday.

Shashi, Garima and Bua (at the same time): WHAT???

Shashi: How do you know?

Payal: We met Arnav's family in the mall and came to know through his sister.

Garima: How do you know his family?

Payal: We ran into Arnav and his family sometime back at a market. That's how we know his family.

Garima: Shashi, what should we do now?

Shashi was lost in thought.

Shashi: There are two ways to handle this situation. The easier way would be- since Arnav is getting engaged anyways, and since we haven't replied to the Mehtas yet, we should convince Khushi to accept Abhinav and forget Arnav.

Bua: Convincing Khushi is easier said than done.

Shashi continued: The difficult way would be forcing Arnav and his family to accept Khushi's proposal.

Garima: Let's try convincing Khushi first.

Shashi: I agree. Let's go see how Khushi is doing.

Shashi and the other three ladies went up to Khushi's room. The door was locked from inside. Garima started getting worried. Shashi went to the store room and got the spare key to unlock the door. When they entered her room, they could see Khushi crying broken-heartedly sitting on the floor, clutching her knees close to her chest, her back to the bed.

Their heart wrenched looking at Khushi in this condition.

Shashi, Garima and Bua tried convincing Khushi for a long time to let go of Arnav without letting her know that he had already refused Khushi's alliance. Payal stood with her back to the wall and watched the scene unfolding in front of her.

Khushi kept crying softly and did not utter a single word throughout.

Finally after an hour of trying to make her talk and see sense, Garima lost her cool.

Garima: Khushi, his marriage is fixed. You have better alliances in hand. I really want you to forget him and move on. You will be happier in life with a spouse that loves you, rather than a spouse that you love.

Listen to me beta, I'm your mom. I have your best interests at heart. Trust me, forget this Arnav. Let go of this crazy childishness.

Shashi and Bua also tried to convince Khushi on the same lines.

There was still no response from Khushi. She had stopped crying, rested her chin on her knees, and had an empty look in her eyes. Payal was getting very worried about Khushi. She alone knew the extent of Khushi's love for Arnav.

Garima decided to give an ultimatum to Khushi.

Garima: Khushi, I want you to forget this guy. Now it's an order. If you don't, I swear...

Garima was cut off by the first words that Khushi spoke after more than an hour. In fact, these were the first words that she spoke after finding out that Arnav was going to get engaged.

Khushi (spoke lifelessly): It doesn't matter now Amma. Please do whatever you want. I don't see the point in living anymore.

She then got up, went to the bathroom and closed the bathroom door.

Everyone was stunned to hear the last sentence that Khushi spoke. I don't see the point in living anymore.

There was pin drop silence in the room. No one spoke. It was like everyone was rewinding her words.

Shashi felt a bombshell had been dropped on his head. His bubbly confident daughter looking so distraught having lost interest in life scared him to death. He knew his daughter well enough to understand that she meant every word she said. Fear gripped him.

"No, I cannot lose my daughter, I cannot lose my princess," Shashi thought, "It's time to bend Arnav".

...Part-11 on Page 4...

Cant wait to read d next part. Hopearnav understands khushi true luv