My Fair Khushi COMPLETE! - Page 75

Originally posted by: BerkhaMahajan31

Amazing concept.. Beautifully written n mind blowing story...

Originally posted by: asrkkgsrlover

I guess that person will be prem :D now its time to ahow arnav .hope arnav realized his mistake soon... Great !

CHAPTER 25 (A). CONFRONTATION PART I

"Kahaan gayi hogi woh? Where is she? This is so irresponsible of her!", Arnav ranted as he suddenly stood up. Anjali and Aakash took a step back at the sudden change in Arnav's behaviour. Wasn't he just now sitting in despair?

"I will sue her! She is taking me for granted!", Arnav continued but Aakash tuned him out and turned to Anjali in worry, "Khushi is not here? What the hell!"

Anjali shrugged, "I don't know Aakash! What happened? Did Chote talk to her or something? That is the only way I can explain Khushi's vanishing!"

"You mean...", Aakash's eyes widened. Anjali nodded. Both were thinking the same thing! Arnav must have said something in arrogance and Khushi could have stormed out in anger. Aakash opened his mouth to ask something but what he was about to ask, Anjali would never know because just then Arnav grabbed Aakash and turned Aakash to face him.

"AAKASH! Are you listening to me? I said call the Cops!", Arnav growled. Aakash blinked in shock. Behind him, Anjali's jaw dropped open, "Chote! Police..."

"Of course!", Arnav mumbled as he started to pace, "I want all the cops in the city looking for her."

Aakash nodded and pulled out the phone but Anjali simply rolled her eyes, "Chote! Khushi is not some five year old kid who got lost! She is a grown up girl! Don't you think calling Police is too much?"

Arnav whirled around and loomed over Anjali, "What do you mean too much? What do YOU MEAN?"

Anjali stumbled back at Arnav's anger and looked at Aakash incredulously. Aakash simply grabbed her arm and dragged her off all the while shouting, "Bhai! I will call the Cops! Don't worry!"

Aakash slammed the study door shut and dragged Anjali to terrace. Anjali plonked down on one of the chairs and pouted at Aakash, "Calling Cops? How stupid is that?"

Aakash gave her a smirk, "Don't I know it?"

"He talks as if she is some small kid who wandered away! She is a grown up girl!", Anjali ranted.

Aakash chuckled, "I know!"

"Then why did you agree to call the Cops?", Anjali asked incredulously.

"Do you see me calling anyone?", Aakash asked sardonically and Anjali realised what Aakash was implying.

"And by the way", Aakash continued, "What am I supposed to say to the Cops?" He adopted a stern tone and holding his phone to his ear he spoke, "Inspector! The girl who lives with us, who we hired to impersonate a Princess has gone missing! Can you find her please?" He looked at Anjali with wide eyes, "We will be thrown into jail before we can even say Khushi, forget about searching for her!"

Anjali shook her head, "Chote has gone mad!"

"Nope! Not just mad! Madly in love! This is love gone mad, nothing else!", Aakash chuckled.

Anjali chuckled too but then she turned serious, "But where is Khushi? This is so unlike her! If Arnav offended her then she can treat him the way she wants! But she could have let us know, right? Chote may have treated her horribly but we considered her our friend!"

Aakash nodded, "I am worried about her too! Where is she? Where did she go?"

"Did you call the Cops? What did they say?", Arnav suddenly barged in looking liking a madman. His hair looked like they have been pulled in different directions and his eyes looked around the terrace crazily as if expecting Khushi to pop up any time.

"Uhh...", Aakash stuttered and looked at Anjali for help. Anjali hesitated for a second before she spoke up, "Uhh... Chote! They said they will start searching for her right away!"

Arnav nodded in relief and then collapsed in another chair, "Where is she?" Suddenly all the anger and anxiousness faded from his face and all Aakash and Anjali could see was worry and fear for the love of his life. Now Anjali and Aakash could see the man in love who longed to find his lady love! But before they could console him, the lover man was gone and back was the arrogant businessman.

"Aarrrgh! This girl will drive me mad!", Arnav started his rants again. Aakash tuned him out again and gave a baleful look to Anjali. She seemed to be thinking the same thing. We are doomed! Where are you Khushi?

The rant continued for another few minutes where Anjali and Aakash tuned Arnav out and wracked their heads thinking of any place Khushi mentioned in their talks with her. Suddenly, both were brought back from their thoughts when Arnav whirled around and loomed over Anjali, "Anjali Di! You are a woman!" Anjali's jaw dropped open while Aakash looked at Anjali amused.

"You realised it now?", Anjali mumbled sardonically as she looked at her brother who suddenly resembled an alien more than a human to her.

Arnav simply ignored her mumbling and continued as if never interrupted, "Now, you have to do something for me. You have to..." whatever Arnav wanted, Aakash would never find out because the next moment Anjali had stood up and pushed her brother back. Arnav stumbled back a little at the sudden assault and looked at Anjali uncomprehendingly.

Aakash swung his head from a confused Arnav to Anjali and his eyes widened at the level of anger Anjali was displaying. She stood with her hands on her hips, her eyes spitting fire, "I had ENOUGH!", Anjali was shouting by now.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOURSELF? ORDERING ME AROUND? INSULTING ME?", Anjali roared making Aakash flinch. Now it was Arnav's turn to look at Anjali as if he was seeing an alien.

Anjali took in a deep breath as if calming herself and then looked at Arnav with cold eyes, "You are a fool brother! An arrogant fool! I am your sister and you treat me in such a high and mighty manner, I can only imagine how much inferior you thought Khushi of! You are a brute! Now I definitely know why Khushi left! You are way too idiotic for even me to handle! I am getting out of here!" She turned to Aakash, "Aakash! I am leaving with my husband to my home! Keep me updated about the situation and let me know if Khushi comes back!"

Saying this, she turned around and stormed away. Aakash raised an eyebrow at the sudden turn of events. Arnav blinked in confusion and then growled out, "Oh sure! Go away! After all, you have stayed here and annoyed us enough! Its about time you go and eat your husband's head!" Aakash slapped his forehead.

Meanwhile at Naaniji's house, Naaniji turned around, "Do you mean he didn't give you credit once or congratulated you or...",

Her eyes widened when her guest shook her head. Naaniji huffed, "Unbelievable! No wonder you were walking down the road with tears in your eyes, Khushi bitiya!"

Few hours earlier:

"Khushi!", Naaniji gasped as she rolled down the window to have a good look at the person walking in front of her car. But how can Khushi be here? She wondered as the window came down. She was supposed to be at the party or at Shantivan celebrating her success with Arnav. Naaniji was driving down from the farmhouse to the Mansion to surprise her grandchildren and also to know how the party went. Hence, she was surprised to find Khushi wandering on the road sobbing instead of having fun at the Mansion.

"Did they loose or something? What happened?", Naaniji mumbled as she finally got a good look at the girl in front of her. It was Khushi! Naaniji ordered her driver to slow down and to stop by Khushi.

"Khushi bitiya!", Naaniji cried out and Khushi turned towards her. She started to sob the moment she saw Naaniji. Naaniji frowned. What happened? But before that, I have to bring Khushi in. Its so late and she is roaming around dressed like this! This is not good!

"Khushi bitiya! Are you ok?", Naaniji spoke sweetly. Khushi nodded. Naaniji opened the door and signalled her in. Khushi got in still sobbing. Naaniji softly patted Khushi's head and that was enough for her. She hugged Naaniji while sobbing harder. Naaniji signalled the driver to start driving and focused on Khushi.

"Kya hua beta? What happened?", Naaniji coaxed Khushi to speak as she patted her head in a comforting manner. Khushi only uttered one word, "Arnav!" but that was enough for Naaniji to understand what happened. She ordered her driver right away to turn the car and take them back to the farmhouse. Driving to the Mansion would be futile. Khushi needed to get away from Arnav and Naaniji was more inclined to focus on the girl with fragile heart than her egoistic grandson.

Present...

"This boy I tell you...", Naaniji muttered as she shook her head. After bringing Khushi home, she had given her something to eat and drink after which she coaxed the whole story out of Khushi. And what she heard made her want to throttle her own grandson. Is this how she raised him? To be so high handed with another human just because she is a woman and of poor class? Ridiculous! Naaniji huffed in annoyance. She schooled her expression to calmness and turned to Khushi. She encouraged the poor girl to go and sleep. She promised Khushi that they will talk more about this matter next day with fresh minds but right now both were tired and needed their sleep.

Once Khushi left for bed, Naaniji wondered what to do next. She raised her eyes to the clock. It was 1 at night. I wonder if Anjali is awake! I need to know Arnav's situation before I can advise Khushi for her future. After all, not just her heart, even her dreams have been broken into pieces! I need to know if there is hope for Arnav before I suggest to the girl to move on!

Just then the phone rang and to her delight it was Anjali! Now I can know more about Arnav! But then she frowned. What if Arnav had made Anjali call? After all, all three siblings knew very well how to get each other to do things they wanted to get done! Hmmm... I have to tread carefully! Neither Aakash nor Anjali should know Khushi is here till Khushi is ready to face Arnav! Yes! Naaniji nodded as she lifted the call.

Half an hour later, Naaniji rubbed her forehead. What a mess! When Naaniji had picked up Anjali's call she had expected to know Arnav's story and his situation. What she got was a humungous rant from her granddaughter about how high handed and arrogant her elder grandson was! Naaniji could only hum in agreement as Anjali ranted and raved. Finally Anjali calmed down and Naaniji asked how Arnav was only to come to know that Anjali left the mansion with her husband an hour ago and knew nothing about the current situation. After that, Naaniji had to call Aakash to finally get the big picture. Arnav was alternating between worry and anger since Khushi vanished and he had yet to stop from doing it. Naaniji had to spend another 15 minutes listening to Aakash's comments before she could keep the phone.

Oh Khushi! Naaniji sighed. What have you done to my grandchildren! All three have turned bonkers! Ah well! Atleast I know the whole situation now and I can advise you better now! Phew! But what an ordeal calling around and listening to their rants was! Naaniji sighed and headed off to her own bed.

Next day morning, Khushi sat beside Naaniji as both ate their breakfast. As Naaniji sipped her tea she gently probed Khushi, "Khushi bitiya! So what have you thought?" Khushi, who was picking through her kulchas, looked up and shook her head. She went back to picking through her kulchas. Naaniji frowned at her actions, "Khushi bitiya! Eat something!" Khushi pushed her plate away, "Naaniji! I am not hungry!"

Naaniji sighed. She grabbed Khushi's hand in comforting gesture, "I understand bitiya! You are going through a really tough time! But that doesn't mean you punish your body for it! Feed yourself! You need strength if you want to fight Arnav!"

"But that is the problem!", Khushi cried out as she finally took a bite out of her kulcha. Naaniji heaved a sigh of relief. Chalo! She took a bite atleast!

"I don't know what I want to do!", Khushi explained.

"I am too shattered, too lost to find a solution!", Khushi looked like she was about to start sobbing. Naaniji patted her head, "Khushi bitiya! Lets take one problem at a time! Forget about your career right now! I can set that up or finance a business for you...", Khushi opened her mouth to protest when Naaniji cut her off, "No no no! You cannot refuse! My grandson created this mess! My family put you into this situation. I cannot let your life go down the drain because of my family's actions! And I am not giving you charity or anything like that! I am thinking of giving you a loan, which you can pay me back later! That's all! But lets discuss this later! The immediate problem we have here is what do you want?"

When Khushi frowned in confusion, Naaniji spoke gently, "Regarding Arnav, what do you want to do?" Khushi bit her lip as she looked down. A tear dropped from her eye but she wiped it off as she continued to look pensively. Naaniji patted her hand and focused on her tea.

Suddenly Khushi looked up, "I don't know what to do Naaniji!"

Naaniji nodded, "It all boils down to one thing. What do you want Khushi? Can you wait for Arnav's respect or can you walk away from Arnav's love? What do you want Khushi?"

Khushi looked down again, "I don't know what is more important; love or respect. My self respect, my dignity were the only thing that kept me surviving in this cruel world. They were the ones that protected me from the harsh words of this cruel world. How can I forsake that? But my love for Arnav is also strong! I don't know if I will be able to handle Arnav's disrespect for me and my thinking for too long. I will shrivel and wither away in pain and hurt! But..."

Khushi continued to look confused. Naaniji patted her cheek, "I think what you want is a chance to talk face to face with Arnav!"

Khushi looked up at Naaniji in confusion. Naaniji nodded, "Haan bitiya! Talk to him! He deserves one chance before you make the decision because your decision affects him too!" Khushi thought for a second and then nodded. Naaniji smiled, "I will call him right away!"

As Naaniji walked off, no one could hear her mumbling, "I hope worrying about Khushi the whole night brought his ego down or this relationship has no hopes!"

A phone rang in the Shantivan and Arnav looked up from his seat in the study. His eyes bloodshot and red looked around frantically for his phone, his hair stood all in directions after being gripped again and again the whole night, his whole body rigid and taut, the tension clear in it. He stood up while looking around. What if the call is about Khushi? Where is the damn phone? Then he found the phone and answered it.

"Hello!", Arnav breathed into the phone.

"Hello Arnav bitwa!", Naaniji spoke from the other side.

Arnav closed his eyes. "Naaniji!", he sighed. He opened his eyes, "Naaniji! Can I call you later? There is a..."

Naaniji cut him off, "I know Arnav!"

Arnav huffed, a little annoyed, "I assume Di or Aakash told you!"

"Nahi!", Naaniji's voice sounded nonchalant, "Khushi told me!"

"KHUSHI?", Arnav nearly shouted into the phone, "Where did you meet her? How is she? Is she ok?"

"Arnav! Calm down!", came Naaniji's rebuke. Arnav took a deep breath and calmed down.

Naaniji continued to speak, "Bitwa! Khushi is ok! She is right here! She is here since last night!"

Arnav felt his anger mount. Khushi is there! For whole night! Here I was worried about her and there she was, enjoying herself! Damn that girl!

"Aha! So the girl is having fun there while Aakash and I are worrying about her here? Fantastic!", the sarcasm in Arnav's voice was quite clear.

Naaniji sighed on the phone, "Don't talk rubbish Arnav! If you want to meet Khushi, come here!"

Arnav frowned, "Why should I come there? Why can't Khushi come here?"

He heard Naaniji sigh once again after which the call was suddenly cut. Arnav blinked at the abrupt end and then huffed. Waah Khushi! You are now having me at your beck and call! Damn you woman! I will straighten you up right away! I am coming Khushi! Arnav stalked out of the room.

"It was what you expected, isn't it?", Khushi's quiet voice broke through Naaniji's contemplation.

She turned to Khushi in confusion. Khushi gave the phone a glance and then looked back at Naaniji, "It was what you expected. Isn't it?" Naaniji sighed and nodded, "Yes! It was what I expected. But not what I hoped!"

Khushi smiled sadly, "Hopes are meant to be broken!" She shrugged, "Even mine too! I think its about time I give up on him and move on. I don't think I can wait and hope that he will respect me one day!" Khushi walked away as Naaniji looked away sadly.

"Khushi!", Naaniji's voice stopped Khushi from walking out of the room. She turned around. Naaniji gave him, "When Arnav comes, don't let him boss you. He taught you a lot. I think its about time you show him what you learnt!" Khushi finally gave a bright smile, "I already planned to do that! If I am going to move on, I am not going to do it without giving him a taste of his own medicine!"

That's all for today folks!

More tomorrow!

Take care, have fun and keep reviewing,

Kalpana

CHAPTER 25 (B). CONFRONTATION PART II

Naaniji raised an eyebrow as Arnav walked into the house an hour later. No! Walk wasn't the right word! Stormed would be a better choice, Naaniji mused as Arnav came to stand right in front of her, "Kahaan hai woh? Where is she?"

Naaniji feigned confusion, "Who?"

Arnav narrowed his eyes, "I am not in mood for games Naaniji! Where is that ridiculous chit of a girl?"

Naaniji blinked rapidly, "Who? I am sorry bitwa! I don't know who you are talking about!"

Arnav growled, "Naaniji! Don't...", he gulped down his anger and then spoke in icy voice, "Where is Khushi?"

Naaniji huffed, "Oh Khushi! Couldn't you have said that earlier? Silly boy! She is in the back lawn, having tea there!"

Arnav marched past her without another single word out of his mouth.

"Not even a bye! Uff! So mannerless!", Naaniji huffed, "Hope Khushi teaches him a good lesson before she leaves him for good!"

"KHUSHI!", Arnav roared as he walked swiftly into the lawn. Khushi, who was sitting on a chair in front of a coffee table, smirked to herself and then schooling her features to pleasant expression she got up. She turned around and gave Arnav a sweet smile, "Hello Arnav! How are you this morning? I hope you slept well yesterday! Would you like some tea?" She waved at tea tray laden on the coffee table.

"WHAT. THE. HELL!", Arnav growled as he came to stop in front of her.

Khushi adopted a scolding expression, "Arnav! Don't you know? You are not supposed to cuss in front of a lady!"

"Lady? You? Right! I remember you cussing worse than a sailor when we first met!", Arnav slapped her past onto her face.

To her credit, Khushi didn't even flinch. Her placid expression remained in place as she spoke up, "Arnav! Why are we talking about past? Lets talk about today! What a pleasant weather it is! Isnt it? What do you think Arnav?"

"OH STOP IT! Don't you forget that I am the one who taught you all these manners!", Arnav growled.

"And now you are the one who is forgetting all of them!", Khushi deadpanned.

Khushi turned back to the coffee table in front of her. Arnav felt his anger mount at her action. He grabbed her arm and turned her back. She whirled around in surprise and looked at him with wide eyes.

"Khushi! Ghar chalo!", Arnav hissed.

"Arnav!", Khushi whined as she wrenched her arm out of Arnav's grip, "English! Don't you forget to speak in English!"

"Aargh!", Arnav roared in annoyance, "I had enough! Enough I say!"

He grabbed her again, this time by her shoulders, "Khushi! Come home right now with me!"

"Arnav!", Naaniji's scolding voice echoed through the lawn. Arnav and Khushi looked towards the house. Naaniji was walking towards them all the while glaring at Arnav, "Is this the way you invite a woman to your house? No wonder Khushi refuses to come with you! It is such a horrible invitation that even I won't accept it and I am your Naaniji!"

Naaniji huffed as she took a seat in one of the lawn chairs lying in front of the coffee table and poured herself some tea. Then she turned towards Arnav, "Arnav bete! Would like some tea?"

"Oh for goodness sake, stop offering me tea! Damn the Godforsaken tea!", Arnav spat as he stepped back from Khushi and glared at the ladies in annoyance.

Then suddenly a thought occurred to him and he looked at his Naaniji in curiosity, "By the way, how did Khushi get here?"

Naaniji shrugged, "We met on the road yesterday and I invited her here!" Naaniji then took a deep breath, "Now that we have dispensed with the greetings and pleasantries, allow me to remind you that you won't be allowed to misbehave with Khushi. You will engage all your manners when dealing with her! I am fed up with your rough dealings when it comes to her! So behave!"

Naaniji pulled out the newspaper in front of her and started perusing it. Arnav walked towards her and stood in front of her, "Is it necessary to talk with Khushi, the... The... Thing I created, politely and all?"

Naaniji slapped her forehead, "Hey Devi Maiyya!" She looked up at Arnav, "Haan! You have to behave well! I have had enough of your ill temper and high and mighty attitude!" She folded her hands against her chest and glared at Arnav.

Arnav took in deep a breath and then let loose what exactly he thought about Naaniji's idea, "Naaniji! You were supposed to be on my side. You are my Naaniji, not hers! I cannot believe this!", Arnav started to pace, "This is ridiculous! At night, Di was lecturing me, then in the morning Aakash was mocking me and now when I come here, even you are against me! This is simply inacceptable! Here Naaniji and there Aakash and Anjali! I am Arnav Singh Raizada! Do you two get that? I am ASR! People respect me, bow in front of me. And when it comes to my family, I am treated like this! Answer me! What is exactly happening here?"

Arnav glared at Naaniji and Khushi as if he was expecting answers. Khushi simple blinked, being quite used to Arnav ranting. But Naaniji was not amused. She coolly turned to Khushi and spoke calmly, "Khushi bitiya! How did you turn out like this?"

Khushi looked at Naaniji in confusion. Naaniji smiled, "I meant how you turned out to be this good with Arnav as your teacher?"

Arnav was taken aback by this sudden turn in the conversation. His head swung from Naaniji to Khushi in bewilderment. Khushi shrugged, "Credit for that can't go to Arnav, Naaniji!" She sighed as she sat beside Naaniji and took a sip of her tea, "It was all thanks to Aakash that I learnt English. He taught me so many things!"

Arnav felt his anger mounting. He stormed to Khushi and grabbing her, he hauled her up.

"Arnav!", Naaniji shouted, "I told you to behave like a civil person. Grabbing a woman like that is never gentlemanly, whatever the situation!" Arnav looked suitably chastised and stepped back all the while dropping Khushi's arm.

Khushi sat back down and continued to talk as if Arnav never interrupted her, "Aakash treated me so well! I never felt like I was a poor girl in front of him. He treated me like I was his equal!" Arnav blinked as he remembered the way he used to order Khushi around and how friendly Aakash behaved with her. Why am I feeling like I did something bad? Why am I feeling guilty? Arnav was surprised. Maybe, maybe I was a little harsh. Then he shook his head. No! I am ASR! I cannot be wrong. Right?

"You see Naaniji...", Khushi spoke up bringing Arnav out of his thoughts, "the difference between a rich girl and a poor girl is not how she behaves but how she is treated. I shall always be a waitress in the eyes of Arnav because he always treats me like one and always will. But for Aakash, I will be a friend and a lady because he always treats me like that and always will."

Arnav felt his anger build again. Aakash! Aakash! And Aakash! Why does she always talk about Aakash? I don't like this!

Just then a servant arrived announcing that Naaniji's friends had come to visit. Naaniji asked him to welcome them and serve them refreshing drinks. She will come till then. The servant walked away.

"Khushi bitiya!", Naaniji spoke up as she stood up to walk away. Khushi looked up and Naaniji said her piece, "I give you full permission to throw Arnav out if he behaves again like a brute." Arnav's eyes widened in astonishment while Khushi smiled impishly.

Naaniji excused herself, reminded Arnav to behave and walked away. Khushi ignored Arnav and focused on drinking her tea. Just then something struck Arnav. The word brute'. Isnt that what Di called me too? Aha! So Naaniji has spoken to Di also. And if she has spoken to Di then she has definitely spoken to Aakash too. You listened to everyone except me, Naaniji? Arnav's anger climbed further. He looked at Khushi with impatience, "Khushi! Will you behave reasonably? Will you come home with me or not?"

Now Khushi had enough. Why does he keep on asking the same thing? Why don't you request me to come home and list your reason as to why you want me there? Or is that you don't want to let your reasons out? Khushi blinked in surprise at the last thought. I have to get to the bottom of this! Today its final for me! Stick around and wait for Arnav's respect or walk away with my dignity intact? Today is the decision day for me!

Khushi stood up and finally faced Arnav, "No! I am not coming anywhere!"

"WHY?", Arnav roared. Even he was fed up of the conversation not going anywhere.

Khushi sighed and suddenly she looked very defeated to Arnav. She looked at him and Arnav couldn't believe the level of sorrow lurking in her eyes. Suddenly, he had the urge to take Khushi in his arms and never let her go. But he restrained himself. Khushi cannot treat me like this. I won't forgive her this easily for treating me like some common fellow.

Khushi started to speak, "Today I saw all my dreams shatter!"

Arnav took in a sharp breath. What did she mean?

Slowly Khushi explained how she saw her own photo on TV and how she realised that she won't be able to get any kind of job in Dilli ever. She concluded the explanation with tears in her eyes, "This is what I got Arnav! I won the bet for you, and this is what I got! My broken dreams, my shattered hopes and no chance of getting my dream job. And all this is thanks to you! I won the bet but I lost my life! Where am I to go? What am I to do? You left me nothing to be fit for! What is to become of me?"

Arnav scoffed, "That's it? That's all you are worried about!" Khushi gasped at the callous way he dismissed her worries. This was yet another proof that you will never respect me Arnav and I would be a fool to wait for you to grow up and treat me as your equal!

Khushi couldn't contain her ire, "That's all? It seems you see my problems as silly or small!"

Arnav gave her baleful look, "Of course they are simple!" He waved his hand in dismissal and Khushi's jaw dropped open. She looked at him in shock and then gathering herself she asked, "Then please let me know what your solution is!"
Arnav shrugged, "Khushi! Its simple! Its not necessary that you get a job! You could just get married!" As Arnav said those thoughts, he remembered how he dreamed of getting married to Khushi. Yes, one day you will marry me. Why are you worried about getting a job? You will be Mrs. Raizada one day! People will work under you, you need not work under someone!

"Oh really? And who am I supposed to marry?", Khushi spat in annoyance.

Arnav with a dreamy smile on his face mumbled, "Me!"

"KYA?", Khushi shouted and Arnav's smile dropped. Shit! What did I say? Stupid stupid Arnav! But the word was out and he couldn't take it back.

"MARRY? AND YOU? You who treats me with so much disrespect, you who dismisses me like some mosquito flying around, you who don't value my opinions, I am supposed to marry you!", Khushi shouted.

Arnav looked at her in confusion, "Disrespect? What disrespect are you talking about? I give you respect. I don't call you, "Hey you girl!" I call you by your name! I call you Khushi! See! I respect you!"

Khushi looked at Arnav with opened mouth and wide eyes, "That is what you call respect?"

"What else do you need?", Arnav cried out, "Listen here Khushi! You have no right to complain! Especially when you have been just a waitress till I came into your life and changed you for the better!"

"That's it! That's exactly what I am talking about!", Khushi spat. She turned around and started to walk away too annoyed to talk any further with Arnav. Arnav blinked in confusion. What? What is she talking about?

"You can't walk away without explaining to me what do you mean Khushi! Explain yourself!", Arnav shouted after her.

Khushi turned around and shouted back, "I have no patience left to deal with you! Go ask your brother! He will give you explanations with examples!"

Aakash! Aakash! Aakash! Why is she always talking about Aakash? Arnav fumed in jealousy.

Arnav stormed after her, "By the way, Aakash and I have the same manners!"

Khushi stopped at his words and Arnav came to stand in front of her.

"Aakash and I behave the same and yet you never demand respect from Aakash. Why me?"

"What?", Khushi glared at him, "You and Aakash behave the same with me? What a joke! Aakash treats me better, Arnav! He treats a poor girl as if she is rich and not some girl living in the slum! He treats me as if I belong to some mansion just like him. You don't treat me like that!"

Arnav chuckled mirthlessly, "Yes, I don't treat you like that. But I don't treat anybody else like that either. I even treat rich spoiled brat like some poor beggar! It isn't about manners with me. You must have noticed. I treat everybody the same. Naaniji is right! I am rude! I am arrogant! And I am like that with everybody, including Naaniji!"

Khushi sighed and when she spoke, it was in a small voice, "Arnav! I don't care how you treat me! It is the respect that I crave!" She chuckled mirthlessly, "You don't give a damn about anybody's feelings except you and I accept that but you don't consider my opinions worthwhile and that hurts me. And that is why I am taking such actions!" She looked up at him with determined eyes, "You know I can manage without you. I don't need you!"

Arnav gave her a soft smile, "I always knew that! But then...", his voice softened a little, "did you ever wonder whether I could manage without you!"

Khushi felt her heart stop at his words but then she remembered that this was the man who never spoke to her a single kind word till now. So why is he sweet talking me now? What is his game plan here?

Khushi's eyes glared at Arnav, "Don't play games with me!"

Arnav felt his anger rise. Here I am talking to you politely and you think I am playing games? Fine! Then have it your way!

"You know what?", Arnav growled and Khushi blinked at the sudden change in his emotions, "I can also manage without you! You need not worry!" His eyes softened though and he couldn't resist from adding, "But I will miss you!"

Khushi closed her eyes. Why are you making this tough Arnav? You will never respect me! And I cannot accept a relationship without respect! So let me go! Why aren't you letting me go? Why don't you understand?

Khushi opened her eyes and gave a sad smile, "You have those videos of mine that Aakash recorded! You can put it on whenever you think of me! And guess what? Inanimate objects have no feelings! So you cannot hurt it!"

Arnav felt sadness grip him. Why everything sounded final to him? He looked at Khushi with pleading eyes, "But it is not you!"

Khushi felt her anger return. Why wasn't he letting her go? Till now he was always talking so harshly and today when I decide to leave him, he decides to turn soft on me! Waah Arnav! What a strategy! But then you are a businessman! You will of course know how to manipulate people!

She raised her hands and pushed him back. Arnav stumbled back, surprised at the sudden assault.

"You are such a manipulative fellow!", Khushi snarled, "You think you can manipulate me with your sweet talks? You are so rude, arrogant, selfish and disrespectful. So answer me, what should I come back for?"

Arnav blinked in confusion. So we are back to the first question? But weren't we talking about something else? Man! This is so confusing!

In baffled mind, Arnav couldn't resist from answering with the answer that came to his mind, "Because we had good time together! Think Khushi! You could attend parties, meet new people, have fun making fool out of people!" Arnav was thinking short term reasons. He didn't realise Khushi was talking long term. If he knew, then his answer would have been way different.

Khushi's jaw dropped open. How obtuse can a man be! What am I asking and what he is talking about! But Khushi decided to follow his line of thoughts just to see where it ended, "And then what? What if I revolt against your decision! What will you do then? Will you throw me out when I don't bow down to your whims?"

Arnav started to fume again. What is wrong with this girl? Why is she trying to constantly find a way to get out of my life? Every question relates to something that leads her away from me! Fine! You want to leave me? Then leave.

"Or you can walk out if you are not happy!", Arnav retorted, "Marry some random guy off the street!"

Khushi felt like screaming. Aarrgghh! How high and mighty can a person be! In her annoyance, she spat, "How brutish! Wish you had manners like Prem! He was so sweet!", Khushi bit her lip the moment she said the words. Hey Devi Maiyya! What have I said! Why I did bring Prem into this conversation? But she knew the answer! His words swarmed her brain since Arnav arrogantly declared to Aakash that Khushi will definitely marry him.

Arnav's anger now knew no bounds, "Oh! So you want to be with a man who bows down to your whims?", his voice was icy cold.

"I don't want anything like that!", Khushi cried out. Oh! Why aren't you understanding Arnav! I wish you did! Because if you did, then our relationship would have a chance of surviving! Khushi looked at Arnav sadly, "I want a little kindness, little respect. I know that I used to be a waitress, but I am not the dirt under your shoes. What I learnt from you, what I did in the parties, was not to live a rich princess's life or wear costly dresses. I did it to gain respect."

Arnav was beyond confused now. What is she talking about! "Khushi! You are talking rubbish!"

"You don't understand it!", Khushi retorted.

Now Arnav had enough. What is this madness going on here? I feel like we are running in circles. He shook his head. Enough of this beating around bushes. Time for a proper answer!

"Khushi! No I don't understand it! And you know what? I had it with you! Are you coming with me or not?", Arnav asked with calm voice.

Khushi took in a deep breath and then she replied in one word, "No!"

"Then fine!", Arnav snarled, "If you find me selfish and disrespectful and arrogant, then go and live with people you like! Marry that idiotic besotted fool Prem and become his trophy wife for all I care!"

Khushi narrowed her eyes, "Whether I marry Prem or not, that is not your concern!", she hissed and then she looked down with sorrow on her face, "What a fool I was! To think you are the heaven and the sky, the sun and the moon, you are everything! What a fool I was! I worshipped you! I looked upto you! But today I have realised. The world revolves without you, ASR! The earth will keep spinning, the sky will keep changing colours, the moon and sun will rise and fall without you Arnav! And I will survive without you! I don't need you! I can bloody well do without you!"

Arnav looked at Khushi stupefied. He didn't understand the sudden change in her. How she was yesterday, so loyal and so focused on me and today... I don't understand. As he continued to look at Khushi, Khushi composed herself. She gathered her emotions and locked them away. She looked up at Arnav and spoke in a composed voice, sounding more like a business woman talking to a client, "Goodbye Mr. Raizada! I think its time we part ways! It was nice meeting you! Have a good day!"

Khushi turned around and walked away, her head held high and her posture full of confidence. As she entered the house, it struck to Arnav that Khushi was not just leaving the scene. She was leaving the house. And his life. Forever! He stumbled back in shock and looked around as if lost. He simply didn't understand what was happening today.

Just then Naaniji arrived. She pressed her lips at his expression. Oh Arnav! What have you done! He turned his head to her and the confusion on his face touched her heart. He looked at her so forlornly that she wanted to comfort him. But she remained still. It was your stupidity, your arrogance that made Khushi walk away. It is your ego that brought these problems in your life! I cannot help you Arnav! You have to get down from your pedestal and find your happiness by yourself! For once, your Naaniji, your brother, your sister, none of us can help you! Only you can help yourself!

Arnav broke the silence, "She left! She left Naaniji!"

Naaniji strengthened her heart and delivered the blow, "What else did you expect!"

Arnav took in a sharp breath. By saying such, Naaniji had picked her side. She had chosen Khushi and felt Khushi was right! Arnav looked down unable to bear it.

"What will I do now?", Arnav's voice was soft. Confused. Lost.

Naaniji delivered the next blow, "Survive without her!", her voice was indifferent as if she didn't care about what he was going through. In her own way, she was letting him know that it was his fault that Khushi was out of his life now. Arnav looked at her sharply and then his ire rose. With his ire, rose his attitude too.

Naaniji let out a sigh as the mask of ASR came down upon Arnav's face. The anger, the ego, the attitude was back. Arnav's eyes sparked fire as he spoke, "Survive without her! Of course! Before she entered my life, I did manage without her. I can manage now too!" Arnav straightened up and then saying goodbye he stalked away. Naaniji shook her head. Oh Arnav! When will you learn!

Hold your horses, Folks!

The confrontation might have ended but the story hasn't!

We have two more chapters and an epilogue to go!

So sit back and enjoy as Arnav and Khushi duke it out once again in next chapter!

See you all later!

Thank you, take care and have fun,

Kalpana