CHAPTER 27. IT'S A DATE!
Six months had passed. Six months had passed since Khushi exited Arnav's life. It had been six months since Arnav felt his life shatter into pieces. And now Arnav sat in a bar area of a party in Mumbai sipping a champagne and looking around. As he looked around, he prayed in his heart that this party showed him what he wanted for so long. Oh Khushi! Where are you?
Yes, dear readers! Arnav Singh Raizada is waiting for a glimpse of Khushi Kumaari Gupta. And he has been waiting for this glimpse for almost six months. A month back he had heard that Khushi was seen in Mumbai circuit of elite people and since then he has been frequenting all kinds of high class parties hoping for one glimpse of her. So far, he had been unsuccessful. He hoped that this attempt didn't prove to be like the last ones.
Just then Arnav caught a glimpse of Khushi's face and he sucked in his breath. She was hidden behind some people and he could only see her face. But that was enough for Arnav. He stood up from his seat and looked at her with love filled eyes. Her hair fell like a waterfall, framing her face. Her eyes were bright, highlighted by her make up. Her lips were red and plump, inviting him. Her cheeks glowed as she laughed at something somebody said. Arnav felt like a thirsty man who was finally seeing a drop of water after months and months of draught. His heart thudded in his chest as he wondered if he ever get his second chance. No! Not his second chance! That he lost the day he confessed his feelings to her. This was his third chance and knowing her, his last chance. He hoped he didn't loose her now.
Just then the people in front of Khushi moved away and Arnav finally could see her fully. He blinked in surprise at how different she looked. Dressed in three piece black and white, suit and skirt and black high heels, she looked totally different from any avatar he had seen her in. She turned around and spoke to another client and then spoke into the Bluetooth receiver in her ear. Arnav couldn't believe how sophisticated and graceful she was! Just then Arnav's eyes fell on her long legs and he gulped. Yup! It still held the same power on him that he felt almost a year back.
Arnav had to try very hard to drag his eyes away from Khushi's legs to her face. He looked at her face just as her eyes fell on him. Arnav felt a thrill go through him as Khushi met his eyes. Her eyes widened and she visibly stumbled back. She took a deep breath and Arnav watched with bated breath as Khushi turned around and stormed away.
No! You cannot go like this! Arnav thought in panic as he started to follow her. He pushed past the people and noticed Khushi vanish outside the party hall. He followed her and stopped when he saw her leaning against the railings. He stepped closer and was shocked to see her wiping her eyes. She was crying.
"Khushi!", Arnav whispered and Khushi turned around. It was clear she did not expect to see him follow her.
She visibly pulled herself together and stood straight facing him. Arnav felt pride surge through him at the way his student was handling the situation. I am proud of you, Khushi! Very proud!
"Hello Arnav! How are you?", Khushi's poised voice broke through Arnav's thoughts. Arnav raised an eyebrow at the cool and calm way Khushi greeted him as if they were just two old colleagues and not two people who loved each other. Alright Khushi! Arnav smiled softly. If this is how you want to play then so be it!"
Arnav nodded, "Hello Khushi! I am good. How are you?"
"Fine! Thank you!", Khushi replied, "So you are here for business, I assume?"
Arnav smiled, "Not exactly. What about you? What are you doing these days?"
Khushi smirked, "I am doing good. Better than you expected infact."
Arnav raised an eyebrow and Khushi elaborated, "I surpassed your expectations!"
Arnav looked at her confused.
Khushi shrugged, "You thought that someday I will become some kind of trophy wife but look, I did better! It seems in Mumbai no one knew about Rajkumari Khushali. So with my good English and experience, I was able to get a job as Event Manager, a post I always wanted. Infact, today I am handling mine 50th party. In six months, I managed 50 parties expertly."
Khushi stepped close and glared at Arnav, "I have won Arnav. And you have lost. As I have got what I wanted even though you never gave a damn about my dreams and made me famous even though I didn't want it."
Khushi turned around and Arnav sensed that she was still angry. He frowned. I am sorry Khushi. Because of me, you have turned so bitter. I hope I didn't kill all of your sweetness, Khushi. He looked down sadly.
Just then Khushi's voice cut through the silence, "By the way, Mr. Raizada, may I know why you are here wasting time with a low life ex waitress like me?"
Arnav took in a sharp breath at her harsh words and then smiled softly, "I am here because I love you!"
Khushi turned around and looked at him with wide eyes. Arnav smiled gently at her, "I missed you Khushi. These six months were hell without you. I want you back Khushi! I want you back!"
Khushi chuckled mirthlessly, "You are still saying I'."
"Because I don't want to assume things about you like last time! And I don't have yet the right to say we'.", Arnav commented and Khushi looked at him sharply.
"You have changed!", Khushi commented.
Arnav nodded, "Yes, I have realized!"
Khushi raised an eyebrow, "Took you six months for that!"
Arnav let out a laugh, "I changed in few days after you left Khushi. You leaving me taught me my lesson. And of course there were lectures from Di, Aakash and Naaniji. It took me a while to understand your point of view and how wrong I was! And once I understood it, I understood why you didn't chose me. And for once, I am glad that you didn't choose me. So I learnt my lesson ages ago. But it took me six months to find you and show you my change."
Khushi blinked in confusion and Arnav explained with a chuckle, "I don't know how many waitresses of Dilli I have talked to and enquired about you! Those poor girls! Must be so shocked! I had asked God knows how many people about your whereabouts before your friend Paayal finally took pity on me and told me you left the city. I continued to ask around and finally a month back I got the news that someone saw you here in some party. So since then I have been in Mumbai checking out every party hoping the next one is where I find you!"
As Arnav finished his narrative, he finally noticed Khushi's expression. Her eyes were wide and her jaw was dropped open. Arnav was amused by the expression she made.
"Khushi! Khushi?", Arnav called her and Khushi blinked twice as she came out of her thoughts.
"I searched high and low for you! I want you back. Will you come back to me?", Arnav asked softly.
Khushi looked down unsure what to say. When she saw him for the first time in six months, all the hurt she had left buried inside came out in the form of bitter words. But to know that he had changed in last six months and spent those months searching for her, felt like a balm to her wounds and the old flame of love burst open. Now the ball was in her court and she had decide what she would do next.
Arnav watched with bated breath as Khushi pondered over her decision. Then Khushi looked up at him and spoke, "Arnav! You have been honest with me. So I will be honest with you too. I love you. I still do."
Arnav let out a relieved breath. But Khushi was not finished. She raised her hand in the universal sign of stop.
Arnav gulped. Now what?
Khushi continued, "I love you Arnav but I cannot come with you. The thing is that I have my dream career in my hand now and I won't let go of it. I won't leave my job for you. I have a career for the first time in my life and I want to focus on it. I am sorry Arnav!"
Arnav let out a loud breath, "That's it? I thought you would say you are engaged or something?"
When Khushi looked at him incredulously, Arnav waved his hand at her, "You need not worry Khushi. If you can't come to Dilli with me, then I will shift here!"
"Kya?", Khushi looked at him as if he was an alien.
Arnav shrugged, "Ya. Don't you know? AR has Mumbai Division too. I will simply head it and leave Dilli one to Aakash! This way he will also get the chance to get out of my shadow!"
Khushi looked away in shock. Arnav didn't just change his thinking towards her. He, infact, turned into a new leaf totally. Now what? They loved each other and he was ready to shift here. Then what is stopping her from giving him another chance? But Khushi got her answer right away. And she turned to Arnav to give it to him.
"Arnav! I cannot trust you! Don't take me wrong! I mean I know that you have changed. But what's the guarantee you won't change back? Your ego ruined everything and I am scared that it would ruin everything again.", Khushi asked. Arnav sighed and nodded, "I know Khushi. I know. I know you won't trust me. But you know what Khushi? I am ready to wait!" When Khushi looked at him in shock, Arnav nodded, "Haan Khushi! I am ready to wait as long as you want."
Khushi blinked back the tears in her eyes. She thought for a second and then shook her head, "Nahi Arnav! Its not possible! I don't believe you will ever see me as anything other than waitress. I just can't get past it!" She looked away sadly.
Arnav thought for a second and then gave her a smile, "Toh theek hai, lets start over then!"
Khushi was once again shocked. Arnav smiled, "Haan Khushi! Lets start from start. Where we were strangers. We can meet like strangers, get to know each other, you as an equal to me, and me as the sweet guy that you fell for or so Di claims."
Khushi chuckled at the last part. And then she nodded, "Theek hai! You get your last chance Arnav!"
"Fine!", Arnav spoke and then took few steps back. Khushi looked at him amused.
Arnav walked towards Khushi and raised his hand to shake, "Hi! I am Arnav!"
"Arnav and what...?", Khushi asked teasingly.
Arnav shook his head, "Only Arnav!"
Khushi was once again surprised. She nodded, "I am Khushi. Only Khushi!" She shook hands with Arnav and was for the umpteenth time surprised when Arnav bent down and kissed on her knuckles. When he looked up, butterflies erupted in her stomach at the intense look in his eyes.
"By the way, are you hungry?", Arnav mused.
Khushi nodded, "Haan! A little!"
Arnav smiled, "Toh theek hai! Why don't you join me at a Restaurant? We could eat together!"
Khushi blinked and then playfully looked at him, "Is this a date, Arnav?"
Arnav leaned forward and whispered, "I guess so!"
Khushi smiled knowingly, "Then lets go!"
Arnav raised his arm and Khushi linked her arm to his. Arm in arm, both walked away.
How's that for an ending folks? Hope you like it!
And with this update, a beautiful story ends!
Thank you all for liking, reviewing and being a part of this Journey!
The story might have ended but my urge to write more stories inspired by Audrey Hepburn's movies is still there! So what say you? Interested in Season 2 of My Fair Khushi? It is inspired by Sabrina Fair movie. You may know the story by its Indian remake "Yeh Dillagi". If you don't remember this movie, here are your hints: Jab Bhi Koi Ladki Dekhun Mera Dil Deewana Bole Ole Ole Ole, Naam Kya Hai Pyaar Ka Maara and Hoton Pe Bas Tera Naam Hai...
But the Hindi Movie was changed a lot to suit Indian tastes. My Fair Khushi Season 2 will be totally different from the Indian movie and will follow the Sabrina Fair in terms of plot. Also before you decide, I have to give you some info and ask you a question. The younger brother in the story is a flirt and a womanizer. So who do you think will suit the role? Should I turn Aakash's personality altogether into a playboy or change Arnav's younger brother from Aakash to NK? Do answer this question too if you want me to write Season 2.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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