TRUTH OR DARE - Epilogue on Pg 112 [26th Aug '17] COMPLETED - Page 41

__________________________

Link to Previous Chapter

__________________________

CHAPTER 6

"We meet again!" said Arnav with a smirk.

Khushi was surprised, but she opted not to react. She just smiled and they continued watching the movie. Their hands brushed against each other once again and Khushi looked at Arnav who stared back at her. Neither of them said sorry this time. They just kept looking at each other. The love track going in the background of the movie was as if played for Arnav and Khushi. The lights from the screen fell over them giving each other glimpses of their faces. They had forgotten about the movie for a few moments before Lavanya, who was sitting on the other side of Arnav, nudged him saying, "Where are you looking, ASR?! You are missing important things of the movie!"

Arnav and Khushi realised that they were in the multiplex. Arnav unwillingly took his eyes off Khushi and turned towards Lavanya making Khushi feel low seeing their proximity. He has a girlfriend, Khushi! You can't think of him that way! Khushi tried to make herself know that she was never to get Arnav.

Khushi unknowingly held Arnav's hand while watched a scene in the movie. Arnav looked at her hand held a couple of his fingers, her wet eyes set on the screen in front. Arnav smiled. "Don't you think we were destined to meet again?" he whispered.

Surprised, Khushi threw a glance at him. She quickly withdrew her hand realising she was holding his. She stared back at him recalling what he had just said. Don't you think we were destined to meet again?

Arnav smiled seeing her silent. He couldn't stop from saying, "Dekho na... Same movie, same multiplex, same time, adjacent seats... We were to meet again! What a coincidence! Ittefaq ho toh aisa!"

Khushi was not expecting this from Arnav. "Are you flirting with me?!"

"Why should I not?" said Arnav naughtily, "You are a beautiful young lady, I am a good-looking young man... Why would I not flirt with you?"

Khushi's jaw dropped as she watched Arnav with wide eyes.

"Don't tell me you have never flirted with a guy!" said Arnav looking at her reaction.

"Never!" replied Khushi firmly, "And I see you have a lot of experience in flirting!" she added.

"Smart!" said Arnav raising an eyebrow.

"Don't even try flirting with me!" warned Khushi.

"I already am!" Arnav smirked.

Khushi couldn't believe she was having this conversation with Arnav. She gulped seeing the mischief in Arnav's eyes, though she couldn't see his expressions clearly in lights falling over them from the screen.

"Relax Khushi" said Arnav, "I was just kidding... Don't you know I am called natkhat?"

Khushi just looked at him not sure whether he was kidding before or kidding now. Before they could have more words with each other, it was interval in the movie. And fortunately or unfortunately after the interval, they were sitting far from each other. Though they couldn't talk to each other, they kept stealing glances throughout the second half of the movie.

The movie ended. Khushi looked sideways only to see Arnav's seat empty. Her eyes searched for him throughout the hall, but couldn't find him. She felt sad. Why? Why was she searching for him so desperately? She along with her friends was to go for dinner. Her friends were telling her to go with them but she stood there looking around for someone. Arnav! Her heart was calling out to him. She felt restless not being able to find him. How can he leave without saying bye'?

"Looking for me?"

His husky voice sent shivers across her body.

She turned to see Arnav standing right there. How did he know I was looking for him?

"I knew it!" he said answering her unsaid question.

Khushi was spellbound. What could she say? She nervously shifted her gaze to the floor.

"Well, we are going out for dinner" said Arnav, "I was wondering may be you and your friends could join us..."

Khushi's heart jumped with joy as her face radiated happiness. But she quickly changed her expression into a serious one and said, "Umm... I will have to talk to my friends"

"Sure!" said Arnav, knowing very well that Khushi was happy to go with his gang. Or probably happy to go with him!

After a little discussion, they all had dinner together. Lavanya, NK, and another friend, Aman, had accompanied Arnav to the movie. By the time they were done with dinner, they all were friends with each other. And by the time they left from the restaurant, a new WhatsApp group too was created.

For most of the time spent in the restaurant, Arnav was looking at Khushi, observing every little thing of her... Her talks, her eating style, her smile, her voice, her eyes, her hair... everything! Somewhere he knew he was falling for her. And all that time, Khushi couldn't stop feeling jealous seeing Lavanya getting close to Arnav every now and then. Arnav did notice Khushi's envy and he smiled inwardly.

*****

An overnight outing was planned for the coming weekend after Akash and Payal were to be back from their honeymoon. There were a lot of places around Mumbai for weekend trips. Mahabaleshwar was chosen for the little trip of a night's stay at Aman's farmhouse there. Permission was taken from parents with a set of warnings to go with it. Everyone was looking forward to the trip... Especially Arnav and Khushi!

*****

The day arrived. A fine Saturday morning, just as everyone wanted it to be. A ten-seater vehicle was booked for the trip. Everyone was picked up from their places and they were all set to go!

When Khushi climbed up the vehicle, the first thing she looked out for was a place beside Arnav. Arnav too wished to sit beside Khushi, but Lavanya occupied the place beside him, as expected. Khushi's smile disappeared and Arnav didn't fail to notice it. He indicated her to sit in the next nearest seat to him and she followed. Arnav tried to talk to Khushi but he was interrupted by something or the other. Khushi could see Arnav wanted to talk to her and so did she. What was this feeling? What was this attraction? Why did they both want to be with each other, spend time together, know each other more? They didn't have answers to these questions yet. And they didn't mind that. They were just looking for a chance to have a conversation, a peaceful conversation, without any disturbances. But they knew they would have to wait.

They reached Aman's farmhouse finally. It was a beautiful place in the midst of nature. It was lunch time by then, and they had carried food for lunch. After a little rest, they all set off to roam around the place.

It was a place full of forest areas, greenery all around with melodious chirping of birds and splendid views of scenery in all directions. Arnav had his DSLR camera with him, his best buddy during trips. Though he loved to take snapshots of nature, today his camera captured pictures of Khushi instead. Everyone was enjoying the walk through the trees, while Arnav was busy taking photographs of birds, trees, flowers, mountain views... and secretly, Khushi. As everyone walked ahead, Khushi waited for Arnav while he was left behind. He noticed Khushi waiting for him and jogged towards her. Khushi wished to see the photographs he had clicked and he showed them as they slowly walked ahead.

"You are not a bad photographer, I must say!" said Khushi, impressed by the photographs. And then while clicking the next' button, she was surprised to see a series of her photographs. Arnav remained silent, looking at her sheepishly. Khushi was glad seeing Arnav's interest in her. She blushed. Arnav couldn't stop looking at Khushi intently. He took a step towards her. Khushi stopped blushing. What is he doing? Arnav moved another step closer making Khushi move backwards only to have her back against the tree trunk behind her. Khushi's eyes widened as Arnav kept moving closer till they were only a couple of inches away. Khushi could feel his breath over her face. She was shocked by his move. But she didn't feel insecure. Arnav kept inching towards her. Khushi's heart was beating erratically. Oh my god! Is he gonna kiss me? Khushi stood still in her place like a statue. She shut her eyes tight as Arnav's closeness made her shiver. Arnav placed a lingering kiss at the corner of her lips sending jolts of excitement through her body. Khushi was numb. She didn't know what was going through her. Her mind and body had as if stopped functioning. The only part of her body she felt currently functioning was her throbbing heart. It took a few moments for her to realise what had just happened. She opened her eyes to see Arnav standing in front of her at some distance, still watching her intently. The glint of naughtiness in his eyes was as endearing as his genuine smile. Khushi was not scared of him. She didn't feel insecure, not for a minute, not for a second.

Before Khushi could come out of the feeling she had just went through, Lavanya called out to Arnav. "ASR! What are you both doing here? Come!"

Khushi saw Lavanya hold Arnav's arm and pull him along as she walked ahead. Khushi felt as if Arnav was being taken away from her. But Lavanya is his girlfriend! Khushi tried to explain to herself as she followed them through the trees. But then why did he kiss me? Everything was so confusing at the moment. No! Arnav can't cheat anyone. Khushi and Arnav were attracted to each other just like the opposite poles of the magnet. But then Lavanya? Khushi felt her heart sink at the thought of Arnav being Lavanya's. I must find out! But how?

__________________________

Link to Next Chapter

__________________________

PS : Buddy Me for PMs