TRUTH OR DARE - Epilogue on Pg 112 [26th Aug '17] COMPLETED - Page 57

Coming soon

Arnav felt bad. He felt hurt every time he recalled Khushi's words. Stay away from me!! Did she not love him? But he was sure she did. Then why did she say that? He walked to his room thinking all the way. He remembered he had to give the bottle of pain relief spray to Khushi so that she could spray it on her ankle before sleeping. Getting hold of the bottle, Arnav walked towards Khushi's room taking longer strides than usual hoping she had not slept yet. As he was walking past the window of Khushi's room, he heard Khushi speak with Anjali.

"I shouldn't have reacted that way... said Khushi feeling guilty, "Arnav was trying to help me. What must he have felt?

Placing her hand on Khushi's shoulder, Anjali said, "Look Khushi, you accept it or not, we all know you love him

Khushi looked at Anjali in surprise and disbelief. "You too, Anjali?

"Khushi... Arnav just wants you to say it to him. Is he asking for a lot?

"But Anjali...

"I will say only one thing, Khushi said Anjali, "Accept it before it's too late, else you will lose him. There's no point regretting later.

Arnav felt better after secretly listening to the conversation. His eyes sparkled as his mind was processing his next plan. "You will accept that you love me Khushi... By hook or by crook! he said to himself as he smirked.

Adorning a serious look, Arnav entered Khushi's room and keeping the bottle of spray on the side table, he said, "Spray it on your ankle before sleeping

Khushi was glad to see him. She felt so good to see how much he cared for her. But before she could thank him, Arnav walked off. Khushi frowned. She knew she had hurt him. "I will apologise to him tomorrow she thought to herself.

*****

The morning was indeed a good one as Khushi's pain had reduced to a large extent. She could walk independently though with a little limp. Everyone inquired about her condition except Arnav and this was bothering her. He had not spoken to her since morning though he had walked past her many times. Not able to wait any more, Khushi herself went to Arnav and initiated the conversation.

"Hi Arnav! she said with as wide a smile as possible.

"Hi replied Arnav without looking at Khushi.

Khushi was expecting Arnav to ask how she was, whether she was feeling better, but Arnav said nothing more than a mere hi'.

Khushi couldn't resist saying, "See! I am able to walk almost normally now! Her excitement was clearly visible.

"Nice said Arnav plainly and walked away leaving Khushi feel guiltier.

*****

"Why are you doing this, NK? asked NK to Arnav, "Khushi is trying to talk to you since morning and you are avoiding her every time. Poor Khushi, she must be feeling so bad...

Arnav smiled. "I know exactly what I am doing! he said patting NK's back. He saw Lavanya sitting alone at a distance. "This is your chance, NK... he said, "Go talk to Lavanya, she needs you. Let her know how much you love her. Make her realise that it's you who is made for her, and not me...

NK looked at Arnav, not sure what to do. Arnav nodded telling NK to go ahead and express himself.

NK walked to Lavanya and sat beside her. She was sad after her confrontation with Arnav last night.

"Some things are not meant to be... said NK making Lavanya realise his presence.

Lavanya sniffed, wiping off the tear in her eye. "I guess you are right... she said. She looked at NK. "Thanks! she said, "You are always there for me whenever I feel low

"Of course! replied NK. "And I will always be there... Because I love you

Lavanya was surprised. "What did you just say?

"I love you, La repeated NK.

Lavanya couldn't believe her ears. So it was NK whom Arnav was talking about! "NK... I don't know... I mean... I just...

"It's alright La... Maybe you will love me too someday... NK winked saying so.

Lavanya hugged NK without another thought. "I was so dumb to not understand your love she mumbled in his arms as her tears wetted his T-shirt.

Khushi, who was seeing this from a corner, was so happy to know that NK loved Lavanya, that she almost ran, despite the prevailing pain in her ankle, to tell Arnav what she had just got to know. She finally found Arnav and rested by the bench, panting and catching her breath. "Arnav! You won't believe what just happened! she said happily, "NK and Lavanya...

"I know Arnav cut in before Khushi could complete.

Khushi fell silent listening to Arnav's reply. Arnav stood up and began walking away.

"Arnav! Khushi called out to stop him. "Wait... she pleaded.

Arnav stopped at his place, his back still towards Khushi. "I am doing what you told me to... I am staying away from you

"I am sorry... she said.

"It's okay replied Arnav bluntly and began walking.

"Arnav please!

"I wish everyone could realise and express their love...

Arnav walked away sadly, leaving Khushi in tears. A strange fear gripped Khushi. Why was she so scared? So suddenly? Was it because she feared losing Arnav? Was is because Arnav was going away from her every passing moment? No! She could not let this happen! She wanted Arnav to be with her. She needed him.

Khushi hurried in the direction Arnav went. She heard him tell everyone to pack their stuff as it was time to begin their journey back. Oh no! What if she never got to meet Arnav again? She had to talk to him. Now or never!