TRUTH OR DARE - Epilogue on Pg 112 [26th Aug '17] COMPLETED - Page 59

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CHAPTER 10

Khushi was trying to walk as fast as possible. Arnav, where are you? Her eyes were constantly searching for Arnav. Fear filler her heart. What if after returning home she never got a chance to meet Arnav again? What if Arnav never called her again? All the moments spent with Arnav were flashing in her mind as her heart hoped to find him soon. Limping and wincing in pain as she hurried through the rough walkway, tears welled up in her eyes as she felt hope leaving her. Not noticing the uneven ground, Khushi lost balance. Her heart missed a beat as she shut her eyes tight in fear, preparing herself to get hurt as she fell down. But where was the pain? Why didn't she feel it? And why did the ground feel so soft? Soft and... soothing? How could the fall be so comforting? Khushi slowly opened her eyes to see that she was tightly holding onto something. Something? No, someone! Khushi's gaze slowly shifted from her fists tightly holding his shirt to his collar and further up to meet his eyes. Arnav! Khushi's heart jumped happily in her chest seeing him as tears made their way from her eyes down her cheeks. Arnav had got hold of her just in time before she fell to the ground. No doubt his hold felt like a protective sheath! His mere presence had always made Khushi feel safe. The warmth in his arms was what Khushi didn't want to ever go away from. Khushi realised that Arnav was constantly saying something. He was angry. He was worried for her.

"Don't you understand Khushi? What was so urgent? Your foot was already injured! What if I was not watching you? You could have got another injury!! Do you even realise this?

Khushi was not interested in Arnav's scolding. She was just looking at him thanking God to have sent him to her.

"Khushi! Are you even listening?

Khushi didn't care.

"Khushi! Arnav shook her. "What if something had happened to you? I won't always be there to take care of you. You must learn to take care of yourself. You should have atleast..."

"I love you

"Shut up and listen to me first! Arnav continued without realising what Khushi had just said.

"I love you Khushi repeated.

Arnav fell silent. Khushi gulped in his arms, her heart beating erratically after saying those three words for the first time. There was a strange guilt yet a feeling of relief. She felt free, as if a huge burden was taken off her. Finally, she had said it!

Arnav couldn't believe his ears. "What? he whispered, "What did you say?

"I love you, Arnav! repeated Khushi, smiling through her tears.

Arnav smiled as he was pleasantly surprised. He had been craving to hear this. He took Khushi into his embrace, holding her tightly to his chest. Khushi found solace in his embrace as she hugged him back. Her heart calmed down telling her that this was what she had always wanted.

"I was scared said Khushi as her tears were wetting Arnav's shirt.

"Scared?

"Hmm...

"Why?

"I didn't want to lose you. I didn't want to let you go away from me

"And so you came running after me without even thinking how I would have felt had you got hurt again? Mmm?

Khushi held Arnav tighter without saying anything.

Arnav smiled as he caressed Khushi. "I am sorry to have stayed aloof from you. I just wanted you to confess your love. Sorry if I hurt you

"Do you know how I felt? I was trying to talk to you... and you! You just...

Arnav tightened his hold on Khushi. "I am sorry he said kissing her head that rested on his chest.

"Now it's your turn said Khushi looking eagerly at Arnav. "Say it!

"Say what? Arnav showed as if he didn't understand what Khushi was talking about.

Khushi gently punched Arnav on the chest. "Stop pretending, Arnav. It's not funny! You have to say it...

"My feelings are beyond words said Arnav dramatically, teasing Khushi.

"Oh, is it? Then why did you make me say it?

"Because I wanted to hear it from you, though I already knew

"Likewise, even I want to hear it from you! said Khushi strongly.

Arnav smirked. "You made me wait for so long. Now even I won't say it easily He winked and walked past Khushi, calling out to others asking whether they were ready to leave as Khushi stared at his back with a dropped jaw.

Khushi was determined to make Arnav confess his love very soon.

*****

A couple of weeks later, at a weekend get-together at Akash and Payal's place, Khushi insisted on playing "Truth or Dare. As planned, she got a chance to question Arnav and she knew he would always choose "Truth. And Arnav knew exactly what Khushi was going to ask. He smiled waiting for the question.

"Do you love me?

Ah! Just as expected! Arnav looked into Khushi's eyes naughtily.

Khushi was already celebrating her victory. She knew Arnav had no way out. No excuses were going to work now. He had no choice but to confess.

"You are crazy! he said with a chuckle, shaking his head.

"That's not the answer to my question, Mr. Arnav replied Khushi. "Answer me first, and then you can say other things, I won't mind Khushi's naughtiness was driving Arnav crazy.

Their friends were enjoying the about-to-be live confession.

Arnav stood up and walked towards Khushi. Taking her hand in his and going down on a knee, Arnav looked into her eyes in the most romantic way. Khushi had not expected such a gesture from him. She was glad and waiting eagerly for Arnav to say those magical words.

Finally he spoke. "Will you... stop bothering me?

And everyone burst out laughing including Arnav. Khushi's jaw dropped in disbelief and she ran behind Arnav hitting him with both hands. Arnav knew she was upset. He suddenly pinned her to the wall blocking all her ways. Her eyes were slightly wet as Arnav had disappointed her. And Arnav could never see her upset. He looked into her eyes, gently caressing her cheek.

"Arnav... whispered Khushi nervously.

"I love you he said at last.

Khushi's happiness knew no bounds. But soon she realised that she was trapped between Arnav and the wall.

"Arnav... let me go... everyone's watching us she whispered, trying to move away.

"Not my fault! said Arnav with a naughty smile. "You shamelessly asked this question in front of everyone. So I have to answer it in front of everyone, right Miss Khushi?

Khushi's cheeks flushed with crimson as she blushed in Arnav's arms.

"There's a reason why I am called natkhat said Arnav with a wink.