And Then She Found Me-Chapter 37 PG 58 13/11/17 - Page 18

"Kannan!" She growled before opening the door again. "I forgot my phone, need to call him to uninvited him." She mumbled picking her phone up from the table.
"No, let him come." He said, cool and calm, totally ASR.
"Going by your reaction, no thanks. It's not like either of you are going to explain to me what happened and I don't want to either of you to cause a scene at dinner."
"Khushi, I am a grown man. I think I have my emotions in check. You have invited your friend for dinner, don't uninvited him on my account." He said using the same tone. She knew he wouldn't lose his cool bust she also knew there was more to this. Something was not right. She picked up her phone and dialled Kannan's number an unlike all the other occasions this time he answered it.
"Be ready in half an hour I am coming to pick you up." She instructed. She knew she couldn't twist Arnav's arm but Kannan was another story

Khushi quickly got changed into a simple light blue salwaar before she left her apartment with her aunt and Arnav. Khushi could feel the tension building up as they drove to Kannan's house. Even whilst sitting in the back seat she could see Arnav was no were to be seen. He was all ASR. She was tempted to call the whole thing off. But before she could think of a believable excuse they pulled up outside the small bungalow. Khushi stepped out of the car. She had sent a text to Kannan asking him to behave himself but she wanted to make sure the message was understood loud and clear.

She heard the car door shut behind her as she made her way to the front door. She turned to see that he was marching her way. She was just about to tell Arnav that she needed a moment alone when Kannan stepped outside and closed the door behind him. He was all smiles as he hopped down the steps until he saw Arnav. Khushi saw something change in Kannan when he saw Arnav. He stood taller, his eyes narrowed his expression sombre. This wasn't the Kannan she knew, not at all.

"Oh, so you bought your Frakenstine along." He said unimpressed.
"Kannan, what did I text you?!" Khushi said her yanking his arm to grab his attention, but his eyes were focused on the approaching figure.
"You listen to me and you listen carefully," Arnav said through gritted teeth. He had moved so fast that within a flash he was standing between her and Kannan. His arm reached back for Khushi as though he was protecting her. "Khushi wants us to have a nice civilised evening and that is exactly what's going to happen. You do anything, say anything that upsets her or any of my family I will not think twice before shredding you pieces is that understood?" Khushi actually feared for Kannan she knew Arnav was capable of it. He was not threatening him, it was more of a promise.

"Uh oh, sounds like someone didn't eat all their babies at lunch time today. " Kannan said looking past Arnav over Khushi.
"Kannan shut the hell up!" Khushi snapped whilst Arnav stood there seething. He couldn't believe he was going to have to spend the evening with this guy.
"Excuse me." Kannan said stepping past Arnav. "Chill Mike it's ok, Arnav and me are cool." He said taking her arm and walking back up towards the car. "Right?" He turned around and asked Arnav. Khushi pulled her arm away from Kannan. "Hey, Khushi...Don't be like that." He said pulling her back towards him.
"Then don't make me regret wanting you back."

Arnav watched as Kannan put his arm around his Khushi. He instantly felt the need to rip his hand off her. Instead he clenched his fist and began to pace up towards the car, walking past them, and getting in to the car. 'It's just a couple of hours Arnav, a couple of hours and he will be gone, for good.'

Khushi was on edge the whole drive back. For once she was glad to have her aunt there who was unknown to the tension and gladly provided conversation for Kannan and herself giving Khushi a moment to reassess the situation. She hadn't seen Arnav like that in a long time. Sure they had their arguments but the last time she had seen him like this was when she worked for him. And it scared her.

She knew Kannan well enough to know that he was playing dumb towards the whole situation. What surprised her is that he didn't scare him. Everyone was scared of ASR, but not Kannan. Which gave her another reason to be scared. What had happened between them that gave Kannan the upper hand.

"Mike, you look as nervous as someone who is about to stand trial...take it easy." Kannan smiled before nudging her chin with his fist. Khushi smiled half heartedly. She felt her stomach knot.

***

"Khushi!" Anjali exclaimed as the four of them walked into Shantivaan. She hurried along and embraced her. "Who just leaves like that without saying anything?!" She scolded. Arnav continued to walk past them and headed straight for the stairs, "Chote?" Anjali called after her brother sensing the brewing tempest. But he ignored her. "What's wrong with him?" Anjali asked Khushi.
Kannan stood in the door way mesmerised by the woman standing before him.

He remembered the first time he saw her. She was not the most beautiful woman he had seen but there was something about her beauty that affected him in a way that no other had. And then the woman had turned her attention to him, her eyes fluttering with confusion but her lips never losing it's intensely bright smile. The moment he looked into her eyes he knew his heart no longer belonged to him. It was a feeling like no other. His entire life, his whole existence now had meaning. Every breath, every step had led him to her. And he would be willing to lay his life on the line to ensure that smile of hers never faded.

"Kannan...See I remembered." Anjali said with a laugh. "What a pleasant surprise...Hmm now don't say you have forgotten me?" She said as she walked over to him.
"Anjali, I couldn't forget you even if I tried." And he had. He tried not to think about her. After their first meeting at Akash and Payal's engagement he did everything in his power to stay away from her. Though she had struck his heart, her mangal sutra or her vermilion had not escaped him. He had however escaped meeting her husband. He didn't want the image that he held of her to be tainted in anyway. "You look ravishing." He said.
"Kannan, this is why I can't take you out in public. You big flirt ." Khushi said bringing Kannan back to reality.
"Ainvayi! Have I ever tried it on with you? No...I have standards you know...Not going to start hitting on any random girl-."
"Oh so I am random? Tu rende! You knew if you ever tried it on with me I would have made baartha out of you." Khushi retaliated.
"Khushi, you speak punjabi?" Asked a confused Anjali
"My mother was Punjabi, Dad was from Karnataka I was born in Delhi-."
"Di didn't ask for your bio-data-"
"Khushi are you and Kannan planning on spending the evening in the hall way arguing or do you actually want to come inside?" Anjali said before leading the way to were the rest of the family was sitting.

Kannan greeted everyone in the usual fashion until he reached Mamiji. "Hmmm, let me guess...Anjali's older sister? Right, right?" He said. Mamaji and Akash rolled their eyes knowing the effect the compliment would have on her ego. Anjali and payal couldn't help but giggle .
"Kabhi nahi sudreh ga." Khushi mumbled under her breath.
"Oh," gushed Mamiji. "No no bitwa I am Mamiji." She blushed.

Kannan was still showering Mami with compliments when Arnav came down to join them. He had changed into his casual home wear and for a moment Khushi relaxed hoping he too had relaxed a little. But it was short lived as Arnav and Kannan exchanged deadly looks. Khushi got up and went and stood by his side.

"Are you ok?" She asked whilst everyone was busy in conversation with her friend.
"Why wouldn't I be?" He replied not looking at her. His mobile began to ring the same moment the house phone rang. "Excuse me." He walked over to the window to continue his conversation and Khushi answered the house phone.

"Chamkeeli! Good job you are there. Do me a favour and go call everyone, right now, jaldi!" Lavanya said excitedly.
"Lavanya? We are all sitting here together, what's the matter?"
"All in good time, first put me on loud speaker." Khushi was baffled by Lavanya's instructions but she did as she was told.
"Ok you're on speaker phone."
"Namaste everyone." She chimed gleefully as everyone else greeted her back.
"Ok I have something I want to share with everyone, I wanted you all to be the first to know since you are my only family here...I am engaged!" She sang, her joy evident in her voice. There as a commotion of delight as everyone began to congratulate her at the same time. Whilst everyone crowded the phone Khushi hurried over to Arnav.

"Yea, I think she just called everyone seems excited all of a sudden...I am glad...Not a problem...Congratulations...Aaman, just so we are clear, tomorrow is still a normal working day for you." He saw from the corner of his eye that Khushi was watching him. "I'll call you later to go over the details."
"Lavanya and Aaman are engaged." Khushi fizzed with excitement as soon as Arnav cut the call.
"Yea I know...I'll call Lavanya later." He said. Khushi knew he was happy for her, for them both. She could see it in his faint smile and in his eyes.
"But you are not surprised...you knew about this?" She assumed. He continued to smile as she continued to piece the puzzle together. "You lied about sending Aaman to London because you knew he would propose?"
"I didn't lie. He is going to London, he deserves a promotion and that's what he is getting...At the same time Lavanya gets what she has always wanted, I owed her that much. She helped us and it was the least I could do for her."
"When am I going to stop misunderstanding you." Khushi said with evident guilt, looking down at her hands. She felt his hand against her cheek.

"Strange isn't it, how people can only be going out for a couple of months and they are getting married before our very own dynamic duo." Kannan announced loudly causing Khushi to step away from his touch.
"Kannan bitwa is right, Chote we should be setting a date for you two now." Naniji said. Khushi threw an awkward glance towards Arnav before blushing and disappearing into the kitchen.
"Sharmagayi," Payal giggled before folling her sister.
"Please Nani, not now." Arnav said.
"If not now then when? Even Madhumathiji is here, you and Khushi bitya have had plenty of time to get to know each other, why not?"
"Because I said so, that should be reason enough."
"Nani, we should talk about this at a time when we don't have company." Anjali said pointing out Kannan's presence.

"Chote, don't think you are off the hook. We shall discuss this further tomorrow." Nani said dismissing the matter for the time being.
"There is nothing to discuss Nani...I don't want to get married anytime soon. That's my decision and its final."
"I make the final decisions in this house."Nani corrected him.
"This decision is not about the house, it is about my life."

"And what about Khushi's life?" asked Kannan. "I think you are missing the whole point about being engaged. And you have seemed to have forgotten about the person you have tied yourself to. Or did you not bother to ask her?" Everyone turned to look at Kannan with shock as his tone reflected the anger he felt.
"This is none of your business." Arnav said in a low tone through gritted teeth.
"I don't recall saying it is." Kannan said icily. "I am just asking if you have spoken to your business partner...about your business." A smug look appeared on his face knowing he had him cornered. "I am sorry everyone, I know this is a family matter but Khushi is my family."
"You do not have to apologise bitwa, it should be my grandson who should be saying sorry."
"Forget it!" Arnav roared before storming back to his room.

The conversation hadn't been the quietest and as Arnav's protest against marriage continued to proceed, tears began flow.
"I don't understand why bhaiya doesn't want to get married...you both seem so happy together."
"I must be doing something wrong." Khushi blubbered through her tears.
"No Khushi, not at all." Anjali rushed to her side. "It's Chote he has always been like this when it comes to marriage...Don't take it to heart...let him cool down, give him time to think about it...He'll see he was wrong, he eventually does." Anjali soothed whilst wiping away fresh tears.
Madhumathi diffused the tension in the atmosphere swiftly not wanting to the situation to worsen. "Everything will work out when Nandkisore desires it to. We are mere puppets."

***

To add insult to injury Arnav refused to join the family for dinner choosing to reside in his room. Khushi could see the extra effort everyone was making to lighten her spirits but it was to no avail. The one person who would be able to make any difference had locked himself away. She excused herself from the dinner table at the earliest chance saying that she was going to the terrace to get some fresh air. Up there she looked at sparkling stars wishing for a sign. 'What should I do?'

"Get out!" She heard his firm and control voice almost shout. Reluctantly she climbed down the terrace stairs to his pool side.
"It's only fair right? What did you say to me? If I upset her or your family you were going to shred me to pieces. So what should be done with you since you're the rain cloud of doom?" Kannan said in a deadly low tone.

Khushi gulped in fear as she watched the two square off. She hadn't given it much thought in the past but if both of them started to go at each other she honestly couldn't say who would win. Both as equally enraged and equally as scary.
"This is all your fault! I had it under control until you opened your mouth-."
"I did what any good friend would have done. I warned you I would. Last chance Raizada, one last chance. You mess this up and you will lose her for good." He cautioned him. "Looks like you have company." He turned to leave without looking up at Khushi who was standing on the stairs. She was shocked he even noticed she was there during their heated exchange. Arnav stalked into his room closing the glass sliding doors behind him, not looking back.

"Dammit! I told you I needed this finalised today! The launch is in two weeks you idiot now who is going to stand in? Your dead dog?! Sort it. I want it sorted now and if you can't then start thinking of other career options because you won't be working in this business, that I can guarantee you." Even through the glass doors she could hear him spew venom down the phone. He was picking up files, flicking through the pages before throwing them back down. "Leave me alone." He said quietly hearing the sliding door open.
"Arnav, don't be like that." Khushi urged in a small voice.
"That was me being polite. How about this...Get out." He said turning around to face her. His fury filled eyes piercing through her. 'Keep calm, Khushi...just think he has a lot on his mind.'
"I know you are stressed-."
"You know about stress do you? And how is that exactly? Ah of course the eternal dilemma of which paint brush to use." He said harshly.
"You pig! How do I know about stress? I should have seen have seen this coming. The only thing constant about you is your mood swings it's like a menstrual cycle only yours governed by the moon, every 15 days." She spat back at him.
"And the only thing reliable thing about you is that you will do nothing but cause trouble in my life. It's because of you, for the first time in my life has anyone been able to speak to me the way he has and has been unable to walk away...intact. This is all just to get back at me for the Lisa fiasco...That's why that scum is here-"
"Are you out of your mind?! I am not a little school girl that I am going to run around seeking revenge on you for every model you hire you imbecile!"
"Dont you dare talk to me like that Khushi Kumari Gupta. Keep your voice down-."
"Oh yea I forgot that you have registered shouting under your own name, you legally own it don't you...SUE ME!" She finished off her sarcastic statement.
"Oh for f&*! Sake Khushi!" He walked up and grabbed her arms. "It was hard enough crossing the first the hurdle without him causing more complications. Everything was going how I planned it to. He has ruined everything. But maybe that clown is better suited for you!" He was looking into her eyes and saw the exact moment when he had caused her heart to crack a little bit.
"Me, accepting my love for you was a hurdle?.. A task that needed to be completed...There was a plan?" Her eyes were full of the pain she felt. She remembered him questioning her plan when he had one of his own all along. Arnav lost his breath as what she had just said sunk in. She pushed him away as tears ran down her face uncontrollably.

"Thank you Mr Raizada for thinking enough of me to put me on your 'to do' list. I can assure you that me and my friend will be of no further trouble to you." She said turning away back towards the glass doors. "You are right." She said before stepping out to the poolside. "May be he is better suited for me, Khushi Kumari Gupta's mind tells her all the time that a guy like Kannan is the correct choice, 100%. But my heart what do I do about that Arnav. What did you plan to do with it after you crossed it off your to do list? I only came here to tell not worry about me...But it seems as though you have that covered." She closed the sliding door before turning and waking up the terrace stairs.

Arnav was afraid to move. He felt if he did he would shatter to pieces. He should have known her better than to think that she was here to ask him for an explanantion, she didn't know it but he did. He knew she understood him better than anyone. How could he let a moment of rage get in the way of what they had. But she was gone and he couldn't stop her. He felt a hole being punched into his heart. 'This is what it's like Arnav. If she leaves this pain will be with you forever. Remember it. It will be the one thing that will help you hold on to her.' He listened to his heart.