LITTLE MOMENTS (OS Series) 10| So Far, Yet So Close.. (Pg 103)[24-Mar] - Page 51

Arnav remembered how emotional Khushi was after knowing about her friend's divorce within six months of arranged marriage. He smiled at her innocence as he lay back on his bed thinking of her before going to sleep. They were to get engaged soon and she was worried something similar might happen with them as well. Arnav remembered that Khushi wanted to hug him in the jewelry shop when they were buying rings, but she refrained thinking about the people around. An idea struck his mind. He quickly sat up in bed and checked the time. 11:15 PM. He thought for a moment. Will she be sleeping? Let me check! He quickly opened WhatsApp and texted her.

Hey... u there?

Within a few seconds he got a reply.

Missing me?

He smiled seeing the message.

Khushi was staring at her phone waiting for his reply. She gasped as her phone began vibrating. Video call? She fumbled with her phone as she disconnected the call, nervously looking around to confirm no one watched her. He parents were right beside her, busy discussing about the arrangements of the engagement function.

Her phone vibrated again, this time indicating a message on WhatsApp.

What happened? Why did you cut the call?

Moving a little away from her parents, Khushi quickly typed the reply.

With mom-dad... Can't talk now

She so wanted to talk to Arnav, especially see him live. This was the first time Arnav had made a video call. How she wished she were alone at home!

Arnav replied immediately and their chat on WhatsApp continued.

Where are you now?

In drawing room... Mom n dad are discussing about our engagement.

Oh... Go to your room, now!

I can't!

Nothing will happen... Just 5 mins Khushi... Please?

Khushi too was as excited to see Arnav as he was to see her. How could she deny! She silently slipped out of the drawing room into her bedroom.

I came to my room

Great! Now I will call you again, please don't disconnect this time

Khushi was nervous.

What if someone sees?

Just as she sent the message, her phone began vibrating.

Oh no! She instantly closed the door of her room and latched it. With one quick glance at herself in the mirror, she sat on her bed, put on her earphones, cleared her throat and accepted the call.

Seeing Arnav on the screen, Khushi couldn't stop blushing.

"As usual!" commented Arnav. "Now I can see how you blush every time I call you!" he teased.

Khushi covered her face with her hand as Arnav thoroughly enjoyed looking at her.

"Will you keep blushing all the while or will you even say something?"

Finally, Khushi managed to look at Arnav, her cheeks adorning a tinge of crimson.

"Why did you call now?!" she asked in a low voice.

"To see you..."

Khushi's eyes widened hearing that.

"And to give you a hug..." he added. "You really wanted to hug me in the shop when we met this evening, didn't you? But you couldn't because of the people around..." he said, studying Khushi's changing expressions.

"How can you give me a hug now?" she asked, unsure, though she desperately wanted it.

"Ofcourse I can..." replied Arnav, "You want something and I won't give it? Impossible!" He winked.

Khushi smiled, still unsure of what Arnav was going to do. Is he really going to hug me? How? Oh my God! Is he around here? Khushi missed a beat and looked around the room.

Arnav laughed seeing her. "No Khushi, I am in my room"

Khushi felt embarrassed when she realised Arnav got to know what she was thinking. She looked at him shyly, her eyes questioning him about the hug.

"It's a virtual hug, Khushi"

"Virtual hug?"

Arnav stacked a couple of pillows on his bed and placed his phone on top. He told Khushi to do the same. She followed. Moving a little away from the phone, he extended his arms for Khushi. She giggled seeing it.

"So this is your virtual hug?"

"Close your eyes"

"What?"

"Just do as I say..."

Khushi silently followed.

"Put your arms around yourself now, and hold yourself tightly"

Khushi did just as he said.

"See... I am right here... with you..." he said in a soothing voice.

Khushi imagined herself being in Arnav's arms. It felt so good.

"You don't have to worry about anything now... Just relax..."

Arnav watched Khushi as she was lost into the feeling. She is so innocent!

Knock! Knock!

Khushi's eyes flapped open at the sound.

"Khushi?" her mom called out.

Oh no! Ma! Khushi grabbed her phone instantly. "Bye bye bye!" she whispered and disconnected the video call in a hurry.

Arnav was a bit disappointed. He wanted to look at her for longer, but couldn't. Why did the call have to end so abruptly! Damn!

"I'm changing Ma!" replied Khushi to her mom who was waiting for her to open the door.

"Okay beta, come out after you are done. We need to discuss... Just over three weeks left for your engagement!"

"Okay Ma!"

Khushi heaved a sigh of relief as she heard her mom walk away. Just over three weeks for our engagement! She was very excited. She quickly changed into her night dress to go out and join her parents. Remembering something, she paused at the door and hurried back to grab her phone to type a message.

Thank you so much, Arnav! It means a lot!

Within no time, she got a reply.

Aaah! That hurt! I wish you had said something more beautiful than just 'Thank you'

Khushi knew exactly what Arnav wanted her to say.

Not until you say it!

Both laughed staring at their screens knowing the other would never give in so easily.