ArShi SS: A Nameless Love (Thread Two Link on Page 1) - Page 36

beautiful update as always

Arnav is right, he is going to face everything!

thanks for pm x

Awesome chapter. I am happy that Arnav decided to stay and to know the truth of his mother’s death.

lovelylovely... wonderful updates...

i had a doubt about Nani... becoz of her restlessness ...

it is so sad to think about the whole thing from Arnav's side..... it was too much to suffer for a child

i am loving this budding relationship between Khushi and Arnav...

loved the updates (i missed this story ... during my exam time..,,)

The story is now poised at a very interesting stage. Happy that Arnav wants to know about his parent’s marriage.

Of all the people Arnav had to bear the brunt of a forced and loveless marriage of his parents also his grand mother despite knowing the truth about her daughter’s crimes she covered her daughter’s faults and put the blame on Birendra mallik.

But he also is to be blamed even after fathering a child instead of living together as a family and accepting his son and loving him he kept him away as a result he thinks his father is to be blamed.

waiting to see what happens next

Awesome update

Finally Arnav decides to know about the entire truth which was hidden by his Grand mother.

Hope he will understand his father well this time.

I think Nani is keeping some secret. Nice of Arnav to stay there only. Nice update!!

On ch 7: so arnav is bit (?) happy atleast as Akash is not romantically interested in khushi !

Also how’s arnav’s take on his father health status?

Love the last few updates !! Great story and great going !!

Chapter 12

“Is there something you want to ask me, Akash?” Dr. Kumar said after Akash had opened his mouth and then closed it for the fifth time. They were in the car, heading back to the Mahal. Akash and he hadn’t talked ever since Malik had decided to spill the entire truth before his adopted son. Dr. Kumar could guess that Akash had questions.

Akash just shook his head, going back to staring into the screen of his cell phone.

“Are you sure?” Dr. Kumar gave a long look to Akash.

Akash turned his head towards Dr. Kumar. Both of them were sitting in back seat. Akash spared a glance at the driver in the front of the car and then looked again at the doctor.

“There’s nothing to ask. I just want to thank you for being here for Baba. In spite of all that your family and you suffered, you stuck by Baba’s side. I…It has only multiplied the respect and love that I always had for you, Uncle” Akash said.

Dr. Kumar processed the words and a barely imperceptible nod was all he gave in return.

~~**~~

When Arnav walked into the waiting room he found Khushi deep in thought.

“I thought the doctor said he is going to recover” He said and Khushi looked at him.

“Yes, he will” She said.

“So, what’s on your mind? Worried about your growing age?” He said, taking a seat.

Khushi noticed the hint of amusement on his face and shook her head.

“You’re the one to talk? You’re already old” She said, resting her back against the couch.

Arnav frowned at her.

“That’s not even close to funny. I am not even thirty” He replied.

“Aww! So defensive” Khushi returned the amused smile, this time making Arnav shake his head.

“So, are you gonna tell me? What are you thinking?” He asked seriously.

“Isn’t it strange how we think we know someone and then it turns out we don’t really?” She posed the question.

“We can never know anyone completely. We only think we do. But, the truth is that most of the times we don’t even know ourselves completely” Arnav stated after taking a pause.

“What do you mean?” Khushi looked at Arnav. He looked back at her.

“Sometimes we decide to do things one way but then we go ahead and do the exact opposite. We surprise ourselves. You know what I am saying?” Arnav said.

“So glad to know it’s not just me then” Khushi gave him a half-smile.

“Definitely not just you!” Arnav replied back.

Khushi’s half smile turned full. She found herself looking at him longer than it was needed or appropriate.

“What?” Arnav asked her. She looked away.

“Nothing! I am going to check upon Malik Uncle” She said, standing up.

“He’s asleep” Arnav stood up too.

“I’ll go check again” Khushi said, walking around the center table to leave but ended up bumping into its edge.

Before she could fall on the table, Arnav’s hand had found its way around her waist to balance her.

“Sorry, I keep stumbling” She mumbled, trying to straighten up but found him staring at her, hand still around her.

“All the time” He said, letting go slowly. Khushi noticed the subtle way in which he flexed his fingers after they left her waist.

She cleared her throat and stepped away from him. To a safer distance. She could still feel the pressure of those fingers around her waist.

“You said he is asleep. How do you..”

“I checked before I came in” He replied and settled again into the chair.

Khushi gave him a perplexed look.

“Like I said, sometimes we surprise ourselves” He said.

Khushi wanted to say that she was proud he was trying to be on his best behaviour, but she didn’t. She might not know him completely but she now knew him enough to know that he didn’t want to hear that.

~~**~~

As evening fell and the doctors declared that they will release Birendra Singh Malik the next day, Akash volunteered to stay the night at the hospital.

Khushi contested him on it saying he was already here the previous night.

“Both of you will go home. I will stay” Doctor Kumar stated in a tone that left no room for further argument.

So, both of them nodded and Doctor Kumar walked out of the waiting room.

“You are dropping me home?” Khushi asked Akash once both of them were alone in the room.

“Do you even have to ask?” Akash replied, texting in his phone.

“No, I don’t. But, I was thinking we can continue our conversation from earlier” Khushi said.

“Not today” Akash replied, still busy in his phone.

“Why not? And who are you texting?” She tried to look into his phone but he stepped away.

“No no! You’re not looking in my phone” He said.

“What? Since when?” Khushi placed her hands on her waist.

“Since now. Come on! We should get moving” He said, putting away his phone and Khushi frowned at him.

“You can frown on the way back to your house” He said, already moving.

Khushi mimicked his words and followed after him.

Once both of them were inside Akash’s car, Khushi turned to him.

“I hope you’re not planning some birthday surprise for me”

Akash looked at Khushi.

“I am not. You already told me not to”

“I am just making sure you listened” She said.

“When do I not?” Akash said.

“I could write a book on all the times you didn’t. And how it always backfired” Khushi said, slightly smirking.

Akash merely nodded his head and continued with his driving.Once they reached Chowk, Akash parked his car at the nearby garage.

“You know you don’t have to walk me till home” Khushi said as they walked together.

“Just like you don’t have to say that every time I do” Akash replied.

“I am noticing that you’re coming up with lot of rebuttals these days” Khushi commented.

“Glad you’re noticing. Lately, you haven’t been giving me the attention I deserve” Akash said and Khushi laughed.

“Attention that you deserve? Who are you? The Nawab?” She kept laughing and until both of them reached the front door of her house.

Akash just shook his head and knocked at the door.

“Hey” Khushi said, noticing that he didn’t seem to find it funny.

“Were you serious?” She asked, placing a hand on his arm.

Akash looked at her.

“I just miss the old times, you know? The fun and simple times” He said.

Khushi knew what he meant. She missed the old times too. Before she could say that, the door opened.

“Everything good at the hospital?” Her father asked when he looked at the serious faces before him.

“Much better than yesterday, Uncle” Akash turned towards him and said with a smile.

"That's what I was expecting to hear. Now come in, you two" Shashi Gupta said and Akash walked in, Khushi following after him.

"What is this?" Khushi's eyes turned bigger when she noticed the spread on the table. There were ten kinds of food sitting on the table.

"It's a celebratory dinner. My daughter is turning twenty-five tonight" Shashi Gupta said, moving to the kitchen.

"You cooked all this? All by yourself?" Khushi walked after him while Akash plopped down on the couch, watching the daughter and the father.

"I anyway needed to get back to practice. Now, go sit with Akash. It'll be done in another half an hour" Shashi Gupta said to Khushi who looked at Akash.

"What? I didn't plan it!" He said, raising his hands.

"Really? Who were you texting?" She demanded.

"I guess he was texting me"

Khushi turned and found Arnav at the door, holding bags.

"What is going on?" She looked back at her father who was stirring a pot.

"Don't ask me! I only planned to cook" Shashi Gupta replied and went back to his cooking.

Khushi turned away from her father and watched as Arnav walked up to the kitchen and stuffed the box in the refrigerator.

Then, he walked past her and into the kitchen.

"Why don't you go get changed, Uncle? I can take it from here" He said to her father.

"Thanks, son!" Shashi Gupta said, placing a hand on Arnav's shoulder.

Then he turned towards Khushi.

"Look at her! Still standing here. Go get changed, Khushi! And don't take much time" Shashi Gupta said and left to his room.

Khushi first watched her father leave, then she looked at Akash who was sprawled on the couch watching Television and then she finally looked at Arnav who was now filling the bowl with kheer.

"What is going on, Arnav? How? When?" She said.

"Oh come on, Khushi! We know this isn't the best birthday surprise but the the least you can do is look excited" Arnav said and before she could say more, she noticed his gaze sweeping her from head to toe.

"Yeah. You are not cutting your birthday cake in that. Go, get changed" He said.

"Why?" She asked.

"You were right, Akash! This is less of fun and more of an ordeal" Arnav said in a louder voice.

"Hate to say 'I told you', Bhai" Akash's voice floated from the drawing room.

"Yeah. I should have listened" Arnav said.

"I am right here" Khushi said.

"We know" said both the brothers.

"Now, go get changed! I haven't eaten anything since the afternoon" Arnav said.

"Yeah. I am going. Just tell me this. Did you plan all this?" She asked.

"If I say yes, will you go and get changed?" Arnav asked.

"Yes" She said.

"Then yes! I called Shashi Uncle to ask if he was doing anything. He said he will be cooking a special dinner for you. I volunteered to buy the cake. That's all the planning that went into this" He said.

"You called Babuji?"

"Yes, I did. Akash gave me the number" Arnav said and watched as Khushi stared at him.

"What?" He said.

"Nothing!" She said and left quietly to her room.

Arnav watched her go and wondered what made her so quiet. Was he doing too much too soon? After the doctors had given the green signal that Birendra Singh Malik was going to be discharged the next day, Arnav had approached Akash and asked if he had any plans for Khushi's birthday. Akash had shook his head.

"I thought she wouldn't want to celebrate, you know? With Baba's cancer and all that? Although, I do plan to buy her a gift" He had said.

"Yeah. But to not do anything will just add to the gloom" Arnav had countered.

"That's a point too, Bhai. So, what do you think we should do?" Akash had said.

"Give me Shashi Uncle's number. I'll check up with him and then let you know" Arnav had said before leaving the hospital.

After that, he had called up her father and asked if he had any plans. Shashi Gupta had told him about the dinner he planned to prepare and Arnav had offered to help.

Thus, here he was.

Once Khushi was gone and Arnav decided he was overthinking about her reaction, he got back to putting the food in serving bowls.

"Do I have to issue a royal decree before you come and assist me, Akash?" He addressed Akash again who was still sprawled on the couch.

Arnav heard the immediate shuffling of feet and Akash was in the kitchen in an instant.

"Sorry, Bhai. Dhoni was about to hit a six" Akash said sheepishly.

"What's new in that? Take these dishes and put them on the table. Then carry these plates. I'll go and check upon uncle" He said and Akash got to work.

Arnav went to Shashi Gupta's room first and knocked on the door once.

"The table is set, Uncle" He said.

"I'll be out in a second, Arnav. And please Khushi or we'll be waiting till her next birthday" He said.

"Sure, Uncle" Arnav replied and moved towards her room.

~~**~~

Khushi had gotten into a faded blue salwar kurta which was paired with a red dupatta. All the while she was getting dressed, she kept mumbling to herself about the futility of it all.

They were having dinner at home. Why does she have to dress up? She was going to tell off Arnav for doing this. Malik Uncle was in the hospital and she is having birthday dinner? She had already said they will do this dinner a few days later. But, no! No one listens to her.

Or in this case, Arnav didn't listen to her. Akash did. He planned nothing. He did nothing. Exactly what she wanted. He is a good friend. Arnav? Not so much. She told herself.

"God!" She said in exasperation when she struggled and failed to reach the dori at the back of her kurta. How did she forget this one had a deeper back? It will take half an hour for her to get this thing tied.

She was still trying to reach her fingers to the dori, when she stilled. Another set of fingers trailed on the skin of her exposed back. She tried to turn but..

"Stay still" The words were a command and Khushi turned her neck slightly to see Arnav standing behind her. He moved her hair out of his way and pulled the strings together, his fingers again grazing against her skin.

"Arnav.." She shivered at the contact. What was he doing inside?

"I am famished, Khushi" He said, as he knotted the strings and she looked at his face surprised.

"What?"

"Hungry!" He said, looking at her wide eyes. He was still standing behind her and she was half-turned towards him.

His fingers trailed her skin one more time as he let go of the strings and his eyes met hers.

"I know it's your birthday but can you step out now? I can't wait to get started with the delicious food outside" He said.

She blinked.

Hungry! He meant food. They have a dinner waiting. She jumped away from him.

"I am ready" She said, failing to contain the rush of colour in her cheeks. What the hell is going on with her? And with him? That reminded her she was supposed to be upset with him.

"You and I are going to have words after the dinner" She said to him, narrowing her eyes.

"Words? I was thinking kheer!" He replied, tongue in cheek.

"That's not even a joke! And who's delaying now? Get moving" She said and walked out of the room, making sure to cover her back with the mass of her hair.

Arnav didn't follow out immediately. He knew he was being pushy with her and he had no right. But, he felt like he had every right. She didn't even chastise him for what he did. He could still feel the soft touch of her skin beneath his fingers.

Well, if she wants to have words with him about it later, he will. He has already cleared things with Akash. Maybe it was time for him to give her a hint too. He liked being around her, he liked talking to her, he liked listening to her. She should know that too. Suddenly, he found himself looking forward to having 'words' with her.

~~**~~

The clock had struck 11:50 by the time dinner was a done affair and Khushi had insisted to clean the dishes. Akash had told her she was being dull but she didn't care to listen.

Arnav had offered to help with the dishes but she had dismissed him. So, the three men sat before the television and watched the highlights of the match.

When only three minutes remained, Arnav hinted Akash to get the ball rolling.

Akash nodded and disappeared from the room.

Shashi Gupta walked up to Khushi and told her it was the time to cut the cake.

Arnav arranged the cake on a stool and lighted the candles.

"One more minute to go" Akash said, walking in the room with a huge box in his hand.

"Where did that come from?" Khushi said.

"Fifty seconds. Take position" Arnav said, clicking his fingers before her eyes.

"Take position? This is a cake, Arnav. Not a front" She rolled her eyes.

"Be a sport, will you?" Akash said, putting the box beside her.

"Twenty seconds" Her father said.

"Babuji, you too?" She said to her father who just smiled back.

"Ten seconds" Akash said.

Khushi looked at the cake in front of her and took the plastic knife in her hands. The excitement around her was getting to her too.

"Five..four..three"

She noticed the grinning faces before her and couldn't help but grin back.

"Two..one" She finished the counting and blew the candles amidst cheers and wishes.

"Happy Birthday, Khushi" Her father said once both Arnav and Akash stopped clapping.

"Thank you, Babuji" She smiled and touched his feet. He placed a loving hand on her head and Khushi hugged him.

"Are you going to give us the cake or not?" Akash said, breaking the happy moment.

"You'll get it in the last" Khushi said, pulling back and cut a piece.

Her father fed it to her and she fed it back to him.

"Now, I should go sleep. I can barely keep my eyes open" Shashi Gupta said and excused himself.

Khushi knew it was his way of letting the kids have their fun.

Once Shashi left, Khushi cut another piece and offered it to Arnav.

"What? You're not going to feed it to me?" He asked her.

"I am not feeding anything to the two of you. You planned behind my back" She said to them.

"I don't think you'll mind that much when you open the gift" Akash replied.

That was enough for Khushi to reach the large box and start unwrapping it.

"This better be good" She said and opened the box.

"Mangoes?" She exclaimed.

Akash burst out laughing while Arnav was trying to hide his smile at Khushi's indignant face.

"Baba especially requested me to handpick them for you" Akash said, still laughing.

"This is not funny! I am not eleven anymore" Khushi cried out.

"Apparently, Baba doesn't think so" Akash said and picked a mango from the box.

"Chausa! My favorite" He admired the fruit and headed to the kitchen to wash it.

"Where are you going? Where is the real gift?" Khushi demanded.

"Look who is being greedy now! I thought you didn't want to celebrate in the first place" Akash replied from the kitchen.

"But.." Khushi said, shutting the carton box and looked at Arnav.

"What did you get me?" She asked him, crossing her hands across the chest.

Arnav found himself looking sideways.

"What? After forcing me to change into this stupid dress and then making me cut this cake, you didn't get me anything?" She asked.

"Well.." Arnav began, his voice hesitant.

"I do have the gift but it's at home. I didn't get time to bring it. So, if you want it you will have to come and get it at the Mahal" Akash walked back to the room with a plate and a knife.

Khushi just shook her head and took the knife from Akash.

"Go eat your mango from your orchard! These are mine" She said, taking the mango as well and Akash laughed at her irritated face.

"Fine! Have your mangoes. I have a full orchard of them" He said and turned towards Arnav.

"I am thinking I should go back to the hospital, Bhai. I hope you don't mind going back alone?" Akash said.

"I am a big boy, Akash. Go" Arnav said.

"Great!" Akash said and tuned towards Khushi.

"You're gonna love the gift I got you. You'll see it tomorrow" He hugged her from the side and wished her happy birthday once again.

She hugged him back and he walked out, wishing good night to Arnav.

Once Akash was gone and it was only Arnav and Khushi in the room, he turned towards her.

"So?" He said.

"So what?" Khushi said.

"You wanted to have words" He reminded her.

"I sure do" She said.

"But, first, let me put these away" She said and Arnav watched as she moved the mango box to a corner and then put away the remaining cake in the fridge.

"Let's go upstairs" She said.

"Why?" Arnav said, although he was already following her.

"I like looking at the stars when I talk" She replied.

Once they were on the rooftop, she motioned him to sit down on the ledge.

"Really? Are you planning to push me down?" He asked her but sat down anyway.

"If I haven't pushed Akash in so many years, I am not pushing you" She said.

"Glad to hear" Arnav said and looked at her.

Under the pale moonlight, she looked ethereal. Arnav found himself admiring her. She looked at him and noticed the softness in his eyes. It made her own heart flutter. Why is his face so perfect? She wondered and recalled the brush of his fingers against her neck.

That reminded her she was supposed to have words with him.

"Ahem" she cleared her throat.

"This whole thing that you did..calling Babuji, bringing a cake, conspiring with Akash, this was not good, Arnav" She said.

"You think I will believe that?" Arnav said, still watching her face.

"I saw the happiness on your face when you noticed us around you right before you cut the cake. And it's alright, Khushi. You don't have to feel guilty for having a little fun. My father might be sick and in a hospital but you have done enough for them. And, celebrating your birthday, cutting a cake will not undo any of that. You're allowed your share of happiness" Arnav said to her and she blinked at him.

"How do you know that.."

"That you feel guilty? Because, I have been through it. Those two birthdays I had in the Mahal after my mother had passed away, I used to hate cutting that cake. Any celebration without her in it seemed wrong. But, that's how life is. We cannot stop our lives because someone is no longer in it" He said and Khushi understood his each word. She huddled closer to him.

"You're right" She said, noticing where his hand rested on the ledge. Should she hold it? She wanted to.

He removed his hand from the ledge and placed it inside his blazer. She watched as he pulled out a box. It had her name written on it.

"Happy birthday" He said and extended the box towards her.

"You brought me a gift?" Her face lit up.

"I bought it a few months ago" He said and Khushi looked at him in surprise.

"Months? But, you didn't know you'll be here" She said.

"But, I knew that one day I will meet you and a friendship will be unavoidable. I wanted to be ready for that day" He said and Khushi stilled at his words. She didn't know what to say. He had thought about this moment even without knowing when will he meet her? She couldn't remember the last time anyone had said or done something so thoughtful for her.

The smile on her face was the most genuine she had had in a long time. It made her heart smile too.

She took the box from him and unwrapped it.

Arnav watched as she opened the box and marvelled at what lay inside.

It was a platinum pendent with an picture engraved in the metal.

He watched as her eyes moistened.

"How did you get this picture?" She asked him. It was the picture of her and her mother. From many years ago.

"It was in Akash's phone a few years back. I had taken it from him" He said.

"Years?" She repeated.

"Hmm" He replied, using his thumb to wipe the tear that dropped from her eye.

"Arnav, I..Ii don't know how to thank you for this! I love it. It is perfect" She said and hugged him.

A few seconds ticked by and Arnav pulled away from her, without letting go completely.

"You don't have to thank me! I have to thank you, Khushi. What you did that day, coming to find me and listening to me. I have never talked about my mother to anyone in a long time. Not even, Nani. When I left here, I told her everything that I had done and heard. She listened to me and hugged me. But, after that we didn't talk about my mother. She doesn't like to talk about her. Says it's too painful to hear about her and I understand that. She lost her daughter at an untimely age. Anyway, talking to you..it felt good" Arnav said to Khushi who nodded her head.

"Anytime, Arnav! You and I can talk about anything and anytime. In fact, there are some things that I too want to tell you" Khushi said.

"About you or.." Arnav asked.

"About me" Khushi said. She knew he didn't want to talk about Malik Uncle. Neither did she. Not before she knew more from Akash.

"I don't think there is much for you to tell me. You forget that Akash yaps about you all the time" Arnav said with a chuckle.

Khushi chuckled back and nodded her head.

"That he does!" She said.

"I think I should go now" He said.

"Don't go just yet" Khushi said.

"I know I have charmed your father, Khushi but I think he will still kick my ass if he wakes up and finds me around so late" Arnav said and Khushi laughed.

"No, he won't! And that reminds me, when did you get so thick with Babuji? I remember he called you son! And you were cooking with him? How did that happen?" She enquired.

"Let's just say he might have gotten a huge sweets consignment because of me and he is already aware of my good values. Those are enough reasons for him to like me" Arnav said with a smirk.

Khushi shook her head at him.

"You're.."

Arnav's phone started to ring.

"Excuse me, Khushi" His tone changed all together and Khushi watched as he walked away from her, attending the call in a corner. When he came back after a few minutes, his mood had shifted entirely.

"Who was it?" she asked him.

"My Mami" He said.

"Oh" Khushi said. She had heard about his Mama and Mami from Akash but details had been thin. Both of them lived in Delhi at Raizada Mansion but often spent a lot of time away in Sydney at their son's place.

"Is everything alright?" She asked Arnav.

"Yeah. Mama and Mami came back from Sydney yesterday. They want me to come back to Delhi" Arnav said.

Khushi's face fell instantly. She hadn't even considered that he might go back to Delhi. She was just beginning to...she didn't finish that thought.

"Why do they want you to come back?" She asked him.

"Nani must have asked her to call me. I don't see why else Mami will bother to call me" Arnav said, pacing on the roof.

"What does that mean?"

"That means she doesn't like me too much. She thinks I plan on stealing away the Raizada property. But, becuase of Nani she is forced to bear my presence in the house" Arnav said and Khushi realized there was so much she didn't know about his life in Delhi.

"So, will you go?" Khushi found herself asking. Why was she feeling restless just by the thought that he might go? Is it just because he brought her a gift that meant her more than any gift she had ever received? Or was it because it was so easy to talk to him? Or was it because he genuinely seemed to care about her?

"I am not going anywhere" Arnav said, putting the phone back in his pocket.

"I am glad to hear that! I don't want to lose my newest friend" She said to him.

"You will never lose me" Arnav replied and Khushi saw the conviction behind his words. It made her oddly relieved.

"Give it to me" He said to her and she realized he was talking about the pendent.

She handed him the box.

"Turn around" He said and Khushi did.

Once again, his fingers grazed the skin behind her neck as he adjusted the hair out of her way. Then he placed the chain around her neck and worked the clasp.

Khushi could sense that he was standing close. Her back was almost touching his front. Was he not aware that he was too close?

"Looks perfect" He peeked over her shoulder to look at the pendent resting just above her bosoms, in the process moving even closer. Khushi closed her eyes, feeling his chest rubbing against her back.

Arnav realized she had gone silent. So, he placed his hands on her arms and turned her towards him. He noticed her closed eyes and shallow breaths and was surprised for a second. He didn't know he affected her so much. It was a heady realization.

"Open you eyes, Khushi" He said to her. She opened them and found him staring at her.

There was depth in his eyes. A long buried memory hit her suddenly. The day of Akash's birthday party, his eyes had practically chased her all night. Everywhere she had gone, he had been watching. She realized she had always had his attention. Even all those years back! He had cared to call her on her every birthday. Cared to wish her personally! Suddenly, she found all of it heartwarming. Knowing him in person now, she could put all his actions in context. He had always cared.

She watched as he leaned in. A mere second later, his lips were on her cheek. He let them linger long enough that Khushi felt her skin heat.

"Happy twenty-fifth birthday" He said and walked away.

Khushi didn't stop him. She stood on the roof for a long time. All alone under the stars.

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Beautiful update

I love reading about khushi birthday celebrations part and the ending was lovely.