This is the longest chapter I have ever written. It is technically supposed to be two chapters, but I added it into one. Please do tell me what you guys think :)
Chapter 88
Minta: hey khushi, tum kitni khush lag rahi hoon. All good?
Khushi sighed and then laughed.
Khushi: haan, kyon kay tum ja rahi ho na, is liye. Minta;s smile disappeared. Tom couldnt stop laughing.
Khushi: good luck Tom, now she is your problem. My sympathies are with you.
Everyone laughed and khushi went back to her dorm and started to work. Quickly getting it cleaned up. She had an idea. She picked up her phone and called MM.
Khsuhi: Namaste Mom. How are you?
MM: Khushi, I am very very good. All ok, aj subha hi subha?
Khushi: Gi voh , all is ok. I just.. voh..
MM started to laugh. Hmm, so it was about Aranv.
MM: So, what do you want to know. About Aranv.. hmm.
Khushi started to blush. She was caught. How did MM know?
Khushi: Voh..main.. kuch nahin.
MM started to laugh.
MM: Ok, is it, something you want to know about him. If you dont speak up beti you will never know. Hmm.
Khushi: gee.
MM: So pocho.
Khushi: Voh..Mom,, favourite dish pooch ni hi. And uski recipe.
While holding onto her phone with one hand, she hid her face with the other. She was embaressed, nervous and couldnt believe that she just asked her mother in law that question.
MM: so, his favourite dish is Koftay. But, he has this specific taste that he likes with it. Let me text you the recipe.
Khush: Thank you mom.
MM: No, Thank you khushi. I am very very happy today that you called and asked me. I want you two to understand each other, likes dislikes and everything. Call me if you need anymore help or information. Ok.
They both hung up the phone and khushi noticed that were there a few things in the recipe that she needed to go and get. But she wanted to surprise Aranv. She figured that she could go shopping during her two lectures today, and make it while arnav has his last lecture later that night.
She heard a knock on the door. She went over and opened it, IT was Arnav. He was holding a big box. His face was almost all covered. She smiled and let him in. He walked up to the table and placed the box on it. Khushi looked outside and noticed the other boxes there too. She was about to go and get them,
Arnav: no dont khushi. They are heavy. I will do it.
Khushi: its ok, I can manage.
Aranv looked at her with a smile and raised eyebrow. He folded his arms infront of his body.
Arnav: Acha, ok, push one. Please. I insist.
Khushi: I may look small, but i have a lot of strength. ok.
Khushi tied the duppata on her side, and walked behind a box. She started to push it. But her shoes kept on sliding back. The box was heavy, but she kept on trying to push it.
Arnav just chuckled. She was too cute of a sight.
Arnav: Umm, khushi. Can you please make me a cup of chai. Please.
Khushi smiled of relief.
Khushi: Magar yeh,
Aranv tried to keep his smile to a minimum and cleared his throat.
Arnav: no no its ok. You make better chai than I do. I will get the boxes, you can help me if i dont finish. ok.
With that khushi went to the kitchen. Arnav stopped her in her path. She looked up at him. Still trying to catch her breath from all the workout that she just had. He smiled and put his hand behind back. He pulled out a rose and brought it to the front.
She smiled and shyfully looked down.
Arnav: For you... She gently held onto the rose and made her way to the kitchen. She first got a glass, filled it with water and placed the rose init. She then put the rose on the table. It was perfect. A single red rose, for the both of them, on the table for their dinner tonight together. She smiled and made chai. Khushi: Umm, arnav, I have a lecture I need to go to. I have made your chai and a sandwich for you, just going to go and get ready. Do you need anything else?
Aranv brought in the last box and placed it on the ground.
Arnav: no, thanks that should be good. Oh, Khushi I also have lectures today, and classes. I might be a bit late. Dinner together, ok?
As khushi went into her room as she said OK.
Aranv sat down at the table and started to eat his breakfast, while khushi quickely changed into the red turtle neck shirt that he got for her and applied the foundation, just in case on top of the mark on her neck. She didnt want to take any risks.
She stepped out of her room and started to quickly grab her bag.
Arnav: Khushi, come here for a second.
Khushi: Arnav, late ho rahi hoon.
Arnav: come here,
She walked over and he gestured her to sit down. She sat down and looked at him. Arnav pushed the plate with half a sandwich in front of her.
Arnav: I know you didnt eat anything either, hmm.
She smiled.
Khushi: its ok, i am not that hungry. Plus, i will be back here for a bit in the day. Just have this two hour lecture I need to get to.
Arnav raised his eyebrow and gave her a stern look.
She took one bite of the sandwich and took a sip of the tea.
Khushi: theek hai.
Arnav: its not ok, but it will ok.
She smiled, got up, and was about to walk away. She stood behind him. Smiled, bit her bottom lip and leaned over his shoulder.
Khushi: Voh, btw. Umm.. apki chai..
Aranv turned his head a little bit and looked at his cup. What was khushi talking about. She quickly placed a kiss on his cheek. With that khushi ran out of the dorm and to the lecture hall.
Arnav smiled and shook his head. He then cleared up his mess, took his boxes to his room and started to unpack. He only had a little bit of time to get this done before he had to leave for his classes as well.
Khushi finished her lecture and ran to the grocery store, got the missing ingrediants, plus some extra stuff that she thought that arnav might like and ran back to the dorm. Luckily aranv was not there and gone. Khushi only had a little bit of time to get dinner made and complete off her work. But it was just the thought of being able to do dinner with Arnav alone that kept her going. It was already a crazy busy day, but it was his thoughts that made her get through it. She quickely finished off her work and went to her next lecture.
Arnav got a call from his other professor. His professor needed Aranv to help him out with some of his research later that evening. Arnav knew he was going to be late. Evening time came and khushi noticed that her phone had died. She put it on charge and set up the table for the both of them. Aranv noticed the time, but still had a lot of work to complete off. He messaged khushi that he would be late and not to wait up for him.
Khushi didnt receive the message and waited for him while sitting on the sofa. She grabbed one of her books and tried to complete off some of her readings for her midterms that were coming up. It became very late, and khushi fell asleep on the sofa with the book in her hands. Aranv quietly came in and noticed khushi sleeping. He sighed and smiled. He put his bags away, picked her up and placed her in her bed. He knew he couldnt touch her, but he didnt want to leave her there like that. He closed her room door and noticed the table set. He looked at his phone and noticed khushi still didnt read his message. He scrunched his nose and felt bad. That she waited for him with all this, and he didnt make it in time. He then received a message from his mother. He went to his room called her.
Arnav: Hi mom.
MM: Hi beta, its late, why are you still up?
Arnav: I just got back, had a late evening with a professor and some research work.
MM: Professor, acha. Dont lie to me Arnav. I know you and Khushi were out having dinner.
Arnav: no mom, i swear. And why would you say that.
Arnav was a little shocked that his mother knew that him and khushi were to have dinner together. Did khushi tell her that they moved in together. No, she couldnt have, she didnt want anyone to know.
MM: Because, my dearest son, my beti called me up today and asked me for your favourite dish and its recipe. She was too adorable when she was asking me.
Aranv was surprised that khushi actually called up his mother to find out his favourite dish and made it for him. He immediatly got up, and went to the kitchen, looked on the table, opened the lid on the dish and smiled. He felt very blessed at that time. He brought his head forward and smelled the mesmerizing aroma of the dish.
Arnav: Mom, it smells just like the one that you make.
MM: smells?
Arnav: haan voh, I have some with me right now. Is liye.
He almost gave away their secret. But luckily stopped just in time. He put the food back into the fridge, and noticed that khushi had managed to go shopping to get all of his favourites. He sighed,
Arnav: Mom, Umm. Its really late. Is it ok if I call you later.
MM: sure beta, love you. Go to bed. Bye
Aranv went to his room and lay down in his bed. He knew he had to do something special for khushi, but what was the question. He always only surprised her, but she took care of all of his needs. He wanted to wake up early so he could get breakfast ready for her, just as a little surprise. He fell asleep as he thought of what he could do or try to make. He didnt realize that he forgot to put on his alarm.
The next morning, khushi woke up and was surprised that she was in her bed. She smiled and knew how she got there. She sighed, thankfully Aranv picked her up, knowing he had a right to. Now to see if she could manage to get him to realize that he had a right over her. Not just his responsibilities towards her. She got her duppata and went outside. She noticed the food put away, she opened the fridge and saw that nothing was eaten. She checked her phone and hit her head. He messaged her and she didnt know. Khushi quickly made breakfast for them and two cups of chai. She first thought of making one, but knew he was probably still tired from yesterday, so would need more. As she worked, Aranv woke up in his room, noticed the time and ran out. He saw her standing in the kitchen already cooking. He covered his face with both of his hands and pushed his head back.
Arnav: argh, such a... uff. I forgot the alarm.
He moved his hands, shook his face to wake himself up and started to walk towards her. He wanted to grab her from the back and just hug her. But stopped. He promised not to touch her. If she could do so much for him, then this was the least he could do for her.
Arnav: good morning, sorry, I think I slept in.
Khushi turned her head around and smiled as she saw him walking up. Hoping that maybe he would come and hug her or just hold her. He smiled and sat down at the table. She sighed, he still didnt realize it. “Its ok, with time, he will realize it, i hope” she thought to herself.
Khushi: good morning, breakfast and chai are almost made.
Arnav: let me just freshen up. Hmmm.
She nodded and Aranv went to freshen up. She quickly finished and brought the plates over and put the two cups of tea. Arnav returned and was amazed by the aroma that filled the room. Khushi was an amazing cook. He sat down and looked at the table.
Arnav: no. I wont have this.
Khushi looked at him all worried.
Arnav: there are two cups of tea. We, will only have one.
She smiled.
Khushi: But, we cant just throw this away. Right.
Arnav: Ok, we start with one first, and then we have the other one, AFTER!
Khushi giggled. They both enjoyed their breakfast. She was about to get up and cleanup, but he stopped her.
Arnav: You made it, I clean it.
Khushi: its ok, I can manage it.
Arnav: Khushi, listen. I really dont want us to become the olden days type of people, where You do all the housework and i just work outside. No, please no. We are both here, both the same, and both equal. Please.
She tilted her head and sighed. She felt blessed having a person like him. She nodded.
Aranv: magar, chai please tum hi banana. I am really bad at that. And i Think, you will end up spoiling me with your cooking as well. The best I can do is a packet of noodles that i just need to boil.
Khushi laughed.
Khushi: its ok, hummay voh bhi manzoor hai. I have labs to get to. I will go and get ready. Hmm.
Aranv started to clean up, while khushi went and got ready. Aranv sat on the sofa with his laptop. There was a lot of work that he had to finish up before leaving for his classes. Khushi walked behind him. And saw him. She had an idea. She leaned over his shoulder and just looked at his laptop. He smiled, closed his eyes and just took in her aroma. Her jasmine perfume always drove him insane. As his eyes were closed, she turned her face and quickly placed a kiss on his cheek. She moved her head back and ran out the dorm.
Aranv just chuckled. That was the second kiss that she gave him since he moved there. He thought there was a no touching condition to him living there, he was a bit confused but decided not to question his luck.
Khushi went to the lab, but wasnt able to focus that much. She just kept on thinking as to how she could arnav to realize his rights. She finished the lab and came back to the dorm. Arnav had already left for his classes. She stayed in, she knew she wasnt able to focus much. She even tried to study, but wasnt able to. She just had to completely relax her mind and self down. She took a quick shower and made herself a cup of chai. She went and put on a movie. She just had to unwind otherwise she wouldnt be able to do anything. She got a blanket and put on a movie. She kept on thinking of what she would be able to do, practically. Knowing how hessitant and shy she was, she wasnt sure if anything that came to her mind was feasible for her. She even kissed him herself before leaving both days, and yet he wasnt able to get the hint. She thought that she should just leave it then, maybe with time arnav would realize it himself. She just could not let this get to her. She stopped the movie, left the blanket on the sofa and went out for a stroll in the garden. She walked when she noticed something from far. Inside the main foyee in the main campus area Aranv was standing around with his friends and just laughing around. She smiled as she saw him. She stayed far, she didnt want to disturb him. She was about to turn around when she noticed something. Or more like, someone. She rubbed her eyes a couple of times, and was a bit confused. Someone just came up to Arnav and smiled, They flung their arms right around and Aranv also hugged them back. Who was this person. She walked a bit closer and noticed that this person was a girl.
Khushi had looked even closer, she hadnt seen this girl around campus before. She had shoulder length black hair, tied up in a high ponytail, she wore a white blouse with blue jeans. She had very fair skin, and seemed very beautiful. Everyone else in that group was also meeting her as if they knew her very well from before. Khushi stayed a little back. The girl moved back, hugged everyone else, and then returned to standing beside arnav. She grabbed onto Aranvs arm and stood there. She was jovially speaking to everyone in the group. Khushi didnt like the way she was holding onto Aranv. But more importantly, she didnt like the fact that Aranv was very casual around her. He let her hold his arm like that, what was going on? Who was she? Khushis trusted him, and knew he would not do anything to hurt her, but this was getting a bit out of hand. Khushi immediatly called Minta. She turned around and started walking towards Minta and Toms dorm.
Khushi: Hey minta, sorry for disturbing you guys right not. But are you guys inyour dorm. I needed to talk to you about something.
Minta: yeah yeah, all ok. Me and Tom just finished lunch. Want to join us for some coffee?
Khushi: sure.
Khushi went over to their dorm and Minta let her in. Khushi sat on the sofa and waited for Minta to come as well. Tom grabbed his cup and was about to go to his room. He knew Minta and Khushi needed some privacy.
Khushi: Actually, umm. Tom. Can I talk to you about something.
Tom and Minta were both shocked. This was something big. But what.
Tom: Uh, sure.
Tom went and sat down beside Minta. Khushi sometimes would look down, sometimes to the side. She didnt know how to approach this topic or question.
Khushi: voh. Actually. You know Aranv best. I just wanted to know more about you guys. I mean. Me and minta just joined the university this year, you guys have been here for four years. I just wanted to get to know more about how your guys spent you time.
Tom looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
Tom: Us? Past three years? All ok?
Khushi looked down, smiled and nodded.
Khushi: yes, actually, Arnav knows everything about me, you know the entire ..email thing, right. I dont know much about him. He never mentioned anything. I just wanted to know more about him. That is all. Its ok. Dont worry. Sorry for the bother.
She was about to get up, when Minta stopped her. Khushi looked at Minta and minta understood what Khushi was trying to get to. Minta smiled and nodded her head. They both sat down again.
Minta: Actually, what she is talking about is that you know all of our past friends, hobbies and everything right. She just wanted to know his. That is all. Nothing else. I mean, we get to spend more time together in the following years, and khushi and arnav will be separated for a few years in a couple of weeks. Right khushi?
Khushi nodded her head, luckily Minta was there.
Tom: oh, that way. Man you guys had me confused for a second. Haha. Ok, so. First year, from day one Arnav and I were paired together for the dorms. So we pretty much know almost everything about each other in the past fours years. Umm. Aranv has always been very studious, he was the smartest in the batch. Always made sure to get everything done ,ahead of time, perfectly. Any free time, and he would be on his laptop emailing, someone. Hahaha. We all hated it. Umm. He cant cook for the life of him. Trust me.
Khushi started to giggle.
Khushi: I know. That, I know.
Everyone laughed.
Tom: okay, umm. He really likes playing the guitar. Whenever our entire group would hang out together, he would always bring his guitar. Everyone tried to get him to sing, but he just wouldnt. Said he would only sing once.
Khushi blushed and looked down. She tried to keep her smile under control.
Tom: seeing your smile, i think he already has.
Khuhsi nodded her head and started to smiled even more. He sang for her during the picnic last semester, when he took her home for reading week.
Tom: Man, I wish I was there. We all knew he could sing, but he just refused to. You know there is this one girl, no was. There was this one girl in our group. She was always after him to sing. He just wouldnt.
Khushi: who is she. He never mentioned any of his friends in any email. Who was in your group? All from the same program?
Tom: Oh. There was me, Aranv, Salman, and Nadia. Salman is doing his coop placement this year, so he will only meet us at the convocation next November. As for Nadia, she is also doing coop. Man, she was a piece of work I tell you. A very nice sweet simple girl, but man she had the hots for Aranv. Always tried to make sure he is her partner for any assignment, beside him in all classes, everything. Arnav was just chilled around her. He didnt really care, as long as his work was done. Salman liked her, and she liked Aranv. Haha. I would just enjoy watching her trying to push one away and cling onto the other one. Dont worry, Aranv never liked her. He only liked his 'email friend'.
Khushi looked down, licked her lips and slightly blushed. Aranv was always hers, and will always remain hers.
Tom: she use to use Aranv as a shield from Salman. Aranv didnt really care, he would just help her out if she needed any help. He would help anyone out actually. But dont worry, nothing to fear.
Khushi: Tom, I trust him. Always have. Dont worry. I just wanted to know about his friends group and all. I didnt doubt him or his past.
Tom sighed of relief.
Tom: Thank God.I thought you wanted me to give you the names of all the girls that were after him. Which, by the way, were a lot. A lot of girls use to try to get close to him. But he would just ignore it. For Nadia though, he was casual with her. Friends kind of casual. She was part of our group right.
Khushi looked at her phone.
Khushi: Sorry, its getting late. I have an assignment I also needed to finish. Thanks for the coffee Minta, and Tom. Thanks. But please dont tell Aranv I came asking about anything. Please.
She looked athim and smiled. He smiled and blinked at her reassuringly.
Tom: Dontworry. I wouldnt dare. Plus, if I ever did, your best friend Minta,would have my head.
They all laughedand khushi left for her dorm. She came in and saw arnav there.
Arnav: Hey,where were you. I was just about to call. Your lab finished a while back, didnt it?
Khushi: haan,voh. I went over to Mintas for some coffee.
Arnav: oh. ok. Hungry?
Khushi: hmmm..I will come and help. Let me just change.
Arnav: its ok.I am almost done.
Khushi smiled and went into her room to change into her night suit. She had an idea. She knew she trusted Aranv, especially with him being loyal, but it was her mission to get him to know his rights over her. Especially when there is another woman who tried to cling onto him. Khushi started to mumble to herself.
Khushi: that is it!. But.. No. Khushi, you will have to. There is no other way. Especially with the way the other lady just clinged onto him. You need to make him realize this sooner. You cant just leave it up to time. Hmm. I can do this. I can do this!
She got ready, made sure to tie her hair up into a bun, grabbed her duppata and went outside. Aranv had already set up the table and was just getting the glasses.
Arnav: perfect timing,
khushi smiled and walked upto the table. Arnav was just brining the two glasses of water when khushi went and 'accidently' bumped into him. He accidently dropped water onto her duppata and she fell back. Arnav dropped the glasses and held onto her. Her hands were on his shoulders, while his arms were wrapped around her back. They just kept on looking into each others eyes. She smiled as she looked into his deep brown eyes. And he sighed of relief that he was able to prevent her from falling.
After a little while, Aranv started to slowly help khushi get up. She spoke before he would say anything.
Khushi: Thank you.
Arnav: sorry, I didnt know you were right behind me.
Khushi: koi baat nahin.
Arnav: voh khushi, your duppata is completely wet. Sorry. You want me to go and get another one.
Khushi: no, its ok. Mujhe ab zarorat nahin hai. She looked down, blushed and slowly, turned her back to him. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. Why was she blushing. She brought her hand up and held onto her duppata, then slowly walked up to the sofa. She gulped, took off her duppata and rested it against the arm of the sofa. Arnav was left in shock. Did she just remove her veil, put it aside, while he was still there. Purposely? Aranvs eyes were left wide open. His mouth even opened up a bit. She knew what his reaction would be. She took a deep breath and slowly turned around. He just looked at her. Into her eyes, just her face. He gulped. He didnt know what to say, he was left speechless. She she kept her hands down. Her chest heaving slowly. She kept her gaze a little down and started to walk back towards the table. He kept his gaze fixed on her face. His heart was starting to beat a bit faster.
Arnav: voh..(Gulp).. khushi..
Khushi stood right in front of him, but her shoulder pointed towards his body. She slightly tilted her head towards him. Raised her eyes and met his gaze. She tried to keep her shyful smile under control. Well as much as possible. She softly spoke.
Khushi: apkay samnay zarorat nahin mehsoos hoti hai.
Aranvs stopped breathing for a second. He gulped. He wished he could either grab her and hug her tightly at that moment, or even if anything then just go outside to get some fresh air. It was becoming a bit too hot for him inside. He opened his mouth, tried to move his lips, but no words came out. Khushi giggled and sucked in her lips. She cleared her throat. She very slowly and gently took her hand and pushed his chin up to close his mouth. He was just left bowled out at that moment. She brought her hand down. She was going to play Aranvs game against him now. A tit for tat was what he always suggested, so not it was her turn to apply it.
Khushi: Should i wear my duppata? ........I mean, do you want me to wear it? .......Do i need to wear it?
She raised her eyebrow and asked him with a straight face. She looked at him with loving eyes. He tried to answer in a scattered voice..But he had no words coming out of his mouth. He gulped, took a deep breath and held onto the chair. He needed support for standing up at the moment.
Khushi: bolainna Arnav. Is there a need for me to wear it infront of you?
Arnav closed his eyes and in a very shaky manner negatively shook his head. She smiled.
Khushi then very lovingly cupped his face with one hand and asked,
Khushi: khana khanay chalain? I am a bit hungry.
Aranv bend his head down, eyes closed, still holding onto the chair. She was going to make not touching her very very hard for him. He just knew it. He gulped. Tried to get a hold of all of the strength inside of him just so he could be able to eat. Or at least try to eat something. Khushi went and sat down. He still stood there. She cleared her throat. She put her right elbow on the table, and rested her chin on her right hand. She folded her left hand infront of her on the table. She knew he needed a few moments. She just smiled. She herself couldnt believe that she did that. She actually liked this new bolder nature of hers. This was just meant for Aranv. If she wanted him to realize his rights over her, then she had to seduce him. That is all that would work. And she thanked Aranv for theidea. When he kept on asking her if she didnt want him to touch her, he seduced her. This time it was her turn. She licked her lips and just stared at him. She smiled and knew her plan would work. It had already been a few minutes and Aranv was still unable to bring his head up.
Khushi: Arnav, are you ok?
Aranv just frantically nodded his head.
Arnav: mmm hmmm...
Precap... muahaha.. hahahah.. not telling... need some guesses.. and nadia comes in.. in .. in.
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