ArHi FF: The One Meant For Me [Link Pg 143] - Page 81

The whole class was divided into numerous pairs who already started engrossing in their assignment works, except for two particular individuals who were still at daggers drawn. With students slowly moving out, Arnav and Khushi were still sitting, both lost in their own thoughts and preoccupations. The expressions plastered on Khushi's face conveyed a mix of surprise, awkwardness and above all helplessness, which she had to overcome to ensure securing good marks.

"Hey Devi Maiyya, I have noticed that you no longer care for me! Why why why? I cannot bear his presence in class and now we will have to work together for such an important project! What if he decides to seek revenge? He seems so dangerous! I am so not liking this at all! Please protect me!"

As far as Arnav was concerned, he mentally cursed the Professor for having found only Khushi to pair him with. Of all the persons, it had to be her. Without waiting any further, he packed his study materials lying on the table into his bag and stood up to leave, without even glancing at Khushi. As soon as Khushi sensed Arnav walking away, she frantically got up and moved her hand to his backpack in an attempt to stop him.

"Where are you going?" Khushi asked, as Arnav turned around, looking at her with raised eyebrows. "I mean we should get started with the assignment, right?"

"You should get started with the assignment, not me! As it is, I don't care even if I get the worse grade because technically speaking, I am not even a student here. So this is none of my interest!" Arnav replied coldly.

"And here we go again! Clash of the Titans season 2" NK thought, as he was leaving the classroom with his project mate "No way am I going to interfere this time. This is too taxing! Who will crack first? And I place my bets on … Khushi or Arnav? NK beta, just concentrate on your own life…Khushi is a big girl! She knows better how to manage!"

Arnav was about to leave again when Khushi suddenly blocked his way, stretching her arms to form a straight line in such a way that he could not move forward.

"What are you doing? Have you lost it?" Arnav shouted, seemingly taken aback by Khushi's act.

"Listen, I really don't want us to fight again! Can't we just try to forget whatever has happened since we first met and have a fresh start? Do you even realise that this assignment carries a high percentage of the final marks?" Khushi attempted to explain.

"Pure selfishness!! So in fact, you need me?" Arnav uttered, hiding a smirk when he noticed Khushi's hopeless expressions.

"Yes … no…actually see if you don't help me with the assignment, even you won't get good marks. I know you don't care about it but what will all the other students think of? The great Arnav Singh Raizada, a Harvard prodigy, failing? What will happen to your reputation? Hey Devi Maiyya, I just can't imagine this! In a fraction of second, whatever position you have achieved will crumble." Khushi poured out, feigning sympathy.

"Drama queen" Arnav thought.

"But it's okay if you want to step down, your choice. I will have bad marks, bad results, I might not get a job and in all this, my family will suffer. But who cares right?" Khushi tried her last blow, putting on a pouting face.

"Okay fine! But the faster we finish it, the better it is!" Arnav announced, earning him a wide smile from Khushi. No matter how Arnav was, Khushi's words about her family triggered his decision to give it a try since for him also, his family secured an important place in his life. He knew the value of a child having to support the family.

"Great! So can I also consider it as a new start for us, as in friends?" Khushi let out, extending her hand to Arnav.

"One thing at a time. Do not clutch onto high hopes" Arnav said, giving her a quick handshake.

***

The library was crammed with students, and Khushi and Arnav headed to the Fashion Designing corner to search for books for their research work. Once they had selected a pile of books, they took place in a silent area to consult them and come up with a suitable topic. The assignment was divided into the practical part where they had to make sketches and a theoretical part as well.

"What about Traditional Indian wear? Like the ones heroines wear in those romantic, classic movies! You know the dance songs" Khushi squealed happily.

"Are you serious? No way are we going to design something so ancient! We need to focus on modernity"Arnav retorted.

"Modern? Of course, I should have known that he knows only modern!" Khushi whispered before suddenly exclaiming "Why don't we focus on contemporary Indian fashion? It would be like modernising traditional Indian clothes like sarees, lehengas, salwar suits"

As Khushi was advocating her suggestion, her widely open eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, as if she was convinced that she had hit the jackpot. Arnav could not refrain himself from staring at her natural spontaneity that weaved around her talks, her mannerisms and her expressions. Never before had he interacted with such a girl whom he defined as crazy, yet warm. He also could not deny the fact that Khushi had come up with a brilliant idea, it was in fact perfect but little would he ascertain it.

"So how do you find the idea?" Khushi asked, her zeal toned down as she observed Arnav sitting still.

"The idea is not bad! We can get started with the sketches now" Arnav said

"Not bad? How mean! I wonder if he has ever complimented anyone!" Khushi thought.

***

The table had become messy with papers lying here and then, rough drafts forming heaps on the floor. While Arnav was searching for details concerning fabric materials and colour matching on his laptop, Khushi was concentrating in sketching the designs, letting her hand guide the pencil as the lines were drawn.

"How is it looking? Perfect na?" Khushi asked.

Arnav slowly approached her, bending his head towards the sketch and gently got hold of the pencil that was in her hands to add a few more streaks. Khushi suddenly experienced a new sensation as Arnav was leaning onto her to complete the design, and she discovered a never-found-before emotion of uneasiness. She gazed at Arnav's eyes which she had never seen so close and mentally admitted that they were the most beautiful pair of molten brown eyes she had ever seen. She then moved her eyes towards the sketch and the professional touch was easily identified and translated through his confident allure that he transposed to it.

"Now it is perfect" Arnav ratified.

"Yeah, it looks great" Khushi said, as she stood up, feeling awkward at the close proximity.

"So it's done now! I can leave" Arnav added.

"The sketch is done, but what about the theory and the research part?" Khushi asked.

"This is your job! I helped you in whatever way I could, now it's your job to complete it. Just summarise everything in these books" Arnav pointed at the pile of books that they had selected, before leaving.

Khushi looked at the share of work that was awaiting her and sighed.

***

"Hello! Yes, I am Khushi! Oh aap? Okay no problem, I will be coming! See you soon!" Khushi replied on the phone.

***

"Di, I am tired! Going to have some rest in my room" Arnav told Anjali as he headed towards his room.

***

"Khushiji, I am so glad you have come! So sorry to have disturbed you in your work, but if it wasn't urgent, then I wouldn't have called you!" Anjali stated.

"There's no problem at all Anjaliji! And I would love to help you! Shall we go to the kitchen?" Khushi asked.

Khushi and Anjali made their way to the kitchen to prepare Lucknowi jalebis in the most traditional way, just like they are prepared in Lucknow. Anjali had been meaning to make them for her husband Shyam who was apparently craving for his hometown delicacies. The only person that came to her mind at the moment was Khushi and she immediately accepted to give her a helping hand, further strengthening the friendship that was slowly blooming between them.

Khushi had it with her: a selfless nature and she could not refuse Anjali's proposition, especially after how good she was treated in this house on the previous day. While Khushi was showing Anjali how to prepare the batter and form the shapes, she could not stop herself from thinking about how Arnav had given her the bigger load of work, and started murmuring insults.

"What happened Khushiji? Something is bothering you?" Anjali asked Khushi, noticing that she seemed absent-minded.

"No nothing … it's just that ... Can I tell you a secret?" Khushi asked.

"Of course, we are now good friends, isn't it?" Anjali smilingly replied.

"There's that battameez guy in my class, who thinks he owns the whole world and can do whatever he wants! You should see the size of his ego, greater than this planet! And his temper, hey Devi Maiyya, it's as if he can burn everything passing on his way with his fiery anger. My bad luck that I have been paired with him for a project and see his arrogance, he gives me all the boring part to handle and he must be busy relaxing in his house" Khushi unleashed at an express speed.

Anjali giggled as she observed how Khushi was narrating her share of events in her own sweet bubbly manner.

"Khushiji, relax! At least don't release your anger on these poor jalebis" Anjali said as she pointed towards a batch of burnt jalebis. "I'll be right back! Shyamji is calling!"

As Anjali left the kitchen for a moment, Khushi attempted a second round of jalebis, trying to dismiss thoughts about Arnav.

"Di"

"Why am I hearing his voice here? Khushi, you are slowly losing it" Khushi thought.

"Di"

The voice was becoming nearer and clearer, causing Khushi to jump with a jolt and turn around. Her eyes literally popped out and she spontaneously brought her hand to her mouth that had become wide open. Standing at the entrance of the kitchen was the person she would have thought last to be present here.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Arnav shouted, as he noticed Khushi in the kitchen.

"YOU what the hell!" Khushi retorted, trying to keep her calm.

"Excuse me! This is my house!" Arnav retaliated as she moved towards Khushi angrily "So you have followed me until here?"

"What? Why would I follow you? One minute, you followed me here! Stalker!! Anjaliji, chor chor" Khushi started shouting at the top of her voice.

Arnav bridged the gap between them, until they were only two feet apart and he placed his hand on her mouth to prevent her from blabbering further. Khushi tried to talk but her mouth was fully blocked by Arnav's strong grip, and heaved a sigh of relief when she saw Anjali rushing to the kitchen.

"Chotte, what are you doing? Leave Khushiji immediately, and why were you both shouting?" Anjali let out immediately.

Arnav quickly let go of Khushi, who fled by Anjali's side.

"Chotte?" Khushi asked.

"Yes, Khushiji…Arnav is Chotte, my brother!" Anjali replied smilingly.

"From which angle is he Chotte?" Khushi whispered, a little bit too loud though, as Arnav stared at her with an angry look.

"Di, what is this girl doing here?" Arnav asked.

"Chotte, this is Khushiji. Yesterday she helped me when I was about to faint in the mandir. Had she not been there, then I don't know what could have happened. And by the way, do you know her?" Anjali enquired curiously.

"Actually Di, Khushi is in my class at Delhi University" Arnav revealed.

"Really? I did not know that Khushiji was your friend!" Anjali said.

"She is not my friend, only a classmate" Arnav rectified, before getting back to his room.

"Khadoos" Khushi murmured.

"Khushiji, the one you were talking of just a few minutes ago, it was about Chotte, right?" Anjali smirked.

"Anjaliji, … I…he…" Khushi stammered.

"No need to feel sorry! I know Chotte and his short temper! Don't worry, just come with me." Anjali stated.

Anjali knocked on Arnav's door and her words were enough to reverse the situation.

"Chotte, now that Khushiji is here, maybe you could BOTH complete the assignment that you have to submit. As long as the assignment is not completed, no one moves from here. Am I clear?" Anjali announced, just like any mother figure with perfect authority would have done.

While Khushi gleamed with happiness that Arnav would also have need to give his input, Arnav was on the verge of exploding but calmed down when he noticed his Di glaring at him and prompting Khushi to enter the room.

Edit----

Okayyy im really really really sorrryyy for being so mega late! But you know how i went to lahore for eid and all the storyyy!!

Anyways i got on the first place heree, let me rejoice! YAYAYAYAYAYYY!!! 😃

Okay im done! 😛

This was amazing!!! Superbbb aaahhh!!! They both working togetherrr!! 😃 Khushi is soo bubbly, i love her! Loved how she stopped arnav! Shes so cute! 😆

Typical khushi! 😆

But she blackmaileed him, TYPICAL KHUSHI AGAIN 😉 😉

AND arnav is sooo khadooosss! He left her with half work done! 😡

But devi mayyiah is with Khushiii! She made her land at his house! 😆

Loved the revelation of choteee and loved how anjali took control of the whole situationnn!!!!😃

Off to read the next part!!😃

Arnav is so sweet atleast he helped her with half of the project 😳
Nk is just so Adorable .. His comments are the beauty of every update 😆

I want to know Lavanya's reactions Is she jealous of Khushi ?? okay I know it's too early 😆

Khushi reached Rm to make Jalebis ?? 🤣 Their meeting over their was superhilarious 😆
Loved it ❤️

Oho. Arnav and Khushi paired together *giggles* Arnav would have preferred to be paired with La though, I guess 😆

I just hope that Arnav is going to get civil and not start the clash of titans season 2 like NK said. If Khushi fails this thing she is definitely going to murder Arnav 🤣 NK, you are the best. LAU you ❤️

Seriously? Khushi pulls the Harvard prodigy everytime. EVERY SINGLE TIME!

Oo lalaa. I likes their project topic. Contemporary ⭐️ Excited!!

Finally, Arnav paid a complement to Khushi.The part where he leaned over Khushi, my heart went dhak-dhak. *Rabba Ve in the background*

I like the boding between Anjali and Khushi. Cute 😊

Lovely update. AND, so long. Woah! Some people are just too awesome 👏