ArShiFF: The Dawn of the Dawn - Thread 1 - COMPLETED - Page 81

updated my cmnt on page 119

nice dear😊

waiting for the next update dear...

just read all 8 chapters of your story

just wow, totally loved it

Khushi is in for a rude awakening with NK
NK is such a bas***d, to want Khushi to marry and divorce
Arnav just for money

Arnav is attracted to her and has become very possessive about her

I hope she finds out soon about her so called love

Chapter 9 will be updated by 11:30 PM IST Thursday.

Two more hours... 😊 ...waiting...

@chetna19 Sorry for entering between ur t & e... 😛
Deepthi...time is not passing since I saw ur note... 😔

Originally posted by: nishu_shorna

@chetna19 Sorry for entering between ur t & e... 😛
Deepthi...time is not passing since I saw ur note... 😔

waiting...🤔...nahhh...stalking...

Payal, its Cookie.

Cookie, how are you? long time?

I am alright. How are you?

Girl, I received your marriage invitation and I was trying to reach you since yesterday. Your phone kept saying unreachable.

Obviously it will. Khushi said peeving.

Why? What happened?

Nothing important. Lets talk something else.

Everything OK?

Yeah all fine.

Congrats dear. I am excited for you guys. My 2 best friends getting married, wow awesome. But I am upset that you didnt care to inform me. I guess you forgot your friends.

Nahi yaar, dont assume that. It all happened very suddenly. In fact I am in shock too. She expressed her sorrow subtly.

Relax, I am just pulling your leg.

Did he break the news to you?

Who Arnie? Do you really think he has time to tell me the details. I can expect things from you but not from that duffer. I came to know through his interview. Then I was caught up with my shopping, I couldnt reach you earlier.

Oh I thought he...Anyway, how are you? hows life?

Life is great. I have some news for you.

Ya? Let me guess. Getting married?

How do you know? I am sure Arnie must have told you. Idiot, I asked him not to tell you.

No no. He did not tell me. I guessed it by a fluke. By the way, who is that lucky guy?

Akash! Payal blushed over phone.

Akash? No way! Damn, I knew it. I remember you warning all his dates to back off. You smarty pants!!!

Naaahh. He realized it hard way after all those girls literally bankrupted him. Payal chuckled.

I am so happy for you guys. How exciting! When is the marriage?

Next month. Invitation on its way to Raizada Mansion. You and Arnie better make it. I hope you guys will be back from honeymoon by then, unless you plan to celebrate entire year.

Huh? Honeymoon?

Yeah, your honeymoon!

Hn? Yeah honeymoon. You are right we should be back by then. She replied convincingly without letting Payal suspect their marriage as an agreement.

Hows wedding shopping going on? Payal acted as if she didnt know anything about Khushi being forced into this marriage.

Pretty much everything is done. Just need to buy engagement rings. She spoke uninterestingly.

Cookie, lehenga...Payal was about to say something when Khushi interrupted her.

Payal, could you do me a favor?

Sure, Everything OK? You sound very dull unlike any other bride?

Payal...Khushi hesitated to ask.

What happened Khushi? Feel free to ask.

Payal, I am scared.

Scared? Why?

I dont know. I am feeling terribly scared of this marriage and Arnav. I am just not able to think straight.

Payal chuckled. Sweetheart, every bride goes through these jitters before marriage. Its very common. Why only bride? Even groom will have nervous breakdown. I am sure Arnie must be doing rounds in his room. Payal giggled loudly at the thought.

Payal, its not that yaar. How do I explain to you?

I know what you are going through. But shall I take the liberty to say something? Arnie is not that bad. He is very caring. Ofcourse he has become a bit rude and rigid but he is great guy and very dependable.

Payal, Arnav is great man and I am not denying that. I respect him alot as a friend but I....Khushi stopped what she was about to say.

What is it Cookie? Whats bothering you?

Payal, tomorrow evening night is my mehendi ceremony and I am very disturbed and terrified with everything happening so fast. Can you come over tomorrow to my home. I will be more comfortable if you are around.

Ofcourse how can I miss the opportunity to see A in your hands. Payal teased.

5PM, come soon. Khushi requested ignoring her tease. One thing she understood is that Payal doesnt know anything about their marriage deal which means Arnav did not say anything to Payal. In a way she thanked him else she would have been in an awkward situation explaining her reasons to marry and divorce.

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Garima and Shashi planned to take both Khushi and Arnav to shop for their engagement rings. Since Arnav dont have anybody from his side to buy the rings, Shashi decided to buy for both of them fulfilling Aran's duty as well. Garima and Shashi got ready and waited for Khushi to join them in the living room.

They heard honk outside in their driveway. Shashi peeked out the window and noticed Arnav getting down his car.

Khushi Kumariji, come soon. Arnav is here. We are getting late. You know He hates to be late.

Hearing Shashi's warning, Khushi rushed out to the living room holding her ear rings in her palm and her clutch tucked under her arm.

Lets go Papa.

Wear your rings beta, Arnav wouldnt mind to wait a min. Garima suggested.

That's fine amma. Its better I go outside before he barges in angrily. That's much better than dealing with his anger. She walked fixing an earring to her left ear.

Garima and Shashi stood amused at their daughter, who once rejected Arnav's proposal, is now acting as if she knows him in and out. They exchanged smile and followed her quietly.

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Arnav stood leaning against the passenger door when Khushi walked towards him, adjusting her earring with downcast eyes. She wore sleeveless floral churidar and she looked absolutely stunning like a spring beauty. Her skin glowed golden under the evening sun. Arnav straightened himself up and opened the door for her. She didnt look at him but quietly took her seat. He didnt mind it much today unlike yesterday where he bursted out on her for ignoring him. Her letters must have been the main reason for his positive mood and he cant wait to ask her why she wrote so many emails. As he turned around to greet her parents.

Arnav took control of the wheel and stepped up the gas to the jewellery store. Khushi remained silent the entire drive while Arnav and Shashi discussed their business. While Khushi struggled to wear earring on her right ear, Arnav couldnt help but admire her peeve and frustration. He started getting used to her anger. He now likes her more when she is angry than calm and peaceful.

Her earring back, which is in the shape of butterfly clutch, slipped off her fingers, rolled off the central console and fell near his feet.

Khushi searched for it and gave up after a while. Arnav knew where it fell but he did not tell her. Khushi in frustration threw both her earrings in the cupholder. He smiled inwardly looking at her frustrated angry face.

Aunty, did you eat lot of spice when you were pregnant with Khushi. Arnav asked Garima looking through the rear view mirror. Khushi was surprised to hear his question but didnt look at him.

I dont think so. Why beta? Why are you asking?

Aise heee. I guess anger is her twin sister. Are you sure she is your own daughter, mera matlab, you are so calm and composed and here she is angry, fiesty, always looking for an opportunity to fight? He smirked curving up the corner of his lips, teasing Khushi.

Shashi understood where this is leading to and he smiled at the young couple and chose to remain silent but Garima is not as intelligent as her husband and poked her nose between their fight. And Khushi looked at Arnav widening her eyes, literally spitting fire like lady dragon.

Actually Arnav beta, you are not the first one who asked me this question. Everyone asks me if Khushi is truly my daughter. Garima blushed and spoke candidly.

Amma? Khushi turned back and gave angry looks at Garima, little irritated at the whole conversation.

I mean, I am just saying that you took after your father. You have inherited most of his genes you see, esp anger.

Ah that explains. Arnav spoke putting up straight face controlling his laughter.

Are you done doing Phd on me? Khushi asked Arnav with her brows raised and contracted in anger.

Phd on you? I have better things to do in my life. He spoke in low tone, leaning over to her side pretending to grab something from dashboard, just to make sure her parents dont hear them.

He didnt know whats wrong with him. He is making her angry more and more and he is loving it. He left his home hoping to talk to her as friend but he ended up irritating her more but he has no regrets because he is enjoying their tiffs to the core.

They arrived at the shop and Khushi got down the car and walked inside the store without waiting for him.

Arnav and her parents followed her laughing to themselves at her silly daughter.

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Arnav took seat next to Khushi while Garima and Shashi were busy looking at the collection.

Khushi was looking at the rings when she felt his presence beside her.

I didnt know you will be so excited to shop for the rings. We would have come alone. He teased her.

What do you...Khushi was about to say something but Arnav interrupted her looking at the sales guy.

My fiance is very simple lady. She hates these extravagant pieces. Show the lowest priced ring please. He requested looking at Khushi. What say? Did I say it right, Khushi?

You are right. I dont need to flaunt my status like you do.

His plan failed. He thought if he provoked her enough, she would end up buying the expensive dazzling ring. But she turned the tables around and surprised him and even angered him.

I dont think there is anything wrong in flaunting your status. Otherwise whats the use of hiding it from the world?

And whats the use of showing off to the world? Just waste of money.

Arnav irritated and held her arm tightly and turned her to him. Listen Ms. Gupta, I am not wasting your money or your father's money. I am spending my own money, so stop giving me lectures.

Have you guys selected anything? Shashi asked from few feet away. Arnav took his hand off her arm and Khushi immediately rubbed her arm in pain that just started turning red.

Both felt uncomfortable and looked away. The sales guy started showing the trays of rings and the parents stood behind the couple looking at the collection.

After few rounds, both pairs of eyes fell on a 3 band diamond ring with princess cut at the center, beautifully adorned with smaller diamonds around it. Khushi's eyes glittered looking at the ring.

Can I look at that one? Arnav pointed the same ring that Khushi liked. She was surprised and shocked to hear his pick. How does he know? was the question that started bothering her. She didnt even voice her choice, nor she did anything to let him know that she loved that ring. He picked it for her as if he read her heart.

Arnav took a deep look at the ring, while Khushi admired his involvement and interest in choosing jewelry for her. Not bad man after all. She thought. Thats what every girl wishes for in a husband. She then remembered how NK always waited outside the store when she goes to shop. She always wished he was with her but he hated shopping and showed absolutely no interest anytime in past 8 years. But thats just a small issue. He is way better than Arnav in so many things she thought.

I like this one. He showed it to Shashi and Garima, to which they nodded in approval.

Khushi beta, do you like it?

Ji Papa. She spoke softly with her downcast eyes.

You try it on, we will check out their other collection. Shashi and Garima stepped away giving them some lone time.

Khushi felt uncomfortable for some reason. She is feeling weird within as if thousands of butterflies flying in her tummy.

Arnav reached for her hand which she fisted tightly enveloped by a layer of her dupatta.

I will wear it. She resisted, pulling her hand back.

He held her wrist tighter and grabbed her hand closer to his chest, looking at her intently and authoritatively. More she resisted, more he pulled her closer.

STOP! He warned her in low tone and she obliged. There was some magic in his voice at that moment which she never heard before. He was demanding yet very gentle.

She gave up, her hand and her irrational thoughts. He felt her hand very relaxed and laid comfortably on his palm. He then took out the ring and he looked at her anticipating face. She lowered her eyes not allowing him to meet her eyes as he tried to read her expressions.

As he was about to slip on her finger, she pulled back roughly from his grip.

You cant do this.

Remember we are getting married.

There is no one around here. You dont need to pretend. I agree to do all this in front of my parents and your society. Thats it.

He lost his senses. He never seen or felt such soft hands. He was mesmerized by the feel of her skin and he got carried away which he never intended to do at the first place. He took her hand stubbornly and pulled it closer, his eyes fell on her bruised wrist. He looked at her apologetically, who is by now in shock and trying to free her hand from his.

She felt utmost guilty for being in that situation. She thought she could handle everything well but its becoming difficult to be with Arnav each sec they spent. Not because he is harassing her but because she started losing herself slowly without her own knowledge.

Arnav looked at her apologetically for the bruises and meantime she pulled her hand from his grip.

Shashi called Arnav from the other end. Arnav and Khushi looked away from each other as they both felt awkward unable to understand what happened between them.

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Shashi chose a simple platinum ring with small diamond studded in the center for Arnav.

I am ok with this one Uncle. Its very simple just like I wanted.

Beta, do you like it?

Ji. Khushi nodded avoiding Arnav's gaze.

Perfect then. This needs to be resized. You guys go home. We will have it fixed and come later.

Uncle, I can wait. I think you should go.

No no. You guys carry on, moreover Khushi has appointment with hair stylist. So you guys should go.

Are you sure?

Arnav, go!

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Khushi heard her father and smarted. She didnt wanna go alone with him not after what he tried to do with her. Her anger is clearly shown between her brows and she mentally thought, God let me go home safely.

Arnav took control of the wheel, shifted the gears and stepped up the gas. Their drive was very silent, as if they mutually and mentally agreed to maintain peace between them.

They arrived at her house. When she was about to get off. He called her.

Khushi...

She turned to him to see his hand in air holding the earring back.

She sat facing him and tried to take it from his hands but he fisted hiding the earring back in his palm.

73 emails?

What ?

You sent me 73 emails?

I dont know what you are talking about! She asked as if she really didnt know what he is asking about.

You very well know what I am asking.

She didnt know what to reply. She looked away.

Khushi, look at me. He warned her.

She didnt turn to him. She still had her eyes focused on outside.

When I am talking to you, look at me dammit. Dont you dare act as if I dont exist. He gripped her arm tightly and made her turn to him. Khushi looked at him struggling to release her arm. But he didnt release her. She stopped struggling and looked down avoiding his gaze with gloomy silence. He noticed her tears splashing on the back of her palms that shook terribly on her lap. He released his firm grip and looked away quite irritated with himself for being the reason of her tears each time.

He kept the earring back on the console and unbuckled his seat belt to get off the car, which is when she stopped him.

Arnav...

He halted and turned around to face her.

What do you wanna know? She asked looking at him.

One or two emails I can understand but 73 emails? Why?

Because I truly considered you as my friend.

Its doesnt make sense to me. You kept emailing me for years though you got no response from me and you are saying that you did this for friendship.

I was worried about you. When I learnt that you are the owner of AR Designs, I couldnt stop myself from emailing you.

What has AR Designs got to do with all these?

Nothing. I just wanted to know if you are OK. She hid the fact that she worked for him.

Khushi, are you hiding anything from me? He asked quite seriously.

Only if you are hiding something from me? She asked with stern tone.

What do you mean?

Why did you ask me to get out of your room on that day in college? Why did you suddenly turned angry towards me? Why did you stop talking to me? Why did you ignore me? Why did you take my right away to call you Arnie?

I.. I..He stumbled unable to answer her most valid questions.

The day you answer me those questions, I will explain my reason for 73 emails. Until then you have no right to ask me. She stormed out the car.

Dammit. Dad, didnt you find better girl than her. I am sure you must be enjoying from up there. Its getting harder to talk to her.

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Phew!!! Next chapter is 10 which is mahaaupdate as I promised :)