ARHI FF: Do you feel loved? Note|Sep11|Pg75*NEW - Page 47

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Part 21 - New beginnings


'Arnav?'


'Did you like it?'


'How? I mean when did you buy it? I mean...'


'I told Richa what I had in mind and she made it for me'


'You designed this?!' Khushi sounded astonished.


'Hmm...yeah, kinda. Khush! I want to see you wearing it for the engagement. Will you?'


'Of course!'


'Did you have something else in mind? I know it's a li'l simple!'


'Arnav!! No one knows my simple tastes better than you! It's perfect! I love it! I'm wearing it tomorrow'


Arnav grinned from ear to ear. He couldn't believe that he did something like this for a girl and that she actually was thrilled about it! But then again, this was Khushi! Not any girl!! Arnav realized that his feelings for Khushi ran deeper than he thought possible.


'Ok, I better hang up now Arnav. I have an early morning call'


'You're working tomorrow? Khush I thought we can spend some time together tomorrow. I was going to ask you to go with me to the florists in the morning after breakfast and then maybe stop by for a quick lunch somewhere' Arnav sounded disappointed.


'No I'm not. I'm just helping out Susan, one of the other doctors who's on duty tomorrow. She will be coming by around 9 and I only have to be on call till then. I can go with you then if you can pick me up'


'It's a deal! I'll see you at 9 then. Leave your car in the basement'


'Ok. Good night then. I love you!'


Arnav's heart soared hearing Khushi say that on her own!


'I love you Khushi. Bye!'


Khushi blushed as she hung up. She was surprised at how naturally the words tumbled out of her mouth. She was glad that they had sorted out their differences before Anjali Di's engagement. She was so looking forward to it now and she couldn't wait to wear the sari that Arnav had given her.


But there was one thing that was nagging her and she made up her mind to talk to Arnav after the engagement. She had realized that communication was the key in their relationship...what with Arnav's volatile temper and his boulder sized ego and her insecurity about his past relationships and his views about marriage.


Yes! She would definitely talk to him about him and Mia and clear the air...once and for all!

* * * * *

In the bedroom opposite Khushi's, Payal was staring at her phone, surprised!


The name 'Akash' was flashing on her screen!


Though she worked for the Raizada House of Fashion, she was a lawyer and Akash was the Head Designer. Their paths rarely crossed when it came to work as Akash was very creative and least interested in the business side of things. They sometimes met in the hallways and said hello, but that was it. Although they lived next door and their families were close, it was always Arnav-Khushi and Anjali-Payal. Akash was shy and an introvert.


Payal snapped out of her trance and picked up the call.


'Hello?'


'Payal? Hi, this is Akash. Are you busy?'


'Hi! No, I was just reading a book. Tell me Akash'


'Woh, actually, I wanted to call you since the past week, but Anju's wedding designs have kept me very busy. I...I was wondering if you're free now?'


'I am free. You need me to help you with something? Oh god! Is everything okay with the engagement tomorrow? What is it?'

'No, no, everything's fine! I...what I was trying to tell you...I mean ask you was that...is it possible for you to step out for some time now? I mean, can you go for a walk? With me? I am outside your house'

Payal was so shocked at his words that the phone slipped out of her hands, making her curse loudly. She bit her tongue hoping Akash didn't hear her. She quickly bent down and picked up her phone only to see that the call was cut. She cursed again loudly. She quickly ran to her closet and changed into a pair of skinny jeans and a pale yellow kurta, brushed her messily tied up hair and ran out of the house while yelling to no one in particular that she'll be back in an hour. Just as she stepped out, her phone started vibrating in her pocket, but she ignored it knowing it must be Akash again. Payal tried to rein in her emotions, which were all over the place by now. Confusion at what was happening made her brain all fuzzy, but she tried to snap out of it as soon as she saw Akash standing in her driveway. She ran up to him, panting.

'Sorry Akash! The line got cut and I thought I'll just change and meet you here' she said while trying to catch her breath.

Payal suddenly felt very stupid as she saw the amused expression on Akash's face.

'What's so funny?' she snapped.

'Nothing! It's just that I've never seen you so flustered before'

'And I still don't understand why that amuses you and anyway, it's not like you've ever called me in all these years that we've known each other and especially not to ask me out for a walk!' she ranted before she could stop herself.

'Payal, do you not want to come with me? I can leave if you want me to' Akash sounded disappointed and suddenly very uncomfortable.

She saw the light in Akash's eyes dim instantly, but he soon recovered. Payal berated herself for being so tactless and rude.

'I'm sorry Akash. Of course I don't mind. Shall we?' Payal started leading the way out of her driveway as Akash fell into step beside her.

They walked together silently for a while, both lost in their own thoughts. As Payal sneaked a glance at Akash from the corner of her eyes, she saw that he was looking straight ahead. She observed his profile for a minute. She took in his tall and lean frame, his straight back, his fair, handsome and bespectacled face and found her heart had started racing wildly. She sighed! She didn't even remember how long she'd been in love with Akash. For a while, she had just ignored her feelings thinking it was just infatuation...a side effect of her adolescence. But as a few years passed and when the feelings just got stronger, she just gave in to it and accepted it. There were innumerable times when she wanted to talk to him and be with him and she was tempted to ask him out herself many, many times. But his shy nature and his brooding persona always held her back. If she were to be really honest with herself, she would realize that she was afraid of rejection. And that she knew she couldn't bear! She loved being in this state of limbo...sweet pain of love, she would tell herself! She laughed ruefully at that thought! And now here she was...walking alongside him on a perfectly pleasant night where the stars shined bright and the full moon cast a beautiful light around them. She didn't know what to think of his sudden phone call! Heck! She didn't even know he even had her number!


'You've been awfully quiet Payal? What are you thinking?'


That effectively brought Payal out of her thoughts. She looked at him, even as she felt her ears and cheeks warm up.


'Were you thinking of the reason I called you?' Akash asked her as he suddenly stopped walking and turned towards her.


Payal nodded unable to utter a single word. She thought she would melt under Akash's intense gaze.

'P, we've known each other since we were kids and I don't know when I started liking you more than a friend. You've been constantly on my mind for a long time now, but I just didn't have the courage to approach you. Call it the fear of rejection or the fear of upsetting the relationship between our families...I don't know! But now that Anju's found her happiness, I could finally think about mine! You!'

Payal felt a shiver run down her spine. She felt her lips tremble and eyes fill with tears. She wanted to say so much to him, but again no words came out of her mouth.

'Akash!' she finally managed to croak out.

Akash took a step closer and slowly took her hand in his. 'Payal, will you go out with me?'

Payal nodded her head vigorously as she tried to blink back her tears.

'Breakfast tomorrow morning at 8? Will that work for you?'

'Yes, that would be great!' she thanked heavens for finally finding her voice.

'I have something for you for Anju's engagement. Will you accept it? For me?'

Again she nodded in the affirmative.

'I will give it to you tomorrow. Let's head back. Your parents might get worried'

'Ok'

There was a promise for a future together as they smiled at each other.

* * * * *

A/N:

I don't know what to say! This is my first story and as much as I would love to update it every other day, major changes in my real-life has kept me from doing so. I can only thank everyone for the support and understanding.