ArShiFF: The Dawn of the Dawn -Thread 6 - COMPLETED - Page 20

*banner credit: Chetna..Thank you darling. Love it!

Author Notes: Uff, sabhi log itna gussa woh bhi Arnav pe. He was just teasing guys. We cant expect him to become Arnie without abit of tease and messing things a little bit. As I said before, there will not be any more major fights. They will still fight but just the way they make up will change gradually. Sit tight and enjoy. I really hope you do😉

Chicken Confusion (LOL): I assure everyone, every fight will bring them closer than before and I promise no major fights ahead.

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OMG Arnie, I cant believe what I am seeing today. Idiot, we missed you so much. Payal and Akash hugged Arnav tightly and Payal shed happy tears hugging Arnav and leaning on his chest. Arnav couldnt respond to them properly as he is worried what made Khushi leave his hand. He didnt wanna offend his friends but at the same couldnt wait any longer to find out what went wrong.

Arnav placed his hands on Payal shoulders and gently moved her away, Fatty, relax. You are behaving as if I returned from alien land. Akash! Arnav sighed Akash to handle Payal. I will be back in a min. Akash take her to the table. Saying this, Arnav ran towards the hallway without waiting Akash's response and ignoring many of his clients who came to applaud him.

He stood in front of ladies room and contemplated if its appropriate to enter to check on her. He saw many ladies entering the room. He didnt feel appropriate to enter the room and so he looked for his phone in his trouser pockets to call her. He didnt find it. He rushed back to the table and frantically called as its been almost 20mins since she left the scene. He noticed her phone on the table vibrating and he threw his phone on the table furiously and ran his fingers through his hair swearing Dammit!

Akash and Payal sat 2 feet away noticing everything. Arnie, everything cool? Akash asked worriedly.

Arnav looked at Payal stunned and muttered himself, Ofcourse Why didnt I think of it? He took one long stride and asked Payal, Fatty, do me a favor. I saw Khushi entering ladies room. Could you please check on her, its been really long since she left.

Ofcourse! Payal turned to leave.

Wait a min, give this to her. He handed Khushi's phone to Payal.

Iski kya zaroorat hain? You talk to her when she comes out. Payal suggested confusedly.

Just do it Fatty. Give it to her. He said firmly holding his hand out to her.

Restless soul! Payal took the phone muttering under her breath and left to ladies room.

Arnav paced across his table, frantically kissing his fisted palm to his chin to an fro. Chill Arnie, she just went to use restroom. You know how these ladies are. They just need an excuse to do touch-ups. I am sure she must be busy with that. Akash tried to calm him.

No Akash, thats very unlikely of her. He replied confidently and thought Something is wrong, terribly wrong, otherwise, she wouldnt have left my hand like that.

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Khushi locked herself in one of the toilet rooms and sobbed leaning against the wall. The loudest voice in her head kept saying that Arnav loves someone else. She is devastated and so wished it would have been much peaceful journey hadn't she realized her feelings for him. She set out to give his life back but ended up losing HER HEART to HIM. She wanted to become a pillar of support to him but she ended up rooting the cracks in her own heart allowing him to conquer her.

She leaned down to her thighs clutching her head in between her palms and cried painfully. She struggled to believe and find the solid reason to back his words, of him being in love with other woman. She wasn't sure why. She just couldn't believe or rather ready to believe his words after witnessing millions of his actions that screamed concern and care for her. She just needed to know if love is included in that list as well. She concluded that she cant give up before she begins, before knowing it ALL, before giving a sincere try. But at the same she is afraid of the failure and rejection. Though its been only few weeks since they started their named yet unknown relation, she got emotionally attached to him and physically got used to his presence.

How could he be in love with someone else when he was shattered to see me almost dead on wedding night.

How could he be in love with someone else when he is so concerned about me beyond limits especially when he is only rude to any other.

How could he be in love with someone else when he could accept my past relation without opposing and his question if I still think of NK, he wouldnt have asked that if he felt nothing about me.

How could he be in love with someone else and touch me so passionately.

And what were those kisses, hugs and caresses. That cant be unreal and pretentious. I can brush away your one word Arnav but how can I overlook millions of your actions which have all my name written over it. I cant trust you in this Arnav, unless and until you show me that lady. I will just not believe you. She mentally prepared herself for another battle which is when she heard Payal calling her name.

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Payal entered the ladies room and noticed all doors remained opened except one. She heard someone sniffling behind one closed door. Cookie? She called out her name.

She heard no response. Payal moved a step closer and sticking her ears to the door, she called out her name again and this time she called her Khushi.

No immediate reply came. But after few secs, Haan Payal. Khushi responded feebly.

What happened? Everything OK? Why is it taking long. She asked worriedly.

Nothing I am fine. I am almost done. She spoke, her voice sounding hoarse as a result of crying for that long.

She came out of the room and directly walked upto the sink to wash her hands without looking at Payal.

Sab teekh hain? Payal asked once again seeing her in deadly silence.

Yeah. She responded dully.

But Payal understood that there is something terribly wrong by the painful look on Khushi's face. She walked upto her and caught her elbow and made her turn to her.

Cookie? Whats the matter? Payal asked making Khushi look at her.

Khushi looked at Payal for a brief moment before she broke down hugging her tightly.

I dont want him to leave me Payal. He really means alot to me. I dont think I can live without him. I got used to him and his everything. Khushi cried uncontrollably.

Cookie, what are you saying? Who is that he? Payal got worried if Khushi is talking about NK.

Khushi pulled apart from hug and spoke sobbing quietly, he said he loves someone else. Then why the hell he allowed me to stay in his house. He should have kicked me out on the very first day. Its all my mistake. I tried to make him better, ease his pain, aur khud takleef mein padgayi. She sniffled trying to make sense to Payal.

Chup hojao. I am not understanding your He-She language. Whom are you talking about? Payal yelled at her.

Aur kaun. Tera dost, Arnav Singh Raizada. She said wiping her tears.

You were talking about Arnav all the while? Payal surprised and asked holding her arms.

Haan. How could he do that Payal. He is married to me and he loves someone else. Khushi continued again.

Payal smirked at the way her friend is crying like lost child. She quickly hatched a plan to make Khushi speak her heart out. Just then Arnav called Khushi's phone. Payal answered without giving phone to Khushi.

Haan Arnie?

Whats wrong with you both? Even you settled there? Where is she? Give the phone to her or ask her to come out right now. He spoke impatiently.

Relax. She is fine. She is just putting on makeup. She will..She tried to come up with silly excuses as she wanted to speak with Khushi before the couple talked to each other.

Arnav interrupted her and fumed, Fatty, I can guarantee you that she doesnt spend that much time for makeup. Whats happening there Fatty? Sach sach batao otherwise I am going to barge into the room.

Uff, her saree came off, so she is fixing it now. Her hands are tied. Clear now?

Aisa kya kiya usne ki saree nikal aayi? He asked innocently.

Urrgg, Arnie, shut up and keep the phone. We will be there in 10mins. I gotto go, She needs my help. Payal hung up the phone without waiting for his response.

Ajeeb hain yeh ladkiyan. Arnav turned to Akash and said irritatedly, to which Akash nodded agreeing to his every word.

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What did he say? Khushi asked Payal wiping her tears.

Nothing important. Lets not beat around the bushes, Sach sach bataa, pyar karthi hain usse?

Haan, unfortunately yes, as if I didnt find any other man. And he loves...

YOU idiot! Payal interrupted Khushi and shook her revealing the truth.

Khushi looked at her stunned, shocked and paralyzed unable to believe her ears.

Not from today nor from your marriage but from last 8 years. From the very moment he saw you, I knew he fell for you.

Khushi who was more than shocked collapsed against the wall digesting every new fact, Payal...She muttered her name questioningly.

You were so head over heels in relation with NK that you failed to see Arnav's love for you. Why do you think he fasted when you fasted in college. He didnt do for me! He never did before you came. He never fasted when I fasted. But he did every single time you fasted. He skipped his meals every single time you did. He stayed late in college when ever you had to stay just to make sure you are safe late at night. You thought he is a flirt, don't you? Let me tell you one thing, he never flirted with anyone but you. Thats when I knew that he had totally fallen for you.

Khushi stood closing her mouth in shock as tears rolled down her eyes uncontrollably.

Payal continued, In last 8 years I tried to hook him up with so many girls Cookie. He denied meeting them but finally after forcing him and nagging, he ended up meeting 2 girls. And you know what his response was, "She is not what I am looking for". Every single time thats what he said. Me and Akash didnt know what to do. On one end he is suffering with every loss and other end you were happy with your life. You guys were equally important to us and We didnt know if we will do justice to both of you revealing his feelings, just because we didnt wanna stir up things and make him face another rejection in his already traumatic life. Payal disclosed every detail as she watched Khushi slowly breaking down.

Payal continued, while Khushi looked at her all numb, I dont know why he gave up on you and why you guys fought that day. When we went to meet him in his apartment after his parents death, the first thing he did is, he looked for you. He constantly looked behind us, if you were coming. His face dropped even more when you didnt come to meet him. But later, I was so happy that you cancelled your plans and came to meet him finally, only to be parted for so many years.

Khushi recollected the events that day. His meltdown, his pain, his hug, and then NK entry. She remembered how his face turned red hearing NK's name pre-marriage, how he painfully stayed aloof on the night he rescued her as soon as NK showed up. And the way he asked if NK still mattered to her after she entered RM. Everything started making sense to her.

NK. Khushi muttered.

What? Payal asked unable to understand.

NK was the reason Payal. He distanced himself the moment he came to know that I was in relation. He distanced himself from me everytime NK came in between us.

Then why did you guys marry?

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Part 2 Next Post

*banner credit: Chetna..Thank you darling. Love it!

Then why did you guys marry?

Because our parents wanted us to. But I dont understand if his parents aren't alive, how does he know our families past. She thought trying to understand his reason. She continued giving up, Huh, she chuckled mockingly, even then he was all ready to let me go. He didnt take the property topic after they were drowned in floods, which means He just wanted to fulfill, I guess his family's promise to my dad and also tried to make sure I live by my choice. She connected the dots. How can someone be so giving and put up ruthless avatar to people? She questioned Payal, thinking aloud.

Why did I waste 8 years Arnav? Why wasn't I with you when you needed me most? She thought to herself regretting every moment she wasted being away from him.

I just couldnt bear an hour of torment thinking someone else in his life. How did he deal with it for 8 years? Did he really buried his feelings that deep? She discussed with Payal as Payal too welled up with the questions Khushi is asking herself. Did he really love my craziness for that long? Khushi chuckled and then looked at Payal asking that question one last time just making herself sure.

I dont think anyone else is born to handle you Ms. Crazy. Payal teased. Both chuckled and jumped liked excited toddlers.

Payal, I cant believe he loves me. Khushi screamed happily.

Shhh...Cookie, you have gone crazy.

Khushi stopped jumping gasping for breath and blushing thinking of him.

And thats why I always call him idiot. Idiot kahin kaa, jathana bhi nahi jaanta. Aur bangaye sabke maalik. She huffed pouting, thinking of him.

Meri maa, ab chalo. He already warned me that he will barge in. Lets go. Payal tried to drag Khushi out.

Payal Wait, dont tell anything that happened here. I dont...

Just then Arnav call came interrupting Khushi.

Lo, he is calling again, jaldi kar, cookie. He must have had nervous breakdown million times by now.

Khushi took the phone, blushing mischievously. Payal understood that she needed a moment with him and she excused herself in pretense of using the toilet.

Khushi picked up the phone, and said Hello feebly, dying to hear his voice, tucking her lower lip blushingly.

Khushi? He called her with extreme concernin his voice. Kya hua? He asked one more question, imaptiently waiting for her reply.

She closed her mouth and sobbed quietly shedding happy tears hearing his voice.

Khushi? He called her name once again. Why are you crying? He sensed that as he heard her soft sniffles.

No. Thats all she managed to say.

I want to see you right now. Come out. He spoke commandingly.

2 mins, I will be there. She spoke softly. And he sensed hoarseness in her voice and understood she was crying for sure.

No, right now! Come out, I am waiting outside. He just grew impatient and wanted to make sure if she is ok.

She walked towards the exit and as she was about to open the door, he said without knowing she is already on her way out, Come out dammit, Khushi, I am waiting for very long.

She opened the door and stood visible to him and said looking into his eyes, speaking through the phone, I am sorry I made you wait for so long. Had I known before, I would have come to you long ago. She said referring to the irreversible loss of their 8 years.

He stood reading her, thinking what must have made her so upset? He tried to remember if he hurt her in any possible way during dance.

She walked towards him remembering his actions with every step she took towards him,

The way he classily flirted with her when they were in college
the way he hugged her at the time of his parents death showing his grief,
the way he felt happy seeing her after 8 years at her home but immediately became ruthless when she spoke about NK,
the way he protected her from NKs rants throwing her phone out,
the way he showed his concern when she showed up at strip club
the way he saved her from floods, holding her securely, shedding tears for her

And she recollected every single incidence that happened between them upto the point where he ate salty inedible food just not to waste her efforts.

She stopped half way staring at him fondly. Her heart spoke wondering if her words and silent pleas reach him,

Everything in my life is changing rapidly for the better. But why am I still crying as I close the distance between you and me. Is it because of your love or my love or is it because we are still I and You instead of We.

He narrowed his eyes at the way she looked at him. Its way different than before as her eyes just drew him to her, making himself lose again to her depths. He took a step towards her as if to comfort her, to respond to her.

Khushi, whatever is bothering you, just let me know, WE will deal with it. He spoke as if he heard her question, responding exactly the way she wanted to hear WE.

As her tears were about to roll, without wasting further, she ran and hugged him wrapping her arms around his neck as tightly as she could as though never letting him go. He stumbled as her tremendous force shook his stand on the ground.

He hugged her worriedly as he didnt understand why she is so upset. Khushi? He said supporting her shaking body.

I am sorry Arnav. I am very sorry. She cried tightening her hold around him. And he could feel the possessiveness in her hold which he didnt experience from her before.

He thought she is apologizing for the delay in the ladies room, Its ok. I understand. I was just worried since you left suddenly.

Arnav, mein tumse...she was about to confess her feelings for him when her inner voice, her conscience stopped her reminding her that her one false step would ruin her plans in bringing him out of his shell. Its true, if she confesses, he will be on top of the world and happy no doubt. He will accept her and they might even take their relation next step but is he ready to talk his feelings out which is what Khushi wanted from the beginning. She wants him to speak out the buried pain and his grief.

She wants him to experience the nervousness in confession of his feelings and sweet torture in anticipating her reply. Because she knew thats the most beautiful and turning point in any relation and he deserves that much more than any other.

And that is only possible once he openly begins to admit his feelings atleast for her if not others. And that is only possible once he starts understanding what she feels for him. She mentally decided, she is going to show him and make him realize what she feels for him without saying a word.

Payal came out of the ladies room and noticed the couple lost in moment, she silently slipped out of the area giggling.

Khushi, tu mujhse kya? Arnav asked her drawing her from her thoughts and the hug.

Woh,Nothing. I forgot what I was about to say. She said looking flustered without meeting his eyes. Lets go, Akash Payal must be waiting for us. She turned to leave. He caught her wrist and stopped her.

Why were you crying?

Nahi tho. I did not. She tried to shy away from his gaze.

He didnt persuade her but he knew she is denying. He walked upto her and held her wrist firmly. Lets go. I guess we have enjoyed enough. He spoke sternly.

But Arnav, what will your clients think? She tried to reason out.

He stopped and looked at her sternly, They dont think tonight. They just party and honestly I dont give a damn, even if they think. Grab your things, we are leaving. Saying this, he walked along with her to the table where Payal and Akash are waiting.

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Akash, Payal, chale? Arnav asked taking sip of cold water.

We are leaving already? but party? Akash asked him questioningly, while Payal sighed Khushi. Khushi sighed "I dont know" curving her lips.

Akash, you know I dont stay late for these parties. If you guys want, feel free to stay and come home later.

Nah, we are here to spend time with you. We will come in your car. I will ask driver to drive my car to your home. Akash took his phone to call his driver.

No Akash, let them go in their car. We will go in our car. Payal stopped him as she sort of sensed that the couple might need to spend some lone time.

But Payal? Akash unaware of the developments in Raizadas' life questioned Payal disappointedly.

Akash, I forgot something in car. We will leave in few mins. Let them leave. Arnie Cookie you guys carry on. We will drive in our car.

Arnav nodded and Akash stopped him when he was to leave. Arnie, chill the glasses and keep it ready to which Arnav smiled and left with Khushi still holding her hand, while she just looked at him in awe.

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Arnav and Khushi sat next to each other in the car. Arnav noticed that she is unusually silent looking out the window.

He placed his palm on her shoulder and made her turn to him. He took her palm in his and asked her Why were you crying Khushi?

I..She tried to deny again but he interrupted her.

He spoke rubbing his thumb on the back of her palm, Dont deny it Khushi. I think I am mature enough to understand what you are doing if not the reason behind it. I know you did cry. Your eyes are red and your voice completely hoarsed. Whats the matter? Did anyone say anything to you? Did I hurt you unknowingly? Did I do anything inappropriate while dancing? He asked the last question hesitatingly looking everywhere but her.

She instantly slapped his cheek a bit playfully, Why do you always think along those lines? You always miss the mark on knowing what's happening, dont you? She frowned.

He twisted her arm to her back and pulled her angrily real close to him. Just because I allowed you to slap me once doesnt mean that you take the liberty to do it all the time.

Why not? I will slap you, hit you, punch you and do everything I can all my life to stop you from talking such nonsense. She spoke authoritatively expressing her right on him, looking into his eyes.

And you think I will just sit quiet and allow you? He asked amazed at her spunky attitude.

I dont think I will leave you any other option. She spoke in mischievous tone fluttering her eyebrows.

He smirked at her, narrowed his eyebrows and gave a confused questioning look. She is on a roll today and something is definitely changed he thought.

She commanded whispering on to his face when he was about to release his grip on her wrist, Dont!

He just looked at her shocked unable to understand. As far as he remembered, she always complained in the past that he always handle her roughly. Today she is asking to hold her like that. He felt strange with the way she is acting up today. He just followed as she told and tightened his grip again, Kyun? Is it not paining today? He asked looking into her eyes.

Nahi, agar hain tho bhi chalega. [Even if it is, I dont mind bearing it] She whispered conveying much more than just stated, stupefying him.

While he looked at her confusedly with surprised look on his face, She raised her other hand and cupped his face. She slowly brought her lips closer to his cheeks lowering her eyes shyly while he looked at her through the corner of his eyes. She pressed her lips onto his cheek where she slapped her. She deepened her lips against his stubbled cheek while her palm supported his other cheek. I am sorry, I will not stop slapping you. But I promise I will reward you with my sorry and THIS (referring to kiss) everytime I punish you. I hope you now dont have any more issues with it. She whispered onto his stubble and withdrew away from him letting out mischievous smile leaving him his wide-opened.

Khushi, yeh sab kya hain? [What is all this?]

Kya hain? She tried to put up innocent face.

Khushi, you know very well what I am asking? What did you just do?

Kyun? Kuch hua kya? She asked innocently hiding her tease.

Khushi, tum..he couldnt reply, how she is torturing him with her touches and playing with his senses. He stuttered and didnt know what to say.

She mentally danced within herself as she made him all flustered for the first time and thought, ab aayega mazaa Mr. raizada. This is what happens with me when you do all that touchy touchy. Now you bear it. She thought smiling to herself.

It was a treat to watch him at complete loss of words. She continued, You think only you can follow the tradition. I know it very well too. She teased him again.

And what was that?

There should be explanation behind every action we take. She made her first rule towards her goal.

I never knew such boring tradition existed. He spoke leaning onto her, losing himself in the extreme closeness, while she leaned back away from him.

You are right. There wasnt one. I just made it up. She giggled and tried to lean back farther from him.

What the? He pulled her, this time more strongly making her collide onto his chest, He leaned onto her to kiss her not sure of himself where he wants to, but his lips just drew themselves to her while his eyes were locked onto her lips. As he approached closer, she closed her eyes and whispered, You did what you did because I made ladoos for you. I did what I did as I made mistake of slapping you. Dont take advantage of the situation, Mr. Raizada? She teased with a mischievous smile.

He withdrew, a little embarrassed. His ears turned red, a common sign of blushing in men, which Khushi noticed and chuckled to herself. Do you realize you are being obsessively flirtatious today? He slightly miffed at her for putting him in THE spot today.

It was always the other way and back of his mind, he started thinking of the change he is seeing in her. She is more outspoken and appearing more bold. And the kiss, she blushed until this morning and now what happened suddenly? He thought.

Yeah that happens after living with you. She chuckled.

Khushi, I pulled you out of party to find out if you are ok and whats bothering you and here you are being silly. On a serious note, tell me why were you so upset? He asked her once again faking anger.

I wasnt upset Arnav. I was just overwhelmed. She said avoiding his gaze.

Overwhelmed for what? Media?

She leaned onto him, hugging his arm, looping her arm around his, she spoke softly regretting that she wasnt with him all these years, No. I just felt if I really deserved your speech about me.

He just not able to understand what she is doing. She used to feel shy and uncomfortable with slightest rub of their shoulders and here suddenly she is freely holding and hugging his arm.

Brushing away his reticence, he asked peeking at her sideways under his chin. Why would you think like that?

Because I was not with you when you really needed me. She said as tears rolled down her cheeks wetting his shirt.

He remembered the day in their college when he asked her to get out. The day they parted, the days they crossed each other without speaking a word; pretending to ignore her was something indescribable beyond pain. Particularly, he remembered how angry he was on her for not being HIS when he needed her the most, which is another reason he didnt feel the need to enquire about her all these years. He cleared his throat as he choked up and spoke making her face him,

You are no less than others in that list Khushi. If they struggled to give me the initial push, you struggled to maintain what I started. Unfortunately, I never realized it before. He spoke expressing sadness in his voice.

Thank you for thinking high of me. She smiled radiantly trying to divert his sadness.

Dont fly too much. I cant believe you cried so much for such simple thing. I was worried unnecessarily. You are just unbelievable sometimes. He shook his head in disbelief that he became absolute nerve wreck worrying about her a while ago.

That's when the car is stopped as they reached home and the chauffeur opened the door for them.

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