ArHi FF[Complete] - Running From The Truth#3 Epilogue pg. 102 - Page 8

Originally posted by: -Emma.K-

Update coming this weekend for sure...perhaps Friday even :) Thank you for waiting!

Originally posted by: Shruti21

friday aa ke chala gaya

Originally posted by: kushiarnav1

<font size="3">dear saturday agaya,update nehi mila...please update de dona...

cheers...
</font>

Chapter 34 - Grasping

A week later, the glimmering turquoise river gently, calmly and slowly caressed the smooth shimmering rocks at every stroke repetitively.

Her footprints followed her steadily across the bumps as she made her way down to the water's edge. The smell of the water tickled her nose, and she could not decipher when she had last seen a sight more gorgeous than that mass of sapphire blue stretching to the farthest ends of what her eyes could see; almost as if it were trying to kiss the hanging orange sun. She smiled as her toes wiggled in the cool water as she sat down on the large boulder to dip her feet inside the depths of water. With one last glance at the sinking sun, she turned to her side where Arnav took a seat beside her to watch the skyline.

"It's beautiful." Khushi said, the rush of adoration washing over her. She did not know what it was exactly, but she only assumed that it had to do with the beautiful colours layering themselves in the vast sky above her, and her Arnav at her side. It was almost ethereal, the view of it all, the feeling of it all. She felt free, there was no other word for it.

"I thought you'd like it." He shifted closer to her, tugging on her hand to entwine with his.

"Thank you for bringing me here. You know...I used to come here all the time as a child during my summer vacations. I've always loved the view of water...especially the ocean!" She admitted.

"I know. I remember you telling me some time ago." He smiled warmly at her, his eyes calm...serene, as gentle as the water that crashed before them. "But I never knew why you loved it so much."

"It's always gleaming and radiant. The water is lucent...it had this beautiful exterior to the human eye, and I find it so interesting that we are only presented with the surface. Some people may find it boring, just the one same old shade. But inside...there's so much to explore. You'd never know by just sitting here and watching." Khushi explained. She suddenly put her head on his shoulder as they continued to relax around the atmosphere presented before them, trying to hide the colour that rose up her cheeks. "And...it reminds me of you. Your name means the ocean...Arnav."

-----

His heart constricted at the idea, that she had related one of her most favourite sites to him...the ocean and him. He wondered, how one could seemingly be so innocent, so beautiful on the inside. Physical beauty had always associated itself with Khushi, however it was a whole other matter to have the gentleness within you. He pondered again, over how incredibly fortunate he was to have her in his life. This beautiful being, that he would not trade for the world.

Despite knowing her for the majority of his life, he found it fascinating that she could still leave him in awe with her simple words. No one had ever bothered, however she was the only thing that made him feel special. As if he was one of a kind, she had this adoring look in his eyes that managed to make him feel good about himself. Throughout Arnav Singh Raizada's life, he hadn't bothered with those kinds of sentiments. And that was what had caused him to lose her in the first place.

Squeezing her hand tightly in his own, not knowing what exactly to say because he had never been so great with words, he brought her fingers to his lips to kiss every single one. The soft skin against his lips felt similar to the most natural sensation there could be.

"Arnav?"

"Hmm..."

"You brought me here purposely didn't you?" She said moments after.

He frowned in confusion. "I have no clue what you're talking about."

"I told you the other day about how I used to come here with Babuji...this very river, and I used to feed the fish. And you remembered." She shook her head with a smile, as she rose from his shoulder. "I know you. You've been going out of your way to do these little things for me, to see that smile on my face. In fact, I don't remember the last time I was upset, and I believe that's all thanks to you." She have his hand a soft squeeze. "But you don't have to do all this. Just being with you is enough. You don't have to bring me places, or buy me things..."

When she paused to glance up at his deep brown irises, she saw the intensity in them that she was now terribly accustomed to. "Are you done?" He asked in slight amusement.

"Khushi, I want you to be happy. That's it. I'm not going out of my way to do anything, I want to do all of these things and more." He pulled her to his chest then, as she familiarly placed her face in the crook of his neck, while he placed his chin atop her head. "Technically, I'm only being selfish. Because you're happiness deeply affects mine." He contemplated, making her lips curve into a smile. "You're all that matters."

She felt better instantly, his soft soothing words and the song the waves created as they crashed to shore only enhanced it all.

"Now we have a substitute little haven apart from our beach, where we can carve new memories." She thought out loud in content.

Khushi only felt him hold her tighter, hugging her close as if she would disappear with the breeze.

"Khushi?"

"Hmm...?"

"There's this event tomorrow night...held by one of my old friends. It's a big annual gala, and he asked me to come. I usually refuse, mostly because I don't like attending such places, and my excuse being that I'm never here in Lucknow whenever he throws it. However, this time I am...and I was thinking, I should probably go." He drew an invisible pattern on the back of her hand, something he did carelessly or perhaps purposely, she did not know. She only perceived that it was his way of asking her something, or telling her something important, and she found it quite adorable. "Would you like to be my date?"

She put her other hand on top of his, blinking a couple of times before nodding against his neck as she snuggled further. "I would love to be your date."

"I shall pick you up at 7 sharp. Do you want me to drive you home now?" He asked some moments later.

She shook her head slowly in negative, casually because her answer would be obvious. "Can we stay here for 5 more minutes?" She asked in a slight pleading voice.

"Khushi, if I could, I'd have us stay here forever. But for now, 5 more minutes will have to do." He let her go, only to watch her grin up at him like a small child, swinging her feet, as she watched the water make it's way back and forth leaving something new in it's trail every time.

--------

"So, are you going to tell me what's wrong?" Siddharth asked casually as he flipped through the channels, his sister sitting quietly beside him on the sofa. He watched curiously as she studied her nails, a slight frown adorning her forehead.

"What makes you think something is wrong?" She said monotonously.

"I watched a whole football game, and not once did you complain! Forget complain, you hardly fidgeted. You did not even try to snatch the remote from me, or attempt to persuade me into watching that "interesting" soap opera of yours. What's going on?" He asked curiously. "I've noticed it for the past week you know. These things are quite obvious to me, because not only am I a genius in general, but I'm also your brother." He pointed out.

Payal rolled her eyes figuratively. "Nothing."

"Payal. If you don't tell me, I'll bring our mother here..."

Her eyes snapped towards his immediately. "You haven't changed one bit, what a tattletale!"

He chuckled instantly. "And you're still incredibly stubborn."

"Fine. It's...okay, so I decided to apply for a position as a model for the upcoming fashion event hosted by AR."

"You did?!" He exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell me??"

"Because I didn't want any influence over you or Khushi Di. If people knew, they would think you were helping me get into it or something." She mumbled.

"So what's the issue? Did the interview not go well?"

She gulped. "Akaash Raizada took me interview. Do you remember him from the plane? He's ASR's cousin."

"Oh Akaash! Yes of course, we know each other well."

Her eyes misted up. "Why would he hire me?? Do you remember how I acted with him? I made fun of his eyesight!" She exclaimed, flailing her arms in the air. "He had this smirk on his face the entire time, so smug! He was mentally laughing at me on the inside, I know it."

"And what makes you think that?"

"Sid, he probably hates me! I was pretty rude to him the previous time we met."

"Did he say anything to you?" Siddharth asked.

"No, no...he was fine. I'm just so embarrassed! Imagine meeting...Arnav before! And then insulting him, only to find out later that he may be your future boss! Isn't that embarrassing??"

"Well, that would never happen because I make sure not to behave like a fool around Arnav Singh Raizada. Can't be an idiot in front of your idol and future best friend and future broth-----" He stopped in his tracks immediately. However the last part went unnoticed to her.

"Future best friend? I think you have a crush on him." Payal's bitter mood broke instantaneously as she let out a laugh.

"I don't have a crush on him!"

"Well I know I do. He's incredibly good looking...Seriously, sometimes I wonder how it's possible. If he weren't so intimidating, I might just go for him!" Payal said with a wink, making Siddharth's eyes widen.

"I think you should stick with Akaash." The mighty Arnav Singh Raizada has already fallen, and quite hard, for our dear cousin, Sid thought with a grin.

"Shut up!" Payal said. "I'm never going to get this offer." Her fear returned as she buried her face in her hands.

"Payal, stop being such a baby! Akaash isn't going to not hire you because of that day. He's more professional than that. As long as you did well in the interview, I assure you that you will be okay." Siddharth smiled as he ruffled his little sister by 2 minute's hair. She peeked up at him, an unsure expression still playing on her face, but when Siddharth nodded in a reassuring manner, she felt herself relaxing.

That stupid Akaash Singh Raizada...she thought with narrowed eyes. No one had ever dared to make her feel so nervous!

-----

The package that had arrived merely an hour ago with Khushi's name inscribed on it, sat idly against the wooden surface of their dining table. Madhumati noticed no name of who it had come from, only that it was addressed to her niece. She didn't dare open the box, it being none of her business. However, it was not hard to guess what it was by the packaging. It was heavy, but not terribly so. Enough to carry some sort of material...an article of clothing.

She glanced at the brown cardboard box again through the corner of her eye, realizing her intuition was probably right. Who else would send this to her...especially since she had heard that Gupta Industries would be working with AR Designs. It had to be Arnav Singh Raizada, she did not need a written name before her eyes.

Sighing, Madhumati continued to peel vegetables by the sink as she thought carefully. There was no point in ruining matters, Khushi had been through enough. And although personally, she still thought Arnav Singh Raizada was bad news, she was willing to give him one chance and one chance only.

Because she saw the look in Khushi's eyes from time to time. She observed the way her eyes wandered carelessly, sometimes deep in thought. How many times had she seen the pain, endured in through her eyes as she watched her niece sadden? In her opinion, men were no longer to be trusted...she only desired that Khushi would not go through anything more. Who knew abandonment more than Madhumati herself? Love...she shook her head. What kind of love, when your husband left you for another woman? After everything...

Her thoughts were disrupted as Khushi walked in through the door, closing it behind her with a smile. She seemed to be humming something, as she walked in with a certain spring in her step. This was common to see nowadays, she seemed more content in general.

"Hi Buaji." Khushi came to hug her from behind, placing a kiss on her cheek, making Madhumati's heart melt instantly.

"Hi Bitiya, how was your day?" She continued to peel her vegetables at a faster pace.

"It was good. Lots to do today, the big day is coming up soon! Siddharth is already home, right?"

"Yes, he came in some time ago. Said you had some things to finish up so you'd be home late."

Khushi nodded slowly, when Madhumati turned to look at her over her shoulder.

"Yes I did...what's this?" Khushi tried changing the subject, making Buaji want to laugh.

"I'm not quite sure, it is addressed to you. No name of who it is from though."

Through her peripheral vision, she watched Khushi run a finger over the box gently, with a smile making it's appearance on her face.

-----

"For me again?" Khushi thought in her head. How many times had she repeated the phrase in her head when a new gift, whether it be something she could touch, or merely see with her eyes...

"Probably something from work, I will go see it inside." She knew something had to be done, both her and Arnav would clear the air for Buaji soon. "By the way...I have a gala event to attend later on in the evening. If there's nothing to do here, I was thinking of going...?" Khushi asked softly.

"Bitiya, why do you still ask me these things? Of course you may go."

"Siddharth is also invited, I should go ask him if he wants to come!" Khushi said happily, as she got up with her box to question him, not noticing the fond smile that was on her aunt's face, with slight hesitance, but for now rectitude and genuineness.

-----

"Arnav invited me??" Siddharth gasped. "Really?"

"Yep!" Khushi shrugged. "He told me to ask you." She smiled up from her box.

"But everyone is going with dates, and I don't-------" He caught Payal's gasp from the corner of his eyes, where she sat on her bed doing her nails.

"No. No way." Siddharth was already shaking his head as Payal got up and approached him. "Payal, you're not going to be my date. That's weird!"

"No it's not Siddharth! It's cute, people won't think it's weird. Plus, who cares about what people think? You both are going, you expect me to sit at home alone while you guys are out having fun? Please, won't you do this for me?" She batted her eyelashes at him.

"Sid, why don't you take her?" Khushi admonished. "It will be nice, the three of us can go then."

Payal's eyes widened as she stared at her cousin. She would never understand why she was so genuinely nice around her, when Payal had never been anything but ignorant and jealous towards Khushi.

"Not you too Khushi Di!"

"Siddharth pleeaaseee!" Payal whined, watching as her brother glared fiercely.

This made Khushi giggle, and she decided she would let the twins fight in peace as she slipped out the door as they were too interested in their argument to notice. She entered her room slowly, her heart pounding against her sternum. With heated anticipation, she sat in the middle of her bed and stared at the box longingly. Picking it up slowly, she gave it a small shake and listened. Frowning, she set it back down and bit her lip.

Then, not being able to take the suspense any longer, her hands and fingers worked nimbly with the box, pulling and tearing in the process. The cardboard opened up to another box, the gold label beautifully engraved on the second white box. AR.

Lifting the cover, her eyes were laid to gaze at the beautiful silk material, wrapped neatly in careful folds. Lifting the material gently, she placed it on her bed, gasping in the process as she opened it further. It revealed a long silk gown, the colour of blood, of rage, of allure...his favourite colour. And the dress...his creation.

She sat, going through his book of designs, flipping carefully through the beautiful ideas. Sometimes running her fingers through the thick page of the sketchpad, sometimes staring for long.

She did not even realize when he had come up behind her chair, leaning down so his chin rested on her shoulder.

"So, which one did you like the best?" He asked, turning his face into her neck, his nose running across the silk of her skin, placing a kiss behind her ear in the process.

"Arnav, stop...What if..."

"The door is locked." He said, trailing his fingers down the length of her arms, feeling her tremble, until he was holding the book with her. "So, tell me. Which one?"

Controlling the tremble in her lips, she managed to ignore Arnav's smirk and point at the dress she had been eyeing.

"This one." She whispered. The beautiful red material wrapped around the body. Starting at the small of the back, two pieces of rectangular material went to wrap around the front, criss crossing around the chest and stopped at the shoulders. The material at the top solely red lace. The back showed triangular cuts, revealing patches of skin. The bottom was fine silk, fitting snugly around the waist and flowing slightly outwards. "It should be the showstopper."

"Good choice." He murmured into her ear, pulling the book out of her hands to place on the desk in front of her, and turning her chair to face him as he leaned down to her face. Her lips curved up into a small shy smile as he continued to gaze at her lips hungrily, leaning forward...

Snapping out of her flashback, she looked at the gown once more. She realized it had come with a wrap, he had known she might be uncomfortable leaving the house in front of Buaji like that.

Placing it carefully back into the beautiful box, wiping the silly grin off her face she grabbed her phone instantly. Dialing his number on speed dial, he picked up on the second ring.

"Did you like your surprise?" His husky voice asked.

"Arnav...yes of course, it's beautiful...you already know that I love it. But me? I mean, I suggested this for...I just don't think..."

"Wear it tomorrow night?" He interrupted. "For me...please?" He added a moment later.

She felt herself resigning, how could she say no to something he asked so sincerely of her?

"I'll see you at 7...and thank you." She wondered if he could hear her smile through the phone.

----

The next evening arrived faster than he had imagined. Having a very busy day, he had hardly seen her throughout the entire morning or afternoon. But as he leaned against his car outside, adjusting his tie as he waited patiently for her to make an appearance, he realized that he looked forward to the evening. Not because of the event, or seeing his old friend, or for anything related for that matter. He anticipated tonight's party because it would be the first time people would see him with Khushi publicly. And he liked that he would be able to show her off, as his woman. Carry her on his arm, show everyone that he was finally settling down with this woman. That she was the one, had always been the one. He did not mind one bit, and that was one very drastic change he had seen in himself. Although, he knew he would have to address these matters with Khushi beforehand, knowing her, she was bound to be nervous. No more of that, he thought.

Seeing her in his favourite colour made him want to do things to her that were not so appropriate as she made an appearance finally, stepping off the front porch. If he could, he would have a whole line dedicated to her...where he could design for her personally, as he was loving this particular one on her lithe and willowy body. Wisps of brown hair framed her face, her hands bare holding on to a silver clutch. Her ears held simple pearls, while her lips were a bright red, something that did not help with his self control.

Red. The colour that flushed her skin when he whispered in her ear, the stain on her cheeks when she blushed, the shade he wanted her to trail all over his body. The hue of warmth as she cared for him, and the glow he saw when she left...

He extended his hand towards her, the contrast between the ivory of her palms with the tan of his hand, the silk against the rough...

"You look beautiful." He put it simply, whispering it in her ears and feeling her long lashes against his cheek as she closed her eyes at his words.

The hazel in her eyes was warmer today, there was the fervid look in those depths as she stared at him. As if she was seeing him for the first time...as if. Twining their hands together, he pulled her into the back seat of the car as his driver took them away.

The car ride was soothing. He was always in possession of her hands, running his fingers down her arms from time to time, pushing her flowing hair behind her ear as he leaned in to place his mouth on the natural flush of her cheek.

The car came to a stop in front of the large building, the glow of the moon reflecting beautifully against the edifice.

Taking both her hands in his, he studied her carefully before letting words cut through the acknowledging silence they had shared so far. "I know you're nervous. And that's okay. If you're not comfortable coming here for any reason, I will turn this car around and we can go home." He assured with a squeeze.

Watching the smile break on her face, he felt as if what he had muttered seconds ago was not so silly after all. "I am comfortable. Wherever you are...is comfortable for me Arnav." She said with a small smile, and it amazed him that she was still able to feel shy despite all they had been through.

------

People were everywhere; you could hear the provocative whispers, and the clinking of wine glasses. The ladies were draped in lush gowns and the men were clad in business suits. It was a delightful evening filled with a subtly contained elegance, sophistication and allure. Paintings as vivid and as surreal were scattered all over the walls. The bright colours were in perfect contrast with the atmosphere of the night.

Arnav and Khushi had made their entrance, some stopped to stare, while others decided that whispering to their neighbour would precisely be the better and safer idea. The women gazed at Khushi curiously, wondering who the pretty lady on Arnav's arm was. He had never been known to show any particular serious interest in a woman and yet this one...

The women also took their time to watch Arnav Singh Raizada, dressed charmingly in his grey suit that fit him all too well. And the slight smile that he sported was a rarity...some wondered if this was truly him, and some acquired that rumours were clearly not what one should base their assumptions upon.

Taking a deep breath, Khushi allowed herself to relax and make conversation. This would help her, seek comfort out of the insecurities she had been previously hiding behind. And so she had, spoken up and discussed the new project with AR, the atmosphere of the party, her views on this matter and that. And she had found herself enjoying the feeling of meeting entirely new people, some that she had found to her liking as well. Although, the men who had talked to her had not stayed long, with Arnav's casual piercing gaze that is.

"Drink, madam?" The waiter interrupted her, and she took the flute gently, glancing at Arnav who had not moved his hand away from the small of her back as he talked to someone.

Scanning the crowd of figures that were scattered across the hall, her gaze fell on one particular woman that seemed to be approaching their circle, standing out from the rest. The green strapless gown grazed her body so perfectly, that even Khushi stared for a moment. She had to be a model, thought Khushi as she noticed how tall she was, her long tanned legs peeking through the slit that had cut through the emerald fabric of her gown. Confidence oozed out of her, as she took effortless strides across the room, not seeming to give any importance to the stares that followed. As she came closer, Khushi noticed the dark eyes shaded with bronze shadow, tinting the colour of her hair. The long black eyelashes, defined by the kajal and mascara she wore only enhanced the shade of dark brown in her eyes. Her lips curved suddenly, revealing her glamorous smile as she stared right past her, to the man at her side. Her man, to be exact.

"ASR?" Her smooth voice interrupted his conversation as he took a moment to turn and face her direction. "Is that really you?"

A flash of recognition flickered in his eyes as he smiled back. "It can't be...Neha?"

She nodded vigorously, grinning widely. "It's been so long!" She walked forward and lessened the distance as she leaned in to awkwardly give him a hug, as he did not remove his hand from Khushi's waist either. She pulled back, continuously smiling. "You haven't changed one bit ASR, still don't know how to give proper hugs!"

"You haven't changed at all either, you still blurt out the first words that come to your head." He chuckled. "I can't believe you're here...I mean, I should have known. It's so good to see you." Arnav shook his head with a smile.

"Khushi, this is Neha. A childhood family friend of mine, we used to be neighbours when we were small." He turned to Khushi, watching her extend her hand out and smiling at the woman in front of her, to the best of her ability.

"And Neha, this is Khushi." Arnav said, pulling her slightly closer to his side.

"Hi Khushi, so nice to meet you!" She said as she shook her hand, smiling sweetly at Khushi.

"Nice to meet you too." Khushi said politely, smiling back at the enthusiastic woman. She had no reason to dislike her, none whatsoever. Khushi had rarely found the reason to dislike anyone, usually skipping to the good side of people and solely concentrating on that aspect. However, just the sight of this new woman was making Khushi see more green than the shade of the woman's gown. And so, as Neha looked towards Arnav to resume the conversation they had previously started, all Khushi could do was find his hand, something she usually would have never initiated on her own, and linked their fingers together tightly...because he was hers, and it was as simple as that.

A very nicely written and Awesome chapter!!