Khushi got up and opened the door. Of course Arnav was standing at the other end. He immediately came in to her room. Khushi turned the other way and tried to bring her breathing to normal. She again turned to him with a smile.
Arnav noticed her red eyes and immediately came forward. "What happened Khushi? Were you crying? Are you still angry with your Arnie?" He engulfed her slim form in a bear hug. Khushi felt the difference immediately. He was not her Arnie anymore. Khushi stiffened and did not bother to return his hug. A concerned Arnav held her at arm's length and looked at her seriously.
"What happened and why are you like this?" He was losing a little patience.
"Who is Lavanya? And why haven't you ever talked about her before?"
A dull flush rose against Arnav's cheeks. He looked guilty and replied "She is my girlfriend Khushi. I met her when I was in the States. Her parents are from India but she was born and brought up there. I know I should have talked to you about her but I wanted it to do it in person. This was not a casual relationship. I wanted you to meet her in person and introduce her to you."
Khushi's heart felt heavy. He confessed what she already knew in her heart. With a lot of difficulty she looked up with a normal expression at his face. Arnav continued in the same tone "Please don't be angry Khushi. I can't bear it. I want my old Khushi back." He held her cold hands.
Khushi didn't know what to say. She had been so eager to meet him and confess her love for him. Nani too knew about her love for Arnav. Now everything crumbled to nothing. But no matter what Khushi could not stop loving Arnav. He would always remain hers in her heart. And she his. She would never be able to love another man. That would be impossible.
Arnav felt something stike his heart at the expressions chasing across her face. He saw a deep yearning, an unfulfilled wish. Whatever it was he wanted to get it for his Khushi. Before he could ask her about it, Nani and Lavanya came in. Khushi immediately took a few steps back. Arnav noted that with surprise. Earlier Khushi never bothered about formalities and stuck to him always. That was one of the things he loved about her.
Nani asked them to come down for lunch. "Chote, Khushi has prepared all your favorite dishes especially since it is your birthday." Khushi had completely forgotten that it was Arnav's birthday. Before she could wish him, Arnav spoke to Nani.
"You both go down Nani. We will come." And they both left.
"Khushi, you didn't even wish me for my birthday. How did you forget it? You never forget my birthday."
"Happy birthday Arnav."
"What the hell happened to you Khushi? You sound as if someone is dead. For Godssake it is my birthday. And what about the usual gift?"
"What?" Khushi was mind was still elsewhere.
"Your kiss. You always give me that and then the gift. Now I want both." Arnav demanded as if he had all the rights when it came to her.
Khushi felt her heart thundering. Earlier it was different. But with the passage of time her childish crush and affection had turned to deep love. She would have gladly given him the kiss had he been hers but he had a girlfriend now and Khushi didn't know how to get out of this.
"What the! Khushi you don't have to force yourself. I will never trouble you again asking for a gift. I am your best friend, your everything dammit. Why are you like this?" He held her arms and brought her near him. Khushi was almost in tears.
"Sorry Arnav. I didn't mean to be like this." She went on tip toe and gave him a soft kiss on his right cheek. "Happy Birthday Arnie." Khushi felt an electric shock go through her when she kissed him. That was a first. She quickly stepped back before he could hold her again.
Arnav too felt this kiss to be different from her usual pecks. Yet he felt light. She had at last called him Arnie. She was still his Khushi. He took her hands in his and went down for lunch. Arnav properly introduced Lavanya to Khushi and they both smiled and exchanged pleasantries. The conversation flowed between memories and incidents that happened while he was away.
Arnav enjoyed all the lip smacking dishes with relish. Lavanya was astonished to see Arnav eat so many things. "ASR I have never seen you eat like this."
Arnav promptly replied "There was no Khushi to cook these for me." And he smiled at Khushi who was feeling very uncomfortable with Arnav and Lavanya sitting next to each other. Arnav even fed Lavanya while Khushi pretended to not notice it. Nani kept her hands on Khushi's and gave a gentle squeeze. She knew and she understood.
They all had their lunch and Lavanya said she wanted to have a nap since she was jet lagged. Nani too went up to her room. Khushi went about her work and then reached her room. That evening there was a get together at the house for Arnav's birthday. Khushi did some calls regarding the food and went up.
Arnav was waiting near his room. When he saw Khushi come, he asked her to join him for a chat. As usual they both sat by the poolside with a coffee. They reminisced about their childhood, shared some laughter, and finally shared a companionable silence.
After a long pause Arnav finally spoke. His voice was soft and tender. "I missed you Khushi." He took her hands in his. Khushi felt tears prickle her eyes. "I missed you too." She whispered. And I love you Arnie she thought to herself. Before she got overtly emotional, Khushi got up and went to her room.
Part 5
Sports
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Hollywood
Hindi TV Shows
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
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