Chapter 21: Unanswered Questions

"Arnav?"

"I knew this dress would look beautiful on you." He smiled at her reflection while simultaneously pulling her closer.

Khushi felt the blood in her veins rush as her back came into contact with her chiseled chest. "You chose this?"

Arnav shrugged in response. "I saw it and I immediately thought that it was made for you...Only, now I'm realizing that my imagination didn't do you justice, Khushi."

Her surprised gaze held his confident one through the reflection in the mirror while his hand moved along her arms. With a second-long pause at her elbows, his hands traced their path across and around her slender waist, leaving a wake of fire on every inch of her skin that he touched.

Their eye lock broke when Khushi's eyes fluttered closed as the fire started a dance of butterflies in the pit of her stomach. Making a note of every slight expression that passed by on her face, Arnav tightened his grip on her possessively.

When she leaned into the haven of his arms, her eyes still closed, Arnav couldn't help but smile at her reaction. No matter how much practice she'd had in the past, she was increasingly becoming worse at masking her expressions around him. Never before had he been able to see through her as clearly as he was able to now.

Taking an impulsive decision, he dipped his head and placed his lips on the bare strip of skin on her shoulder. The faintest gasp of surprise escaped her slightly parted lips even as her hands closed over his on her waist as if seeking additional support. In that gesture, Arnav found his motivation"his permission, rather"and he placed another kiss a mere centimeter away from the previous one.

A shiver ran through her spine which reverberated through his chest in their snuggled state. That small shiver was his undoing. Before another rational thought could cross either's mind, Arnav spun her around to face him. The next second, Khushi found her back plastered against the cool surface of the mirror while his warm body pressed down on her.

One of her hands clung to his shoulder tightly, seeking support, while her other hand held a fistful of the smooth fabric of her dupatta. She was aware of three things: Arnav's forehead leaning against hers, His minty breath fanning across her lips and jaw, and a nagging feeling akin to guilt which she shoved aside.

With his one hand intact around her waist, he moved the other to hold her hand. Her breaths became rugged as he pried her fingers open one by one and freed the dupattafrom her grip. His fingers slipped into the gaps between hers.

Arnav's eyes flew open a second after he intertwined their fingers. The feel of cold metal on a particular finger of hers came as a stark reminder of the situation. As the rage took place of the passionate desires, his grip on her hand tightened without warning and she hissed in pain the next second.

Arnav let go of her hand knowing that he'd caused the ring to dig into her skin harshly"making her remember what that stupid ring symbolized.

The guilt prickled Khushi's heart as she lifted her left hand and looked at the ring that was snuggled to her ring finger, symbolizing that she was committed to a man. A man who was not the one she was just shamelessly clinging to...the one she just might have ended up kissing if the reminder had come a couple seconds late.

Arnav watched the fog clear from her eyes and get replaced with sadness. The previous five minutes weren't supposed to happen. He hadn't intended to get so close to her and he sure as hell hadn't intended to almost kiss her. Regardless of all that, he had her where he wanted her. Arnav was forced to take a back seat as the ruthless ASR obtained the reins of the situation.

"Does it feel the same when he touches you?"

Khushi's blood chilled, not because of the question, but because of the answer she dared not admit to him.

No...it feels nothing like that when he touches me. It's only you, Arnav...always you.

The thought came unexpectedly. She knew the answer but that didn't mean that her inner voice could remind her at every chance it got. What the hell was she doing reacting this way to Arnav when she was engaged to NK? What the hell was she doing letting in the man who had broken her heart years ago, albeit unintentionally?

The anger at herself rained down upon Arnav in the form of a disgusted glare. She clenched her jaw shut and looked away. She tried to side step him but he blocked her path by placing both his hands on her sides.

"What the hell are you doing Arnav?"

"Finding answers to my questions." He replies simply.

Khushi looked away. She didn't want to do this right now. This was a mess that she didn't want to bring out before Anjali's wedding. She didn't want this mess to mar these wedding memories.

"I know you won't answer the question I just asked...or the one I've asked you twice before..." Arnav learned closer and she tried to lean back as if the mirror would bend to her wishes and give her more distance from him. "I know you won't answer me if I ask you whether you love NK or not...let's try answering a different question, Khush."

She turned to face him and in the wake of anger, ignored the fact that he was so close that their nose tips were touching. Her defiant expression was enough to tell him that she was in no mood of agreeing to his demands...but she didn't know the question that awaited her.

"Don't you want to know what my question is Khush?"

"I don't give a damn, Arnav...just let me go." She looked at him squarely but made no attempt to move.

Arnav smirked, seeing the glimpse of his old stubborn, tomboy Khushi.

This is more like it, Khush...I've missed the girl who used to argue with me without backing down...

"Answer my question first..."

"WHAT?!?! What is it?! What question is it now?" Khushi said frustrated. Every time he asked her whether she loved NK, she wanted to slap him and tell him that she didn't love NK...that she loved him...that she has loved him for years. But she couldn't do that again. She couldn't put her heart on the line again. And she knew that if he didn't stop pestering her about this, she would end up blurting the truth to him. She didn't want that...She just wanted to leave.

His questioning gaze on her face made her look away. Arnav found the perfect opportunity to drop his question.

"Are you in love with me, Khushi?"

Khushi went still. Her heart hammered, her breaths hitched, her eyes rounded, her blood tuned icy.

Why? Why would you ask me this?! Why now!?

She waited for him to say something more...perhaps even repeat the question. Had she even heard him right or was it a figment of her imagination? What should she do? Answer the questions honestly or lie? Should she ask the questions his question had aroused in her? Why did he ask her this question?

Khushi turned to face him with exaggerated slowness. His composure was calm, yet nervousness danced in his eyes as if her answer mattered to him more than anything else.

Why is he nervous? Is he hoping the answer to be a yes...or is he afraid that it will be a yes?

The latter doubt shut her down. The curtains fell on her face and Arnav blinked in confusion. She'd been expressive just a second ago. He'd seen rage; confusion, and nervousness skitter across that beautiful face. The last expression had been of fear.

He'd even take that rather than this. Her schooled expression was like a splinter under his skin. He hated it.

"I refuse to answer any of your stupid and pointless questions." She crossed her arms stubbornly.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "You will answer my questions Khushi...sooner or later...but you will." He looked into her eyes, finding his words echoing in the depths of those brown orbs.

"Oh, my God Payal! You have to see her!"

Lavanya's loud and excited voice broke the silence and Arnav stepped away from Khushi. Khushi took a deep breath and composed herself, adjusting the Lehenga absent mindedly.

Get your act together Khushi. You can't let him do this to you again. You need to focus. You're engaged to NK. NK doesn't deserve this...it's unfair to him and to you as well...why are you inviting more pain for yourself...besides...this isn't you...you're not unfaithful, damn it!

A second later, Payal and Lavanya walked into the change room and stopped seeing Arnav there. Both their eyes rose higher up on their foreheads, silently questioning him.

"What? Why are you looking at me as if I can't be here? This is my office, you know." Arnav chuckled.

Khushi looked at him from the corner of her eyes. He was talking and acting as if the entire conversation between them had never happened.

"Oh my God!!" Payal squealed. "Look at you, Khushi! You look absolutely great! Lavanya was right! Anjali is going to be so excited...come! You need to see her bridal couture too!"

Payal grabbed Khushi's hand and led her out of the change room and Khushi left without a backward glance at Arnav. It took everything in her power to not look at him but she was afraid that he might find the answer to her question in her eyes.

Lavanya followed Payal and Khushi but stopped at the entrance to look back at Arnav. Arnav held her gaze, smiled gently, and nodded.

"Thank you." His voice was barely above a whisper but she heard him anyway.

She winked at him in response. With a smug grin in place, she turned around a followed the girls away from the change room. By the time she got to Anjali's personal little change room, Anjali was already calming down with her squeals upon seeing Khushi.

"You have no idea how amazing you look!" Anjali looked at Khushi from head to toe. "NK is a goner on the wedding day! He might marry you in the same altar after seeing you in that!"

Payal and Lavanya laughed while Khushi rolled her eyes.

"Swati! Good job with that Lehenga...I'll tell Arnav to promote you for this!" Anjali patted the young woman's shoulder.

Swati chuckled and blushed shyly at the praise. "I wish I could take credit Anjali ji but I can't... I didn't design that...ASR did."

Khushi's head snapped to Swati at that piece of information. Her eyebrows knit together in confusion. She immediately looked for the tag on the dress. In the last three years, Khushi had kept tabs on Arnav's success. She'd seen his interviews on the TV, read his articles in the magazines. She knew that Arnav designed sometimes. The dress she'd worn at the cocktail party was one of his designs too. She found the tag and immediately turned it over to look for the mark which differentiated Arnav's designs.

Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the small Anchor drawn on a tilt next to AR Designs'. So he had designed this Lehenga.

Arnav designed this? Then...why didn't he say so earlier?

What she didn't process was what he indeed had said. 'Only, now I'm realizing that my imagination didn't do you justice, Khushi.'-- Not only had he designed this, he had designed it with her in mind...just like all of his other designs.
____

Arnav stepped out of the limousine, feeling fatigued. His day, after his conversation with Khushi in the change room yesterday, had been extremely busy as he tried to finish work in advance in order to keep the next few days free for his Di's wedding. He had worked through majority of the night and then taken the private jet to Rajasthan around noon the next day.

He looked up at the elegant Sheesh Mahal which looked quiet from the outside but he knew that it would be abuzz indoors with the chatter of hundreds of ladies that had gathered for Anjali's bridal shower.

All he wanted after a long couple of days of work and a short, yet tiring, flight to Rajasthan was some sleep. All he'd been able to think about during the flight was, obviously, Khushi. His plan was set for the next three days and his plan for tonight would set things in motion.

If he had gauged her reactions correctly, she would put up a fight before she opened up about anything. This was the reason why he had altered his original plan to include the little conversation he planned to have with her tonight. If she wouldn't confide in him about her feelings, he would take the first step.

Tonight he would determine where NK stands in all of this. He couldn't afford to waste a single opportunity. The upcoming three days would decide his equation, and perhaps his future, with"or without"Khushi.

Little did he know that by the end of these three days, his equations with many people will be altered?
_____

That night, during the sangeet, Arnav stood with Akash, Rohan, and NK as the ladies danced away in a small group in the centre of the big hall. Arnav's eyes had been glued to Khushi since the moment she had walked into the hall looking like a nymph from the heavens. Dressed in a white and magenta net saree with matching jewelry and hair done in loose curls, she looked the epitome of beauty.

She had looked his way quite a few times and every time she would hold his gaze for a couple seconds before glancing away. She had barely exchanged a few words with him and he gathered that she still hadn't come to terms with the conversation in the office yesterday. She had kept her distance on one pretence or another but he didn't bother to stop her. He would corner her later because he needed to talk to her tonight and he'd be damned if he let her get away then.

He tore his eyes away from hers with great difficulty when Akash elbowed him rather roughly. When Arnav glared at him, he found his cousin glaring back. Arnav kicked himself mentally and nodded at him.

Akash rolled his eyes exasperatedly at Arnav. It seemed to Akash as if he was doing more work than Arnav himself to bring Khushi back into his life. With a goal in mind, Akash turned to NK.

"So NK...tell us more about you and Khushi...I mean...you already know all our stories..." Akash smiled.

Rohan raised an eyebrow and looked at Arnav. Had Akash gone absolutely crazy? He was making NK speak about Khushi in front of Arnav?! As Arnav would say...what the! Whatever, if Akash wanted to die, so be it...but Rohan had no intentions of being ripped to pieces three days before his wedding.

He excused himself and headed towards Anjali and the girls. He'd rather choose the vicious circle of dancing ladies than face ASR's wrath.

Nk took a sip of the champagne and shrugged. "There are no stories...I mean...we met at school and then she joined the danced academy...we became good friends and then got engaged..."

"I know that...I mean...when did you fall in love with her? Common man...share with us...as far as we knew her, she was a tomboy who would turn down any advances with a single glare..." Akash chuckled.

NK laughed. "I can't imagine her as a tomboy...she has always been a well dressed woman...always prim and proper...always suitable for the occasion... You guys keep bringing up her tomboy personality but I find it hard to believe..."

Akash shrugged. "Maybe she decided to change once she moved...so how long have you two been in a relationship..."

NK frowned in confusion and looked at Arnav and then at Rohan before turning back to Akash. "We...we went from being friends to being engaged...you know the story, Akash..."

Akash sighed exasperatedly. "Let me spell it out for you buddy...how long have you been in love with her."

"Oh...Oh!!" Realization finally dawned upon NK. To Arnav and Akash's surprise, NK threw his head back and laughed as if Akash had just recited the joke of the day. "It's an arranged marriage Akash...not a pretend-arranged marriage like yours but an actual arranged marriage...we both understand each other and care about each other but she's not in love with me...not that I know of, anyway...and as of now, I'm not in love with her..."

"Why?" Arnav's husky voice made both heads snap towards him. Arnav, however, wasn't looking at them, he was busy looking at the group of women"rather Khushi"as he spoke. "Why not? She's smart...she's independent...kind, loving...she's beautiful."

NK followed Arnav's gaze and a small smile lit up his face as he watched her while Akash's jaw dropped in exasperation.

What the hell is Bhai doing?!?! Has he gone crazy??

All was quiet until NK's dreamy voice brought Arnav back to earth. "She is, isn't she? So graceful...so...beautiful."

Without another word, or so much as a backward glance, NK also made his way towards the women, leaving a stunned Arnav and a very annoyed Akash behind.

"What the fuck is wrong with you??" Akash nudged Arnav's side. "Are you stupid? Now I see why Arvind Chachu wants me to help you with this...you're absolutely clueless..."

"Huh?" Arnav finally realized that Akash was speaking to him.

Akash groaned. "Let me remind you bhai that you're supposed to be winning Khushi back...not making NK fall in love with her! What the hell did you just do?!"

"I..." Arnav began but Akash threw his head back in frustration.

"Oh save it! Seems like I'll have to do everything!" Swearing and muttering under his breath, Akash turned towards the group but paused hearing Arnav's voice.

"If you let that go for a second, Akash, you'll recall that NK just admitted something important about his relationship with Khushi." The confidence rang crystal clear in Arnav's voice after the hefty boost it had gotten post NK's confession.

Akash turned to face him again. "I know...I heard...but you pretty much just threw that out the window with your little slip there...now stay here, stop messing up, and let me take care of the rest."

Akash turned on his heel and left a chuckling Arnav behind. He only stood watching for a couple minutes before Lavanya came and dragged him towards them. Lavanya shoved her way into the circle with him, efficiently sandwiching him between Khushi and herself.

Arnav registered the sudden nervousness that entered Khushi's posture. She casted several fleeting glances at him but never held his gaze. Every time she touched him accidentally or vice versa, she would slide away almost immediately. Glad that Akash and Lavanya were keeping NK distracted and distanced from Khushi, he took the opportunity to add to her nervousness with the aid of flirty grazes and winks.

As the night reached its finale closer to midnight, another piece of information was handed to Arnav on a platter. If it weren't for what he found out...Arnav might have ripped off Aman's arm for holding Khushi's hand over her head, twirling her on the spot. It was as her hand went up that the magenta blouse rose a tad bit higher on her rib-cage, exposing the inked script across one of the left ribs.

So that's where her 5th tattoo is...across the ribs, on the left, close to her heart. Now the next step is to find out what it says...

Khushi was on the edge by the time the night came to end. Every fleeting, but very deliberate, touch from Arnav had increased her nervousness slightly. When the nervousness had reached its pinnacle, it had turned into anger. Both at herself and at him. What the hell was she doing, reacting this way to him? And what the hell was he trying to prove with all of this sudden questioning?!

She had sighed in relief when he bade everyone a goodnight and retired for the night. Now, at almost 2 in the morning, Khushi sat with Lavanya in the living room, talking about Lavanya's upcoming venture into a dance seminar week where she would be participating in various workshops to acquire further skills and expertise.

"You two are still awake?" His husky voice echoed seductively in the quiet dining room.

Khushi felt her heartbeats race once again as he entered back into the room. He casually pulled out the chair next to Khushi and settled comfortably, resting his arm across the back of Khushi's chair, seemingly unaware of the change in Khushi's posture.

"So are you..." Lavanya pointed out.

Arnav shrugged nonchalantly. "Couldn't sleep."

Lavanya yawned loudly. "Well, I was just about to leave...I'll let you two friends catch up...Good night guys."

Khushi gaped, unable to utter a single word, as Lavanya skipped out of the dining room. The room went eerily quiet and the silence seemed to close in on Khushi.

"You have to stop doing this...I'm running out of adjectives to use to describe how amazing you look..." His voice was private...as if his words could never be applied to anyone but her.

"Th-thanks..." She blurted, feeling the heat return in her cheeks, while her eyes scanned over her saree once.

Get out, Khushi...go now...

She didn't even bother to bid him goodbye as she stood up to leave.

"Wait Khushi." His warm and stern voice stopped her in her tracks as if it were physically holding her back.

Her heart jumped into her throat and then plummeted to her stomach when his arms circled around her waist. The damned feeling was back and she couldn't help but lean into his inviting warmth.

What the hell Khushi Kumari Gupta! Stop behaving like a hormonal teenager...get a grip. Its Arnav...the man who thought of you as a tomboy all his life...yes but...he's been nice so far...he's been saying sweet things...don't forget that he's also been pestering you with questions...but the way he touches me...the way it makes me feel...the way...wait, what?! Slap yourself Khushi!

Even her inner voice shut up abruptly when he caressed her skin at the edge of her blouse with the pad of his thumb.

"What does this tattoo say?"

Khushi shivered invitingly in his arms. The answer rolled off her tongue automatically. "Alis Volat Propriis".

Arnav's heart soared. Did she even realize how intimate this gesture was? The fact that she had gotten something he'd said to her long ago tattooed permanently on her body was nothing short of unbelievable for him.

"Why, Khushi?" Arnav asked squarely. He apologized to her in his mind and went on. "I would have thought it was something related to NK...unless of course, you have answers to the questions I asked..."

That did it for Khushi. Her nervousness roared and immediately formed a shield of anger.

"Who the hell do you think you are? Why should I answer your questions?!" Khushi shoved at his chest and his arms slipped away from her. "Let me go! You can't keep touching me and holding me the way you please, Arnav...I'm not one of your girl toys."

His eyes flashed dangerously at her jab but she went on as if she hadn't seen it.

"Stay away from me... ...you need to keep in mind that I'm engaged to someone else...know your limits and stay within them." Khushi pointed a finger at him. "I'm engaged, do you understand?"

Arnav held her by the shoulder and walked briskly towards the wall, forcing her to take steps back until her back hit the wall.

"I know you're engaged...but I know it's just for the hell of it!" He spoke through clenched teeth. "Admit it Khushi...you're not engaged to him because you love him...it's clear that you don't. you don't react to a man the way you react to me when you're in love with someone else...and for your information...NK has admitted that he doesn't feel that way for you...and--" He paused when Khushi interrupted him.

"That's enough! Enough, Arnav!" Khushi spoke loudly. "This is all I've heard since you came back...this is all that's been exchanged in words between us...what I don't understand is why does it matter so much to you?! Why does it matter so much whether he loves me or not?! Why does it bother you so much that I'm engaged to him?"

"That's a minor and unimportant detail...what matters to me is whether or not you're in love with him." He responded flatly.

"WHY?!" Khushi spoke in a fierce whisper. This behavior of his was taking its toll on her and she wanted her answers. She wanted them now. She fixed him with a stubborn glare. "Kya farak padta hai Arnav?"

"Farak Padta hai dammit! I want to know...no, I need to know whether or not you still have feelings for me." Arnav spoke calmly, bringing his face closer to hers.

Khushi felt her heart stutter dangerously as she registered his words. Still have feelings for me...Still?

Did that mean that he knew how she felt about him all along for all these years? An alarm blared in her head in warning, telling her to save herself from a pending heartbreak. So she did the first thing she could think of. She lied.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't you?" Arnav countered without missing a beat. "Are you denying that you had feelings for me for years, Khushi?"

The panic rose in a tsunami-like wave in Khushi's heart again. "I...I don't know what you're talking about, Arnav!"

She tried pushing him off of her to get away but he didn't relent. She needed to get away from him before his probing made her blurt out the truth!

"Stop pushing me away Khush..." He pleaded in a stern voice. "You know in your heart that you don't want to...you're freaking out because now you know that I know the truth..."

"You're mistaken." She drew her face blank and shuttered her eyes expertly owing to the years of practice but Arnav wasn't fooled this time. Khushi continued staring at him with more confidence than she felt. "I'm just trying to get away from you before we end up in an ugly argument...and I'm telling you again...I don't know what you're talking about."

Without another word to her, Arnav pushed himself off the wall, away from her, and grabbed her wrist. Khushi, though she knew she should protest, couldn't. She followed him meekly, holding the pleats of her saree in one hand, as he led her through the dimly lit living room.

She twisted her hand to try to free herself, but he only tightened his grip around her wrist more, climbing two steps at a time towards his bedroom while Khushi practically ran to keep up with him. He didn't utter a single word even as he threw open his bedroom door. Without pausing, he led her into the room unceremoniously and kicked the door shut behind him.

He finally left her hand, leaving her standing in the middle of the room while he stalked to his closet. Khushi was too focused on him, on what he was doing, to notice their pictures on the wall. Most were of her and him while a few were of the entire group. But Khushi saw none of them as he eyes fleeted between him and the door. A dead end and an escape...

She found herself unable to move when she heard the beeps of the keypads on the safe in his closet. Her eyebrows etched into a frown from the confusion, while her good hand massaged the wrist that he had gripped too tightly a few seconds ago.

What on earth is he doing?!

Arnav, on the other hand, opened the safe, slammed it shut a second later, and another second later, stalked over to her. Her eyes zeroed in on the object in his hand. Everything in her vision blurred except for that one thing which he held up for her to see clearly.

"Do you know what I'm talking about now?" He spoke with finality, knowing that he'd won this battle.

Khushi's breath hitched and heart raced once again as her mind truly registered the meaning of all this. This is why he was questioning her.

Of course it had taken her no more than a second to recognize the object in his hand...how could she not recognize it?

It had been her companion through heartbreaking times, through sad days, through angry fits. After Arnav, it was her second best friend in many ways...her outlet to vent out her frustrations without being worried that it would tell anyone...

Her Diary!

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Chapter 20: Determinations

Khushi's struggles finally paid off as the train zoomed past them as if nothing had happened. Akash, who had been holding her back, let her go and everyone surrounded the two men on the floor.

Seeing Khushi and Anjali already fussing over Arnav, Akash and Rohan turned to NK while Payal ran in the direction of the car to grab a first aid kit.

Anjali was firing off questions while Khushi expertly checked Arnav for any major injuries. Thankfully, apart from shallow cuts, scratches, and a slightly deep cut bleeding profusely on his arm, she found nothing. She clamped her teeth together to will the damned tears to stay put while she simultaneously battled her rage at the stupid man in front of her.

"I'm fine..." he protested when Anjali's sobs refused to stop.

"Fine my foot!" Anjali reprimanded. "You nearly got killed just there!"

Khushi grimaced and shuddered at the thought--something that didn't miss Arnav's watchful eyes.

"Khushi!" Akash exclaimed.

Khushi turned to face him and it was then that she realized that she had completely ignored NK. Shoving the burst of guilt aside, she left Arnav's side at once and moved to NK's.

Just like she had done with Arnav, she quickly checked NK for major injuries but much like Arnav, apart from a few scratched, there was nothing. With NK, however, Khushi felt zero ounce of anger...how could she possibly be angry at him after he'd just put his life in danger to save Arnav's.

Khushi didn't realize that the tears she'd tried to hold back had escaped her eyes at the mere thought of what might have happened if NK wasn't here today.

"Shh Khushi...Its okay...we're both fine..." NK wiped her cheeks and smiled before turning to Arnav. "You alright, man?"

Arnav nodded and smiled gratefully. He was supposed to dislike this man but now he owed him. And not any small thing...he owed him his life. There was no room for hate now. It only took a life threatening experience to clear those clouds.

"Thank you for...for pushing me out of the way...are you okay?" Arnav offered a small smile.

"Dandy!" NK grinned making Khushi roll her eyes.

"Dandy?? Seriously? Who uses that word these days?" Lavanya raised an eyebrow.

"And this is the time to be arguing about a word being too old." Aman stated sarcastically.

"Let's get you guys home..." Payal waved the first aid box for the rest to see. "I'll keep this out of Khushi and Anjali's hands until then..."

Despite the situation, small chuckles escaped at Payal's comment. It wasn't news to any of them that Anjali and Khushi will instantly kick into their mother hen modes when they got home.

"What the hell were you two doing?" Rohan glared at Khushi and Anjali. "You're not any smarter than Arnav; you know...if Akash and I hadn't stopped you, you two would have run directly into that train."

"Do you think I cared at that point?" Anjali flared. "All I wanted then was to see my brother!"

"And I'm sure all Khushi wanted to do was see her fiance...right, Khushi?" Payal gave a small smile.

Khushi's eyes flickered away from NK and immediately met Arnav's. Payal couldn't be more wrong. Sure, Khushi wanted to see NK but she wanted to see Arnav too. It was between the man she loved and her friend.

How could she possibly choose?

She averted her eyes from his questioning ones and turned to face NK again. NK was in deep thoughts and his expression was almost sheepish.

"What's wrong?' Khushi spoke in a broken voice.

NK grinned boyishly. "Nothing."

Khushi narrowed her eyes but let it slide for now. She would grill him later, of course. Everyone offered help, even though it wasn't needed, to bring the two men to their feet again.

Slowly, everyone started making their way to the cars. The incident had put an abrupt stop to Anjali's photo shoot idea.

NK stood in his spot and waited for the others to move on and sighed when he saw that Khushi refused to leave his side.

"Fine...stop looking at me like that...I think I injured my knee a little..." NK confessed sheepishly.

Khushi frowned in annoyance. "And you think it's wise to hide that fact? Let me see..."

"It's ok!" NK protested. "It's not twisted or broken...I think I unintentionally put a lot of force on it."

"How do you know it's not twisted or dislocated!" Khushi threw up her hands in frustration.

NK looked at her like one would look at an amusing child. "Khushi...I'm a doctor too, you know...not as smart as you but still...I'm not that bad..."

"NK this is not funny!" Khushi yelled. "Both you and Arnav have got to stop and listen to me once in a while!"

Arnav, who was only a few steps away whipped around to face them. "What did I do?!"

"You stood in front of a train, making me think you'd gone all suicidal on me...that's what!" Khushi flared.

"Alright, calm down tiger...give me a hand, will you?" NK interrupted when he saw Arnav open his mouth to argue.

Khushi immediately put an arm around NK's torso while he draped his arm around her shoulders. He leaned on her for support as he tried to walk without putting force on the injured leg.

For once, Arnav didn't feel an ounce of jealousy at the picture. Perhaps it was something that should have scared him but it didn't. Because all he saw right now was two friends arguing over one's well being. He saw a friend seeking support and the other providing it. He saw a reflection of the bond he'd shared with Khushi years ago.

NK and Khushi had only taken two steps when Arnav flanked NK's other side and lent a helping hand. NK was just as surprised as Khushi if not more at the gesture but if this was Arnav's way of opening the gates of friendship, NK wasn't going to turn his back on him now.

Once they reached the car, Arnav and Khushi helped NK settle in the back seat while Akash settled behind the steering wheel. Payal slipped into the front passenger seat just as Arnav turned to leave.

His heart thudded a little louder, a little faster when a soft hand took a hold of his. He didn't need to turn and look to see who it was. He could recognize that touch even if he was dead. He turned to face her anyway.

Her features were etched in a faint frown of pure concern--the kind that could thaw a heart of ice. Arnav's heart stood no chance.

She didn't say a word but the slightest tilt of her head towards the seat conveyed the message she didn't say. He gave her a faint smile of agreement. She didn't let go of his hand as she slipped onto the seat and moved over to make room for him.

Feeling like he had when she'd agreed to go to the prom with him; he took his seat and closed the door reveling in the feel of her tiny hand in his.

With her free hand, she reached over and placed her hand over NK's. Arnav saw, registered, and even understood.

In that moment Arnav realized that NK's place in her life is more important than he'd assumed. She may have run to him first after the incident, but she had left his side to tend to NK. But, she'd silently asked him to stay with her because she couldn't choose NK over him either.

In that moment, while Arnav's mind respected and appreciated NK and Khushi's friendship, ASR's mind calculated and implemented the changes that needed to be made to his plans to deal with this detail.
_____

On Khushi's insistence, despite NK's protests, they had taken him to the hospital where the doctors had taken an x-ray of his knee. Khushi had gladly ignored the 'I-told-you-so' looks that she got from NK when the doctor announced that the scan looked normal.

As expected, Anjali and Khushi had fretted and fussed over Arnav and NK all day once they'd reached home. NK had gone to sleep early just to escape the two ladies' unbearable concern. No adult man wanted to be treated like a sick five year old!

Arnav had seized the opportunity to have Khushi's attention for the major part of the late evening after NK had retired for the day. The incident had settled something between them and now the old camaraderie was reflected in their behavior again. They chatted and joked just like old times as if nothing had changed, as if the past three years had never happened.

He was highly annoyed when Anjali fussed about him getting rest and forced him to go to sleep. Of course, Khushi only needed the reminder to jump on the wagon. He had looked at her hopefully, silently asking her to be on his side, but in vain.

So now, Arnav tossed and turned on his plush bed, unable to sleep for twinkling eyes and tinkling laughter evaded his thoughts.

Maybe a glass of water will calm me down. It was with that thought that he turned to the side table only to be disappointed at the sight of the empty pitcher.

Might as well take a walk. He flung the duvet aside and slipped on his slippers before strolling out into the hall.

No sooner had he set foot out of his room than the smell hit his senses like a wall. A smile automatically lit up his face as he traced the familiar scent back to the kitchen. The smile turned into a grin as he leaned against the doorway's ledge and observed the very familiar sight.

Khushi was making Jalebis. Of course she was!

Her face was still etched in worry as she furiously drew swirls of batter in the piping hot oil. Shaking his head at her, he made his way to her and nudged her shoulder with his.

"As if that train, your and Di's overboard concern wasn't enough to kill me, you're planning on feeding me a mountain of Jalebis?"

Khushi shot him a death glare and Arnav immediately lost the grin, realizing how serious the situation was. The incident had hit her hard and clearly, that was nothing to joke about.

"Khushi...relax...I was just teasing...don't take it to heart..." Arnav reached out to place his hand on her arm but she moved away.

"I will take it to heart!" Khushi said offended. "I will take it to heart because it's not funny to me."

Arnav smiled sheepishly which irked Khushi even more.

"I can't believe you are laughing at me! You should know me better than this!" Khushi's eyes welled up quickly. "Do you know what it felt like to even think that you two could have been seriously hurt? Do you even realize what I went through for those couple of seconds when it seemed like I would lose two of the most important people in my life?! Of course not! Who cares what I felt at that moment...as long as you guys get your laughs, right?"

"Khushi...I..."

"What the hell were you thinking? Why didn't you move?!" Khushi paused and frowned when she saw him smiling again. "Why the hell are you smiling?!"

"Because there's one good thing has come out of this incident...I now know how much you still care about me..." Arnav crossed his arms and looked at her squarely in the face.

"Is it wrong of me to care about you?" She fired off at once. "You care about me, don't you? You care enough to despise the man I'm engaged to..." Khushi searched his face for hints again. His remarks and actions from the day before were still fresh in her mind and she will grab and remember every hint she could manage.

Arnav let go of her arm and sighed. "I don't despise him...not anymore at least...he saved my life...I owe him..."

It was true. Arnav could no longer bring himself to hate the guy and he knew this would change things. He couldn't be as careless about NK's feelings as he was before.

This is why Arnav Singh Raizada hated being indebted to anyone. Owing often got in the way of one's goals. The goal of bringing Khushi back into his life, however, was something where Arnav wouldn't allow this debt to hinder his path.

With a schooled expression, he held her gaze again. "Speaking of NK, you didn't answer my question yesterday..."

Khushi averted her gaze and tried not to give away the fact that she remembered exactly what question he was referring to. He'd asked her if she loved NK. "What question...?"

Arnav threw his head back and laughed. "You know exactly what question...but sure...take more time to come up with an answer...just make sure that its convincing...because for a straightforward question, you're sure taking an awful long time to answer..."

Khushi looked at him disgusted. Was he seriously playing these childish games after what happened earlier in the day?

"What?? I need to know..." Arnav shrugged. "You know...if I had died today, my biggest regret would be leaving things unsorted between us... not giving you the answers to your questions, not getting the answers to my questions...this is just one of those questions. I need to know whether you love him or not...because If you don't Khushi, there is no way in hell I'm letting you marry him."

Before Khushi could react, he leaned in and kissed her forehead in a good night gesture. He turned around and walked to the entrance when Khushi spoke up.

"And if I do?" Khushi took a deep breath. "What if I do l-love him?"

"Oh I'm almost certain you don't." He answered coolly.

A look of pure panic skittered across her face before she gathered herself again. "Excuse me?"

"You said yesterday that you didn't believe in love...going by that...you can't be in love with him." He smirked to himself and left the kitchen leaving Khushi with an uneasy feeling running through her veins.

What is he up to now?
_____

The next morning, Khushi woke up feeling irritated and tired. The one thing she was hoping for from this trip was ample sleep--something that she seldom got as a medical school student. But clearly, Arnav had taken it upon himself to ensure that she didn't get her beauty sleep here either.

As she brushed her teeth, she thought back on his behavior in the last two days. He was awkward and annoyed with NK the first few days after her return. Slowly, the awkwardness with her had ebbed away while the annoyance with NK had increased constantly. After her engagement announcement, he left in anger and returned days later and he had been acting different ever since!

Something had changed and Khushi couldn't place her finger on it. She hated the unknown.

His insistence on not letting me marry NK can't be just friendship, can it? Is a friend ever that possessive?

And then there's the flirting...he hasn't always been like this...or have I just been blind to it?
Khushi tried to draw up a conclusion desperately but none came to her...except for one theory which her mind and heart pushed away with force. She wouldn't make the mistake of forming that theory again. She wasn't going to toss her heart so carelessly this time. She'd done it once and it had fallen to the ground, shattering into pieces. It had taken her all of these years to put it back together and smooth out the cracks as much as possible but it is true what they say...

A broken heart never truly heals.

But I've had enough of his games. He wanted answers to his questions...I want answers to mine.
With that determination, Khushi stepped into the shower, repeating the same sentence to herself. She would put an end to this issue once and for all. Enough is enough.

First he treated her like crap. Then he ignored her for three years. Now he wanted to control her life? He's a fool if he thinks she'll let him go ahead with that. She wanted explanations from him and she wanted them now. She wanted to know what he wants from her. She wanted to know why NK bothers him so much. She wanted to know why her feelings for NK matter so much to Arnav.

She wanted to know everything. About the past, the present, and perhaps the future too.
_____

Khushi walked into the dining room and immediately questioned NK about his knee.

"It's fine!" NK answered at once. "No pain, no swelling, no redness...it's all fine."

Khushi nodded thoughtfully and scanned the dining table. "Where's Arnav?"

Arvind looked up from his paper to look at the girl. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. If his experience was anything to go by, then his son's way was clear to his happiness.

"He's gone to AR...he's got a couple of meetings. In fact, I think I should be getting there too..." He folded the paper and stood up.

Khushi smiled genuinely at him as he walked up to her. He gave her a fatherly hug and an affectionate kiss on her forehead. "I don't know if I told you this, but it's good to have you here..."

Khushi smiled warmly at the man who had taken the spot of a fatherly figure in her life ever since her father's demise years ago. She had missed him in the last few years that she'd been away. She felt guilty at having ignored the man without any fault of his. He'd always been affectionate and loving towards her, he'd even scold his own son for her and she had ignored him simply because she'd been selfishly caught up in her heartbreak. He didn't deserve that.

"It's good to be here...I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch all these years..." Khushi spoke the words quietly as if for only his ears.

"Hmm..." Arvind looked thoughtful. "Perhaps I should be angry with you but I'm not...you've made me proud, Kiddo. But still...I'm a businessman...I expect you to make it up to me."

Khushi giggled. "Anything you want!"

Arvind smiled to himself. It was an innocent promise but she had no idea what she had just promised him. "I'll ask when the time comes..."

He touched her cheek lovingly once before leaving from there after conveying a general goodbye to all present in the room. Khushi stared at his retreating back and couldn't help but marvel at the similarity between him and Arnav. When Arnav grows old, he would look just like his father.

Except there will be a wife by his side.
The suddenness of the thought scared Khushi but what scared her more was the surge of envy she felt at this woman who didn't even exist as of yet!

Arnav's wife?!?! Where the hell did that come from?!

Chiding herself for her ridiculous thoughts, she turned to the table and took a seat. "What's the plan for today?"

"Akash and I have to go to AR...We have pending work that we need to take care of before our flight tonight..." Payal handed a glass of juice to Khushi. "You guys will be at AR later...you, Lav, and Anjali need to try out your outfits for the wedding ceremonies..."

Khushi was about to take a sip of the juice but paused with the glass touching her lips. "We're technically shopping..."

"I know and No...I don't care that you hate shopping!" Anjali frowned.

"You hate shopping?" Lavanya shrieked as if she had heard the most blasphemous thing.

"Absolutely hates it." NK smirked. "She's the last person I would go shopping with."

"Too bad for her. This is my wedding and this is my wedding shopping...she doesn't have an option." Anjali spoke with conviction.

"Where are Amma and Mami?" Khushi changed the topic. Arguing with Anjali about shopping was pointless.

"They're already at the Airport!" Rohan exclaimed. "Where the hell has you brain been? We're all leaving separately remember?"

Khushi narrowed her eyes as she tried to remember. She had a vague memory of this discussion but had been very distracted by her patients, NK and Arnav.

After an extremely chatty breakfast, Payal and Akash departed for work as did Rohan. Khushi, Lavanya, and Anjali got busy in their last minute packing.
_____

Khushi looked around in awe, taking in the modern architecture and stylish interior decorations. Expensive office furniture was organized in neat rows with short walls to form the cubicles. Pricey paintings adorned the spot-free white walls.

Everything about this place screamed Arnav Singh Raizada.

The last time she'd been here was when AR's designers had designed her prom dress along with Anjali and Payal's. Of course, back then, their friendship equations were fresh and on the journey to becoming as strong as familial ties. Back then, the interiors of this very building were completely different.

"Monica! You need to get those designs to me in the next five minutes if you want to save yourself from ASR"s wrath!" Aman's frantic voice carried across the room to the lady who was, presumably, Monica.

"My assistant said she put the file on your desk five minutes ago!" The woman replied, looking afraid.

Khushi's eyes followed the two individuals during the short exchange of words.

ASR? As in Arnav Singh Raizada? Wrath?? The hell?

"AMAN!" Arnav's voice echoed from the all glass office which sat a floor above the far corner of the large work hall.

Khushi jumped and whirled around to look at him. She took a few moments to register the side of him that she'd only seldom seen before. From what she recalled, he only got that angry when he got possessive about Anjali and her...the fact that waves of anger were radiating off of him in this office took her by surprise.

He didn't see her right away for he was busy glaring at Aman who was rushing up the curved staircase to the cabin. Just has Arnav was turning away, his eyes caught a surprised Khushi looking up at him. The stern expression softened in the next couple of seconds that their eyes held each other. When she didn't tear her gaze away, his mouth formed a small, admiring smile at her.

Her heart stuttered at that faint smile. It was different...it made her feel as if she was the only one he smiled at in that way. As if she was the only one he could see right now. As if seeing her there had brought him utmost joy.

What she didn't know that all her thoughts regarding that smile were on point!

"There you are!" Lavanya came rushing to Khushi, bringing her out of her thoughts. "We were wondering where you disappeared! Let's go!"

Khushi let Lavanya grab hold of her wrist and steer her away and out of the room. Lavanya led her into another large room which Khushi assumed as a working studio. There were mannequins and fabric rolls all over the place. At the end of the long room was another door and upon walking through it, Khushi realized that it was the storage room where the finished designs were put up on mannequins.

Payal was already standing in front of a mirror in an orange saree, adjusting the pleats. Lavanya squealed and rushed over immediately to discuss the intricacies while Khushi stood there and rolled her eyes.

"Ms. Khushi?" A young woman approached her.

Khushi smiled politely and nodded.

"My name is Swati...I'm a designer here at AR. May I show you your outfits?" The young woman radiated positive energy and the enthusiasm on her face had Khushi agreeing without a grimace.

Swati led Khushi to a group of Mannequins. "These were designed with your taste, the latest fashion, and the other ladies' outfits in mind. We've given you a few options to choose from. We had an estimate of your measurements from Payal and Anjali ma'am but if there are anything adjustments that need to be made, we can have that done in time for the ceremonies."

Despite her dislike for shopping, Khushi couldn't help but be drawn to the collection of beautiful colors and crafts in front of her.

"We have suits for Mehendi and Haldi ceremonies...we figured sarees would be more uncomfortable with the messy pastes...there's a choice between lehengas and sarees for the sangeet and wedding..." Swati continued with the explanations but Khushi was no longer listening. Her eyes were set on the lehenga in front of her.

Her favorite shade of sea green coupled with royal blue and the intricate designs on it instantly had her eyes captured. She turned her attention back to Swati and watched as the young woman took off the first outfit from the mannequin with utmost care and handed it to Khushi.

"Try them all on...see which ones you like the best and we'll take it from there." Payal joined Swati while Lavanya skipped to Khushi's side holding a maroon heap of fabric in her hands.

And so began the horrendous task of trying on all the outfits. Lavanya was much more enthusiastic about the whole deal than Khushi was and Khushi prolonged her turn as much as she could. She suggested that Lavanya try on all outfits first.

"That way...both of us can give each other our opinions too!" Was her brilliant excuse.

Anjali had walked in at that precise moment, looking less than happy. "First or second, but you're trying them all on and that's that."

Lavanya paraded back in forth in some eight outfits before choosing, with the help of Payal, Anjali, and Khushi, the four that she would wear for the ceremonies. Knowing that she could delay this no longer, Khushi stood up carrying the two options- two bottle green churidars-and walked into the change room.

She picked her favorite of the two and put it on quickly. The faster I do this, the faster it's over.

Just as Lavanya had done, Khushi walked out and turned in a 360 circle on the spot, hoping that they would give their vote in the favor of this outfit"simply because that meant she won't have to try on the second one.

Much to Khushi's dismay, they urged her to try the second one and much to Khushi's annoyance, they all voted for the first one Anyway. The same routine followed for the Haldi and Sangeet outfit and Khushi realized that they were just making this more difficult for her. Despite agreeing with her choice, they made her try the other options anyway.

"For the wedding outfit, I've got my mind set on that one." Khushi pointed to the one she'd been eying earlier. "And that's the only one I'm trying."

Swati immediately began undoing the lehenga's dupatta from the mannequin. Another young girl walked through the door, looking slightly nervous. Khushi watched her carefully as she whispered something in Payal's ear. A slight frown appeared on Khushi's face.

What is with all his employees looking like they're about to get slaughtered?!
"Khushi...don't take the dress off until I come back. I just need to go and speak to an employee." Payal hurried out, her heels clicking on the smooth floor.

"And Ma'am...your bridal lehenga is all set for you to try on in the other room." The girl now spoke to Anjali.

Anjali looked torn between her bridal lehenga and seeing Khushi in the one she'd chosen.

"We'll come to whichever room you're in...Swati can show us." Khushi suggested.

Grinning, Anjali jumped to her feet and gave Khushi a tight hug before scampering out with the girl.

"Keep your dress on!" Anjali's voice floated through the open door.

"Well I'm not going anywhere so you're not off the hook. Go on." Lavanya waved her in the direction of the change room.

Khushi, happy at the fact that this was the last outfit she had to try on, walked into the change room at once. Within three minutes, she stepped out again donning the elegant piece.

"Where's Swati?" Khushi asked noting the absence.

"Aman came to get her...ASR needed her for something." Lavanya spoke as she looked at her phone screen. And then as if realizing that she ought to be looking up at Khushi, she put her phone away and turned to face her.

"Oh My God!!" Lavanya exclaimed, stressing on each word.

"What? Does it look bad?"

"No! You look absolutely gorgeous! Holy crap, Khushi, what the hell are you doing in medical school? You should be a model! Just look at yourself!" Lavanya launched into a long speech about how great Khushi looked while Khushi found herself smiling at the open appreciation.

"Anjali and Payal are going to be mind-blown when they see you!" Lavanya hopped on the spot and clapped her hands in excitement.

"Jeez Lavanya, I thought Anjali was the overboard dramatic one...you can give her a run for her money." Khushi rolled her eyes. "I haven't put this on properly...can you tie the string at the back?"

"Yeah, sure..." Lavanya reached out once Khushi turned her back on her precisely at the moment Lavanya's phone blared techno music. "Oh shoot...one second..."

Lavanya answered her phone while Khushi tried to get hold of the strings at the back of her blouse.

"Hello? Ms. Sharma, I can't hear you...hello?" Lavanya looked at the screen and clicked her tongue. "I'll be right back Khushi...this is important...I've gotta take it..."

Khushi resumed her struggle with the strings at her back.

Ridiculous! I'm standing here in a freaking lehenga all by myself for crying out loud...what the hell am I supposed to do? Stare at myself in the mirror? And why won't this stupid string just stop escaping my hands!

No sooner had the thought gone through her mind than warm fingers brushed her back. Khushi shrieked and jumped while her head snapped up to look at the mirror. Seeing the familiar face over her shoulder in the reflection, all her muscles relaxed. All except for one which started working overtime--her heart.

Holding her gaze through the reflection, he continued with tying the knot at her back. His fingers lingered where the knot lay for a couple of seconds before his hands moved to her shoulders, holding her in place.

There was an emotion in his eyes that she couldn't decipher. She had never seen it before. It made her feel excited and nervous, happy and sad, angry and calm, all at the same time. Neither said anything as they held each other's gazes through the reflection for a few seconds.

Only when the slightly tingling sensation on her left shoulder grew into a wake of fire did she realize that his thumb was drawing circles on her skin. Khushi's voice came out in a husky whisper when she spoke next.

"Arnav?"

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Chapter 19: The First Strike

Arnav flipped through the small stack of pictures for the 6th time as the driver drove to the venue of the charity event. Akash had handed him this stack of pictures as soon as they'd left the penthouse. Arnav had waited until he'd gotten into the car to look at them.

They were pictures of him and Khushi--specifically of the dance performance from Anjali's engagement party.

"You should have heard what everyone had to say about the amazing chemistry between you two..."

Arnav recalled Akash's words from earlier in the day. As he looked through the pictures yet again, he couldn't help the small smile that made its way to his lips. Even though he concluded so himself, they did look great together. Then again, he had always known that, hadn't he? There had been many instances when friends of friends would question whether they were a couple. There must be some chemistry there if people were led to believe that...right?

Just as the driver pulled into the parking lot of the university, Arnav found himself wondering whether or not NK saw the sparks that everyone else seemed to. Did NK ever doubt the equation between Khushi and Arnav? Did it occur to him, even for a moment, that Khushi could have fallen in love with her best friend or that Arnav could have fallen in love with her?

More importantly, did it ever occur to Khushi? Did she ever, for a second, think that he may have feelings for her?

Arnav's restless eyes scanned the crowd for glimpses of the woman in question as he made his way into the building flanked by Akash. Arvind had already reached the venue since he had left Akash and Arnav behind so that Arnav could freshen up and look presentable. It was during that quick shower at the gym if their building that Arnav realized how Akash knew exactly when to say something and when to keep quiet.

Like right now, he was walking wordlessly next to Arnav whereas if Arvind was here, Arnav would be getting lectured.

"Where is she?" Arnav whispered to Akash.

Akash rolled his eyes. And then they wonder how I figured it out!

"She's probably already seated with the others..." Akash shrugged.

Arnav and Akash detached from the crowd and made their way up the narrow staircase which led to the entrance of the auditorium's balcony where the VIP guests were seated today. Mainly that included the major donors and relatives of the individuals performing tonight. It wasn't difficult to spot the group. They were seated along the first row of the balcony"the best seats in the entire auditorium for they got unhindered view of the stage.

Arnav ignored the curious, questioning, and wary glances cast his way by Anjali, Rohan, Payal, and even Aman. Arnav simply gave them a nonchalant greeting and took a seat in between Arvind and Akash.

"Where's Khushi?" Akash questioned before Arnav could manage to even think the question.

He hadn't failed to notice that Khushi and NK weren't seated here. Like that was even possible considering the fact that he didn't care about seeing anyone other than her at the moment.

"They went to get refreshments I think...Khushi was getting irritated without her bottle of coke." Payal rolled her eyes.

Arnav's jaw clenched at the mere thought of NK and Khushi being together...alone. He didn't have much time to dwell on the disturbing thought for too long because a couple minutes later, the lights dimmed and the curtains opened to reveal Lavanya.

Silence befell the auditorium as Lavanya and the man accompanying her gave a preliminary speech, thanking all the donors and all the guests for being present. For the next half hour, Arnav watched the performances with less attention than he would have liked for his eyes kept sweeping the auditorium for a glimpse of Khushi.

Where the hell is she?!

"And now ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for a very special performance. These two dancers have not only donated financially but also a glimpse of their talent. Please welcome on stage, all the way for Australia...Mr. Nakul Kohli and Ms. Khushi Gupta!" Lavanya spoke enthusiastically and the crowd erupted in cheers even as simultaneous gasps escaped Anjali and Payal.

Arnav looked questioningly at Akash only to get a confused shrug in return. "I have no idea..."

Arnav turned back to face the stage just as the curtains opened. For a moment, Arnav's eyes completely ignored NK and focused on the woman dressed in black. Even from this distance, she looked breathtakingly beautiful. The black dress was in complete contrast to her pale skin, giving her a radiant glow. The joy of being on stage was clearly displayed on her face.

Arnav didn't like surprises...most of them anyway...and he had a feeling that he wasn't going to like this one either.

"Don't worry...their chemistry...if any...can't be better than what you and her had at Di's engagement" Akash whispered encouragingly.

Arnav's eyes could no longer ignore NK once the music started. How could he when Khushi was so close to him?? It wouldn't be wrong to say that Khushi and NK were practically glued together during the entire performance.

Akash was eating his own words mere seconds into the performance. If he hadn't known better, he would have bet any money that the couple dancing on the stage was head over heels in love. Their chemistry was electrifying and the hoots and cheers of the crowd were ample proof of the fact.

He dared not look at Arnav because he was sure that the mighty ASR must've noticed this, too, and must be shooting daggers at him at the moment.

If Akash had only looked at Arnav, he would have found him shooting daggers at the couple on the stage, instead.

Can't they let go of each other for one damn second?! And what's this stupid obsession of hers with open back dresses? Sure she has a tattoo on her shoulder but is this necessary? Why is she letting him hold her that way, dammit! Let. Go. Of. My. Woman. You. Stupid. Nakul. Kohli.

Arnav watched keenly and noticed the ease that existed between the two of them. There wasn't a single hint of discomfort on either one's face. NK's hands had held her intimately multiple times and she seemed perfectly comfortable with it. Along with the comfort, Arnav noticed the sense of trust that must exist between two dancers to execute difficult lifts.

The frown on his face only etched deeper as NK and Khushi ended their performance with a romantic looking pose. The auditorium roared with applause and cheers while Arnav's veins were ablaze in rage. Anjali, Rohan, Payal, Akash, and Aman were on their feet along with a few others, giving a standing ovation.

"Sorry Arnav...we had no idea..." Arvind spoke quietly.

Arnav's eyes didn't stray from the couple of stage as he shrugged in a nonchalant manner to his father's comment. Khushi and NK had finally parted and taken a bow. NK playfully blew a couple of kisses to the crowd.

Arnav felt a bubble of warm hope burst in his heart as he watched Khushi first blow a kiss to the crowd and then place a quick kiss on the tattoo on her hand. His fingers automatically reached to caress the identical tattoo on the side of his hand.

It couldn't have been an accident. She'd done it deliberately. He didn't know what made him so sure but he was absolutely sure. And in that one gesture of hers, he'd found more hope than any of Akash and Arvind's words. He'd found more motivation from that innocent act than from the numerous threats of Akash and Arvind.

She wouldn't make things easy, he knew. He couldn't just go up to her and tell her how he felt because she'd immediately be on the defense, he knew that too. But he won't give up. He will fight for her. As if his life depends on it...because in more aspects than one, it sort of does.
_____

Khushi stood against the closed door of her change room, with a hand to her heart, and her eyes closed. She'd known he was there before she had seen him. She was taken by surprise because she honestly hadn't been expecting him to show up. She knew she would see him in a few minutes and she knew that she had to keep her temper and other emotions in check.

No! I will not keep my temper in check. Who the hell does he think he is? How dare he disappear on me without a warning AGAIN? Didn't he realize what mess things became the last time he'd done that?

She moved away from the door and started pulling the dress's zipper with more force than necessary.

She knew that Arnav would be difficult to deal with when he found out about the engagement but what is the meaning of just leaving like that...for days?!

She picked up her sun-dress with vengeance and pulled it on as if she were punishing the flimsy fabric. Twisting her hands awkwardly, she struggled with the simple task of pulling the zip closed.

Her mind was too preoccupied by Arnav to focus on much else. She'd expected an outburst...primarily because she was engaged and he didn't know until now. That was a feasible reaction...everyone else had reacted that way.

But no...he has to leave and not tell anyone where the hell he's going! Why won't he realize how much I still worry about him? Why doesn't he understand that I care about him? Why can't he see that I love--

A knock on the door interrupted her train of thoughts. She walked to the door; half dazed, half enraged and swung it open. The next second, multiple emotions ran through her: anger, relief, sadness, happiness, surprise, confusion, and some more anger.

"Hi Khush..."

In Khushi's mind, confusion made itself profound at his casual tone. He was standing there in front of her as if he hadn't all but disappeared from the face of the earth for the last four days! As if nothing had happened...

Without waiting for her invitation, he coolly strolled into the change room, making her take compensating steps backwards. Hiding a smirk at the fact that he had managed to fluster her, he gently closed the door behind him.

"You were great...I honestly didn't know you could dance like that." He smiled in a friendly manner and Khushi was immediately on guard.

Something is off about him...what is it? Think Khushi...think...

"I'm sorry I left abruptly the other day. The news was...shocking, to say the least. I could have dealt with it better, I suppose, but I can't change that now." Arnav shrugged. "Anyway...congratulations on being engaged."

Khushi frowned suspiciously. Something wasn't right about this. He was actually being calm about this? He was congratulating her? Where's the tantrum he's supposed to throw?!

If only she knew the shrewd ways of ASR...

ASR didn't throw tantrums. He attacked in a way that left the opponent wondering what the hell had hit them. She had no idea what she was surrounded by...absolutely no idea what she had involuntarily gotten into.

"Th-thank you...?" Khushi managed at last.

"I still think you could have done better...much better..." Arnav challenged with a smirk, his eyes focusing on something over her shoulder.

Khushi's anger resurfaced slowly but before she could say anything else, Arnav's arm had snaked around her waist and he had hauled her flushed against himself.

"Arnav! What're you""

"Shh..." Arnav placed the index finger of his free hand on her lips to shut her up.

Khushi closed her eyes as his finger traced along her jaw, down the side of her neck, and across the shoulder before it dipped down the slope of her back until his hand came to rest in the middle of her back, his touch leaving a trail of fire on her skin. Her eyes flew open as she registered his scorching touch against her bare back.

The zipper!!

The smug smirk returned on his face as he pulled the zip up, torturously slowly. Khushi's mind delved into a nostalgic sea of memories where she recalled the numerous times he had thrown tantrums about her clothes being too revealing-even if they weren't- and forced her to cover up.

Once the zip was secured, he returned his hand to her face and caressed her cheeks gently. The fairness of her skin was replaced by a deep crimson hue under his touch. The knowledge brought him pure joy. He leaned closer and kissed her cheek gently.

"You're beautiful..." Arnav's words made her head feel feather light. "I've always thought that, you know...even when I called you a tomboy and made fun of you..."

Khushi swallowed a lump in her throat.

Why is he telling me all this? What the hell is going on in his mind? Why am I not saying anything?!

Even as the thought crossed her mind, she learned that she still couldn't speak. Her voice had taken leave along with her good sense. She shouldn't be letting him touch her the way he was. It wasn't healthy for her...especially with the recent stubborn"and incorrect"conclusion that she'd gotten over him. And him acting like...like...this and the way she was reacting to him wasn't helping her case. At all.

But even then, she stood there like a statue when he leaned in a second time and kissed her forehead. He let go of her gently, almost reluctantly, and turned on his heels. He took three quick steps and reached the door while Khushi stood frozen in her spot. He opened the door and turned to face her, his hand still closed around the doorknob.

"By the way...don't let your fiance see you reacting to me that way..." with another smug smirk, he was out of the door and out of her sight.

Khushi stood there for a long minute, staring at the place where he was standing before he left.

Just what the hell happened?

Khushi leaned her back against the wall and closed her hand over her thundering heart. She had used the four days of his absence to convince herself that she was over him. That the rush of feelings was just a shadow of the past. She had promised herself that she wouldn't make anything of these stupid emotions and she would definitely not let him hurt her again...even if he wasn't doing it intentionally.

If he didn't have it in him to try and talk to her just once through these three years, then she wasn't going to waste her time or put herself in that spot again. She'd been there once and she wasn't going to return there.

She is NK's fiance now. Sure, it's an arranged marriage but so what? That doesn't mean that she won't feel guilty if NK gets hurt. She knew what that pain was like and she wasn't going to put her only friend of the past three years through that.

I'll tell him the truth...I'll tell him that I used to have feelings for Arnav. He deserves to know. He'll feel betrayed if he finds out from somewhere else. I'll tell him that there is nothing but friendship between me and Arnav...if you could even call it that. Yeah. I'll do just that. Once Anjali's wedding is done, I'll talk to NK...There's no need to add more drama to this mess.

She was unpleasantly reminded by her memory that she has a pending conversation with Arnav too. Even though she was busy denying her current feelings for Arnav, she still wanted some answers and explanations from him. Especially now after the way he had just behaved.

What the hell is all this supposed to mean? Does he think that I'm another one of his stupid girlfriends who'll go crazy over him if he flirts?! If he thinks I'm going to be throwing myself at him then he's in for a surprise! Who the hell does he think he is? He can come up to me and talk whenever he wants and disappear whenever he wants? Keep yourself in check Khushi. You don't want to end up being heartbroken again, do you?

She raised her chin stubbornly, grabbed her cross-body bag and stormed out of the dressing room.
_____

Arnav had taken a detour after he'd thought of something impromptu and by the time he'd gotten home, he'd found everyone seated in the living room, chatting. He gave Khushi a dazzling smile and greeted everyone else.

"Where the hell were you for four days?!" Anjali spat angrily.

"I think it has to do with the announcement of my engagement with Khushi, right?"

Every head turned to look at NK. Everyone except Khushi. Her eyes remained fixated on Arnav who didn't seem bothered by NK's question at all. Khushi's gut clenched nervously when Arnav gave a sugar-laced smile to NK.

Arnav held NK's questioning gaze with confidence. "You're right, NK. It has everything to do with the announcement of Khushi's engagement."



Khushi felt the blood in her veins chill at his words. NK glanced warily at Khushi, scanned the equally stunned crowd, and turned back to look at the smug looking man that was Arnav Singh Raizada.

"I...Excuse me?" NK raised his eyebrows.

"Arnav? What's going on?" Anjali asked cautiously, well aware of the glint in her brother's eyes. He looked like he was about to demolish a rival company and do a hostile takeover.

"What?" Arnav frowned at her. "Oh come on! You know me!"

Arnav casually walked to the couch and plopped down next to Khushi. Khushi stiffened slightly at his proximity, recalling the earlier events in the change room.

"Remember when you two tricked her to go on a date with Joel?? Do you remember how angry I was?" Arnav chuckled and turned to NK. "I'm possessive and very protective of Khushi...actually...all three ladies...it's just that I know Ro and Akash so I don't worry about Anjali and Payal as much but Khushi here always manages to find a stranger."

"NK is not a stranger." Khushi fired at once. "He's my friend."

Anjali and Payal exchanged a glance. It was just a tad bit odd that she referred to the man as her friend' when she was engaged to marry him!

Rohan caught Akash hiding a smirk and instantly, his brows etched into a frown before his eyes moved to an amused looking Arnav. Something was going on that Rohan wasn't aware of.

The first retort that came to Arnav's mind was: So he's just your friend? I was under the impression that you're engaged to him...

But he knew he couldn't say that to her...not yet anyway. Khushi was already showing every sign of subtle defiance and he knew she was on guard. Arnav could almost hear the wheels in her head turning as they tried to decipher Arnav's behavior.

"Of course he is, Khushi...I just meant that there is always some guy that I don't know in the picture...first it was Joel...now NK...but I'm sure once I get to know him, I'll be able to treat him just like Ro and Akash." Arnav casually picked up a glass of juice presented by one of the house butlers and took a sip.

NK shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He was just starting to get used to this man's hostility and curt behavior and now he had to go and change everything. This was the friendliest he had been...the most relaxed NK has ever seen him. What the hell brought this on?

The topic was brushed off quite quickly as everyone dived into telling stories of Arnav's possessive antics. Arnav participated with complete attention during the long conversation that followed. An hour past midnight, people left to sleep, one by one. By the time the clock showed a perfect 2:00 am, only Arnav, Khushi, and Lavanya remained. Of course, if Arnav's anger was a person, he'd be the most unnoticed, yet present, individual.

Lavanya was yapping away about the intricate details of NK and Khushi's performance which refused to leave Arnav's mind.

"I can't imagine how much work you two must put in..." Lavanya shook her head. "I couldn't do that..."

"With that attitude, you won't last two days in that Gala..." Khushi laughed.

"Why aren't you going to it?" Lavanya frowned, clearly disappointed.

Arnav looked back and forth between the two as if following the ball in a tennis match. Did they even realize that he was still sitting here?

"I told you...I have to be with Amma...besides, NK and I went to that Gala last year..." Khushi shrugged.

Lavanya sighed. "Oh well...okay...now I'm sleepy...Good night guys! Tomorrow is going to be a busy day!"

Khushi groaned. "She's turning out to be quite the Bridezilla..."

"What's tomorrow?" Arnav blurted, the curiosity getting the better of him.

"Anjali and Rohan...well...mainly just Anjali wants to do a photo shoot with the group...Aman volunteered to use his photography skills...you can bet anything that she'll be on your tail about it..." Lavanya smirked. "Make sure you dress nice...preferably...ditch your button up shirts for a day...or ditch a shirt altogether..." Lavanya winked flirtatiously.

A ghost of a smile appeared on Arnav's face even as he shook his head at her. This woman was never going to stop, was she? "Good night Lavanya."

Without warning, the woman flung her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly. Arnav's eyes instantly flickered to Khushi, who seemed suddenly toointerested in the carpet. The hope that had flickered in his heart upon seeing her kiss the tattoo on her hand reared its head once again, turning into a fully fledged fire.

Lavanya let him go only to gather Khushi in a hug. Both Arnav and Khushi waited, as still and silent as statues, until Lavanya's bedroom's door closed behind her.

"Are you unhappy that I'm back?"

Khushi jumped in her seat and turned to look at Arnav, pondering over his question. What was he on about now?

"What?"

"What??" Arnav shrugged. "You don't seem particularly pleased that I've come back..."

Khushi looked at him for a long minute, while he held her gaze unwaveringly. Khushi searched for a hint...anything that would tell her or give her the gist of what is going on in his head. There was zilch indication.

She sighed dejectedly and stood up. For a second, Arnav feared that she may leave. She paced back and forth in front of him as she answered, "I don't know anything about you anymore, Arnav. I don't know...I can't gauge your reactions...I can't seem to tell what you're thinking...hell, I don't even know if me being back has upset you! Are you upset that I'm back?"

Arnav's hand shot out as fast as lightening and grabbed a hold of hers. He stood up and waited only a second until she turned around before pulling her into a familiar embrace. "Don't be ridiculous, Khush...I can't tell you how happy I am that you're back."

She pulled away while her hands pushed him off. "Then why did you leave like that for four days?! You're purposefully avoiding me!"

Arnav eyes fell down to her left hand and then slowly rose back up to meet her angry ones. "I already explained that."

Khushi scoffed. "Please...you may have others believing that story but you can't sell that to me..."

The lid on Arnav's temper rattled dangerously but he willed himself to stay in control, reminding himself that he was dealing with Khushi here. "I'm not trying tosell anything. Every word of that sentence was true. I think my exit from the table and the house that day was ample display of just how upset I am about your engagement."

"Yes, I figured that out. I'm not an idiot, you know! But your reason isn't good enough, Arnav. I haven't been blind to the way you treat NK since the day he has set foot here and now suddenly you're being...or at least acting cordial with him...what brought on the change? What changed, Arnav?"

"Everything has changed, in case you haven't realized it, Khushi!" Arnav held her by the shoulders and pulled her against himself. "Everything has changed. When you showed up at that party...I made instant plans to bring my Khush back...to have my best friend back...I wanted to solve all our unresolved issues! You wanted to wait until after Anjali's engagement to talk over those things and I agreed despite my better judgment. And then I find out that the woman I'm trying to bring back into my life is already set to be a part of someone else's."

Khushi's mind ran off with his statement and instantly started scanning vigorously to find some underlying message.

"Why didn't you tell me Khushi?" There was so much pain in his voice as he spoke the sentence that Khushi had the fleeting idea that he was talking about something else entirely.

"Because I knew you'd react this way!" Khushi snapped.

"I'm sure you remember just how angry I was when you were tricked into a simpledate with Joel...did you expect any better reaction from me about your engagement?" He let her go roughly and ran his hand through his hair.

This wasn't supposed to go this way. He didn't want to blame her for any of this but he couldn't help himself. He had messed up in the past and he was paying the price now but Khushi wasn't completely spot free either, was she? She had hidden things. She had stopped talking to him. She had moved on and gotten engaged. She was entitled to some blame for this situation, wasn't she? Doesn't it always take two people to tango?

"Do you love him?" There. He'd asked the question. He knew the answer to that of course. But it was always better to make sure by hearing from the horse's mouth.

As much as he hated to admit it, if she did love that stupid Kohli man...Arnav would step aside. He had been separated from Khushi, the girl he loved, by some outsider and he wouldn't put Khushi through that pain even if it meant crushing his own heart with his own hands.

Arnav watched her keenly, making a note of every expression that skittered across her face. His question had surprised her, angered her, made her sad, and then thoughtful. In that moment, Arnav knew she would lie next.

"I don't believe in love." She crossed her arms as if that gesture would add any weight to her false statement.

Arnav couldn't help but throw back his head a laugh a little. She looked ten years younger and reminded him of a stubborn Khushi in high school. The funnier part, of course, was her proclamation that she didn't believe in love.

"That is as true as the fact that I'm going to let NK marry you..." He noted sarcastically.

Khushi looked startled for a second before she gathered herself. "What are you trying to say, Arnav? Get to the damn point."

Much like he had earlier, Arnav circled his arms around her waist and pulled her against himself. "The damn point, Khushi...is that I'm not going to let NK take you away from me."

Khushi felt a wave of anger rising in opposition to a wave of love for the man in front of her. How these two emotions can come forth simultaneously for the same person was beyond her. She hated how he still managed to make her feel special by saying these things. His possessiveness was what had given her hope all those years in the past when he was sowing wild oats and she felt the Khush in her clutching onto that ray of hope tightly now, as that same possessive rippled off of him.

"My stupidity and childish ways have already taken you away from me and I'll be damned if I let you go away again. I didn't let that Joel have a second date with you...and if you think that I'll let some Nakul Kohli marry and take you away from me, you need to think again." Arnav's voice was a husky whisper, as if the words were meant for her ears only.

Khushi closed her eyes when he leaned in closer. She willed herself to stop the gasp that threatened to escape her as he placed his lips on her right cheek, dangerously close to the corner of her mouth.

"Good Night Khush..." and with that, the devil turned on his heels and started walking towards the staircase.

He had just set foot onto the first step when her voice stopped him. "Why does NK bother you so much?"

All he wanted to do at this point was to scream and tell her what feelings he harbored for her and how long he has kept them but he didn't. He knew it wasn't the right time yet. He had figured out that she didn't love NK but he still had to figure out where NK stands in all of this. Until then, he wouldn't disclose anything to her.

But that didn't mean he couldn't give a small hint. Or a big hint...

After the unnaturally long pause, Arnav turned to look at her. She blinked once as she registered the carefully schooled expression and shuttered eyes.

He's hiding something from me...again!

"Why NK bother me so much? It's simple, isn't it?" Arnav shrugged once. "He bothers me for the same reasons my ex-girlfriends used to bother you."
_____

"Stop. Yawning." Anjali poked Khushi's arm with force to get her attention.

"Sorry." Khushi mumbled even as she stifled another yawn.

Khushi tried to look energetic and posed for another picture, the unnatural smile in place for the camera. She felt guilty about being less than enthusiastic for this photo shoot. Since the moment she'd gotten into the car with them, till this very moment, Khushi had been yawning and lost in her world of thoughts.

Why?

Because she hadn't slept for a second last night.

And because Arnav had dropped an unexpected bomb on her last night.

He bothers me for the same reasons my ex-girlfriends used to bother you. Really?? What reasons is he talking about? It doesn't seem like Anjali and Payal have let out my secret...he can't possibly know why his ex-girlfriends really bothered me...can he? No! He wouldn't shut up and not bring it up in all this time...would he?

Khushi casted a glance at Arnav who was taking a break from Anjali's nagging. He was sitting on one of the train tracks close to the tunnel's mouth, uncaring of the fact that the rust dust on the old metal will probably ruin his jeans. He looked like the Arnav she had known years ago. A simple white polo shirt paired with a pair of navy blue jeans.

He hadn't spoken to her much this morning...or rather, she hadn't given him the chance. After their conversation last night, she felt an odd sense of constant fear in her heart. As if something was going to go wrong...as if something that wasn't supposed to happen has. She had tried every possible thing, grabbed every presented opportunity to put physical distance between him and herself.

She looked at NK, who was also sitting on a train track, a few steps away from Arnav, hence, a few steps closer to the group. He was in a simple black t-shirt and cargo shorts. He was a contrasting sight to the brooding man who sat alone in the company of music which no doubt must be blaring from those headphones in his ears.

She turned away and took in the beautiful surroundings. They were currently situated behind a hill. The ground expanded into clear ground for a few yards before the crops of the farms grew wild. The pair of railway tracks curved around the base of the hill before disappearing abruptly around a bend and into a tunnel.

"Okay...now I want one with Arnav and Akash..." Anjali's excited voice brought Khushi back to her immediate surroundings. Khushi frantically tried to think of a reason to escape as she watched Anjali wave Arnav over frantically.

They moved closer to the crops to get the corn fields more clearly in the pictures. Khushi busied herself in helping Aman set-up the tripod in this new spot when she heard it.

Anjali's scream was so loud that Aman dropped his camera and everyone who heard her nearly got a heart attack. Khushi heart lurched painfully at the sight that greeted her when she turned to see what Anjali was screaming about.

The next second, they were all running.

"Arnav, get out of the way!!" Rohan screamed.

Arnav, who was strolling casually in the center of the track, slowed down and looked at them, trying to understand why everyone was running.

No! Don't slow down!! Move! Khushi wasn't sure whether she had screamed it out loud or just in her mind.

She couldn't think anything past the fact that there was a train speeding up towards Arnav and that man was standing there, with his back turned to the danger, without a clue in the world.

She watched on even as she ran, as he looked at the ground, then up at NK who was also running towards him, and then finally, he looked over his shoulder. Khushi felt as if the life was sucked out of her when he didn't move after that. Instead, he stood there, almost as if committing suicide.

She herself wasn't aware that she couldn't see him anymore. The train was zooming across in front of her, but she still ran towards it as if some magical gap will appear and let her cross the track and go to Arnav. She felt a painful yank on her arm before another arm circled her waist, pulling her away from the speeding vehicle.

She was vaguely aware that right next to her, Anjali was sobbing while Rohan tried to hold her back as well.
_____

Arnav watched her with a fixed gaze, his eyes refusing to leave her even when she saw him looking at her. She had been cleverly avoiding him all morning and he wondered whether or not he'd hinted away too much last night. If he were being honest with himself at the moment, he didn't care. He didn't care if he'd said too much. He'd spent long hours the previous night questioning the efficiency of the plan he had made with Akash and Arvind.

The plan's execution was going to be too slow for his liking and he wasn't going to stick to it. Not that he had, anyway. He had veered from the plan yesterday the second he had decided to stay in the room until Khushi was there. The conversation that had followed, the hints he had given weren't supposed to be a part of the picture until he was certain of NK's feelings, or the lack of them, for Khushi.

Step one was supposed to be to figure out NK's role in all of this and then approach Khushi accordingly. He didn't care about NK...not in the slightest. Whether or not her so called fianc loved her, Arnav wasn't going to become a sacrificing saint if he got the slightest indication that Khushi still harbored feelings for him.

But even if she does...she's not going to tell me anytime soon.

He sighed and tore his eyes away from Khushi to change the song on his iPod. He turned up the already deafening volume, hoping that the crudeness of the rock track will serve as a distraction. But he found his eyes searching for her almost immediately. Anjali's frantic waving got his attention first and he rolled his eyes as he realized that she was waving him to them.

Sighing, he stood up and started walking towards them, the gravel on the railway track crunching under his feet. He watched Khushi, dressed in an A-line white and black floral print dress, as she helped Aman mount the camera on the tripod. A frowned appeared on his face when she turned abruptly to face him. The next second, everyone was running...towards...him?!

What The...!

Arnav focused on them with squinted eyes. Were they making gestures or just running crazily? He couldn't ponder on the thought much as the shudder of the ground under his feet stole his attention. Instinctively, Arnav looked up to check but he found NK running towards him at full speed. When NK made a sweeping gesture with his hand, Arnav turned to look over his shoulder and shock paralyzed him instantly.

His mind was screaming at him to jump out of the way, that he only had seconds to save himself and yet, he couldn't move. He closed his eyes and braced himself for the impact. His mind suddenly filled with memories of Khushi.

When the impact did come, it knocked him over sideways. For a fleeting second, he was sure he was going to die. As the adrenaline shot through his veins, the numbness dissipated and awareness came to him.

There was a train moving at incredible speed on the track where he was standing mere seconds ago. He felt the weight of an arm around his ribs, pinning him to the floor. There was a stark pain at the back of his head where it had hit the metal track. He even heard distressed cries, over the screeching of metal wheels on metal tracks, from the other side of the train.

"f**k!"

That wasn't his voice but it was close by. He realized that he was lying haphazardly on the second, vacant, track with someone else. He turned to see who had just saved him and he felt a feeling akin to guilt pierce him icily.

There lay the man who Arnav had never imagined to play the hero in his life. He was supposed to be the bad guy, the guy who was trying to take away Arnav's happiness.

NK.

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