IAL Chapter 25: Day 4

Not my best chapter in my opinion, it may feel a bit rushed unfortunately. Visuals can be found here. Enjoy :)

 

Chapter 25: Day 4

 

 

The working day had gone by pretty fast. Everybody was super busy but Arnav still managed to go and check up on Khushi numerous amounts of times. As per Khushi’s request, she wasn’t working with Arnav. Instead she was working with Aman and they were getting on like a house on fire. Arnav was insecure enough about this to actual threaten Aman to treat Khushi like a sister and nothing more.

 

All day long Arnav was building up the courage to ask Khushi on a date. Can you image?

 

For God’s sake Arnav! Pull yourself together. You’ve asked girls out before just implore the same tactics. What the worst that can happen? She could say no. What if she says no?! Then I can go and kill myself. Now I’m being just as dramatic as Khushi. Come one, be a man and ask her out. You can do it. And if she does say no, at least you’ll still be friends.

 

Arnav grimaced at his thoughts. He really didn’t want to end up in the friendzone, even though a part of him knew that Khushi liked him just as much as he liked her.

 

He was about to go and find her when she knocked on his door.

 

“Sir I need you to sign these forms.” She handed him a bunch of files.

 

“Khushi you don’t have to call me sir.” He said whilst signing them.

 

“I know but I like to remain professional during working hours.” She took the signed forms and was about to leave when she heard a cough. “Did you say anything sir?”

 

“Umm no. I mean yes. Uh Khushi, would you like to go see a movie today?” he asked nervously as he looked down and played with his fingers.

 

“Sure I’d love to! What movie are we seeing?” she asked excitedly.

 

Arnav couldn’t believe that she had agreed so quickly and then he realised that she didn’t understand that he had just asked her out on a date. No matter, he’ll just have to show her.

 

“That’s a surprise. When do you get off work?”

 

“Amanji said 5 o’clock.”

 

“Great, I’ll pick you up at 7.”

 

“Ok.”

 

“And Khushi, wear something nice.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Why not?”

 

Khushi smiled and left. Once Khushi was out of the room, Arnav jumped up and punched the air in victory.

 

He decided to call NK. “NK?”

 

“Yes?”

 

“I need you to contact the restaurant with the finest Indian cuisine and ask them to pack a picnic basket for 2. Ask them to have it ready by 6:30-6:45 and no later. You still have my credit card?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Good, tell them that money is no object.”

 

“Ok. Just one question.”

 

“What?”

 

“Why are you getting me to do all of this and not Aman?”

 

“Because he’d ask questions that I’m not comfortable with answering at the moment.”

 

“Like what?”

 

“Shut up NK! You know like what.”

 

“Fine but you owe me.”

 

“More than you know.”

 

“Alright, don’t get soppy with me Romeo.”

 

“Thanks NK.”

 

 

 

 

It was exactly 7 o’clock when Khushi’s heard knocks on her front door. She opened it to find Arnav holding a bunch of red roses. And Arnav saw a goddess. His mouth hung open as he saw what she was wearing. She was wearing the lehenga and pearl necklace that he had gifted her.

 

“Red roses are my favourite flowers! Thank you Arnavji.” She took the flowers from him and gave him a small peck on the cheek.

 

Khushi hadn’t had time to register what she had done but Arnav had. He thought he had died and gone to heaven. When Khushi did realise it, she turned bright red and mutter something about needing to put the roses in water. She quickly ran off as he touched the spot where she had kissed him on his cheek.

 

When she came back, Arnav decided to compliment her. “You look very beautiful.”

 

Unfortunately, Khushi blush hadn’t settled from kissing him and now it was redder than ever. She mumbled a quick thank you and practically ran to his car. Arnav chuckled and followed her.

 

After a little while of driving Khushi had stopped being shy and started being usual self.

 

“Arnavji, where are we going?”

 

“That’s a surprise. In fact, we’re nearly here.”

 

He pulled up near what seemed like the middle of no where.

 

“Oh I’m sorry Arnavji. I won’t ask anymore questions. Don’t ask me to get out.”

 

“What? No Khushi. This is where we will be watching the movie.” He said as he lead the way.

 

“But there’s no cinema here.”

 

They finally came upon a clearing with a lot of cushions and a big screen.

 

“That’s because we’re going to have a picnic and watch the movie in an outdoor cinema.”

 

“This is so cute! I love it. What movie are we going to watch?”

 

“Bodyguard.”

 

Khushi’s face coloured again thinking about the sensual dance they had shared to the song from this movie. And Arnav didn’t fail to notice this.

 

The evening went really well. They had dinner and watched the movie and even shared some “accidental” touches. Arnav finally got her home by 12:30.

 

“Thank you for such a lovely evening Arnavji. I really enjoyed myself.”

 

“You’re welcome Khushi.”

 

In the spur of the moment, he bent down and kissed her. It wasn’t passionate. It wasn’t sexual. It was sweet, filled with pure love and longing.