IAL Chapter 26: Day 5

Chapter 26: Day 5

 

The kiss didn’t last that long and it was mainly because of Arnav. He didn’t want her to think he was trying to take advantage of her. Plus he didn’t want any of the neighbours seeing because the talk would upset Khushi and her family.

 

He broke away. “Goodnight Khushi. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

 

All Khushi was capable of doing was nodding as she watched him walking away. She then quietly snuck into her own home. You see, her parents knew she was going to see a movie with a friend. What they didn’t know is that friend was a man or that she’d be wearing the outfit she was when going to see him. Khushi had somehow managed to convince them to go to the Mandir just before Arnav came to pick her up and rushed to get ready.

 

Once she got in her house and changed, she couldn’t sleep. She kept replaying the perfect date and that perfect kiss. And then she started thinking about the future and about how any of this would work out. She knew he firmly didn’t believe in marriage and after what happened to Lavanya, she thought he probably didn’t want to go down that road again.

 

Just enjoy now Khushi and worry about the future later. After all it’s better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all. And when this is all over, at least you’ll have some beautiful memories.

 

With that thought in her head, she fell asleep with tears on her face.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Arnav had just walked through the dark Raizada Mansion with a spring in his step.

 

“And what time do you call this young lady?” asked a voice from the darkness.

 

Before Arnav could answer, the light of the Mansion turned on and before him stood NK with his hands on his hips.

 

“NK I’m not a ‘young lady’, I’m a grown man and I can do what I want.”

 

NK put on a baby voice, “Of course you can, and you can do anything you want.”

 

“Do you know what? I’m not going to let this bother me. I had a great day.”

 

NK had a great big grin on his face. “Oh really? Pray tell.”

 

“No.”

 

Arnav began turned off the lights and walked towards his room with NK following behind him.

 

“I know you want to.”

 

“No I don’t.”

 

“Yeah you do.”

 

“NK!”

 

“Nanav!”

 

Arnav signed and sat down on his bed and NK joined him.

 

“It was perfect.” He said with a smile.

 

NK punched the air. “Woop! I knew it. And now some more good news.”

 

Arnav turned to face NK. “You found the bangles.”

 

“I found two.”

 

Arnav’s face fell. “Damn it!”

 

“But after talking to Payalji, for too long according to Akash, I got them.”

 

Arnav’s face lit up. “Great give them to me.”

 

“You can’t have them.”

 

“NK be serious.”

 

“I am. I sent them to be polished and put in a nice box so when you propose to Khushiji, you can give it to her then.”

 

Arnav smacked his head. “Damn it! I forgot to buy a ring.”

 

“Why fear when NK’s here? I knew you’d pull a rookie move like this so I have a plan. Let her pick out the ring for herself and give her the bangles instead.”

 

“NK, you’re a generous. What would I do without you?”

 

“You’d crash and burn. Now I want something.”

 

Arnav frowned. “What do you want?” It just seemed really suspicious.

 

NK had an evil smile on his face. “I want a hug from you.”

 

Arnav’s face turned to a look of pure horror, as if NK had asked him to murder his sister and eat her whilst dancing to Mahi Ve.

 

“No!”

 

“Come on Nanav. You said you owe me and I want a hug.”

 

“Can’t I just buy you a really expensive car?” he asked hopefully.

 

But NK stood his ground. “Nope. I want a hug and nothing else.”

 

Arnav thought for a moment before he sighed. “Fine.”

 

“Great!”

 

NK lunged at Arnav and hugged him tightly enough so he couldn’t escape. He then let go after a very long minute.

 

“Night Nanav.”

 

“Goodnight NK.” Arnav forced out.

 

 

 

The next day at work Arnav approached Khushi and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around and gave him a smile that just made everything ok.

 

“Khushi do you want to grab lunch?”

 

“Sure but it’s only 11.”

 

He smiled knowingly. “Just trust me ok.”

 

“Always.” She said with a sad smile.

 

He discreetly led her towards his car. Well he thought he was discreet but everyone in the office could see their love. They just didn’t say anything because they didn’t want to face the wrath of Arnav Singh Raizada.

 

Arnav and Khushi had been driving for a while, talking about anything and everything, when Khushi saw where they were and screamed out loud nearly causing a crash.

 

“Khushi!” scolded Arnav.

 

“I’m sorry Arnavji, I’m just really excited. It’s the dubba we found when we were trying to get to Nanital right?”

 

Arnav smiled. “That’s right.”

 

Arnav hadn’t even fully stopped the car before Khushi jumped out and ran towards it.

 

“Auntieji, Uncleji, do you remember me?” she asked the couple.

 

“Of course we remember you and your short tempered husband.” Said uncleji.

 

Arnav had finally caught up with Khushi and greeted the couple. They both sat down and had a nice meal together. After they were finished, Uncle and Auntieji approached them.

 

“So are you two love birds going to spend the night again?” asked Auntieji.

 

Arnav laughed whilst Khushi felt a sharp pain in her heart. She knew the pep talk she had with herself last night but it still hurt to know they’d probably never have a honeymoon or a wedding night.

 

“No, we should really be getting back to work now.” She said getting up.

 

“Loh, you’ve turned your wife in to a version of you.” Uncleji said to Arnav.

 

Arnav laughed again. “What can I say? Married couples generally pick up each others habits.”

 

Khushi was getting annoyed now. Here she was going through slight turmoil because of there relationship and where they stand and he was joking about them being married. It just seemed a little cruel.

 

“Yes, anyway, we should get going.” She said hurriedly trying to get out of there as quickly as possible.

 

“Oh come on Khushi. It won’t hurt to stay a little longer.”

 

“You should listen to your husband.” Said Auntieji.

 

“Yes listen to your husband.” Agreed Uncleji.

 

“He’s not my husband!” snapped Khushi and strode off towards the car.

 

Everyone went quiet and looked around awkwardly.

 

Arnav forced out a chuckle. “My wife can get so temperamental when she doesn’t get her way. Women.”

 

Uncle and Auntiji laughed and the atmosphere went back to normal. Arnav walked to the car.

 

“Khushi are you ok?” Arnav asked with concern.

 

“I’m fine. I just want to go back to work.”

 

“Ok.”

 

The ride back to AR was silent and the air was full of unasked questions.