Chapter 23

Khushi ran into her room and shut the door tightly as she rested against it and fell on the floor. Tears rolling down her eyes she looked like she has been through so much. SHe shut her eyes remembering what Arnav had asked her. How could she tell him what she was thinking. How could she tell him what her heart wanted. How could she tell him that she wanted to strangle La to death. and that she was not happy at all with the engagement. how could she be happy she loved him. She sat on the floor not knowing what to do. how was she to deal with this matter.
Khsuhi: hey devi maya what have you put me into how do i get out off this mess help me and guide me tell me what i should do. I can't stand it i gave him my heart and now its hard to take it back i can't do it any more and if he keeps pulling me close like this how will i survive (she cried and asked herself)

Meanwhile Arnav was walking up and down all muddled up and irritated about what happened a few seconds ago. the kids walked in to see him all angry and annoyed and then Aarti asked
Aarti: mamma what happened how did it go??
Arnav: (looked up at her) horrible
Annika: dont tell me you yelled at her again (she said irritated)
Arnav: i tried not to, i tried to tell her i loved her but she never listened she just started crying what was i to do (he said more annoyed)
Anuj: oh mamma Aarti is right you are such a beast (he said stating the obvious)
Arnav: (rolling his eyes he said) i am a beast oh really tell me what was i suppose 2 do (he said annoyed)
Aarti: but mamma you shouldnt have shouted at her. Oh god now what will we do
Arnav: (took a deep breath and said) nothing we are going to do nothing
Annika: (confused) what do you mean
Arnav: i am going to get engaged 2 La
All 3 of them: (screamed) WHAT!!!!
Annika: but you love khushi didi so why are you doing this
Arnav: relax
Aarti: mamma how can we relax you cant marry that witch no way, you love didi (she yelled) you cant give up like this
Arnav: (took a deep breath he knelled down and rested his hands on his shoulders and said) trust me i know what i am doing. At 8 i am going to meet La's parents to fix the date
Saying that he walked out of the room all cool and chilled out, leaving the kids absolutely shocked and confused.
As the day passed by a depressed Khushi tried to get herself together and the kids tried to figure out what they need to do to talk some sense into their mamma who was acting crazy at this point.
Annika: what is wrong with him, he loves khushi didi and wants to marry that witch.
Anuj: mamma has lost it i think some screw is loose in her brain
Aarti: didi there is only one person who can save this
Aanika: who
Aarti: khushi didi, we have to talk to her come on
She ran from the room and went towards Khushi's room to knock on the door the other two followed. Khushi opened the door and saw them out she wiped her tears off and said with a smile
Khushi: hi kids
Aarti: hi didi can we come in please
Khushi: sure (she moved and they came in and sat on the bed)
All three of them looked at each other not knowing how to start the conversation when Aarti said
Aarti: didi you know what i heard
Khushi: What
Aarti: its about mamma
Khushi' eyes opened wide and her heart skipped a beat she looked at Aarti.
Annika: tell us Aarti what did u hear
Aarti: i cant its a secrete you know
Anuj: oh come on little sis tell us what secrete
Khushi: yeah Aarti tell us what happened (she said softly wanting to know)
Aarti: (smiled and then said) ok but promise ok you wont tell any one
They all nodded and then Aarti said
Aarti: Arnav mamma is going to meet that witches parents today i heard you know to fix the date for the engagement
they all looked at each other and then at khushi who was now in total tears trying hard to control herself from crying then Aarti said
Aarti: yeah you know i heard that he will propose to her also with a ring and all like a prince
Annika: to that witch
Anuj: yeah to that witch
Khushi quietly listened
Annika: oh how could mamma do that i heard he loves someone else you know (she played along)
Khushi: (on hearing that was shocked her heart started to beat and then she said) what he loves some one else, who does he love
All three of them smiled at her reaction and then Anuj said
Anuj: yeah i heard the same you know he loves that girl more than anything.
Khuahi: but  who is the girl?
Aarti: (ignoring) i heard she has nice big round eyes and a small red nose and she loves to eat sweets
Annika: yeah she is very pretty i heard that too
Khushi: who is that girl guys tell me also na (she was dying to know)
they all smiled and then Aarti said
Aarti: didi but why do you want to know i mean who cares who that girl is.
Khushi: (screamed out) I CARE
Anuj: but why
Khushi: (hesitated and then said) because uhm, (then she quickly changed the subject and then said) that not the point if he loves this girl so much why is he marrying La
Annika: god knows we asked him but he didnt answer
Aarti: yeah i dont understand i think he tried to tell her but she never understood, poor girl
Khushi had a flash back of the moment that they just had in the morning when he held her and asked her what she thought and what she felt about him, but she didnt answer instead she tried to free herself and ran away crying. her heart started to beat and then she realized he loved her to all the flash back came in her head the time when he would pull her up close to him. the way he kissed her and she kissed him on the lips the closeness. she had the hint and then she remembered that Aarti just said that  the girl he loved had big eyes a small nose and loved sweets. A smile appeared on her face, but she straighten herself and then took a deep breath her heart pounding and again she asked
Khushi: who is the girl that he loves the most
Aarti: (understood and said with a smile) You
Khushi let out a soft chuckle happiness evident on her face as her soft smile grew bigger he heart beat and she blushed turning crimson red.
Khushi: does he really love me
Annika: more than anything in this world
Khushi: but if so then why is he marrying la
Anuj: donno didi that even we cant understand
Aarti: (climbed up on the bed and then held khushi by the shoulders and said) dont worry didi we can stop him. there is still time
Khushi: (looked at her and then said) no we cant, its his choice to get married to her how can i stop him. he loves me but wants to marry her he must have a reason (she said sadly)
Annika: we can let this happen didi
Aarti: didi if you love him, you have to go and get him, this is you last chance
Anuj: she is right you should get him and tell him how you feel
Khushi again looked at all of them she knew they were right she had to get Arnav back if he loved her then he has to marry her because she loves him too, and she can not stand the fact that Arnav is going to marry that witch, she had made up her mind she had to get her man back at any cost he belonged only to her. 

Chapter 22

As dawn approached Arnav was up and ready. The man felt fresh alive and excitement running through his vanes. As he made his way to the bathroom to brush his 5 year old niece woke up and rubbed her eyes. Sitting on the bed she looked around for him. The bathroom door clicked open and he came out
Aarti: mamma what are we going to do
Arnav: (came by the bed and sat next to her caressing her face he said) Don't worry i am figuring it out
Aarti: but we better do it fast otherwise it will be too late
Arnav nodded and Aarti went down he to came along with her to the breakfast table
Khushi was trying to control her self she was nervous to face Arnav after this whole incident. What would she tell him how would she react and most importantly she had to make sure she did not land up crying in front of him. Taking a deep breath she said
Khushi: (to herself) Hey Devi maya save me from this lead governor please
Saying this she went out of the kitchen with a jug of juice in her hand. Arnav was at the table as soon as she came out his eyes were on his princess. She beautiful her hair flying in the wind. She was wearing a blue anarkali. But wait what was that there was worry on her face. He scrunched his eye brows up wondering why she was worried and then it struck him, she was so jealous. She looked rather cute. Arnav decided to stir up some fun and so he said
Arnav: so ma did la call you up to discuss the arrangement of the engagement
Khushi lifted her face to Arnav and looked at him with the most cutest expressions of sadness. she took a deep breath and he noticed a smirk on his face.
Ratna: no she hasn't called but i think she will
Arnav: ok
Ratna: Khushi betiya will you help in the engagement preparations
Khushi: (looked baffled and then said) yeah... uh sure (she nodded with more sadness, while Arnav smirked)
Breakfast finished and every one went to do their daily work, Arnav was at home today. Aarti was in his room lying on the bed in thinking position of how to get Khushi back, while Arnav walked up and down. Annika and Anuj entered
Annika: mamma
Arnav looked towards the door and Annika and Anuj came in
Annika: what are join got do, did u not see Khushi didi
Arnav: What The
Anuj: don't what the us,we are worried too
Arnav: don't tell me you two are also involved (he looked at Aarti confused)
Aarti: what i needed help, i am only 5 years old mamma i couldn't do it myself
Arnav rolled his eyes and then Annika said
Annika: poor didi she is so sad, she was so upset when she heard the engagement news oh mamma we have to do something
Arnav: yeah i know she looked sad and honestly i can't seem to see that (he said a bit upset)
Khushi was looking all over the house for the kids hoping she would get her mind off things when she came to Arnav's room she found them all there. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door
They all looked towards the door, Arnav took a closer look at her and then Aarti said
Aarti: didi how come your are here
Khushi: (trying to control her sadness she said) uh i came looking for you all
Annika hinted to the other two kids that they should leave and then Annika said
Annika: Didi we are coming i have to do my home work
Khushi nodded and then the kids were leaving she was going to do behind them when Arnav said
Arnav: Khushi
She looked behind he gave a cute look the kids left quickly and then Arnav said
Arnav: wait
Khushi: what happened (she asked looking down)
Arnav: (was in a trance but he asked) Are you ok
Khushi: (pretended) YEah i am why are you asking
He nodded knowing she was lying and then She said
Arnav: Khushi
Khushi: hmm
Arnav went towards her and then in a swift second he pulled her towards him she came on his chest and started to breath faster he said in a husky voice
Arnav: why do u look sad
KHushi: (tried to control the havoc that his breath was creating on her)  I am fine Arnavji, in fact i am happy your getting engaged (she pretend to shield her emotions)
Arnav: (raised his eye brows on her attempt) really then why is there sadness on your face
Khushi: (she took a deep breath and then said) no no there is no sadness why would i be sad i am happy, the children are happy that your getting engaged to La
Arnav: thats not true
he pulled her closer to him and she was at a stage where she could feel his heart beat and his breath over her, Khushi was startled what was he trying to say, does he know what she feels she sucked her breath in fear
Khushi: (she asked softly) what do you mean
Arnav: the kids aren't happy
Khushi: (let out a sigh of relief) oh
there was a small pause between them and then Khushi said
Khsuhi: (trying to let go she said) Arnavji leave me, you should not be holding like this
Arnav: (smirked at her and then asked) why
Khushi: because your engaged thats why what will every one think, please leave me
Arnav: I don't care what every one thinks, what do you think (he asked her trying to control his desire)
Khushi: (heart was beating heavily she had a lump in her throat, all she managed to say was ) hmm (in a scared voice)
Arnav: Tell me Khushi what are you thinking
KHushi: (still lost she didn't know what to answer) please leave me
Arnav: tell me what you think
KHushi: Arnavji please what difference does it make what i think (she pleaded)
Arnav: it does make a difference now tell me what you think
Khsuhi: (trying to free herself) LEave me please just leave me
Arnav: not until u answer me (he said in crude tone)
Khushi: (struggling to free herself) Arnavji
Arnav: (puling her closer) Khushi
Khushi: (couldn't take it any more she screamed) leave me thats what i think ok (she yelled at him)
Arnav was in shock he slowly let go off her she moved away and tears dropped from her eyes as she looked at him with all anger and sadness.
Arnav: (softened up and said in a soft voice) Khushi (he tried to come close)
But she ran. She ran out of the room crying away leaving Arnav in total shock.

Chapter 21

La and he again got back to work he was looking at files he was trying to concentrate on work but his mind kept fluttering back to her to the way she felt his heart and shut her eyes , it felt so nice to have her hand over his heart. he never understood the value of the heart until today when she touched him for a few seconds he felt so real so complete so alive. All in one second in my breath.

Arnav could not understand how one girl who he barely knew had suddenly become his reason for being complete. how is that even possible that her one touch can cause so much of an effect on him. Lavanya was too busy blabbering some nonsense which Arnav couldn't be even bothered by the only thing on his mind was Khushi, Khushi Kumari Gupta.

La: so ASR my parents are in town

Arnav: hmm

La:ASR are you listening to me

Arnav: (looking at the files) ya La i am

La: so i was thinking something

Arnaav: hmm

La: i was thinking that my parents should meet your mom

Arnav: hmm

La: you know my parents were saying we should get engaged what do u think

Arnav: hmm

La smiled not understand that Arnav wasnt listening to a word she turned around and hugged him Arnav was taken in a surprise as she ran down. Arnav was sitting there wondering what happened. when he saw Hp coming into his room

Hp: bhaya mamji has called you down

he nodded and shut his lap top wondering what hell could have been caused now. As he walked down he saw the whole family looking at him in shock. Arnav wondered what was the matter and had not a clue next to his mother stood La with the biggest smile ever

Khushi who was in the kitchen slowly came and stood next to the door hiding behind Arnav noticed it. As he reached down Nani looked annoyed at him and Ratna came forward

Ratna: Chottey is it true what La said

La: (in excitement said) yes off course its true (she came and held his hand and said with a smile) we want to get engaged

As soon as arnav heard these words he was shocked beyond words he didnt know what to even say. He didnt want to get engaged to La. the guy was totally blank his eye fixed on one person only when he saw her control her tears trying not to cry. Arnav stood there blank not knowing what was even going on.  Ratna came forward and hugged him and then said

Ratna: i am happy chottey, i know she is not teh girl i had hoped for but you love her alot and thats why i am accepting her (she turned to la and said) welcome to the family (la hugged her)

Akash hugged Arnav who was still very blank he couldnt say a word the only thing in front of him was Khushi and her tears. He was unable to see it. he had the biggest lump in his throat. the kids looked at him and then at khushi not knowing what to do. She couldnt take it any more she just ran from there Arnav was surrounded by people he was trying to go to her but couldnt some one or the other coming to congratulate him.

It was after dinner everyone left to go to their rooms and were tired after the small feast the driver dropped la home. Arnav was in his room walking up and down. Khushi was in the kitchen upset over the fact that Arnav had said yes to lavanya things were serious now. She just couldnt seem to control her tears anymore.

Khushi: khushi stop crying. (she wiped her tears) stop it how can you cry. you know he is not yours then why are you so sad that he is marrying some one else. (she spoke to herself) yes he kissed you and you kissed him and you felt his heart beat but that doesnt mean anything. (she was in 2 minds) but it does to me, those things were special those things were magical . but i guess this is only for me not for him. For him all this is totally normal. 

Meanwhile back in Arnav's room he was shocked about what happened down. Still trying to take in the incident he didnt know how to react getting engaged to La. could he really see himself spending his life with La and after all this would he be able to face khushi. He had to admit he felt that magic too he felt that spark too. and for a second he wished it was not la but khushi who he was getting engaged to a smile came on his face. until he realized 

Arnav: getting engaged to khushi what is wrong with me. (he said) khushi and me getting married how can i even think of something like that (he spoke out aloud)

He felt a small shake on his shoulders when he looked he saw Aarti standing in front of him. he straightened himself and said 

Arnav: what is it 

Aarti: (looked at him annoyed) i am angry with you 

Arnav: what do you mean (he asked confused)

Aarti: how could you do something like this mamma (she folded her arms and arched her eye brows)

Arnav raised his eye brows too at his angry niece not knowing why she is angry 

Arnav: Aarti what happened 

Aarti :(slapped her head and said) do i have to do everything. mamma how could you get engaged to La 

Arnav: i dont know (he asked confused and then said) do you not like her 

Aarti: mamma what difference does it make if i like her. the point is that do you like her 

Arnav: What the !!

Aarti: oh dont what the me ok. i know you dont love her you love some one else 

Arnav: (raised his eye brows and said) really who (he folded his arms)

Aarti: Khushi didi off course (she screamed out at him)

Arnav was stunned not knowing what to say to her. how does she know he loves khushi. wait a minuite he loves khushi he asked himself looking confused and Aarti spoke

Aarti: you love her and thats why your thinking of marrying her. she is your princess and you are her prince. thats why she makes your heart beat (she picked up his hand and put it on his heart which was beating. Arnav staired bak at her with utmost shock) do you know how much time it took me to get the two of you to get locked in the store room so you two could spend some time together (she spoke angrily)

Arnav: (snapped out of it and then said) you locked us in the store room ?? 

Aarti: (bit her tongue not realizing she had spilt the beans, then she conveenantly changed the topic and said in an angry voice) thats not the point. the point is that you love khushi didi and when she kissed you. you loved it then how could you marry la 

Arnav: Aarti i dont know what your talking about

Aarti: oh really mamma remember all the times you spent with her and then tell me what you feel 

Arnav: had a flash back at this point remembering every moment he spent with khushi right from the day she walked into his life the first time he saw her. The first time he faught with her the time she challenged him he remembering pulling her up time and again to his chest how her breast lay perfectly on his chest. Things started coming into place. The fact that he thought of her every time she wasnt around. he remembered talking to his di about it he remembered every single thing their kiss how magical it was he remembered her feeling his heart feeling complete and then in an instant he said 

Arnav: i love her (he said in his dreaming.)

Aarti looked at him back he looked back at her and then a smile came across his face and he said 

Arnav: i love her i actually love her 

he smiled and held Aarti's shoulders, Aarti looked confused. the wind blew in and Arnav couldnt help but feel his heart pund to this new feeling to this new and wonderful feeling the feeling of love of being in love. He hugged Aarti and said once more 

Arnav: i love her Aarti i love her and only her i love khushi. 

Aarti: yes mamma thats exactly what i am saying you love her 

Arnav: (let go of her and said) yeah i do. but does she love me 

Aarti: off corse she does (she slapped her head again) thats why she was crying when she heard the news do you know how jelouse she is of la  

Arnav smiled remembering her crying for him. it was cute he had to admit he was sad she was crying but then the thought of her crying for him was just too cute.

Aarti: then why are you marrying La

Arnav: (looked back her with his excitement all gone and said) i dont know i never said yes to la she just thought i said yes

Aarti: (replicated him) What the 

Arnav rolled his eyes and then said 

Arnav: shit shit how could i do this how could i let this happen. (realizing the situation he said)

Aarti: what are we going to do now mamma (she asked a bit sad)

Arnav: (looked down at her and then said) dont worry your mamma is going to get his princess back 

She hugged him tightly and he carried her and took her off to bed. 

Chapter 20

It was around 8:15 and the kids had nothing in hand they were struggling with a plan, after all it was not easy 2 play cupid especially when the targets were on war most of the time.

Annika: what if we again put them in the same room they will have 2 talk to each other, they cant keep quite for too long

Anuj: Aarti already did that we need to think of something else but what

Aarti: yes anuj bhaya is right we cant do that again, this time we have to do something which is big.

The kids were talking when ratna came in to meet them and spend some time with them.

Aarti: hi nanima

Ratna: hi aarti betya what are u all doing

the three looked at each other confused not wanting to reveal the plan to her then Annika said

Annika: oh nothing nani we were just sitting around and spending time together its been long since the 3 of us did that

Ratna: (smiled) good i am so glad that you are doing so, its good to see you all together like this

Hp came down to the room and interrupted to call Ratna

HP: Maim sahab La madam has come down

Ratna looked at him with no reaction and said she will be right down and on the other hand the kids were worried they didnt want La to ruin anything for Mission Arshi

All of them went down to the hall and saw La sitting waiting for them well actually waiting for Arnav

La: hi aunti how are you

Ratna: (smiled and said) i am fine and you

La: i am good waiting for ASR

Ratna nodded the kids were really not happy La tried to talk to them but neither of them was responding properly thus making La irritated and annoyed,  Hp came to tell lavanya that Arnav had called her to his room, she nodded and left from there

Meanwhile Khushi was in the laundry room ironing clothes the flash back stills of the kiss coming in her mind she was so stunned with her actions.

Khushi: how can i do such a thing like this, i am a simple indian girl and this is not what i have been brought up with (she started to have a heart to heart conversation with herself ) but then he instigated me for it i mean he was the one who went o and one about it not me, (pause and a her heart beat started to increase) although i must admit that it was the best thing ever (a smile appeared on her lips as she started to blush, but then she stopped and again came back 2 her sense)

Khushi snap out of it and get a grip of yourself you work for him nothing more understand what ever has to happen will happen concentrated on your work and leave everything to devi maya  (she mentally scolded herself)

Arnav's room

La entered and found ASR in deep though, thinking about the kiss with khushi. She tapped him on the shoulder and he snapped out of it and looked at her blank

La: hi ASR

Arnav: La what are you doing here

La: ASR did u forget you called me here remember to discuss the new fashion line

Arnav: (coming out of his trance remembering) oh yeah come let's sit

they sat down to work Arnav got very involved with the work in hand that for a while he forgot about khushi. until he heard some noise

Voice: come on kids this is not fair, i will catch you soon

Arnavs heart started to beat hearing the voice it was khushi's voice a small smile came on his lips without realising and La said

La: what is going on

Arnav: (snapping out of it said) i dont know

La: isnt that khushi's voice what is wrong with her (she complained)

Arnav: i dont know (he gave a blank look) wait here i will check

she nodded and then he went to check khushi was with the kids outside they were running around her and she was trying to catch them blind folded, as soon as she went near them they would slip away smartly, Anuj saw Arnav come he signalled his sisters and they moved away trying to get khushi close to him, She said not realizing

Khushi:  i am going to get you now

she caught hold of the first thing that came in her hand and held it tightly she griped him in and slolwy tried to touch his face his hard stubble hurt her and she screamed

Khushi: ouch

opening the blind fold she was stunned to see him in front of her and he was stunned to see her. they had a small eye lock deeply grazing into each other seeing each other her hand was on his chest she could feel his heart beat it felt so good. She shut her eyes without realizing to feel the rhythm and Arnav seemed to enjoy her reaction to it he started to breath heavily. He slolwy placed his hand on hers and she felt it and opened her eyes in a jiff of a second she removed it. The wind blew in the kids stood behind witnessing the whole thing.

There was an silence between both of them both didnt know what to say to the other espeially after the kiss and now this. Khushi took a deep breath and said

Khushi: sorry i thought that you were one of the kids i didnt mean to ... (she started to blush)

Arnav: (smirked and said softly) its ok.

there was silence again as both looked at each other until it was interrupted by la who came in and said

La: ASR whats taking so long come on in hunny

Arnav looked at her a bit baffled khushi and so did khushi who was burning with jealousy from within .

Arnav: i hav to go (he said softly to khushi)

she nodded and looked away a bit sad Arnav noticed and La dragged him inside