Chapter Ten

Khushi was confused. She was finding Arnav's behavior very strange. As she followed Arnav, she kept thinking back to the day she met him, up until now. He was so rude to her, being the biggest jerk she had ever met in her life! And now all of a sudden, there was a soft side to him.

I don't get it, she said in get head. Arnavji is being so confusing. First he's cold and cruel, then he's arrogant and a jerk, and then he's... a sweetheart.

Arnav let go of her hand, bringing Khushi back to earth. She looked around and realized it was dark.

"Arnavji-"

She turned to look at him, but he was gone.

"Arnavji?"

She looked around. She was alone, in the dark, Arnav nowhere to be found.

"Arnavji?!"

Suddenly, the lights turned on. Khushi covered her eyes to the sudden burst of light and then blinked to see. What she saw, surprised her. Ahead of her was a gazebo, all decorated with flowers. There were twinkling lights shining, going around the columns of the posts. Khushi was marveled and went up the steps and went in. She absolutely loved it and started to twirl. It was just too pretty and adorable!

Arnav came out and looked at Khushi as she twirled. She was completely giddy with joy and went running to the flowers to smell their aroma.

Khushi felt like she was being watched and turned. She saw Arnav looking at her admiringly and she looked down and blushed, feeling slightly embarrassed. Arnav found that cute and walked over to her. Khushi saw him approaching and clutched her dupatta. He came before her and held his hand out. Khushi looked at it confusedly and then at him. His eyes were shining in the light and Khushi was mesmerized.

Without even realizing, Khushi placed her hand in his. Arnav held it firmly and led her back towards the middle. He produced a small remote from his pocket and clicked on a button. At that instant, music started to play.

Khushi didn't even realize that they were even dancing. She was glued to Arnav's eyes as he looked back at her. She remembered the sangeet and how they had danced. She remembered the chemistry they had, the pull that they had.

Soon the song ended and Arnav held her against him. The two gazed away at each other, unable to break away.

Arnav was caught up in Khushi's beauty. He felt a desire build up for her inside. He had her right here, right in front of her. And the way he saw it, Khushi was glued into him, gazing into his eyes, just like he was gazing into hers. His eyes traveled down to her lips and they stuck there. Khushi hadn't realized and continued to look at him.

Arnav slid a hand up from her waist to her cheek, caressing it. Khushi looked at it and took in a sharp breath. Her eyes drifted shut and she brought her hand up to hold his. Arnav tilted her face up to his and Khushi looked up into his eyes. She could see the desire clearly written in them, and she gulped.

Arnav leaned in closer to her face. Khushi began to feel hesitant. She remembered back to Diwali and how they were in the same condition. Inside, she had wanted him to kiss her, but that didn't end up happening then. Once again the feelings were sprouting and she wanted to feel his lips on hers.

What the?! What are you thinking Khushi, she yelled in her head.

She opened her eyes and found Arnav really close to her. And he was coming in closer, making Khushi's eyes drift shut again. She waited for Arnav's lips to meet hers, though inside, she was fighting against herself. One side of her was in pain, wanting him to hurry. Another side was saying are you crazy Khushi?! Another was going what the?! And the last one was going Khushi! Since when did you say "what the"?!

And while she debated, she hadn't even realized Arnav was half a centimeter away. And soon, his lips landed on hers. Khushi's eyes shot open wide and she gasped. Arnav took advantage of it and darted his tongue inside her mouth. Khushi was in complete shock as he did wonders in her mouth. But soon, she melted. Her eyes drifted shut and and her legs gave out. Arnav held her firmly, his arms wrapped at her waist, and held her against his chest. Khushi allowed him to do as he pleased, and slowly, brought her arms up and wrapped them around his neck.

Needing air, Khushi pulled away. Her eyes remained shut as she caught her breath. Arnav leaned his forehead against hers and caught on his breath as well. The two tugged on the same air, holding each other for support.

"Khushi," Arnav breathed.

Khushi shuddered.

"Marry me," he whispered.

Khushi looked up at him in wonder.

"Marry me Khushi."

Arnav looked down at her and the two were lost in gaze.

"Khushi, will you marry me?"

Khushi couldn't believe it. He really, truly did want to marry her. He wasn't just marrying her for what she thought, which was just to prove that she can't do everything. He really did care and he really did want her to marry him!

Khushi looked into his eyes and saw his nervousness spike. Though he was trying hard to hide it, his eyes gave away his vulnerability. And not only that, but his eyes were filled with love.

And that was exactly what Khushi wanted to know.

"Yes," she breathed.

Though she didn't want to admit it, she knew from a while back that she was, indeed, in love with Arnav Singh Raizada. That was why she kept seeing him everywhere and imagined catching stars in her dupatta.

Arnav gaped. "What," he breathed.

"Yes... Yes, I will marry you," she smiled lightly.

Arnav couldn't believe it! He broke into a goofy smile and picked Khushi up, spinning her around. Khushi couldn't believe this was happening. Was this really the same man she had met not that long ago?

Arnav placed her down and kissed her again, surprising Khushi once more. When he let go, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her cheek.

"I can't wait to tell everyone else," Arnav whispered against it.

Khushi blushed and looked away. Arnav tilted her chin up so she would look at him and then pecked her lips.

"Thank you Khushi," he murmured against her lips.

"For what," she replied.

He looked at her. "For ruining my show and falling off the stage and into my arms."

Though it sounded weird, it sounded sweet to Khushi and she smiled and hugged him, burying her face in his chest.

Chapter Nine

While things were going on between Arnav and Khushi, elsewhere...

"See Nani! I told you," Anjali exclaimed.

"I know! And did you see? He didn't even yell! Nothing!"

"Nani, I'm so sure - absolutely sure that there is something between them. Pakka!"

"Hmm... and we'll definitely get this solved. But first, let's see what Chote has to say."

*~*

Arnav was at the poolside, watering his plants, when he heard his sister.

"Seriously Nani," Anjali said, making herself loud and clear. "We really would make a big loss if Khushiji got married."

And that caught Arnav's attention.

"Haan Anjali betiyan," Nani said loud and clear. "It really would be. It's not everyday you meet such a bubbly girl, who also has sanskar."

"Haan Nani. ... But what if we got her married into our family? We have an eligible bachelor in our home," she looked at Arnav, as well as Nani.

Arnav found this as a good chance and pretended to be done with his work and was heading to his room to get his phone.

"Oh Chote," Anjali called him over. "You're here? Perfect! You can help us with our decision."

"What decision?"

"To make Khushi betiyan a member of this family," Nani said.

Arnav pretended to think about it. "I don't know... I mean, main aur Khushi-"

"No," Anjali exclaimed. "Not you and Khushiji. We were talking about Khushiji and NK Bhai," she stressed.

"What?! NK?!"

The two nodded, watching his expression carefully.

"And Khushi?"

"Haan," both replied.

Arnav looked away and shook his head. "You know what, I don't know. Whatever," and he walked away.

As soon as Arnav was out of sight, the two ladies giggled.

"Now let's wait for Khushi betiyan," Nani said.

*~*

The Gupta family arrived, bringing in presents for the Raizada's. Arnav came in last and looked at Khushi, who was standing beside NK, and that wasn't so great after the conversation him and his Nani and Di had.

The Gupta's were lead in, and Nani and Anjali noticed the eye lock between Arnav and Khushi.

"Khushiji," NK said, "let me help you," and he took the gifts.

"Thank you Nanheji," Khushi smiled lightly.

The two began to walk and Nani nudged Anjali.

"Don't Khushi betiyan and Nanhe make a good pair," Nani asked.

Anjali nodded.

"Yeah," Arnav said. "One is half mental, the other is half crazy."

Khushi paused and looked at him.

"The perfect pair."

Khushi glared at Arnav while he looked at her with no expression. Khushi turned on her heels and turned away to join her family. Arnav followed behind and Nani and Anjali giggled.

*~*

Everyone was seated at the hawan but there was one problem. The ghee was left behind at GH and Khushi decided she would go. Arnav was about to offer taking her, but NK piped up fast. The family agreed and Khushi and NK left.

It had been a while, and the two hadn't returned. Arnav was calling Khushi nonstop, and Anjali saw Khushi's phone flashing. She picked it up and saw Arnavji and she knew immediately who it was, and went to Arnav.

"Chote?"

"Yeah Di?"

"Why are you calling Khushiji nonstop? Besides, she left her phone."

Arnav looked at the phone and clenched his jaws.

"Don't worry Chote; they'll be back soon."

Arnav nodded, but didn't feel right about it. "But it's been so long. Plus the hawan needs to take place, so I'll go get them."

Before Anjali could say anything, Armav left. He drove to GH but the door was locked. Going around to find them he had to be stopped because there was an accident of a girl. Thinking it was Khushi, Arnav panicked and went to find out. But just as he got near, the ambulance pulled away and Arnav was about to break down.

Determined, Arnav went to his car to follow, when he heard Khushi's voice. He turned around and saw her at a stall, talking the the guy. Pissed, Arnav approached her and turned her around.

"Arnavji-"

"Shut up Khushi! What the hell! Why didn't you take your phone! And where the hell is NK?!"

"Woh Nanheji-"

"Khushi, do you have any idea how worried I got," he exclaimed, cupping her face.

Khushi was in shock, but mad that he was yelling at her, like usual.

"I thought you were dead," Arnav yelled. "Dammit Khushi-"

Khushi pushed his hands away. "So what?! So what if I died?! What's it matter to you-"

"Of course it matters to me because I-"

He stopped. He couldn't believe it. Was he really about to say that? Was THE Arnav Singh Raizada about to say the three words, eight letters?

"Nanav?"

Both Arnav and Khushi turned and looked at NK.

"Nanav, you're-"

"Where the hell have you been NK?"

"Nanav relax. On the way back, the car broke down so I went to a repair shop. Then Khushiji's sandal broke..."

Arnav looked at Khushi's feet and saw her in NK's sneakers.

"... so I gave her my shoes."

"And thank you for that Nanheji," Khushi smiled. "You're very kind unlike other people," she smiled sweetly.

Arnav clenched his jaws while NK smiled.

"Anything for you Khushiji," NK said.

Back off, Arnav said in his head. She's your future Bhabi.

"Anyways, Nanav you...?"

"You guys were getting late and they couldn't start so I came looking."

"Oh, sorry, I forgot my phone, as well as Khushiji."

"That I know very well," he said sarcastically. "Anyways, you go check on your car and I'll take Khushi home so the hawan can start."

Before NK could rebel, or Khushi, Arnav went to his car. As Arnav got in, he saw NK give Khushi a gift bag. Khushi smiled shyly as she took it, and then went to the car.

Arnav drove off and Khushi opened up the bag. She took out its components and smiled.

"Churiyan," Khushi gushed.

Arnav looked over and then back at the road. Khushi took some and tried to put them on, but they wouldn't fit.

Arnav smirked. "Looks like NK doesn't know your size."

"At least he was kind enough to buy- ah!"

Arnav stopped and looked at her. There was a bit of the bangle stuck on her wrist, her wrist bleeding.

"Khushi, are you okay?"

Khushi said nothing, holding onto her wrist tightly. Arnav reached out for her wrist, but Khushi withdrew.

"Khushi, give me your wrist."

"No! I can handle-"

"Give me your wrist!"

Khushi flinched and Arnav got hold of her wrist. He raised it up a bit and analyzed it.

"This is going to hurt," he said lowly.

Khushi just stared at him as Arnav lowered his head and pulled the piece out with his mouth. She shut her eyes in pain but soon it disappeared. She looked up at Arnav and saw him throw the piece out the window.

He looked back at her. "You okay?"

Khushi managed to nod once.

"Why couldn't you be more careful?! If it doesn't fit, then why'd you forcefully put it on?!"

And the Laad Governor was back.

"Because of you," Khushi said.

"What the-"

"You were being so arrogant and-"

She stopped and huffed. The man was unbelievable! Arnav huffed, thinking she was unbelievable and started to drive again.

After a while of driving, Khushi noticed that they were on an unknown path. After being in the car with Arnav several times going back and forth from his place and her place, she knew the path well, but this was not one of those roads.

"Arnavji, this isn't the way home."

"I know."

Khushi got confused. "Arnavji where are we going?"

"Somewhere."

"Arnavji, take me back-"

"No."

"Take me back! Or else... Or else I'll-"

Arnav looked at her. "Or else what?"

"I'll... I'll... I'll jump out of the car!"

Arnav smirked, looking back forward. Khushi simply gaped.

He doesn't care, she exclaimed in her head. And he wants me to marry him?! Hmph! Laad Governor kahike.

"Arnavji, I'm serious."

"Okay."

Khushi gaped. That's it!

She tried to open the door, but the doors auto locked. She looked back at Arnav, gaping.

"I'm not losing you so easily Khushi," Arnav said softly.

Khushi couldn't believe what she had heard. And the way he said it, stuck to her head. Arnav glanced at her and gave her a shy smile and Khushi felt her heart melt.

Wow, Khushi said in her head. When he smiles like that... he looks so cute.

And then it hit her.

Did I just call Arnavji cute?! No, no, no, no! No I couldn't have! But I did! She bit her nails. Hey DM, what's happening?!

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

Not again!

"What's wrong Khushi," Arnav asked.

"Nothing," she said a little to quickly.

Arnav came to a stop and Khushi froze.

What now, she exclaimed in her head.

"Get out-"

"Arnavji, I swear on jalebis that it's not a big deal-"

"Get out."

"But-"

"Khushi get out so I can show you why we're here."

Khushi was confused but she managed to listen. She got out of the car and Arnav did as well. Arnav went around to her side and held out his hand, Khushi looking at it confused.

"Take my hand," Arnav said softly.

Of all things for Arnav to say, she didn't expect him to say something like that to her. Khushi held his hand with her index finger and thumb.

Arnav chuckled. "Not like that. I mean hold my hand."

Khushi was confused, but did as Arnav said. She let her hand go in his, holding his hand. Arnav held it securely and Khushi's eyes shot up to his. Arnav was already looking at her and he had a soft smile playing on his lips.

"Come," he simply said, and Khushi followed, wondering what on earth Arnav Singh Raizada was up to.