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.