Arnav bhai!!! came a call from nearby, Arnav turned around to find his brother cum friend Akash. Akash came to him running 'where the hell are you going bhai?'

Arnav looking around 'nothing man, just looking around'

Akash looked at his cousin brother, raising his eyebrows in enquiring manner 'it does not look like, going by your face it looks like you are searching for someone'

Arnav looked at Akash 'nope nothing, I'm not searching for anyone here, how can I look for anyone when I don't even know anyone, did you forgot I'm new here'

Akash 'I know but bhai looking at your face it doesn't seem so....what caught your attention that you are going around this Mall round and round, and don't forgot who was not even interested to come here in the first place is now suddenly very interested to admire this place, as if you had never seen a Mall in Delhi before'

Arnav shrugging 'but this is Chennai'

Akash 'really bhai? If I know you well than you were not even interested in the Dubai big Mall'

Arnav 'so what? Can't I get interested now?'

Akash 'if so, why are you looking at each and every faces rather than shops and other things in mall? Out with it bhai'

Arnav looked at him as if caught, sighing 'I saw a girl, she was beautiful, cute and...and...her eyes...it was so so...expressive, like they were talking to me....oh Akash I missed her...she was right here but then don't know where I lost her sight.....she is damn beautiful....wish I get to see her once....I'll not lose her again....'

Akash 'wow bhai love at first sight'

Arnav 'don't know about love? But I really like her'

Akash 'hmmm so....' He could not even complete his sentence when....

Arnav exclaimed 'there she is....' He ran towards her....only to see her exiting the mall.

MCC College,

Akash 'bhai looks like you got fans'

Arnav absentmindedly 'what?'

Akash 'look around you bhai, girls are looking at you and started dreaming with their open eyes'

Arnav rolled his eyes 'shut up Akash'

Akash sulking 'I don't know bhai why you never give attention to any girls, even when they themselves approach you...and here we are trying hard to get the attention of the one girl we like but they ignore us like pest'

Arnav 'this is waste of time, I came here to study and I'm going to do that...besides my whole attention will get only my someone special'

Akash 'aah will that be that mall girl you missed by any chance?'

Arnav sighing 'only if I get to meet her...'

Akash 'if you are destined than surely you will, like Di says and for now let us go to canteen I'll introduce you with our gang'

Arnav and Akash reached to canteen, Akash introduced Arnav to his group of gangs, NK aka Nandhkishore, Aman Mathur, Ravi, Vivek. NK 'hey man welcome to MCC College' Arnav shaking his hand with everyone smiled little, they took their seat chatting over introducing about themselves, getting to know each other

At the corner of the canteen, a girl exclaimed 'hey there he is? Oh My God I cannot believe he is here'

Other girl looked at her friend as if she is an alien 'what is it La? From yesterday I'm watching you, you are lost'

La with her dreamy eyes 'yeah in his dreams, look Khushi that boy in Mall he is here, oh he is so handsome, see na'

Khushi shaking her head went back to her book stating 'La it will be good for you if you study for the test'

La 'Khushi why are you so boring? Close your book and take a look at him, anyways these test are not so important'

Khushi 'why not La? Only if you write these test well you will be able to write your semester exams well, so please spare me, for you every guy looks good and I'm not even interested in these guys, I've a goal set and I've to reach it at any cost'

La 'oh Khushi you are sounding like a school girl, take chill pill, okay.....relax yourself, it is not school where you have to dip your head always in books to score top marks'

Khushi 'for me studies are not joke to take it easily, anyways leave it we can't agree with each other's opinion on this topic, now let me study' La looked at her book worm friend sulking, she is exactly a nerd, with her big glasses on her eyes and her head dipped inside book as if she will read the whole book in the world with the speed and concentration she is going, sighing she looked at the guy once again knowing well her friend will never loosen herself, for Khushi her dream is everything and her dream is to study well, score good marks and grab a good job.

Lavanya's eye lit up when the guy looked at her side; she smiled her dimple smile at him getting a simple smile from him in return which evoked hope in her heart. Arnav getting bored out of wits was looking around when his eyes caught the attention of the girl who took his sleep with her dreams, he was looking at her without blinking when he saw La smiling at him, and on being caught he smiled at her in return with his sheepish smile.

NK followed Arnav's gaze saying 'She is Lavanya Kashyap. She is also from Delhi'

Arnav nodded at him, Akash looked at his lost bhai and followed his gaze listening to NK's word 'is that girl Lavanya bhai whom you met in Mall'

Arnav again nodded at him looking at Lavanya's table, Aman 'oh Man La charmed him too'

NK 'she is hottest girl in our college Aman and obviously everyone will fall for her'

Akash 'but bhai too fell for her, he never ever looked at any girl in his previous college or in school even though there were many hot and sexy girl fanned over him' with confusion etched on his face, NK laughing 'see how ASR is looking at her'

Akash looked at his bhai lost form, his eyes lit with spark and twinkling which he never saw in his eyes before unless he scores top marks in his subjects.

NK getting up 'let us introduce ASR with her'

Aman 'yep lets go'

Akash too stood up with them 'bhai common' Arnav snapped out of his dream world 'what?'

Akash 'yeah common lets go we will introduce you with her'

Arnav 'you know her?'

Akash 'yes she is in our batch'

NK dragged him patting his back 'come man, don't be shy' Arnav retorted 'I'm not shy' NK shrugged his shoulder and moved forward.

La got nervous and squealed saying 'Khushi that guy is coming here'

Khushi 'So?'

La 'oh my he is coming Khushi, what should I do? What will I say? Tell na'

Khushi looked at Lavanya as if she got her screw loose, why does she have to be so excited for a guy approaching her; she never felt any excitement even she looks up at any guy by chance.

Arnav reached to their table along with NK, Akash and Aman. NK 'hey La how are you?'

Khushi rolled her eyes, flirt!!! In one day what will happen to her.......La looking at Arnav 'I'm fine'

Aman and Akash smirked to each other looking at Lavanya lost in Arnav, they nudge NK from behind 'fool introduce them' NK nodding at them.....NK 'La this is my new friend Arnav Singh Raizada and Akash cousin brother' then turning to Arnav 'ASR she is Lavanya Kashyap'

Arnav 'hi!!!'

La 'hi ASR, welcome to our college'

Arnav 'thanks' and he looked at her side, La followed his gaze and smacking her head mentally introduced him to her friend 'ASR she is Khushi, my best friend'

Arnav nodded at her, La snatched the book from Khushi's hand who is glued her all attention to the book, Khushi 'what is it La?'

La brushed off her irritated voice and whispered to her 'Khushi at least say hi to him'

Khushi looked up at Arnav, her heart skipped its beat looking at his handsome face, and his chocolate caramel eyes were like ocean where she found herself drowns in his never ending depth of eyes. Arnav smiling at her 'Hi Khushi, I'm Arnav Singh Raizada'

Khushi coming out of her trance listening to his husky voice stuttered 'Hi...nice to meet you....I'm Khushi Gupta.....' and did which she never did before, forwarded her hand to him for handshake, Arnav looked down at her and then at her, embarrassed of herself she started withdrawing her hands when he slid his hand for hand shake. Both felt electric spark run though their spine, withdrawing their hands hastily they both looked at their friends smiling. Lavanya was looking at Khushi with open mouth, she never saw Khushi do something like that even though giving handshake is not big deal.

Khushi wanting to escape the place 'er...I need to go to library to return the book, so I'll see you guys later'

Before Lavanya could stop her she went away from there taking hold of her book and bag, La turned to everyone 'Khushi will never change'

Aman 'yeah we know how she is?'

NK 'always a book worm'

Akash 'La I don't know how you are her best friend, both of your characters are opposite, she is so serious type and you are all chilled type'

Lavanya 'yeah but she is very nice girl' saying she smiled at Arnav, who in turn smiled at her.

Days started rolling down, Arnav always found himself turning towards the girls desk, he who never let himself falter his concentration on his aims and studies is now looking at the girl all lost in her. Lavanya on the other side always gush about how Arnav is always looking at her and she is weaving the dream of being his lover. Khushi listening to her talks about Arnav feels so low and a dull throb of pain in her heart. She too had noticed him looking over at their desk more than often necessary. She don't know why she never felt so bad when any guy looked at Lavanya before, but today she is feeling sad on seeing Arnav's gaze on her but she knew too well who will look at a girl like her who is plain Jane when Lavanya ever so beautiful girl is beside her. Sighing consoling her heart she always tries to divert her concentration on her studies and mostly avoiding the topic of Arnav, giving excuse whenever Lavanya's talks about Arnav.

Month later, all were in canteen except Arnav and Khushi........NK 'La where is your friend?'

La 'oh she is at library preparing notes'

Aman 'man why she is so serious always'

Akash 'she is exactly like bhai, or to say more worst than him, I had atleast seen bhai smiling but Khushi she is always so serious, even to get a smile from her is very difficult'

La 'hey don't say that, she does smile but not often'

NK 'I've never seen that often'

At Library, Arnav 'hey can I sit over here'

Khushi looked up from her book 'what are you doing here?'

Arnav 'excuse me what will anyone do in library, of course to read'

Khushi 'oh!!! Sorry'

Arnav 'so may I?' Khushi looked up at him raising her eyebrows like what when she rewind his earlier question of him asking to sit beside her, sighing 'of course you can sit, anyway it is not like the seat is reserved'

Arnav sitting beside her 'ah but I don't want you to feel uncomfortable'

Khushi 'why will I be?'

Arnav 'is it so? Then I why always see you running away from the place where I'm'

Khushi looked at her book in silence, Arnav looked over at her titling his head.........Khushi 'it is that.........'

Arnav 'it is what? I've always seen you making excuses whenever I'm around......do you hate me so much that you are not willing to share the same place where I'm? but what have I done to you to hate me?'

Khushi rushed to clear the air off 'no no you are thinking wrong, I don't hate you...why will anyone hate you? You are really nice than any other guy here....it is that...I'm not so good with making friends......I'm not very friendly person in first place......I've always been alone and prefer to be....till now I've only La as my friend'

Arnav 'friends than?' forwarding his hands towards her.....Khushi looked at his hands and then at him....Arnav nodding his head 'will you be my friend? I really want to....'

Khushi placing her hand in his 'friends'

Arnav 'good now you will not run away at my presence, right?'

Khushi smiling little 'no...I'll not'

Arnav 'you look cute when you smile, do smile often'

Khushi 'err....thanks'

Both kept in silence, Khushi started to prepare notes once again, Arnav glanced at her....breaking the silence 'hmmmm what do you think about....'

Khushi 'about?'

Arnav 'er...nothing'

Khushi 'what is it ASR?'

Arnav 'Arnav!!!'

Khushi 'huh?'

Arnav 'call me Arnav, ASR sounds odd from you'

Khushi 'hmmm okay Arnav, now tell me what do you want to know'

Arnav 'what do you think about crush, love.....'

Khushi looked at him, then looking ahead in thought 'I never thought about these things.....for me I had loved only my books, dreams....nothing more....about crush never had one *then thinking in her mind until I saw you*.....' tilting her heads towards Arnav 'what about you?'

Arnav 'Me? Yeah I like a girl'

Khushi's heart sank but she laughed it off 'lucky her? Hmmm'

Arnav 'do you think so?'

Khushi 'yeah you are really good guy and she should be lucky'

Arnav 'but....will she accept me too?'

Khushi 'why will not? Just go and talk with her'

Arnav 'are you serious?'

Khushi 'yeah you should definitely tell her who knows she might like you.....and I know she likes you too....'

Arnav confused 'what? You know? And how?'

Khushi smiling at him 'of course I know......I'm her friend, than how will I not know....she likes you too....'

Arnav 'who?'

Khushi gathering her books she stood up, smiling 'Lavanya'

Arnav stood up shocked 'but.....' before he could get a word out of his mouth when he saw Khushi walking out of library, Khushi as soon as turned away from him blinked back the thin layer of tears formed.

Later that evening, Arnav went to his room they had taken on rent, Akash as soon as he entered 'where were you bhai? I was worried? Even La was asking about you?'

Arnav 'why?'

Akash 'why what bhai?'

Arnav 'why she is asking about me?'

Akash 'oh common bhai, a girl who likes you will obviously ask about you if she sees that you did not turn up to class, waise where were you? You said you will join us in canteen right'

Arnav 'she likes me....'

Akash 'haan bhai you are asking me as if you don't know'

Arnav 'no....'

Akash chuckling 'don't lie now bhai, we all know how you like La and she you'

Arnav 'you too think I like her'

Akash looking at Arnav confused 'what bhai? Why will you not like your Mall girl?'

Arnav 'what? When did I say she is the girl I saw in Mall?'

Akash 'then? Then why were you staring at her on your first day of college? They why were you staring at her always, we always saw you looking at her'

Arnav irritated 'what the!!! Akash, why will I look at her when my girl is in front of me'

Akash 'what? If La is not the mall girl than who is?'

Arnav 'that is what I'm saying when did I say she is the mall girl? She is not......and I'm not looking at her.....'

Akash putting his hand on his shoulder 'bhai relax and tell me who is the girl you like'

Arnav sitting down on the sofa 'Khushi!!!'

Akash looked at his brother open mouth 'what? You like Khushi?' Arnav nodded at him, Akash saying more to himself 'so all these days you were looking at Khushi and we thought you were looking at La'

Arnav 'we?'

Akash 'err I, NK and Aman?'

Arnav 'is that why you guys always push her towards me?'

Akash 'voh we thought to help you'

Arnav sarcastically 'yeah right? You all helped me very well, now Khushi too thinks that I like Lavanya and not her'

Akash slumped down beside 'now what bhai? Confusion his confusion.....everyone thinks you like La.....'

Arnav 'like in hell I like her....can't you people do me a favour of not destroying my life? Forget it, you people already did'

Akash 'bhai we are sorry......we never thought you will like Khushi.....'

Arnav enraged charged on him 'why? Why can't I like Khushi?'

Akash 'it is that she is not your type.......I mean you are so class and modern....but...but she is very traditional in her views and behaviour.....'

Arnav narrowed his eyes 'love does not come around knocking keeping these sense in mind......it just happens....leave it you will not understand until you fall in love with someone'

Akash 'wow bhai you are speaking like Romeo'

Arnav 'yeah only thing is in future it seems because of you people I'm going to lose my Juliet and roam around city like Mad Romeo'

Akash 'no no bhai we will not let that happen.....your Juliet will be with you always...'

Arnav 'for that first we have to make them know that I don't like La in that sense and have to start impressing Khushi...nah she is already impressed since she has qualified me as a good guy better than you all'

Akash raised his eye brows 'unbelievable.....you are better than us....she said to you....when? how?'

Arnav 'today? In library....'

Akash 'so you went to library to meet her'

Arnav sheepishly 'yeah when I was coming to join you people in canteen I noticed Khushi is not there and was disappointed....but then Lavanya said she is library so I changed my path and landed in library to meet with Khushi.....now she has become my friend....one step got closer to her....now the rest have to follow....even before I could make a move to another step I got to know that how she thinks I and Lavanya like each other'

Akash felt bad 'sorry bhai...sorry for the confusion......more over NK had even spilled the bean saying you like Lavanya in front of both girls'

Arnav 'that is why she is avoiding me.......and Lavanya trying to get closer to me? But why?'

Akash bulb lighted 'maybe she feels something for you and to escape the embarrassing situation she is escaping....don't want to feel heart break and cheat on her friend...that is what a true friend will do, right?'

Arnav thinking 'yeah....My Khushi is so sweet.....'

Akash shaked his head like stating in mind 'he is goner'

Then Arnav in a thoughtful manner 'yeah Akash you are right *his eyes wide with realization* this is the reason why she always stays away from me? And may be Lavanya thinks I like her too because of you people and talks with Khushi about me.....may be Khushi thinks that I'm staring at Lavanya when I'm looking at her....Oh no where did I land myself into......I wanted Khushi to like me not Lavanya...what to do now? Hell I don't know what to do? I can't lose her Akash....in these days I've realised one thing that I've fallen in love with her and that too very hard and now she is running away from me......'

Akash 'don't worry bhai we will do something.....time for damage control.....let me call NK and Aman over here'

An hour later, NK exclaimed shouting 'what you like? I mean Love Khushi'

Aman sat stupiefied 'you love Khushi.....the great nerd....can't believe it....'

Arnav scoffed at him 'what is there not believe that I love Khushi'

NK 'it is that a guy handsome and charming like you loves plain Jane'

Arnav huffed 'why is that you people never appreciate simple beauty.....you all run behind the makeup doll rather than natural beauty....and Khushi has her natural charm which your defective eyes can never see....argghh why am I explaining to you in the first place'

The three looked at Arnav dumbfounded......Arnav snapping them out of dumb state 'now why are staring at me as if I've grown horns'

They all looked away and started thinking to solve the problem.....few minutes of battling all gave their inputs of plan to Arnav who has his own plan set.....so in final he came up with the mixed plan of all.

Next day, Khushi was sitting alone in library like always buried in her book, 'hey cutiepie' Khushi jerked up hearing the voice....she knows too well whose voice it is.....confused with the name she looked up at Arnav who is looking at her smiling 'cutie pie where are you lost?'

Khushi 'cutie pie?'

Arnav nodded at her 'yeah...cutie pie *muttering under his breath* my own cutie pie'

Khushi frowned at him 'what are you doing here? And why are you calling me with that name'

Arnav 'you are cute so I'm calling you cutie pie * for which Khushi definitely blushed a little making Arnav smirk*....and I'm here because I was searching for you and no doubt found you here'

Khushi 'searching for me? Why?'

Arnav 'simply like that....I want to spend my time with my new friend'

Khushi 'don't you think you are buttering me......is there any reason special *raising her eyebrows* hmmmm * in thinking manner with later following realization with slow sad* or you are here to get info on Lavanya her likes and dislikes'

Arnav frowned not liking it one bit and her sad smile pained him 'why will I want to know her likes and dislikes for all I care' he snapped at her without his own sense and later watched her shocked face.

On the other side of the library a little away from Khushi and Arnav, Lavanya had heard everything Arnav said and looked at him in disbelief.....few seconds before.....

In canteen, Lavanya was coming to canteen knowing well Arnav and others will be at canteen, but she stopped short on her spot without entering inside the canteen on listening to NK, Akash and Aman's talk.....Akash 'bhai is in very much angry with us'

Aman 'haan yaar we did not do right without consulting him about this matter'

NK 'hmmm all is my fault'

Aman 'vaise where is he?'

Akash 'oh he went to library like yesterday'

NK 'library?'

Akash 'hmmm this is what he said to me, going to meet his special someone'

Aman 'oohhhh special someone?'

NK 'who is it?'

Akash 'this we will get to know on seeing the person he meets and we can get to know about the person when we will step into library'

Aman 'kya yaar I've never in my life stepped into library other than the time when it is about my question on my life'

NK 'that happens only when we were threatened by professor to complete the project otherwise not allowed to write the semester exam'

Akash 'what to do bhai's special someone is very studious and seems to be always in library that is what bhai told me'

NK 'chal we will go and see this special someone'

Lavanya heard their talk got confused who is this special someone of ASR when she was thinking all this days that she is the special person in his life.....she turned around to go to library wherein inside canteen NK, Akash and Aman high fived seeing Lavanya going towards library....they had wanted her to see Arnav spending his time with Khushi to clear her misconception and now they were waiting for the result........Lavanya when came to library she got shock to see Arnav with Khushi.....thinking to know what they were doing she approached only to get shock listening to Arnav's anger tone of words which hurt her.

Arnav 'err...I'm sorry for my behaviour.....'

Khushi stuttering 'no its okay.....but .....but you like Lavanya, don't you?'

Arnav 'who told you Khushi? Did I?'

Khushi nodded her head in no....Arnav 'then? How can you assume I like her'

Khushi 'but you always look at our side'

Arnav 'and you guys thought I was looking at her....*sighing* I was looking at my Mall girl'

Khushi 'Mall girl?'

Arnav 'yeah Mall girl.....on my second day to Chennai I had went to Mall with Akash there I saw a girl and I liked her....for my luck she is in our class....but I never thought you people will take me wrong'

Khushi 'but...but...Lavanya is beautiful.....'

Arnav 'so you are.....'

Khushi 'huh?'

Arnav 'I mean everyone has their beauty....some has outer beauty and some has inner beauty and some people are blessed with both.....and so my Mall girl too is blessed with both'

Khushi 'who is she?'

Arnav looking at her 'you will get to know soon but for now let go of this topic....kya yaar you are my friend and rather than being getting to know each other better you are asking about someone else'

Khushi 'but that someone is part of your life...isn't it? You said you like some Mall girl and as a friend I'm intrigued to know her'

Arnav smiling 'I'll tell you later about her when time comes, for now let us talk about each other...now tell me about yourself'

Lavanya 'Mall girl? Who is she? I need to find her out' thinking this she went out of the library but not before casting a glance at the pair of Arnav and Khushi. On the other side the trio too looked at Lavanya looking at Arnav and Khushi with shock and hoped that she clears her mind about Arnav liking her. They messaged Arnav saying Lavanya had seen them both together, Arnav sighed reading it, hoping for Lavanya to understand he is not in her reach.

The next few days, Arnav and Khushi became quite close friends, he was with her always in College, and while after college always tries to be with her in chat or any other means expect the time when she is studying, and Khushi too did not mind his friendship with her, she is feeling great to get him as her friend. Only person who is not happy was Lavanya, Arnav had started avoiding her point black, he does not even look at her when she is before him or mostly avoid the place where she is, and seeing Arnav and Khushi bonding friendship is making her feel uneasy, she tries to keep Khushi apart from Arnav but always he gets an excuse to take Khushi away from her, in one way or other. On the other hand she is even trying to know the girl Arnav loves but all he could see is Arnav spending his time with Khushi, in class too he does not look at their side after the library incident, she could not find who the girl is who made her place in ASR's heart, all she could think is of is she more beautiful than her, but like he said the girl is in their class, if she is then how can she be more beautiful than her when in her class or to say in college she is the most beautiful girl than how can someone else be there, not that there are no other girl but whole college top sexy and stylish girl she Lavanya Kashyap. She tried every means to know the girl Arnav loves even try to get hint from Akash, NK and Aman but no luck, even asked Khushi but Khushi herself don't know who the girl is.

It was one day, Lavanya deliberately making excuse from Khushi sat beside Pramila at the back bench, she for sure want to know who is Arnav's Mall girl, as the class filled in, she looked to see Arnav as soon as entering the class looked at Khushi who is oblivious to everything buried in her book as always. When their class started even then Lavanya observed, Arnav's eyes always looked at Khushi, never he looked at any other girl in their class, and in the free time all she could see was Arnav roaming with Khushi most of the time, she never saw him looking at any other girl, she could see the admiration, like, more over love for Khushi in his eyes which she thought it was for her few weeks back. So all she could come to conclusion at the days end watch over on Arnav's behaviour that the girl Arnav love is Khushi and no one else, and she had thought of the other way around when he was looking at Khushi she thought of him to be looking at her.....what a fool she is? She looked at Khushi who is writing her assignment in their room....

Lavanya 'Khushi!!!!'

Khushi 'hmmm'

Lavanya 'what do you think of ASR?'

Khushi 'Arnav!!! What about him?'

Lavanya 'Arnav? Why do you call him Arnav when others call him ASR?'

Khushi looking at her smiling 'Arnav himself asked me to call him Arnav and not ASR'

Lavanya 'why so?'

Khushi 'I don't know he said he feels odd when I call him by ASR' and shrugged her shoulder.

Lavanya thought of the day when Arnav had snapped at her when she called him by Arnav seeing Khushi calling him by that..... Arnav 'I don't like anyone else call me by Arnav, for you I'm ASR'....that time it was all starting for her, she laughed it off saying to Arnav 'Gosh why are you so possessive of the name now, I just called you by name'

Arnav 'calling my name in personal front is allowed to the people who are close to me'

MCC College, Arnav 'Khushi!!!'

Khushi turned to look at Arnav, Khushi 'hey!!!'

Arnav 'where are you going?'

Khushi 'to class, where else?'

Arnav 'kya yaar tum bhi, there is time for class to start, let us go to canteen na'

Khushi 'but....' Dragging her he took her to canteen, Khushi 'Arnav what are you doing? Let me go, see everyone is looking at us'

Arnav 'don't mind them....just come with me...'

Like a gentleman helped her to sit on the chair and sat beside her, NK, Aman and Akash joined them in short, NK 'look who is here?'

Akash 'bhai aap dono?'

Arnav 'kyun kya hum dono'

Aman 'voh you people always seems to be in library most of the time so thought how come you people are here'

Arnav 'don't ask, she was going to class, I dragged her here'

NK 'wahi toh?' he looked at them teasingly, Arnav glared at them to shut up, Arnav 'Khushi what will you have?'

Khushi 'coffee'

Arnav 'is that enough?'

Khushi nodded at him, Arnav 'okay then I'll get coffee for us' and started walking away to place the order, NK 'man he did not even ask us'

Khushi laughed surprising others, Arnav turned back to see hearing her laugh, he loved it whenever she laughs, it always comes from her heart but bad, very bad she laughs only once in a blue moon.

Arnav came to them with their coffee 'here your coffee' Khushi 'thanks'

NK 'Khushi you look lovely when you smile'

Arnav stomped his foot below the table making him yelp in pain. Khushi looked at him bewildered, Akash, Aman bit back their smile, they knew what happened, NK looking at Arnav 'nothing just got hit by table'

Khushi 'oh!!!' Khushi having her coffee looked up to see Lavanya entering inside, she called her who came towards them, La 'looks like you are having fun Khushi' looking at Arnav and others.....Khushi 'join us La'

Lavanya took a seat beside Arnav, which was at the time empty, NK, Aman and Akash looked at each other, Arnav shifted uneasily in his seat, Lavanya touched his hand deliberately while taking a glass of water kept in the table, Arnav looked back at her who smiled sweetly at him. Arnav shifted his seat little closer to Khushi. Khushi looked back at him raising her eye brows, Arnav nodded at her in no, failing to see the green girl beside him.

La 'so Khushi is it not your library hour?'

Khushi 'hmmm yeah but today I was not going to library and was heading to class straight but Arnav took me here'

La 'seems Arnav had come so close to you'

Khushi became quite, the way Lavanya asked is like she is taunting her, Arnav snapped at her 'yeah so, I'm her friend'

Khushi held his hand 'Arnav!!! *turning to Lavanya* La don't mind him, why are you saying so? He is my friend like you are'

Lavanya looked at their entwined hands fuming and said sarcastically 'I don't think so, I see you more with him rather than me, you forgot having a friend as me is in your life when he came in your life'

Khushi 'La?'

Lavanya 'don't La me? He has become more important than me, you have started ignoring me and my words'

Khushi 'no...you are thinking wrong'

Lavanya 'if so...than leave him, I don't want you to be friend with him'

Khushi stood up 'what?'

Lavanya 'why? Can't you do that; is he more important to you than me?'

Khushi stood aghast; Arnav was fuming beside her, Khushi 'La do you know what you are saying?'

Lavanya 'yes I know what I'm saying, either me or him'

Akash 'La this is not right' NK and Aman nodded their head.

Arnav 'don't you think you are doing wrong by making her choose between us just because I did not reciprocate your feeling, or are you jealous of her friendship with me'

Lavanya 'yes I'm not feeling good to see her having any relationship with you....how can she be friend with you after knowing well how you insulted me? How can you Khushi? Did he who came newly became more important than me who is with you from the first day of our college'

Khushi 'La you are not thinking in calm manner, it is nothing like that....you are taking everything wrong...and when did Arnav insult you? Liking someone is not in anyone's hand, it is matter of heart'

Lavanya 'is it so? Oh I see now I get it...you like him, don't you? You are trying for a chance with him, isn't it?'

Arnav shouted at her 'Lavanya mind your words'

Lavanya 'look who is getting hurt' turning to shocked and hurt Khushi 'everything is over between us, everything!!!' Lavanya marched away angrily; Khushi sat on the chair dejected, Arnav kept his hand on her 'Khushi!!!'

She looked at him with tears in her eyes 'Arnav did you hear what she said? She said everything between us is over, how can she say something like that'

Arnav 'Khushi shhhh don't cry for her...she is blinded by jealousy and anger, in failure people do often does something stupid'

Khushi 'jealousy? Failure?'

Arnav 'yeah jealousy because she does not want you to be friend with me'

Akash 'and she is envying you for being close to bhai when bhai never pays attention to her'

Aman 'yes yes...failure because she could not make ASR like her'

NK 'Khushi you don't know the way girls mind works'

Arnav snapped at him 'as if you know?'

NK 'of course I know, I've many friends in girls'

Akash patting on his back 'friends in girls or girlfriend' Khushi giggled a little seeing them.....Arnav sighed at her, she is at least stopped crying, he pressed her hand 'Khushi don't even think of ending our relationship because I'll not let you go'

Khushi looked in his eyes 'why? Am I important to you? If then? Why?'

Arnav 'because you are first girl and you will be my last'

Khushi 'excuse me?'

Arnav 'err....I mean I never had befriended a girl before and you are the only girl I made friendship so definitely not letting you go'

Khushi smiled at him, NK 'haye kya dosti hai'

Aman 'NK bas bhi karo varna pittai hogi ASR ke hathon tumhe'

Khushi 'but La....'

Arnav 'she will come around in a while'

Khushi 'I hope so' that day, Lavanya did not sit with Khushi in class, instead she took another place leaving Khushi alone making her more upset, but Arnav seeing this cursing Lavanya in his mind for upsetting his love took the seat beside Khushi, he made sure Khushi does not feel low thinking of Lavanya and made her smile more often, this does not go well with Lavanya, she went green with jealousy.

The same evening Lavayna shifted her room, Khushi was very upset with Lavanya's this behaviour, she could not understand what happen to her friend, is she so jealous of her friendship with Arnav that she ended all their relationship, all Khushi could think is does Lavanya still harbour feelings for Arnav. Her phone rang......Khushi 'Hello!!!'

Arnav 'hey are you okay?' he was worried for her, he knew Khushi is sensitive girl and wanted to know if she is okay in her hostel after the Lavanya's episode. Here in college he could take care of her but in hostel he could not go and meet her, nor will be able to console her in person.

Khushi choked 'Arnav Lavanya shifted from our room to other'

Arnav 'shhh Khushi are you crying....please don't......leave her, she will be okay in some days.....fight happens between friends often, and it will sort out with time....don't worry'

Khushi 'but Arnav, what is my fault? You both are my friends....why she is asking me to choose between you both....and like everyone says I think La still harbour feelings for you....I thought she was over with you but now I can see her...her behaviour is different, she looked at me as if in an accusing glare....but I don't understand what wrong did I do? Why is my friendship with you is hurting her?'

Arnav don't know what to say to her, he can see and guess Lavanya had figured out Khushi is the girl whom he loves but he never thought Lavanya in her jealousy can give pain to her own friend when she is not even at fault....what is Khushi's fault in all this if I love Khushi and not her?

Arnav 'Shhh...shhhh don't think too much....our exams are coming right, don't take tension or worry for this simple matter.....once she will cool down and think in calm manner she will understand what she did is wrong. Okay, now don't be upset over this.....bring back the smile on your face and go prepare for your exam and don't forgot you have tough completion this time....you will be competing with Arnav Singh Raizada for the first place...'

Khushi laughed 'we will see who gets the first rank, like always I'll be the topper'

Arnav 'really? Then let us take it as challenge, lets see who will be the topper you or me?'

Khushi 'deal then'

Arnav 'deal' a knock sound came on Khushi's door interrupted their talks....Khushi 'okay bye Arnav, I think someone is on the door'

Arnav 'bye...take care...will see you tomorrow' they cut the call......Khushi opened her room door to see a girl standing in front of her.....the girl 'hi I'm Payal Mishra your new roommate'

Khushi let her in.....Payal 'waise Khushi....'

Khushi 'you know my name?'

Payal 'who don't know? And if you did not notice me from past one year, then let me confirm you that I'm in your batch....but different department....'

Khushi 'what? But I...'

Payal 'haan haan I know...you always are buried in your book and never look around you....but no complaint about that.....I have always noticed you for two reason....'

Khushi 'two reason?'

Payal 'yeah, one you are so nice girl but never had a chance to forward a hand for friendship and other one is for that Raizada.'

Khushi 'Arnav?'

Payal 'nahin nahin...voh dusra wala Akash Raizada....I like him....you being his friend....'

Khushi raised her eyebrows 'oh!!!'

Payal 'first come first ......I'm your new roommate....so will you be my friend, mujhese dosti karogi'

Khushi looked at her forwarded hand; she like Payal at first instant, her chirpy behaviour is all the more welcome for her.....holding Payal's hand 'friends'

Payal 'now I'm happy....you know I was looking for a room from past four months and luckily I got today....woh kya haina I did not like my old room and more over the roommate...she is like bully type and when today your old roommate wanted to change her room warden madam asked us to exchange each other place.'

Khushi got upset hearing about Lavanya but Payal did not let her ponder more on Lavanya by her talks.....Payal 'hmmm Khushi will you introduce me to Akash...you know...'

Khushi smiled 'toh baat bohut serious hai.'

Payal blushed 'please....'

Khushi 'okay okay...tomorrow I'll introduce you to him'

Next day, Khushi and Payal together went to canteen, where... as always Akash and others will be.....NK exclaimed 'hey look Khushi is coming and wow who is the girl with her'

Arnav almost pounced on her as soon as she came to their table 'hey are you okay?'

Akash pulling him down 'bhai calm down, look she is all okay, in fact smiling'

Arnav looked at her face.....Khushi smiled at him nodding 'I'm fine Arnav and in fact happy too....*turning to Payal* she is Payal, my new roommate and friend....' All welcomed Payal with smile on their face......Khushi to Arnav 'you know she is number one talkative.....her mouth never stops or get tired form talking...always blabbers something or the other...she is funny....my stomach hurts listening to her talk...'

Arnav sighed relief knowing at least Khushi has Payal as her friend, and will not be alone in her hostel.

Arnav is rich, very rich since he is the business man's son Ayush Raizada of Delhi's best Fashion house AR, and this everyone knows in MCC college....he is popular for his looks and fame....and Arnav wanted to celebrate or to say welcome the new year with Khushi beside him as his lover and planned to propose her on the new eve night in the party he and Akash organized for their class and close friends in a hotel.....

On New Year Eve evening around 8 pm, Arnav over the phone 'Akash is everything ready?'

Akash 'yes bhai everything is ready here, you just pick Khushi and come'

Arnav 'yes yes....I'm here waiting for her down to come'

Akash 'okya bhai then see you soon here'

Arnav looked at the entrance of the hostel to see if Khushi is coming or not, she had replied for his message saying will be down in five minutes....as he saw she came in vision like a fairy...his beautiful fairy....

Khushi smiled at him 'so Arnav are you ready to welcome the New Year'

Arnav 'yeah!!! More than ready'

Khushi 'great'

Arnav 'toh chalein'

Khushi 'yeah....two minutes Arnav....Payal is coming'

Arnav 'she is coming with us?'

Khushi 'yeah!!! Why?'

Arnav 'no...I thought she would have left....'

Khushi 'nope she is coming with me....you doesn't have problem right'

Arnav 'nope...no problem' both waited for Payal to come.

Arnav 'so what did you say to warden?'

Khushi 'we had informed warden that we will stay one night at our friend's house...you know party will end late night right...'

Arnav 'friend's house?'

Khushi 'yep Payal's friend, Meetha'

Arnav 'Good!!!'

Payal came and joined them, the three left for party at Hotel Grand Palace. In the car, Payal 'So ASR heard that you are going to propose your girl'

Arnav stumped looked back at Payal, Payal 'don't look at me like that, Akash told me that you will be proposing your Mall girl today'

Arnav 'do you know who she is?'

Payal 'nah...he did not say her name but I guess it will be thrilling to know with others to know about your Mall girl'

Arnav smiled, Khushi 'Arnav you did not tell me.'

Arnav 'thought to surprise'

Khushi 'wow we are gonna meet her'

Arnav looking at Khushi who is sitting beside him 'yeah, she will be in the party....I just hope she accepts me'

Khushi 'why will not she?'

Arnav 'what if she rejects me? She can? You know'

Khushi 'don't worry she will not reject a guy like you....you are everyone's prince charming'

Arnav looking straight ahead 'I don't want to be anyone else Prince Charming but her's.....I will be her's and only hers even if she refuses to accept me and my love'

Khushi looked at him stunned, Payal from back 'haye....kitna pyaar karthe ho usse ASR'

Arnav 'soch bhi nahin sakthi'

Hotel Grand Palace, party is on full swing.....NK, Aman, and Akash looked at Arnav who is nervous, NK 'ASR don't be nervous, she will surely say yes'

Akash 'haan bhai'

Aman 'yep no can say no to you'

Arnav looked at Khushi and Payal, he turned to the three 'okay listen exactly after ten minutes execute the plan....Akash 'we will bhai'

Arnav 'perfect!!! *taking deep breathe* I can do it'

NK, Aman and Akash hugged him saying all best........exactly after ten minutes lights went off, it was all dark, everyone shouted and groaned for this cut off of light suddenly.....NK over the mike 'relax guys, light will come in a while but before that ASR has something to say to his special someone'

A voice came with music following the suit......

Ohhhhh ohhhhhh ohhhhhh ohhhhhhh

Everyone looked at the person in spot light, Arnav is standing in the middle of the stage with mike....he started singing with the music....

Arnav addressing 'this is for my special someone, My Mall
Girl'

Oh, her eyes, her eyes
Make the stars look like they're not shinin'
Her hair, her hair
Falls perfectly without her trying
She's so beautiful
And I tell her everyday
Yeah

I know, I know
When I compliment her she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so
Sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me, "Do I look okay?"
I say,

All got shock, more over Khushi to see the screen behind Arnav which was looking a white decorated cloth but it turned out to be a screen with her pictures shown.......

When I see your face (face, face...)
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing (amazing)
Just the way you are (are)
And when you smile (smile, smile...)
The whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause, girl, you're amazing (amazing)
Just the way you are (are).
Yeah

She could not believe what she is seeing, she never thought Arnav would ever look at a girl like her....she is more than stunned to know he loves none other than her....his words came back to her 'I don't want to be anyone else Prince Charming but her's.....I will be her's and only hers even if she refuses to accept me and my love'

Her lips, her lips
I could kiss them all day if she'd let me
Her laugh, her laugh
She hates but I think it's so sexy
She's so beautiful
And I tell her every day,

Oh you know, you know, you know
I'd never ask you to change
If perfect's what you're searching for
Then just stay the same
So don't even bother asking if you look okay
You know I'll say,


When I see your face (face, face...)
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing (amazing)
Just the way you are (are)
And when you smile (smile, smile...)
The whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause, girl, you're amazing (amazing)
Just the way you are (are)

The way you are
The way you are
Girl, you're amazing (amazing)
Just the way you are (are)

Arnav started to walk to where Khushi is standing with the spot light following him, he stood before her, looking in her eyes seeing many emotions dancing on her face.

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing (amazing)
Just the way you are (are)
And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause, girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are

Yeah

He gave the mike over to the person nearby, the spot light now focussing on them, and others around them in dark......Arnav 'I Love You Khushi!!! I really do, from the day one I saw in the Mall, you were there before me came like a fresh bloomed flower when I was roaming around the mall with not so much interest but you captured my attention...and from the time all I could think of is you....I had thought that day in Mall when I missed you that I never going to see you again but my luck we are in same class, I could not believe my luck, I was happy so happy to see you before me again in our college canteen....*taking deep breathe* I have waited for so long to say this three magical word to you, and today is the time, I really want to welcome the new year with you not only as a friend but as a girl who has my heart..... I will readily accept whatever your reply is.....but don't think I'll let go of you because not....I'll propose you again and again till you say yes.....will you let me be your lover? Will you let me be the person to keep your heart safe with me, to cherish it with my love? Will you be my valentine in coming year and life long?.....*looking in her eyes* I Love You, truly madly and from the core of my heart and soul Khushi Gupta'

Khushi stood speechless, her eyes brimmed with tears, Arnav loves her, her secret crush loves her, her feelings is not one side but also being reciprocated, she knows she had started liking him more than friendship over the months but not wanting to lose his friendship she had deep buried her feelings for him but today she is gifted with his love and he is waiting for her answer.

All the others were shocked, they could not believe ASR loves Khushi...Lavanya who too came for the party crushed the flower from the vase beside her....Payal too was shocked to know that ASR loves her friend but she did not know until now, NK, Aman and Akash were looking at Khushi with anxious face.

Arnav 'Khushi do you....'

Khushi hugged him tight, her tears escaping....she choked on her words but said to him with loud and clear 'I Love You Too' Arnav stilled with the words came from her mouth, in took two to three minutes to allow the feeling of her words seep into him, he closed his eyes hugging her back with all the more love and possessiveness, light came all over the party hall with flowers and glitter papers raining on Arnav and Khushi.

Arnav pulled away from the hug, wiping her tears, pecked her cheek fondly making others to gasp 'I Love You...so much'

Together they welcomed the New Year for the bright future for their togetherness always.

The EnD