I knew I had officially lost my mind the moment I decided I was going to meet him.

After all the drama going on in my life, I still wanted to add tadka(spice) to it.

If my family knew that I was going to meet a stranger from internet in the real world and that also alone, they would lose all the patience they have left in them.

I knew if Arnav came to know about this it would fuel his anger more but as they say curiosity killed a cat.

I remembered watching all those Tv news, Crime shows related to cyber crime but still I was digging my own grave.

I was like the girl who was going to enter a haunted house and keep asking "kk-kk kon hai yahan? Jo vi he bahar niklo!"(Whose there? Come out!).

So here I was at the park on Sunday morning showing off my brave face while shaking in fear from inside. I did bring a pepper spray with me incase he turns out to be a pshyco.

I had only informed Sonal dee that I was going for a walk. She didn't object. She knew I needed some fresh air to cope with everything thats going on.

No one else was talking to me after that scenario.

I sat on a disc shaped ride that would move round and round when you push it. I didn't remeber what it was called.

I started playing with the rocks on the ground with my feet and concentrated on it as if it was the most important thing in the world.

After a while, I saw a shadow on the ground and someone blocking my light.

"Hey kitty..." I heard the sound that I would recognize anywhere but I couldn't believe it. I looked up to confirm and I was shocked to see him.

"Arnav?"My reflex reaction was to suddenly stand up and it ended up in my head colliding with his chin.

"Oww!" We bought muttered and rubbed our heads in pain.

"Why do we keep having accidents like these?" Arnav muttered.

"What are you doing here?" I asked

"To meet you." He smirked. Typical Arnav attitude!

"B-but I-I you-" I couldn't form a proper sentence.

"7:30am at park near your house." He spoke the lines that ARIndia had messaged.

"You-you are ARIndia from Wattpad!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, you are so slow Kitty." He laughed.

At that moment, I realised how dumb I was. I should have connected the clues that anyone else would have guessed easily. 'Arnav Roy' meant AR... ARIndia!

How could I not see that his problems were always similar to mine! How could I not realise the depth behind his questions, his poems!

The boy from Wattpad who had irritated me, who had teased me endless, angered me and had made me smile in online world was always the one who had done the same for me in real world too.

He was my Arnav, all the time. That is why he had almost spilled the beans. I didn't know that Arnav was reading my and his own story "Destiny" on Wattpad. Oh my god! He must have known that I was writing about us. It was never about Ishita and Shravan, it was always about Aesha and Arnav.

That also meant he knew about my feelings before even I confessed. That is why he had asked me once whether I truly believed in my story or not.

"Aesha?" His voice bought me to the real world. I was blushing cherry red.

"You read my story..." I whispered embarrased and head down.

"I always knew it was about us." He brought his hand and cupped my cheeks lovingly. I looked up at him.

"Why did you keep it a secret?" I asked.

He brought his hands down and I instantly felt cold.

"I always thought that I couldn't understand you but the truth was I was unable to understand and accept my feelings for you. No matter how unaffected I behaved-"

"You were rude, Mr.Arrogant!" I interrupted and glared.

He smiled "Okay, I was rude but wasn't I your Mr.Arrogant?" He smirked and pinched my cheeks. I blushed at his words.

"You!" Ugh! He never leaves a chance to tease me.

"Will you let me explain?" He raised his eyebrow.

"As if you gave me that chance." I muttered lowly.

He sighed and pulled me closer."I am really sorry for that love." He kissed my forehead.

"Continue..." I spoke ignoring his words.

He looked at me for a while strangely and then continued "I was scared that you brought out the feelings I didn't know of. I was afraid that if I let someone else enter into my life then I may lose them. To be honest, there was a small kid in my heart that was very scared." Hearing him saying these things brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't imagine his pain.

"I talked to Arti dee and told her how much you made me lose control on my emotions. She told me that I had to come out of my shell now as I am not that child anymore. She made me realise what I was putting you through even when you didn't have any fault." He rubbed his hand on my cheek wiping the tears that had escaped.

"But still doesn't explain my question." I stated.

"I know... I just wanted to know you and your feelings before I let you inside my heart. I guess Wattpad was my shield."

"You blamed me Arnav... I thought you trusted me!"

"I am really sorry. No matter how many times I say sorry, I know it wouldn't be okay. But I am ready to make up for it our entire life."

"How did your mind change?" I wondered. If he came to me after knowing the truth then I don't know how it would affect me. No relationship can work without trust and I wanted his completely.

"After your Mr.Arrogant's anger cooled down, I realised what a big idiot I was. I thought how could I blame this amazing girl?" His eyes were filled with love and regret."Give me any punishment you want Kitty but don't leave me, please." He pleaded.

Watching him so vulnerable was heartbreaking. I hugged him tight and placed my head on his chest listening to his heart beat.

"I love you Arnav. I cannot stay angry with you" I pulled back and raised my finger tip to tap on his nose" but don't make this a habit, you understand?" I tried to glare.

"Yes, my kitty" He placed a small kiss on my nose which made my heart beat faster." I love you forever." He smiled. His smile was what I wanted always in my life.

"About forever..." I muttered

"What?" He asked

"Umm..."

"Aesha, tell me what is it?"

"Myfamilyknows about us!" Viola! It was out.

"Slow down and speak calmly." He was confused.

"My family knows about us."I whispered.

It was a silence for a whole fove minutes. Yes, I was counting.

"How?" A simple one word that had a big answer to it.

"Someone sent a photo of us standing closer together to my Mamma's phone. It was an unkown number."

"This is getting more twisted. How did your family react?" He was eager to know as if his life depended on it.

"They were really sad and angry too. Dadaji and Dadi didn't say much. Mamma was worried that what society would say when they discover about us. Chachi threw a tv drama scene and slapped me-"

"What! How can she slap you!" He was seething with anger.

"Hey, calm down! I am used to it now." I rubbed his arm comforting.

"It's not right Aesha. She has no right to do this."

"You cannot change everyone Arnav and she is my family. Even if she slapped me today, she has always been loving and caring to me. I cannot forget that just because of one thing. She is like a mother to me." I tried to make him understand.

"What about Sonal dee and your father?" I knew he was trying to change the subject.

"You know Sonal dee had already guessed about us and she approves." I smiled.

"What about your dad, love?" He pressed. He kmew I was hiding something.

I sighed "He didn't say anything except that-"I took a big breath "He wants to meet you."

"Okay."

I looked at him surprised "Just okay? How can you be so calm?"

"I am calm because I know that I love you and I will face anything for us to be together." He brished my hair.

"Aww...When did you become so cheesy?" That made him blush.

After a second or two, he pulled back but still held my hand. He started to take us towards the exit of park.

"Where are we going Arnav?" I asked.

"To your home."

"To my home?" I stopped him from walking.

He looked at me "It's time to meet your dad." He had some kind of determined look.

My eyes widened. "What! Now?" I shouted surprised. He just nodded and started to lead us.

-------------------------------

We were now standing in front of my house. Arnav was trying to drag me as I was pulling him to stop all the way.

"Do you have a death wish Arnav?"

"Stop being dramatic." He rolled his eyes at me.

And so we entered the door and there was sitting my Papa and Dadaji together on the couch and my little cousins on the floor munching on biscuits.

When they realised a presence, they looked up. I quickly pulled my hands away from Arnav's.

At that time Sonal dee entered with tea tray in her hand. There was a complete silence.

"Namaste Uncle and Dadaji." Arnav broke the silence.

"Namaste beta." Dadaji replied.

Arnav greeted Sonal dee too.

Sonal dee placed the tray on the table and went to the kitchen. I knew she went to inform Mamma. I hope Chachi wasn't there.

"Dadu, he is Arnav." I whispered. I wasn't brave enough to talk to my father at that instant.

I saw my Mamma, Dadi and Chachi enter with Sonal dee.

"I remember him from the engagement day Beta. How can I forget such a well behaved boy?" Why did I feel that Dadaji was purposely doing this.

"Navya, take your brother to my room. I have switched on my laptop. You wanted to watch Minion movie, right?" Sonal dee smiled at them.

"Direct bolona ki no children allowed." That little Navya was too smart for her age.

"Navya, go." Dadaji instructed.

Navya sighed and took her brothers hand in her and left the room.

"I guess you know everything what happened yesterday?" This was the first time Papa spoke.

"Yes, Sir. That is why I am here today." How could he be so calm! While I was trembling like a scared cat.

"You are different. Most people would run away from this situation." This was Chachi.

"Choti bahu..." Dadi glared.

"That credit goes to your daughter. She taught me to face every situation." He looked at me with a lovely smile.

I could have cooed at this moment but right now I was even unable to breathe.

"Lets get to the point straight. I love my daughter and I wouldn't want anyone to harm her."

"Believe me sir, thats my intention too."

"Son, you both are too young now. You don't realise what troubles you may face if this photo comes out. Aesha's life will be ruined. She is my daughter. Its my duty to protect her." Papa was really serious. I never saw him with such fierce expression.

"I don't know who sent this photo but someone called my father and informed him too. I know how society can be but because of this I cannot let Aesha go. I honestly love her and I would do everything possible to protect her. You can trust me on that sir." Arnav was also serious. I didn't realise when he had taken my hand in his.

Listening to your loved ones speaking about their love and care for you is priceless. It bought tears to my eyes but they were happy one.

I realised that my Papa was angry because he just wanted good for me. I was his princess. Anything that happens to me, hurts him deeply.

"You are more mature than I thought." It was Mamma who spoke after observing everything.

Arnav just smiled.

"But we cannot neglect the fact that you both are really young. You are not even 18 year old." Why did my Chachi like to throw water on everything!

"But Chachi-" I started to say but Dadi interrupted me.

"She is right Aesha. You both are really young. Today these things might look wonderful to you but tomorrow who knows it may become a burden to both of you."

"I may be young Dadi but I do believe on the things I have learnt from you , from my family and I know those values cannot be wrong." I turned to look at my papa "Papa, you have always taught me to differentiate between right and wrong. Do you think your daughter will do something that is wrong? I love him Papa and he cares for me like you all do. I trust him. Cannot you trust on my trust?" I pleaded.

There was a silence. I knew everyone was thinking about ehat Arnav and I said. Arnav squeezed my hand to reassure me.

Inside me, a belief was growing that this will turn good.

"You said someone told your father about it?" Dadu asked. Arnav nodded in return."What did your father say about this?"

I became stiff. This was really difficult for Arnav to discuss. I squeezed his hand this time. He had to speak because this was important.

"My father" He sighed. "My father and I never had a good relationship after my mother's death. He has his own life." The strain in Arnav's voice was clearly visible.

My mother's and Dadi's eyes were filled with tears. Sonal dee had a sympathetic look. Chachi was sobbing her eyes out. I knew she must have remembered some movie scene. Always ready to corelate.

Thankfully no one pressed him to tell more about his father.

"Your sister knows?" Dadaji asked.

"Yes and she likes Aesha. She told me it was the best step I have ever made. She never told me but I know that she is thankful Aesha for changing me." The smiles he rewarded me was none less than winning a contest.

"So you both really love each other." Papa wasn't asking. He was confirming.

"Yes, Papa."

Papa sighed "I want my duaghter to be happy but I still have to think as a father."

"But what Papa?" He was really confusing me. I thought he had agreed.

"I want both of you to take time on this and think about it."

"There is no need of thinking Papa. It's not like we are talking about marriage. We have our studies to complete." I smiled.

"That is what I am talking about. I want both of you to complete your studies. Make a career and then think about this relationship." I knew Papa would understand.

"And I want both you to stay away after your 12th." He dropped a bomb.

"What?" I frowned. What was he saying?

"Both of you will have no contact till you both have a good career. After being settled in your lives, if you still feel same for each other then I will be the one myself to marry you off. I don't want my daughter to marry in an unstable condition and regret later in life."

"Papa he is a genius. I am sure he will do very well." I defended.

"Princess, you may not understand now but when you will become a parent that day you will realise what I am going through."

"But Papa-" Arnav squeezed my hand indicating me to stop.

"I agree to your conditions." Arnav spoke.

"What?" I looked at him in surprise.

Arnav turned to look at me "Your father wants the best for you and I want the same. When it comes to you, we don't want to take any risk. I want to become someone who you deserve. I want to stand on my own feet. You have to do the same Aesha. You understand?"

I nodded. Though tgere were tears in my eyes, though my heart was breaking to even think about going away from him I accepted. I knew that for us to be together forever, this sacrifice was needed.

It was really important to him to prove himself before his own and mine father. I would never want Arnav to deserve something less. And for that I needed to prove myself to the world that I was worthy to have him.

"We accept Papa."

"I know it is a lot to ask from both of you. But you both are my children and parent has to be strict sometime."

I nodded. After a period of silence, Mamma broke it.

"Okay enough of this. I have made some Idli. Arnav beta, you have to eat before you leave and I wouldn't listen a no." She smiled lovingly at him.

He just nodded.

"Aur mere haath ki chutni vi khana beta."(You have to eat the chutney I made) Chachi smiled after a long time.

"Aesha, I am sorry betta. I guess I was too filmy." Chachi was really guilty.

"Chachi you are my elder. You don't have to ask for forgiveness."

"You are too good betta. Jhet ji and bhabi have done an amazing job in raising their daughters." This made everyone smile. Papa and Mamma had a proud look.

Dadaji and dadi had a proud smile for their own son and daughter in law.

Everyone proceeded to dining room when Arnav stopped my Mother.

"Aunty, I need your phone. I want to see the number who sent the picture. We have to find out who is this before it gets out of hand."

Mamma brought her phone and showed it to Arnav. He copied the number to his own phone.

"It's the same number that my father got a call from. My dad's secretary just sent me a mesaage with the number." Arnav spoke in surprise.

"What?" I was astonished.

"I was right! Someone is deliberately doing this to trouble us. I guess who it is?" Sonal dee frowned.

After a while of thinking, I said something that I myself couldn't believe. "Arnav, could it be Jenny?"

"Jenny?" Mamma asked in a weird tone.

I nodded.

"Why do you think so? She is such a sweet girl." Maa asked

"Mamma, actually she isn't talking to me again."

"But that doesn't mean she could have done this." Arnav stated.

I didn't know how to tell this. It was better to tell everything directly.

"That day in lunch, Sheena said that it was obvious Jenny was jealous of me and Arnav." It would have been awkward any other time to speak in front of my family but everything was already out.

"Arey didi, mene dekha he fimlo me. Ladke-Ladkiyan jealous hoke kuch vi kar sakte he. Han!"(I have seen in movies, anyone can do anything because of jealousy.) Chachi yet again brought out her filmy love.

"I am not fully sure. Its just I have s doubt." I clarified.

"There's only one way to find out. I am calling my dad's secretary to find out the details." Arnav made the final decision.

"Can he do that?" Chachi asked in wonder.

Arnav smirked "Of course, he can. Varun uncle is excellent in his work."

So now the mission was to find out who it was that tried to ruin our lives. I don't know what I will do to that person who tried to take away my loved one's happiness and cause us pain.

Whoever you are, you better be prepared.

------------+---------------

I cannot believe only one chapter an epilogue left! This long journey is coming to an end.

A video on Youtube in which a Husky dog named Mishka said I love you. It was wow. He was doing mimicry. Incredible! Just search for "Mishka I love you" and you will find it.

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