Buaji's eyes widened as she fumed in anger, "You! How dare you show up here after what you did to my niece?"

Holding Khushi firmly by her arm, she pulled Khushi to her side, reprimanding her, "And you, Khushi, why did you come back with this guy? Did you fall for his tricks again? Don't you remember he's the same jerk who questioned your character and accused you of infidelity?"

Arnav raised his one eyebrow and pointed to himself with his index finger, "Who? Me?"

Khushi was shaking her head like crazy trying to clear up the confusion started by her Buaji who thought Arnav was her ex-fiancé Aman, "Buaji pehle humari baat toh suno.. aap ko koi galatfehmi hui hai (Buaji listen to me first.. you got it all wrong)."

"Hey SankaDevi chup (Keep quiet). I'll talk to you later, Buaji yelled at her, then she turned her attention back to Arnav, her nostrils flaring, "And you.. you just wait and watch what I'll do to you.. I'll teach such a lesson that you'll never ever dare to come close to my niece or even step into this house again in your life."

Saying this, she marched towards the kitchen and picked up her rolling pin. Khushi's eyes widened in horror, and she rushed to her Buaji, "Buaji ye aap kya kar rahi hai? Chodiye isse (Buaji, what are you doing? Leave this). Please don't do anything that will land us on an episode of Crime Patrol one day."

However, Buaji disregarded her words and pushed Khushi aside, saying confidently, "Hey Titaliya, don't be scared of this man. You have your family's support."

Khushi sighed exasperated, "He's not A.." she couldn't continue as she watched Buaji walk away unwilling to listen to her explanation and she vengefully proceeded towards Arnav.

Khushi was like, "What the heck?" when she noticed Arnav just standing there like a statue, waiting for his aunt to whack him with her rolling pin, "Arey.. mummy sahab jaldi hatto wahan se (Mr. Mummy move from there quickly)."

Arnav looked at her with a 'What the' expression on his face. Was she suggesting for him to run away from there because of her crazy Buaji who assumed he was her ex fiance?

Upon realizing that Arnav was still planning to enact a mummy, Khushi swiftly devised a plan to prevent Buaji from reaching him. Fortunately, Shyam emerged from his room at that moment and joined them. Khushi cried for help, urgency in her tone, "Bhaiya please stop Buaji. She wants to harm Arnav ji."

The two siblings immediately took action when Buaji dramatically reenacted Sunny Deol's famous dialogue, "Yeh dhai kilo ka haath kisi pe padta hai na, toh aadmi uthta nahi...utth jata hai! (If this two and a half kilogram hand falls on someone, they won't just get up...they'll die!)" she raised her rolling pin in the air in attack mode when she was a few steps away from Arnav.

Khushi quickly went up to her Buaji and firmly grasped her lenghty braid, holding her back with some effort. Simultaneously, Shyam positioned himself in front of Buaji, holding her firmly by her shoulder, obstructing her path towards Arnav.

"Hayree NK!" Buaji screamed horrified with the siblings attack on her. Her eyes bulged as if they would pop out of their sockets at any moment. She felt betrayed by them as they chose to save Aman and hurt her instead, "What's up with you two? And you Sanka Devi, get your hands off my hair right now!"

"Promise me you won't hit Arnav ji with your belan first," Khushi made a request in a hesitant manner, she bit her lips nervously as she was aware that Buaji would reprimand her later for this misconduct.

"Arey pagla gayi ho kya? (Have you gone mad?) Did you two decide to change this fellow's name now in order to make me accept your relationship again?" Buaji asked angrily.

"Koi pagla nahi gaya hai yahan Buaji (No one has gone mad here)!" Shyam said seriously, "He's not Aman. You're mistaken. He's Khushi's boss, Arnav Singh Raizada."

"What?" Buaji exclaimed shocked.

"Buaji, this is what I've been trying to tell you for so long, but you wouldn't listen. He's my Genie, the one I mentioned when we spoke on the phone," Khushi was relieved that sense finally came to her Buaji's mind as she slowly released her long braid from her hold.

Arnav was captivated by Khushi's casual use of the possessive pronoun "my" when referring to him as her "Genie." He found it intriguing how effortlessly she expressed her connection to him, while for him, each time she mentioned him as 'hers', it affected him deeply, to the extent that he feels he has started to hear his own heartbeats now.

"Accha NandKishore.. toh hi hai tumhara Jinn (So he's your evil spirit)," Buaji briefly looked at Khushi, who nodded her head in affirmation, then redirected her attention to Arnav, peeking at him in surprise.

Shyam, after being assured that his Buaji would not attempt to attack Arnav again, stepped aside, allowing Buaji a clear view of Arnav, who stood awkwardly at the door frame, still patiently waiting to be invited inside the house.

Khushi came closer to Buaji, pouting slightly offended, "Genie, not Jinn buaji. He may appear like an evil spirit with his black attire and intimidating piercing gaze, but in truth, he is a magical genie."

Arnav abruptly became aware of his appearance. He discreetly inspected his three-piece black suit. He had not noticed his frequent choice of black attire until she brought this detail to his attention.

While a frown appeared on Shyam's forehead, he looked at his sister with a puzzled expression. She was upset with Arnav for hiding Anjali's truth from her, so why was she acting as if nothing had transpired and referring to him as her Genie?

Buaji blinked her eyes, staring at Arnav in awe, "Hayree NK.. Ambani!"

"Mr. Raizada!" Shyam corrected her, reprimanding her with a stern look.

"Wahi toh! Same to same!" Buaji giggled and then smacked Khushi's head, "Hey Titaliya, is this how I taught you to keep guests waiting at the door?"

His face creased into a frown when he noticed Khushi wince in pain and caressing her head with a pout adorning her lips. He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to step in and reprimand her Buaji for hurting her.

With a disapproving shake of her head at Khushi's lack of attention, Buaji approached Arnav with a warm smile. Unintentionally, she extended her belan towards him, for a handshake.

Arnav glanced at her, then lowered his gaze to the rolling pin in her hand, finding it weird if she was expecting a handshake with a rolling pin.

Buaji followed his gaze and bit her tongue sheepishly, keeping the rolling pin down, as she extended her hand to him now, "Hello ji, myself Khushi's buaji!"

Arnav extended his hand for the handshake, but he wasn't paying attention to Buaji. He was watching Shyam drag Khushi away from his sight. "Arnav Singh Raizada!" he introduced himself to her absent mindedly.

"Come inside bitwa!" Buaji welcomed him inside, guiding him to the living room mesmerised by his mysterious, powerful, dominating aura.

*****************************************

Khushi's room..

"Khushi, what's going on? Why did you bring that man home? I thought you were done with people who broke your trust," Shyam asked in a serious tone, demanding explanation from his sister.

"I forgave him!" Khushi responded in a hushed tone, sensing that her brother might not take this positively.

There was a hint of anger in his eyes before he chuckled in disbelief, shaking his head slightly, "I don't understand what is wrong with you, Khushi. Do you really live in delusion that you actually believe that man is your Genie? Was it so easy to forgive him after he broke your trust?"

"He's really sorry for what he did. I could see it in his eyes. He owned up to his mistake, bhaiya. Unlike Anjali and Aman, who tried to justify their wrongdoings but didn't have the guts to admit their mistakes to my face," Khushi explained, attempting to cool down her brother.

Shyam still appeared unconvinced with her explanations. Khushi pleaded, "Please hear him out first, bhaiya. He has come here to have a conversation with you and clear up any misunderstandings."

"You're clearly biased towards him, and it's about time you admit it," Shyam said disappointed as he walked away from her room. Khushi swiftly followed him, concerned about the ugly turn the conversation between her brother and Arnav could take, given her brother's apparent dissatisfaction with her.

*****************************************

Shyam came to the living room and seriously invited Arnav to join him at the balcony.

Khushi intended to follow them but was dragged to the kitchen by Buaji. Buaji asked her to heat up the food to serve to Arnav.

Khushi nodded in a distracted manner. She swallowed hard as she stared at their balcony side from the kitchen, trying to figure out what her brother and Arnav were up to.

"Sanka Devi see what I made for you.. jalebis!" Buaji excitedly showed a plate full of jalebis for her, "We will serve for your boss too."

"He can't have sweets, Buaji! He has diabetes," Khushi said while taking one jalebi from the plate and giving her Buaji a side hug, releasing a sad worried sigh, "Thank you for making jalebis for me. You brought my stress buster to my rescue, buaji!"

Buaji felt sorry for Arnav, but what caught her attention was her niece's dejected expression, "Kya hua, Titaliya? Tumhara moh kyu utra hua hai? Sab theek haina? (What happened? Why do you look upset? Is everything alright?)"

"Buaji, it's a long story. I'll tell you later. For now, just pray that my Genie and Bhaiya become friends. Then everything will be okay."

"Jaani dushman hai kya dono? (Are they sworn enemies?)" Buaji asked shocked.

"Shub shub bolo, Buaji. I'm already scared and you're making it worse," Khushi bit her nails nervously.

*****************************************

Shyam and Arnav were sitting across from each other with a table between them.

"Khushi informed me that you wished to engage in a conversation with me," Shyam stated, directing a solemn gaze towards Arnav.

"Yes. I came here to acknowledge my mistake in hiding the truth from Khushi. I was aware that Di was assisting her former fiancé in reconnecting with her, but I refrained from informing Khushi. I believed I had this situation under my control. As a brother, I knew what Khushi's friendship meant to my sister, and I did not wish to jeopardize their relationship. I failed to consider the moral implications of my actions and acted selfishly in prioritizing my sister's happiness," He stated, attempting to sound as courteous as possible, recalling Khushi's advice that her brother dislikes his cold, rude, and bossy demeanor.

Shyam thought deeply before he opened his mouth to speak, "Now, I want you to try to see things from my point of view as Khushi's brother, just like I listened to your explanation of the situation from your perspective as Anjali's brother."

Arnav already knew what Shyam had to say, but he kept quiet and let him speak his mind.

"Arnav, I understand that you may have regrets about hiding the truth from Khushi. However, it is important to remember that Anjali is still your sister, and your priority, just like Khushi is mine, which is completely fine and I don't mind it. What concerns me, however, is Khushi's growing affection for you. Her increasing attachment to you worries me because I do not want her to experience further pain. She has already been hurt by those who betrayed her trust, first by Aman, then by Anjali, and now by you. This is an excessive burden for a young woman who has yet to fully experience the world. As her brother, I feel a responsibility to protect her as much as I can. Therefore, I kindly request that you maintain a strictly professional relationship with Khushi. I only want people who genuinely care for her to be in her life."

*****************************************

Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Khushi discreetly sought refuge behind the curtains to eavesdrop on their conversation, with Buaji curiously following suit. Upon hearing her brother request Arnav to maintain a strictly professional relationship with her, she felt compelled to intervene. However, Arnav, having noticed her presence earlier, discreetly shook his head as she was about to reveal herself and step onto the balcony.

Khushi retreated, expressing her strong objection through a head shake and tearful gaze, silently challenging him to decline her brother's request.

Arnav felt a pricking pain in his heart the moment he noticed her tears in her eyes. Moved by her tears, he turned to look at Shyam confidently, "Do you honestly believe that if I didn't care about Khushi, I would have dropped everything and come here to talk to you? It is human nature to prioritize our own interests and the well-being of our loved ones. You were aware that Khushi did not possess the necessary qualifications for the job at AR, yet you still desired for her to obtain it, correct? This is because she is your family, and you wished for her happiness. You did not consider the ethical implications of her occupying a position that rightfully belonged to someone more deserving. Similarly, I refrained from dismissing Khushi from AR to avoid upsetting Mohan Kaka. What I am attempting to convey is that while I may not have cared about Khushi in the past, my feelings have evolved. The fact that I have set aside my other responsibilities to be here and clarify matters with you is a proof that I have become somewhat selfish when it comes to your sister. It is my own selfishness that has brought me here. I do not wish to distance myself from your sister, which is why I am here, acknowledging my mistake to you. And, I promise from now on, I won't do anything that'll hurt Khushi." 

Shyam was taken aback by Arnav's direct and honest response, leaving him momentarily speechless. Although he was inclined to believe Arnav's words, he was aware that a prominent business magnate like Arnav would typically not be concerned with a middle-class woman, his PA to the extent that he would personally visit her house to clarify the situation with her older brother. A part of him still doubted Arnav's intentions towards his sister.

"Why Khushi? Why would a business man like you even care for your PA?" he deliberately asked.

"Why Khushi?!" Arnav let out a soft sigh as he reclined in his chair, contemplating the most appropriate way to articulate his emotions. Ordinarily, he would refrain from answering such inquiries that necessitate the expression of his personal feelings. However, in this instance, he found himself attempting to convey his thoughts in order to alleviate the tears of a woman with captivating hazel eyes.

When Arnav remained quiet, Shyam thought he finally caught him as Arnav's inability to provide an answer to his question revealed he had no good intentions towards Khushi.

"As a child, I was diagnosed with diabetes, and during those moments when I lost consciousness, I often found myself alone and disoriented upon regaining my senses. However, there was one instance when I opened my eyes and for the first time there was someone beside me.. it was your sister. That's why Khushi!" 

At that precise moment, Khushi's heart pained as she realized that he cherished even the smallest acts of care and attention due an childhood devoid of such gestures from his family.

With a firm resolve, she left a perplexed Buaji behind and stepped onto the balcony. She intentionally avoided eye contact with her brother, conveying her displeasure at his request to Arnav to maintain a strictly professional relationship with her. She had already made it clear to him what Arnav meant to her, still he doubts the person who did so much for her. "Let's go. No need to explain all this," she held his hand.

"Until he has dinner with us, he will not be leaving. This is not how our parents taught us to treat guests," Shyam stated, getting up from his chair, he excused himself.

Khushi observed her brother's departing form with surprise, a subtle smile gracing her lips as she turned back to Arnav, "You did it, genie! You convinced bhaiya!"

"Are you happy now?" he asked as he got up and came closer to her. Khushi nodded her head, smiling emotionally, "Thank you. You know how much Bhaiya means to me, that's why you spoke to him respectfully and handled this situation carefully, unlike the way you deal with problems in AR."

"Oh really? And how do I deal with problems in AR?" he raised his one eyebrow.

"Like an angry young humanoid robot!" Khushi said teasingly.

"What the!"

"See.. it seems like the dialogue program installed in you is limited to this 'What the' dialogue," Khushi giggled.

"Do you think it was my mummy talking to you brother here?" he asked sarcastically.

Khushi pouted, "It was you only! And it truly bothers me that you discuss matters concerning me with others more than with me. You never personally told me about your feelings the day you fainted. Instead, you chose to share that with my bhaiya."

"Hayree NK!" Buaji shouted, "We have the rest of the evening to engage in conversation. Let's proceed to dinner now, Khushi. Don't make the guest wait."

Arnav took advantage of this opportunity to excuse himself from Khushi. He swiftly made his way to the living room. Khushi's jaw dropped as she stared at his retreating figure in disbelief, "I can't believe this. He is running away from me."

*****************************************

After a quick shower, Khushi joined everyone at the dining table. However, her Buaji gave her a disapproving look because Arnav had been waiting for her to eat and had refused to start his meal without her.

Khushi sheepishly held her ear apologetically and took her seat beside Arnav. Her hair gently brushed against his face for a fleeting moment as she gracefully tossed her damp hair behind her and settled into her chair.

Arnav closed his eyes and gulped, briefly captivated by the jasmine fragrance of her hair that reached his senses.

"Hey SankaDevi, look what you did! Your hair accidentally got into his eyes. You hurt Arnav bitwa," Buaji shook her head in disapproval while Shyam watched his sister panic as she cupped Arnav's face, forcing him to look at her even though he assured her he wasn't hurt. She blew air into his eyes, anxiously asking if he was okay.

As they began serving food onto their plates, Khushi apologetically held his hand beneath the table, gently caressing his thumb as a gesture of apology for unintentionally causing him pain. 

"It's okay. I'm fine," he assured her for the umpteenth time.

Shyam was surprised to see their closeness. He had often heard Khushi speak fondly of Arnav, but he had never seen them interact in person. This was the first time he had witnessed their bond, and he found it difficult to believe that Khushi had developed such a bond with Arnav in such a short period of time. The reason behind her previous defense of him became apparent to him. Arnav only reveals a different facet of himself to her, which explains why she exclusively speaks positively of him. Furthermore, he came to the realization that Arnav treated him with respect solely because he's related to Khushi.

Buaji swiftly took the bowl from Arnav's grasp and proceeded to generously add more chole onto his plate. She exclaimed, "This small amount would only suffice to satiate the appetite of a small bird. You need to eat more, bitwa!"

Arnav attempted to voice his objection, but it was too late. He helplessly watched his plate filled with the chole dish. He looked to Khushi to rescue him as her Buaji was already on her way to bring him more paratha for him.

Khushi laughed silently before intervening, "Arey Buaji rehne dijiye na.. Ye humara angreez babua sirf British food ko haath lagata hai (Leave it buaji.. this English man only touches British food)."

"Hain?" Buaji widened her eyes.

"Haan ji.. He lived in London so he's used to less spicy and oily food. Also due to his diabetes, he has to follow his meal plan," Khushi replied.

"Hey chotuwa, yahan kono angreezi khaana nahi chalega (forget about British food here). I'll cook you some special and healthy dishes from Lucknow for you," Buaji pulled his cheek teasingly.

Arnav was finding it challenging to maintain his composure in the presence of her family.

Khushi gasped, her eyes widened, "Chotuwa? Buaji ye koi chotuwa nahi hai, he's a big big business man!"

"He seems shorter and smaller than your brother," Buaji chuckled naughtily, pointing at Arnav, "Chotuwa!" then at Shyam as an example, "Big guy!"

Shyam looked at his Buaji incredulously, "Buaji ye aap kaise baatein kar rahi hai? Please concentrate on your food before it gets cold."

Arnav narrowed his eyes at Khushi as it was her unnecessary comment on his food preferences that lead to her Buaji making fun of his physical appearance.

Khushi made a 'Maine kya kiya? I was trying to save you only' face to him.

When he continued to shoot daggers at her,
Khushi instantly looked up at the ceiling counting imaginary stars. 

He returned his gaze to his plate, expressing disbelief by shaking his head. She glanced at him smiling and discreetly held his hand under the table, gently rubbing his thumb in a placating gesture.

Arnav pressed his lips tight to suppress a smile.

*****************************************

After dinner, they chilled in the living room. Shyam asked Arnav a few questions about his business, and then Buaji jumped in, wanting to know all about Arnav's life, his family, and his lifestyle.

It was becoming increasingly difficult for Arnav to respond to inquiries pertaining to his family. He discreetly glanced at his phone to check the time and politely excused himself, explaining that he had to depart as it was growing late for him.

Khushi understood the reason behind his sudden desire to leave. She had already discreetly signaled Buaji not to bother him with such inquiries, but Buaji disregarded her attempts.

She promptly stood up and volunteered to accompany Arnav downstairs. Shyam followed them till the door, "Arnav!"

Arnav turned to him. Shyam continued apologetically, "Sorry if I said something that upset you earlier. I was just being a protective brother."

"Yeah, I get it," Arnav blinked his eyes reassuringly.

Khushi couldn't be more happier to see Arnav and her bhaiya interacting cordially with each other.

*****************************************

Khushi was happily hopping down the stairs like a cheerful bunny. Arnav, concerned for her safety, held her arm firmly, reprimanding her, "Careful dammit. You will fall down the stairs if you behave childishly like this."

Khushi pouted, slowing down, "You're back to your khadoos avatar. But no matter how much you scold me today, it won't bother me. Because I'm so happy that you and your brother are finally getting along. You don't know how hard I tried to convince him that you're a good person, but he wouldn't listen to me. Now it seems like he finally sees the truth."

Arnav hmm-ed. It did not matter to him what Shyam thought of him. He was merely relieved that Shyam would not compel Khushi to distance herself from him.

"Hmm," Khushi mimicked him, gently tugging on his cheek in a playful manner.

As they neared his car, Khushi sighed with a hint of sadness, for she knew she would have to return and reveal Anjali's truth to her brother now.

"What happened?" Arnav asked, noticing the change in her mood.

"I don't know what to do.. Buaji is here and I'll have to disclose Anjali's truth to bhaiya," Khushi said.

"Be straight up with him, don't hold back or it'll just make things worse," he advised her.

Khushi nodded her head.

He was about to get in the car when he turned back to her and asked curiously, "Can I ask you why your Buaji thought I was your ex-fiance?"

"Buaji couldn't make it to my engagement because her husband was really sick at the time. She doesn't visit us often since she lives in Lucknow with her family. Maybe she didn't remember Aman's face well enough, so she mistook you for him," Khushi explained.

"Okay,"

"And please stop referring to Aman as my ex-fiance. You can just call him Aman without having to associate him with me," Khushi said annoyed.

"Do you think I keep his name in my mind everytime?" he asked sarcastically.

Khushi shook her head, "Bye!"

"Bye!" he said, getting in the car making her open her mouth in perfect 'O' shape at the way he suddenly shifts to behaving indifferently with her.

As he started his car, Khushi approached his window with a sense of urgency, she made the first move to end this silly fight between them, "Bye. Drive safe."

He flicked her nose and said, "Okay. Bye!"

Khushi smiled and waved at him as he drove away. While returning to her apartment, she lightly touched her nose, reminiscing about the playful gesture he had performed earlier.

*****************************************

Happy 13th IPKKND anniversary ❤️🥰. Here's my gift for Jugnu readers. Hope you enjoyed reading it.

And here's a teaser for the next update: 😉