"Tell me what's going on?" Aina asked excitedly, patting the spot next to her on the bed. She continued to apply makeup as Khushi sat down.

"What?" Khushi shrugged.

Aina gave her a threatening look, "Listen up. Don't even think about hiding anything from me, your only friend at AR. So, if there's anything going on between you and ASR, you better spill it to me first. It's my right to know, Miss Jalebi."

Khushi giggled softly, shaking her head as she clarified with a smile, "There truly is nothing romantic between him and me," then she began to play with her ring as she admitted in a hushed tone, "But yeah.. my feelings have changed for him."

"Changed as in?" Aina dramatically tossed her eye shadow palette behind her onto the bed, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she leaned in closer to Khushi curiously.

Khushi looked away feeling shy to openly talk about her feelings, "Yaar don't ask me such questions Aina.. you already know it."

Aina gave her a playful look as she stressed, "Ohh-kay," she raised her brows, "I think I'm getting it.. but does ASR have any idea about your changed feelings for him?"

Khushi pouted and shook her head. "He has no clue how I feel about him. Not even my brother knows. You and Buaji are the only ones who know about this."

"And what are you waiting for?"

"I don't think it's the right time to be thinking about my own feelings right now. Bhaiya is still trying to get his life back on track after everything that went down with Anjali and Aman. And about Arnav ji, well.. I don't know what he feels about me. So, I don't think it's fair for me to focus on what I want right now. I think I should just wait until things settle down and then we'll see what happens," Khushi explained.

Aina nodded understandingly as she was still recovering from the shock, "But.. Wow! I can't believe that you would ever think of ASR that way.. I mean you used to hate him a lot when you recently joined AR and he wouldn't even look at you properly. Your relationship with him suddenly changed to a point that he came to drop you at my house for my birthday party. This turn of events was truly unexpected!"

"It wasn't sudden, you know," Khushi's eyes widened as she shifted her tone to a defensive one, "It took me months of hard work to make that mummy speak a few words to me," she stated in a slightly reproachful manner.

Aina chuckled, "Alright.. not sudden but definitely unexpected! Ask yourself.. did you ever think your life would change completely after joining AR company?"

"Nah, I never thought my life would take 360 degree turn after stepping into AR. I thought I was living in my perfect little world with my brother, Aman, and Anjali. When Arnav ji came to Mumbai, his first meeting with Aman wasn't something pleasant to remember, and Anjali was always upset because her parents kept comparing her to her younger brother and made fun of her for choosing photography as her career. And to make things worse for her, he asked her to choose between our friendship and my job. My favorite people were always upset and troubled because of him. So I used to think of him as a Rakshas who was destroying the peace of my little world and causing distress to my loved ones. Little did I know the truth behind the faces of those I thought were loyal to me. You know, I was really scared to step out of my comfort zone and face the real world. But when I saw my brother struggling financially, I knew I had to do something to help him. Sometimes I think maybe it was destiny that led me to join AR, so that I could finally burst the bubble I was living in. I know people think my life went downhill after that, because I lost Aman and Anjali, but honestly, I see it as a blessing in disguise. And it is solely because of Arnav ji's presence in my life," her eyes lit up when she talked about him, "At first, he was all cold and demanding, making it clear that I wasn't good enough to be his PA. But it was actually his behavior that made me take this job seriously. Before, I just wanted to earn money to help my brother with my wedding expenses. But Arnav ji's demands for a disciplined and professional behaviour from me pushed me to develop an interest in having a career outside of my home life. He was the guiding light in my life, and his presence in my life helped me in ways that he may not even be aware of. So yeah, unlike what everyone else thinks, joining AR was one of the best decisions of my life. I can say that AR is like a second home to me where you and Arnav ji are like family to me."

"Hmm.. If AR is like your second home and we're like your family, does that mean ASR is my brother and I'm your sister-in-law?" Aina asked playfully.

Khushi inadvertently nodded in agreement before fully comprehending the implication of Aina's question. She slapped Aina's shoulder lightly while expressing her mild annoyance, "You weren't even listening to me, were you? All you were thinking about was teasing me with Arnav ji's name. I shouldn't have told you anything. Now you're going to tease me about him all the time."

"Of course I'm not going to miss any opportunity to tease you. That's what friends are for, right?" Aina laughed at Khushi, who was trying hard not to blush in front of her.

"And you're my sister, not his.. don't switch sides now," Khushi playfully twisted her ear, making Aina nod her head vigorously in agreement, trying to get away from this little punishment.

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

Sometime later..
Raizada Mansion..

Mohan Kaka entered Arnav's study room carrying a tray with a glass of turmeric milk. He approached Arnav, who was seated in his chair, his gaze fixed on his phone. The subtle smile on Arnav's face caught Mohan Kaka's attention, and unable to contain his curiosity, he glanced discreetly at Arnav's phone and was surprised to see Khushi's picture.

His eyes twinkled as he asked aloud, pointing at Arnav's phone, "Is that Khushi bitiya on your phone, beta?"

Arnav was startled for a moment. He had been completely lost, staring at the picture Khushi had recently updated on her WhatsApp status. He hadn't even noticed when Mohan Kaka had entered his study.

"What the.." he tilted his head to glance at Kaka in bewilderment.

Mohan Kaka smiled apologetically before he hurriedly placed the tray on Arnav's table, lowering his eyes embarrassed, "Voh.. I came to give you this turmeric milk, beta.. and then I noticed you were staring at your phone attentively.. I got a little bit curious to see what caught your attention."

Arnav quickly put his phone aside and cleared his throat, feeling embarrassed that he had been caught gazing at Khushi's picture like an infatuated admirer. Although it was not required, he clarified to dispel the awkwardness that had arisen between him and Mohan Kaka, "It's Khushi... she is at her friend's birthday party."

Mohan Kaka nodded acknowledgingly,  "Bohot pyaari lag rahi hai!"

Arnav stiffened causing Mohan Kaka to chuckle inwardly at his response.

Arnav's gaze fell on the glass of turmeric milk. He frowned slightly, "Turmeric milk?"

"Yes, you asked me to get you turmeric milk yesterday. I thought you liked it now, so I asked Om Prakash to make it again today," Mohan Kaka replied.

"No. I asked you to get me turmeric milk because Buaji said I should drink it or I'd catch a cold since I got soaked in the rain yesterday," Arnav clarified.

"Buaji?" Mohan Kaka looked at him with a puzzled expression, as he was unaware of the person being referred to.

"Hmm.. Khushi's buaji," Arnav responded in a casual manner before he realized how naturally he addressed the elderly woman as his Buaji, as if she were a part of his own family.

Mohan Kaka expressed his heartfelt joy with a warm smile, "It makes me happy to see you build relationships that go beyond business purposes."

Anjali, who overheard the last part of their conversation, stood at the door with a wry smile on her face, "However, these relationships were still built by someone with a calculative business mind, Kaka. Otherwise, how would you explain everyone from Khushi's family turning against me and accepting him wholeheartedly?"

As she took a few more steps forward, Arnav raised his brows, staring at her with 'Oh really' look, "May I ask about the mental calculations you made involving Khushi to live the life you desired?"

Her face stiffened in surprise at his counter-attack. Furrowing her brows, she asked with a hint of offense, "So you called me here just to throw shade at me?"

Arnav sighed, "I didn't know you had short-term memory loss, but you threw shade at me first. Anyway, that's not why I called you here."

Arnav looked at Mohan Kaka, who had been a silent spectator until that moment, and gestured to him to give him and Anjali some privacy to have a conversation.

Mohan Kaka nodded as he extended his hand to take back the turmeric milk he had brought for Arnav and replace it with his usual black coffee. However, Arnav informed him that it was not necessary to make the switch, as he would drink the turmeric milk.

When Mohan Kaka departed, Arnav turned his attention to Anjali. "I would like to inform you that the fashion show is scheduled to take place in two weeks," he stated in a serious tone.

Anjali shrugged and stared at him with pursed lips, "So?"

"So.. as a head of your department, don't you think you should report the latest developments of your team work to me?" he arched an eyebrow, mirroring her gesture with a slight shrug.

Anjali lowered her eyes momentarily acknowledging her lack of attention on her work before opening her mouth to justify, "We're still working on it.."

"Are you sure? That's not what Jay reported to me," he asked. His eyes were cold and devoid of any emotion, and his tone was intimidating.

Anjali felt like she was being grilled like a criminal. The person sitting in front of her didn't seem like her brother at all.

She raised her eyes to meet his annoyed, "I haven't started working on it yet. My life is a mess right now. I know you probably don't care, but just recently two people that were very dear to me cut ties with me and I'm feeling really lost. And if you think I should be happy about finally joining AR as the head of the photography department, well, I'm not. After joining AR, I feel like I was transferred from one cage to another.. you think I'm dumb but I know about your plans behind pursing me to join AR. I know you don't want me to follow my passion, you and Dad planned it this way to force me into joining our family business."

Arnav continued to gaze at her with intensity before speaking, "I suggest that you open your eyes and acknowledge that you are not the only person in this world grappling with life's challenges. Nearly everyone in AR is contending with personal struggles, yet they make a conscious effort to leave those issues behind when they step into AR every day. So that, my dear sister, isn't a reasonable explanation."

"And about your role in AR.  Yes, I'm all for you chasing your dreams, but you have to know the basics of how AR works, too. It's your company, you should know how to run it," he said in a nonchalant tone.

Anjali raised an eyebrow, "Did you just say MY company?" she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, I knew it! You were pretending to be on my side this whole time. You're just like Dad, trying to force me into the family business." 

"Yes, you are the sole heir to our family's estate. I have come here with a purpose, and I will depart once I have completed it.  Like I told you before, I have a life outside of this family and AR," he said in serious tone.

"Oh, so you want me to join the business so you can ditch this place?" Anjali chuckled painfully at the realisation.

"I wasn't going to come back anyway," Arnav shrugged coldly, "I didn't call you to chat about my life, but to remind you to get your team together and send me those models photoshoot ASAP. We're short on time, and you really don't want Mom and Dad using this against you, right? You don't want them taunting you that you failed at your dream profession, do you?" 

Anjali nodded silently, yet felt a growing unease, a sense that she alone remained burdened by the responsibilities of the Raizada family while others progressed with their lives.

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

Sometime later..

Khushi was chatting with her friends when Arnav called her. She quickly excused herself and walked away to a corner to attend him.

"I'm downstairs. Do you want me to come get you?"

Khushi's face instantly brightened when his familiar tone filled her ear. Hearing his voice made a wide smile spread across her face and her heart flutter. She shook her head and replied in a whisper tone, "No need, I'm coming down."

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

After he hung up, she practically flew down the stairs. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel as he watched her hurrying towards his car with a small smile playing on his lips.

He figured Mohan Kaka had a point. The  comfort he once found in solitude and routine now felt stifling. For a person who wasn't willing to build meaningful relationships with people around him, he now deeply valued and cherished these spontaneous, unplanned moments with his Miss Sunshine.

Khushi opened the passenger door and slid in, the vanilla scent of her perfume filling the car. She grinned, eyes sparkling, "I'm here!"

The engine hummed to life as he glanced sideways, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, "How was the party?"

"You're so Desi Dad coded! Kaisi rahi party, beta? (How was the party, kid?)" Khushi giggled as she buckled her seatbelt.

Arnav rolled his eyes, a little annoyed,  "Weren't you the one who said we should talk more? Now that I am making efforts, you're teasing me!"

Khushi couldn't help but smile at his adorable reaction. The slight pout that formed on his lips only added to his charm, making him appear even more endearing. She knew he wasn't truly angry, but the way he pretended to be exasperated was utterly adorable.

"Accha, sorry!" she held her ears, "You're right.. let's get to know each other better. Let's play a game!" she turned to him excitedly.

"What game?"

"It's a Q&A game! We can ask each other anything, okay?" Khushi said enthusiastically.

"How will you determine the winner in this game?" he asked.

"Simple.. the one who answers all the questions truthfully," she said casually, emphasising her tone with a single clap.

"I wonder how simple it is to discern the truth-teller?" he smirked.

Khushi scrunched her nose as she asked in a sarcastic tone, "So, looks like we're already playing the game, huh?"

"What are the winner's prizes?" he asked with a poker face, not letting her know he was actually teasing her.

Khushi looked away, frowning slightly, "If you're not interested, then let's just not play this game."

Arnav glanced at her, a subtle smile gracing his lips, as shifted his posture, leaning slightly towards her, his fingers brushed against the delicate skin of her cheek. "Do you get upset easily like this?" he asked in a husky tone, sending shivers down her spine.  The world seemed to fade away as they held this intimate moment. 

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she registered the lingering warmth of his hand. Khushi attempted to speak, but could only manage a weak shake of her head.

Arnav swiftly withdrew his hand, smirking, "You're down a point. Your turn."

A startled expression crossed her face, a flicker of disbelief in her eyes, "What?"

"Ask me a question!"

A gentle wave of disappointment washed over her as she realised it was simply a game to him, she faked a smile, pretending to think, "Hmm.. what's your favourite color?"

"Red."

Khushi's eyes went wide, "Seriously? You never told me that? It's my favorite color too!"

"You never asked," he shrugged.

Khushi rolled her eyes, muttering to herself, "Mr. Cold Light!"

"If you had the chance to continue your studies, what would you choose as your dream career?" he asked.

Khushi was surprised by his question, but she calmed down and answered honestly, "When I was little, I dreamed of being an actress... but after my parents died, everything felt hopeless. Being an actress wasn't a dream anymore, survival was the only goal. I gave up so many dreams, college being one of them. If you ask what my dream career is, I'd say I haven't dared to dream again."

Arnav stared at her, intently, and said, "Think it over, then tell me."

Khushi could smell what he was up to, she shook her head, "You've already done so much for me-"

"We're almost at your house. Wouldn't it be best to have a winner before we arrive?" he cut her off, staring at the road ahead.

Khushi sighed, knowing it was pointless to talk to him about it now. But she also realised they were nearing her home which meant she couldn't waste her opportunity by asking him meaningless questions.

A slight pause filled the air before her voice broke the silence. She gulped hesitantly before with visible effort, she straightened her posture, a flicker of resolve in her eyes.  "What is your ideal type of woman?"

"I don't know. Never thought about it," he replied nonchalantly.

But Khushi wasn't satisfied with this answer. She pouted slightly, "That's not true."

"I never planned on getting married. Do you think I had time to think about my ideal woman?"

Khushi's face fell. She said dejectedly, "It's your turn now."

"What am I to you?"

A wave of emotion washed over her, leaving her speechless. She felt her palms damp, her heart beat quickened. 
The words she longed to speak seemed to catch in her throat. She looked at him, hoping he would understand the emotions swirling within her.

His grin widened with each moment she delayed her response.

"Well, sunshine," he said, stopping the car, "I guess I win this game," he smirked.

Khushi looked at him perplexed and flustered. She knew why it wasn't easy to answer his question, but why was he getting happy about it?

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

Arnav walked her upstairs and waited for someone to let her in. Shyam answered the door, and Khushi waved at him, her mind still thinking about his last question, before going inside.

Shyam was going to thank Arnav for dropping Khushi off when Arnav pulled out his phone and asked, "May I have your number?"

"Huh?"

"I will let you know about Khushi if she forgets to inform you like yesterday," Arnav explained.

"Oh.. thanks!" Shyam offered Arnav his phone number after a grateful nod.

Arnav nodded. When he turned to leave, he coughed a bit which drew Buaji's attention as she hurried towards the door, "Hey chotuwa.. see you're coughing because you were out in the rain yesterday!"

She went up to them, smacked Shyam's arms, and yelled, "Why didn't you invite him in?"

Shyam's eyes widened in disbelief, he caressed his arm, "Buaji kya hogaya aapko? (What happened to you?)"

Arnav cleared his throat, "No, it's okay. I just came to drop Khushi.."

Buaji pulled him inside, not letting him say more, guiding him to the living room.  She patted his cheek affectionately, "Just sit here, Chotuwa, while I whip up some cough syrup, alright?"

Arnav shook his head, attempting to explain that he wasn't unwell, but Buaji had already left.

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

Arnav was sitting alone in the living room, awaiting Buaji's cough syrup, while Khushi remained in her room. Shyam had excused himself and left the house a short time earlier.

Suddenly, the lights went out, and all he could hear was Khushi's frightened cry,  "Bhaiyaaa!!"