After a couple of days

At Paradise

Khushi was standing in the balcony keeping her hands on railings sipping her coffee looking to the front garden absentmindedly. That's how Arnav who came back from office found her. He was actually not in a good mood but seeing her he quickly masked it and quietly placed his laptop bag on the table and did the thing that enhances his mood. That is gathered her in his arms and Khushi who was in deep thought was startled at first but then knowing the familiar touch relaxed in his arms.

Khushi: You are early today

Arnav: (Nuzzling her neck) hmm ... actually, a little birdie told me that my sweetheart is alone at home and I thought I would give her a company ... by the way what were you thinking so deeply?

Khushi: About our trip only ... it was wonderful, right? I mean ... I like it when our whole gang is together as it is only sometimes I can think there are people who care about me and Kiddu other than you guys ... and now they all returned back

Arnav: (Concerned) hey ... (Slowly turning her around) where are you going with these thoughts? (Cupping her cheeks)Baby ... your Uncle was bad it doesn't mean you guys are bad or nobody will like you. You please shut that thought

Khushi: Hm ... okay leave all that ... and Arnav what do you think your family's reaction will be seeing me? (Seeing his raised eyebrow) I mean your family in India. Will they accept me?

Arnav: (Shrugging) I don't know ... shocked maybe ... but you please don't start with 'your family' and ... to think in that way ... I thought we were over with that topic

Khushi: I know my angry bird (Turning around) I am not going in that line ... I mean I was just asking to know about them

Arnav: Oh ...kay, if you say so and about them ... there is nothing to be explained in detail ... in short too much conservative so you can guess their reaction. Anyway leave these unnecessary thoughts. And hey you are having coffee without me ...

Khushi: Oh hello ... till now you kept me engaged in talks and now blaming me huh! Anyway move I will bring now ...

Arnav: (Smirking) who told you I need an extra cup. (Taking her cup) this will do

Khushi: But you ...

Arnav: I will be fine. (Sipping the coffee) by the way, where is my prankster? Today too at friends'?

Khushi: Yeah ... but will come now. Dad called, he told me that he will pick her up while coming back

Arnav: (Frowning) don't you think she is ignoring me when Dad is around?

Khushi: (Chuckling) Arnav... don't tell me you are jealous of Dad? (In a baby voice) Ohh ... so Arnie is missing his partner in crime? (Pulling his cheeks) you are soooo cute Arnav

Arnav: Hey, men are termed as handsome not ...

Before he could complete they heard a calling bell. Khushi rushed down to welcome them and Arnav went to freshen up.

Kiran wanted to have a milkshake and as Lucy had gone to market Khushi was preparing that for her while she was sitting on the kitchen slab swinging her legs.

Kiran: Kiya ... did all of them leave?

Khushi: Yeah ... and everybody told me to inform you since they couldn't call you as you had class at that time. By the way, you tell me how were your studies ... covered everything?

Kiran: Not exactly. Actually, I am stuck with some problems, even Ana too don't know that. So I thought that my sweet sis will help me (Putting a puppy face)

Khushi: Hey no don't go there ... you know I am not good with Mathematics as Arnav is. You ask him he will be having some shortcuts and all

Kiran: Ok and sis you know what ? Ana's mom told me she saw us on news and to say congratulations to you

Khushi: Oh so sweet of her ... tell my thanks next time

Kiran: Hmm

Khushi prepared the drink and gave her the glass but she was in deep thought.

Khushi: (Clicking a finger in front of her) Hey now what happened?

Kiran: Huh! Sis ... I was thinking that whether this news will be in India too if so the 'devil Raizadas' will see us right?

Khushi: Kiddu! Don't call them names like Arnav does, it's bad manners ... and baby it was an American channel I don't think that will be available in India

Kiran: Oh...kay ... now let me go I have to complete one more chapter before asking my doubts to Arnie since you know your husband is worse than my teacher, will ask question after questions so I have to be prepared. Huh... he is too much so is the exams. (Sighing) anyway I am glad that now only two exams are left

Khushi chuckled at her and started with her dinner preparations.

Arnav was sitting in the poolside staring at the laptop. Manav who was passing by saw that and came and sat before him which Arnav didn't sense at all.

Manav: What is eating you Arnav?

Arnav: (Startled) Dad? When did you come? (Faking a smile)

Manav: when you were literally burning the screen with your eyes. So ... what's the problem?

Arnav: (Sighing) Dad the deal I told you last month it has to be completed this week. Aman and Sruthy are handling it but my absence will burden them more. But how can I go now? I mean ... I am afraid about Kiya

Manav: Arnav, why are you worrying unnecessarily, Nikhil told me it was due to improper meals and now I being here will make sure she didn't skip any meal

Arnav: (Sadly) Dad ... it is not about meals or tiredness

Manav: Attacks again?

Arnav: Yeah and the problem is me

Manav: Come again

Arnav: (Sighed) Dad last time when she passed out Mary Auntie was waiting for me and told Kiya is again on attacks as now she is afraid to lose me. Since she doesn't want to frighten others she hadn't said this and told me directly. I talked to Kiya but ... but I think she is not accepting it wholeheartedly

Manav: But suddenly what happened?

Arnav: Actually she attended Lavi's phone and Chachi without even checking the person was explaining her illusions about my marriage with Sheetal and she couldn't take the news I guess

Manav: But, she knows you love her and you guys are married then what is there to be insecure?

Arnav: It is about Khushi we are talking about. She ... she said she can't allow me to get separated from my family. (Taking a deep breath) How ironic Dad, still she is on 'your family', then what is she? How will I make her understand? I don't know. (Sighing) above that, I have to be in India but it will take one more week for Kiddu's exams to be over. (Looking hopefully at him) what will I do Dad?

He started pacing and Manav too stood up

Manav: Arnav ... it is not me who should make a decision, It has to be yours but all I can say is, doesn't do anything by which you have to regret. I mean if she is scared to lose you then you can never remove her fear by always being at her side. And I will say being together is always not about physically being present but the feeling that you are always with her even if you are not near ... that will make her much strong. In simple words ... you go to Delhi Arnav but be with her always. (Patting his shoulder) Don't worry we will deal with this together

Arnav know as always Manav will guide him. That was how it always was when he is totally confused it is his Dad who always shown him a path out of the mess after mom. Feeling overwhelmed he hugged Manav. Manav too hugged him affectionately seeing the boy under the mask of ASR

Manav: Everything will be fine Arnie

Arnav smiled sadly hearing that name since Dad calls him like Mom called when they both terribly misses mom or when he has to do the part of his Mom too.

At night

Arnav was sitting on the bed resting his head on the headboard all lost. Khushi came from the bathroom after the shower and joined him on the bed. But he was in such a deep thought that he didn't sense her

Khushi: Hey where are you lost?

Arnav: Huh! ... Khushi ... actually, I have something to talk to you. But you should promise me that you will not shriek out and will listen to me carefully

Khushi: What is it Arnav? You are scaring me

Arnav: (Hugging her shoulders) Hey ... hey, calm down. Kiya you know the deal I am working for last two months has to be finished this week. (Sighing) I mean ... when I got a call from Kiddu saying you are admitted I came here leaving everything. I am not saying this because I regret my decision ... but I, Aman and Sruthy being away for four days increased the stress and I ... I don't think they can handle all that alone

Khushi: Then why are you not helping them I mean they will be working day and night and ...

Arnav: I know, but for that, I have to be in Delhi

Khushi suddenly turned all silent and looked at Arnav pale and lost. He instantly hugged her and rubbed her back

Arnav: Khushi ... baby, listen to me carefully ... you will never ever lose me, first of all, take that thought away from you. I am not willing to leave you guys here and go, but (Sighing) what to do circumstances are not in my favor. If it was only my problem I wouldn't have thought twice before canceling the deal, but this is the work of thousand people and if I ca ...

Before he could complete the sentence Khushi broke the hug and placed her palm on his mouth.

Khushi: I understand Arnav ... I ... I know you have your responsibilities you can't always cuddle me and I don't even need that. I mean I like to be your partner, not your child and ... and about that day the whole situations turned against me that's why I had ... had attacks. But don't worry I will keep such thoughts away so that you can breathe properly. And yeah you don't think too much we will manage and it is only for a few days I will come to you before you know

Arnav: Now that's like my wifey and ... yeah don't take too much tension Dad will be here. Also feel free to call me even in the middle of the night rather than thinking too much with your tiny brain. Anyway I know you will be having more free time since GF-BF will be very busy leaving you alone
He winked at her saying this and they both laughed at that

Khushi: So ... Lav will go with you

Arnav: Hmm ... she said Chachi is insisting but I will talk to her if you want

Khushi: No Arnav, it is better for her to obey them as she will have to go against them in Nikhil's matter

Arnav: Yeah that is right too ... (Sighing dramatically) what to do yaar such a family we got ... and about other things we can sort it all once you guys will come to RM. Dad wanted to talk to Dadi only after you complete studies otherwise I wouldn't have tolerated their pathetic wedding plans. And Khushi ... (Holding her hands) I have a request to you when you come to India don't bend before anything or anyone and behave as KSR otherwise people will dance on your head

Khushi: As you say, hubby. So when you have to go?

Arnav: Tomorrow noon

Khushi: WHAT. Stupid man can't you tell all these before and why are you sitting like a statue now ... arrey move I have to pack everything

Arnav: (Chuckled and hugged her) Calm down sweetheart I said noon. We can do it in the morning since I have other plans for now.

And they were again drawn in their own sweet world

Next noon Lavanya and Arnav started towards India and Manav ensured him he will look after everything here. Lavanya was all tearful to leave the place which gave her wonderful five years and also Khushi, Kiran and especially Nikhil. They assured her to soon meet in India.