Hi friends!

I just published the next chapter of my fanfiction. The story has reached its climax. After lots of twists and turns finally ASR and his lady love Khushi are back together. How will everyone react to this? Will Rajeev accept Khushi's choice? Read and review. Also, keep loving Arshi.

"YOU ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!"

An astonished Arnav tried to digest the sudden declaration by the love of his life. He had expected a goodbye, from this girl. He was sure that the news of his leaving would reach her ears. But what he did not expect was a fierce and determined Khushi Kumari Gupta barging inside his room making it clear that she did not wish for him to leave.

"...What?!?"

That was all he exclaimed. Last night he had made a decision. He did not wish to manipulate Khushi anymore. At dawn, he was about to pack his bags when Payal Sharma thanked him for saving her life. And she along with Akaash requested him to stay for the wedding which would happen tomorrow. Payal must have informed Khushi about his decision. Then is Khushi here for a goodbye? Nope. He stared at her form wide-eyed. She repeated in a soft tone carefully as if he were a mere two-year-old.

"You. Are. Not. Going. Anywhere."

"Main nahi chahti ki tum jao. Mat jao. Please."
( I don't want you to leave. Dont go. Please).

Her words were nirvana for Arnav Singh Raizada. For the past few months that was all he wanted to hear from his girl. So when Khushi Gupta launched herself in his arms with the same words, he did not question her. Rather Arnav chose to embrace the woman of his dreams. Clutching her frame to himself the man sighed in relief. Khushi had forgiven him. Her touch. Her gestures. All indicated only one thing. Finally. Finally, Khushi granted him a much-needed second chance. He would have even begged for it because a life without her had felt like acid in his mouth.

He grabbed the girl in a tight grip, caressing her arms, her hair, and her waistline in a desperate attempt to get closer. His mind was in a dilemma though. What if she only wants his friendship? What if this means that he has her forgiveness but not her love? Hence to satisfy the tentacles of doubts that clutched his heart Arnav verbalized his thoughts. No matter how painful the answer is, Arnav would find a way to be okay with it. So with utmost sincerity for the second time in his life, ASR made a selfless decision. He slowly released her from his embrace and cupped the balls of her shoulders.

"Khushi I need to know something. Am I forgiven? Are you offering me your friendship? Or do you want it to be something more? Know that ki tumhara jo bhi jawab hoga I will accept it."
(Whatever your answer might be I will accept it).

Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she comprehended my words. Damn it. Arnav did it again. She is upset because of his sudden questions. Maybe he should have kept his mouth shut. All sorts of thoughts meandered inside the mind palace of Arnav. However, Khushi's next words clarified all his doubts. The girl picked one of his hands in her own and cupped her face to feel his palm against her cheek.

"Yes, you are forgiven. Yes, I would like to be your friend. And yes I want us to be something more. Kya karun tumhare pyaar ki aadat hogai hai."
(I cannot help it, your love is addictive).

As soon as her confession reached his ears the man cupped her other cheek as well and then showered Khushi with small pecks all over her face. He continued to do so till her tears were replaced by genuine laughter. The echo of her laugh felt like the sound of a nightingale. It was contagious too, as the very next moment Arnav found himself grinning along with her. Touching his forehead with hers the man finally found what he was looking for. Tranquility. Peace. Serenity. Jab kisi ke saath se suqoon mile tab usko hi toh pyaar kehte hain. He thought. They had to talk about a lot of things.
(When you feel bliss around someone that's where love stems from).

So many things needed to be discussed. However, they had all the time in the world for the same. This time he won't make any mistakes.

For now, Arnav chose to enjoy the warm contentment he felt being around Khushi Gupta. And thankfully she too did not interrupt their moment. A gust of wind blew from across the window. Arnav Singh Raizada could not help but smile. Even the breeze around them wanted to celebrate their reunion. But the bliss did not last for long. A scream echoed around them. Payal Sharma was going crazy without her wedding planner. Arnav rolled her eyes as Khushi left his embrace with a sheepish grin.

"She is a pain..."

"Stop it, Arnav! She almost died last night. Payal needs this distraction."

"Really? Aur mera kya? Main nahi marra itne din tumhare..."
(And what about me? I died a thousand times without you...)

"SHUT UP!!! DON'T YOU DARE USE SUCH WORDS!!"

Crap. He should not have used such sensitive words. His girl pushed him with an unexpected force, making Arnav lose his balance. He suddenly found himself pinned on the bed with a red-faced Khushi Kumari Gupta staring at his face. The sudden proximity bewildered him. He never imagined that one day the love of his life would breathe so close to him. Nonetheless, the daring move turned him on. He could not help but smirk at his girl. He resembled an angry kitten ready to attack her prey.

"You. Are. A. Wild. Woman."

His words embarrassed her because Khushi leaned away and stood at a respectable distance from him. She was steepling her fingers and looking everywhere but him. Grinning at her timid actions the man stood up from the bed. Instead of teasing her further, he curled the little fringe around her temple that caressed her face involuntarily. Her gaze returned to him. He knew she was about to say something.

"I am happy that we are back together."

"Are we?"

"Yeah. We will work on it. Par abhi humein jaana hoga. Woh Payal..."
(But I will have to go for now. Payal needs...).

He bobbed my head in agreement even though he was sulking from the inside. Damn this Payal Sharma loves to spoil his romantic moments with Khushi Kumari Gupta. Whatever. She cannot hover around his girl all the time. Thankfully Akaash Oberoi will handle that ticking timebomb from tomorrow onwards. He mused. Patting her cheek one final time Arnav allowed her to leave his room. He continued to stare at the door even though he could no longer see her. Running his fingers in his hair the man turned around only to stare at the sky from the window. Well, thanks to the universe who gave him hope after so long. Finally, the growling of his stomach made Arnav realize that he still had to eat his breakfast. But first, he should share this news with Aman and NK.

###

Even though Payal was chattering nonstop, Khushi Gupta was mentally absent, lost in a world of her own. She could not help but recall Arnav's teasing words. Wild. He called her wild. Khushi blushed a deep shade of red. The man is extremely shameless. They just got together and he began to flirt with her. Khushi rubbed a hand on her face in an attempt to focus on her task. She was supposed to work on the decoration details for Akaash and Payal's reception party. However, she was highly distracted by the thoughts of a certain Raizada.

"Khushi Kumari Gupta?!?!? Did you make up with ASR?!? OH MY GOODNESS!!!!"

Payal's enthusiasm brought Khushi back from la la land. Uh oh. Her friend was able to read her. Yet again. Composing herself Khushi tried to change the subject.

"It's nothing like that...you are assum..."

"OH SHUT UP. I know you very well Khushi. You guys are together! HOW CUTE. Wait let me text everyone about this..."

Khushi jumped in the air listening to her best friend. CRAP. She will have to take strict action or else by tonight everyone including the watchman and housekeeper will know about her romance with Arnav Singh Raizada. Slapping her palm on her friend's mouth Khushi narrowed her eyes at Payal who seemed to have stopped talking now.

"My life. My rules. No interference Payal Sharma."

"....mmmmhm.......nnmmmmh.....mmmm...."

"NO means No."

Finally, the girl understood her point and Khushi sighed in relief as she dropped her palm beside her. Payal watched her with wide eyes, probably surprised by the sudden warning. But Khushi did not want to test fate again. She was still trying to work things out with Arnav. And until they are a strong and steady couple Khushi Gupta will not make any official announcement.

A few hours later it was almost lunchtime but Khushi was busy finalizing the details of the reception party. The manager of the club wanted to confirm the advance amount which she would wire him by this evening. Khushi was trying to negotiate one final time when suddenly she found her back pressed against a firm chest and a pair of lips kissed her shoulder. Her heart thudded inside her ribcage feeling the presence of Arnav Singh Raizada. His touch ignited a flame within her body. Gulping at the sensation she quickly ended the call and turned around to face the man. She stared at the yawning pupils which were trying to swallow her. A shy smile played on his lips. Khushi fiddled with her phone in an attempt to distract her mind from Arnav. She tried to skirt around him but he seemed prepared. Arnav Raizada thwarted her attempt and began to walk backward beside her.

"Is Khushi Kumari Gupta trying to run away?"

"Me? Running away? Why would I do that Arnav?"

"I don't know. Shayad tumhe mere paas aane se kuch kuch hota hai."
(Maybe my proximity affects you).

"Aisa kuch nahi hai."
(There is nothing like that).

Angling herself away from him, Khushi tried to remain nonchalant about Arnav's words. But the man seemed to be on a mission to corner her because he halted all of a sudden only to enter her personal space making Khushi stand still, breathless. His engaging eyes were making it difficult for her to breathe properly. Khushi retreated. However, she had only taken two steps away from the man, when her back collided with a wall. An involuntary gasp escaped her lips. She could see ASR peaking from the curtains. Oh, Devi Maiyya help me out. I don't want to die from a cardiac arrest. Composing herself, Khushi tried to control the situation.

"You love pinning me to the walls huh? Deewar mein chipka kyun nahi dete mujhe Mr. Raizada?"
(Why don't you nail me to the wall Mr. Raizada?)

His response was a crooked smile which she loved so much. Khushi could not believe that she was the reason for the twinkle in his mischievous eyes. Till last night a sadness seemed to have clouded around Arnav. But today, her beloved, looked like a rainbow after a thunderous storm. He gauged her expression for a second before leaning close to her left ear. Khushi's eyes widened as they flitted up to the point where her nose touched his collarbone. The proximity made her heart flutter.

"Deewar? Ab to tumhe khud se chipkane ka time aagaya Khushi Kumari Gupta. Maybe after Payal's marriage you too might feel like marrying a certain someone."
(Wall? It's time to glue you to me, Khushi Kumari Gupta).

Blood pooled around her cheeks hearing Arnav's declaration. Never in her life did she imagine that one day Arnav Singh Raizada would propose to her in such a blatant manner. Pushing him away she rushed inside the farmhouse two steps at a time. But not before looking at him one final time. He appeared to be all calm and composed with his hands in his pockets, leaning casually against the wall. As expected the passion in his eyes for her, burned Khushi Kumari Gupta.

###

Rajeev Sharma was about to visit Khushi in her room when her soft body banged against his back. He quickly turned around to straighten the girl who seemed like someone who was trying to escape from someone. Rajeev stared ahead only to see an empty hall. Amused by her act, Rajeev asked her to accompany him to the backyard. Khushi rubbed her neck with her palm and agreed to his request. Her body language screamed uncomfortably. Rajeev understood that something was not right. Still, he sauntered to the other side of the hall, and using the back door, the man made his way to the backyard. He sensed the footfalls of Khushi behind him. But did not say a word for a long time. He wanted to know Khushi's answer. He wanted her to willingly accept his proposal. However, before he could frame something appropriate to say, Khushi Gupta intervened.

"I...I...I don't know what to say to you."

"Are you still confused? Do you need more time? I can wait if..."

"No. No that's not what I meant. Woh Arnav aur main..."
(Arnav and I...)

"Khushi I know all about Arnav and his egoistic games. I don't have any issues. He is your past. But I..."

Two soft hands grabbed his in their own making Rajeev follow the movement. Khushi's hands were palming his hand in a smooth grip. The man's eyes locked with her hazel green orbs which now looked apologetic and sad. His heart thudded feeling a twinge of hurt. Is she? No. No that's all in his mind. Payal had informed Rajeev that Arnav was a nasty man who broke Khushi's heart. She is not still in love with that idiot. However, her next words felt like a walk on a bed of broken mirrors to Rajeev Sharma.

"He is not my past. He never was. Arnav is like my heartbeat. Kabhi khushi deta hai. Kabhi dard. Par hai mera hi ek hissa."
(He is my happy place. He is my pain. But he will always be a part of me).

Like a reflex action, his hand left hers. Rajeev stepped away from her, electrocuted by her response. This is not what he had expected. She is back with Arnav. She is giving him a second chance for which he had done every possible thing. Dragging his fingers inside his hair, Rajeev tried to understand the reality. She said something like 'sorry' but his mind drifted back to the times when Arnav and Khushi argued with each other. All the time they were bantering it was their way to communicate with one another. The hatred and anger were only a facade to hide the deep consuming love they shared. As realization dawned upon Rajeev, he finally responded to her endless apologies.

"No. It is my fault. I am always a good judge of actions and body language. Par pyaar ki bhasha alag hoti hai. Jisne dil se kia ho wohi smajh pata hai."
(But the language of love is unique. Only the one who feels the emotion can empathize).
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Read and review. Your comments are appreciated.