Next Day

Arnav and Sonia stood near the entrance of Queen's Art Gallery, waiting for Khushi. Sonia glanced at her watch impatiently.

"Arnav, Shouldn't we just start selecting a theme for our performance?" Sonia asked with a hurry

"Let's wait for Khush. She always has the best ideas. Besides, I want her input. She's got a great eye for detail" Said Arnav with pride

Just then, they saw Khushi approaching the gallery.. She was wearing an extremely long white gown that trailed behind her and struggled to walk because that was obviously causing her trouble. Arnav's eyes widened in astonishment, while Sonia's jaw dropped.

"What the" escaped his mouth as soon as he saw Khushi coming towards them

Sonia's condition was no better, she tried to gauge Arnav's expression

Arnav was too shocked to speak at first but managed to ask "What's this, Khush?"

"I... I thought we were supposed to wear white gowns. I didn't realize it would be this hard to walk in, by the way how am I looking?" She didn't realize her outfit was inappropriate for the place and showed it with enthusiasm

"Oh my god, Khushi! You look like you're at a royal wedding, not an art gallery!" Sonia couldn't control herself anymore and bursted out giggling.

Khushi's self-confidence shattered, and she looked down, feeling deeply embarrassed. Arnav noticed and felt very uncomfortable with Sonia laughing at Khushi. Only he has the right to tease her, and he feels weirdly upset when someone say something to his khush.

"Hey, Khush, I think you just invented a new fashion trend! Maybe we'll call it the Art Gallery Gown." Arnav quickly tried to lighten the mood, trying to make her smile

"I... I didn't mean to look silly." Khushi tried to smile but was clearly upset

"And where are your specs? You know you can't see properly without them. Come on, walk carefully. Let me help you." Arnav scolded her gently for being so silly, but his tone was caring.

Arnav took Khushi's hand and guided her, making sure she didn't trip over her gown. Sonia followed them.

"Khush, why didn't you think this through? You can't walk in this thing!" He was really concerned because she never did such thing

"I just wanted to fit in... I thought..." Khushi started sobbing

Before she could finish, she accidentally bumped into a man, causing an art piece to fall. Everyone in the gallery turned to focus on them, creating a very uncomfortable situation.

There was a pin drop silence and Khushi wished the ground would burst open, so that she can hide from all of their gazes.

"It's alright, Khush. Accidents happen." Khushi was ready to burst in to cry when Arnav comforted her with his words

"No harm done. Just be careful with that gown next time." the man turned around looking surprised but then smiled at them

Arnav nodded his thanks to the man for being a sport.

"Khushi, I'm really sorry for laughing. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." Sonia also realized her mistake after she saw Khushi crying, hence apologized

"It's okay. I just wanted to help you guys but i ruined everything" Khushi wiped her tears

"You know what? Let's drop the plan of selecting a theme here. We can go somewhere else where it's less crowded." Arnav sighed

"Yeah, I agree. Let's find a more relaxed place to work on our project. Or may be a place where the crowd doesn't bother about us" Sonia thought of something and said

They left the gallery together, with Arnav keeping a protective arm around Khushi, trying to make her feel better. Despite the awkwardness, he was determined to cheer her up and make sure she knew he cared.

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Arnav helped Khushi out of the car and walked her to the door, his arm around her to keep her steady. Garima opened the door and her eyes widened in concern seeing Khushi leaning on Arnav for support.

"Khushi! I told you not to forget your specs. Look at you!" Garima chided as soon as they entered

"di, I thought you were going for a fancy dress competition. How was your day at college?" Aryan giggled seeing his sister

"It was..." Khushi was embarrassed, she tried to say something

"Actually, there was a play in college today. Khushi dressed up for her role." Arnav quickly covered up for her

"A play? Oh, that makes sense. But still, Khushi, you need to be careful." Garima told with concern

Sashi, who had been listening from the living room, knew something was up. He was aware that his daughter was more interested in books and studies, not in extracurricular activities. However, he felt a sense of pride seeing how Arnav took good care of Khushi.

"Well, it sounds like you had an interesting day, Khushi. I'm glad Arnav was there to help you." Sashi told with a smile

"di, you looked pretty funny in that long gown. Like you were going to a ball or something!" Aryan said grinning widely

"It was just for the play..." Khushi just told what Arnav already informed them

"Come on, Aru, give your sister a break. She did what she needed to do for the play, and she looked great. Not everyone can pull off this look, like Khush."

"Alright, alright. I'm just kidding, di. You always look good, even in that gown." Aryan smiled

"Thanks, Aru" Khushi whispered but her eyes were on Arnav. She felt some butterflies in her stomach, the way he stands up for her is commendable.

"Thanks to you, Arnav. You really are a good friend to Khushi." Garima told but she teasingly saw khushi who inturn blushed looking down

"Of course, Aunty. Khush is family to me. Infact, you all are, aren't you?" Khushi just looked at him dazed by his each word

Sashi watched the interaction with a proud smile, knowing that Khushi was in good hands with Arnav around. The atmosphere lightened as everyone appreciated the bond between Arnav and Khushi.

Arnav then gently took Khushi's arm "Come on, Khush. Let me help to get you till your room."

As they reached her room, Khushi tried to express her gratitude. "Thanks, Arnie. I really-"

Arnav cut her off with a teasing grin. "Oh, stop being so formal. You know you owe me big time for saving you from that disaster today."

Khushi playfully tried to hit him, but Arnav dodged, laughing. "You idiot! Come here!" she yelled, chasing him around the bed.

Arnav continued to tease her. "Catch me if you can, Khush!" He darted around, staying just out of her reach.

Khushi picked up her pace, but her long gown tripped her up, and she stumbled. Arnav quickly turned to catch her, but they both ended up falling onto the bed, with Khushi landing on top of him.

For a moment, they lay there, staring into each other's eyes. Khushi's heart raced as she thought about how much she loved this man. The world seemed to stop as she got lost in the depth of his eyes.

Arnav, noticing her dazed look, pinched her nose gently."Oof, Khush! Have you been sneaking extra snacks? You're heavier than I remember!" he couldn't resist making a joke to lighten the mood.

Khushi's eyes widened in mock indignation. "Idiot. How dare you! It's not my fault you couldn't catch me properly."Khushi snapped out of her thoughts, blushing furiously.

Arnav grinned up at her. "Yeah, yeah, blame the guy who just saved you from face-planting. Seriously, Khush, maybe lay off the sweets for a bit."

Khushi narrowed her eyes playfully. "Oh, you're so going to get it for that, Arnie!" She attempted to hit him again, but he caught her wrists, laughing.

"Whoa, easy there! I'm already down; no need to add insult to injury." He chuckled, loosening his grip.

"Insult to injury, huh? Just wait until I get up!" Khushi declared, finally managing to get off him and stand up.

Arnav stood up too, still chuckling. "Come on, Khush. It was just a joke. You know I think you're perfect just the way you are."

Khushi crossed her arms and huffed. "You better, or else!"

Arnav raised his hands in surrender, still smiling. "Alright, alright. Truce?"

Khushi couldn't help but smile back, despite herself. "Truce. But no more jokes about my weight, got it?"

"Got it," Arnav agreed, giving her a playful salute. "Now, let's get you out of this gown before you trip over something else."

Khushi sighed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't tell anyone about this, okay?"

Arnav gave her a reassuring smile. "Your secret's safe with me, Khush. Now, come on. Let's get you comfortable."

They both stood up, and Arnav helped Khushi to pick her regular dress and went out asking her to change. She couldn't help but feel a warm sense of affection for him, grateful for his constant support. As she settled into more comfortable clothes, she silently thanked the universe for having Arnav in her life. Her Secret Love.

Jhilmil sitaaro ki chaiyya

In the shade of the twinkling stars,

Loongi mein teri balaiyaa

I will take away all your troubles.

Itna tujhe pyaar dungi

I will give you so much love,

Yeh zindagi waar dungi

I will dedicate my life to you.

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Next day

"Khushi.. why would you do that? You know what, you should never skip wearing your specs" Sonia told as a matter of fact

"I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me.. I just tried to look different.. and not like a nerd" Khushi replied embarrassed of her behavior from the previous day

"What? Khushi.. Everyone is beautiful in their own way.. what matters is, if the person is beautiful from inside..! And you know what, Khushi .. you are beautiful both from inside and outside .. you don't look like a nerd or something... No need to change yourself" Sonia explained patiently

Khushi looked at her with innocent eyes.. She had thought, sonia was just another brat girl .. but here she is making her feel positive!

"Thank you" Khushi appreciated her words

"You are most welcome" both Sonia and Khushi turned back hearing Arnav's voice

"Arnie" Khushi whispered

"Ohh .. Khush .. Stop thinking about yesterday" he hugged her from behind

"I know.. I was just, upset with myself" She held his hands

"Forget all that. Let's make your mood better.. umm .. why don't we go for ice cream at Your favorite parlor..? You me and Aru will go.. what say?" He asked making Khushi smile wide

"Yes.. You too join us Sonia..!" Khushi asked

"No ... No .. you guys enjoy.." Sonia told with a smile

"Ok.. I'll get Aru, then we will go" Arnav went away from there Patting Khushi

"Sonia, i know you guys wanted to finalize the theme. I'm sorry I ruined it" Khushi told remembering about their performance

"That's alright. Now, we have thought of a disco theme. Me and your Arnie have plans for tomorrow.. we are going to pub.. hopefully we can select music and everything for the performance.. you want to join?" Sonia asked back

"Uggh.. no .. but why pub? Arnie doesn't even drink..!" Khushi asked with confusion

"Aaaha. Now that's the difference between friend and girl friend.. he may be being reserved with you in such activities.. but with me, you know, he can be free in such aspects..!" Sonia winked with her reply

"Girlfriend?" In whole of the sentence, what caught Khushi's attention was that word

"Yes. Let's do one thing.. you come to Pub.. that's in purple orchid hotel.. you stay outside and see from there, if he drinks or not?" Sonia raised her eyebrows

"Yeah.. and I'm sure he won't drink.. or else Abhi bhai will be angry with him.." Khushi chirped

"Oh come on .. this means you don't know whole of Arnav.. guys like him, can never not drink!" Sonia told in a secretive tone

"I know Arnie from childhood" Khushi was still confident

"Ok.. so this is like, kind of test.. let's see who knows Arnav, best!" Sonia laughed on her own idea

Obviously, it's she who's going to win.. She knows her Arnie very well. He never drinks. He won't!

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With love,
Uzma.