Alright, if you feel something is off the line in the story. Please comment because it was after almost 5-6 months that I had drafted this whole chapter. I feel disconnected with the story so the story may go off track.

Anyway, I was planning to end it sooner and then concentrate on the another one of mine.

Enjoy.
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"Mom your son has grown up. He has started getting proposals for marriage." Aman broke the silence.

On the Sunday noon, where family along with Khushi were in their farm house having a mini vacation.

"Aman!!" Arnav jumped up from his seat and ran towards Aman who hid behind his wife.

"WHAT!" The typical Indian mother would react by either jumping on her feets and would distribute sweets among people but Ratna would be the first mother to be angry.

Everyone immediately raised on their feets and rushed towards the duo.

"Is that true?"

"Yes mother." He bowed his head feeling guilty for not telling her about it.

"Who is the girl?"

"She is the daughter of one of my clients. He came this Friday asking me about it."

"What did you say?"

"I-I accepted." He replied.

He heard everyone gasping at the news he broke. He looked up at his mother who had formed tears in her eyes. Before he knew her mother slapped him.

"So we all as a family aren't important anymore. You won't even ask for our opinion now. Won't even care to inform about this. It's been two days and you don't yet find it important to tell us." She snapped at him in anger.

"No mom. You aren't-"

"What now! Have got something to say in your defence... Yeah? I thought my son never hides something from me but how would I know that he has grown up to take decisions like this himself."

"Chotti, calm down." Her mother held her by shoulder. While Anjali came by her side and made her sit.

Khushi who had been cutting veggies for the night dropped the knife and went numb. She looked up at him, teary eyed.

He is marrying. But he said he loves me?

"Chotte, why wouldn't you tell us about it? We all would have been so happy with your marriage decision but you didn't even feel it important to disclose it to us." Nani asked.

"Nani, No. I was just nervous. I didn't know how to tell you all this. I wasn't prepared-"

"What was there to prepare in this?" Ratna asked angrily.

"Maa-"  he moved closer.

"I know I made a mistake. I am sorry. Please forgive me na." He held her hands and kept his head in her lap.

"No. Not this time. I would always side you for your crazy decisions and pranks but this isn't funny." Ratna went inside.

"Di." Arnav pouted helpess.

"What? I am helpless in this. Vese I am enjoying this. Ma is angry on you. She slapped you. YOU!!! Its a moment of celebration for me." She did a happy dance, while others gaped at her.

Aman chuckled and held her shoulder and took her to room.

"Nani-"

"Sorry." Nani raised her hands and shook her head.

Now only Khushi and Arnav were the only ones in the room.

"Khushi?" He called softly.

She stood up and held the tray of veggies she had been cutting and made a move to leave.

"Not you too Khushi?"

"I am sorry. But congratulations." She says turning her face away to hide the tear that just slipped off.

"Urg!! Th- Thanks." He had nothing left to say.

Khushi was just leaving trying to find herself a moment and cry her heart out when he called again.

"Khushi? Wait!" She stopped but didn't turn.

"You aren't mad at me right!"

I am. I am very mad at you.

"No. Why would I be?" She chuckled.

"Oh. I thought like everyone maybe you are upset at me as well." He said and noticed how uncomfortable it was for her to converse at the moment.

He was hating himself but he didn't had a choice but to had a confession from her, again.

"Would you make me a cup of coffee? Please."  He requested.

Khushi looked up at him and nodded smiling.

She hurriedly left for the kitchen. Once inside, all the hell broke loose. She held the kitchen shelf to control her self and refrain herself from crying but the tears wouldn't stop.

Arnav who had been noticing all this hiding himself behind the kitchen wall, along with the family, wiped a lone tear before it slipped past the eye.

"Why are you crying?" He stepped forward.

She stiffened and quickly turned her back at him. With the help of her dupatta she wiped off her eye.

"No. I am not. Just the dust-"

"The dust went into your eyes. Right?" He asks. "Khushi that would be the lamest excuse."

"You coffee would be ready in a moment. Aap bahar jaye hum bas laate hai." She took a pan out of the cupboard to prepare his coffee. (Go and wait outside. I will just bring it.)

He sighed. He knew she is never confessing it again. Never now, when she knows that he will be marrying someone else.

He moved closer to her and turned her towards him.

"Khushi Please. I know you love me." She looked up at him. "Please just say it again for once."

"I don't. I don't love you Arnavji." She turned in her arms.

"You do Khushi. Just once."

"No. It's late. You are marrying someone now. You will be someone's husband."

I am not!!!

"Doesn't matter Khushi. I want you as my wife." She turned to look at him blinking her eyes.

"Please" he pleaded.

She kept looking in his eyes, completely lost into the moment.

"They are taking forever now." Aman chided looking at the duo from behind the wall sitting on the floor. Above him stood Anjali slightly bending on him. Above Anjali was Ratna taking her support and nani stood close to all of them at a side.

All keenly watching the couple. Some wishing Khushi to confess while some not so that they don't lose their bet. But deep inside, all of them wished to hear her confess.

While the boy himself was in a dilemma. He had been asked to make his girl confess while everyone watch. But he knew she would never do it in the presence of all. So he said he would but only if they stood hiding away. All agreed because they knew Khushi so well by now.

Nextly he was said not to confess himself and never say 'I love you' before her. It was hard for him but he wasn't ASR for nothing.

Th couple gazed at each other for longer than anticipated. Aman was feeling restless and irritated for the amount of time they took while Anjali gazed at them smiling. Ratna rolled her eyes at her boy's  failed attempt and Nani smiled, reminiscing her golden old days, maybe.

"I love you." She whispered and hugged him tightly seeing him almost on the verge of crying.