It was 4 pm. when Arnav came back home with Khushi, Lavanya, and NK. He went to pick them up from college, and they requested him to take them to his house so they could complete their group assignment before they left for Nainital.

Arnav took them to the kitchen, where Anjali and Shyam were making sandwiches and pizzas for their car trip as he wanted to introduce Khushi and NK to his sister and brother in law. They already met Lavanya.

Anjali looked up at Khushi, her eyes lit up as she smiled and rushed to her, "Helloo.. hi.. Khushi, right?"

Khushi nodded her head, smiling shyly, "Ji."

"And Khushi, she's my.."

Anjali cut him off, raising her palm to him and gesturing him to stop, "Oh please.. I know how to introduce myself. Choti bacchi nahi hoon main (I'm not a small kid)."

Arnav sighed, "Haan toh Amu ki Amma introduce yourself!"

Anjali chuckled, resting her elbow on Arnav's shoulder. She turned to face Khushi while pointing her index finger to Arnav, "I'm Anjali Jha! This Chotu's elder sister!"

Arnav whined, "Di, I'm not chotu anymore! Stop calling me like that now."

Anjali hit his forehead lightly, "You and Ayan are my Chotu and Chiku! Mere dono bacche (my two kids)."

"Aur main? (What about me?)" Shyam asked, making a cute puppy face to his wife.

"You're my sweetheart, my darling, my love, my baby!"

As soon as she called Shyam baby, Arnav dramatically covered his ears, "Please spare us from these kinds of intimate conversations."

Lavanya and NK giggled while Khushi was feeling like an alien among them. They were so comfortable talking and teasing each other with these kind of topics, while she was feeling awkward to be standing there and hearing Anjali openly expressing her love to her husband.

"Just wait until you get married, I'll tease you and your wife nonstop then!" Anjali said, pulling Arnav's cheek.

Arnav's eyes instinctively rested on Khushi's, who felt her heart pounding as she lowered her eyes, intertwining her fingers nervously. Now that she admitted to herself that she has a crush on Arnav, she couldn't help but feel affected with the sudden mention of Arnav's future wife by Anjali and the way Arnav looked at her the moment his sister uttered this word 'wife' made her feel the whole zoo in her stomach.

Anjali smirked, observing their reactions silently.

Arnav immediately composed himself as he continued with the introductions, "And she's Khushi. Ma already told you about her. She came to Delhi to pursue her studies in computer engineering."

Anjali smiled with an acknowledging nod as she said, "If you need any help, then don't hesitate to ask my brother for help. He has done the same course."

Khushi nodded her head obediently.

"Yes, please, Arnav. Very soon, we'll need your tuition!" Lavanya added with a puppy face.

Arnav grinned devilishly, "I'll think about your case," making Lavanya pout and narrow her eyes at him. Then Arnav introduced NK to Anjali, "He's NK, recently joined their course. Khushi and Lavanya's friend. He's also joining us on our trip."

"Hi! Such a cute, handsome guy you're," Anjali winked at NK.

"Hello. Thank you so much.. it's such an honour to be complimented by such a beautiful lady like you," NK smiled, bowing his head to her.

"Thank you, cutie. I'm glad you're joining our trip. I'm glad you're going to hang out with us. At least I'll have someone to treat me like a young, beautiful lady, unlike one person here who makes me feel older by calling me Amu ki Amma!" Anjali said, taunting Arnav.

Arnav rolled his eyes while everyone else laughed.

"Chalo.. introductions done. Now you three can go and complete your group assignment while I'm going to help Ayan pack his bag," Arnav said.

"Assignment?" Anjali face fell, "I thought you brought them to help me in the kitchen," she pouted.

"It's okay.. I can help you," Khushi said readily. She was already used to leaving her studies until later to help her mother in the kitchen in Lucknow.

Arnav looked at her sternly, "What it's okay? Go and complete your college assignment with Lavanya and NK. Jiju is here to help Di."

Khushi looked at him astonished. Was he scolding her?

"Yes, he's right. We're almost done here. I was just kidding with you guys," Anjali blinked her eyes assuringly.

Then Khushi, Lavanya, and NK left from there. Khushi smiled faintly, thinking how Arnav was pushing her towards her studies. He was one of the rare people she encountered in her life who gave importance to her studies. It's one more point to be added to the list of the reasons why she wanted to get married to a man like him in the future.

Arnav was about to leave the kitchen too when Anjali pulled him back by his arm, "Oye.. where do you think you're going now?"

"To help Ayan!"

"Leave Chiku for a while. Chote, she's so damn pretty yaar.. meri taraf se haan hai (it's a yes from my side)," Anjali giggled chirpily, circling her arms around her brother's shoulder from behind.

Arnav turned his face sideway, still not breaking their hug, "Chup ho jao meri Ma! Don't speak loud. Otherwise, you'll create problems for me. I already told you aisa kuch bhi nahi hai hum dono k beech mein (there's nothing like that between us). We're just friends."

"Oh really. Then why did you teach Amu to call her Mami?" Shyam asked suspiciously.

Arnav shrugged. It was only at this moment that realisation dawned upon him that he taught his niece to call Khushi as her Mami. He committed a blunder, and he wondered what Khushi must be thinking about him. It's so strange that she didn't even react to this when they were talking to her through WhatsApp video call.

"Voh toh maine aise hi flow mein bol diya tha.. itna bhi nahi socha tha (I said that in a flow.. I didn't think much)," he reasoned.

"Exactly.. you didn't have to think, because your heart and mind already accepted her as your wife!" Anjali wiggled her brows with a naughty smile playing on her lips.

Arnav threw his head back with a defeated sigh, "I seriously give up.. Believe in whatever makes you happy, Di. But the truth is we're just friends now."

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

Arnav went to his room and sat on the edge of the bed, rubbed his face with his palms, closing his eyes momentarily. There was a battle going on inside him, between his heart and his mind. Although he had convinced himself that his feelings for Khushi were an infatuation and was determined to restart his relationship with Khushi as just her friend, he was struggling with himself now. Previously, his reactions were more natural towards Khushi. Now, he struggles to control his emotions and reactions to her. He is aware of his behaviour in front of her.

Now he doesn't know if he was actually confused when he thought he loved her or he's confused now that he believes it was an infatuation.

Sighing, he glanced once at Amaya, sleeping peacefully on his bed, hugging her teddy bear. He pecked her cheek softly, and then when he was about to get up from the bed to not disturb her sleep, Ayan walked inside the room, "Bhai!"

Arnav looked at his side and walked to him. He said in a low whisper, "Good that you came here. Let's start packing your bag. We don't have much time left now. We need to leave at 6:30 or 7 pm at least."

Ayan nodded as he excitedly said, "I'm taking my PS4 with me!"

"No, first things first, Ayan. Will you get dressed, brush your teeth and hair, or take a shower with your PS4 there? Nahi na, then think first about your clothes and shoes, your toothbrush and towels," Arnav said while taking a bag for him and bringing it to place on his bed.

Noticing how Ayan's face fell when he heard no at first, Arnav patted his cheek gently, "If there's some space left in mine or your bag, we'll put your PS4 in, ok?"

Arnav was relieved seeing the smile back on his little brother's face. 

"Thank you, veere (brother)!" Ayan said as he rushed to get his toothbrush and towel. When he came back to put his belongings in the bag, he noticed Arnav lost in his thoughts leisurely playing with the bag straps.

"Kya hua bhai? Aap thik hai na? (What happened? Are you okay?)," Ayan asked in a concerned tone.

Arnav sighed as he sat on Ayan's bed and pulled his brother to sit with him, "Guess what.. I'm still confused about my feelings for Khushi. Di and Jiju teasing me and reminding me of my feelings isn't helping me to forget it either."

"See this about your feelings.. so only you know what you feel for Khushi didi.. me, Di, Jiju, Ma ya Aman bhai can't say anything.."

Arnav looked at him weirdly, "When did you start talking like a mature boy?"

"Thik hai.. thik hai.. aa raha hu apni line pe.. abhi dunga ek immature wali idea.. Okay, okay.. I'm coming back to my former self.. I'll give you one immature idea now)," Ayan grinned sheepishly, "Let's try one filmy idea.. you just relax and close your eyes.. if the first person you think about is Khushi didi.. then it means she's always on your mind and heart.. and you really love her."

"We're talking about her, so it's obvious that her face will come to my mind," Arnav said sarcastically as he hit Ayan's forehead lightly.

"That's why I'm saying be relaxed first," Ayan pouted, "You have tried being logical, and you didn't find any answer to your questions. There's no harm in trying an illogical idea now."

"Okay.. I'll try, but I won't trust the results," Arnav said as he took slow and deep breaths and closed his eyes.

"Should I play some music to make you feel the romantic vibes?" Ayan asked teasingly.

Arnav opened his eyes and glared at him, slapping his arm, "I tell you everything first and true about my thoughts and feelings, and these are things that I don't share with anyone, not even Ma, Di and Jiju and you only know how to make fun of your brother."

"Accha na sorry!" Ayan giggled, "Continue.. continue.. close your eyes.. I'll start the countdown."

Arnav sighed and did as he said. He closed his eyes again, and Ayan started counting, "3.. 2.. 1.."

"Arnav ji!"

The sound of knocking on the door disturbed Arnav's concentration as he immediately opened his eyes upon hearing Khushi's soft voice.

Ayan's widened in shock as he muttered to himself, "Oh teri.. Khushi didi toh reality mein hi aa gayi (Khushi didi came for real)."

Arnav looked at Khushi standing at the slightly opened door, waiting for permission to enter his room. He gulped, his gaze softened towards her. He felt something different in him. He doesn't know if this is the effect of Ayan's immature idea or his own heart is naturally responding to Khushi's presence, but he couldn't help but wonder what is this different connection he feels towards this girl, why is he so attached to her, why he looks at her differently from the way he looks at other girls, why does he only get affected by her presence and not others, why is so fond of her and last but not least, is it possible to fall in love with someone at the first sight itself.

Tu hi to jannat meri, tu hi mera junoon 
You are my heaven. You are my only passion
Tu hi to mannat meri, tu hi ruh ka sukun 
You are my only wish. You are the peace of my soul
Tu hi ankhiyo ki thandak, tu hi dil ki hai dastak 
You are the soothing of my eyes. You are the beat of my heart

Ayan noticed his brother back with his love sick majnu aashiq eyes and Khushi waiting to be attended, so he cleared his throat and walked towards Khushi, opening the door full for her, "Ji Didi. Come inside."

Khushi walked inside their room with Ayan.

Arnav came back to earth as he quickly composed himself and looked at Khushi questioningly, "Khushi.. kuch chahiye? (Do you want something?)"

Khushi nodded her head innocently, "I wanted to meet Amaya. You didn't introduce me to her."

"Oh," Arnav glanced at Amaya as he showed to Khushi, pointing towards Amaya sleeping on his bed, "She's here. She fell asleep while waiting for you to come back from college. That's why I didn't introduce you to her yet."

Khushi followed his gaze and saw a little cute baby sleeping peacefully covered with his blanket. She couldn't help but approach Amaya to get a closer look at the cutiepie who talked to her in a video call a few hours ago.

She sat on the edge of Arnav's bed admiring Amaya sleeping, then she glanced at Arnav with a smile playing on her lips as she whispered careful to not disturb Amaya's sleep, "She's so cute!"

Arnav nodded with a soft, affectionate smile.

W

hile Khushi was caressing Amaya's cheek gently, Arnav had the privilege of this sight as he settled on Ayan's bed, admiring them.

Ayan was standing a few feet behind Khushi. He started waving to get his brother's attention, and when Arnav finally looked back at him, he discreetly pointed at the ceiling and then at Khushi, indicating that it's God who send this sign to clear his confusion.

As much as Arnav wanted to believe it was divine intervention at that moment, he decided to maintain a sane mind and think of it as a mere coincidence. He shook his head at Ayan, asking him through his eyes to stop teasing him as Khushi was still there.

Khushi got up to leave, "I'll talk to her later then."

"Be ready for her bak bak!" Arnav joked as he too got up from the bed and accompanied her till the door. Khushi chuckled softly, "I'm sure I won't get bored with her."

"Did you complete the assignment?" he asked.

Khushi shook her head, "Not yet. But we're going to complete it soon. Just 30 or 40 minutes more."

"OK. I know you guys ate lunch in college, but still, take a quick break to eat something. I’ll serve chole bhature to you three, okay?" he said.

Khushi was literally swooning over this man at this point. She couldn't help but melt at his caring way of taking care of her. It was this moment she realised, not just her, it's so easy for any girl to have a crush on him.

She nodded, lowering her eyes, feeling shy about her own thoughts. She quickly left there, unable to stand there and face him.

When Khushi left, Ayan rushed to his brother, "I'm telling you, this is a sign, bhai..
How is it possible that Khushi didi arrived on time when I finished my countdown?"

"Coincidence ka naam suna hai kabhi? (Have you ever heard about coincidence?)" Arnav asked sarcastically.

"Urgh.. what's wrong with you, bhai? You were more fun when only I knew about your feelings for Khushi didi.. now that you shared this with Ma and Aman bhai.. you've become serious and boring now," Ayan made an annoyed look as he walked back to continue packing his bag.

"I've become mature now," Arnav walked to Ayan's wardrobe to help him choose the clothes he would take for the trip.

"Mature and confused!" Ayan added, earning a kick on the buttocks from his brother's foot, who was coming with a few sets of clothes for him.

"Ouch yaar bhai!" Ayan cried, making Arnav press his lips tightly to suppress his smile as he gestured Ayan not to make noise and disturb Amaya's sleep. Ayan pouted and sat on the bed, narrowing his eyes at Arnav as he demanded, "Now pack my bags alone. It's your punishment for hurting me. And if you don't do this, then I'll call Ma and complain about you."

Arnav chuckled, "Haww, seriously. I didn't kick you so hard that you're crying this much. Drama King!"

"Haan Drama King hi hoon.. and please go back with these clothes you choose for me. I don't want to take these clothes. Bring another set of clothes," Ayan folded his arms, pretending to be upset with him.

"Chal bey.. pack your clothes yourself then. I still have to serve chole bhature for Khushi and her friends," Arnav messed with Ayan's hair playfully as he dumped the set of clothes Ayan refused to pack on Ayan's lap and walked away from there making Ayan stare at his retreating figure grumpy as he cutely complained to himself,  "No one takes me seriously in this house."

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

At the living room..

Arnav and Anjali came with three plates of chole bhature for Khushi, Lavanya, and NK. Arnav asked them to take a mini break from studies to eat as he placed one plate on Khushi's side first and then the second plate he was holding on Lavanya's side of the table. Anjali did the same for NK.

Anjali joined them as she pulled a chair for herself and thought it was a good time to chit chat with them for a while.

Arnav went from there for some time and came back with hershey milk chocolate bar  for Lavanya. He gave it to her smirking, "Lelo (take it).. got to know from your brother that you love this chocolate."

Lavanya's eyes twinkle in happiness as her smiled widened, "Aww.. thank you so much, cute bandar!"

"You're welcome, cute chipkali," he smiled sweetly, pulling his chair to sit beside her. Lavanya looked at Anjali with a crying face, "See your brother Di.. he's calling me chipkali. Do I look like a chipkali?"

"Nahi toh!" Anjali shook her head, not actually paying much attention to their conversation as her eyes were fixed on Khushi, whose face fell when Arnav gifted a chocolate to Lavanya.

She smirked, thinking to herself, "Aag dono taraf barabar lagi hai (the fire is even on both sides)."

Khushi didn't know what was happening to her, but she was feeling bad and something pricking inside her when he only gifted chocolate to Lavanya. And now he sat beside Lavanya, too. The chair next to hers is empty, too. Still, he chose to sit near Lavanya.

She ignored Lavanya and Arnav bickering going on and tried to concentrate on her food to ward off this painful, prickly feeling she was going through now.

While Arnav looked at her every now and then to check whether she was eating or not.

When she finished her food, he was the first one to ask if she wanted him to serve more for her.

"Aur chahiye? (Do you want more?)" he asked in a soft, caring tone.

Khushi shook her head in no as she took her plate and left to the kitchen.

Anjali stared at her brother with an aww like expression, seeing him take care of Khushi, NK, and Lavanya. She feels proud to see the man her brother has become, a super caring and attentive man to everyone around him.

She also understood that Khushi was feeling jealous because of the feelings she was starting to develop for Arnav. That's why she failed to see what Arnav did for Lavanya. He would do it for anyone, even NK, if he got to know that it was his favourite chocolate too.

But since she was strictly instructed by her mother not to interfere in Arnav and Khushi's matter and let them go with the flow and find out for themselves what they feel for each other, she will just keep quiet and observe what's happening around her.

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

Sometime later..

They finally finished the group assignment. It was decided that Aman would come to their house with Sheetal. Aman brought Lavanya's bag so she could freshen up and change her clothes before they left for the road trip to Nainital. Since NK had his packed bag at home, Arnav went with him to take his belongings, and then they came back to their apartment so everyone gets ready in same place and they leave together to save their time.

Khushi and Lavanya were in Khushi's room getting ready, and Arnav, Ayan, and NK were in Arnav's room. While Anjali, Shyam, Aman, and Sheetal were in the living room having a casual conversation as they were already ready to leave.

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

Arnav's room..

Ayan was calling Akash, but his phone was unreachable. He sighed, "Akash bhai ka phone hi nahi lag raha hai yaar.. what should I do now? Don't tell me last moment mein hi he gave up of our trip."

"He must be busy in hospital," Arnav said.

"Haan," Ayan agreed. "Don't worry, we'll wait for him," Arnav said.

NK, who was brushing his hair, turned to look at them with a curious, confused look, "Who is Akash?" 

"He's our cousin. Doctor by profession. He was also going to join us on this trip, but we don't know if he is busy at the hospital or not," Arnav explained.

"Oh okay," NK smiled a little with an acknowledging nod.

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

Khushi's room..

Lavanya walked out of the bathroom, dressed in a yellow dress. She twirled in front of Khushi, giggling, "Kaisi lag rahi ho main? (How am I looking?)"

"Very pretty!" Khushi complimented, smiling at her.

"Aww.. thank you, my sweetheart," Lavanya rushed to her and pulled her into a tight hug. Then she broke the hug in lightning speed and cupped Khushi's face with one hand and soundly kissed her cheek.

"By the way, now that we're going to a trip and your family won't be watching you, you can get rid of your traditional clothes and wear a similar dress like mine, haina?" Lavanya asked with her eyes twinkling in excitement. She was getting really curious to see Khushi in modern clothes.

Khushi immediately shook her head in no, adjusting her dupatta, "No, I'm fine with my clothes only."

Seeing her getting uncomfortable, Lavanya thought not to force her and said, "Okay. You're looking pretty and cute, too, like this."

Khushi smiled softly, "Thank you!"

"Now let me quickly do my makeup. Otherwise, that bandar will start complaining that we got late because of me," Lavanya said as she rushed to Khushi's dressing table.

"Come Khushi. I'll help you with makeup," Lavanya said, motioning Khushi to come closer.

Khushi shook her head again, "Nahi. I don't want to put makeup on my face."

Lavanya pouted, "Yaar Khushi. A little makeup won't do any harm to your face."

"Nahi. Mujhe nahi lagana makeup (No, I don't want to apply makeup on my face)," Khushi was firm on her decision.

"Theek hai bhai!" Lavanya said while she quickly applied foundation on her face. When she was done with her makeup, she hurriedly picked up her bag, "Chalo chalo! (Let's go)."

Khushi nodded as she asked Lavanya to go ahead. She would come in a bit.

When Lavanya left the room, Khushi walked to her dressing table, looking at her reflection in the mirror, as she took out her hair claw clip and kept it on the dressing table, admiring how she looked with loose hair.

'When I saw you, this word, 'Oh Rabba (Oh God)', left my mouth in flow and unconsciously.

She could hear Arnav's voice confessing how he was mesmerized by her beauty. His words awakened this side of her. She never cared much about her appearance as her family always forbade her to wear bright and shiny clothes, apply makeup on her face, and let her hair down. She was only allowed to wear these clothes during festivals, and her mother only allowed her to apply kajal (eye kohl) to her eyes. She was used to dressing in simple, boring clothes that covered her body and didn't attract the attention of men.

That's why she never felt beautiful or something special. It was only when Arnav confessed that he was mesmerized by her beauty that she became conscious of her appearance. And here she was, standing in front of the mirror.. looking at herself.. exploring and getting to know more about herself.. feeling good about herself.. and starting to gain a little bit of self-confidence.

The sound of a knock on the door made her startled for a moment as she rushed to open the door, feeling scared that they might scold her for taking time to get ready. When she opened the door, she saw Arnav standing with Amaya in his arms.

The moment she opened the door, he was presented with the sight of her angelic baby face. She was dressed in a green colour salwar suit. He noticed she let her long, straight silky hair loose today. She was looking cute in this look and hairstyle.

(Khushi's look)

"Namaste Khushi Mami!" Amaya's voice made him shift his attention back to her. He looked at his niece, who joined her hands cutely greeting Khushi.

"Namaste Amaya!" Khushi pinched Amaya's chubby cheeks, unable to contain herself seeing this cutiepie greeting her with Namaste.

"You're so beautiful, Mami," Amaya complimented her.

Arnav sighed, thinking to himself, "You're so right, Amu!"

"Thank you," Khushi smiled, "And you're the prettiest and cutest girl I've ever seen in my life," Khushi came closer and pecked Amaya's cheek.

Arnav felt his heart racing with their proximity and domesticity of this scene as Amaya was in his arms while Khushi was whispering sweet nothings and showering his niece with kisses. Amaya was getting shy and hiding her face on the crook of his neck, making Khushi smile fondly at her.

"Will you stay with her while I go and put  the bags in the car?" Arnav asked. Khushi readily agreed as she took Amaya from his arms.

"Give me your bag," Arnav said. Khushi moved aside as she walked with Amaya in her arms, who was already caressing Khushi's soft hair and curling Khushi's hair with her finger playfully, to her bed where she kept her duffel bag. Arnav rushed to them and picked up her bag before she could give it to him.

"I'm going down to the parking lot to put everyone's luggage in the car with Aman and Jiju. You'll come later with everyone, okay? You, Ayan, NK, and Lavanya come with me in my car," he instructed her with a soft tone, holding her bag in his hand.

Khushi nodded her head obediently.

"And me?" Amu frowned, pouting.

Arnav's heart melted with his nanhi si jaan's upset expression. If it were possible, he would take her in the car too, but Amaya is still little and needs her parents to look after her naps and meals.

"When we reach there, then Mamu will be with you only. For now, you'll leave with your Mumma and Papa, ok?" he patted her cheek gently.

"I'm katti with you," Amaya made a sad puppy face as she looked away and rested her cheek on Khushi's shoulder. She didn't want to talk to Arnav now.

"Amu meri jaan don't do this to Mamu. Please understand.. I can't take you with me now. When we reach Nainital, I promise I will play with you only." Since she was facing her back to him, he kissed her head from behind.

Amaya didn't reply to him. Khushi gave Arnav an assuring look, "Don't worry. I'll talk to her."

"Yes, please." Arnav instantly accepted her help as he had to hurry now.

When he left, Khushi took Amaya with her to the balcony of the living room. She was trying to distract and cheer up Amaya, who was still upset with her Mamu.

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

Arnav sighed in relief dramatically when he saw Akash ascending the stairs of their building, "Thank God you're here.. why didn't you pick up our calls?"

"Sorry.. battery dead!" Akash showed his phone to him, "Are you guys leaving already?" Akash asked, noticing the bags in his hand.

"Everyone is still upstairs. We're just putting these bags in the car. You still have time to get ready," Arnav said.

"Okay, I'll just quickly freshen up. I packed my bags yesterday, so I won't take time," Akash said.

Arnav nodded. When he was about to go, Akash hesitantly stopped him again, "Voh.."

Akash looked down, adjusting his wristwatch to cover for his awkwardness.

"Hmm?" Arnav looked at him questioningly.

"It's that.. I invited.."

"Anklet to join you in the trip," Arnav completed for him smirking, "It's okay. She's going in your car, na. Sanu ki (it's none of our business)."

"It's just that we don't get much time to spend with each other because I'm always busy in the hospital. I thought this was a good opportunity to spend some quality time with her," Akash confessed shyly.

"Haan bhai.. I can understand," Arnav smiled teasingly.

"But I'm feeling scared.. if Ma gets to know that I took Payal with me to this trip, she'll kill me," Akash said worriedly.

"Don't worry, na.. we won't say anything to her, and if by chance she gets a hint of this, toh fir, we'll cook up a story and manage to save you, ok?" Arnav said assuringly.

"Thanks, yaar!" Akash smiled gratefully. Arnav blinked his eyes, smiling, "Ab jaldi se tayar ho jao.. (Now go and get ready quickly). I hope Payal is also ready."

"Yeah.. I'll just charge my phone and call her," Akash said, hurrying upstairs while Arnav went downstairs.

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

Sometime later..

Everyone was coming to the parking lot, ready to leave now. Akash, Payal, Shyam, Anjali, and Amaya were going together in Akash's car, and this was enough reason for everyone to tease the couple.

Anjali was asking non-stop questions about their love story, making Akash blush profusely while Payal was answering most of the questions and handling the awkward situation.

While in Aman's car, Sheetal was looking behind and making a sad face, "No one is coming with us. I thought we're going with Arnav and Lavanya."

"Well, it happens that our family and friends list is growing. Now we've Khushi and NK in our friends circle. We wouldn't all fit in the same car, na," Aman explained.

Lavanya, NK, Khushi, and Ayan were standing near Arnav's car and discussing their seats.

It was the first time Arnav noticed closely what Lavanya wore, and he smiled teasingly, "Arey wah! Aaj insaan lag rahi ho chipkali (today you're looking like a human lizard)."

Lavanya pressed her lips to stop herself from smiling as she narrowed her eyes at him, making him laugh at her.

"I swear you look pretty good today," he added.

Lavanya forced a smile on her face, "Thanks, but I look pretty good every day, ok bandar!"

Arnav chuckled mockingly, "You think so!"

Khushi looked away, feeling her heart ache again. It's okay she's wearing her simple salwar suit, but she lets her hair loose today, which is something she does rarely. He didn't even notice it nor complimented her like he did for Lavanya.

"I'll sit in the front seat," Lavanya announced excitedly as she ran to mark her space.

Ayan didn't fight as he knew Arnav wouldn't let him sit in the front seat when there were elders present in the car. So he joined NK in the backseat. Khushi followed suit.

Arnav wanted Khushi to sit with him in the front seat, but it would sound rude to ask Lavanya to sit behind and let Khushi sit in the front seat. He sighed and walked to the driver seat.

When he sat inside the car, he looked behind at Khushi. She wasn't looking at him. She was looking out the window with a facial expression similar to Amaya's when she got upset with him for not taking her with him in the car.

"Khushi," he called her softly, and she unwillingly turned her face and raised her eyes to meet his questioningly.

"You okay?" he asked in a concerned tone.

Khushi stared at him, feeling a gush of pure affection towards this man. She nodded her head innocently.

Na Kuch Poocha
You Didn’t Ask Anything
Na Kuch Maanga
You Didn’t Ask For Anything
Tune Dil Se Diya Jo Diya
Whatever You Gave, You Gave From Your Heart
Na Kuch Bola
You Didn’t Say Anything
Na Kuch Tola
You Didn’t Weigh The Pros And Cons
Muskuraake Diya Jo Diya
Whatever You Gave, You Gave With A Smile

Tu Hi Dhoop Tu Hi Chaaon
You’re The Warmth, You’re The Shade
Tu Hi Apna Paraya
You’re My Own and a Stranger

They shared an intense eyelock before Arnav looked ahead and buckled up his seatbelt to start the car.

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