They reached the private villa they booked for their stay this weekend. A rustic, homely, and cosy space for their weekend getaway.

Arnav parked the car at the parking area, and he looked behind to check on Ayan and Khushi, and immediately, the tired look he had got replaced with a soft, soul-refreshing smile as he saw Ayan sleeping with his head rested on Khushi's shoulder, Khushi was also asleep but her hand was placed on Ayan's head as if she was patting him to sleep before falling asleep. He was really exhausted after driving for long hours. They took small breaks on the way to eat something or use the washroom, appreciate the pleasing and beautiful sight, and take pictures. But since in his car, he was the only one who knew driving, he didn't have someone to replace him during the road trip like Aman had Sheetal, and Akash had Anjali, Payal and Shyam.

But all these hours of driving and the exhausting feeling that comes with it felt worth it when his eyes fell on this beautiful, heart-warming image of his little cute family. He couldn't help but ponder if it was another girl in Khushi's place. Would he still find this moment as endearing as he felt seeing Khushi taking care of his little brother? Isn't this one of those moments where you actually feel you're in love with someone?

He took his phone from his pant pocket, careful enough not to make any sound and disturb them, and silently took Ayan-Khushi's picture. Then he sent the picture to his mother with a message:

"See your kids.. they've reached Bhimtal villa safe and sound. And they're also sleeping peacefully. Now you tell me if you're taking care of yourself or not? Did you sleep well? Did you eat? Are you comfortable there or not? Tell me everything.. keep me updated, Ma!"

After sending this message to his mother, he kept his phone back and then glanced at Lavanya and NK. They were also sleeping peacefully.

He didn't feel like disturbing their sleep, but they couldn't stay in the car for a long time, so he spoke a little loud, "Chalo.. utho sab.. paunch gaye hum (Come on.. get up, everyone.. we've reached)."

Khushi was the first one to open her eyes alarmed as soon as Arnav's voice reached her ears. She blinked her eyes, a little disoriented for a moment. While Lavanya frowned in her sleep and turned to the other side, facing her back to Arnav and NK didn't even react in his sleep. Ayan was already used to this voice waking him up every day, so he whined in his sleep, "Bhai five minutes more."

Arnav looked back at him, then reacted by shaking his head in disbelief. He threw a soft glance at Khushi, who was smiling and patting Ayan's cheek to wake him up before she raised her eyes to meet his.

"Tum theek ho? Did you sleep well?" Arnav asked in a concerned tone, his gaze soft for her.

Khushi nodded her head, staring at him with a pity concerned look, "And you? You must be tired. You should take a rest now."

Although he was taken aback to see her put her concern for him into words, he didn't let it visible in his eyes. He nodded his head and casually replied, "I'm fine. I will rest as soon as I get to my room."

Then he shifted his attention to his brother, who refused to open his eyes,  "Ayan, we're not home, and you're not going to school.. we already reached Nainital.. chalo utho Ayan!" he said with a serious tone, trying to intimidate Ayan into obeying his word.

And it seemed like his trick worked as Ayan finally opened his eyes and sat straight, then he gave a tight hug to Khushi, sulking, "Khushi didi dekho Bhaiya mujhe sone nahi de raha hai (Brother is not letting me sleep)."

Khushi smiled, caressing his head, "Because we have already reached Ayan. You will sleep comfortably, and for as many hours as you want in your bed now, ok!"

Ayan immediately peeked at the window with a realisation look as he broke the hug with his eyes twinkling in excitement, "Arey haan! We reached our villa!"

Arnav face palmed, "What do you think I've been trying to tell you till now?"

Ayan chuckled sheepishly, and then he signalled Khushi that he wanted to go out, Khushi immediately opened the door for him and got down the car first, then Ayan followed suit.

Ayan excitedly ran towards Akash's car, while Arnav and Khushi, after a lot of effort, managed to get Lavanya and NK out of the car.

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A few minutes later, the property manager and his staff came to receive them and help them with their bags. Everyone followed the manager who enthusiastically spoke about each and every area of the villa to them.

As they reached the entrance of the villa, Khushi couldn't help but take baby steps towards the wooden deck that ran the length of the property, mesmerised by the unhindered views of the valley, pine forests, and a glimpse of the neighbouring village.

She had completely forgotten about others as her curious eyes explored a new sight for her, breathing in a fresh air of freedom. This is the first time that she has travelled without her parents. Her parents would never allow her to travel alone or with strangers, but luckily, the situation is such that since the elders of the Raizada family didn't want to leave her alone in the house, they had no other option but to grant her permission to go along with the youngsters to this getaway trip. Nani assured her that she would inform her father about this and would handle the situation.

Her feelings were divided. One part of her was feeling scared for travelling without her parents for the first time, and she was feeling like she was committing a crime for going against the rules set by her father as he would never allow her to travel in a car with boys. Another part of her was low-key enjoying the idea of a weekend getaway with Arnav and Ayan, his family and friends, and her college friends. It felt so much fun when they were playing songs in the car and singing along, even though she didn't actively participate in the fun activities, she was silently enjoying to see them getting super energetic and vibing to their favourite songs. And then when they stopped the car by nearby dhabbas so they could have their food around 11pm, she was so excited with the idea of having food outside in family and friends group.

But she had to confess to herself. The reason she was enjoying all this is Arnav. He's always around her, and his presence made her feel home and safe. It felt like she wasn't alone with a bunch of strangers. She was with her family. During the long drive, he called her numerous times to ask her what she wanted and if she's feeling okay or not, and then when they stopped at the nearby dhabba to eat, he came with his plate to sit with her and Ayan. And then everyone wanted to take their single picture with the aesthetically beautiful greenery background view. Arnav offered to take her single picture, but she was feeling too shy to pose in front of him, so she denied taking pictures, and only accepted to face the camera when he invited her to join him, Ayan and Amaya for a selfie.

A wide smile spread across her face as she took a deep breath, inhaling this fresh air of her freedom and turned to follow everyone else inside the villa, when her eyes caught Arnav standing a few feet distant from her, with a proud smiling playing on his lips. It seems like he was staring at her only this whole time.

He casually walked to her, saying, "This is just the start. You'll enjoy this trip so much that you won't feel like going back to Delhi anymore."

Khushi smiled at him. Arnav extended his hand in reflex for her to hold, signalling her to join him, "Come. Let's go inside."

Khushi was caught off guard. It doesn't come naturally to her to hold a man's hand or hug anyone like she has noticed this kind of natural reaction and comfort from Anjali, Payal, Lavanya, and Sheetal. She did hesitate to hold his hands, but somehow, she kind of wanted to do it. However, she was late to act on her wish as she saw him withdraw his hand awkwardly when he realised she's not comfortable.

She also hid the hand she had slightly raised to hold his behind her duppata and followed him to the entrance of the villa.

They walked in complete awkward silence. Khushi noticed how he kept a distance from her, how he looked awkward and guilty, and probably was thinking of the day they fought because she changed seats with Ayan at the cinema.

She certainly didn't want him to stay away from her and spend more time with Lavanya than with her. That's why driving away her fear and hesitancy, she rushed to him and held his wrist from behind to stop him, and when he halted on his steps, feeling her soft touch on him, she leisurely slid her hands down to his. She gulped when he looked up at her, surprised with her move. She also didn't know what kind of effect he had on her because this man made her lose control over herself and take some bold steps she would never have taken, only for him.

Arnav held her hand securely in his as he took her with him inside. Oh, if this girl knew the kind of effect she had on him. It's just a hand hold, but it's making his heart beat so fast and feel so giddy. His body natural reaction to Khushi puts to shame his "we're just friends" claim every time.

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When they reached inside, everyone was discussing which room they would take. It was decided that the couples would sleep together in their rooms (Anjali-Shyam, Payal-Akash, and Aman-Sheetal), and the singles would share their rooms (Arnav-Ayan-NK and Khushi-Lavanya).

It was at that moment that Khushi realised that no matter how much she was enjoying this trip, she didn't belong to their world. She was shocked and disgusted to hear that Sheetal-Aman and Payal-Akash would sleep in the same room without being married couple. Their parents probably didn't even know this, and everyone else, including Arnav, had no problem with this.

She released her hand from his firm hold, feeling uncomfortable and disgusted with the environment she was a part of now. Her father would never approve of this. She wanted to go back to her room and lock herself and get busy with her studies. At least she wouldn't feel guilty and conscience and feel like she's betraying her family, especially her father's trust in her.

"Khushi.." she heard his voice, his tone as if he wanted to explain everything to her.

Khushi shook her head with moist eyes, not wanting to listen to any explanations, "I want to go back home," she whispered to him.

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I know it's a short one. But I would take more time to give a long one and since you're all waiting for Jugnu. I decided to post this short update quickly.

Hope you all enjoyed reading this one. Don't forget to drop your comments and vote on this chapter 🌸❤️.