SS - WILL LOVE FINDS ITS WAY?(7)

CHAPTER-7

"Payal, tomorrow is your D-day, your wedding! Finally the day arrived, I'm very happy for you" Khushi hugged her from sideways.

"Girls, let's celebrate this night like our college days. Remember our last night in our hostel?" Lavanya sighed thinking about those old days.
"Yes! That day was unforgettable. Though we had exam on the next day, we didn't study even a word. Thankfully we passed!" Payal said feeling nostalgic of those days.
"That's true. At that time, we never knew that we will meet next only after three years and that too on your wedding. Missed you both a lot" Khushi said hugging both her friends and all the three girls held each other tightly and cried.
"Guys, there is still time left for my bidaai. Why are we crying now?" Payal said wiping her own tears and tried cheering up her friends.
"As if, you are going to live thousand miles away from your home." Khushi lightly hit on Payal's head and all the three laughed.
"Okay girls, no more rona-dhona now. You know boys are having 'Bachelor's party' at their place, so why can't we have a 'Bachelorette party' with this? Remember how we planned to taste at least  a sip of this before ending our college, but it never happened." Lavanya announced showing a champagne bottle to her friends.
"What? Are they going to'" Payal asked in shock.
"What are they going to, Payal?" Khushi asked without knowing the seriousness in her friend's voice.
"Relax Payal! They are going to have a simple cocktail party. That's it." Lavanya said cooling down her friend.
"No La, I heard from my cousins that in Bachelor's party, boys will'.um.. will do it with other girls" Payal said with a hesitation as she was not able to think straight.
"What?" Khushi shouted imagining Arnav in that state. She hates drinking and that too when it comes to Arnav, it's too... Well, she didn't have the exact words. Everything flashed in her mind and mainly THAT night.
"Stop over-reacting girls! Nothing like that is gonna happen" Lavanya reassured her friends.
"No La, now I can understand everything. You know Akash told me that he is going to stay in a hotel tonight with his cousins and friends." Payal said with a worried and tensed face.
"Payal, you are freaking out unnecessarily! Don't you trust Akash?" Lavanya asked angrily.
"La, even NK is there. Are you sure that after drinking, he won't..." Payal stopped seeing Lavanya's face going pale. The more they discussed, Khushi's mind stopped working. She wanted to see him right now, though she trusted him. "But why? Damn No!" she rubbed off all her thoughts. She looked Payal, as she spoke "Can you both go and check there, please." Payal pleaded her already panicked friends.
"What?? Why should I go?" Khushi asked Payal, acting cool.
"Coz I can't go na.. The bride should not step out of her house after haldi. And Lavanya can't go alone. Please go with her, Khushi"
Feeling very strange suddenly, Khushi tried to change the topic. But Payal being stubborn in her decision, literally sent both of her friends out of the home to check the boys, giving the car keys to Lavanya. Little did Khushi know that, Destiny is playing its own game with her.
Switching on the GPS of the car, Lavanya started driving the car, while Khushi sat on the passenger seat thinking to where she was heading. But rubbing off her thoughts, she zipped her cardigan up to her neck because of the cool wind blowing. She totally enjoyed the night beauty of Shimla. Thinking to hear to some music much contrast to the atmosphere, Khushi turned to turn the music player on, when she heard Lavanya clearing her throat.
"What happened, La?" Khushi asked with confusion in her eyes.
"Chamkili, I need to talk about something to you." Lavanya said seriously.

 "Tell me, La?" Khushi asked with a smile on her face.

"I know this is your personal. But you know this is killing me from the past one week. Can you please tell me why you broke up with ASR?"

Khushi didn't expect this question from Lavanya at this moment, she just looked at her as she further spoke. "I don't think there is a misunderstanding between you both. Coz, you are not that kind. So, tell me Khush, what happened?" Lavanya asked with a worry on her face.

Khushi just looked away to the other side facing the window, not answering to any of Lavanya's questions. Lavanya halted the car with a force break seeing Khushi's behavior. "Khushi, I'm sure that, there is some miscommunication between you both." Khushi knew that Lavanya is mad at her now coz she called her Khushi only when she is angry. But Khushi stayed quiet making Lavanya more angry.

"You know what Khushi, 'To find happiness you have to keep your heart open, so that love can find its way'. You told me this, years ago. But now I feel that, this only applies to me.  Lavanya couldn't continue her blasting on Khushi without knowing the truth and moreover, she can't bear her friend worrying, can she?

Lavanya started the car again, feeling guilty for speaking harshly with her friend and turned on the music. As she drove silently, Khushi's mind went back to that fateful night.

**flashback**

It was after the party of 'Delhi Fashion week'.  Arnav and Khushi represented A.R. Designs and their designs were well praised and recognized. Everything went well on that day, she never even in her worst dreams thought that, that would be the last day for her with her Arnav. Khushi drove the car back to the home on that day as Arnav was completely boozed up. As soon as they entered the home, Khushi went to her room angrily to cool down her already heated head, but only to be stopped by Arnav.

"Leave me, Arnav!" Khushi spoke in anger, holding her tears not to drop. But Arnav didn't listen to her pleas and continued to nuzzle her neck while his hand reached the straps of her dress. Khushi tried her best to free herself from the drunken Arnav, but it was a total waste as he already pushed her one strap off from her shoulder.

"Please stop it Arnav! Let's talk tomorrow" she replied maintaining the softness in her voice.

"Not today, Khushi. Please don't stop me."

"Ple..as..e" she managed to speak but he already claimed her lips.

She pushed him with a force, leaving a stunned Arnav looking at her. "When are you going to marry me Arnav?" she asked angrily.

"What's wrong with you Khush?"

"Please answer me Arnav."

"Khushi, I already told you many times. I don't believe in marriage"

Determined and cornered, she found the words to speak. "I don't want to be a pastime Arnav, who fits between the pages of your schedule. " She brought the pair of his hands up to her lips, "I want to be your wife, Arnav." her eyes begged him.

And there, it was out. All or nothing!

His gaze searched her face for a moment before his voice lowered to rumble. "Khushi, please don't ask me for that." Feeling hurt with his reply, Khushi ran inside her room locking herself in.

After knocking several times, he finally spoke loud enough to be heard through the door. "Khushi.. Let me in." He resisted the urge to break the door.

But eventually the door cracked open and what he saw both panicked and disturbed him. Without waiting for a second, he pushed the door wider and stepped inside to cup her face. "Why are you crying? Tell me what's going on. And what are you doing?" He asked loudly when he saw her packing her clothes.

Her brows creased as if she were fighting with herself in her mind, "Arnav'" Her gaze scanned his face, as if trying to memorize it. "I can't see you anymore."

"Because of the marriage." It wasn't a question, he knew it. He was ready for the debate tonight.

She swallowed and spoke "I understand the reasons, Arnav. From your point of view I suppose they make perfect sense and you have every right to lead your life the way you want." She turned and left the room saying "So do I. We both can live our own lives differently from now."

Arnav followed Khushi, "Nothing needs to be different, Khushi. Your feelings toward me haven't changed." Standing behind Khushi, his hands smoothed down her bare arms. When he heard her sigh, his mouth brushed her forehead as the alcohol he drank was slowly dissolving in his brain. "And I'm sure about the feelings about you."

"How do you feel about me, Arnav?" When his arms pulled her in, she broke free and turned around. "Like a rich man feels about his mistress?" she retorted.

A bolt of annoyance ran through his spine. "I've never thought of you that way." He said closing his fists tightly.

"If that's true, marry me Arnav! You simply made your decision, brought me home, and expected me to smile and go along?" She backed away as tears edged in her eyes. "Well, I can't." she declared.

"I didn't know marriage was this important to you. I thought we were happy." Arnav tried to stop Khushi.

"I was happy, Arnav. But after eight months, of course I'd hoped for more." She shrugged her shoulders and avoided his gaze. "I probably shouldn't be surprised, you didn't notice what I'm going through.. " She searched for the right words.

Arnav focused on her moving lips which he wanted so badly to taste. He wasn't ready to see Khushi walk from his life, but neither could he give her what she asked for. Maybe a compromise?

"I'm leaving Arnav and I don't know how long I'll be gone."

He dropped the suitcase from her hands. Catching the curve of her waist, he brought her in against his body to let her know how much he loved her. Each word was low and deliberate: "You can't go. We need to work this out."

His thumb stroked her cheeks as his mouth reached hers. Her parted lips glistened as if begging for more, but her eyes fell together and she shook her head. "I'm leaving, Arnav"

He let out a breath. "You are not going anywhere."

With her paining heart, she clenched her fists and then moved to the door. "For once, please listen to me. It's over between us, Arnav. And the truth is, you don't love me anymore."

He growled out of irritation. One hand low on his hip, he moved back the hair that had fallen on his forehead. "If you think, this is some kind of game, Khushi, you can stop playing. Nothing will change the terms. I can't marry you or anyone else."

"No games. I accept your decision." Her mouth very nearly trembled. "Bye!"

"Maybe if you still feel the same, perhaps we could talk about it then." He asked her again, not able to see her leaving.

Her nostrils flared and her eyes turned cold. "I want to go, Arnav. That is final" She indicated the door and before Arnav could realize, she already left.

He didn't like it..not even one bit..but he knew his Khushi will come back to him.

**end of the flashback**

Khushi jerked from her thoughts as Lavanya halted the car. They stepped out of the car and walked inside the hotel and saw the entire guests and relatives of Akash and Payal there. Finally after spotting NK in the lawn, Lavanya rushed to towards him leaving Khushi behind. "There he is, just one minute Chamkili, I'll talk to him and we'll go back to our party at home in five minutes"

** 

"Khushi.. How are you here?" Akash asked seeing Khushi standing alone.

"Oh. Thank God, you came. I came with La" she said indicating NK and Lavanya at a distance. "And also, your would-be-wife sent me here to check you. So, How is your bachelor party going on?" Khushi asked with a smile, avoiding Arnav completely, who was standing next to Akash.

"It's going good. And if you girls leave from here, then it would be even more good. Coz girls are not allowed here." Akash suggested making Khushi to open her mouth in shock.

Soon, everyone joined there and started to tease Akash about the end of his carefree days and making fun of him. Khushi smiled to herself and was about to leave from there and wait at the corner for Lavanya. Meanwhile, a waiter came with a tray full of juices on her way, and Khushi accepted it as it was boring to stand alone. Liking the taste of strawberry punch she drank, Khushi asked for some more glasses not knowing that it is vodka in strawberry flavor. After taking some ten shots of vodka, Khushi walked in search of Lavanya and on the way she bumped with a man.

She rubbed her eyes to look at the person and was shocked to see Arnav. "You? Go out of my way" she said in a drowsy state because of the effects of alcohol.

"Arnav.. Leave me! Don't you dare to touch .." But all went in vain, as he dragged her far away from the lawn.

"Leave me.. I'll shout.." she said pulling her hands out from his grip. But he didn't speak anything. He finally lifted and took her to the room, as she was not in the state of walking.

"What are you doing? Leave me!" she asked again.

"I'm going. You sleep here. I'll go and call Lavanya." He was to leave when she stopped him by pulling his arms.

"Arnav.. " she called him softly. "Sach mein, you will leave me and go?" she asked with her moist eyes, making Arnav's heart stop for a second.

"Khushi, you asked me to leave"

"You will leave me if I asked you to do, Arnav?"

Arnav couldn't understand what was running in Khushi's head, but all that he knew is that, his Khushi is not in her stable state.

"Sleep!"

"Answer me, Arnav. Will you leave and go?" she asked raising herself from the bed.

"You left me, Khushi"

"Yeah! I left you. But you didn't even care to check whether I'm alive or not."

"Khushi, didn't I come and call you back?"

"But what is use of coming back to you, you anyway not going to change your mind" she replied sarcastically.

"What do you mean Khushi? Come straight to the point" he asked in anger.

"Straight? Haha.. You know what Arnav, Lavanya was telling me the similar thing that I'm not open, and that's why love is not finding my way. But she doesn't know that, nothing is going to change if I'm open. It doesn't make any difference. It doesn't change the fact that men in the party misbehaved with me and tried to manhandle me, It doesn't change the fact that they called me to their place for a night, It doesn't change the option of society on how they saw me. It was all BECAUSE of you Arnav, only you." she roared at him while tears continuously cascaded down her cheeks. "I'm open now, has anything changed?"

Arnav stood rooted where he was standing, he never knew that Khushi went through such a horrible condition. He cursed the men who misbehaved with his Khushi and cursed himself for not being with her at that time. "Why didn't you tell me all these things on that night, Khushi?"

"Arnav, if I told you about all these that night, what would have you done? You would have beaten them black and blue, then? You would have married me? No, there wouldn't have been any change or difference. But still, I tried my best to convince you about our marriage that night. But you, you told me to end my game. Is my life any freaking game?" she shouted loudly and fell on her knees with a force and cried loudly.

He too knelt down immediately and held Khushi's hand in his and spoke "I'm sorry Khushi, really sorry. Why didn't you tell me on that day?" Khushi looked at his eyes which were in its deep shade of red. "You were drunk and by telling you, nothing is going to change. Well anyways, you are not going to marry me, right?" she shot back. There she broke the truth. Arnav felt like slapping himself. His own selfishness had brought Khushi to this state. He saw Khushi pulling her hands from his and walking towards the door.

He strode across the room and pulled her into his arms. His kiss wasn't sweet or tender. It wasn't a slow build. It was three years of pent-up passion and emotions, it was his sorry, it was his love, care, affection. It was his everything.  Khushi too gave her everything, with all of his defenses down, and she could give back nothing less.

On a sob, she opened to him, allowed him access to her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her fingers through his hair, holding on to him tightly. Because if she let go she was afraid she might not be able to stand.

When they parted, they were both breathing hard. Khushi hugged him tightly and she spoke "Missed you very badly, Arnav". He too hugged her back with equal force.

Kaisi teri khudgarzi
Na dhoop chune na chhaaon
Kaisi teri khudgarzi
Kisi thor tike na paaon

Ban liya apna paigambar
Tar liya tu saat samandar
Phir bhi sookha mann ke andar
Kyun reh gaya

Re Kabira maan jaa
Re Faqeera maan jaa
Aaja tujhko pukaare teri parchhaaiyan

"Then don't leave me, Khushi." Khushi looked into his eyes and touched his cheeks with her palms. "Is it paining? I'm sorry, Arnav." She said stroking his cheeks and kissed the same.

Arnav didn't understand what Khushi was saying for some time. He was clueless, totally. Then he realized that Khushi meant the slap of previous Sangeet night. Amidst all these things going on, Arnav felt like smiling seeing the childish Khushi to which he fell for. He cupped her both cheeks and kissed her forehead as an assurance. But Khushi already dozed off. He carried Khushi to the bed and called Lavanya wiping the tears which fell from his eyes.

~~~~~

SS - WILL LOVE FINDS ITS WAY?(6)

CHAPTER-6

 

"Wake up Girls! Go and get ready. It's already 6" Payal's mom woke up all the girls as it was getting late for the haldi rasam which is going to start by 8 A.M.
All the girls felt very lazy to wake up because of the previous night, they shook Khushi to wake her up. Khushi also slowly sat on the bed, stretching her hands. Her tear stained eyes clearly showed that she cried whole night.
"Goood morninggg!" she said lazily and got from the bed and walked towards her bag to get her clothes.
"Good morning Chamkili. How are you now?" Lavanya asked.
"What happened to me in one night? I'm good" she answered with a smile covering all her sorrows.
They smiled looking into each other's faces and soon Payal's mom gave another warning regarding the time and all the three rushed to get ready.

~~~~~~

 "Mom, this kurta's sleeves.. I really hate it and I don't want any haldi to be applied!" Akash told his mom making an irritation face.
"Dude, this Kurta is really cool. Feels like home. Totally Desi" NK suggested earning another praise from Akash's mom.
"Very Good, NK Beta! And Arnav Beta, you too change to this Kurta which I got for you. I have seen you only in this three piece suit. Take this and get ready, I want all my three sons to look like Prince today.
Arnav couldn't deny her, as she called him her son. He quickly went and changed to that white Kurta which she gave.
"Mom, why no one is there in the hall?" Akash asked his mom seeing it empty without any people.
"Go to the terrace, Akash. I'll join you in few minutes" she informed and the trio climbed to the terrace and saw all guests hustling here and there. And to their surprise, Payal was already there in their terrace and haldi is going to start there. Akash smiled looking at Payal, who was looking gorgeous in her sandalwood colored lehenga and the flower jewelry she wore added more elegance.
Arnav noticed Khushi standing next to Payal. She was wearing a sky blue colored saree, holding one end of the dupatta above Payal's head whilst Lavanya was holding the other end.
Seeing Lavanya, NK got excited and waved his hands and soon dropped seeing Akash's mom approaching them.
"That's the reason why arranged Haldi on the terrace. I know what you both exactly did on mehendi day. Can't be without seeing your girls huh?" saying that, she held both NK's and Arnav's ear.
Everyone sitting around them started to laugh looking at the boys and Akash looked here and there, not looking into his mother's eyes.
"Okay, let's start now" and the both the families started their rasam. The guests and relatives started applying to both bride and groom at their respective places. Both Payal and Akash looked each other every now and then, despite being teased by their cousins and friends.
"Once the haldi is applied, the bride and groom should not see each other and bride is forbidden to leave the house until the wedding. So you both see each other as much as you want." Payal's mom suggested and giggled looking at her daughter.
"Yes Poonam, I can't wait to see our children getting married. They are going to start a new life through this marriage and it makes their relationship still more beautiful. After the seven pheras, you will be officially announced as Man and Wife'." As Akash's mom was talking about the importance and significance of marriage, Khushi's face lost her color and she looked Arnav with a worried face.
*flashback*
"Arnav, it's time to call your Di and Jeeju and ask them to fix dates for our wedding"
"What is the need for wedding now, Khush?
"Arnav, I'm staying at your home from the last six months without getting married to you. At least someday we should get married, right?"
"Khush, I don't believe in the institution of marriage at all. It's not that only marriage unites people"
"But marriage is a sacred relationship Arnav."
"Damn the sacredness! Look at my mom and Dad, they got married but did they live together? They used to fight for every small issue and finally they got separated. We suffered a lot because of them. They both got another one in their life leaving me and Di alone. If Di hadn't worked at the little age, we would have been doomed. She brought the dead A.R Designs back to the limelight"
"Yours parents' case is different Arnav. They didn't love each other, that is why they got separated. Marriages make the relationship stronger. My parents got married and Di got married to Shyam Jeejaji."
"Khushi, I don't believe in marriage and I don't want to discuss on this matter anymore."
"But Arnav.."
"Please Khushi. Don't you trust me? We can live together, happily"
"I completely trust you Arnav, more than myself. That's why I came with you, the day you called me. But think about the marriage, once again Arnav"
Arnav's anger reached its peak again because of the word "marriage" and he was about to walk away when Khushi stopped him. "Okay Arnav. I won't talk about it hereafter. Don't be angry. I can't bear it" she said and hugged him tightly.
 **end**
Arnav looked Khushi's sad face and understood the reason behind it. Soon after all the process in the haldi, Lavanya and Khushi assisted Payal to the holy haldi bath and boys returned back to their home.
  Later in the evening
"Surpriseee" Khushi shouted taking two dresses in her hand.
"Though, I came in a hurry and didn't have any time to pack my own clothes. I got these two for you both." Khushi said showing them two beautiful lehengas'.
"This golden one is for you, Payal and La, this is for you. I designed them few days ago for you both. But when Payal called, asking me to come to the Shimla, I could only think of these two dresses than packing mine."
Both Lavanya and Payal were dumbfounded seeing Khushi standing with two beautiful creations in her both hands.
"These are so beautiful, I love them" Payal said admiring the heavy work on her lehenga.
"Yes Chamkili, this is gorgeous" and all the three friends hugged together.
"Why are you looking very dull, Payal? What happened?" Khushi asked seeing Payal's worried face.
"Nothing Khushi, Akash wants to meet me but how can I?"
"It's okay, you can meet him. Ask him to come to our terrace and we will wait there and no one will get to know" Khushi reassured her.
**
"When will Akash come, Payal?" Lavanya asked for the 15^th time while waiting for him. Finally Akash came and jumped to this side and NK waved his hands to both Khushi and Lavanya.
"You both stand near the door and inform us, if anyone is coming around" Akash said looking at the girls.
"This is too rude, Akash. I too want to talk with NK, It's been very long. Because of your strict families we are not at all getting enough time"
"If so, go and meet him in the.." Before Akash could reply to Lavanya, he saw her jumping the wall and walking towards his house.
"La.." Khushi tried to stop her but she already reached there and to her surprise she saw Arnav walking towards her.
"Arnav, just stand near the doorway with Khushi. We will be back in five minutes" with that Akash dragged Payal to the other ­end leaving Khushi and Arnav alone.
They both stood next to each other for a long time avoiding their eyes to meet. Hearing some noise in the staircases, Khushi suddenly pulled Arnav down and they ducked down hiding behind the door. When Khushi was about to turn, Arnav placed his palm over Khushi's head as she was going to get hit by the window. They both realized their present situation and kept calm but thinking about their college days in mind where Khushi used to escape from hostel in the midnight to reach Arnav.
Lavanya cleared her throat and soon they got up from their places. Akash hugged Payal before leaving and waited for Arnav to come along with him. As they walked in opposite directions, they looked each other exactly while walking back and had a long eye-lock before returning to their rooms.

SS - WILL LOVE FINDS ITS WAY?(5)

 

Chapter-5

 

"Guess what Guys?" Lavanya asked all closing the novel she was reading.
"What?" both Khushi and Payal asked together.
"We're in Shimla, yet we aren't adventuring"
"La, we came for a wedding not for a holiday, remember?"
"Yeah Chamkili, I know. But we haven't gone for any holiday together. Except for few movies and outings around Delhi while in College Why can't we go now?"
"La, But where will we go now? I mean..wedding is just three days away"
"Payal relax. Just for 2 hours max. Let's go to the snow field and we will return back in the afternoon. Sangeet is in the evening, right? So we'll be back before that"
"WOW La! That's a good plan. I'm super excited. But do you think Aunty will allow us?" Khushi replied excitedly.
"She will. Come let's get ready first and Payal, pass message the boys even"
"Are they coming with us?" Khushi asked with a doubtful face.
"Of course, Chamkili. Why are you having a sad face? C'mon cheer up Babe!"

**

"Aunty, Please!" Khushi asked once again.

"But Khushi Beta, I can call the beautician to home. Why are you stressing yourselves?"
"Aunty, it would be more comfortable there than here. Please aunty we'll be back by afternoon" Lavanya explained Payal's Mom.
"Hmmm.. Okay. But come soon hun. We should get ready for the Sangeet"
"Sure Aunty. Thank you" Lavanya hugged and Khushi too thanked Payal's Mom.
"I will ask the driver to drop you all"
"Ma, I'll drive. No need of driver" Payal replied her Mom.
"Ok then.. Be safe"
"Sure..Bye Mom!" "Bye Aunty" With that they all left the home.

**

"Dude they will reach here at anytime, Lavanya messaged me" NK said happily looking at the road waiting for the girls.

"NK, Do you seriously think that they will come" Arnav asked feeling stupid about their plan.
"Of course, Bro! They are coming.."
Before Akash could continue, Payal already reached there.
"Guys pull up your cardigans and come let's go" Lavanya screamed in excitement.
"Yayy! This is awesome Guys" saying that Khushi jumped out of the car to feel the God nature.

"Pagal you drove up to here?"

"Yes Akash'but you are going to park it" saying that Payal threw car keys to Akash.
"NK.. Again photographs?"
"Lavanya, see how beautiful this place is!"
"Yeah' and now still more beautiful" with that she threw handful of ice ball on NK.
"Gosh Lavanya. You are.." NK threw the ice back on Lavanya.
"What NK? Lavanya is?" Khushi asked and threw another handful of ice on him.
"Khushi" when she turned back to see why Akash was calling her, he already threw ice on her.
"Payal.. What was that? Ask him na" Khushi threw another handful of ice on Payal.
"ASR..Look there" Lavanya threw on Arnav making throw ice back on her. Lavanya being clever ducked and the ice directly fell on Khushi.
"You.." Khushi threw ice back on Arnav out of anger but soon the entire atmosphere changed with everyone throwing ice on each other and NK clicking the pictures of everyone occasionally. And finally they all took a group picture with extreme happiness on every one's faces. Though they were there for just half an hour, they all felt equally happy like reviving the college days back.
"Hey I guess we need to leave.." Payal rushed and soon the girls left the place leaving the boys alone.
Later in the evening..
"Are you ready Khushi?"
"Yeah! I am ready"
"You remember everything, right? And you ASR?"
Both nodded their heads while Akash and Payal came there.
"What's going on here Guys? And Khushi, why are you wearing this red Sari? You were about to wear a Lehenga na?" Payal asked doubtfully as she felt her friends were hiding something from her.
"Nothing Payal. You go, everyone must be waiting for you both. We will be joining you shortly" Arnav answered.
After they left, Lavanya wished luck to both Arnav and Khushi and asked them to wait near backstage.

**

"Good Evening everyone.. Welcome to this beautiful Sangeet party of Akash and his Pagal.. oops Payal" NK welcomed everyone.

"Not every childhood friendship stays forever, Not every friendship ends in Love, Not every Love ends in happy ending and not every '"
"Lavanya, don't confuse the people. Let's better show them. Lights off please" NK interrupted Lavanya's speech and made way for Arnav-Khushi on stage.
"So presenting you all the love story of Akash and Payal"
Both Akash and Payal looked each other in shock and when they saw the sight in front of them when lights were switched on, they were dumbfounded. Both Arnav and Khushi were standing on stage holding each other. As the music started, they first performed for "Yeh Ladka Hai Deewana" from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai showing Akash-Payal's initial friendship and later a slow dance on instrumental of KKHH Gazebo track. Finally they ended the dance together in 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' pose as instructed by Lavanya.
Everyone stood and gave a standing applause to them. As soon as the dance was over, Akash went towards Arnav and hugged him and Payal ran towards Khushi. Soon NK and Lavanya joined them and they had a group hug. Arnav smiled at Khushi as she looked at him.
"So the next surprise for the night is the slideshow" NK announced and played the same. The slideshow had pictures of both Akash and Payal from their childhood to the present. All the friends sat next to each other and teased the couple seeing the pictures. Khushi enjoyed everything until a picture appeared on screen. She was totally numb and her body started chilling. Lavanya stood immediately and fast forwarded the slideshow using the remote.
"NK, come with me!" She ordered angrily.
Khushi couldn't control herself and walked towards the lawn not to spoil the party mood.
"Why did you add that picture NK?"
"Lavanya, it was our group picture during our college. What's wrong in it?"
"Are you mad? Khushi's mom and dad are also there in that picture. How can you do that NK?"
"Shit! I'm extremely sorry" NK hit his head looking guilty.
"Just..Just go away NK. I don't want to see you"
"Lavanya, NK. It's okay. I'll go and check her. You both don't argue" Arnav said looking them.
"But ASR? How can you..?"
"I'll take care" saying that Arnav left from there.
**
Everything flashed in front Khushi.

Her childhood, her parents, her friends, her Arnav, everything! It was her 22^nd B'day when Arnav took her to a restaurant and surprised her by calling her mom and dad from Lucknow. Akash, Payal, NK, Lavanya were also present and they all had a great time that day making her birthday memorable. And it was the same day while returning to Lucknow, her parents died in an accident. Khushi was completely broken.

 

It was their last semester and only her friends, Anjali Di, Shyam Jeeju and mainly Arnav brought her back from depression. If they were not there, she would have definitely not been here in Shimla to attend her friend's marriage now. Wiping her tears which continuously cascading down on her cheeks, she saw Arnav approaching her with her blurred eyes. She quickly turned to the other side and fresh tears started to form on her eyes.

"Why Arnav? Don't come near me. Please!"She spoke to herself on her mind biting her lips to control herself.  
There as expected, he came near her pressing her shoulders calling her name.

"Khushi.."

"No Arnav.. Just go away" she repeatedly said in her mind not wanting to turn. Her mind repeatedly flashed that day in front of her. Her mom, Her Dad, Their blessings.

"Khushi.." he called her once again, turning her to face him. He felt like someone was pricking his heart when Khushi was crying. He couldn't hold anymore and opened his arms wide to hug her. She hugged him tightly crying loudly. She clung to him like a safe harbor in a storm. He held his one hand on her head and the other on her back soothing her. "Don't cry!" he said repeatedly and they stood there hugging each other for a longtime. Khushi wiped her tears and pulled herself out of him when he didn't leave her.

She slowly walked away when Arnav absently pulled her closer again and buried his lips in her hair and Khushi was unprepared for the heat that skittered such debilitating sensations across her skin. She tried pushed him away in protest but his lips already touched hers. Not able to imagine what happened just now, Khushi slapped him hard and ran away leaving a shocking Arnav behind.
**

Even though Arnav told her that he will look after Khushi, Lavanya wasnt satisfied. After convincing Akash, NK and Payal, Lavanya came to console her friend and saw Khushi hugging Arnav. She felt very happy. Seeing Arnav pulling Khushi, she decided to leave from there as she felt ASR will fix everything. And when was walking back towards the sangeet party, she heard a sound like slapping in the still silent lawn. She turned back and stood rooted in her place realizing that Khushi slapped Arnav. She was stunned. She quickly ran behind her but stopped remembering Payal. They all were already worried about Khushi. So she came back to the party back, wiping her own tears. She reassured everyone and smiled saying everything is fine, not wanting to spoil the festive mood.

**
When both Payal and Lavanya reached their room, they saw Khushi already sleeping with blanket covering till her face with all lights turned off in the room. Only Lavanya knew that Khushi is not sleeping but crying under that blanket. She smiled at Payal saying that they should retire soon as the next day is her haldi. Payal hugged Lavanya for her sangeet and went to the other room to change her dress. Meanwhile, Lavanya tiptoed to the balcony and called NK to know about ASR's condition.
"NK, What is ASR doing? Is he Okay?"
"Don't know Lavanya, but he closed himself in the other room and didn't open the door yet. He always avoids people when he is upset. What happened? Is everything alright?"
"Nothing.. Leave him alone NK"
"Hmmm.."
"And I'm.."
"And you?"
"And I'm really sorry for shouting at you"
"Hey, It's okay La. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have added that picture. Don't know how I absent mindedly added it"
"It's ok NK. Bye Good night!"
"Good Night. Love you!"
"Love you too!"
Disconnecting the phone, Lavanya turned to return back to the room when she saw Payal standing there in front of her. "You have started to hide things from me La! First their dance and now.."
"No Payal. Not at all. We just wanted to surprise you, but NK's one mistake turned everything upside down. I didn't want you all to be upset. It's your wedding.

 But anyways because of that mistake, I saw Khushi's conflict between her mind and heart today. I want to fix everything like before Payal"

"Its 'We' La. We will fix it" saying that both the girls hugged each other.

****

SS - WILL LOVE FINDS ITS WAY?(4)

CHAPTER-4

"Are you sure?" Lavanya asked once again to confirm her doubt.

"Yeah! I have seen in their eyes" Replied NK to assure her.
"Ha La. I agree with NK. Guys do you remember how Khushi stopped Aunty from serving that spicy food to him? They still like each other" Payal suggested.
"You know..They were looking each other throughout the drive" Akash added from his side.
"Then why did they break up?" Lavanya asked in confusion.
"Even I have that doubt La. There must be some strong reason" Payal answered.
"I thought you know Payal, coz you were the one who told me about this"
"No La. I don't know. All that I know is that they broke up three years ago"
"But How did you know that Payal? I was shocked when you told me in call last week"
"La.. I called Khushi once for the launch of our 'design hub' and asked her to come with Arnav. But she cut me off saying "They broke up" and disconnected the call.
"Wait! Launch of your Hub? That was when I shifted to NJ, right?" La asked to clear her doubt.
Both Akash and NK were looking at their girls and keenly watched them discussing and researching about the reason.
"Yeah! It must be exactly after 8 months after your transfer La" Payal replied.
"So.. It's exactly after a year or so after our college." La spoke out finally coming to a conclusion.
"Yes"
"So they were together for one whole year?"
"Yeah" Akash replied.
"So, what happened in that one year?"
"Don't know. We were in Chandigarh that time. But I think Khushi joined AR Designs because Anjali Di handovered AR to Arnav as she left to UK after her marriage"
"Anjali Di? Di..DI.. Yeah.. May be she has some clue or knows the reason?"
"I don't think so Lavanya. Coz Di would have never let this happen. She is very much stubborn and makes Arnav do what she wants and she loves Khushi a lot' maybe more than Arnav. And Jeeju, he will be always in support for Khushi" Akash replied.
"But what made them to break up after being so much in love with each other" NK raised his question and started the topic again from the first.
"I'm wondering the same NK. After such a proposal in college. Awww!" Akash exclaimed remembering Arnav proposal to Khushi.
"Awww.. Yeah Akash! It was magical" Payal said smiling at Akash.
"Whatever maybe the reason Guys! It's high time for them to re-unite. And we should do it" Lavanya stated and looked into everyone's eyes stretching her hand for the promise.
"We are with you" Payal, Akash and NK said in unison and made a group promise.
"But, what are you going to do La?" said Payal with a confused look.
"Umm.. That's gonna be a surprise. Just wait and watch" Lavanya said with a proud look.
"At least tell me La" NK asked winking at her.
"Oww NK. I need your help. How will my plan work out without you!" Lavanya replied placing her hands over NK, surprising him.
"La. What's your plan?" Payal asked curiously.

"You be a nice bride and just enjoy the show. Let me do everything. And yeah. I even need your help, but not now." Lavanya said assuringly.
After some time'
"No La! I can't do that" Khushi rejected coldly.
"Chamkili Listen to me once. ASR at least you understand na" La pleaded both.
"No Lavanya. It's impossible. Make it done with anyone else." Arnav replied.
"This is too bad guys. Can't you do this for our FRIENDS?" Lavanya said stressing the word friend, moving her last card.
"Yeah. How happy Akash-Payal will be, seeing you both... I mean seeing us' friends doing it" NK added with Lavanya.
"Guys! Listen Akash and Payal are our friends. I'd have done with NK unless he got the sprain on his foot" Lavanya said with a sad face.
"Ouch! This sprain.. It's paining very much" NK said holding Arnav's shoulders for support.
Lavanya stared angrily at NK for his over acting and started to convince Khushi as she felt ASR is almost ready.
"Okay La! Only for Payal and Akash" Khushi agreed after hearing so much from Lavanya and NK.
"Thanks Chamkili!" La hugged Khushi and turned to hear it from Arnav.
"Yeah Done! For Akash and Payal!"
"Thank you ASR. So let's start the practice soon, coz the sangeet is tomorrow. Guess we might not have time to sleep tonight" Lavanya said showing a thumbs up and winked seeing NK.
"So, when shall we start?" Arnav asked timidly.
"Not now coz both Payal and Akash will find about our surprise. Let's start after dinner after they sleep" NK said excitedly.
"Yeah that would be better. Come to the guest room at Payal's home and I'll talk to her parents about the same" Lavanya assured the boys.
Arnav looked at Khushi to see her reaction but it was pale and void of any emotions. Lavanya didn't fail to notice this and mentally made a conclusion.
**
"Hold Khushi's waist Arnav" Lavanya instructed making both Khushi and Arnav give a horrified expression. But Lavanya didn't mind them at all. She continued with her instructions as NK was looking at her with a proud smile.
"Khushi now you loop your arms around Arnav's neck..Like this"
"La, I can't do all this!"
"Chamkili, this is their sangeet, so we should make a dance on their love story. Why do you feel uncomfortable? It's not like we are performing on your love story, right? So, please cooperate"
Lavanya didn't know why and how she said that but her words made Khushi silent. Khushi sighed and placed her hands on his shoulders while he held her by her waist. They looked into each other's eyes straight. For a second, it felt like their love, their chemistry and the tides of passion between them ignited. All over again!
"And now we will finish it off with Rab ne bana di Jodi pose" Lavanya doesn't need to explain them more. She very well knew that this movie has its own memories for Arnav & Khushi and what it means to them. Khushi being SRK fan made Arnav to accompany her to the theatre on a daily basis upon its release time and even she got red-handed to the warden for jumping inside the hostel at 12 after the night show. Even she remembered Khushi making Arnav to hold her like the pose in the movie.
"Okay guys, I'll go and get some water. NK, will you come with me. You both just continue the dance" Lavanya left them both and went downstairs with NK.
Khushi at once freed herself from Arnav and went to the other corner of the room, while he was still looking at her.
"Khush'" 
She shut her eyes tightly wishing all this should have never happened. "Khushi'" he called her again but with a hoarse voice.
She turned to look at him. "What?" she asked irritatedly.
"Khush..Just listen to me once'"
"Listen? You are asking me to listen to you? Very Sorry! I already made a biggest mistake in my life by listening to you on that day"
"Khush..Please!"
Not able to control herself anymore, Khushi ran away from that room while both NK and Lavanya looked at her from ground floor.

 

****

SS - WILL LOVE FINDS ITS WAY?(3)

CHAPTER-3

Green- Present

Purple-past

 

After her unexpected announcement in the lunch, Khushi remained silent throughout the day. She didn't know what made her to say about Arnav not taking Spicy food before everyone. After dinner, she directly went to the terrace and sat down holding her knees and leaning against the wall. She looked up at the stars as if asking the answers from her dead parents. Suddenly she saw Arnav sitting beside her.

 

She was about to get up when she heard him say "Hi!" There she was trying the best to avoid him but again he came next to her. This time instead of avoiding she thought of replying him, may be the last time. "Hi!" she replied with hesitation.

"How have you been Khushi?"
Before she could reply, she saw all her friends approaching and she went away without looking back at him.

Next Day

The mood of festivity was set among all the faces who were roaming around, doing the works. Both Akash's and Payal's house were decorated with flowers and lights showing their magnificence and grandeur.

"The Mehendi is one of my favorite pre-wedding rituals" exclaimed Khushi while pinning her dupatta. "Even mine" Payal replied excitedly.

 Payal, the bride wore a heavy embroided green lehenga with red choli and now all ready to go down. Khushi wore a simple sleeveless floral pink Anarkali salwar suit and Lavanya preferred a designer saree.

"Get ready soon girls", Mrs. Poonam, Payal's mom called the girls for the third time in the last five minutes.

"Aunty, just 2 minutes" Lavanya replied doing the final touch up on her face.

"Payal, this color would be apt for your dress" Khushi gave a last minute suggestion for the eye-shadow.

"No Chamkili, that would be little darker. How about this one?" Lavanya suggested from her side.

"Yeah! And how about dual shade?"

"PERFECT" Both Khushi and Lavanya screamed in unison, confusing Payal more.

"Oh My God! Just leave me girls. I'm perfectly alright with this" Payal replied them and pouted seeing her friends winking at each other.

"So, this was to trouble to me" Payal said more as a statement than a question and ran behind them as they left the room and started running around but stopped seeing her Dad. He smiled seeing his daughter and soon Poonam came and called the girls to the living room on the ground floor.

The girls walked down the stairs and passed the whole ladies group and seated themselves on the fluffy mattress particularly decorated for the bride.  After flipping through many designs, Payal finally decided upon a pattern and showed to the mehendi designer to proceed with that while Khushi chosen her design long back. As per the custom, the mehendi was brought by Groom's family and Akash's mom blessed her soon-to-be daughter in law.

 

"Beta, you too choose a design" Mrs. Priya, Akash's mom asked Lavanya who was sitting uncomfortably.

 

"Aunty, I'm allergic to mehendi. The chemicals and their after effects...

"she replied making an irritating face.

 

"No beta. These are freshly grinded from the henna leaves only yesterday and home-made mehendi cones. They would do no harm." Payal's mom replied and Lavanya readily started searching for a design for her.

Mrs. Priya smiled and left to her home to carry on the ritual there.

*********
"No Pleases Akash! You are going to have a little mehendi on your hand as per the ritual" Akash's mom ordered.

"Dude! Please agree and do it fast. Let's go the girl's place" NK requested.

"No! You are not going anywhere and particularly to Payal's home." Akash's mom ordered seeing NK's curiosity.

"No.. Mom. He is just joking. We will go to our room and watch movie." Akash replied.

"First mehendi!"

Akash gave up and showed his hand in defeat to his mom where she wrote "A.P" for Akash-Payal in small font. Akash smiled and was about to leave when NK stopped him and showed his hand making Mrs. Priya to raise her eyebrows.

"Aunty N.L" he smiled cutely while the women who were there laughed seeing NK. Arnav who was witnessing all these could only utter "Unbelievable!" seeing his crazy friends.

In Akash's room

"Dude, let's keep the volume of the TV high, so that Aunty wouldn't doubt us"

"No... Mom is so clever. I will be dead, if she found me going there"

"What shall we do?" NK roamed around the room to find out a way.

Arnav sighed seeing the duo in front of him and started checking his mails in his BB.

"IDEA!" NK shouted loud and ran towards Akash.

"Akash, BBM!"

Akash smiled as he understood NK's plan. "I'll send you the instant photos from my BBM to you. But I can't go alone. I'm scared of the ladies out there. Nannav, you come along with me!"

"What? No way!" Arnav replied in shock.

"Nannav, you have to come with me. Wont you do that for our dear Akash" NK asked holding Akash's chin while Eb-ing Arnav.

"Bro! Plz go" Akash pleaded with his innocent face making Arnav to agree and looked at NK. "NK, send some nice snaps!"

"Dude! Don't forget that you are talking to a professional photographer. Nannav come let's go"

"Go through the terrace" Akash reminded them again.

Both NK and Arnav jumped the little distance that separated both houses. They silently descended through the stairs of Payal's home and hided in first floor as the view was clear from there. NK went to his dreamland seeing Lavanya in saree.

"NK..NK.." Arnav hit him on his shoulders, to bring him back to the reality.

NK took his mobile and started clicking Pictures and started sending them to Akash through BBM. After sending some good amount of photos, he started to click Lavanya and started to drool, he turned to the other side to check Arnav where his eyes were totally observing every move of Khushi. Not wanting to disturb him, he continued with his own work.

"What letter shall I write Ma'am?" Mehendi designer asked Payal.

"A"

"N for me" Lavanya replied with a smile.

"Khushi.. Yours? Payal asked shaking her shoulders.

"Huh?"

"What letter do you want in your pattern? Lavanya asked her again.

"Nothing! I don't want any..." She replied and looked at Arnav who was watching her with wide eyes.

Khushi was enjoying the pattern drawn on her palms when she suddenly felt his presence. Feeling uneasy, she looked around only to find Arnav staring at her from first floor. She was shocked to see him in there in Girl's mehendi function. Then seeing NK clicking the pictures of Payal, she called Payal to inform the same and dropped the thought when Arnav shook his head as if saying her not to do that.

Khushi sighed and continued chatting with Lavanya while Arnav continued staring her. As the time passed, the stare was more powerful sending shivers to her body. She was completely lost in thoughts when Payal shook her asking for the letter to be written on her palm.

Arnav smiled seeing Khushi's angry poking face on him. His thoughts went back to the Mehendi of his sister's marriage that happened during their 3^rd year of their college.

"Khush, come here!"

"No Arnav, everyone is here around me. I can't come"

"I don't know. You are coming here in five minutes. And I don't need any excuses. "Saying that he disconnected the call.

Khushi silently tip-toed to the kitchen of RM, holding her heavy lehenga.

"Why are you so late?" Arnav asked her angrily.

"Arnav, I can't come just like that. Besides, Anjali Di was sitting next to me."

"I hate excuses!"

"And I hate you!"

"Really?" he asked biting her earlobe.

"Ouch! Arnavvv"

"That was for coming late"

Khushi turned to the other side angrily while Arnav snaked his arms around her bare waist tickling her with his fingers and turned her to face him.

"Ahh..Ahhh... Arnav stop.. stop it"

"Shh..  Anyone might hear you"

"Let them hear then. Let them know about the Rakshas Arnav"

Seeing Arnav's angry face, she diverted the topic.

"Look at this Arnav. Your name is written in this pattern. Search for it" Khushi showed her mehendi to Arnav.

"What will I get if I find my name?"

"Nothing in particular. Maybe an excuse for biting my ear."

"Whattt?" he again started to tickle her waist.

"Okay, OKAY, A Kiss!"

"I'll get that anyway. Anything new?"

"Ummm..  Ummm..  "She started to think seriously, while Arnav was enjoying her expressions which were priceless.  

"Nannav... come lets go before they get hold of us" NK dragged Arnav while Arnav was still staring Khushi not willing to come from that place.

 ~~~~~~~~~