"You don't have to pretend anymore Arnav, I know the truth. I know that it was all a lie, a dream that was far beyond my reach." Khushi spoke sadly, walking away with one of her friends.

Arnav closed his eyes, "I was not lying Khush" He called out dejectedly "It was all real."

Arnav had never felt the need to commit to a relationship, that is until he lost his heart to certain hazel-eyed beauty precisely five months ago.

Khushi, a mere middle-class orphan had caught the attention of the most eligible bachelor, and the son of one of the major benefactors of the college without even trying and managed to make him fall head over heels in love with her. Arnav was the epitome of an ideal boyfriend. He pampered her, was loving, possessive, protective and what not. Arnav's family loved Khushi more or less like their own for changing their Arnav for good even though they hadn't yet met the girl in whom the life of their Arnav resided.

"Fir apni Khushi ke khayaalon mein gum ho chotte? (You're lost in your Khushi's thoughts again?)" Anjali asked mischievously.

Arnav grinned.

"Phone nahi aaya aaj unka? (Didn't she call you today?)" Anjali asked further.

Arnav shook his head, "Uski shift late khatam hogi aaj.(Her shift is going to end a little late)"

"Toh aap humaari hone-waali bhabi ko miss kar rahe hain? (So you're missing my future Sister-in-Law)"

"Yaad toh unhe kiya jaata hai na di jisse insaan bhool jaaye, mein apni Khushi ko bhool hi nahi sakta toh usse yaad kaise karunga? (We need to miss those who we forget, I can never forget my Khushi so why will I miss her?)" Arnav asked his sister curiously.

Anjali laughed, "Toh hamaare chotte romantic bhi hain? (My chotte is romantic as well?)"

Arnav shrugged.

Everything was as perfect as a dream, and unfortunately, their bliss caught the eyes of many. Arnav hadn't been in many relationships before Khushi, but the number of girls who envied Khushi for being 'the one' for Arnav was beyond her imagination.

Sheetal, a rich spoilt brat was obsessed with Arnav from the time she had entered the college, but Arnav had never spared her a glance, The little chance of getting close to Arnav that she had before vanished in thin air upon the arrival of Khushi in Arnav's life.

After he met Khushi, She was all that mattered to the hot-head Raizada who was the complete opposite of what he was with others whenever Khushi was around. .

"I have to do something." Sheetal thought, as she drooled over Arnav who was busy working on an assignment which was due the next week, typing away on his laptop.

Soon sheetal got her chance, Arnav and Khushi had fought over something and an overly irritated Arnav had snapped at her and told her to "leave him alone and get the heck out." And that "She was not his wife" not knowing his annoyance would cost him something much more precious than his life itself.

It was a silly fight, which could be sorted out if not for Sheetal Kapoor's untimely and un-needed intervention. Sheetal had filled Khushi's ears against Arnav with all sorts of lies about him being a playboy and using girls for his own benefit and eventually leaving them shattered and heartbroken. Sheetal presented Khushi with all sorts of proofs, Forged Pictures, Recordings and Videos, testimonies from various girls who were 'allegedly' the victims of Arnav but Khushi's faith in her Arnav was not that easy to be broken. Fate however it seems was on the wrong's side.

Arnav walked out of a cafe with his right arm interlinked with that of a girl. The duo were laughing about something when Khushi saw Arnav and sneaked up behind them intending to surprise him.

"What makes you think I love her? I love you the most Anya!" Arnav pulled her a little close and planted a kiss on her cheek.

"Whatever you told her was a lie then?" The girl asked

"You don't tell her that, okay Anya? I'll handle her on my own later." Arnav said mischievously and the duo got into their car.

Khushi stood rooted to her spot, her heart beating erratically in her chest. The words of Sheetal played in her head.

He's not serious for you Khushi.

I'm sure he is just playing.

Like he did with all the others

Arnav is not made for serious relationships.

You can cajole yourself all you like, but eventually it is only going to hurt you.

Why would a billionaire like him love a 'no-one' like you Khushi?

It's all an illusion.

The seed of doubt that Sheetal had planted in Khushi's mind had started to bear fruit.

The devil smirked down at her.

"God-dammit Khushi what have you done to yourself?" Vibha asked, concern for her best friend dripping from her voice as she opened the door of the flat for Khushi to enter.

Khushi was soaked from head to toe as a result of the pouring rain outside.

"Couldn't you carry an umbrella with you? And why aren't you picking up any of my calls?" Vibha dragged her inside the room and dried her hair with a towel and a hair dryer.

"Sheetal was right V." Khushi whispered.

Vibha froze. "Come again?"

"Sheetal was right. I saw him with a girl today." Khushi repeated, tears started to roll down her cheeks in an endless stream.

Vibha looked at Khushi incredulously, "You're doubting Arnav." She asked shocked.

"I saw everything with my own eyes Vibha!" Khushi snapped.

Vibha sighed, not understanding how to make her friend see the right side. "Did you talk to him?"

Khushi looked away.

"You're believing a random girl over the man you claim to love. Are you for real Khushi?" Vibha asked angrily.

"I thought you were my friend Vibha." Khushi looked at her friend accusingly.

"I am Khushi and that is exactly why I want to prevent you from taking a bad decision for yourself. I care for you Khushi.. and so does your Arnav." Vibha tried to make her see sense.

Khushi shook her head, "A lot of girls have said the same thing about Arnav. I witnessed it with my own eyes. Sheetal is right why would a billionaire want to spend his whole life with a girl like me." Khushi cried.

Vibha groaned internally, "Only you can knock some sense into this girl Mahadev."

"You're clearly not thinking straight. Calm yourself down, and sleep here for tonight. We'll talk tomorrow. I'll just be back after calling Arnav. Poor guy must be worried sick for you!" Vibha walked away to get her phone.

"Don't call him Vibha." Khushi said sternly.

"Just go to sleep Khushi I'm not a child. I know what I'm doing." Vibha said calmly.

"Neither am I. I don't want you to call him." Khushi snapped.

"Well you're behaving like a five year old stubborn toddler alright. Now if you don't get to bed in the next thirty seconds I'll call Arnav and tell him to talk to you right this instance. Be grateful I'm giving you enough time to think about it." Vibha threatened.

"Vibha have you heard from Khushi, She isn't taking my calls. I've been trying for the past 3 hours." Arnav asked the minute Vibha took his call.

"She's at my apartment, she is sleeping and she is safe." Vibha assured him.

"Thank god." Arnav sighed. "She's fine right?"

"Yes Arnie. Actually.. there is something you need to know.." Vibha started to tell him all about Sheetal and her plan to poison Khushi's mind against Arnav.

"Arnav?" Vibha took his name uncertainly "Are you there?"

"And she doesn't trust me?" Arnav asked, his voice strained with effort.

"I don't want to defend her but, Sheetal has been tormenting Khushi for months and she's bound to give in some day." Vibha said quietly.

"I know." Arnav sighed "I'm not a casanova Vibha. I love her and I would never dare hurt Khushi even in my worst nightmares."

"I know Arnav." Vibha assured him.

"Why didn't the thought of cross-checking the facts with me, ever cross Khushi?" Arnav asked

"I think she just wanted to handle it on her own." Vibha reasoned.

"Doesn't look like much of a success there, does it?" Arnav quipped.

"I know."

"Just take care of her. I'll try to talk to her tomorrow." Arnav said calmly.

"Sure."

Khushi looked away, huffing at the third attempt of Arnav to block her path.

"What are you doing?" Khushi asked annoyed.

"Trying to get you to talk to me for one minute. You appear to be very busy however." Arnav pouted.

"Can't you see she isn't in the mood to talk to you?" Shilpa asked.

Arnav frowned, "I don't think I was talking to you. Neither do I think Khushi is incapable of speaking for herself, I see no reason for you to respond in her place." Arnav said sarcastically.

"How dare you?" Shilpa growled

"Stop Shilpa, I don't want to argue with him." Khushi said solemnly.

"Is my rose bud angry with me?" Arnav asked softly.

"God, Arnav. Don't you tired of acting like that?" Shilpa asked

"Shilpa I said stop it." Khushi snapped.

Arnav smirked. Shilpa glared at him.

"Leave me alone Mr. Raizada" Khushi snapped.

"How can I baby? Leaving you alone isn't a part of my life contract" Arnav teased.

"I don't know why you're even wasting your time on a man like him." Shilpa frowned "Can't we leave."

"You're right, let's get out of here." Khushi said and began to walk away when Arnav held her arm and pulled back causing her to lose her balance and trip right into Arnav's waiting arms.

"Gosh Khushi.. You are like a drug to me." Arnav mumbled inhaling her fruity scent.

"Let go of me Arnav, there are people watching us and my reputation might be nothing for you but for me it is everything." Khushi pushed him a little

Arnav stared at her stupefied. "Khushi what the hell are you saying? Your respect your honor is more important to me than your my own f**ing life. How dare you even suggest I don't care about it or you!!" Arnav asked incredulously.

"You don't have to do this anymore Arnav. I know that I am just a pastime for you-"

"Khushi that is not true." Arnav spoke, fisting his hands. "I love you dammit."

"I thought so too.."

"But now she knows the truth and she's out of her illusions."

"Shut the hell up you ***e." Arnav growled.

"Khushi.. Rose please listen to me. I love you, you know I do. Don't believe these girls, they're lying. Whatever they're telling you is a big lie." Arnav tried to make her believe him.

"Arnav, I saw you yesterday with a girl. Your Anya and you look fabulous together." Khushi mocked.

"Anya? You were at the cafe? Dammit why didn't you show up to clear all these doubts then and there?" Arnav asked exasperated.

"I didn't have-."

"The courage to feel your heart breaking? What do you think you're doing to me Khushi, aren't you breaking my heart with your words? Aren't you believing a random girl over me, your Arnav?" Arnav asked.

"I don't.."

"About Anya, she is a friend of mine. We have grown up together. She is married to my cousin brother dammit. She is like a sister to me." Arnav told her.

Khushi looked up at him.

"You would've gotten to know that if you had asked me yesterday only." Arnav said softly.

"What if Anya is your sister, that still doesn't rule out all the other girls. Khushi you've met all of them personally, you know what they had to say about him. You only think Khushi, why would he date you? You are a no-one in front of him. His family probably doesn't even know about you." Sheetal intervened.

"Stop playing with her dammit!!" Arnav gritted looking at Khushi's ashen face. He felt horrible to see her in that state. He could only imagine how many days she had to face all of this drama

"That's what I was going to say. Don't play with her ASR, tell her the truth at least now. Don't let her live in the illusion that you love her." Sheetal said with a sick-ish smile on her face.

Arnav pressed his lips in a thin line. "You know I love you Khushi."

"You don't have to pretend anymore Arnav, I know the truth. I know that it was all a lie, a dream that was far beyond my reach." Khushi spoke sadly, before walking away.

Arnav closed his eyes, "I was not lying Khush" He called out dejectedly "It is all just as real for me as it is for you."

Sheetal smirked "She's gone Arnav."

Arnav glared at her. "Why did you do this?"

Sheetal smiled, "If you couldn't be mine, why hers?"

"If I lose her because of your dumb-ass plan. I'm gonna make sure you're destroyed!! Even if everything's settled, I am going to make your life a living hell in this college." Arnav gritted out dangerously.

"Where is she?" Arnav asked Vibha, the two of them had stumbled into each-other while leaving the college building in a hurry.

"I just saw her leaving. She was crying bitterly." Vibha informed him. "What happened?"

"Sheetal happened." Arnav sighed. "I'm going to kill her if something goes wrong."

Arnav ran out of the college campus on to the road, took his car and drove off to look for Khushi.

Khushi where are you??

He was driving on the busy road looking frantically for a glimpse of Khushi.

Dammit.

Suddenly, He saw Khushi at a little distance, her shoulders were shaking with her sobs. Arnav got down from his car and started to walk in her direction.

A car was heading towards her at an uncontrolled speed, honking for her to move aside.

Arnav felt his blood running cold, "Khushi Move!!" Arnav screamed, running to her.

Arnav pulled her in his arms barely preventing a catastrophic accident.

"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING KHUSHI?? HOW COULD YOU BE SO BL*** IRRESPONSIBLE ABOUT YOUR OWN LIFE??" Arnav blasted on her

Khushi flinched at his loud voice.

"WHAT IF I HAD LOST YOU DAMMIT?? HOW WILL I LIVE WITHOUT YOU? HOW WILL I EXIST IN A WORLD WHERE YOU DON'T?" Arnav asked, literally shaking with rage and anxiety.

"Arnav" Khushi whimpered.

"You don't want to be a part of my life right? I'll leave. I'll never show me your face. I will go far away from you if that makes you happy but please.. please don't endanger yourself. Don't hurt yourself." Arnav pleaded, tears formed in his chocolate eyes.

Khushi took in a shaky breath

Arnav softened up, "Are you okay?"

Khushi nodded.

"I love you Khushi. I really do. You are my whole life Khushi. My world starts and ends with you. I don't know how to make you believe me, I really love you and I can't afford to lose you. I'll.. I'll die." Arnav confessed with utmost honesty.

Khushi sobbed on witnessing the truth behind his words shining in his eyes, "I'm sorry"

Arnav shook his head.

"I know I shouldn't have believed them over you. I'm sorry that I couldn't keep my trust in you intact. I didn't mean to.. they were not leaving me alone. I'm.. so sorry for hurting you, for accusing you." Khushi sobbed vehemently.

Arnav immediately pulled her in a hug, rubbing her back to calm her down. "Shh."

"They weren't leaving me alone. All day they'd-"

"I know it's okay love. Its okay I understand. Sheetal and her minions won't torment you anymore." Arnav assured her kissing her forehead before carrying her back to the car.

"I'm sorry Arnav." Khushi whispered as Arnav straightened after fixing Khushi's seatbelt for her.

Arnav smiled. "Its okay rose bud. It's perfectly okay. Let's forget everything."

Khushi nodded resting her head on Arnav's shoulder and closed her eyes.

"I love you." She confessed

"Love you too." Arnav pressed his lips to her forehead.

~The End~

I guess I missed a clarification in the shot. (BLOCKED MIND 🥺🥺🙈🙈 It completely skipped my mind) The girl that I have mentioned as Anya is Arnav's  cousin brother's (You could assume any but I had thought of NK) wife. Anya and Arnav are also childhood friends so, In that particumar scene Arnav and Anya were goofing around. When Arnav says "What makes you think I love her" He is mentioning Anjali (making like "what Makes you think I love Anjali Di more than you?) (I'm lazy enough not to go back and make changes in the shot itself. Blame me and my crazy Moods. 🙈🙈) I'll go back to edit the whole thing once I have time and the required patience for that. Till then...

Another one from the blocked mind.

Let me know what you think of this one.

It had started off as a drabble and I couldn't stop the flow of words.

Let me know what you think of this chapter.

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