Part 9 Feeling happiness

Arnav went to the office, all smiling. He was so satisfied with his confession. The most challenging matter in the world was confessing our love to our love, but he did that immediately without unnecessarily dragging it. He didn't know what Khushi was thinking about it. She must be shocked. He could have made her cool down if he had a chance, but she had no phone. She spoke to him through her mother's phone. Her mother would attend the call if he dialled her. So, he gave up the idea of calling her.

Arnav called the EYE hospital and got the appointment for Khushi. he got the appointment the same day evening. He called Akash to tell him that. Akash attended the call.

"Haan, Arnav..."

"Akash, I got the appointment for Khushi this evening."

"Oh... really?"

"Yeah, get ready with Khushi at 4 o'clock. We should be in the hospital at 5 o'clock."

"Ok, we will be there on time."

"Yeah... I will come to the hospital straight from the office."

"Ok, Arnav"

Arnav disconnected the call and concentrated on his work so that he could get permission to go to the hospital.

Akash told Khushi about her hospital appointment. Khushi was struck dumb with astonishment and surprise. Was not Arnav working so fast? Khushi started getting excited. She didn't want to grow expectations in Arnav, but she could not stop herself. Arnav made her expect something from him.

Evening

Khushi waited for Akash to get ready to go to the hospital. He came home to pick her up. Khushi said bye to Garima and went to the hospital with Akash. Arnav was already there when she reached the hospital with Akash.

"Hi, Arnav..." Akash shook hands with him.

Arnav did that, looking at Khushi, who had a slight smile on her face.

"Hi, Khushi..."

"Hi..."

"Let's go to the canteen and have something," Arnav said.

"We will have it after consulting the doctor," Akash said.

"Ok... Shall we go?"

"Mmm..."

"Let's go"

They headed to the specialist's cabin. Akash made Khushi sit on the chair outside the cabin. Arnav went to the reception and confirmed the appointment. He saw Khushi squeezing her hands. She was nervous—she must be—and didn't know what the doctor would say. Arnav wanted to clutch her hand gently and make her confident, but it would be too much and too early. He sighed.

They were called inside. Arnav went inside. Akash gave Khushi's previous reports, and the doctor went through them.

"It has been a long time since those tests were done, so they should be redone. Only then can we get to know her present condition," the doctor said.

"Ok, doctor," Arnav said.

"I will write a few tests. Get them done and bring the results."

"Ok, doctor"

The doctor wrote the necessary tests and forwarded the chit. Arnav took it from him. They came out. Arnav went to the reception and gave the chit to the receptionist.

"These tests want to be done. When can we come?"

"One minute, sir."

The receptionist contacted the respective sections and confirmed.

"The two tests can be done tomorrow, and another one will be the day after tomorrow, sir."

"Ok, fix them."

The receptionist nodded ok.

"You should be here tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, sir."

"Yup"

Arnav looked at Akash.

"Bring Khushi tomorrow morning..."

Akash nodded with hesitation.

"Any problem?"

"I don't think I can get off. Today, I also got permission only after a struggle. Could you change the date?"

"Do one thing. Concentrate on your work. Ask Aunty to be ready. I will take them in a cab."

Akash nodded gladly, but Khushi was embarrassed. How much would Arnav do for her?

"Ok, Arnav. We are leaving. I have to resume my work after dropping Khushi home."

"Ok, you guys carry on," Arnav said.

That was when Akash got a call. He rolled his eyes and attended it.

"Sir, I will be there in an hour," Akash said pleadingly.

"........"

"Sir, I came to the hospital with my sister. I will come after dropping her home, sir."

"..........."

"Ok, sir..." Akash disconnected the call with a hanging face.

"What happened, Akash?"

"Could you drop Khushi home?"

Arnav looked at Khushi, who just parted her lips.

"If Khushi doesn't mind..."

"Khushi, I have to deliver a few parcels,... my Boss shouted at me. you know him, right?" Akash said sadly.

"We will take a cab if you are not comfortable..." Arnav said.

"No need... I will come with you," Khushi said, causing Akash to huff in relief and Arnav to smile.

"Arnav, I'm leaving. Please drop Khushi home."

"I will take her."

"Khushi, bye"

"Bye"

Akash rushed out. Arnav looked at Khushi and asked,

"Shall I book a cab?"

She nodded no.

"Don't worry. I ride the bike safely," he said, smiling.

"I, too, sit safely," She said.

Arnav smiled.

"Let's go"

Khushi extended her hand towards him. Arnav clutched her index finger, observing her face. Khushi smiled mildly, making him smile.

"Come"

He strolled, taking her with him. They came out.

"Khushi, three steps are there. Each of them is one foot in height..."

Khushi nodded and got down. Arnav waited, looking at her carefully. They came to the parking.

"Khushi, let me start the bike."

"Mmm..."

Arnav started the bike. He didn't know how Khushi would take a seat. Khushi again extended her hand. Arnav held it. She caressed his hand upwards to his shoulder and sat holding his shoulder.

"Are you comfortable, Khushi?"

"Haan..."

"Shall we?"

"Jee..."

Arnav started the bike and rode it carefully at a gradual speed. He didn't want Khushi to think of him badly, even for a second.

"Arnav..."

"Mmmm?" Arnav looked at her through the rearview mirror.

"Shall we have coffee?"

"Yeah... yeah, sure..."

Arnav looked for a coffee shop, and he found one. He stopped the bike and said,

"Khushi, a coffee shop is here."

"Oh..." she got down, holding his shoulder.

Arnav also got down. Khushi was still keeping his hand on his shoulder. Arnav looked at her.

"Khushiii..."

"Let's go", Khushi said, not removing her hand from his shoulder.

Arnav walked with her. Arnav made her sit on a chair and sat beside her.

"What do you like to have, Khushi?"

"I don't want anything. I had coffee before leaving home."

"Then why did you bring me here?"

"For you..."

"For me?"

"You came to the hospital straight from the office. Asked us to come to the canteen. I think you are hungry."

Arnav smiled mildly. It was a blessing to have someone to read our minds... without sharing a single word.

"Mmm... I'm hungry," he smiled.

"Eat something first."

The bearer came to their table to take order.

"You, too, have something."

"It's ok..."

"Ice cream?"

"No, Arnav..."

"One ice cream and one coffee", Arnav ordered.

The bearer left.

"This is our first time. It would be best if you didn't leave without having anything," Arnav said.

Khushi nodded.

Their orders arrived. Arnav gave Khushi the ice cream. She took the cup in her hand, and Arnav sipped the coffee.

"Thanks..." Khushi said.

"It's just an ice cream..."

Cutting him,

"It's not for ice cream."

Arnav was stuck.

"I thought I could never achieve my vision in life," she said, stirring the ice cream.

"Khushi, I'm doing this because I love you."

Khushi was stuck.

"I don't know this kind of love...neither I heard such love nor did I read about it..."

"Khushi, relax..."

"Thanks..."

"But..."

Cutting him,

"For coming into my life."

Arnav was stuck for a while. He didn't know how to make her feel his happiness, but he wanted to. He touched her head softly. Khushi smiled mildly.

To be continued...