Chapter 85: Best friends

With a brimming smile, Khushi and Arnav admire the new love birds from a distance. They exchange glances seeing the reflection of their love in Karan and Sunaina.

“Why..Why do you always hurt me? I don’t want to talk to you. Just go.” Sunaina pushed him with tears overflowing her cheeks. But he trapped her hands and bowed his head in front of his lady love.

“Sorry”. Seeing his lovely gesture, she couldn’t stay angry for long.

They are finally ready to let out all the hidden love, especially Karan. He finally poured out his feelings that kept torturing him. He thought no other girl would take the place that Khushi held within his heart. But he was wrong. What he feels for Sunaina is something different. Far greater that he felt for Khushi. But he took time to realize it. He recalled Khushi’s words a few moments ago.

~Flashback~

“Life has given you a second chance, Karan. Don’t let it go. Just hold her hand and confess your feelings. There are few unlucky people who lost the chance to gain their love back.” Her voice cracked thinking about Akash. “Please Karan. Love is a beautiful feeling. It is not about something you feel. It is about something you do.”

“Khushi tum aisa soch bhi kaise sakhti main tumhare alawa kisi aur se.. (How can you imagine that apart from you I would love someone-) “Sorry. I shouldn’t” He turned his back and cursed himself blurting this.

She came around and twirled him back, giving him a reality check. “Close your eyes” He didn’t understand what she was saying. “I said close your eyes” He continued to stare at her puzzled. She placed her hand on his eyes and urged him to listen to his heart.

“Take a deep breath and think with the depth of your heart. What do you see? Do you see my image?” 

He began getting flashes of his and Khushi’s friendship, her sorrow, her breakdown, her marriage to Arnav, his accident, etc. Then suddenly his body went stiff as he saw Sunaina in place of Khushi. She is looking like an angel.

The way she took care of him, the way she consoled him, their unwanted closeness, her confession, his rejection, everything replayed across his eyes like a film. It twisted his heart.

Immediately, he opened his eyes and looked at Khushi guiltily.

“What did you see duffer? Don’t you dare lie else I will kick your ass” He made a puppy face that melted Khushi instantly. She hugged him warmly.

“You love Sunaina but your stupid ego wasn’t ready to acceot the fact.” She broke apart and kicked him.

“Ouch..Why did you hit me?”

“Because you all boys are so egoistic that your tube light glows lately. Every girl should teach you all a lesson for messing up with our lives. Like you, Arnavji also realized his love when I almost gave up my love and was ready to leave him. Uff you boys are such dumbos.”

“Excuse me!” A stern voice from behind echoed to her causing her to jump. The devil is here. There Arnav made an entry in the scene and Khushi found a way to get out before he ate her alive for such a statement. “Did you call me Dumbo?”

“Me? No way. Why-would-I” Khushi’s smile nervously gulped seeing him unconvinced. He shot a deadly glare and she immediately ranaway making some excuse.

“Hey don’t scare my friend,” Karan said protectively.

“Are you threatening Arnav Singh Raizada”

“Yes I do.” Arnav gave a lopsided smirk and recalled their cold war during the past. Khushi is really lucky to get a true friend.

“Thanks, Karan.”

“This should be my line. Thanks to you and Khushi. I never thought after Khushi any girl would steal my heart. But that doesn’t mean you can hurt my best friend. Dare you ditch her again.”

“I won’t dare.” Arnav exclaimed.

“Good for you. For the next seven births I am giving up my first love. But on eight birth, if you betray her again, I will claim her”.

“Hey. Don’t eye my beautiful wife. Did you forgot how I beat you”

“It still hurts.” Both laughed recalling their fights.

~Present~

“Thank you Khushi. I really owe you for this”

“Don’t be formal, Karan. Just chill” Karan and Khushi sort out their issue. They are back to their best friend zone. Everything is back to normal.

Currently, the two couples, Arnav-Khushi and Karan-Sunina are sitting in a restaurant having dinner together. They are having a gala time reminiscing about old memories. Khushi is narrating the incident to Sunaina about how her and Arnavji’s love story begin with a cold war. While karan plays a vital role in their love life.

Sunaina keenly listens to her and smiles dreamily, ignoring her better half. Karan made a face as he was trying to initiate conversation with her. He wanted to spend some lonely time with her before getting into a serious relationship. Hence, for that he planned a dinner date with Sunaina. But at the wrong time, Khushi planned this dinner party. Excited Sunaina agreed in an instant and canceled their date .

Arnav was looking at his lady love talking non stop with Sunaina. She got a partner in crime who is as talkative as Khushi. The boys are looking at them wide mouths as they are not ready to stop. They are getting sidelined.

That’s when Karan held Sunaina’s hand under the table bringing a sudden halt to her chatting.

“What happened, Sunaina? You were talking about your childhood crush. Who was he?”

“Nothing..woh..main..I” She looked down blushing hard as Karan brushed her hand and intertwined with his possessively. On top of that, Khushi continues asking useless questions. It makes her more nervous.

Arnav signs his wife to shut up. But she is too naive to understand his signs. To prevent the new couple from another embarrassing situation, he spilled the juice on Khushi’s dress causing her to get up. She passed a deadly glare to her husband and then stormed toward the washroom.

Khushi is hell mad at him as he spoiled her saree gifted by him on their first love anniversary. She is standing in the ladies washroom washing the strains from her saree. At the same time, mumbling something to herself.

A sudden jerk on her arms made her senses alert. She took a 180 degree turn to punch the attacker using her skills. But her hand halted in the air as the man pinned her against the basin.

“Angry?” Arnav kissed her cheeks that boiled in anger.

“What are you doing in the ladies washroom? Just go”

“Not until you gimme a mind blowing smile”

“Chodiye..yeh aap kya kar rahe hain..” (Leave me. What are you doing)

“You are looking sexy in black saree”

“The saree which you spoiled purposely. Not funny at all.” She pushed him and turned her back and again tried to wash the dirt. But the strain is deep. This is hell frustrating. “See what you have done.”

“Relax. I will bring thousands of such types of sarees for you. What’s a big deal”

“It is a big deal, Arnavji. This one is very dear and you know I am very sensitive about the things connected to our love”

“And what about me?” He pulled her back into his arms with a sudden instant and she bumped against his chest. He drew her close into his arms and possessively held her back. Their faces are inch closer. He stares with his usual intense look. His gaze made her feel dizzy. She averted her gaze instantly. She got breathless by the intensity of his dark eyes.

“Jayeye yaha se (Go from here) I need to change”

“Let me help you” His hand reaching the dori of her blouse. But she halted his act..

“No way” She trembled by the way his eyes kept devouring her. A wave of current passed through her. The eagerness to see her is clearly visible to his eyes.

“Why not. I am your husband”. He hugged her passionately and removed the dori of her blouse one by one keeping her close. She restrained him from going beyond. But he is hell stubborn.

She told him to go out and pay attention to Karan and Sunaina. But his crazy wife didn’t know they needed some alone time to know each other more. Probably they might be doing the same. He thought and looked back at his wife’s shy eyes.

Khushi did everything possible to get him out of the ladies washroom. But she had no idea he instructed a guard not to permit anyone in and put the “Do not Disturb” board outside. He made all the arrangements to romance her.

“Get out”

“Not until I change you into this” He showed her the white box that contained a brand new saree for her. This looks exactly the same as the one she is wearing. All her anger transformed into a surprised one.

“How-you-”

“There are sentiments attached to this saree. So I arranged it for my lady-love."

“You did this for me?”

“Of Course not. This is all for my ex.” She raised her hand to punch him. Instead, he took her for a wild hug. “Darling there is nothing more precious than your smile for Arnav Singh Raizada.” Very sweetly, he kissed her cheeks and admired the smile that lit her face again.

She gets emotional as well as speechless. “For you, I can go any length” Tears brimmed her. How well he understands her.

“Stop crying now. You know I hate your tears. Just one call and my man arranged it. Simple.” She stared at him affectionately.

She began to wonder what good deeds she had done in previous birth that she was gifted by a lovable husband.

“Now if you are done interrogating your husband, do you change into my favorite color?”

“No!” His face fell by her denial.

He detached himself and began to move. Suddenly, she tugged at him and wrapped her hand around his neck and said “I want my husband to undress me and wear me this saree.” He raised his eyebrow with surprise.

“Are you sure”

“Yes. My love” She opens her arms and his eyes turn dark with a raw passion. He roams his eyes all over her before doing the honor.

“Your wish is granted” He unpinned her saree pallu. With one go, it dropped on the floor. She is now standing in her blouse and petticoat. Shyly, She covered his eyes. He removed her hand and kissed her finger sensually.

“I love you, Khushi” Using his hand, he rubbed her red lipstick seductively and took her rose like petals within his mouth. She moaned all lost.

“I love you too” They broke into a hot and hungry kiss. Her moaning voice is echoing under the four walls. She held the basin for support and he continued exploring her mouth, taking her intensely close.

Slowly and sensually, he lips went down to her throat and nibbled them. She moves her head toward the right letting him access her. While his hands were engrossed stroking her soft skin. Urgently he stripped her blouse along with her bra.

“Wait. Why are you removing my-”.

“You are still too naive, Khushi ″ He stopped her voice by giving her a few french kisses and then leapt down on his knees to remove her underwear before putting his head under her. He attacked her core and wildly sucked her. She is getting uncontrollable and pulling his hair.

“Let’s go for dinner”

“Eating my dinner only”

“You shameless man” Getting fully aroused, he pulled her down on the floor and pressed himself against her. He rocks her passionately causing her to jump. Their wild love making continues for sometime.

“Not here. Get off me”

“I know it’s too uncomfortable” She grinned, slapping him and he pushed himself off her..

~~~

“Where are they?” The table was empty. “See because of your activities, we got late and they left the dinner half. Khushi began to search for Karan and Sunaina and for that she went to ask the waiter. But Arnav stopped her and removed his car keys.

“Let’s go home, baby”

“Without meeting them?” He tilted his head and hid his smile before responding to his innocent wife.

“Let them enjoy their dating period.”

“At this time of night?”

“They might be doing the same thing we did numerous times while we were dating.”

“Chup Kijiye. Karan bahat sanskari hain. Vo aisa kabhi nahi kar sakhta. Shaadi ke bina toh bilkul bhi nahi” (Shut your mouth. Karan is a very cultured man. He never does such things. Before marriage, impossible”) He gave a naughty smile to his wife and sent a text message to Karan not to worry about Khushi. He will handle her.

“Love has no boundaries, Mrs Raizada.” He pinched her cute nose and took her back home.

~~

Khushi spoiled a romantic candle light dinner of Karan which he had planned before their dinner invitation. Upon knowing this, Arnav deliberately took time in the washroom so that Karan could get time to convince Sunaina for their private dinner he had arranged near a beach. At first she disagreed, but seeing Karan’s sad face she gave her nod. Currently they are experiencing the new feelings of being in love.

Getting emotional, Karan stares at the ring Sunaina presented in front of him and gives him a marriage proposal. Here he wanted to surprise her, but she is way ahead. For the first time, a girl proposed to him and made him feel special. The way she respects and worships their love, he can’t stop falling for her again and again. Again he thanks Khushi. Without her support, this day wouldn’t arrive. Without any second thought, he accepted her proposal and took her for a passionate kiss. They drowned into the world of ecstasy.

~~~

“What are you doing?” He asked her while driving his SUV.

“Calling Karan”

“Are you nuts? He halted his vehicle and snatched the phone from her hand. Immediately, he disconnect the call “You are crazy Mrs. Raizada.”

“Why are you not letting me talk to my friend?”

“I have no problem with your friendship. Well I admit initially I did have a lot of insecurity and jealousy seeing you and karan together. But now he has no chance” She grinned.

“Aww my angry young man.” He frowned as she pulled his cheeks. “I do remember how everytime you burn in jealousy and once you beat Karan so badly that I hated you.” He brushed off her hair tendril and observed her beautiful face with love.

“I can’t see you with another man. It breaks me” She cupped his cheeks and they shared an intense eye-lock.

“What would have happened if after your betrayal I had fallen for Karan”

“My Khushi never gets close to another man. Your every heartbeat belongs to Asr.”

“But just imagine if I had moved on with someone else-"

“KHUSHI” His sudden yell halted her.

He enclosed her tightly into his embrace. “You are my world. Without you, I would die. I cannot imagine you loving another man” She patted him giving him assurance and took him closer to her chest. Like a baby, he hugged her stomach and she repeatedly pecked his lips. 

He put her seat down and then his own. Both lay in the car looking at each other lovingly. She sees the effect her words still had on him. She shouldn’t bring that topic up. But the thought of Akash going through the real pain still torments her. She wanted to express everything but the promise of Akash prevents her to share it with her husband.

“Sorry Arnavji..So sorry” She kisses his tears and pecks his lips a couple of times in order to reduce the pain caused by her words.

“I can’t lose you, Khushi. I just can’t. Three damn years I survived without you. But not again.” His hand reached her face and stroked it gently. “You are my oxygen” She kissed his forehead and wiped off his tears.

“It is not easy to get rid of Khushi. You are tied with me forever and after” He smiles and kisses her back. Soon her kisses went passionate. “I love you a lot” He opens his mouth allowing her to explore him.

She shook her head blushing, getting conscious by her own actions. But he didn’t allow her to leave him half way. So, he took the charge over her and started undressing her.

“What is left in the washroom we will finish it here” She kissed his neck and jaw line which drove him more wild. He pulled Khushi toward him and they completed each other for the rest of the night. First inside his car and then back reaching their bedroom.

~~~

“Why did you lie to me, Akash? Answer me?” Arohi pulled his collar seeking an answer. She is terribly hurt when reality comes across to her.

She doesn’t know how to react. He sacrifices his love for her and what she has done. Without knowing the full truth, she loathes him and punishes him. She thought he only thought about himself. Her presence has no value. She felt disgusted for loving him at the first place. But now she is feeling horrible recalling her precious action.

She connected the dots and understood all he did to bring her and Aman closer. But in the process, everyone went against him including his family.

“What made you think that you keep torturing yourself and I will hate you for the rest of my life? No, Mr. Akash Raizada. Your truth is exposed. Why did you become a villain in my eyes? I need my answer NOW”

“All I did for your happiness, Arohi. You love Aman only. The moment I realized it, I decided I would do anything to unite the two of you. How would I spoil your life? I betrayed you. This is my punishment for-” She placed her finger on his lips and looked into his eyes painfully.

“Don’t stare at me like that, otherwise you will fall for me again.” He chuckled and wiped her tears. But suddenly she fainted into his arms.

He panicked and splashed water droplets on her face to gain her consciousness but nothing affected her. He picked her up into his arms and rushed on the road where his car was parked. But unfortunately, the tire is punctured.

Aman who was going back to home from office immediately halted his car. He saw Akash on the street and then his eyes landed on Arohi he is carrying. She is laying unconscious.

“Oh god, what happened to her?” He ran toward them and took Arohi from Akash’s arms and carefully laid her on the front seat of his car.

Akash stood there staring two of them together holding his broken pieces of heart. He shouldn’t have come close to Arohi. She is married now. He needs to know his limitations. He cannot have her. This is the fact. 

Gulping the bitter reality of his life, he began to move away when in a sudden Aman stopped him.

“Come and sit in the car”

“No..I..” Akash hesitated.

“Let’s not waste time. Hurry up” He agreed half halfheartedly and they drove toward the hospital.

To see his love with someone else is the worst feeling. Till now he avoided eye contact with Arohi fearing she may catch his lie. But how does she know the truth? Who told her? Bhabhi. No. She never broke his promise. If it was the case, Bhai was the first one to confront me.

“I know you love her” His chain of thoughts got broken by Aman. He kept his gaze on Akash from the back mirror. His silence said it all to Aman. Akash was a bit surprised thinking how does he knows. More than that, he is worried about Arohi’s married life. This shouldn’t come out like this. He has no idea what to reply.

The indifference in Aman’s tone indicated something terrible is going to happen. No husband would tolerate this.

“She only loves you, Aman. Please don’t misunderstand her” Akash defended Arohi.

“Did you know she lied to me saying she is going to meet her friend. I didn’t know she was going to secretly meet her ex behind my back.”

“No. This is not true..Let me..” Aman showed his palm and applied the brakes.

“It’s okay Akash. I respect your feelings. It is not easy to forget your first love.”

Akash breathed a sigh of relief. Now he understood why Arohi fell in love with Aman. He is so humble. Otherwise any man at his place would have reacted worse. At some point, he even misunderstood Arohi thinking she was having an affair with Aman. That was his biggest mistake. Consequence of that mistake he is still facing.

Currently, they are standing outside the doctor’s cabin waiting for the doctor to come out. Aman put a hand on his shoulder.

“You did a great sacrifice for us. But your sacrifice won’t go to waste. It’s me who came between you and Arohi. If not me, Arohi and you got married by now and-” He stopped seeing Arohi standing behind them over-hearing their talks.

“Arohi.” Akash smiles seeing her well. But she is looking weak and pale. Unconsciously, his legs moved toward her on it's own accord and he hugged her. Without thinking, her husband is standing there watching them.

“Thank god you are fine. I got so scared.”

Aman went tongue tied. His heart clenched when Arohi hugged him back. He got his answer. She still loves Akash. Hiding his tears, Aman acted normal when Arohi’s gaze turned to him.

To be continued!

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