Part 23 Kishan and Stella

RM

*So? * Arvind said.

Arnav raised his eyebrows confusingly.

*So...? *

*Your in-laws have been given the responsibility of looking after their daughter. * Arvind teased.

Ratna looked at Arnav to know his answer.

*Dad... they would have said that for a courtesy. *

*That means won't you look after her? *

*Looking after Khushi is different. In fact, I have been already doing that... And I will do that forever no matter whether she accepts my proposal or not *

*Wareh wah... Chotte... you sound damn good...*

Arnav smiled at him and went to his room.

*What a change in Chotte...! * Arvind wondered.

Ratna smiled.

*It's because of you, Ratna*

*No... Chotte is a good boy. Even though he was irresponsible his nature won't be hidden for long. And he loves Khushi truly. That's why he obeyed my words... because he wants to get her*

Arvind sighed.

*Whatever it is... I will give the credit only to you* Arvind said.

..........

Arnav came out of the washroom, washing his face. He sat on the bed smilingly. His and Khushi's families became friends. There won't be any problem if they ask Khushi's hand for the marriage. But Khushi should be ready to marry him. Then only his mother will take a step toward their marriage. He fell on the bed thinking about Khushi. She is the only girl who has a lot of differences from other girls he met with. He slept with the thoughts of Khushi.

The next morning

Arvind got ready to go to the office early in the morning. He saw Arnav's room light was ON. He knocked on the door and Arnav opened the door.

*Chotte...why did you wake up earlier? *

*Exams are closed up Dad...*

Arvind was amazed to hear that.

*Are you studying? * he asked surprisingly.

Arnav nodded yes.

*But, you usually sit in the exams without even going through the subjects...*

*We have a big responsibility on our hands. I can't make life difficult.*

Arvind frowned. What responsibility he is talking about?

*We have to feed the children of the HOME in Tamilnadu. Have you forgotten? *

*Chotte... hold on. I may get a heart attack if you talk with responsibility. * Arvind laughed.

Arnav chuckled.

*I will ask Ratna to prepare coffee for you*

*That's ok Dad. Let her sleep*

Arvind nodded ok and left the place with satisfaction. He never thought he would see his son like this. Thanks to Ratna.

.........

Khushi came to the college, expecting some gestures from Arnav. She expected that Arnav would do something about the responsibility given by her parents to take care of her.

Arnav has not come to the college yet just like the previous day. Keeping her bag in the classroom, she came to the girl's room. When she was about to enter the room, she stopped at the entrance of the girl's room as the door was being closed from the inside. She doesn't know why the door was closed. She came to the left side of the room to check. She saw through the window that the room had been getting a clean ship. She was about to leave the room, she heard a voice from behind the building. What dragged her attention the most is, she heard her name. Without making a noise, she slowly moved towards them and stopped as she recognized the person through the voice. It was Arnav's classmate Stella and another girl.

*I just can't believe Arnav changed to this extent. * Stella said.

*Students are talking with one another that he changed for Khushi...*

*Shut up Rithu... he didn't even look at her for once. I watched him yesterday*

*Students are talking he didn't talk to her that's also to get her complete attention* Rithu said

*What did he see in her that I don't have? *

*Students are talking that she is a good girl and selfless*

*Just because she admitted him to the hospital, she can't be selfless... I would have also admitted him to the hospital if I had been in the spot...*

*What's the use of talking about it? Arnav loves her...*

*Arnav can't do this to me...*

*This is not a matter of only you. Arnav also should love you. Then only it works*

*I have an idea...* Stella said.

*What? *

*I'm going to tell Khushi that we were CLOSE to each other on our lunch date*

*But, Arnav didn't touch you...*

*Only I know that* Stella said.

*A few more girls who dated Arnav also knew*

*Is it necessary for him to behave as same as everyone...? What if I'm special to him? What if he had an idea to declare me as his girlfriend?*

*But how do you make Khushi believe? *

*She won't believe it if I tell her this story...*

*Then?*

*You tell her... without making her suspect us... it will be like an original story...*

*Ok... I will talk about it to someone on phone, pretending like I don't see her... when she exactly crosses me*

*Done...*

Khushi left the place silently as if she didn't hear them. When she got back to the class, Kishan called her.

*Khushi...*

Khushi looked at him with an irritated expression. Don't know what will he ask... but to her surprise,

*I'm sorry Khushi* Kishan said.

Khushi shrank her face.

*I should not have spoken to you harshly yesterday*

Khushi nodded ok and was about to leave the place,

*Am I forgiven? * Kishan asked.

Khushi nodded yes.

*Shall we be friends? * he extended his hand for a shake.

Khushi looked at him and then at his face.

*I would like to be the friend of the good girl I have ever seen* he said.

*I don't like anyone interfering in my matter in the name of FRIEND* she said sternly.

Kishan was speechless as Khushi caught his point.

*No no... I just...*

Khushi tried to leave the place without shaking hands with Kishan. He blocked her way, extending his hand.

*Khushi, I actually wanted to tell you something but said something of nervousness. *

*Nervousness...? *

*Actually... I love you...*

*Whaaaat...? It's ridiculous...* She again took a step,

*Khushi stop...*

That's when they heard,

*What's the matter, Khushi? *

They saw Arnav standing. He rushed to them.

*Anything wrong, Khushi?*

Before Khushi said anything,

*Arnav...this is none of your business...* Kishan said.

That was enough to raise Arnav's anger.

*This is our matter... you just stay away from this, Arnav...* Kishan said.

Arnav looked at Khushi who was looking at Kishan shockingly.

*Khushi, tell me* Arnav asked her again.

*Why are you interfering in this matter? What right do you have on her? * Kishan asked.

Arnav gritted his teeth wrathfully. He fisted his fingers to punch Kishan's face. His anger cooled down, hearing Khushi's words.

*He has all the rights...my parents requested him to look after me. We are family friends... understand?* She defended Arnav. Making Kishan disappointed and Arnav surprised.

To be continued...

The next update is available on INKITT

Khushi and her friends

Arnav was surprised, hearing Khushi's supportive words. He looked at Kishan who was tightening his jaws, looking at Khushi wrathfully. Arnav came in between them with a firm gaze on Kishan. Kishan left the place after throwing a dangerous look at Khushi.

*Are you alright Khushi? * Arnav asked.