Part8 She knows...

"Mark my words, one day you will be on my back when I do push-ups."

He was not teasing her. His penetrating gaze was evident to it. Khushi gulped, couldn't face his eyes which were tearing her soul without mercy.

"What so big a deal? It will come true if Aman keeps such a scene in the movie." Khushi said casually while removing his hand from hers.

Arnav was about to say something, before that, they heard,

"Khushijiiiiii," from NK who was rushing towards them.

Arnav rolled his eyes whereas Khushi smiled at NK.

"Khushiji.... You here...? Happy birthday, Khushiji...." He said, giving her a gentle side hug.

"It's my birthday." Arnav pulled him from the hug.

"Oh yeah... I have forgotten in the excitement, seeing Khushiji... Happy Birthday, Nannav."

Arnav glared at him.

"By the way, how Khushiji came for your birthday? Did you invite her?"

"No he didn't invite me," Khushi said pouting.

Arnav became nervous.

"It's because I didn't think you will come if I invite you."

"Who said? Did I?"

"Don't I know how cynic you are?"

"Ohh... How cynic am I?"

"This much." Arnav spared his hands.

"I think I should not have some here." She pouted.

"As if you came for my birthday to swish me? You didn't even wish me. It's me who pleaded for your wish." Arnav teased her.

"Did you plead, Khushiji?" NK asked unbelievably.

Arnav nodded yes.

"She was not interested to wish me. I only remembered her that."

"This is not done Khushiji."

"Actually I didn't expect that he would be at home."

"Ohh... then what made you come here?" NK asked frowning not understanding that why Khushi is here all f a sudden.

"I came to meet Amma as today is no shooting."

"Ohh...that's great. You are the only heroine who doesn't want to meet Nannav." NK laughed, making Arnav glare at him.

Even though Arnav knows that he got irritated when NK teased him. Because it was a fact. At the same time, Ratna joined him who came with orange juice glasses.

"Yes, she is here for me. We became best friends you know."

She passed them orange juice. Taking that, they got seated in the living room.

"Khushiji, I just want to tell you something. I saw a preview scene when Aman checked it yesterday. You looked so emotional in that scene. My eyes became teary." He said sadly.

"What scene?" Ratna asked her excitedly.

"It's a fighting scene. Nannav closes the French door and Khushiji's hand gets hurt. I really felt bad for you, Khushiji."

Khushi smiled. Ratna looked at Khushi's hand coincidently where there was a red mark.

"What's that Khushi?" She asked panicking.

"It's just..."

"Khushiji, this is the same scare... did you really get hurt when the scene was taken?"

"Yes... but it's ok."

Arnav pulled her hand and gave a look. He was stunned.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Arrey, it happens..."

"Did you act that scene without showing your pain, Khushiji?"

"The scene was going well. So, I didn't want to interrupt."

Khushi sipped the juice.

"I really am proud of you Khushiji."

"I wonder... when you are so dedicated to your work, why do you quit acting?" Ratna asked her with amazement.

"I will do my best if I get committed no matter whether I'm interested or not."

"Wow, Khushiji, if you are so much into something in which you are not interested, then what will be your contribution if you interested in that?"

Khushi smiled said nothing. But she spared Arnav's glance while smiling which churned Arnav's stomach. Why does she look at him when she talking about her INTEREST?

"Why are you quitting Khushi?" Ratna asked regretfully.

"I have a different plan for my future."

"Really?" – NK.

"May we know what that is?" Ratna asked eagerly.

"I would like to start a school in which everyone gets an equal education without a difference."

"Wow... good." Ratna and NK appreciated it.

"That's nice. But your plan has a big HOLE" Arnav mocked.

"What?"

"Poor could not avail your equality because they can't pay equal to the rich people." Arnav smiled.

"They no need to pay because it's totally free for everyone."

"Wow...." Ratna and NK clapped while Arnav was gazing at her smilingly.

"You have not answered my question yet," Ratna asked.

"You would have read about it already. I have been telling that in every interview. I don't like the film industry. I just want a peaceful life...far away from the industry."

"But why?"

"I'm fed up with this busy life, experiencing this from my childhood. I wanted my parents to be with me but they couldn't...not even on my birthday. It was so stressful. My mother wanted me to be a successful actress. So I did that for her. Now, she is not with me. So, there is no need to continue it for anyone."

As no one expected,

"Can't you continue for me?" Arnav asked without a smile on his face.

Not only Khushi but also Ratna and NK looked at him stunningly.

"I mean, producers will approach us for the next movies if our pair clicked."

Ratna and NK looked at Khushi to know her answer.

"I have no idea to reconsider my decision of quitting CINI field." She said simply.

"After starting a school...what's next?" Arnav asked meeting her eyes.

Before Khushi answered,

"What else, Marriage... Right?" Ratna answered.

"I don't know." Khushi smiled. Now also she said looking at Arnav.

"Search for a good guy like me and settle down, Khushiji," NK said grinning.

Khushi laughed whereas Arnav glared at him and Ratna noticed it.

"I don't want to marry anyone who is related to the film industry."

This time she didn't look at Arnav but Arnav was looking at only Khushi.

That's when HP came there.

"Everything is ready Maji."

"Let's have lunch," Ratna called them.

"where is Babuji?" Khushi asked for Arvind.

"He will be late. he called me. We can have lunch."

Khushi nodded ok.

After having a satisfying lunch, Khushi got ready to leave.

"I'm leaving Maji."

"Can't you wait for some more time, Khushi." Ratna pleaded.

"I will come some other day."

"Promise?" Ratna asked.

"Yeah, promise."

"She is scared of the gossip. That's why she is running." Arnav said sternly.

"I have some work." She stood.

Arnav was disappointed. He thought she would accept Ratna's request.

"I will drop you," Arnav said.

"No... I will go by my own."

She left RM after giving a warm hug to Ratna.

"She is a sweet girl," Ratna said.

"Yes, Badima. I have ever seen such a simple heroine like her... but she is quitting the field." NK felt bad.

"She yearns for a simple life with lot of love I suppose," Ratna said.

"You are right, Badima. I wish her wish comes true."

Arnav was silently listening to them.

"Nannav, didn't Aman wish you?"

Arnav nodded NO.

"Do you know I thought Aman should have told Khushi about your presence in RM, that's why Khushi came to wish you."

"I too thought the same," Ratna said.

Arnav got alert. He dialed Aman. He attended it in a second ring and wished Arnav.

"Happy Birthday ASR..."

"" This is my birthday and you are wishing me only after I called you?"

"I know you would be sleeping. That's why I didn't disturb you."

"Did you tell anyone about my presence in the RM?"

"No ASR... don't I know you don't like people visiting you on your birthday?"

"I'm not asking about people but your friend."

"Friend....? Oh yeah, I just told Khushi about it when she called me last night."

"Really? Did you tell her?" He asked excitedly.

"Yes, she called me randomly, like always. I told her while talking interestingly because I know she won't disturb you by coming to RM."

"You mean she knew that I'm not out of town?" Arnav asked gulping down.

"Haan yaar....why?"

"Nothing... I just asked you."

Arnav disconnected the call thinking deep. She knows... She came to RM knowing his presence. She didn't come coincidently as she said. Why did she act as she came only to meet his mother? Did she come for him... to wish him on his birthday? Then why did she lie? Arnav tightened his jaws.

To be continued...

The next update is available on Inkitt

Challenge?

Not getting sleep, Arnav was thinking about Khushi. Why did she lie? That's what wandering in his mind. If she came to wish him, why not she just tells him that openly? What's there in her mind? Of course, he likes her very much as she was not what he thought at first. She is a good actress with good qualities. She easily gets emotional but doesn't show. In recent times, she started to be free with others in the set yet she stays in her limits. After Arnav sent Rohit out from the set, her view towards Arnav changed. Arnav knew that.