Khushi shifted, the morning rays of the sun slanting over her face as her sleep hazed mind slowly woke. Khushi's eyes fluttered open as her foggy mind started to clear. Where was she? This wasn't her room.

Khushi sat up on the bed and rubbed her eyes. All she remembered was coming home last night and sitting down on the sofa to take off her shoes. And then...

Khushi's eyes widened as she realized she was in Arnav's room. Wait...Arnav and Payal's room. Her back stiffened and all the blood drained from her face. In that moment, Arnav walked in.

"Hey...good morning...Ahaana is still sleep..." Arnav's words trailed off as Khushi looked at him with angry eyes brimming with tears about to fall.

"Khushi...?" Arnav asked, wandering what happened.

Khushi threw the blanket off her and got off the bed. "Aap humhe yahaan kyon lekhe aaye?" Khushi said in a heated voice, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Arnav then realized why Khushi was so upset. She remembered the way he acted the last time she was in his bedroom. Arnav approached her cautiously, "Khushi you were exhausted last night...and my bedroom was just closer..."

Khushi's eyes flared as her temper doubled. "Aap hi ne kahaan tha ke hum iss kamre mein kadam nahin rak sakte! Aap hi ne kahaan tha ke iss ghar par humare koi haq nahin! Kahin aap yeh tho nahin soch rahe ke hum phir se aapke saath raath bithana chate hai?" Khushi threw the words at him. She stormed passed him towards the exit...when she felt a hand grab her arm and spin her around.

She came face to face with Arnav and saw that his face was now filled his anger. His eyes sparking with rage. "Kitni baar woh baath dauraho gi!? Kitni baar!? Aur kitni baar mein maafi mangu...huh!?" Arnav shook her, his own temper spiking. When she tried to wriggle free, Arnav only tightened his grip and pulled her closer.

"Aap samajte nahin ke hum aapse koi rishta nahin rakna chate?" Khushi glared back and kept struggling, "Humhe kuch nahin chahiye!...naa maafi...naa dosti...naa aap!" Khushi spat out.

Arnav's heart lurched at that, but he grabbed her other arm and made Khushi face him. "Toh kya karogi? Poori zindagi mujhse nazre churao gi!? Yaar Khushi mein koshish kar raha hoon...mein ghalat tha" he said, his voice taking a different tone, causing Khushi to look into his eyes...and she saw the regret, "...mein mann tha hoon ke mein ghalat tha" Arnav continued, "....lekin please yaar...ek bhaar...humare beech jo kuch bhi hai...usse ek bhaar mauka doh..." Arnav pleaded, pulling Khushi closer and she felt herself losing again.

She looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity and felt herself weakening. Her heart reacted to him despite her every attempt to ignore him. There was always a shifting feeling inside her chest. It wasn't like her heart was beating faster...but it was...changing. She felt her heartbeat change...and bow towards him. And because of this...he was perfectly capable of hurting her again.

Khushi pushed away from Arnav, "Humare beech kuch nahin hai. Samjhe aap?...humhe aapse koi faraq nahin partha." Khushi said coldly, closing the walls around her heart as she turned to walk away. This time when Arnav pulled her back, his eyes sparked with an unsaid emotion that Khushi couldn't read.

"Koi farq nahin partha?" He challenged, his voice becoming lower...huskier. He pulled her close to him and grabbed her wrists.

Khushi struggled, "Arnav humara haath chodiye." Khushi hissed and twisted her wrists to free from his grip.

He pulled her closer and she struggled more. "Kya hua...tumhe toh koi farq nahin partha na? Toh mere kareeb hone se itna kyon darti ho?" Arnav said and locked Khushi's arms behind her, causing the front of her body to push against his chest. Khushi took a sharp intake of breath, the hard feeling of Arnav's chest bringing back memories of how he felt like on top of her.

She struggled more, "Arnav humhe chodiye...warna bohut bura hoga." Khushi threatened. Her breasts pressed against him and she felt that liquid pull in her belly. This only caused Khushi to struggle more frantically...Khushi had to move back...she had to get away.

Arnav smirked and pushed her closer, so Khushi practically went up on her tip toes and she had to tilt her head back to avoid bumping her head with his. "Kya karo gi? Huh? Try karo...rokho mujhe" Arnav challenged, his voice taunting her. He knew he was affecting her and he enjoyed it. When Khushi struggled again, he only tightened his grip on her.

"Arnav hum keh rahe hai...." Extremely frustrated, Khushi tried to wriggle free, and huffed out a breath when Arnav didn't budge.

"Tumhe toh koi farq nahin partha...come on...rokho mujhe..." He taunted further; his voice low...teasing.

Furious, Khushi looked up at Arnav...and their eyes connected. In that moment, Arnav forgot everything...and all he saw was Khushi. Her green eyes...they were bright...filled with anger...frustration...fear...pain. But there were flickers of desire as well...and Arnav recognized it.

The air around them caught fire...it became hot...and it became intense. Khushi felt her anger calm when she felt Arnav's expression change. Her breath hitched when his eyes lowered to her lips. Suddenly both were very aware of how close they were. Their bodies were pressed against each other...hard against soft...and she fit...she fit against him so well.

"Khushi..." when their eyes connected again, Khushi saw desperation, "....please...rokho mujhe..." he pleaded, and lowered his head to capture her lips. This kiss was soft...and all anger diffused in an instant. This kiss was so different from the last time they were in each other's arm. That was all heat and sex...but this kiss held something more...something deeper. Arnav brushed his lips against Khushi's...once...twice...and took the kiss deeper the third time. Khushi almost sighed against him...she melted against him. Khushi forgot...just for a moment...who they were...what circumstances surrounded them...and she simply felt.

When her heart responded to him, Khushi realized what was happening and she jerked back. She pushed away from Arnav, her eyes wide with shock.

Arnav almost pulled Khushi back to him for another kiss but the look in her eyes stopped him. They were wide and brimming with tears. "Khushi..." Arnav said cautiously, but Khushi simply raised her hand to stop him. She then turned and ran out the bedroom, leaving a helpless Arnav behind.

When Khushi reached her own bedroom, she locked the door behind her and leaned against it...letting her tears flow. She couldn't let herself fall for him. It hurt too much. She already had to give up her previous life...she sacrificed her first love...and when she thought she might have something special with Arnav, that hope was also crushed. She couldn't get close to him now...if he hurt her this time...she won't be able to heal from it.

It was the worst feeling in the world thinking that you are wanted...and then to find out that you are not respected...and you have no place in someone's life. This was not her place. Everything here belonged to Payal. Khushi couldn't let herself think...even for a moment...that any of this could be hers. She was only here for Ahaana...and nothing else.

The fear of getting hurt again was only a part of the problem. Khushi looked deep within herself...and she was ashamed...extremely ashamed. She should have never hoped...even for a moment that any of this could be hers. What kind of a person was she? She slept with the man that will always belong to her sister. It was easy to blame Arnav for his words...but in the depth of it...Khushi was ashamed of herself. She hated herself for wanting him...for wanting this life with him...even for a moment. Khushi couldn't let herself fall for him...she couldn't. Disgusted with herself, Khushi sank to the floor and cried.

On the other side of the house, Arnav sat on his bed, replaying what happened in his head. He saw fear in Khushi's eyes. But what surprised him was that he also saw shame. He was foolish...so foolish. He thought that Khushi was simply angry with him; that it would all be better once Khushi forgave him from what he did...for what he said. But Arnav realized tonight that there was so much more between them...and Khushi was scared to let him in. She wasn't only afraid of giving what they had a chance...she also felt ashamed for wanting it.

Arnav let out a shaky breath. He didn't know how to handle this. He didn't know how to make Khushi believe that it was ok to want this...to want him.

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4 weeks later

Arnav answered one final question from the press conference and made his way backstage. His shooting for the movie ended 3 weeks ago and now it was promotion time until the release. The premier was set for 2 nights from today and Arnav was exhausted. The last few weeks of shoot have been rigorous; and almost instantly after he started traveling for promotions. In all this...it made it easier for Khushi to avoid him.

Khushi...Arnav sighed as he thought about her, the ache he felt in his chest making sense now. He ached for her. He wanted her next to him...and he missed her.

Khushi felt something for him too. Arnav realized that the last time they kissed. After Payal's death, Arnav never thought he would be able to move on. But having Khushi next to him helped him heal. He never even realized how he slowly started developing feelings for Khushi, but when he finally said goodbye to Payal...he felt liberated. Accepting that it was ok to move on...that it was ok to fall for someone else...finally provided him with the peace he was so desperately searching for.

He felt that peace with Khushi...despite her distance. He knew that working towards her forgiveness gave him that purpose he lost when he lost Payal. When they last kissed...Arnav saw fear in Khushi's eyes. It was that moment he realized how deep their relationship ran. He thought if Khushi forgave him...they might go back to being friends and even develop an intimacy between them. But what he felt for Khushi during that kiss was much deeper.

But Khushi was too scared...too angry...to give them a chance. And underneath all that Khushi felt shame. Shame for wanting what rightfully belonged to her sister...and Arnav didn't know how to approach something like that.

Arnav didn't push Khushi these last few weeks...and whatever little time he had outside of shooting and promotions, he spent with Ahaana. However, now that his movie was nearing the release date, he will have more time to spend at home. He looked forward to that time off...it will give him the chance to really focus on his family.

Arnav got into his car and started driving home. Luckily for him, this last press conference of his was held in Mumbai. He figured once he got home, he could talk to Khushi about attending the premier with him. That would be a good start. He felt the flickers of excitement in his belly at spending the night with her. He will focus on making Khushi comfortable around his presence first. Then he can work on getting her to slowly accept him. His mind working around his plan, Arnav stepped on the gas pedal and the air bags in the car exploded as another car crashed into the passenger side of Arnav's vehicle.

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Khushi cut through the material and placed it over the current dress she was working on. Anjali asked Khushi to work on her bridal lehenga and bridesmaids' dresses, but her white wedding gown she wanted to simply buy off the rack. Khushi was not hearing any of it. She decided that she will custom design Anjali's white wedding gown and present it to her as a surprise gift. Khushi looked at the skirt and added the lace, liking how the material looked on the full skirt. The top of the dress was still bare...Khushi was having a hard time conceptualizing the top and so decided to start from the bottom instead. So engrossed in the dress, that Khushi jerked a little when her phone buzzed. Khushi looked at it and she saw that it was Yash calling again. This was his 3rd call today. In all honesty, Khushi has been avoiding Yash and she had too much in her mind to deal with her complicated relationship with him. Khushi knew that it was unfair...but she wasn't able to focus on Yash when Arnav seemed to occupy her mind constantly.

She had the TV playing in the background and Arnav's voice caught her attention. She turned to see his calm face as he answered a question to one of the reporters. He was at one of the many press conferences for the promotion of his movie. It made avoiding him easy for the last 4 weeks. He gave a charming smile to one of the reporters as he answered, causing his co-workers to laugh at what he said. Khushi felt a tight squeeze in her chest and she realized...she missed him. She missed being around him. It was...lonely without him.

Not wanting to go down that road again, Khushi brushed off that feeling and went back to work. An hour passed with Khushi working on this dress and the tv running in the background. Khushi stayed focused until the knock on the door caused her to stop.

She turned to see Yash standing at the doorway of her office with Akansha and Khushi's jaw dropped a little.

"Ma'am, Yash sir wishes to speak with you regarding a new stage outfit." Akansha said, completely obliviously to the tension in the air.

Khushi stared at Yash, not expecting him at all to land up in her boutique. Khushi cleared her throat and gave Akansha a polite smile, "Thank you Akansha...you may leave." Khushi said as casually as possible. Akansha smiled and left the two of them alone.

"Yash...what are you doing here?" Khushi asked when she knew Akansha was out of ear shot.

Yash walked in further and close the office door behind him. "Khushi...why haven't you been answering my calls?" Yash asked, getting straight to the point.

"Yash...open the door...let's not do this now." Khushi replied calmly.

"No. I have been very patient, and I want to know how much more time you need?" Yash forced as he took a step closer to Khushi.

Emotions high, Khushi's temper flared as she lost her patience, "What do you want me to say? Huh? Arnav, I want a divorce and I want to be with Yash? Is that what you want me to do? Forget everything...forget Ahaana and just run away with you?" Khushi said, her voice slightly rising.

The burst of anger surprised Yash. When Yash remained quiet Khushi let out a frustrated breath. "Yash...I know I haven't been fair to you. You shouldn't wait for me...because I honestly don't know where my life is heading..." she replied, looking defeated.

Yash cautiously approached Khushi. "Hey...I'm sorry...ok?" He said when he saw how upset Khushi got. "I just...I haven't heard from you...and I missed you..." He said, giving her a hug when she didn't move away from him.

They stayed like that for a moment, Yash hugging Khushi and Khushi simply standing there. She couldn't get herself to hug him back. Something held her back.

"Anyways...I wanted to let you know that I leave on tour in 1 week. I will be performing my new album across Asia...so I won't see you for the next month." Yash said, trying to change the topic.

Khushi rested her head on Yash's shoulder and quietly listened, but it did nothing to calm her. It just didn't feel right. The loneliness around her was still there...and there was a storm raging inside her.

Yash pulled back and rubbed Khushi's arms trying to comfort her, "Listen...I know that this is hard for you...but when I return I want us to really talk about this. I want you Khushi...I want you by my side when I tour...and I want the world to see that you are the woman I love. Please...just...think about this." Yash said, looking lovingly at Khushi.

Khushi looked at Yash and the surge of unrest she felt inside her took her by surprised. She couldn't explain it. In that moment, Khushi's cellphone rang and she moved away from Yash.

"Hello?" Khushi replied. Her heart sank when she heard what the person said in the other end of the line.

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Author's note:

First scene is inspired from the "Faraq Partha Hai" scene from Bepannaah. So all credit goes to the writers of BP. Though I wrote this scene in my own way...I take no credit for the idea and the line.

Also I take no credit for the pictures posted in this story either. Credit goes to respective owner.

Now how was this chapter!? Thank you so much for your patience as I post.

Regarding the update? Did you like it? The relationship between them thickens. And now you see a deeper side to Khushi and why she is so hesitant to accept Arnav. How will Arnav handle this? How will he convince Khushi?

Stay tuned!

-JC