Khushi was in AMORE the next day working on some orders. Anjali's bridal lehenga and bridemaids dresses were complete and she was also ahead in most of her orders, so this gave Khushi time to work on Anjali's white wedding gown. She looked at the completed skirt and the incomplete top, and sighed. This was harder than Khushi imagined. For some reason...she couldn't conceptualize what the top should be like. Anything Khushi tried...she scratched and tried again. She tried sweetheart necklines...halter tops...off the shoulder lace...but nothing seemed to fit. She wanted this dress to be delicate...stunning...romantic...something that oozed intimacy. She wanted nothing but the best for her cousin...which is why Khushi gave a frustrated sigh when she tossed another sketch. Khushi looked at the clock and saw that it was a few hours till closing time.

Thunder rumbled outside, catching Khushi's attention. It was really starting to rain hard outside.

"Akansha!" Khushi called out. When Akansha entered her office, Khushi spoke, "It's raining pretty badly outside. Why don't head on home? I will take care of everything."

"Are you sure?" Akansha asked.

Khushi smile, "Yea...just get home safe." She said.

Once Akansha left, Khushi continued to work on another design she had an idea for. This was a black dress...off the shoulder...with one side going down to the floor while the skirt of the dress hugged the thighs. It was a sexy outfit...something that would look really edgy with the correct material. Khushi brainstormed...thinking what material might work.

When her cell phone rang, Khushi didn't look at the caller and answered. "Hello?" Khushi said.

"Hey babe" Yash's voice came through the line.

Khushi cringed a little at the title. A little surprised at her reaction because Yash has used endearments for her in the past and she has always loved them.

"Hey..." Khushi replied hesitantly.

"I am in Bangkok right now. This place is amazing!" Yash gushed, "I wish you were here to see it."

"Hmm..." Khushi replied, half-heartedly.

"Are you still mad about the premier night? I'm sorry Khushi...I just really wanted to see you before leaving." Yash said, his voice taking on a cute tone. He knew that Khushi couldn't stay mad at him for long.

"No...it's nothing like that. I am just busy...that's all." Khushi lied. She almost forgot about the premier night until Yash reminded her just now. Come to think of it...Khushi's thoughts were filled with Arnav from that night...and not really Yash. She remembered...how Arnav stood up for her, how he didn't let Yash's presence phase him, how he kissed her...how he stood by her...how he confessed his love for her. He didn't just say it...he was also showing it.

"Khushi?" Yash asked.

"Huh?" Khushi responded, coming out of her thoughts as she realized Yash was still on the phone with her.

"I was saying..." Yash began again, "I was thinking...when I return, you and I should take a trip somewhere."

"Yash..." Khushi sighed, getting tired of repeating herself over and over again on the same topic.

"I know...I know." Yash said, cutting her off. "You need time. But Khushi...you have until the end of the month to decide right? And I know you love me. When I return...I know you will make the right choice...and I can't wait to travel the world with you." Yash gushed.

Khushi rubbed her neck to ease the tension. She felt the pressure build there and realized that she was annoyed. It wasn't Yash's fault...but he kept repeating that he wanted her to travel with him in his music tours. What about her own work commitments? What about Ahaana? She couldn't just leave for months at a time with the responsibility of a child now can she?

"Yash...I really have to go. Good luck and I'll see you later." Khushi said, avoiding the topic. Once she hung up, she leaned back on her chair and rubbed her face. When did her feelings get so complicated? Just a few months ago Yash was the love of her life. That was a no brainer that she would choose Yash a 100 times over.

If she left Arnav and chose Yash...it's not like she would not be a part of Ahaana's life at all. She would still raise her. But would she be able to face Arnav after? Before in wasn't such a hard decision...but things have developed so much between them. Now it wouldn't be an easy break if she decided to go with Yash. It would be different if Arnav and she shared a platonic relationship. But he loved her...and no matter how much she tried to keep her distance...she felt something for him too...

Which lead her to her next problem...would she ever be comfortable with the idea of Arnav as her life partner? You couldn't change the past...and truth was that Arnav was married to her elder sister. The idea of completely being with Arnav...was still morally wrong. Right? Khushi stared up at the ceiling completely lost in thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

"Arnav beta...these are the documents you wanted drafted." Manohar gave the file to Arnav. Arnav flipped through the pages, skimming the words to make sure the conditions were to his liking.

"This is perfect dad. Thanks." Arnav said, smiling at his father.

He then took a pen and signed the legal documents. Manohar smiled at his son. "I am very proud of you son." Manohar said, causing Arnav to smile.

He then happened to glance at the clock saw that it was almost 8pm at night.

"Khushi isn't home yet. She is usually back by 6pm." Arnav said, a frown adorning his handsome face.

Manohar looked outside and saw that it was pouring rain. "The weather is terrible outside. Why don't you call to make sure she is ok?" he advised.

Arnav took out his phoned and called Khushi.

In AMORE, Khushi was brought out of her thoughts when her cellphone rang. She picked up seeing Arnav's name.

"Hello? Arnav?" Khushi answered.

"Are you ok Khushi? It's getting a little late." Arnav asked on the other end of the line.

Khushi glanced at the clock at saw that it was well passed 8pm. "Oh! Sorry Arnav. I just got caught up with some things. I will leave right now." Khushi said, standing up and grabbing her purse.

"Khushi wait." Arnav said. He glanced outside and saw the thunder rumbling, "The weather is pretty bad outside. Stay there and I will come get you." Arnav said.

"No Arnav...that's not needed...I can manage." Khushi replied, turning off the lights to the boutique.

"Khushi don't argue. Just stay there, I am coming." Arnav said with finality in his voice. He grabbed his keys and ran out to his car.

Knowing that she lost that battle, Khushi simply stayed inside AMORE and waited for Arnav. She couldn't fight the ball of warmth she felt in her belly from that interaction. He didn't want her driving alone in this terrible weather. The gesture was sweet...and Khushi couldn't help but smile.

When Arnav drove up in front of AMORE, Khushi ran to the car and got in.

"Hi." Arnav said, smiling at her. Khushi gave him a small smile in return and combed a hand through her hair, trying to shake off the water.

Arnav put the car in reverse and started the tedious drive home. It seemed to have started pouring harder since when he left the house. He could barely see the road passed his headlights. More thunder rumbled and the wind howled.

"Arnav...it's starting to rain pretty badly." Khushi stated the obvious.

"Yea...should I pull over?" Arnav asked.

"Yea...let's just play it safe and wait for the rain to lessen." Khushi agreed, looking out to see that it was unbelievably dark outside too.

Arnav expertly maneuvered the car to the side and parked it. He turned the heater up to bring more warmth.

A silence fell inside the car as they waited. Khushi decided to finally break the silence, "Was everything ok at home today?" she asked, trying to make small talk.

"Yea...mom and ammi made some laddoos today for the holi party. Hopefully this storm passes so we have good weather tomorrow." Arnav replied.

"Mumbai barish ka koi bharosa nahin." Khushi said, a little light heartedly, causing Arnav to chuckle.

"Actually...since we are here, I wanted to show you something." Arnav said, he then reached into the dashboard and took out a file.

Khushi frowned when Arnav held out the file for her. "What is this?" Khushi asked curiously.

"Open it." Arnav simply said.

Khushi opened the filed and read 'Building Owner Authorization', in big bold letters. The address listed Raizada mansion...and right at the bottom listed the owners of the house...Arnav Singh Raizada...and Khushi Gupta Raizada.

Arnav held out a pen, "You have to sign the document below...and then it'll be official." He said, smiling at Khushi.

Khushi stared at Arnav, stunned and completely speechless. He moved the pen closer to her and her trance broke, "Yeh aap kya kar rahe hai Arnav?" Khushi asked, completely shocked at what she was holding.

Arnav placed the pen down and looked straight into Khushi's wide eyes, "Khushi...you are now half owner of our home. Mein bas yeh yakeen dilana chaata hoon ke uss ghar par tumhara bhi haq hai." He said, his voice steady.

Khushi remained shocked, she didn't know what to say. Her heart was pounding at his words and there was a roaring sound in her head. She was having a hard time accepting this.

Seeing Khushi's shocked expression, Arnav sighed and took her cold hand in his, "Khushi...yeh sach hai...ke mein Payal se bahut pyaar karta tha. Yeh bhi sach hai...ke humare shaddi majboori mein hui. Aur mein yeh bhi mann tha hoon ke tum kissi aur se pyaar karti thi..." He said, even though it hurt him saying those words. Khushi looked away ashamed, but when Arnav tugged at her hand, she had no choice but to look back at him. Green eyes met hazel and Arnav continued, "Lekin yeh bhi sach hai Khushi...ke hum dono ke beech aab sirf samjotha nahin hai. Jo bhi humare beech hai...woh galat nahin hai." He said.

Arnav continued, "Tum hi ne kaha tha...ke iss rishtey mein pyaar nahin hai...lekin dosti, izzat, aur bharosa ho sakta hai. Payal ke jaane ke badh...hum dono bohut akele par gaye teh. Aur jo thodi bohut dosti hui thi...woh bhi meine biggar di..." he said, his eyes reflecting his regret as she remembered that dreadful night he said those horrible things to her.

Khushi looked away at that. Those words still causing her heart to ache. And the shame she felt after clawed at her throat. Her eyes began to water and she closed them to control her emotions. But Arnav would have none of it. He reached over with his hand and held Khushi's chin, moving her face so she faced him again.

"Lekin Khushi, sab kuch hone ke badh...meine sukoon mehsoos kiya." Arnav said, his voice softening and his eyes intense, "Jo thoda bohut sukoon mila hai...woh tumhari vaja se mila hai. Aur yeh sukoon galat nahin hai." A tear escaped and rolled down her cheek at his words. Arnav took the hand that was holding Khushi's chin and cupped her face. He brushed the rolling tear away with his thumb and looked at her with expressive eyes.

"Tumhara har asoon chubta hai...aur yeh chuban ghalat nahin hai." He said, "Mera har zakhm tumhe dard deta hai...aur yeh dard glalat nahin hai Khushi." He continued, his own voice thick with emotion.

Arnav then cupped Khushi's face with both his hands, "Tumhara saath dheere dheere zaroorat ban gaya hai. Aur yeh saath galat nahin hai. Yeh jo zaroorat hai...yeh har koi mehsoos karta hai. Ek rishta ko nibhane ke liye pyaar, dosti, aur bharosa kaafi hain. Lekin jab rishtey mein zaroorat aa jaati hai...tab woh rishta sirf nibbhaya nahin jaata...uss rishtey ko har pal jiya jaata hai. Aur yeh rishta galat nahin hai Khushi." He tried to explain, to make Khushi see that none of this was wrong. There was nothing to be ashamed of.

"Tumhe pyaar karna galat nahin hai. Ab bas yahin kwahish hai...ke jo sukoon tum mujhe deti ho...usse kahin zyaada pyaar mein tumhe doon. Tumhe kush dekhna...ab zaroorat hai...aur yeh zaroorat galat nahin hai." Arnav said in a soft voice.

Khushi let out a sob. Not being able to take it anymore, opened the car and ran out into the storm. Her whole body was quaking as the rain beat down on her. Thunder flashed in the distance, but she didn't care. Her tears, now flowing freely, mixed in with the rain.

"KHUSHI!" Arnav yelled. He ran after her, getting soaked to the bone himself.

Khushi didn't listen and she kept walking. She only made it a few feet in front of the car when Arnav twirled her around. "Pagal ho gayi ho kya!?" he yelled.

"Haan! Hum pagal ho gaye hai!" Khushi yelled back. The stormed raged around them and a flash of thunder sparked, but Arnav kept his grip firm on Khushi's arm.

Khushi pushed away his hand and turned away. She bombed her fingers through her rain drenched hair, trying to get a grip of herself. Her emotions were all over the place. She felt shock...guilt...pain...respect...everything. She was struggling to gain control...but she was falling...she was falling fast.

"Khushi?" Arnav asked cautiously. The headlights from the car shone on them, and Arnav was seeing that Khushi was struggling to control her emotions. Another thunder flashed in the background, only highlighting the turmoil on Khushi's face.

Khushi turned to Arnav in a swift motion, "Aap yeh sab kyon rahe hai? Humne samjotha kar liya tha." She said, her expression miserable.

"Humne mann liya tha ke humhare beech kuch nahin ho sakta. Hum kabhi Payal ki jagga nahin lena chate teh...aur uska darja humhe kabhi milli gi bhi nahin. Humne mann liya tha..." she said, her voice cracking as more tears flowed down her face.

"Toh phir aap kyon yeh sab kar rahe hai? Hum bohut kohish kar rahe hai aapse dur rehne ki...lekin hum aapke taraf keeche chale jaa rahe hai..." Khushi sobbed as she said these words.

"Aap itne ache kyon hai Arnav..." She sobbed, her voice quivering, "Aap itne ache kyun hai...?" she whimpered. To think...that she was contemplating the idea of leaving this man and going back to Yash mere hours earlier only made her more ashamed...and caused more tears to flow.

~Main thi rahguzaar, tune thama is qadar...~

Arnav gazed at Khushi, her green eyes big as she gazed at him. She looked so vulnerable in that moment. Arnav placed his hands on her arms and rubbed them in a comforting gesture. "Khushi...please...come inside." He said in a soothing voice.

Khushi listened, as if she were a child. She let Arnav guide her back inside the car. Once inside, he placed his jacket over her shivering body. He turned on the car and maneuvered through the storm until they safely reached home.

~ Ab rahi na koi bhi fikrr...~

Arnav had his arm around Khushi as she guided her inside the house. The house was quiet around them, indicating that most of the family members have retired for the night.

Arnav guided Khushi up the stairs and didn't think twice about taking her into his bedroom. Inside, he moved away to get a towel, but then Khushi grabbed his hand, stopping him. Arnav turned, giving her a curious look.

~Main tujhme baant lu, yun khud ko humsafaar...~

Just going with instincts, Khushi tugged on Arnav's hand so he came closer to her. She then went up on her tip toes and placed her lips on his. Arnav's eyes widened. This was the first time Khushi initiated the kiss. But he then closed his eyes and kissed her back.

The kiss was slow...savoring. She opened her mouth and deepened the kiss by using her tongue. Khushi pulled back and looked at Arnav with her lashes lowered. She was feeling so many emotions inside her. This man standing in front of her was...unbelievable.

~Reh na jaye koi bhi kasar...~

Arnav felt his insides tightened at the sight of Khushi. There go those sultry mermaid green eyes again...with her mass of wet hair curling around her face. And the way she was looking at him...so soft...so vulnerable...so emotional. It gripped at his heart.

Khushi saw the desire in Arnav's eyes and reached for her top. But when she reached to take off her top, Arnav grabbed her hands and stopped her.

Khushi frowned, confused. "I thought you wanted this?" Khushi asked, utterly confused.

~Tere bina mera laage na jiyaa...~

"I do..." Arnav said, his voice husky with desire, "but there is time for that later." He said, and using all his will power, he pulled away. He knew how emotional Khushi was tonight and he didn't want her rushing into anything.

Arnav walked into his bathroom and came back with a towel. "Here...dry off." He said gently. After Khushi took the towel from him, he went into his closet and came out with a kurta. He handed that to Khushi as well, "Change your clothes...so you don't catch a cold."

Khushi followed everything Arnav said. When both changed into dry clothes and dried their hair, Arnav took Khushi's hand and guided her to the bed.

~Tere liye hi dhadke jiyaa...~

Arnav gave Khushi a loving smile and gently sat her down on one side of the bed. When she laid back, he placed the blanket over her and he himself got into the other side of the bed.

~Mere dil ko tere dil ki zaroorat hai...~

They lay there, facing each other. Khushi kept staring at Arnav, trying to figure out this man. Arnav reached over and caressed her hair. "Try to get some sleep...we have a lot to do tomorrow for the Holi party." Arnav said, his voice low and soothing.

Khushi closed her eyes when he said that. The storm within her stopped. And that night...Khushi slept next to Arnav in his bed...willingly. She didn't feel any turmoil...she didn't feel any guilt...she didn't feel any shame. All she felt was peace...inner peace...she felt...sukoon.

~Mere dil ko tere dil ki zaroorat hai...~

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How was this chapter? Very emotional, I know...but finally Arnav and Khushi addressed the elephant in the room...that Khushi has right over Arnav's life and he is trying to show that to her. Now all Khushi has to do is accept it and be ok with it. But she is finally feeling peace in the relationship, so stay tuned to find out what happens next! Holi chapter will be up in the next 2 chapters, so stay tuned and don't forget to comment! Some more romance is coming your way ;)

FYI, I do not own any of the characters, picutres, or the songs used. All rights go to their respective owners. I do, however, own this story.

Female version of the song is here:

https://youtu.be/7Aurm6ujPV4