Chapter Twenty One

"OMG Khushi you're back," Lavanya shrieked as she came running in.

Lavanya attacked Khushi and both went staggering back.

"Dude I missed you so much!"

Khushi chuckled. "Same here. I brought you a present too."

"Aww! Thanks! But first, tell me - did you go everywhere I told you to go?"

"Yeah, and you were right - Soho is the best place to shop! And omg guess who I saw at Brighton Beach? Matt Bomer!!"

"Eeeeppp!! You're kidding!"

"Nope! He was shooting at a restaurant there!"

"OMG!!!"

"I know!!!"

Kinjal came in and tugged on her earlobe. "My goodness girls, you two are gonna make me deaf if you two keep it up."

The two girls giggled.

"Sorry Mumma," Khushi pouted.

Kinjal smiled. "So what do you guys wanna eat? Pakoras? Jalebis? Samosas? Everything?"

The two girls looked at each other and then at Kinjal. "Everything!"

*~*

"Dayum girl," Lavanya remarked. "That's like your what? 23rd jalebi?"

"That's surprising," Kinjal retorted. "Wait till she gets to her 33rd."

Lavanya blinked. "Damn. But that's not good for you Khushi - it will get back at you in the future," Lavanya said, pointing her finger at Khushi."

"No way," Khushi said. "I work out so I'll keep fit. Besides, even if I don't, I have my family genes running through me," Khushi said as she went over to her mother.

"What do you mean," Lavanya asked as she bit into her samosa.

"My mom also used to eat as much as I used to. And look at her - thin as a stick."

Kinjal waved her hand. "Oh please! I'm not a stick. I'm bigger than a stick. More like a tree's trunk, I would say."

"Not a very big one, that's for sure," Lavanya said. "Saying a tree trunk would make you fat."

"Exactly," Khushi said.

Kinjal rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

The three gals chuckled. Kinjal was making her famous butterfly shrimp, when a worker came in.

"Madam, there's a call for you," she said.

"Who is it," Kinjal asked.

"From the company."

"Ugh! Okay, I'll be there in a few."

The worker nodded and left.

Khushi looked at her mother. "Why do they need you?"

"Well I am co-owner so they must need my authorization on something. I dunno," she shrugged, lowering the flames and then left to get the call.

Khushi looked at Lavanya. "So tell me - what did I miss?"

Lavanya's eyes slightly widened and then she looked away. "Nothing."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "Really?"

"Nothing important. You know, the usual," and she gave a nervous chuckle.

Khushi felt weird about it, but decided not to say anything. Kinjal came back in and continued with her cooking. Soon Karan came home and they all sat down for dinner. Lavanya stayed over for the night, so Kinjal prepared snacks for them, knowing there would be no sleeping for them tonight.

Khushi and Lavanya switched into pjs and the two sat on the floor holding their pillows.

"So did you meet anyone this year," Khushi asked.

"Well...."

"Oh my gosh! You met someone?! Do tell!"

Lavanya blushed. "Well... he transferred in and...."

"And...?"

"Well, it turned out that... that he's one of Arnav's friends."

Khushi's eyes nearly popped out. "What?!"

Lavanya nodded. "I was catching up with Arnav while we were walking around campus, when we saw him. Arnav knew his name and the whole thing, what-not, and I had class with him and I was blushing slightly-"

Khushi gasped. "You? You blushed?! No way!"

"Yes, I can blush," Lavanya pouted.

Khushi chuckled. "It's surprising."

"Gee, I'm sorry! I didn't know I couldn't blush and needed permission to do it," she said, crossing her arms.

"No don't take it that way! Continue the story, please please please!!"

Lavanya rolled her eyes. "Fine. So Arnav was talking to him and I stood there and... well, Arnav noticed me blushing and, well... he had me engage into the convo and had us start talking from that day."

"So did you two hook up?"

"Well... sorta."

"What do you mean by 'sorta'," Khushi asked making air quotes with her hands.

"Well, we started to get along, becoming friends and what not. Then the flirting started and... yeah."

"So we're getting there?"

"Hopefully. He's so cute Khushi!! And... I dunno, he's just different. He gives me these weird feelings I've never felt before."

Khushi blinked. "Who are you and where's my best friend?"

Lavanya made a face and punched Khushi's arm slightly and Khushi went into hysteria.

"Sorry! I was just kidding," Khushi chuckled.

Lavanya sat and pouted with her arms crossed. "Better be."

Khushi giggled. "Oh, I just remembered that I was supposed to hit Arnav up."

"Really?"

"Yeah. One sec."

Khushi got up and went to get her iPad. She went on Facebook and saw Arnav had left a few messages.

A: hey kush!
A: hello!
A: you left me ='(

Khushi couldn't help but to smile. Her? Leave him? Never.

K: sorry! Lavanya's over so I was busy

And instantly, Arnav replied.

A: oh sure, have the best friend over and there you go! Forget the other best friend, right? -__-

Khushi giggled.

K: I can never forget you.

Khushi hit enter and then gasped. Oh no! What if he- better cover up quick!

K: especially with that big head of yours =P
A: hey! My head is perfect!
K: for a monkey =P
A: i'm not a monkey! =(

Khushi giggled.

K: *runs to Arnav and hugs him* don't be sad, be Khushi =D
A: you mean be pagal =P
K: hey!!
A: *runs over to Khushi and kisses her cheek* don't be grumpy, be happy =D

Khushi blinked. Kiss me? Again?

Lavanya looked at Khushi and then at the convo. She saw the kissing thing and her eyes widened.

Oh no, Lavanya thought.

"Um... I'm gonna go to bed," Lavanya said.

"What? Why," Khushi asked

"I'm tired."

"You? Tired? Never!"

"Well I am so I wanna sleep," Lavanya snapped.

Khushi flinched. "Oh... sorry."

Lavanya sighed. "Sorry Kush, I didn't mean to snap. I'm just... I'm just worn out. Especially after all that food."

Khushi smiled lightly. "Understood."

Lavanya smiled. "You should get some sleep too."

"Sure. After I'm done talking to Arnav."

"You should just sleep now."

"I'm fine."

"The more sleep, the better."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "Um, okay... what's going on?"

Lavanya looked away. "Nothing," she said grumpily and went to bed.

Khushi just looked at Lavanya confusedly. What was that about, she wondered.

A: ?
A: anyone there?
A: yoo hoo!

Khushi snapped to the sound of the pings! She looked at the screen.

K: oh, sorry.
A: what's wrong?
K: nothing, just Lavanya acting up

For a moment, Arnav didn't say anything, and then wrote:

Did she say anything?

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows?

K: about you? No
K: why?

And he instantly replied.

A: nothing

Khushi looked at her screen suspiciously.

K: is there something you two are hiding from me?
A: no what would we hide?

Khushi looked at her screen with her eyes scrunched.

K: true. Anyways, it's getting late and you should get some sleep
A: you're not pushing me away are you.

Khushi felt her heart clench.

K: I could never do that

Khushi wondered what he would say to that.

A: me neither

Khushi smiled lightly.

A: g'night. Laters baby

Khushi felt her heart trip up, when she remembered.

K: you read it too, didn't you.
A: Lav made me. Besides, I used to say it before I read it
K: *scoffs* sure you did
A: =/
K: <3
A: =D
K: lol
    'Kay. G'night.
A: g'night.

Both logged off and Khushi headed to bed. As she laid there, Khushi stared up at the ceiling. She looked at Lavanya and then back at the ceiling.

I know you two are hiding something from me.

Khushi looked at Lavanya again and then at the iPad. She unlocked her iPad and got a picture of Arnav out.

And I will find out.

Chapter Twenty

Khushi had her arms wrapped around her mother's neck, as her and her mother waddled to join the others.

"He seems like a good kid," Kinjal said.

"Yeah, he's cool," Khushi said. "He was at Payal's wedding."

"Really? ... oh yeah! The dance off! I remember that."

"Mm hmm."

"Well that boy can dance."

"He can - he was in my Culture Discovery class freshman year."

"Thats cool." And her expression dropped.

"Ammi? What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Are you remembering...?"

"Yeah... Anyways, it was nice of Arnav to pick you up," Kinjal said as they started to waddle again.

"Yeah. Thanks mom for telling him to pick me up."

"What? I didn't say anything."

"What?" They stopped. "But I thought-"

"I only said that to my father to shut him up. Did you hear him insulting Arnav. How dare he?"

"Uh, gee mom, aren't you defending."

"Well... oh well. The boy is sweet. He's like... like a son."

"I see... But wait, if you didn't tell him to, then...?"

"Khushi, if you told him, it's okay."

"No Ma, I didn't."

"So you didn't ask him to pick you up?"

"No. Then how...?"

Kinjal and Khushi joined the others and everyone asked of her time there. Khushi gave everyone their gifts and then went to her room. It had been a year since she was in her room. Getting settled, she laid back in her bed. She grabbed her iPad that she had bought from the Apple store in Manhattan and went on Facebook. She saw Arnav online and hit him up.

K: hey
A: hey! Shouldn't you be resting?
K: I guess? But I'm not tired.
A: smh
K: -_- shut up
A: :'(
K: *running to Arnav to hug him and stop him from crying*
A: *stops crying* =D

Khushi sighed. He can be so cute at times, she said in her head.

A: so what's up?

K: not much

      Your dad left?

A: yeah - he has a business trip in Canada so yeah

K: cool

      Um Arnu?

A: yeah Kush?

K: how did you know to pick me up today?

A: ??

K: I mean how did you know I was flying in today?

A: I saw your status

My status? ... oh yeah!

A: you had your flight details on your stat so I just followed it

K: oh... that was nice of you

A: I know 8D

K: -_-

A: hey I gotta go now - gotta calm my mom down

Khushi felt slightly disappointed.

K: 'kay

A: *running to Khushi to hug her and stop her disappointment*

How'd he know?

K: *pouting*

A: *kisses Khushi on cheek*

      Laters

Arnav Singh Raizada is now offline

Khushi gaped at the screen. 'Kisses Khushi on the cheek'? Whoa!

Kinjal came in with snacks. "You look surprised."

Khushi snapped out of her trance. "Oh, Ammi, I didn't see you come in."

"I just came in sweetie."

Khushi nodded as Kinjal set the tray down beside her.

"Pakoras," Khushi exclaimed.

"Mm hmm. If you want, we can make jalebis later."

"Yes!"

"'Kay. Now get some rest baby," she said, taking Khushi's iPad.

"Ma-"

Kinjal locked the iPad and looked at Khushi. "What?"

"Nothing. But, could you put it on charge?"

"Sure baby," she smiled humbly.

Kinjal plugged in the outlet and let Khushi's iPad charge. She left the room, shutting the door, shutting off the lights.

Khushi laid back. I can't believe he said that, Khushi said in her head. Kiss me? Oh my gosh! ... I wonder what happened while I was gone. I mean he's changed... does he like me?

Chapter Nineteen

Khushi gaped at Arnav and he just looked back at her. Slowly making his way to her, Arnav never dropped his gaze.

"Hi," he simply said.

"Hi," Khushi replied, all breathy.

They stood there awkwardly when all of a sudden, Arnav pulled her in and hugged her tight.

"I missed you Kush," he whispered.

Khushi held him tightly and tears flowed down. "I missed you too Arnu."

Arnav let go. "Pagal, you just wot let it go, will you?"

"Well you won't, so why should I?"

Arnav looked amused and then he chuckled. Khushi sighed inwardly, admiring Arnav.

"Come, let's get you home," Arnav said.

Khushi nodded.

Arnav got the cart and gestured Khushi to hold onto his elbow. Khushi did, linked arm in arm, and they headed out of the airport. They headed towards a sleek, black Mercedes-Benz, and Khushi gaped.

"Arnav, whose car is this?"

"Mine."

"When did you get it?!"

"During mid-finals, I got a perfect score, so my dad bought it for me."

Khushi's jaw dropped. "Perfect score?"

Arnav smiled like a proud 3 year old. "Uh huh."

Khushi hugged him. "Oh my gosh! That's amazing!"

Arnav grinned as he placed her bags in the trunk. He went around to open the passenger door for her and then went around to her seat.

"You did a good job, if I may say so," Khushi said as she put on her seatbelt.

Arnav smiled, showing his teeth like a child. "Of course."

Khushi giggled as Arnav started to pull out. They got into traffic and Arnav had the music up.

"So tell me," Arnav began, "how was New York?"

"It's was amazing! The buildings are so tall, it's ridiculous. And the food there is amazing! Met some great people and made some friends."

"Well that's good."

"Yeah, it really was. Class there wasn't so bad, I just kept my game up. You know, when I first got there, I couldn't sleep. I was up ALL night! It was so weird! Eventually it stopped, but that first night was the worst. I couldn't sleep at all! So I wasted my time on my phone. I was about to text you but I couldn't since you were half way around the world, and-"

Khushi stopped. Had she continued, she would've said 'that broke my heart because I love you'.

"And what," Arnav asked as he came to a stop at a red light.

"And... yeah..." she looked side to side.

Arnav looked forward, resting his arms on the steering wheel. Khushi peeked up at him and just looked away. She had missed him undoubtedly, and to finally see him after practically a whole year, she couldn't help herself but to look.

But then a question popped in her head.

"Arnu, what happened while I was gone?"

Arnav's facial expression dropped slightly, but Khushi noticed.

"Not much," Arnav said.

"You sure?"

Arnav said nothing and turned the corner.

"Arnu?"

He said nothing.

"Arnav?"

He looked at her while Khushi looked at him, confused.

He smiled. "Don't worry about it."

"You sure?"

He looked hesitant, but said "yeah, it's nothing really."

Arnav pulled up in front of her house. Khushi gazed up at her house, the urge of seeing her parents building. Arnav honked his horn three times and then looked at Khushi.

"Home sweet home."

"Thanks Arnu."

"No prob."

The front door opened revealing Kinjal and her father, as well as her maternal grandparents.

Yeesh, she said in her head from the sight of her Nana.

Khushi got out and Arnav did as well. Kinjal looked so happy, she had tears streaming down her face. Khushi couldn't help but to run up the steps and charge at her mother. The two hugged and cried, Kinjal kissing the top of her head.

"Oh my baby girl," Kinjal cried.

"Amma!"

Kinjal pulled away and looked at her. "It hasn't been a minute and you're whining already?"

Khushi pouted and the the two chuckled. She bent down and got her mother's blessings. She then went to her dad and then her grandparents. Arnav came with Khushi's bags and set them down.

"Thanks," Khushi smiled.

Arnav nodded. "No problem."

"Well," Khushi's Nana began, "I see taxi drivers are getting paid more." He looked Arnav up and down. "Proper clothes; no uniform. Hmm..." He looked at Arnav's car. "And a fancy car? Mighty fine."

Khushi felt extremely embarrassed and peeked at Arnav, who was looking down. Kinjal noticed this and understood immediately.

"Nana," Khushi began, but Kinjal held her arm, silencing her.

Kinjal's father raised an eyebrow at the two.

"I sent him," Kinjal said. "I asked him to go pick Khushi up."

"But Khushi called saying not to."

"Uh, Facebook? Duh!"

Her father looked confused, but Khushi, Arnav, and Karan were holding back their laughs by Kinjal's attitude.

"Anyways," Nana said, "your mother and I are going inside. Dhamatji?"

Karan nodded and took Khushi's bags in, following the elders. Once they left, Kinjal turned and looked at Arnav.

"I'm sorry beta, my father can be-"

"No, it's completely okay," Arnav said.

"But-"

"Please, don't."

"But beta-"

"You called me your son right? No mother apologizes to their son."

Kinjal sighed. "Okay."

Arnav smiled softly.

Khushi liked the interaction between her mother and Arnav; they got along well.

Maybe even after we get married, Khushi thought, but she stopped herself on the track. What the hell Khushi! What are you thinking?! She hit her head.

"Khushi?"

She looked up at Arnav, only to see both him and her mother looking at her with an eyebrow raised.

"Nothing," she whispered.

"Pagal," Kinjal chuckled.

"Really Kush, you're mother is right."

"You call her Kush too? I do as well!"

"Yeah, but she gets irritated."

"She does! Only cause its a guys name."

"I know! But really, it's bendable."

Khushi gaped at them. "We're really not having this conversation are we?"

Kinjal and Arnav chuckled.

"Guess we are," Arnav chuckled. "Anyways, I have to get going. My dad's going to Canada tonight, so I want to call him before he leaves."

"Okay," Khushi said, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Arnav nodded. "I'll text you."

"Okay."

"Alright, later Khushi," and he went to reach out and hug her when he stopped, remembering her mother was there.

"Oh it's okay," Kinjal said. "I'm cool with that."

Arnav's eyebrows shot up. "Oh..." He looked confused and Khushi giggled.

She reached out and hugged him. "Told you my mom is chill."

"Yeah," he slightly chuckled.

They broke and Arnav bent down and took Kinjal's blessings.

"Bye Aunty."

"Uh, aunty? A few minutes ago, you called me your mother right?"

"Oh, sorry. I mean, bye Ma."

Kinjal nodded. "Alright," and she hugged him.  "Hopefully I'll see you around more?"

"If your daughter invites me over, then sure. I'm always ready to go anywhere."

"Yeah," Khushi said. "Anywhere there's food."

"No problem," Kinjal said. "Just give me the word, and I'll make a feast."

"Ma, no-"

"Nonsense," Kinjal said, cutting Arnav off. "It would be my pleasure."

"Okay," he smiled. "Alright then, I'll be going. It was nice to meet you," he said to Kinjal.

"The pleasure was mine...?"

"Arnav."

"Arnav," Kinjal smiled.

Arnav nodded at Khushi and then went down the steps to his car. He got in, waved at the two, Khushi waving back giddily (which Kinjal noticed), and then Arnav pulled away.

"Well he's a nice boy," Kinjal said.

"Ma, don't."

"Okay! Okay! Jeez!"

The two looked at each other and broke into laughter, heading inside.

Chapter Eighteen

Without a doubt, the summer was really long for Khushi. Since the day she got home, all she could think of was Arnav. She missed him incredibly, and even though she had his number, she never had the guts to call him. She talked with Lavanya and texted as well, but with Arnav, it was just texting.

In July, Khushi received a letter, asking her if she wanted to study abroad for the year. Khushi wasn't so sure about it, but she wanted to do it. She wanted some experience, but she didn't know how her parents would feel about it.

So she brought it up at dinner. But there was just one problem: her Nana and Nani had come over.

Should I ask, Khushi ask herself as she messed around with her food.

She looked at everyone, her dad and Nana in conversation, her mom and Nani talking as well.

Taking a deep breath, she said "I want to study abroad."

Four pairs of eyes looked at her, silence shrouding around them.

"What," her father said, breaking the silence.

"I got a letter from the college, asking me if I wanted to study abroad, since I'm an accelerated student."

"When did you receive it," Kinjal asked.

"Today."

"And where do they take you?"

"My options are London, New York, Tokyo... and I think Boston?"

"Hmm..."

"Well," Karan said, "what do you want?"

"To go to New York for the year," Khshi whispered.

Everyone looked at each other and then at her.

"Well," Karan said, "I like the idea. Gives you experience and a challenge. I'm fine with it."

Khushi beamed.

"So am I," Kinjal said. "I'm okay with it."

Kinjal's father gaped at her. "Are you kidding me," he boomed. "She's a young woman! What will she do going there-"

"Babuji, she will go," Kinjal said, not even looking at him.

"What?!"

Kinjal stood and looked at him. "She. Will. Go." She looked at Khushi. "To New York it is then. I'll fill out your app."

Khushi got up and launched herself at Kinjal. She hugged her mother tightly and then went to her dad and kissed the top of his head, hugging him, and then she went back to Kinjal.

"You're making a mistake," Kinjal's father said.

Karan gaped at him while Kinjal was heating up. Khushi could tell her mom was about to burst, so she squeezed her hand.

Kinjal calmed down and looked at her father. "We're her parents - we'll make decisions for her," and with that, Khushi and Kinjal left.

Kinjal's father gaped and fumed, while Karan just placed a spoon of kheer in his mouth, glad that the man had shut up.

Kinjal had filled out Khushi's application and Karan signed parts for him. Khushi sent it out and was excited. A few weeks later, she got her acceptance letter and ticket.

Khushi was excited and started to pack. In the middle of packing, she realized something - that she hadn't told Lavanya nor Arnav about this. She looked at her phone and quickly texted Lavanya and Arnav.

Lavanya replied immediately, happy for her, and told her places to visit in New York. On the other hand, Arnav still hadnt replied.

On the day Khushi was going to leave, she wondered why Arnav still hadn't contacted her. Lavanya had sent her best wishes, but Arnav hadn't done a thing.

As Khushi prepared to leave, she got a call. It was Arnav, and Khushi was shocked. They never called each other. She took the call anyways, wanting to hear his voice one last time before leaving.

"Hello," she said softly.

"What the hell!"

Khushi blanched. That sure wasn't something se was expecting to hear.

"Khushi, are you crazy?!"

"Arnav-"

"Why the hell do you want to go to New York? Isn't this place good for you?"

"Arnav, it's just for the year."

"The year?! Are you kidding me?!"

"Arnav-"

"No Khushi, this is wrong."

"But-"

"How could you think of ditching us? Ditching me?"

Khushi's heart ached. I don't want to leave you, she said in her head. I love you.

"Whatever," Arnav said exasperated. "Do what you want, I don't care."

"Arnav-"

"Just go!"

Khushi blanched again. "Arnu-"

"No! Don't call me that! You have no right to call me that Kush!"

Khushi had a lone tear flow down her cheek. "I-"

"Just go Khushi! Just go! Since you don't even care about your friends and just care about yourself."

Another tear flowed down.

"Hope you have fun in New York with those New York guys," he said sarcastically, and hung up.

Khushi looked at her phone and she cried. She cried so much, she had stuffed a pillow in her face. After a while, she calmed down and washed up.

"Khushi," Kinjal called as she came in her room "time to go baby."

"C-coming!"

Khushi came out and Kinjal held her face.

"What's wrong baby?"

Khushi shook her head.

"Are you going to lie to your mother right before you leave?"

Khushi shook her head and hugged her, shaking as she held back her sobs.

"Oh sweetheart, what is it?"

Khushi took a deep breath. "I'll miss you. I'll miss everyone."

Kinjal looked at her. "It's okay baby." Her eyes swelled up as well. "I'll miss you too baby."

Khushi nodded and hugged her again, crying into her mother's neck.

Soon it was time to leave and Khushi and her parents went to the airport. After some more crying Khushi left to her flight. As she sat in the plane, all her thoughts were of Arnav. Nonstop, all she thought of was him.

The pilot announced that they were going to be delayed by 10 minutes. Khushi took this chance and decided to call Arnav. Arnav didn't pick up and Khushi tried again. He still didn't pick up and when she tried a third time, he still didn't pick up, so Khushi left a message.

"Hi, Arnav," she said softly. "Um... I just wanted to hear your voice, right before my flight took off. Um, I'll miss you. I really will. And... and I'm sorry, if I hurt you. I didn't mean to Arnu. But I really want this. I know I should've called you before I made my decision, but I didn't, and I'm sorry. I'm really sorry Arnu. Please forgive me, or I'll feel miserable. ... I'll miss you lot. ... Bye," and she hung up.

The plane was about to take off and Khushi turned off her phone. Just as she was about to, her phone vibrated and she received a text.

Arnu: Im sorry too. Be careful Kush. Gonna miss you yaar. I'll be thinking of you.

Khushi's heart melted and she texted back:

I'm sorry as well. I'll miss u too. I'll think of u <3

Turning off her phone, she shut her eyes and relaxed. Arnav would think of her, and that let her heart relax, and her flight went by well.

*~*

New York was amazing for Khushi. She made new friends and her classes were awesome and she just loved it. Now and then she would go on Oovoo and chat with Lavanya. With Arnav, they would e-mail or IM each other.

While spending her time here, some guys started to flirt with her, but Khushi had no interest. The entire time she was there, all she thought of was Arnav. Being halfway around the world, her heart longed for Arnav. She wanted to see his face oh so badly.

So, to solve this problem, Khushi had made her background a picture of her and Arnav on her iPhone. They had taken it the year before and it was one of her favorite pictures ever. The two were hugging each other from the side and Khushi was taking the picture.

The year was about to end, and Khushi couldn't wait to go back. She was missing her parents (even though they spoke everyday), Lavanya, and especially, her Arnu.

On her last day there, Khushi had spent the day with her friends and later that night, Khushi put the pictures on Facebook. She just couldn't wait to get home, all excited on her status.

*~*

Khushi had a wonderful flight and soon, she had arrived to her home country. Stepping off the plane, she took a deep breath and sighed.

She was home.

Getting off, she went through immigration and then got her bags. She told her parents not to come, and that she would see them when she got there.

She walked out with her bags on a cart and saw the whole bunch of people, waiting for their loved ones. A man behind her chuckled and ran up to a woman and held her waist and swung her in the air. At the sight of it, Khushi couldn't help but to smile. She absolutely loved romantic things and that was really cute.

Shaking her head, she started to walk again and headed towards the door.

"Khushi!"

Khushi stilled and froze. She knew that voice very well. It was the voice she loved to hear. It was the voice that she needed to hear. It was the voice that she longed to hear. It was the voice that melted her heart.

Turning around slowly, with her mouth parted slightly with eyes wide, she gaped at none other than the one she longed - Arnav Singh Raizada.

Chapter Seventeen

The two hadn't done so great in their mid terms, so Khushi would drag them to the library with her. After numerous study dates, not to mention fooling around, it paid off and all three passed.

Summer had arrived and it was the last day. Lavanya and Khushi cleared out their dorm since Lavanya would be heading to Rajasthan to stay with her parents. She had to leave early, so Khushi and La had bid their farewells early in the morning, La already bidding her farewell to Arnav the day before.

Khushi was out on the campus, preparing to leave, when Arnav came by.

"Hey," Arnav said, his thumbs hanging from the loopholes of his jeans.

Khushi turned, surprised. "Oh, hey! What's up?"

He tilted his head. "Not much. You done packing?"

"Uh, yeah. Most of my stuff is back home. Just a few stuff here and there and I'm done."

Arnav nodded. "Um, can I help?"

Khushi smiled. Thanks Arnav, but it's okay-"

"No, no! I have no problem."

"Well...-"

"Come on! I'll help you," and he entered the room.

"Well, if you insist."

Arnav smiled and helped Khushi pick up the last of the clothes left. Khushi was putting away some t-shirts, when Arnav chuckled.

"What's wrong," Khushi asked, not looking.

"Hmm, polka dots."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "What?"

"Polka dots with lace... sexy."

Khushi's head whipped around and she gasped. In Arnav's hands were her polka dotted, lacy bra, with matching panties. She quickly grabbed it and shoved it into her bag, looking side to side, embarrassed, while Arnav chuckled.

"Not funny," Khushi blushed.

"I'm sorry yaar! Really," but he still chuckled.

Khushi's face flushed and Arnav made her face him.

"It's okay Kush. Chill."

Khushi still felt embarrassed.

"So what are your plan," Arnav asked, changing the topic.

"I'll be at my place, spending time with the folks."

"Hmm, same here. My mom will be ecstatic when I get back."

Khushi smiled. "Same here... even though I see my mom like every weekend."

Arnav chuckled lightly, nodding. "Wait Khushi, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Well, you always invited Lavanya to your place, even having her stay over."

"Uh huh...?"

"Well, how come you've never taken me there?"

Khushi blinked at him. "Uh... well, I don't know. I guess... well, I don't know how my parents would take that. They're chill, yeah, but it's not so much of a good idea."

"But your parents are chill?"

"It's not my parents that I'm worried about. It's my Nana that I'm worried about."

"You're Nana?"

"Yeah. With him..." she groaned.

"You wanna tell me," Arnav tried, trying to ease it for her.

"No," she sighed. "I just... don't get me wrong, he's sweet at times, but..."

"But what?"

Khushi crossed her arms, moving her cardigan to fully cover her, even though it was warm. "I hate him," she whispered.

"Why?"

Khushi fought back tears. "I... I really don't wanna talk about it."

Arnav nodded. "No problem," and he headed towards the door.

"Arnav?"

He stopped and turned.

"Please don't take it the wrong way. I just... I don't like to talk about it."

"I get that. I was just going to take your bag out."

"Oh. ... Um, okay?" She let out a light chuckle.

Arnav smiled and took her bag. Khushi checked the room one last time and sighed, grabbing the keys. She took a deep breath and shut the door, locking it.

"Khushi, relax. You'll be here two months later."

"I know. But still."

Arnav shook his head and they headed to the lobby. Khushi dropped off the keys and then they headed out to the parking lot. Arnav got her bag in her car and Khushi leaned against the drivers side door.

Arnav sighed. "So this is it."

Khushi sighed, tears coming to her eyes. "Yeah."

Arnav shook his head, crossing his arms. "Oh Kush, it's just two months."

"Yeah..." Two months without you, she said in her head.

She bit her lip to control herself. Arnav shook his head and reached out to her and hugged her. He held her tightly around her waist, holding her close to him. Khushi gripped into his shoulders, shocked. Though they had hugged a lot, they were always side hugs. This hug was a full-out, bear hug! ... And she sure did like it.

"Oh Kush, will you always be this emotional?"

Khushi rolled her eyes. "Arnu!"

Arnav moved back and looked at her. "Don't."

"Arnu."

"Kush," he warned.

"Arnu."

"Kush, I'm serious."

"Arnu!"

"Khushi-"

"Arnu! Arnu! Arnu!"

Arnav let go, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. Khush giggled, loving how that it always irritated him when she called him that, sort of like how he would call her Kush. His intention was to always make her sound like a guy, but Khushi didn't mind so much, since a lot of people called her that. Truth be told, she loved it how he called her that.

"Well, I'm certainly not going to miss that," Arnav said, as a matter of fact.

"You never know. Today you'll hate it, but tomorrow?"

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows.

"Tomorrow when I won't be there, you'll be wishing and begging to be called that."

"I doubt that."

"I don't."

The two looked at each other and from looking turned into an intense eye lock. They just looked at each other, when all of a sudden someone screamed, breaking their trance.

The two looked awkwardly away, and then looked back.

"Um, I guess I should get going," Khushi muttered.

"Yeah. I should too."

Khushi nodded and got into her car. Arnav walked up to her window and knocked on it. Khushi rolled it down and looked at him, eyebrows scrunched.

"I'll miss you Kush."

Khushi smiled. "I'll miss you to Arnu."

Arnav didn't mind this time and looked down, smiling. "See ya in the fall."

"See ya in the fall."

Arnav backed away, nodding and Khushi's car came to life. She waved back one last time for the year and so did Arnav. It pained Khushi's heart as she pulled away. She looked into the mirror and saw Arnav getting smaller and smaller, standing in the same spot she left him.

When she pulled out of the campus, she sighed.

This is going to be one long vacation, she said in her head. She sighed. I love you Arnav, she smiled.

Chapter Sixteen

"Ooh! Culture Discovery? I loved that class," Kinjal squealed.

"You took it," Khushi asked.

Kinjal shifted her phone to the other side. "Yes! I did! And I absolutely loved it!!!"

"Hmm, I see. But why so much?"

"Well, I LOVE to dance, and you know that."

Khushi nodded, knowing her mother. "And?"

"And..." Kinjal let out a sad sigh.

"What's wrong Amma?"

"Nothing. Just that..."

"That...?"

Kinjal sighed. "Adi and I had that class together," she said lowly.

Khushi felt sorry for her mom. "Oh..."

"Yeah..."

"You two had fun?"

"Well, we were just friends before all of that, though I was really shy, since I liked him." She sighed. "But, from taking that class, we got closer and then we started to go out."

"Aww! How cute!"

Kinjal smiled lightly. "Yeah... Anyways, how's Lavanya?"

"She's fine. We have that class together."

Kinjal placed the plate in her hands down and leaned on the counter. "Alright, what is it? Tell me."

Khushi looked at her phone and then placed it back to her ear. "What are you talking about?" Khushi gulped.

"No point in hiding it. I'm your mother after all."

"Its nothing Ammi. Forget about it."

"You sure?"

Khushi nodded. "Yeah Ma. I'm sure."

"Okay, well, I should get going."

"Yeah. Night Ammi."

"G'night sweetheart."

Both hung up an Khushi was eager for morning to arrive.

*~*

Khushi sat in class waiting for Arnav to arrive. Yeah she had seen him a couple of periods back, but this class, Culture Discovery, was a class that she looked forward to.

In came Arnav and he saw Khushi and headed towards her. They sat down and talked and then in came Lavanya. Soon Anisha and her followers came in and then Sani.

"Alright class," Sani said. "Time to crack it down. Now then, do we have any dancers here?"

No one raised their hand.

"Oh please! Don't be shy."

Arnav grabbed Khushi's hand and raised it up.

"Ah! And you're..." she looked at the roster, "Khushi, right?"

Khushi moved Arnav's hand away and nodded. "Yes Ma'am."

"Please, call me Sani."

She nodded.

"Great. Who else?"

Khushi grabbed Arnav's hand and raised it.

"Khushi, what are you-"

"Ah," Sani exclaimed. "And you're... Arnav?"

He cleared his throat and nodded.

"Good. You two come down."

Khushi and Arnav looked at each other and then slowly got up and went over to Sani.

"Anyone else," Sani asked.

Both Lavanya and Anisha raised their hands and Sani called them down.

"Now then, since you four know how to dance, care to show us some moves?"

All four felt uncomfortable and looked at each other to go first.

"Well...?"

Khushi shut her eyes and got her breath and then stepped forward. "I'll go."

Arnav and Lavanya looked at her wide eyed and Anisha smirked to herself, hoping that Khushi would embarrass herself.

"Very good. Go to my laptop and choose out a song. Better yet, I'll find another person for you to dance with." Sani looked at the other three. "Anisha."

Anisha looked up. "Yes?"

"You and Khushi. Dance off. Now."

"Uh...-"

"Khushi go choose a song."

Khushi nodded and went over to Sani's MacBook and went through iTunes. Sani had a lot of songs! It was getting difficult so Khushi searched up the song and found it and selected it.

Khushi decided to go with more of a slow song, and traditional, so she chose "Taal Se Taal Mila" from the movie "Taal".

"Alright," Sani said. "Anisha on first verse and chorus. Khushi on next."

And so she did. As much as it's hard to admit, Anisha was good. She was graceful, but it was obvious she was trying to show off, which made Sani roll her eyes.

Ugh, another one, Sani though in her head. "Good, but needs work. Khushi? Go."

And so she did and of course, she was graceful, not showing off. She had passion to her dancing, smiling brightly as she danced. She went along with the beat at the right moment and Sani wanted her to continue so she gestured her to go on, and so Khushi did.

She just might be good, Sani said in her head.

Lavanya and Arnav clapped along with the beat as she danced. They absolutely loved her dancing and Sani clapped as well and then went over to her laptop and turned off the music.

"Very good Khushi. I'm impressed. Now who will go against you?"

Anisha was taken aback. What about me, she wondered.

"Lavanya."

Lavanya blinked and stepped forward.

"Ready to show what you got?"

Lavanya nodded.

"Khushi, choose."

Khushi went back to the laptop and searched up one of hers and Lavanya's favorite song - "Jiya Re" from "Jab Tak Hain Jaan".

The song began and the two hopped to each other and without another word from Sani, the two started to dance. Arnav was impressed with the two and clapped, Sani clapping as well. The two were smiling like crazy, dancing together and having a whole bunch of fun. Sometimes dancing to the chorus like Anushka did in the movie, and then going at each others face going "oooh!" and Arnav found it really cute.

Sani turned it off. "You guys rock! Putting you two on stage would make people start dancing in the audience." Khushi and Lavanya stepped to Arnav's side. "Now then...ah! Arnav! You go."

"M-m-me," Arnav stuttered.

"Yes you."

Khushi smirked. "What's wrong Arnav," she whispered. "What happened to the guy who danced at the wedding?"

Arnav looked at her.

"Too much confidence is bad confidence."

"Khushi, choose the song" Sani said.

Khushi nodded and went over to it and searched up "Ishq Shava" from "Jan Tak Hain Jaan."

"Good choice," Sani said. "You know who to follow. Now impress me Arnav."

Arnav nodded and looked at Khushi. She got absorbed into the beat and began to move. Arnav was impressed and his playful side began to appear and he danced. They went along with the moves from the movie, adding their own in their, following the other time to time.

Every guy in the class was impressed by Khushi's moves. She was amazing. At first they found her a joke for dancing to "slow, traditional" music, but now they were just following her body movement. Anisha noticed this and she couldn't believe it. Even Arnav was absorbed into the dance and she was boiling over.

They are so meant to be, Lavanya smirked in her head, clapping.

Sani stopped the music and clapped. "Wow! I'm impressed! You two were on fire! Imagine you two doing choreographed dance together? Epic!"

Anisha couldn't believe it. Oh you are so going down Khushi, Anisha said in her head. One way or the other.

Chapter Fifteen

"So where have you been," Arnav asked.

They just got out of class, after hearing their boring professor go ranting on with the intro of the class.

"Where have I been? Where have you been," Khushi asked.

"I've been around. Question is, where have YOU been?"

"I've been around."

The two looked at each other and started to laugh. They laughed away and then walked to Khushi's next class.

"Oh yeah, before we split," Arnav said, "lemme see your schedule."

Khushi handed it to him and he compared his with hers.

"Hey! We have Culture Discovery together!"

"Really?"

"Yeah! Guess I'll be seeing you then, huh Khushi?"

Khushi nodded. "I'll see you then."

"Great. See ya."

He gave her a side hug and left. Khushi stood still, shocked that he had hugged her. Still in daze, she turned to the room and walked in, one thing going through her head.

OMG! He hugged me! OMG! He hugged me!

Nonstop.

The day went by and finally, the last class of the day: Culture Discovery.

Khushi was walking over to her class, when she saw Arnav, leaning against the wall, one foot on the wall (just imagine seeing him like that?! I'd be dead LOL). He was standing right at the corner and when he saw her, he pushed away from it and looked at her.

"Hey Khushi."

"Hey. What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you."

Khushi was touched. "Really," she smiled softly.

"Yeah. Plus I'm not so sure about this class."

"Oh come on! It'll be fine!"

Arnav shrugged and Khushi held his arm and led him to class. They went inside and and saw other students, already there.

Unlike other rooms, this was just a plain room. No desks, no nothing. Just rows of benches on two opposite sides, with big mirrors all around. The sun shone in from glass windows, shining down to the floor.

Arnav nudged Khushi. "Where you wanna sit?"

"Um, I don't know?"

They just randomly chose a spot and went inside the room. And then they heard HER.

"Hey Arnav!"

The two turned and saw Anisha, waving at him like a little preppy chick. Neetu and Naina were there as well and they waved at him as well. Arnav gave a simple nod and the two continued to head towards their seats. Anisha and her duplicates fumed, but not for long when they heard:

"Khushi!"

Everyone turned and looked at Lavanya at the door. She came running in and attacked Khushi.

"OMG! We finally have class together!!!"

Khushi suffocated. "Tell' me about it."

Lavanya let go and looked at Arnav. "Hey Arnav!"

"Hey!"

They hugged and Khushi scrunched her eyebrows.

"We have history together," Arnav said.

Khushi nodded in acknowledgment.

Lavanya sat beside Khushi, Khushi in between Arnav and Lavanya. The three talked and Anisha and her dupes were fuming by the second.

All of a sudden, they heard heels clacking, and everyone turned to see who it was. In came a woman, not that old, maybe low 30s. She was beautiful, that's for sure, and some of the guys started to wolf-whistle.

"Settle down boys," she said. "We don't need any of the'. Anyways, welcome to Culture Discovery. I'm your professor, Professor Saniya, but everyone can just call me Sani."

The students just nodded.

"Now, for those of you who are wondering what this class is about, pay attention. This is a required course that you HAVE to take all four years. I'm sure many of you have taken it last semester. But if you haven't, it won't affect you. This class MUST be taken in order for you to graduate and you must pass the class with at least a B-.

In this class, you will learn the values of our tradition, and mainly, our culture. Unlike other professors who teach it in a boring classroom with textbooks that you'll have to pay for, I prefer this way: in a studio."

The students looked around and then at her.

"In this class, we will NOT be doing it "the traditional way." Nope, not at all."

Everyone scrunched their eyebrows.

"In this class' we're going to dance."

Some people yelled out what, while others were excited. Anisha, Neetu, and Naina got excited, thinking this could impress Arnav. Khushi was excited, as well as Lavanya. As for Arnav, he was unsure about the class."

"Oh, and for those thinking of dropping out," Aliya continued, "you WILL NOT be able to. I have set strict rules about leaving my class and it will NOT happen. In order to leave, you must pass MY class with an A- or up. No excuses."

Anav slumped. Damn, he thought.

Sani gave introductions about the class and what they would be doing. When the class ended , everyone headed out. Khushi and Lavanya were excited, but Arnav followed behind, slumping. Khushi noticed and went over to him.

"Arnav?" She placed her hand on his shoulder. "You okay?"

"No. I don't wanna take this class."

"Arnav, you know her policy. Plus-"

"Yeah, but'! I'm just gonna cut-"

"Young man, don't you dare."

Arnav raised an eyebrow at her.

"Cutting is bad, and you know what? If you wanna cut, cut yourself."

Khushi turned away to leave, when Arnav stopped her.

"Hey! Wait! Whoa! ' Khushi? Relax. Fine. I won't. 'Kay?"

Khushi remained stubborn.

He held his ears "Sorry."

Khushi turned and looked at him and realized what he was doing. "Arnav stop! It's okay! Don't hold your ears!"

"Appology accepted?"

Khushi sighed. "Accepted," she softly smiled.

The two headed towards Lavanya, and the three left. As for Anisha and her dupes, they were not happy at all.

Chapter Fourteen

"Lav, I had the dream again!"

Khushi and Lavanya were at Josh's having their lattes.

"Again? Was it different?"

"No. It was the exact same thing! Only..."

"Only what?"

"Only..."

*~*

She looked up into his eyes, him looking back at her with love-filled eyes.

"Who are you," she asked.

"Arnav. Arnav Singh Raizada."

*~*

"Thats it," Lavanya asked.

"Yeah. Only that bit added."

"Well, whatever. The good thing is we know his name."

"Yeah. But it's not like we see him."

"Khushi, please keep it positive. You're falling for the guy, so yes you will meet him and see him. Now will you relax?"

Khushi just nodded and had her latte. She wanted to believe Lavanya's words, but she knew her opinion was right.

And indeed it was. Throughout the rest of the first semester, neither Khushi nor Lavanya had seen him. It was weird to Lavanya but Khushi wondered where he was. But then the negativity took over and she thought they weren't meant to happen.

Soon, midterms came and Khushi's crazy study antics had helped her so much, she passed all her midterms. They were given two weeks off until the second semester started. Khushi asked her mom and dad to let her stay one more semester, and Karan and Kinjal had approved. The two knew how big hers and Lavanya's friendship was.

Soon, the second semester had started. Khushi went to her classes, as scheduled. She was now going to her Statistics class, and when she got in, she barely saw anyone there. She went inside the room and sat down somewhere, near the back. A few minutes passed, Anisha and her duplicates Neetu and Naina came in. They sat in the middle of the room, being the "center of attention".

A couple of minutes passed by. Khushi was getting her notebook out and opened it to a fresh page, when she had felt it. She had felt a slight breeze. But not any ordinary breeze, but a breeze that sent unordinary tingles up her spine. She looked up and in came the man who had disappeared out of her life for the past few months - Arnav.

He shook hands with his friends and they left. Arnav turned and stepped into the room and looked at the people. Anisha saw him and sat up straight immediately. Neetu and Naina were no less, sitting up straight in a proper posture, like Anisha.

Arnav headed towards the steps and Anisha waved at him.

"Hey Arnav," she said flirtatiously.

He gave her a simple nod and Anisha tried to shoo away her friends to let him sit next to her, but Arnav had other plans.

(Rewind lolz)

When he had walked in, he had seen Khushi, and for some reason, he had felt a slight breeze. It seemed like the breeze had made her hair fly by a bit, but it seemed strange. But he ignored the feeling and went straight over to her.

As for Khushi, when she saw that he was looking around the room, she had flinched and looked back at her book. But when she noticed Arnav coming her way, her heart started to pump up. But when he had stopped because of Anisha, she felt her heart pit in, so she buried her face in her bag, looking for her iPod Touch, which she kept misplacing for some reason.

Arnav went up and Anisha gaped.  He went all the way up and went over to Khushi. Anisha couldn't see Khushi, since Khushi had bent down and was going through her bag.

Arnav had sat down. "Hey Khushi."

Khushi got up, her hair flying as she turned and looked at him. Her hair had hit his face and her eyes widened. "Arnav! I-I'm so sorry-"

"It's okay."

"Did I hurt you?"

Arnav smiled a crooked grin. "No. Actually, your hair is really soft. Green apples?"

"Uh... yeah," she said shyly.

Arnav gave her another crooked grin and Khushi smiled back softly. Soon the professor came in and he began his intro to the class. Everyone paid attention, except for Anisha. She had notice the exchange between Arnav and Khushi, and her blood was boiling.

Chapter Thirteen

Kinjal was watching her daughter really carefully the entire time they were having dinner. Today, they just ended up having dinner late, and while Khushi was still smiling away at her food, Kinjal was watching it all.

At the end of dinner, Khushi took everyones plate and left to the kitchen and started to wash them. Karan was confused at first but then didn't put to much mind to it, knowing how his daughter was, so he left upstairs and went back to work.

Kinjal joined Khushi in the kitchen and looked at her daughter. Khushi didn't even have a clue and she continued washing the dishes, smiling, not even looking at them. As Khushi dried the dishes, she was still looking straight forward, smiling. She went to put a plate away, but missed. The plate was about to fall and Kinjal was about to grab it, but Khushi caught it, not even looking at it. Kinjal sighed in relief and blew her hair out of her face, shaking her head at her daughter.

Khushi finished and wiped her hands with the dish towel and headed upstairs to her room. Once inside, she immediately lied down on her tummy, holding onto her pillow. Kinjal came in and sat next to Khushi and watched her. Khushi didn't had a clue and Kinjal smiled and stroked Khushi's hair.

Khushi then snapped back to reality and looked at her mother. "Oh, Ammi. I'm sorry, I didn't realize."

"I can see that."

Khushi moved and lied down on her mothers lap. After a while, Kinjal took her chance.

"So what are you thinking about?"

"What do you mean," Khushi replied, trying not to let her mother figure anything out.

"You know'. I mean, you're always smiling, so'."

"What? Psht! No I'm not."

"Sweetheart, you are right now."

Khushi looked side to side and snuggled in closer, Kinjal chuckling.

"Tell me Kush."

"Ma, it's nothing."

"Which means it is."

"No Ma, it doesn't."

"You're saying "Ma" and that means it does."

"Amma!"

"Now you're complaining."

Khushi sighed deeply and sunk into her mothers lap.

"Will you tell me, or shall I tell you?"

"W-what will you tell me," Khushi asked, taking her chances.

"That' I'd say'" she stroked her hair, "that you're in love."

Khushi sat up immediately. "Are you serious?"

Kinjal smiled lightly. "I know sweetie. I fell in love once, too. I can tell just by the look on your face."

"My face?"

She nodded. "You have that look on your face. Always smiling, just thinking about him. You don't purposely, but he just comes into your mind. You can't help yourself, but he just happens to cross your mind. And when you try to stop, you think of him even more. He just makes you feel happy and makes you smile, without even a reason. Everything else just gets blocked out. It's like the world around you doesn't even exist, but yet another sense tells you what's going on." She chuckled. "That's why you knew the plate was falling."

Khushi looked away, embarrassed. Her mother had figured her out like a book.

Kinjal caressed her hair and stroked it. "It's okay sweetie. It happens."

Khushi didn't say anything.

"I won't bother you about it if you're not comfortable. Hmm?"

Kinjal got up to leave, and Khushi argued with herself.

Should I tell her? What would I say? That I think I'm in love?

Kinjal was at the door.

What about the dream? Should I tell her?

Kinjal opened the door and was about to leave, when Khushi called her.

"Ammi?"

Kinjal turned and looked back. "Yes baby?"

"... goodnight..."

Kinjal smiled and blew her a kiss. "Goodnight love."

Kinjal shut the door and left. Khushi sighed and groaned. "What the hell Kush?!"

She groaned again and turned off her lights and went to bed.

Chapter Twelve

Inside, music was pumping. People danced like crazy and Lavanya dragged Khushi to the dance floor, one of their favorite songs going off:

While Khushi and Lavanya were busy dancing, Toh's friend had noticed and pointed at them. Toh turned and looked at the girls and wasn't so surprised. After the dance off at the wedding, he knew Khushi's talent - not to mention the secret to her success.

Not only had these two noticed, but everyone else did too and danced with them. And by everyone, I mean EVERYONE. Which included Anisha and her crew.

See, Anisha has a big jealousy problem. if someone's better than her, she gets jealous immediately. Bad habit since childhood. (-_- smh)

She went in and joined, making the guys go over to her and dance with her. She tried to act like she didn't notice, because she was too busy looking at the guy she was interested in.

Khushi and Lavanya, however, paid no attention about the guys all over Anisha. They didn't care and only cared about the fun. But Khushi noticed something from the corner of her eyes, and she saw that Toh was looking at them.

He nodded, gesturing "what up?", at her and she just shook her head, gesturing "nothing". She nodded, gesturing "come over and join us" and he nodded in approval and walked over to them. Lavanya noticed all of this and got hype. Toh recognized Lavanya and apologized for not saying hi earlier, but Lavanya didn't mind. The three danced together, but the deed wasn't missed by Anisha.

Figured it out? I'm sure you guys did, since you guys are so smart and cunning (<3). Anisha has a thing for Toh, ever since she stepped onto campus and saw him. He had the characteristics of a hot guy and she wanted him, whatever it took. She saw how other girls drooled for him and she made it her mission that she HAD to HAVE HIM.

The three finished dancing and stepped outside taking drinks, Khushi going with a nonalcoholic drink. They stood out at the backyard patio and drank their drinks.

"So what's up you guys," Toh asked.

"Not much," Lavanya replied.

"Just focusing in studies," Khushi replied.

The two looked at her like she was stupid. "Wah?"

"… studies…?"

"Why would you do that stuff now," Toh asked.

"See what I have to deal with," Lavanya asked him, chuckling.

"Shut up Lav," Khushi said. "And I think you've drank enough," and she took her cup.

"Hey!" But Khushi had already thrown the cup on the floor, the beer pouring.

"Wah," Lavanya fake-cried.

"Oh well! Now behave yourself."

"Yes mom!"

Khushi rolled her eyes and ignored her.

Toh started to chuckle.

"What's so funny," Khushi asked.

"You guys are so cute, especially you Khushi."

Lavanya may have been drunk, but in this situation, her brain was still working properly. She was shrieking inside her head and Khushi shyly smiled, melting inside.

OMG, Khushi shrieked in her head. He did not just call me cute! But he did! Pinch me! She carefully did, no one noticing. Ouch! He did!

Just then Anisha came walking past. "Oh hey," and she stood next to Toh. "How are you?"

"Oh hey," Toh replied. "Nice party!"

"Thanks," she smiled over-brightly. She looked at Khushi and Lavanya. "Um…-"

"Oh, this is Lavanya," Toh introduced, "and this," he went over to Khushi, "is Khushi?"

"Khushi?"

"Yeah! Like "happiness"."

"Oh."

He nodded.

"Well, it's nice to meet you guys."

Khushi smiled back lightly, but Lavanya sensed the hate in her voice and gave a fake smile.

"Anyways," Toh said, " gonna get going," and he turned away.

"Yeah," Lavanya said. "We should too," she said, looking at Khushi.

"Alright," Khushi said. "Great party Anisha."

"I know," Anisha replied, disgust in her voice.

Toh came back. "Nice party, again!"

"Aww! Thanks," Anisha replied sweetly.

Toh started to walk away and Anisha was about to say something to Khushi and Lavanya, but Lavanya had already turned on her heels and took Khushi with her, them walking to Khushi's car.

"Lavanya, that was rude-"

"Khushi, the chick hates you."

"What? But we just met-"

"Yeah, but she doesn't like you with Toh."

"What?"

"Yeah. Did you not notice?"

"No."

Lavanya groaned. "My friend, you have a lot to learn."

"Khushi?"

The two turned and saw Toh.

"Oh hey," Khushi said, hoping he didn't hear their conversation.

"Um, could you drop me off?"

She was in shock. "Um… y-yeah. … of course."

He smiled. "Thanks. My friend won't let me drive, saying I drank to much." He rolled his eyes.

"Well, you can never be to careful," she tried to joke, chuckling a little bit, but Toh and Lavanya didn't get it, Lavanya feeling embaressed. "Anyways, let's go."

They all got in the car, a BMW to be exact, and Lavanya sat in the back purposely.

"So where to," Khushi asked as she pulled away from the house.

"My uncles. I'm staying there for now."

"Oh. You're not from here?"

"No. Came from a few towns down."

"Oh. That's cool."

Toh just shrugged.

It was getting quiet, so Lavanya spoke.

"Hey Khushi, drop me off first."

"Okay. Think you'll manage."

"I'll be fine."

They arrived to the campus and dropped Lavanya off.

"Tell Kinjal I said hi," Lavanya said.

"Okay," and Khushi pulled away.

"Who's Kinjal," Toh asked.

"My mom."

"You're friend calls her by her name?"

"Yeah. My mom's cool like that."

He chuckled. "Think I'd like to meet her some time."

Khushi smiled. "I think she'd like you too."

"Really? Why?"

"Well, A: cause you're a guy. B: she's really chill and make jokes, like creating proposals for you."

"Proposals?"

"Yeah. Like alliances."

"Are you serious?"

Khushi chuckled. "Yeah. I tell you, my moms really cool. Don't worry, she wouldn't REALLY put you into an alliance."

"Oh. Okay. I knew that."

Khushi looked at him and raised an eyebrow and then both laughed.

Toh gave her the directions to his place and she dropped him off.

"It was really nice of you to drop me off Khushi. Thanks."

Khushi shook her head. "No "thanks" or "thank you's" in friendship." Did I just say that, she exclaimed. Im so corny!

He smiled. "Eh, I don't believe in all that crap. You should say thanks to anyone, be it whoever they are. It's a nice thing to do."

Khushi just nodded.

"But thanks, though."

"No prob."

He smiled and turned to go away. Just as Khushi was about to pull away, she remembered.

"Hey wait!"

Toh turned around and looked at her. "What's up?"

"Well…."

"Well…?"

"Well, we've met so many times now, and… I don't even know your name."

"Oh. … oh! You're right!" He chuckled. "Arnav."

"What?"

"The name is Arnav. Arnav Singh Raizada."

She made an "o" shape with her mouth from acknowledgment. "Arnav… nice name."

"A sexy name," he said, smirking sexily.

"Oh how obnoxious!"

The two laughed and then looked at each other.

"Well, I'll see you 'round Khushi."

"Yeah…. See ya 'round Arnav."

He nodded and then turned to leave and went inside. Khushi had pulled away and on her drive home, she couldn't help but think.

Arnav… what a nice- no, a sexy name, and she smiled the entire way home.

Chapter Eleven

Some girl on campus was throwing a Halloween party at her home and anyone was allowed to go. It didn't matter to her, since she was the "richest" girl on campus. Her name was Anisha, a freshman at college, yet already a big talk. With her two sidekicks, Neetu and Naina, they trampled across the campus, Anisha falling under every guys list. From freshman to senior, ALL the guys wanted her.

But she had eyes on someone else.

After finally agreeing from Lavanya's millions of requests, Khushi agreed to go with her to the party. Khushi really didn't care about these things, but she didn't want to let her friend down, so she had agreed.

Lavanya decided to go Louis, from One Direction. As for Khushi, she didn't have a clue. Lavanya went through her stuff and then gave Khushi her costume: an angel. Lavanya helped do her make-up and Khushi looked stunningly gorgeous!

Khushi drove them over to Anisha's house and there was loud music pumping, the ground vibrating.

"Seriously," Lavanya said, "the girl isn't even AS rich as you."

"Oh shut up Lav. I'm not rich-"

"Have you seem your home? Your kitchen is the size of my apartment back home."

"You shuda seen it a couple of years back - it looked so ancient!"

"Big deal! It's still huge!"

Khushi rolled her eyes and they went inside. Lights flashed and the dj had music blowing! Practically the whole student body was there! Well, to Khushi it seemed so, because without one person, it wasn't the ENTIRE student body for her.

"Khushi?"

Both Khushi and Lavanya turned to see Toh.

"Hey! What's up?!"

"Oh hi," Khushi replied softly. "You came too?"

"Well yeah. Aren't I here? Or did my body disappear?" He started feeling his body and Khushi giggled, Lavanya watching it all.

"I'm glad you came too," Toh smiled softly.

"Thanks," she smiled lightly.

Toh noticed a friend of his and excused himself and went over to him.

"OMG," Lavanya squealed. "He's here too!"

"Shut up Lav!"

"Why should I Kush? Seriously, I saw the way you were acting around him, 'kay? I KNOW you LIKE him."

Khushi couldn't deny it. Ever since their talk the night before, Khushi had gone into such deep thought of him, she had even dreamt of him:

*Dream*

Khushi didn't know where she was. Wherever she was, it was nice and green, trees and luscious grass. She was wearing a beautiful flowey nude-colored dress.

She walked around and saw a beautiful garden and went to it. The flowers there were beautiful.

"Khushi'."

She turned and looked around, but didn't see anyone. "Who's there?"

"Khushi'."

She turned the other way. But no one was there. "Show yourself."

"Khushi'."

She turned around again. "Please' please show yourself."

"Khushi'."

She turned around again, this time bumping into someone. She looked up at the person and was in shock - it was Toh.

"What' what are you doing here," she asked, confused and dazed.

He just held her and smiled.

"Is it' is it really you?" She poked his arm and felt something and gasped. "It is really you," and she gasped again.

He chuckled. "It really is me," he said softly.

Khushi lightly smiled. He caressed her cheeks and Khushi looked at his hand, confused. She looked back at him with doe-like eyes. The two were stuck in eye lock, and Khushi felt something she had never felt before. She was so dazed into him, she hadnt even realized that they were both leaning in close. The next thing she knew, he was kissing her.

His kiss was soft and passionate. His lips were really soft and he knew just how to do this perfectly. He let go, just as Khushi had ran out of breath.

She looked up into his eyes, him looking back at her with love-filled eyes.

"Who are you," she asked.

And the next thing she knew'

*RRRIIINNNGGG!!!!*

Her alarm rang off. But it felt like the dream was real because as Khushi started to come back to reality, she felt her lips tingling, as if what she had dreamt, was real.

"Khushi! Khushi!"

Khushi snapped back to reality and looked at Lavanya.

"What's wrong?"

"Well' come with me."

Khushi grabbed Lavanya's hand and dragged her outside where there was no one.

"Why'd you bring me here," Lavanya asked.

"Well' I think' I think'."

"You think what?"

"I think'" she took a deep breath. "I-think-I'm-in-love-with-him," she blurted.

"Wah? Speak clearly!"

Khushi took a deep breath. "Alright. ' I think' I think I'm in love with Toh?"

"Are you asking me or telling me?" Lavanya was getting excited.

"I don't know! I mean all these days and especially nights, I've only been thinking of him. And then last night'."

"Last night what, Khushi?" Lavanya was clearly VERY excited.

"I' I dreamt about him."

"What did you dream?"

Khushi told her about the dream and Lavanya jumped up from excitement and hugged Khushi.

"I knew it Khushi! I just knew it! You two were meant to be!"

"Lav stop!"

"I can't Kush!"

"Please' you're killing me."

"Oh! Sorry," and she let go. "Let's go back inside and get your man," and she started to walk.

Khushi stopped her. "Are you crazy?!"

"Yes. Aren't you?"

"Bachpaan se. But this is not happening!"

"Oh? And why not? Now let's go get your man," and she dragged Khushi back inside.

Chapter Ten

"You met him," Lavanya asked, shocked.

Khushi nodded and sat down on her bed, getting comfortable.

"And?"

"And what?"

"And did you two talk?"

"Yeah...?"

"Well, what did he say."

"Not much," and Khushi told her their conversation.

Lavanya slapped her forehead. "Arre yaar! You forgot the most important thing!"

"What?"

"Toh's real name!"

"Oh." Khushi scratched her head. "I never thought of that."

Lavanya groaned and fell back on her bed. "Of course you didn't."

"So? ... so what?"

"Dude!" She sat up and grabbed her pillow, hugging it. "He's sooo HOT!"

"Lav, you're losing it!"

"Hey! I'm just saying! Geez! Besides, remember how he was looking at you at thewedding?"

"That's cause he didn't know me."

"As if! I saw the way he was looking at you Kush, 'Kay? I know guys really well."

"Oh? You do, do you?"

"Yes. I've had guys following me back in NYC. Aii? So I know these things."

"And you've dated?"

"Uh, yeah!"

Khushi shook her head.

"Shut up! Now trust me, I know how guys are and there is something bound to happen between you and Toh."

"With Toh?"

"Uh huh."

"Really?"

"Absolutely, posilutely!"

Khushi gave her a face and chuckled. "You sound like my mom."

"It's true Kush! Be it me who's saying it, or Kinjal saying it. Watch. Just watch."

"Fine then."

"Good." Lavanya grabbed her iPhone and unlocked it, going to her calendar.

"What are you doing?"

"Keeping this date as a reminder."

"Meaning...?"

"MEANING, we'll always remember this day. One day when something does happen between you and Toh, we will go back to this date. Let's see how long it takes for you and Toh to come together."

"This is ridiculous."

"Today's October 30. From this date, we'll see how long it takes till you two are together."

"Like I said, this is ridiculous."

"Ridiculous now but momentous for the future."

Khushi rolled her eyes and got ready for bed, as well as Lavanya. As Khushi laid in the dark, snuggled in her blanket, she wondered about Toh.

It was weird how they met and how things had been going for them. It's weird how even though they've met several times, she still didn't know Toh's name. He seemed like a nice guy and... something was weird. What? She didn't understand, but she figured something was up.

Chapter Nine

Khushi was walking through campus, heading towards Josh's to get a cup of coffee. She really needed a buzz, feeling sleepy and all from her previous class, being lectured and all. She walked in and ordered her coffee and settled down in a booth. She was stirring her coffee when she looked outside.

It was a beautiful day outside. It was nice and warm, with the sun shining just right. People were out, playing around and goofing off. Khushi smiled at the sight and looked at her coffee. It had cooled a bit and she took a sip.

"Excuse me," a person asked, their voice muffled since they had a packet with a croissant in it. "Is it alright if I sit here?"

Khushi just nodded, still drinking her coffee.

The person sat down and put the packet down on the table, along with a cup of coffee. "Thanks."

Khushi's eyes widened. She recognized the voice and she looked up. It was him. It was Toh.

Toh wasn't looking, to busy stirring his coffee and Khushi blinked, her eyes still wide. She was in such a shock, her coffee came pouring out her mouth and back into the cup. Unfortunately, this action was NOT missed by Toh.

"Ew! What the-" He looked up at her. "Khushi?"

She attempted to nod and did so slowly. "Uh' huh'."

"Hey! What's up?" He looked at her coffee and then at her. "Are you okay?"

"Uh' yeah'."

Toh scrunched his eyebrows. "You sure? You just unknowingly back-washed into your coffee."

"Uh' uh huh."

He lightly smirked, scrunching his eyebrows. "Khushi, are you really okay? You look funny."

"Uh'-"

"Please don't "uh" another sentence."

"Uh-" She just nodded.

He smiled. "Waise' I wouldn't be surprised if you don't have anything to say. After all, last week you had said so much," he chuckled.

Blush crept too Khushi's cheeks, her completely embaressed. She covered her face. "I'm sooo sorry! I really am!"

"Nah, it's okay Khushi. I didn't mind."

"Still! I'm really sorry! I was studying three periods straight in the library so-"

"Wait. You were studying? Three periods straight?"

Khushi nodded.

"What the?! Why the hell would you do that? It's not even midterms!"

"So I won't panic when it is actually time for it."

Toh shook his head. "You're unbelievable," he smirked.

"Shut up!' waise' you go here?"

To nodded. "Yeah. This is my first year here."

"Oh."

"Yeah. I'm a freshman."

"Oh cool. Me too."

Toh nodded in acknowledgment.

"I've never seen you around though."

"Khushi, it's only the third month. Besides, tum thodi sub logo ko dekhungi. Hmm?"

"True. But' still'?"

Toh just shook his head, smirking. All of a sudden, his phone beeped. He had gotten a text and he checked it. "Hey, I gotta go," he said, wiping his mouth with a tissue and crumbling up the croissant package. "See ya 'round."

Khushi nodded and smiled lightly. Toh took his coffee and left, Khushi watching as he left.

He's a nice guy, Khushi said in her head, a light smile running across her lips.

Chapter Eight

*Some Bangla in this chap - translations in parenthesis!*

"Yeh tumne ghalat ki," Kinjal said.

It was the weekend and Khushi was home.

"I know Ma," Khushi replied as she washed the dishes. "I feel bad."

"Hmm, you should be. Do you know how you'll find him?"

"Well' no."

Kinjal sighed. "Poor guy. He seems sweet and all... and you?" She shook her head.

"Oh please Mumma! Stop having so much sympathy for Toh."

"Yeh, "Toh" kaun hain?"

Khushi but her tongue and winced, looking at her mom.

Kinjal wiggled her eyebrows. "Ki? Ki lukacho? (What are you hiding?) Hmm?"

"Kichu na Amu! (Nothing)"

"Aubushoy kichu lukacho. (You're definitely hiding something.)"

Khushi tossed the dish towel at the island. "Alright, maybe a little something."

"And?"

"Well, Lavanya called him the "hot guy" at the wedding, and she wanted to use that as his "nickname" so I made up "Toh". As in hot backwards."

"How cute."

"Issh Ma! (Please Ma!) This is why I don't tell you these things."

"I can't help myself. I feel like a young woman again."

Khushi shook her head, smiling. She went over to her mom and gave her a hug. "You're the best Ma."

"I know."

Khushi looked at her, her expression saying "really?"

Kinjal chuckled. "And you're the best daughter."

"Voh toh main hoon," and both laughed away.

The two headed upstairs and Khushi found her Papa in his office. He was still working and Khushi shook her head and went over to him. She hugged him from behind, her arms around his neck.

"Oof ho Papa! Why do you have to work all day," Khushi exclaimed.

"Because if I don't then how will you eat?"

"No problem! I'll just go sneak something-"

"Khushi," he said warningly.

"Okay! Sorry! But you know I'm joking!"

"Not a very funny joke, is it?"

Khushi rolled her eyes. "Yeah, whatever. Anyways, what are you doing."

"Checking all the balances."

Khushi grabbed some papers and went through them. "They look alright."

"Hmm' well that's enough for today, hmm?"

"I think it was been enough hours ago."

Karan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure."

Karan got up and put his arm around Khushi. "Let's go to bed."

Khushi nodded and they walked down the hall. They stopped at Karan's and Kinjal's room first. Karan kissed his daughter's forehead and went into his room. Khushi pretended to walk away and then looked back inside. Her father had gone to bed, staying all the way on his side of the bed. Kinjal came out of the bathroom and saw Karan. She turned off the lights and laid down on her side of the bed, staying far away from him. The distance was highly noticeable and Khushi sighed.

Poor guys, she thought. My heart goes out to them, and then she left to her room and went to sleep.

Chapter Seven

Khushi was rushing down the stairs of her college, books in hands, as well as some other papers. She was heading out to meet up with Lavanya, and she was late, since she was studying at the library.

Just as Khushi stepped off the last step of the stairs, someone bumped into her, making her books drop and her papers fly.

"No," Khushi exclaimed.

She got down to the floor and tried to gather her stuff. A pair of hands reached out and Khushi realized that the person was helping her. She didn't care and continued to pick up her stuff and once she gathered everything, she got up to leave.

"Khushi?"

She turned and looked back at the person. It was the guy from the Payal's wedding.

She gasped. "It's you!"

He smiled lightly. "Yeah-"

"What the hell are you doing here?"

He was taken aback a bit. "Excuse me? I-"

"Are you following me?!"

"What the?! Why-"

"You creep! I shudda known talking to you would be a mistake!"

"Excuse me?-"

"What do you want from me you creep?! You see a girl and get so impressed that you start to follow her?!"

"No-"

"Shut up!" And she stomped away.

The guy just blinked, looking at her as she left.

Khushi stomped as she walked and she found Lavanya at the gate.

"Hey babes," Lavanya said as Khushi walked over. "What's up."

"Nothing! Now can we go to Josh's?!"

"Uh... sure."

The two headed to Josh's, the most popular coffee shop on campus. Lavanya watched as she sipped her latte and saw the grumpiness disappear from Khushi's face as she gulped down her iced caramel latte. But there was something to it and Lavanya figured it out.

"You yelled at someone didn't you," Lavanya asked.

Khushi looked at her and slightly nodded.

Lavanya threw her hands in the air. "What the hell Khushi?! I mean seriously I get that you studying really hard makes you lose some screws in your brain but seriously?!"

Khushi looked at her iced latte. "Sorry yaar... I just got so grumpy! I was studying straight for the last three periods!"

Lavanya blinked. "Are you... are you serious?"

Khushi nodded.

"Chick! You're psyco!"

"Hey!" Khushi tied to hit her but Lavanya evaded. "Not my fault if I wanna pass!"

"Dude, it's not even midterms and you're studying you *ss off!"

"So that when it's time, I won't have problems."

"Whatever! Anyways, who did you yell at?"

"Believe it or not, it's the guy from Payal's wedding."

"Are you serious? Which one?"

"The "hot one"," she said, making quotation marks with her fingers.

"What?! Are you serious?! OMG Khushi! And hey, he is! But anyways, OMG! He's in our college?!"

Khushi nodded. "And I said the meanest things to him."

Lavanya gasped. "What did you say."

"How... he's a creep... and he follows pretty girls?"

Lavanya shook her head. "Okay, A: he's hot so he doesn't need to chase girls, but girls chase him. B: I can't believe you said that!"

"Well... oh well!"

Lavanya shook her head. "You need to apologize to him."

"I know, but how am I supposed to find him on this huge campus?"

"What are the odds?"

"1 in a million?"

"Nonsense! It can't be that many people-"

"Oh, but it is."

Lavanya widened her eyes. "Damn. ... that is a lot of work."

Khushi sighed deeply. "I feel so bad- no! Rotten!"

"There, there. Don't worry. I'm sure hot-guy wont be mad."

"Hot-guy?"

"Yeah. Hot-guy."

"You're unbelievable."

"Well hey, he needs a nickname, since we don't know his name, so yeah. Hot-guy."

"That's lame."

"Oh please! How is it lame?"

"Cause you'll be going around campus saying "Hot-guy this! Hot-guy that!" It's just plain weird."

"Fine then! YOU come up with something."

"Fine! Um... uh... hmm... got it!"

"What?"

"Toh."

"To?"

"No. Toh."

"What's "Toh"?"

"Hot backwards. Toh."

"Are you serious?"

"Yup."

"Toh?"

"Uh huh."

"Toh?"

"That's right."

"... fine!"

Khushi smiled and the two finished up their lattes and then headed out.