Chapter Twenty Eight

Me? Jealous?! The nerve of that guy!

Khushi was infuriated, nonstop thinking of her encounter with Arnav. After she arrived home and gave her mother the news of her being the lead, Kinjal was ecstatic and prepared something special for her. Khushi was waiting up in her room and finishing up her assignments, while being distracted with those thoughts.

Well... are you, a soft voice asked from inside.

Khushi pushed it away. No.

But the voice came back. Are you sure?

Khushi growled.

Oh she's jealous alright, a snarky voice replied.

Hush it, you, Khushi replied.

I am you so you hush.

Khushi groaned in frustration and put her head down on the table. She turned her head to the side and dazed off, staring at the wall.

What is Arnav up to, she wondered. He's saying stuff that makes it seem like he really is innocent. But he can't be! I mean she walked out of his apartment trying to fix her dress! 

Yeah, but she's a bitch, the snarky one said.

I agree, the soft voice said.

Khushi shook her head clear. Ever since freshman year, Anisha always had something against me. At first I didn't get it, but then Lavanya told me. But why?

Khushi shut her eyes and reflected back to freshman year. She remembered Anisha's party and the classes she had with her. One thing she kept finding in common with all the flashbacks were of how she kept trying to flirt with Arnav, but Arnav never gave her the time of day. In fact, Arnav was the only one who didn't fall and kiss her feet.

Khushi's eyes shot open. Does it have to do with Arnav?

Arnav and her would always chill together back then, and usually when Anisha came around him, Khushi was always there. Arnav would be nice, but it would be obvious that he was trying to brush Anisha away, though she never got the memo. In the end, he'd walk away with Khushi... usually with his arm around her.

Khushi gasped. Did that tick Anisha off? That Arnav and I were close? Well we're- were, best friends. I mean he would always put his arm around my shoulder so... no. He'd mostly put his arm around me when she was around. But....

Khushi got up and stood by her window, crossing her arms.

Arnav said he'd get his "love back", meaning me. So.... Did he like me all these years? While I always wondered how I could get him to have feelings for me the way I do- did?

Khushi bit her nails.

Something's not right. And I smell a rat!

Kinjal knocked on her door and came in. "Sweetie, come on down."

Khushi looked at her. "Yes Momma."

Kinjal smiled and and she headed back downstairs. Khushi turned back to the window and ran her finger over her bottom lip.

Could it be that Arnav is innocent? But Anisha had the whole year to herself while I was gone, which meant she cudda gotten lucky or something with Arnav. Is that what happened then? Did she finally manage to get to Arnav? He no longer had me as an escape route.

Or maybe... maybe she didn't. Maybe she didn't get to him. But then what Lavanya saw... there's more to this. There's more than what Lavanya saw. And what that is will determine whether or not Arnav truly is innocent. 

Khushi went to her phone and pressed the button, her phone coming to life, showing a picture of Arnav.

Yes, even after everything, he was still her background on her phone. She couldn't get herself to remove it.

"I'm gonna find out what really happen," she said aloud. "And you better not be lying about your innocence Arnav. It'll only break me more."

*~*

"Alright everyone, gather around," Professor Saniya said.

It was the first gathering since the group was determined. Everyone had arrived on time and huddled around Sani. Khushi was ready to get right down to work, but she was enjoying Anisha seething. See, when Anisha had arrived, all the guys that were there were gaping at her, not that she cared so much. She was waiting for Arnav to arrive, but when he did, he didn't even look at her, busy stretching. It bothered her and just as she was about to go up to him to say hi, Khushi came walking in, and all the guys shifted to her. They were stunned by Khushi's lean figure and her curvy curves. That irritated Anisha and she and her dupes got no attention after that.

"For the competition," Sani began, "you will all be performing to The Disco Song from the Student of the Year movie. Got it?"

Everyone nodded.

"Alright. Let's get down to work."

Sani taught them some of the choreography and they all caught on. Arnav could see how much Khushi was into it, as well as how much she was enjoying it. There was a smile playing on her lips and for a moment, Arnav felt that the old Khushi was back.

Beloved... why'd you change, Arnav wondered. Are you really that angry?

Sani let the others take a short break and she had Arnav and Khushi practice their solo. Anisha watched and she fumed. She hated seeing Khushi with Arnav. She couldn't stand it!

"Jealous?"

Anisha turned and saw Lavanya smirking at her.

Anisha smirked. "Why would I be? It's such a small thing in comparison to what I've done with him."

Lavanya's eyes narrowed and Anisha smirked.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to thank you," she continued. "You told her for me and she finally knew. She's so dumb, she couldn't understand what I meant when I kept giving her looks."

Lavanya tilted her head. "I may have told her, but now I get the feeling I'm wrong."

Anisha scrunched her eyebrows. "What?"

Lavanya saw a hint of nervousness in her eyes and she knew she was right. She walked right up to Anisha and stood before her face.

"Watch out, barbie doll," Lavanya said, and she walked away.

She went back to Aman and Anisha huffed, flaring her nostrils.

The professor called them back and had Arnav and Khushi take a break. As Khushi walked back to her stuff, she saw Lavanya and Anisha glaring at each other.

What happened between them, she wondered.

Khushi went to her bag and drank some water. She was checking her phone, when her bladder began to call, so she headed out to the bathroom. On her way, she saw Arnav posting something on the wall, some papers in hand. He left and being curious, Khushi went to check it out. She saw that it was a flyer about a party at that club.

A masquerade party, she wondered. That's interesting.

Khushi glanced down the hall Arnav went down, but didn't see him. She looked back at the flyer and took it down.

It looks interesting. I wonder how it's gonna be at the sex club. It should be interesting.

"Interested in going?"

Khushi gasped and spun around to see Arnav. He leaned in closer to her and placed his arm against the wall, trapping her with his body. Khushi looked down to the side while he looked at her.

"It caught my interest," Khushi simply said.

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

Arnav smirked lightly. "I'd love to see you there."

Khushi looked at him. "You wouldn't see me there."

Arnav tilted his head. "So are you deciding not to go?"

"Depends."

Arnav cocked an eyebrow.

"Besides, you wouldn't even know if I was even there. It's a masquerade event. That means masks."

Arnav looked down and grinned, then looked back up at her. Khushi gasped. She could see something form in Arnav's eyes.

"Maybe," he said. "But I'd know its you."

"O-oh? And how's that?"

Shit, I stuttered, Khushi exclaimed.

Arnav smirked. "I'd know if you were there, even if the rest of the world was present."

Khushi's eyebrows shot up. "Oh?"

Arnav brought his face closer to her and Khushi held her breath. His face was very close to hers and her eyes were stuck on his lips.

"I'd know if you were there. Even with a mask on. I know those pretty eyes of yours."

Khushi's eyes shot up to his.

"And I definitely know those lips of yours." He leaned in closer. "I've been gazing at them for years."

Khushi gasped.

Arnav came in closer and Khushi shut her eyes. She felt his lips graze her cheek and trail below her ear.

"I would know Khushi," he whispered.

Khushi shuddered.

"I would feel your presence like I always do."

Khushi held her breath.

"I would know because I love you."

Khushi's eyes shot open. Arnav nipped her earlobe and Khushi's eyes shut again, her letting out a tiny moan. She felt Arnav grinning against her and then she felt him pull away. When she opened her eyes, she found his face before her.

"I love you Khushi, my Beloved. I always have."

Khushi blinked.

"And I know you still love me."

Khushi's eyes widened.

By the look on her face, Arnav knew he had her. As hard as it was, it was necessary, so he pulled away.

"Regardless of what you believe, you still love me." Arnav said as he stepped back. "And it's because deep down, you know that what Lavanya told you, is a lie."

Arnav turned and walked away to put up the rest of the fliers, leaving a shocked Khushi behind. It took her a few seconds before she regained her stance. She brought her hand up to her ear and she could still feel Arnav's nibble. Without another thought, she went rushing to the bathroom, leaving her wits scattered across the floor.

Little did Arnav and Khushi know that they had an audience. Anisha had come out and Lavanya had come following behind her to give her a piece of her mind, cause Anisha kept on purposely bumping into her to throw her off. As soon as the two came out, they both saw what had just happened between Arnav and Khushi. Lavanya saw Anisha seething and she couldn't help but to smirk.

Lavanya walked up to Anisha and stood beside her. "If Arnav really is innocent then you better watch your ass..."

Anisha looked at her and Lavanya turned and smirked at her.

"... cause Khushi is gonna totally take out all the padding you stuff in there."

Anisha gaped and Lavanya chuckled as she walked back into the classroom. Anisha stood there, fuming and huffing.

Arnav is mine, she exclaimed in her head. And I will not let that low class Khushi take him from me.

Boy was this girl clueless about everything.

Chapter Twenty Seven

Khushi's jaw slacked and her eyes widened. Arnav looked at her one last time before leaving. Khushi glanced side to side and shut the door. She leaned against it and slid down the door, confusion clouding her head. Kinjal came back and looked at her daughter. Khushi only looked straight forward and was lost in thought.

He loves me, Khushi wondered.

Kinjal came beside her daughter. "Khushi?"

But Khushi only stood up and went back to her room. She went back to the window and stared out of it. Kinjal had followed her up and sat across from her.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong," Kinjal asked softly.

Khushi bit the inside of her lip. "I can't tell you."

"Why?"

Khushi didn't say anything for moment. Kinjal just looked at her hoping for an answer.

"I don't wanna talk about it," Khushi finally said.

Kinjal sighed and placed her hand on her daughter's knee. "If you keep this up, you'll fall sick."

"It's nothing worse than what I feel now."

Kinjal gasped.

"I'd like to be alone mother."

Pursing her lips, Kinjal got up and left. Khushi continued to stare out of the window, recapping the recent events.

What's he trying to prove, Khushi wondered. He obviously has nothing to make him seem innocent.

Or is there more than what meets the eye, a voice said inside of her.

Khushi took in a sharp breath. I doubt that. It could be that what Lavanya saw was wrong, but I doubt that. He's living above a sex club for crying out loud!

Khushi exhaled deeply. "Forget about it all Kush," she said aloud to herself. "Forget him and forget that you loved him. Forget he even exists! It may not be easy, but you have to try! It's all for your own good."

*~*

After that day, Khushi stopped sulking. Day after day, she worked on building herself mentally stronger. She would distract herself by working out, doing yoga, helping her mother around the house and helping her father with work. She especially helped her father to learn of the company since she would someday own it.

Karan was happy that his daughter was learning about the family business, but he knew that it was only to help the hole within her. She still wasn't the bubbly and cheery girl she once was and he wondered if she'd ever come back.

*~*

The spring semester soon began, and Khushi was ready, physically and mentally. She knew that there was no escaping Arnav or Lavanya, so she had built herself up emotionally for that. Remembering how Anisha would smirk at her, she also knew that Anisha would continue to taunt her, so she was ready for any snarly comments if she threw any.

Her schedule was okay and of all the classes she had, she loved her culture discovery the most. This semester, Professor Saniya would choose her top dancers to go against a local college's dance group. This was one thing Khushi was very excited for and she couldn't wait!

The only thing that had her bothered was the fact that this semester, both Arnav and Lavanya were in her class. Not only them, but Aman was there as well. And most annoying of all, Anisha and her dupes were there as well.

She had stayed in for a moment to talk to her professor from her class before, so she was late by a minute or two. When she entered the room, she saw Lavanya and Aman sitting together at one end, Arnav on his own at a corner and as always, Anisha and her dupes sitting in the center. Khushi couldn't help but to shake her head as she walked in. All day, she hadn't seen any of them, and now she sees them all together.

Khushi saw Anisha looking right at her, a faint smirk on her face. She glanced at Arnav and then looked back at Khushi. Khushi rolled her eyes and sat in the front-center, blocking Anisha.

Anisha gaped at her. No one ever sat in front of her, always moving away so that she was the main focus. In lecture halls it didn't matter but here, she did.

Throughout the class, Khushi could feel Anisha trying to burn a hole through her, but she only threw her hair back, showing her that she was doing nothing to her. Khushi also saw Lavanya looking at her, trying to make eye contact, but Khushi avoided her gaze. And Arnav? All he did was look right at her. Her confidence amazed him, as well as the barriers she had created around her.

At the end of class, Lavanya had tried talk to Khushi, but she left before she even got the chance. It totally shocked Arnav, seeing how far Khushi was going. Lavanya was her best friend, yet Khushi had made her an enemy.

Why is Khushi mad at her, Arnav wondered. Because she told her the so called truth? Because what she said has hurt her?

It didn't make sense to Arnav, but the truth is that Khushi was avoiding Lavanya because it only seemed to make things easier. Seeing Lavanya with Aman all the time would only remind her of her feelings for Arnav and the many romantic and erotic thoughts she had of him. So to save herself the painful reminders, she chose to avoid Lavanya.

Day after day went on, the class meeting five times a week, only making it torturous for Khushi. It took her a while to deal with it - Lavanya trying to talk to her, as well as Aman; Anisha and her dupes trying their best to grill her, but only failing; and Arnav just staring at her. After a while, Khushi had gathered the courage and would stare back at him, her eyes fierce. He would smirk at her now and then and Khushi would roll her eyes.

For someone who said he'd prove himself innocent, he sure doesn't do anything, Khushi said in her head.

After the first two weeks, Professor Saniya had made up her mind on who would be in the dance group out of the whole class.

"The following people will be a part of the group: Khushi, Arnav, Lavanya, Aman, Anisha, Neetu, Naina...."

She went on with the names of other students while Khushi groaned inwardly. 

Really! All of them, she exclaimed in her head.

"I want those that I called to meet me after class," the professor said. 

And like she said, at the end of class, those who were called went over to her.

"I've seen your moves and I know how you dance," she said to them. "So making my decision on who should be the male lead and the female lead was very easy."

All of the students looked at her seriously, though on the inside they were rather nervous. 

"The male lead is... Arnav."

Arnav nodded.

"And the lead female is... Khushi."

Khushi nodded.

Arnav, Lavanya, and Aman just looked at her. They had expected a reaction of some sort, but Khushi was totally okay. As for Anisha, she gaped at Khushi. She thought that she should be the lead.

Sani gave them their schedule for rehearsals and other information. They were to meet 4 times in the week from 5 to 8 PM. Everyone was fine with that so they were dismissed. 

Khushi went to grab her bag. She couldn't wait to get home to tell her mom, so she rushed on out. Khushi headed out the room and turned the corner, and walked into someone. She felt the person hold her as they collided, stopping her from falling. When Khushi looked up, she saw that it was none other than Arnav. 

Arnav just looked at her. He had been waiting for this moment for quite a while now. Khushi was surprised, so she didn't react whatsoever.

"Looks like you and I are going to be partners," Arnav said. 

Khushi brain clicked back into action and she released herself. "Looks like we are."

"You can't avoid me anymore," Arnav said, though it sounded like he was grateful.

"Sadly."

Khushi turned to walk away and Arnav went after her.

"Khushi, stop avoiding me!"

Khushi whipped around. "I can and I will for as long as I can!"

"Well you can't forever cause rehearsals start Saturday."

"Then I'll avoid you as much as I can till then."

"Well then in that case, enjoy while you can," Arnav said sarcastically. 

Khushi rolled her eyes.

"Once these rehearsals start, I can finally prove my innocence to you."

Khushi scoffed. "For someone whose been doing nothing but staring staring at me, you sure are confident."

"I may have been watching you in class, but I have been doing other things during my free time."

"Like being with a whore at that club of yours," she smiled sweetly.

For a moment, Arnav just looked at her. Within a second he burst into laughter. Khushi scrunched her eyebrows, watching him confusedly as he laughed away.

"You're jealous, aren't you," Arnav laughed.

Khushi gaped. "I am not!"

"Yes you are! That's exactly what it is!"

Khushi rolled her eyes. "Whatever Arnav, say whatever shit you want."

Arnav calmed himself. "Ignore it all you want Khushi, you're jealous."

In the blink of an eye, Khushi stood before him, her grip tight on his collar. "I'm. Not. Jealous."

Arnav blinked.

"I'm furious," she simply said, and she released him and walked away.

Arnav could only blink as he watched Khushi walk away. When she turned the corner, he smiled.

Khushi my beloved, I will prove you wrong, he said in his head. It's just a matter of time now.

Chapter Twenty Six

Ever since their trip to the club, Khushi was miserable. She was quiet, no longer the chirpy, bubbly girl that she was. Winter went on by, and Khushi remained frozen. She could only think of what she had learned about Arnav and she only pained more and more. Lavanya was worried for Khushi and every time she tried to talk to her, Khushi would remain silent. It had Lavanya pissed, as well as upset.

Arnav had also tried to get in contact with Khushi. But every time he called, texted, or messaged her, she would simply ignore them. For two weeks he kept doing that, but he never got a response from her. It angered Arnav and he was really pissed at Lavanya. He had even gotten into a fight with her, which only dragged in Aman. With a really bad temper, he had told off Aman and Lavanya, which only hurt Lavanya in the process.

Arnav was determined to talk to Khushi. He wanted to explain everything to Khushi but she wasn't giving him the chance! It was time to take action, so Arnav had made a plan and set it in motion.

Meanwhile, Kinjal had noticed how her daughter had been acting. It was as if the life had been sucked out of her daughter. She wasn't herself anymore, she was just a shell. Kinjal watched her daughter with concern as she observed Khushi sitting quietly by the window, staring outside. She wanted to go over to her, but she knew her daughter would just lie or say that it was nothing.

"Ma'am?"

Kinjal turned to see a maid. "Yes?"

"There's someone at the door - a young man."

Kinjal nodded and the maid left. She glanced back at her daughter before she headed on down. She entered the living room and saw Arnav sitting down on the sofa.

"Arnav, what a pleasant surprise," she smiled softly.

Arnav went to stand up, but Kinjal had him sit.

She sat down in the sofa adjacent to him and looked at him. "I'm guessing you're here to talk to Khushi?"

"Yes, I am. Is she home?"

Kinjal scrunched her eyebrows. "You didn't talk to her before coming here?"

Arnav glanced to the side. "No actually." He looked at her again. "It's okay if she's not here, I'll come-"

"No, she's home. I'm just surprised you didn't call or text her before coming here."

"I would have but...."

"But?"

Arnav looked down at his hands. "She's been ignoring them."

Kinjal sighed. "So she's doing it to you too, huh." Kinjal covered her face for a moment and then sighed. "I wish I knew what was wrong with my baby."

"Has she said anything to you?"

"If she would open her mouth," Kinjal scoffed lightly. "She hasn't said a word since she came back from that party or whatever with Lavanya."

So it is because of that, Arnav said in his head. "May I go see her?"

Kinjal looked at him. "Of course."

Kinjal led Arnav upstairs to Khushi's room. Arnav looked inside and saw Khushi leaning her head against the window, staring out. He glanced at Kinjal and she nodded, understanding that he'd like to talk to Khushi alone, so she left. Taking in a deep breath, Arnav walked in and went behind Khushi. She was so dazed out that she didn't even realize that Arnav was there. Arnav couldn't bare the sight. He didn't like the lifeless-Khushi whatsoever. Unsure of what to say, he placed his hand on Khushi's shoulder. Khushi flinched slightly and took in a deep breath.

Khushi attempted to smile. "Ami, what are you-"

She turned around and saw that it wasn't her mother, but Arnav. Arnav's eyes widened at the sight of Khushi. Her eyes were puffy, as if she were crying recently. She looked really tired and all the happiness and chirpiness she had inside of her was gone, sucked right out of her.

"Khushi-"

"What are you doing here," Khushi asked in a clipped tone.

Arnav gulped. Khushi was getting pissed by the second and he didn't know what to say next.

"Khushi-"

"Get out."

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows. "What-?"

Khushi stood up and pushed his hand off of her. "Get out!"

Arnav's eyes widened. "Khushi-"

"Get out Arnav! Get out of my room and get out of my house!"

"Khushi please-"

"I don't wanna hear another word from you! Just get out!"

Khushi grabbed Arnav by the arm and led him out. Arnav was shocked by Khushi's anger and he could only follow her. She led him down the stairs and to the front door. Kinjal watched in shock as her daughter pulled Arnav out. Khushi opened the door and pushed Arnav out.

"Khushi," Kinjal called out, running over to her.

"Khushi please give me a chance," Arnav pleaded.

"No," Khushi yelled. I don't wanna hear another thing from you! I hate you Arnav! Now get out of here!"

Kinjal came running beside her daughter. "Khushi, what are you doing," she asked, holding her by the arm. "Why-?"

"Mom, please go from here."

"Khushi-"

"Mother, I'm very serious, please go! I don't want you to hear all of this."

Kinjal glanced at Arnav and realized that this wasn't her battle, so she patted her daughter's shoulder and left. Once Kinjal was gone, Arnav spoke.

"Khushi, please, you have to listen to me! There's more than what you think-"

"I'm sure there is Arnav, I'm absolutely positive there's more! So you know what - why don't you go back to that stupid club of yours and add some more with one of those whores there!"

Arnav felt like he had been slapped. "Khushi," he breathed.

"Just get lost Arnav! I don't wanna see your face! I hate you! Just go and fuck all those whores over there!"

Arnav could only look at her. "But I-"

"Save it for someone who cares, Arnav! I'm sure your bitches can't wait to hear of your little drama you did here. You can tell it to them while you fuck their brains out!"

Arnav clenched his fists. "Khushi, you're seriously pushing it-"

"So what? Huh? So what," she screamed, her eyes filled with rage.

Arnav couldn't believe how angry Khushi was. "You're seriously that angry?"

Khushi scoffed. "Get out of my face Raizada. I don't want to see your face around here ever again-!"

"Why do you hate me so much?"

Khushi glared at him. "Because I loved you and you deceived me."

"I never-"

Khushi turned away, facing her back to him. "Just go away Arnav. I don't even want to look at you."

Arnav looked down and then turned, facing his back to hers. "I never deceived you Khushi."

"Yeah, sure," she scoffed.

Arnav smirked lightly. "I'll prove it to you Khushi, don't you worry."

"Yeah, whatever," she said, rolling her eyes. "Just-"

"I will," Arnav confirmed. "And I will have you."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows and turned to look at Arnav, who was walking down the steps.

"And what's that supposed to mean," Khushi asked.

"Meaning that I will clear my name and prove to you that what you think is the truth is way beyond the perimeter."

Khushi cocked her eyebrow. "And?"

Arnav turned and looked her straight in the eye. "And that I'll get the one that I love back."