Arhi FF: Us Against the World

Chapter 14

Khushi sighed when she saw Arnav yawning at the dining table for what seemed like the tenth time. It was his third cup of black coffee and he still couldn't seem to open his eyes properly. She noticed the dark bags under his eyes, a clear sign of his sleep-deprived state and couldn't help but feel sadness creep inside her. All of this was taking a toll on him physically and she could see the signs of fatigue. She was worried for him that if he kept on going like this, shuffling between work, Shantivan and here, his health was likely to take a hit. Seeing that NK and Preeto were sitting in the living room and engrossed in their own world, she thought of broaching the topic that had been bothering her for quite some time.

'Preeto lives in a hostel. I was thinking...' Khushi said playing with the tablecloth already knowing in her mind and dreading how this conversation will go.

'No.' Arnav immediately answered sitting up straight. The strong coffee hadn't done what Khushi's insinuation had. He knew what she was thinking and why. If he was honest with himself, he had expected this sooner or later. He was prepared.

'Listen to me.' Khushi tried again. She looked at the way Arnav transformed into his ASR persona. This meant business. Now, Arnav ji she could handle. ASR, she wasn't so sure about.

'The answer's still no.' Arnav replied. He tried hard to hide his amusement when she huffed turning the other way just like a petulant child who wouldn't take no for an answer.

'Arnav ji, till when are we all going to live like this? You're juggling between your home, office and here. Preeto and Nanhe ji are staying because of us. Everyone's life has been put on hold.' Khushi wasn't the one to back down either. She was overjoyed that she found a family with these people. Preeto was staying here from the moment she had come and Nahne ji was constantly hovering trying to cheer everyone up. Even Aman ji had warmed up to her and popped in occasionally for a meal or two. But more than anyone else, Arnav ji had proven to be a constant support. He was here whenever he got time, he got her a new phone and would text or call her checking in on her. But this was getting overboard.

'Let's just not pretend Preeto and NK are staying here only for us.' As soon as Arnav got these words out, they both started chuckling. Amidst all the negativity in their lives, it could be rightly said that love was in the air. Not with them only. NK and Preeto were proving to be the cheesiest couple alive. For Khushi, it was endearing and a dream come true that her two best friends were experiencing the first hues of love. Arnav, on the other hand, couldn't handle a flirty NK and a blushing Preeto. It was nauseating. He was tired of even rolling his eyes all the time.

'I'm just saying that we need to get back to our normal lives. I'll get a room and then a job.' Khushi started again.

'You can work in AR.' Arnav offered. He could transfer to another branch where Khushi could be with him and he didn't have to compromise his schedule. It was perfect but Khushi's firm no and a look that said she didn't like whatever he was thinking stopped his thoughts. So he shrugged. 'Fine, you're staying here anyway. Discussion over.'

Khushi and Arnav's glare session was interrupted by the new couple who walked hand in hand towards the dinner table. Preeto noticing the tension between Arnav and Khushi commented, 'You guys act like a married couple already.'

'And don't you? By this rate, I should start a matchmaking service.' Arnav raised his eyebrows and pointed towards both of their hands held together. NK was the one to blush this time.

Preeto just grinned and battling her eyelashes said, 'What can I do when you're not available, Nannav?'

'You call me Nannav one more time and I'll make sure your new lover boy isn't available too.' Arnav warned. He wasn't used to this. Friends bickering and teasing each other. Aman, his best friend, was like him. They were just there for each other. No talking, no emotions involved. His trust issues were another thing. He couldn't open up with just anyone and a lifelong lectures on changing his ways or he'll end up alone, he'd adapted to a loner lifestyle quite well. This bunch, however, accepted him just the way he was. They weren't intimidated by him or forced him to bend to their ways. This was different; a good different.

'So what's this lover's spat about?' Preeto asked instead, after sticking her tongue out to Arnav childishly.

'I want to get a job and get a room at the hostel.' Khushi explained hoping that Preeto's intervention may put things into perspective for Arnav. NK sniggered and quickly hid it behind a cough seeing both Arnav and Khushi glare at him.

'Ah, the self-righteous KKG. Doesn't want to live on boyfriend's money?' Preeto exclaimed. She laughed aloud hearing Khushi's scandalized gasp at the word 'boyfriend' and seeing Arnav's cheeky smile. She knew Khushi in and out. She didn't want to be a burden on anyone. She had done odd jobs to earn for herself and was independent in her own way. But it wasn't just about that. Khushi was worried about Arnav. Preeto sometimes couldn't get over the fact that these two claimed to hate each other at some point in the past. It wasn't hate. Never. She was so proud of the man Arnav had proven himself to be. And Khushi? She just wanted to make everything okay for her Arnav ji. The funny thing was that they both thought about each other only.

'Khushi's not going anywhere.' Arnav declared with a finality in his tone, putting an end to any possible discussion on this matter.

'Khushi can decide for herself.' Khushi said sternly but the hurt that flashed through Arnav's eyes was enough to let her know that she had gone overboard. She was about to explain when Arnav abruptly got up and stormed out of the house without a backward glance leaving a heartbroken Khushi and an angry Preeto behind.