Arhi FF: Us Against the World

Chapter 15

Arnav drove around aimlessly on the deserted roads of Delhi. It was a quiet night and that was just what he needed. A little bit of silence and peace. Khushi obviously hadn't said something so horrible. His own words to her in the past had been brutal, to say the least. She was right. She had a right to decide for herself. Her concerns were legit and she didn't intentionally want to hurt him. Her 10 missed calls, 3 voice messages and numerous text messages were proof that she was more worried about him.

It was just that he felt his control slipping. Everything was starting to get to him. The private investigators were useless in finding any solid proof against Shyam, his Di didn't even spare him a glance, Mami would occasionally taunt the Gupta family for ruining their peace and everyone else in Shantivan had gone quiet. He felt alienated in his own house. He was supposed to protect them all and he had failed. Amidst all this, the only silver lining was that he got to be with Khushi at the end of the day. How could he let her go? He was afraid that she'd distance herself from him too and this was just a start. He wanted to shake her and tell her that all of his tiredness washed away when he was with her but he was afraid that his anger would get the better of him so he consciously separated himself from the situation until he could calm down enough to have a decent conversation.

His phone rang again with her name on display and he smiled despite his inner turmoil. Only Khushi had the ability to make him feel so many emotions at the same time. He immediately turned his car around and started for their house again. He rushed towards the front door and even before he could put in his key, the door opened and a soft body collided with him mumbling all sorts of apologies. He smiled into her hair and was about to hug her back when she pulled back and in her classic Khushi-fashion started pushing him till he was backed up against the door.

'Do you know how worried I was? What do you think of yourself? Are you seriously going to stand here and not talk to me?' Khushi questioned while glaring at him.

Arnav grabbed her hands and pushed her into the door shutting it. He leaned in and was pleased to see that the tirade she was on had stopped and instead an adorable look adorned her face with a red hue quickly spreading on her cheeks and nose. He asked, 'Are you done?'

Khushi shook her head and mumbled again: 'I'm sorry.'

Arnav grabbed her hand and led her towards their regular spot, the balcony. They stood together side by side with Arnav's arm around her resting at the railing not touching her but still causing a warm feeling inside the pit of her stomach. Exactly five minutes later, Khushi couldn't take it anymore.

'I wasn't trying to go away from you. It's just that I thought that it would make things easier for you. I should stand with you but I'm so selfish...' Khushi confessed. After Arnav had left, she had felt instant regret but Preeto's stern voice asking NK to leave them alone for some time had sealed the deal. Preeto had in detail told her that she had acted like a bitch when all Arnav was doing was to protect her. She had made her realize that the least she could do for Arnav right now was stand by him as he had done for her. If that wasn't enough, the thought of Arnav driving around in anger made her feel worse.

Arnav turned towards her and shook his head stopping her right then and there. She understood what he wanted to say earlier and that was enough. She was anything but selfish. 'I just...' He couldn't find the right words to explain to her why he needed her here.

'Hum samajhte hain, Arnav ji.' Khushi said cradling his face in her hands and gazing into his eyes that said more than his words. And understand she did. Like her, he blamed himself. If her family had abandoned her, his family had isolated him too. Especially his Di, who was everything to him refused to even look at him and witnessing firsthand the love and respect that he had for his sister, Khushi knew how hurt he was. The man worshipped his sister. Shyam was still out and the way he had turned into a crazy stalker after his revelation, that meant a security threat for her too. He was just keeping her close to assure her safety and wellbeing. She gazed into Arnav's eyes again to see a look of gratitude that soon got replaced by something that created havoc on her senses. Unknowingly she leaned in too.

They didn't know who initiated it but the moment their lips touched, it was fireworks. Arnav started to place gentle kisses on Khushi's soft lips. Heat rose in her cheeks further when he traced her lower lip with his tongue teasing her, coaxing her. Her eyes widened in surprise and then fully closed in pleasure when his warm hand enveloped her waist to pull her closer. She gasped at the warmth that emanated from him and curled her fingers tightly into his shirt when his tongue touched hers. The moment he tasted her, he knew he was a goner. He pulled her more closer if possible and almost groaned when she responded to his ministrations. Her soft and hesitant nibbles stirred a deep desire hidden inside him. He slowed down and placed butterfly kisses along her lips before pulling back and letting each other breathe. Both of them panted heavily, speechless at the moment they'd just shared. Arnav took her in his arms tucking her head below his chin and Khushi listened to his rapid heartbeat that synced with her own.

'You're my home too.' Khushi whispered against his wildly beating heart and he felt she had spoken his words. He tightened his arms around her and kissed the top of her head telling her that he felt exactly the same.