Air Beneath My Wings(On Hold)

Acceptance

A loud ring disturbed her sleep. Office today would have to wait, maybe she would take a sick day finally.

"Khushi!"

Her eyes flew open. How was he in her bed?

"Payal is calling you."

He thrust the phone into her hand.

"We fell asleep."

Her eyes widened as she looked at the time. 11:15pm. "Shit! Amma Babuji are coming!"

Declining the call, she hurriedly got dressed. Arnav followed her as she set herself straight in front of the mirror. He grabbed his car keys as Khushi grabbed her purse from the table.

"The food..."

"Really Khushi?"

She pursed her lips but left behind him. She checked out while he went to the parking. Finally on the road, she received a call again.

"Haan jiji?"

"Khushi, where are you? You are an hour late!"

"We lost track of the time. I'm on my way back. 5 minutes, I swear!"

"Amma Babuji are already here."

"WHAT? But their train..."

"Was at 10:30. They got here half an hour back."

"Half an hour? Shit, what did you tell them?"

"That you are out with Arnav, and back by 11 usually."

"Oh, God. They're waiting for me?"

Arnav pushed the accelerator.

"Yes. Get here fast. Babuji looks ready to burst. Amma, too."

"God, why did I fall-" Khushi stopped herself.

"You fell? Are you okay?"

"I didn't fall. I just, it was nothing. We're at the ATM. I will be home soon." She dropped the call.

"Your parents?"

"Are already home. Their train was an hour earlier than we thought. God, why did we fall asleep!"

"Khushi, we were exhausted. Calm down."

"Calm down? Do you have any idea what Babuji is going to do? I don't know what he's going to do, but it cannot be good."

"He is worried because he doesn't know me. That's all."

"How can you be so calm?"

"Trust me, once he gets to know me, he will stop worrying." Arnav stopped the car, killing the engine.

"I wish. Let's go meet my parents." She looked upset, apprehensive.

Arnav chuckled at her. "Calm down. By all appearances, we are back from a dinner, albeit late. I'll tell we went for a long drive and lost track of time. You, don't say anything. Alright?"

"But-"

"Khushi, promise me you won't butt in."

"Okay."

When Khushi entered her home, she saw Amma sitting on the sofa, a concerned look on her face. She looked up, seeing Khushi, and relief flooded into her face.

"Amma!" Khushi smiled and hugged her.

"Khushi, is that you?" She heard her sister. She saw Payal and Babuji coming out of Payal's room.

"Babuji!" Khushi took his blessings and hugged him.

"Why are you so late? Payal said you are usually back by 11."