When you say Nothing at All

Chapter 08

With passing each day Arnav felt he is becoming more and more attached to Khushi while he couldn't see any progress from her end. Every time he talk about their future, she would turn the topic around.

Sometimes he wondered if there is any truth to what Lavanya said that Khushi is playing.

"Khushi, I am thinking of telling my mother about us. She can then slowly tell my dad and grandmother"

"Arnav, we talked about this"

"No, you talked about this without giving me a chance to decide"

"Why do you want to ruin this? It's going great so far"

"You mean the marriage will ruin our relationship?"

"My sister fell in love with a guy my parents never approved of. But she was adamant and got married to him. My family disowned her and now her life is no better than hell"

"And your point is?"

"I don't want you to be in that position Arnav. You were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and why do you want to let all that go for me?"

"Khushi, I will be the CEO. After that, no one can do anything. Maybe we might have to move out to a different house for some time but that's not a big deal"

"I don't know Arnav. It's just too much for me right now"

"Khushi, tell me the truth, do you have any feelings for me?"

"You know the answer, Arnav"

"No, I want to hear it from you"

"I like you, you mean a lot to me"

"And?"

"And what? As I said, you mean a lot to me"

Arnav who was expecting a little more than 'you mean a lot to me' felt disappointed. Maybe it's not the right time or she is not the right person. 

"Let's wait till I am the CEO and then we can decide"

"Arnav, can I ask you a question?"

"Yes, go ahead"

"Do you have any feelings for me?"

"Khushi, I have been running behind you for months asking you to say yes. Would I do that if I had no feelings for you? Of course, I feel attached to you, I feel I can spend the rest of my life with you"

"Do you?"

"I am not going to repeat myself, Khushi. I promise we will not discuss this until I am the CEO. Now, I am going to be late for work"

"Are we meeting here tonight?"

"Khushi, don't get me wrong, but I feel like we could use a little distance. We will only meet once a week from now on and I want this to be more than a physical relationship"

"But...."

"We will meet here on Friday night. Ok?"

Saying that Arnav took his coat and left the room. Somewhere Khushi knew he hurt him with her answers. But for a person who has seen a lot in her life, she cannot simply say to a marriage that can end her life. Arnav's family is so powerful and her parents can't even breathe the same air as Raizada's.

"Di, you were correct. It only takes a second to do a mistake. My over-determination has put me in this position. I don't love him, but I care for him. Looks like I will be spending my whole life correcting the mistake"

Thinking, Khushi also got ready for work. She was about to leave the room when she received a text from Arnav. 

"We both missed our breakfast this morning. Can you please grab something on your way? There is a new cafe by the waterfront. Heard they do amazing muffins and coffees"