When you say Nothing at All

Chapter 21

While NK and Payal enjoyed meeting Arnav and Khushi, it was not the same for Lavanya and Akash. Akash felt in the middle while Lavanya felt forced to be in there.

However, the person most uncomfortable was Khushi. She has four people staring at her with two different opinions. Akash and Lavanya sat there, staring at her with hatred, while NK and Payal sat there trying to tease her. This discomfort didn't go unnoticed by Arnav.

"So, if no one has any other questions, would you four mind leaving us to finish our dinner?"

It was NK who took the initiative of answering Arnav.

"We have no questions and no intention to disturb your date"

"It's not a date"

Said Arnav and Khushi at the same time again.

"Relax you two. As NK said, we are leaving. You can continue your dinner"

Saying that Payal stood up and the other three followed her. They were almost out of the restaurant when Arnav called Akash.

"Akash, take Sheetal away with you. I don't have the energy to deal with her right now"

"You owe me one bhai"

"You name it. But for now, please"

Akash node yes and walked out of the restaurant toward the pub area.

"If you don't like her, why are you getting married to her?"

"As I said, it's all business Khushi, you won't understand"

"So, you are basically going to live your whole life with a person who you don't like and she will be spending her whole life with a person who considers her only as a business obligation?"

"Sounds about right"

"You both are wasting your lives on each other Arnav. You shouldn't get married to her if you don't feel that way about her"

"So what are you suggesting? That I should get married to you because my damn self still feels that for you?"

Arnav knew it was too late to take his words back and Khushi looked around trying to avoid the question. This was not what she expected him to disclose tonight. She wanted him to blame her more so that she can hate him more.

Hating him has always been the hardest thing in her life. Deep down, Khushi knew, it doesn't matter how hard she try, she can never wholeheartedly hate him. But things weren't hard when he blamed her. Now that he slowly opening himself, he is making it hard for her to continue the facade of hating him.

"I shouldn't have gone there, sorry"

"It's fine Arnav. Anyway, I should leave now. It's late"

"Yes, good night Khushi"

"Good Night Arnav"

Khushi stood up, took her bag, and quickly walked out of the restaurant. One more minute with him and she will end up falling back into the same well she was in four years ago.

Arnav settled the bill, called his driver to come back with the car, and slowly walked to the car park to see his driver waiting for him.

"Mohan, you can go home. I'll drive by myself"

"But sir, aren't you....."

"I am not drunk so don't worry. Go home"

Arnav's driver bid him good night and walked out. Since his driver lives a few blocks away from this place Arnav didn't see the need for him to go all the way to Raizada house and come back. He sat in the driver's seat and drove the car out of the restaurant car park. As soon as he turned his car to the main road, he saw Khushi standing near the bus stop.