loyalty

chapter 17

Chapter 17
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Khushi stood in front of her mirror, meticulously applying her makeup and trying to decide on the perfect outfit for her dinner date with Arnav. As she twirled in front of the mirror, her father, Shashi, entered the room with a warm smile.

"Wow, Khushi, you look absolutely radiant. Where are you off to tonight?" Shashi asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Khushi suppressed a smile and tried to maintain a nonchalant expression. "Oh, just meeting a friend for dinner, Papa. Nothing special," she replied, hoping to keep her father in the dark about her dating life.

Shashi raised an eyebrow knowingly. "Just a friend, hmm? I see. Is this friend by any chance someone I know?" he teased in a playful tone.

Khushi laughed nervously, her cheeks flushing slightly. "No, Papa, just a friend from college. You wouldn't know him," she said, trying to deflect her father's suspicions.

Shashi chuckled softly and shook his head. "Khushi, my dear, you can't fool me. I might be old, but I can still read you like an open book. I have a feeling there's more to this 'friend' than you're letting on."

Khushi looked at her father with a mixture of amusement and trepidation. "Papa, you always have a way of seeing through my little secrets. But really, it's just a casual dinner. Nothing to get excited about," she insisted, hoping to steer the conversation away from her burgeoning romance with Arnav.

Shashi winked at her knowingly. "I won't push, my darling daughter. Just remember, if there's ever anything you want to share with me, I'm here for you. But for now, go and enjoy your dinner with your 'friend'. " he added with a mischievous grin.

Khushi hugged her father tightly, feeling grateful for his loving presence in her life. "Thank you, Papa. And  it's just dinner. Nothing more," she assured him, hoping to allay his suspicions.

As she left the room, Khushi couldn't help but smile at the playful banter she shared with her father..

The soft glow of candlelight illuminated the table as Arnav and Khushi sat across from each other, enjoying a romantic dinner date. However, Khushi couldn’t help but notice that Arnav seemed unusually distracted and tense from late few days.she couldn’t hold herself and asked.

“Is everything okay, Arnav?” Khushi asked, concern evident in her voice. “You seem really stressed lately.”

Arnav sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s just work, Khushi,” he replied, trying to brush off her concern alas he could told her how much in big trouble in he is.only only he..but her dignity is also in danger..

“There’s been a lot going on at the office , your father wants to ratio of success and it’s been keeping me busy.”

Khushi frowned, not entirely convinced by his explanation. “Are you sure that’s all it is? You can talk to me, you know.”

Arnav looked into her eyes and saw genuine concern reflected in them. He knew he couldn’t keep his worries bottled up any longer. “Okay, maybe I have been feeling a little overwhelmed,” he admitted. “There’s just so much pressure at work and I feel like I can’t keep up with it all.”

Khushi reached across the table and took his hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I understand, Arnav. It’s okay to feel stressed usometimes. But remember, you don’t have to face it alone. I’m here for you, always.”