Threads of Fate

A Gift for Two

The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the Raizada mansion as the family gathered on the rooftop for their traditional game night, a celebration of the successful wedding events that had taken place over the past few days. The atmosphere was light and joyous, with laughter and playful banter filling the air. But amidst all the happiness, Khushi couldn’t shake off the unease that had settled within her since the morning’s unexpected encounter with Arnav.

She tried her best to focus on the games and the conversations around her, but her mind kept drifting back to the moment in her room, the feel of Arnav’s lips on her cheek, and the way he had looked at her afterward. It was all too confusing, too overwhelming.

Just as Khushi was lost in her thoughts, Arnav arrived, a bit later than the others. His presence was immediately noticed, and Rahul, always the observant one, couldn’t resist asking, “Arnav, where have you been? We were about to start without you.”

Arnav, without a word, walked over to where Arjun and Aditi were sitting and handed them an envelope. “I have something for both of you,” he said simply.

Aditi, curious, opened the envelope and gasped as she pulled out two flight tickets. “Arnav, what is this?”

Arjun leaned in to look at the tickets and then looked up at his brother, surprised. “Honeymoon tickets?”

Arnav nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “It’s a gift from Khushi and me. We wanted to do something special for you both.”

Khushi, who had been watching the exchange in stunned silence, felt her heart skip a beat. She had no idea about any such gift. As Aditi and Arjun looked over at her with grateful smiles, she could only manage a weak smile in return, her mind racing.

The rest of the family was quick to jump in, their teasing voices filling the air. “Well, well, now you two are giving gifts together?” Rahul grinned, winking at Arnav.

“Looks like we’re going to see more of these joint gifts in the future,” Anjali added with a playful smirk.

Khushi’s face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly looked away, trying to avoid everyone’s knowing gazes. But the more she tried to hide her confusion, the more obvious it became to those around her.

Later, as the evening progressed and everyone was getting ready for dinner, Khushi knew she had to confront Arnav about the unexpected gift. Gathering her courage, she followed him as he was about to leave the rooftop and gently placed her hand on his arm.

“Arnav, wait,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arnav turned around, his expression curious as he looked down at her. The warmth of her hand on his arm sent a shiver down his spine, but he kept his composure. “What is it, Khushi?”

Khushi hesitated, feeling her nerves start to take over. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words seemed to get caught in her throat. Sensing her discomfort, Arnav took a step closer, his gaze locked on hers.

“What do you want to talk about?” he asked, his voice soft yet insistent.

Khushi, feeling the sudden intensity of his presence, instinctively took a step back. But Arnav, amused by her reaction, took another step closer, closing the gap between them. Before she knew it, Khushi found herself backed up against the wall, with Arnav standing just inches away.

“Khushi,” he murmured, his voice low and teasing. “You stopped me to talk, but now you’re not saying anything.”

Khushi’s heart was pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it. She struggled to find her voice, finally managing to stutter, “Th-the gift… to Arjun and Aditi… I had no idea about it.”

Arnav’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched her try to compose herself. He leaned in slightly, close enough that she could feel his breath on her skin. “Now that we’re a couple, Khushi,” he said, his tone playful, “our gifts should be one and the same.”

Before Khushi could respond, Arnav took a step back, leaving her flustered and trapped between the wall and her own racing thoughts. He flashed her a small, almost mischievous smile and then walked away without another word, leaving Khushi standing there, trying to process what had just happened.

As the cool evening breeze brushed against her face, Khushi realized that things between her and Arnav had taken a turn she hadn’t anticipated. The playful banter, the teasing comments—there was something more to it now, something that left her both excited and terrified.

Khushi took a deep breath, trying to steady herself before heading back to join the others. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake the feeling that everything had changed, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it.

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