Accepting Reality

Part 4 - The Night

As the preparations for the upcoming fashion show intensified, Sahil found himself increasingly agitated by the whispers circulating around the office. Arnav's immediate acceptance and enthusiastic promotion of Khushi's designs were topics of constant gossip. Each overheard remark fuelling Sahil's burning jealousy. He couldn't ignore the way Khushi's face lit up when she was around Arnav, her laughter ringing out frequently in their shared moments. Day after day, Sahil watched them, their camaraderie both evident and effortless, each interaction deepening the ache in his chest. 

But the moment that shattered his composure came unexpectedly. One afternoon, as he passed by Arnav's cabin, he saw Khushi inside, helping Arnav with his tie. She was leaning in so close, her hands deftly adjusting the knot, while Arnav's hand rested casually on her waist, steadying himself. The intimacy of the scene struck Sahil like a blow. Was she okay with such casual touches with every man? He had always thought she reserved such familiarity for him alone, but now it seemed that wasn't the case. Despite Khushi's insistence that she had no feelings for Arnav, Sahil couldn't help but question everything he thought he knew. Meanwhile the conversation in Arnav's cabin continued,

Arnav: "Why don't you teach these special knots to Saira properly? She always messes it up."

Khushi (chuckling): "Why do you even need help with your tie, Arnav sir?"

Arnav: "It's about the image. You know how these meetings work. Besides, teach her again, please."

Khushi: "You know I should teach you, not poor Saira. You trouble her too much as it is, Arnav sir."

Arnav: "What can I do? I'm used to efficient workers. You spoilt me and then left me hanging here!"

Khushi: "Awww, does someone miss me?"

Arnav: "Maybe I do, maybe I don't. You never know."

Khushi: "How mean, Arnav sir! You don't miss me at all, like not even a little bit?"

Arnav: "I do, Khushi, so much so that I considered getting you a desk here. But you are meant for larger things, you know!"

Khushi (blushes): "You flatter me too much, sir."

Arnav: "It's true, you'll see." flicks her nose "Thank you, Khushi, for the tie and the coffee as well. Why don't you come to RM for dinner? Naani and Laxmi miss you as well. Plus, in a few days, her son will be back, so she won't miss you much then."

Khushi: "Son?"

Arnav: "Manohar mamaaji and his family are relocating from Sydney. You remember my cousin Akash, right?"

Khushi (laughs): "Yes, yes, the shy bespectacled boy."

Arnav: "You are laughing now, madam, but you were no less shy than him. I swear you guys could be twins that first time you both met, remember."

Khushi: "But haven't I improved so much, Arnav sir?"

Arnav: "If you say so."

Khushi (voice slightly louder): "Arnav sir!" playfully hits his chest. "There is a huge difference in that Khushi and this Khushi, in all terms, don't you see it?"

Arnav: "There is definitely a difference, but maybe not in all terms, just an observation."

Khushi: "What would you want me to improve upon, Arnav sir?"

Arnav (glances at his watch): "Khushi, I'm so sorry. I really have to go for the meeting, but we'll talk later. Come home, right?"

Khushi: "Yes, sir. Sure, take care and have a nice day."