Transgressions (Arshi Shorts)

Denial (HoH) 18+

——Note——

This is an alternate ending to Chapter 9 - Head Over Heels. It does not follow the plot, but is a mere indulgence in Arshi's explosive chemistry.

Please read Head Over Heels for the main story.

18+ Mature Audience Only.

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🎶Jiyein Kuyn - Papon

Khushi slid the window down half way, her fringe flipped around in the breeze, her scent swirling dizzyingly in the car.

It was absolute torture, having her so close, yet the distance between them had never felt more unbearable. Her request for time was like a physical hole burning in his chest.

"We'll be arriving soon," said Arnav to break the deafening silence.

"Sarojini viewpoint."

Arnav glanced at her, not sure if he heard her right. Khushi clasped her hands and repeated.

"But...it's a detour, and it's late," said Arnav.

Khushi gazed at him, something akin to torment spasmed on her face.

Arnav spun the wheel around with such violence that Khushi gasped and grabbed onto the dashboard. He knew he should apologize, but his desperation to obey her command gnawed at him like a whip's sting. He glanced at her, trying to silently convey his remorse.

Khushi looked away, her face impassive, her form occasionally revealed by the passing lights on the highway. He desperately wanted to know what was on her mind.

Patience Arnav.

Sarojini Viewpoint had always been his private recluse, how fitting that this woman wanted to share that space with him. Hope threatened to blossom in his core but he curbed it with all his might.

He pulled into the familiar winding trail that would lead them to their destination. The car tires squealed against the gravel as their path came to an end, revealing the secluded arena.

Arnav almost tore the handle out of its socket in his haste to reach her door. He was a second too late as he rounded the car. Khushi climbed out clumsily, leaving her bag behind.

Arnav watched as she splayed her dupatta around her shoulders, running a hand on her draped arm. He cursed under his breath, jackets were only ever around when you don't need one.

Khushi trudged past him and reached the edge of the cliff.

The city sprawled out in the distance, its skyline all but hidden in the moonlight. The sounds of the city were muted, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves from the tall trees surrounding their space. The view was magnificent, enhanced further by her silhouette framed against the twinkling city lights.

Khushi turned her head slightly as he approached her.

"It's difficult to ignore the memories we share," she said, turning back to the city and hugging herself. "I cannot thank you enough for saving my life, but it was absolute torture, working at AR."

Arnav curled his fist, shame and desolation threatening to engulf him.

"My family needed the money. But the one thing that kept me rooted to my job was... you."

Arnav's eyes widened. Khushi slowly turned to face him. "But I can't shake off the image of you with Lavanya-ji. I cannot imagine what she must be going through...it's not that I'm being magnanimous - but how am I any different from her?"