Switched

Chapter 4

A Short Chapter

...

The salesperson interrupted their eyelock by calling Khushi to give the bag. Startled, Khushi looked away and hurried to the counter, collecting the customized bag with a polite smile. She thanked the salesperson and turned back to Arnav, who was now standing with his hands in his pockets, lost in thought.

"Chalein?" Khushi asked softly, avoiding his eyes.

Arnav simply nodded, and they began walking back towards the restaurant where they had left Anjali and Priya. The silence between them was heavy, each lost in their own thoughts.

____________________________

They reached the restaurant, the sound of clinking cutlery and hushed conversations filling the air. Anjali and Priya looked up as they approached, having already finished their meals and now waiting for Khushi and Arnav to return.

"Le liya bag?" Priya asked, smiling. ("Got the bag?")

"Haan" Khushi replied, managing a small smile in return. ("Yes")

"Good. Tum dono ko wahan dekh kar lag raha tha kuch khaas baat ho rahi hai" Anjali said teasingly, her eyes twinkling. ("Seeing both of you there, it felt like something special was happening.")

Khushi just smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to respond. Arnav, still preoccupied with his thoughts, stood silently.

"Shall we leave then?" Priya suggested, looking at everyone.

"Yes, let's go," Arnav agreed, standing up.

As they gathered their things and left the restaurant, the earlier tension seemed to have eased slightly. Anjali and Priya continued their animated conversation about their shopping plans and the upcoming weekend visit to the escape room, while Arnav occasionally chimed in with brief comments. Khushi just trailed behind silently.

“We’ve done enough shopping for today,” Priya said with a contented sigh, glancing at the numerous bags they were carrying. “We should probably head back now.”

“Absolutely,” Anjali agreed, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “But the evening has just begun. What else should we do?”

Priya considered for a moment. "We could go to a movie, or maybe visit India Gate and have some ice cream."

Khushi, hesitant at first, then suggested, "How about we go to the Lotus Temple?"

Anjali's face lit up. "That's a wonderful idea! I've been wanting to go there for ages. What do you think, Chote?"

Arnav nodded, surprising Khushi. "It's a serene place. I don't mind."

As they reached the cars, Anjali suddenly said, "Aarohi, why don't you sit with Arnav?"

Khushi immediately shook her head. "No, Di. I'm fine. I'll sit with you and mom."

Arnav, catching onto Anjali's intentions, interjected, "Di,  you were the one who wanted to spend time with me, not Aarohi."

Anjali made a cute, pleading face. "Please, Chote. I actually need to discuss something with Priya aunty. Aarohi can accompany you this time."

Sighing in defeat, Arnav said, "You're becoming very demanding these days, you know that?"

Anjali grinned in triumph. "Thank you, Chote."

Grumbling under her breath, Khushi realized she had no choice. She grudgingly walked over to Arnav's car and got in, feeling a mix of irritation and nervousness. She settled into the passenger seat, stealing a glance at Arnav, who was already starting the engine.