Head over Heels

Chapter 12 - Arnav (16+)

🎶Maula Mere Maula - Anwar

"Aman, I need you to -"

Chan, chan, chan.

Arnav ignored the disturbance, as it was, his room had been invaded. Taking a moment to silently berate his sister's enthusiasm, he continued, "The Singhaniyas are almost at their game - if we were to beat the market rate-"

Chan, chan, chan.

He could ignore it no longer, suddenly an impossible thought occurred to him. It couldn't be...

"Arnav-ji!!"

He froze in his tracks, Khushi had appeared on to the roof, her hair unbound as he had remembered. The pale blue saree shimmered in the dying light as the sun cast its final rays on Shantivan.

Arnav had a split second to consider the scene unfolding in front of him before Khushi bounded forward and launched herself against him. He staggered back a step at the impact as she thudded against his chest.

An involuntary gasp escaped his lips when Khushi grabbed his face and kissed him roughly on the mouth, she drew back panting.

"Sorry it took so long," she whispered breathlessly. It took him a moment to realize why she was repeating his words back to him. Understanding dawned on him, clear as day.

Nameless, and pointless artifacts dropped from his hands as he wound his arms around her waist, his mind going blank save for the woman in his arms.

Khushi's slight form weighed next to nothing as he spun her around, his exhilaration and euphoria enhanced by the sound of her tinkling laugh. His answering smile stretched his facial muscles in ways they hadn't in years.

"My very own forest spirit," she whispered. A small part of his mind wondered at that, but questions could wait - he didn't give her a chance to explain as he swooped down and captured her lips.

Khushi's fingers brushed his cheeks as did his - she leaned into him, all of her - surrendering her form to his. It was bliss like he had never known before - the absolute trust in her actions overwhelmed him.

"Chotte!! Are you up on the roof?"

They broke apart.

Khushi panted, lowering her eyes as a blush crept up her face, rivaling the roses blooming around them. Arnav slid his finger under eye, brushing the lone tear away.

"I'll be down soon!" he called, not taking his gaze off her.

Khushi shyly stepped away from him, grabbing her pallu and twisting it nervously. He took her hand and intertwined his fingers in hers.

"Let's go," he whispered, kissing the back of her hand softly. He took a few steps to the exit, when he felt his hand stretch out behind him, Khushi remained unmoving.

"Khushi?"

She gently extracted her fingers from his. "I-I think it's too soon...we should keep this between ourselves until...things settle down with Ji-ji."

Arnav frowned, his thoughts racing from her possible denial and embarrassment to shame. He bit back the flow of accusations; today was an important day for Khushi - one that made her vulnerable - and he needed to be by her side.

"Fine, I understand," he said, working to keep the disappointment out of his voice.

Khushi had unmistakably picked up on his mood. She strolled closer to him and placed her hands on his face, he willed himself to look at her.

"This is a sensitive period for everyone involved... they'll need time to understand our relationship and what it means for both our families. I plan to break it to them gently, and soon. That, I promise!"