"Lectures in the Heart: A Love Unforeseen" (Khushi Arnav)

18.Torn Between the Past and the Present...

It was a day like any other at Crestwood University, where the sun pierced through the large windows of the boardroom, illuminating the serious faces of the board members as they deliberated over the crucial decision of choosing a new professor.

Arvind Singh Raizada shifted his gaze to the entrance as he caught sight of Arnav. Late as usual, Arnav strolled in, a frown already etched on his face. "What happened?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and irritation.

Arvind smiled slightly, believing he had made a commendable decision. "Arnav, we finalized a candidate for the professorship. She has impeccable qualifications that align perfectly with our needs.” He barely contained his enthusiasm. “Now, only your approval is remaining."

Arnav raised an eyebrow. "That's good, but if you’ve finalized her, then what’s the need for my approval? I trust you and the team to make the best choice."

As if on cue, the door swung open, and Karishma entered with a radiant smile. "Hello, everyone!"

An unsettling silence fell, and Arnav’s heart raced, blood rushing to his face in disbelief.

“She’s the one,” Arvind continued, his voice devoid of concern for the tension building in the room. "So, Arnav sir, do you have any objections?"

"Why would he have an objection?" a board member (mr. Ishan ) interjected, smirking slightly. "It’s marvelous that we are appointing a professor who was a student here just five years ago. The faculty knows her, they respect her. Besides, she was your girlfriend back then, wasn't she?"

Anger boiled inside Arnav as he shot a glare at Ishaan Sir, who smirked knowingly.

“C’mon, Arnav! Everyone knew about you two. It’s good for the department.”

The vote was cast, and unanimously, they stood in favor of Karishma. “The rest is up to you, Arnav,” the board decided, leaving him standing with a decision he never intended to face.

With resolve and yet trembling nerves, Arnav stood, extending his hand towards Karishma. “Welcome to Crestwood University, Miss Karishma Ahuja.”

“Thank you, Arnav,” she replied, barely holding back her delight.

“Raizada. He corrected her, Colleagues refer to me as Professor Arnav or   Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. ” he stated coldly, “Okay, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada!” she shot back playfully, but he turned away,  and he walked away.

He retreated to his office, gazing out the broad window overlooking the campus. A whirlwind of memories consumed him until he felt a warm embrace from behind.

“I missed you so much Arnav!” Karishma exclaimed, squeezing him tightly.

He jerked away, the sudden ripple of emotion unsettling him. “What the hell are you doing, Miss Karishma Ahuja?"

“Why are you overreacting, Arnav? I am your girlfriend,” she replied, her tone softening as she stepped closer, seeking connection.

“Who said that? Did I ever say that you were still my girlfriend?” The words escaped him harshly.

“Why would you come back after disappearing for so long? You just expect me to be okay with this?” he shouted, his voice rising in frustration. “How can you think this wouldn’t affect me?”

Karishma stepped forward again, an appeal in her eyes. “I came back because I missed you, Arnav. I wanted to see if my return would matter to you... and it does. Seeing you welcome me and you confessed me that you still love me it's means so much to me."

Karishma embraced him again, her voice softer now. I know i realised how big a mistake i made by leaving , please don't me so harshly for it Arnav.

“I don’t want to discuss this now. Leave my office,” Arnav responded tersely, finally unable to handle the emotional turmoil. He stormed out, leaving her behind.

Stomping into Khushi’s classroom, he noticed her absence. “Khushi!” he called, frustrated. But she didn’t respond. He picked up his phone, only to have her cut the call and block him. Anger surged through him; he punched the wall hard, his fist recoiling in pain.

Meanwhile, Karishma returned home, brimming with excitement as she shared the news with her family. “I’m a professor at Crestwood University now!” she announced, her parents bursting into joyous celebration as Khushi hugged her tightly, a smile failing to mask her own brewing storm inside.

“Di, congratulations!” Khushi cheered, hiding her mixture of pride and heartache.

After their celebration, Karishma pulled her sister aside, her curiosity piqued. “Khushi, what do you think about Arnav?”

Khushi froze, her heart racing. “What do you mean?”

Just tell me! Was he rude with girls? Did he have a lot of crushes?

He’s just...he can be difficult,” Khushi managed to stammer

How do you feel about him?”karishma asked! Khushi’s face grew pale. “ I mean is he rude with you as well? Karishma said

“No, Di.Khushi stared back, her eyes filled with unshed tears before retreating further into her room. As Karishma followed her, she couldn’t ignore the apprehension in the

“Wait!” Karishma called out. “What’s wrong with that girl?
“Khushi, tell me about Arnav,” Karishma pressed, noticing her sister's discomfort.

As Khushi retreated to her room, tears streamed down her face. She fought the bitter truth in her heart. I thought he was moving on, but this changes everything. Why did it have to be Karishma di?

That night, as Arnav lay in bed, tears streamed down his face. I was finally moving on with Khushi, Karishma shows up again. Why now? And she’s Khushi’s sister?“Why is this happening?” As he closed his eyes, he found himself torn between his feelings for Khushi—who seemed to pull at his heart— and his unresolved past with Karishma.

The presence of past and present twirled around Arnav, Karishma, and Khushi like a dance of shadows. Unbeknownst to them, their individual stories were about to collide in ways that would alter their paths forever, each heartbeat becoming a question: Could they navigate the tangled threads of love, hurt, and unresolved feelings?

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