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

19.Echoes of the Past

The news Aman had learned the previous day shook him to his core: Karishma, the very same Karishma who once shared laughter and dreams with his best friend, Arnav, was back. And now, she was stepping into the Crestwood halls of academia as a professor.

Aman walked into Arnav's office, unable to mask his incredulity. "What is this happening in this college, man? Karishma joined as a professor?"

Arnav, seated at his desk, leaned back in his chair, his expression a mix of resignation and frustration. "Unfortunately, yes."

Aman couldn't help but sneer. "And you just allowed this to happen?"

"Board members had made their decision before I could intervene," Arnav replied, without looking up.

Aman's eyes narrowed. "Oh really? The final decision is yours, Arnav. What are you going to do about it?"

"Because Khushi wanted it this way," Arnav snapped.

"Wait, what?" Aman's eyebrows shot up. "Khushi wanted this?"

"Yes," Arnav confirmed, pushing away from the desk, standing now, his frustration bubbling over

Flashback start

The flood of memories took Arnav back to just before the board meeting. The urgency in Khushi's voice had made his heart race.

"Hello, sir. I need to meet you."

"You need to wait, Khushi. I have a meeting," Arnav had responded, glancing at his watch.

"No, it's urgent."

"What is it?" he asked, already shifting towards her urgency.

"I'll send you the location," she replied, determination evident in her tone.

Moments later, he found himself at a quaint little restaurant, anticipation mixing with unease. Seeing her again ignited a spark within him, but the weight of their unfinished conversation hung overhead like a thundercloud.

"I'm very happy to see you, Khushi," he began.

"Sir, mujhe aapse kuch kehna hai ," she said, her eyes darting around as if the walls themselves were listening.

"Han kaho, mai toh kab se intzar kar raha hun ki tum kuch toh kahogi mujhse " he urged her.

"It's about Karishma Di's interview today. I know the final decision rests with you, so I'm asking you not to let your past influence your choice."

Arnav was taken aback. "Seriously?"

You called me here because of karishma

Hmm or kyu hi mai aapko bulaungi ?" Khushi's voice was steady, but her gaze faltered.

"You're asking me to overlook her?" he clarified, confusion clouding his judgment.

"Yes. You need to decide based on her qualifications, not her history with you," she pressed on, her emotion palpable.

"Unbelievable, Khushi! I thought you wanted to talk about us, but this is all you care about?"

"It's your choice in the end, sir. I just want to make sure the right decision is made," she kept her tone neutral, but he could feel the distance growing between them.

Arnav, feeling hurt by her indifference to his own feelings, stormed out, leaving Khushi grappling with the weight of her own heart

Flashback ends

Arnav sat back in his chair, the weight of his decision hanging heavily on him. "Karishma's qualifications are outstanding; how can I cancel her selection?" he muttered under his breath.

Aman sighed deeply. "Par tune bahut badi musibat apne sir le li hai ye karke."

"Hmm," Arnav agreed, dreading the events that would unfold.

Days passed, the atmosphere in college thick with unspoken tension. Karishma made several attempts to converse with Arnav, but each time he expertly dodged her advances. He would excuse himself, weaving through students, leaving her standing alone, confused and hurt.

On the other hand, Khushi's silence was deafening. Arnav had tried to reach out to her, but she avoided his gaze and She skipped his lectures, her heart aching with the Deep down, she acknowledged her feelings. She felt the same love for him that he had for her, but the thought of her sister Karishma's happiness was a relentless anchor pulling her back, felt chained by her loyalty to her sister. Karishma had waited for so long for a chance at love, and Khushi couldn't bring herself to be the reason her sister's happiness was crushed.

Could she betray Karishma's trust for her own happiness? These thoughts tormented her.

Meanwhile, Arnav was caught in a web of emotions himself. He missed Khushi, his heart aching for her attention while he tried to navigate the complexities introduced by Karishma's presence. He knew Khushi was hurting, and he felt the distance growing between them.

Would Arnav stand up for his heart's desire? Would Khushi's feelings finally surface? And what role would Karishma play in the unfolding drama, as she remained blissfully unaware of the storms brewing in the hearts of those around her?
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