Accepting Reality ✔️

Part 30 - Heartbreak

That night, after the guests had retired to their rooms, Arnav and Khushi were finally alone. They lay in bed, Khushi nestled comfortably in Arnav's arms, when he spoke up, with irritation.

Arnav: "Khushi, it was really uncomfortable for me today, the way your Buaji kept going on and on about Disha and Akash"

Khushi: "Arnav, I need to tell you something I overheard," she began, choosing her words carefully. "Buaji has been pushing Payal to pursue Akash. She thinks they would be a good match, and she's been filling Payal's head with all sorts of ideas."

Arnav: "What? How dare they? Payal— and you are okay with this?"

Khushi: "Arnav, please, don't get angry, no I am not okay with it but you know people have dreams, ambitions. I had them too, remember? That's how I reached here, with you."

Arnav (frowned): "Khushi, don't you dare compare yourself to them. You're nothing like those low-class people. You deserve everything you have because you've worked hard for it. You studied, you learned the ways of people in fashion, you became a successful designer, and you continue to improve yourself every day. You're miles above them."

Khushi: "I know, Arnav. I know. But that's why I have a plan. I'm going to make Payal fall for Akash, let her dream of a life with him, and then... then I'll break her heart. She deserves that for everything she tried to do to me."

Arnav's eyes narrowed and his protective instincts kicked in.

Arnav: "Baby I am all for punishing Payal but I don't like this plan. I don't want Akash getting hurt in the process. We can't risk him developing feelings for her. Just make sure Payal falls for him, not the other way around."

Khushi: "You're right. I don't want to hurt Akash either. I'll handle it carefully. The next time they come here, we can send Akash on a business trip, keep him out of the way."

Arnav: "Okay. But we need to be careful. You plant the idea in Payal's head without involving Akash too much."

Khushi: "Hmm"

Arnav: "Now come here, I need to love you, my baby. Stop your devilish scheming mind for a few minutes"

Khushi: "Arrnnaa"

Before she could finish her thought, Arnav flipped her onto the bed, pressing wet kisses along her neck. The night unfolded as usual, with Khushi panting, barely able to catch her breath as Arnav's passion overwhelmed her. Khushi felt a wave of satisfaction wash over her, knowing that Arnav was by her side. She was more determined than ever to make Payal suffer. The heartbreak she was planning would also strike at Buaji and Garima as their grand plan would fail. 

As she lay there, Khushi looked down at her husband, who was sleeping wrapped around her, looking as adorable as ever. They were finally in a good place, focused on trying to have a child. Arnav might have been a devil to the world, but he always gave her everything she desired, and she would never let that go. Even on the work front, things were looking up. Recently, a US-based businesswoman named Miss Sheetal Kapoor had approached Khushi with a partnership offer for her interior designing venture. It seemed like a promising opportunity, and Khushi was seriously considering it.

The next morning, as the family gathered for breakfast, Khushi and Arnav executed their plan. They made sure to have a seemingly private conversation just within Payal's earshot. Arnav leaned in close to Khushi, speaking in a casual tone but loud enough for Payal to overhear.

Arnav: "You know, Khushi, I've been thinking... I feel like Akash might have feelings for Payal. What do you think?"

Khushi shrugged nonchalantly, her voice equally casual.