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

24.Love confession...

Arnav’s heart raced with desperation as the day slipped into night. He had spent the entire day trying to reach Khushi, but she didn't pick up a single call. Panic gripped him when her silence persisted. Finally, he dialed Maddy’s number, hoping for answers.

“Maddy, where is Khushi?” he asked, his tone laced with urgency.

“Why does it matter to you anymore, sir? You should be with Karishma ma’am,” Maddy retorted sharply, her voice revealing both frustration and concern for her friend.

“listen, I’m serious! I don’t have time for your questions. Where is Khushi?” Arnav insisted, his mind racing with possibilities of what could have happened to her.

“She’s with me," Maddy finally admitted. "And she’s been crying non-stop."

Arnav’s heart sank. "Why is she crying?"

“I’m sorry, sir, but it’s clear to everyone now. You’ve gone back to Karishma ma’am. Please, let my friend go," Maddy said, her tone shifting to a protective one.

“Stop. That’s not true! Just talk to her, can’t you?” Arnav was almost pleading now.

“She’s not listening to anyone,” Maddy said, her frustration evident. “Just send me your location.

After a few moments of silence, Maddy texted him the address. "Okay, I’ll be there in 15 minutes," Arnav said, determination flooding through him. “Please take care of her!”

Once he arrived, Maddy opened the door, her expression softening as she noticed the anxiety etched across Arnav’s face.

“Khushi is in room. But please, lock the door behind you,” Maddy urged as she began to leave. “I don’t want a third wheel. You guys have the whole night to sort this out.”

"Thank you, Maddy," Arnav said, grateful for her understanding.

As Arnav entered Khushi’s room, he knocked gently at the door. “ Khushi’s voice slipped through the door, “Come in, Maddy.”

When he opened the door, he was met with a sight that stole the breath from his lungs—Khushi, changing her dress, her zipper stuck. She didn’t see him at first, thinking it was Maddy.

“Help me with the zipper, Maddy,” she called, frustration filling her voice.

Moving closer, Arnav gently pressed the zipper back into place, unable to suppress the intimate touch of his fingers grazing her bare skin. The realization hit Khushi like a bolt of lightning. She turned around, her eyes wide with shock.

“sirrr!” she screamed, stepping back.

He quickly placed a hand over her mouth, silencing her outburst, then pulled her close, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead followed by her cheeks. But as she stepped back again, a darkness clouded over her expression.

“You love Karishma di,” she whispered, her voice laced with insecurities.

Arnav’s heart ached at the words. He gripped her shoulders, forcing her to look into his eyes. “If I loved her, why would I be here?” he demanded. “Yes, it’s true that she was my girlfriend. We loved each other, but it’s over now! Do you know why? Because I love you, stupid girl! I love you,miss Khushi Ahuja. I can’t think of anyone else!”

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she held onto his words, feeling a mixture of relief and hope. “Please don’t make me wait,” Arnav pleaded, clutching her tightly against him.