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

28.Between Heart and Duty...

Maddy, Akash, and Aman , their concern palpable , Maddy leaned forward, her voice low. "Sir, you know she is fighting with her own feelings."

Akash nodded,  "Han bhai, we have to figure out this."

Aman raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Wait a second, guys. I think Arnav thinks something bigger."

Arnav, sitting across from them, flashed a mysterious smile, which ignited an inquiry from the others.

Maddy, Akash, and Aman chorused, "What's this? What is going on in your mind?"

Arnav leaned back, his playful demeanor fading just enough for a moment of seriousness. "Khushi wants me to marry her sister, then let's do it."

Akash scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Are you mad? We know you’ll never marry Karishma."

Just then, Maddy's phone buzzed, breaking the tension of their conversation. "Khushi’s mom is calling me," she announced and quickly switched to speaker.

"Hello, Aunty! Kaisi hai aap?" Maddy said cheerfully.

On the other end, Khushi's mother sounded anxious. "Yes, I'm fine, beta. Where is Khushi? She didn’t answer my calls. Please tell her to come home fast!"

Maddy glanced at Akash and Aman, worry creasing her brow. "Aunty, she has already left."

"Oh, acha theek hai..." Her mother’s voice softened but then grew serious. "Beta, can I ask you something? Khushi and Arnav love each other, don’t they?"

A shocked silence enveloped the group. Maddy stammered, "Wha—what, Aunty? I think you should—"

Before she could finish, Khushi's mom interrupted. "Don't worry, beta. Khushi told me the truth. She loves Arnav, and Arnav loves her too."

"But then why is she doing this?" Maddy questioned, her head reeling.

"She’s stubborn. I made her understand, but she refuses to see reason, she doesn’t want to understand things,” Khushi's mom sighed."

With urgency buzzing in the air, Maddy suggested, "Aunty, I think you should talk to Arnav sir. He is here too."

Maddy handed the phone to Arnav, who took a breath before speaking. "Ji aunty, I truly love Khushi. If you support us, I believe we can convince Khushi."

Khushi's mother sounded hopeful. "Kaise?"

"Just start preparations for my engagement with Karishma, I'll handle khushi myself."

"Okay, beta," she agreed, and they ended the call.

Aman smirked, "I knew it. Kuch toh bada chal raha hai tere dimaag mein, “So, what’s this plan?” Akash asked, his excitement bubbling over.."

Arnav leaned in closer to them, his expression determined. "Guys, Khushi should feel like we’re all happy about this engagement. If we play along, she’ll be the one to stop it."

A plan forming between them, excited for the chaos to unfold.

At the Ahuja household, Khushi returned home, her mind chaotic with thoughts of the conversation earlier. Her mother was waiting with expectant eyes. "Kar aai sab khatam?"

"Yes, Mom," Khushi replied, though uncertainty bubbled within her.

"Achha kiya. By the way,  Karishma and Arnav make a great couple," her mother remarked casually.