Arshi ff - A tale of love of Arnav and Khushi

35. Bound by Promises, Braced for Truths

In the morning, as Khushi was getting ready in thoughtful silence, Arnav leaned over and softly reminded her, "Be ready by evening, okay?" She nodded, lost in her thoughts, her mind still swirling with the weight of the visit.

After a few moments, Khushi finally gathered the courage to speak up, glancing at Arnav with hesitant eyes. "Arnav... can we go without informing anyone? I mean, just the two of us, without the family knowing where we're really going?"

Arnav studied her for a moment, sensing her unease. He nodded slowly. "Alright. I'll tell them we're heading to the outskirts for a night out, maybe mention a gathering with some of your friends." His voice was gentle, reassuring her that he understood.

Relief flooded Khushi's face, and she managed a soft smile. "Thank you," she murmured, stepping forward to embrace him. Her gratitude was sincere, and she felt a small spark of hope ease her nerves. Arnav held her close, stroking her back, giving her silent strength for the emotional day ahead.

As the Raizada family gathered around the dining table for breakfast, Arnav glanced at Khushi, giving her a subtle nod of reassurance before turning to address everyone. Clearing his throat, he spoke up, "Khushi and I will be heading out this evening. One of her friends invited us to a gathering on the outskirts, so we'll be staying overnight and returning by tomorrow."

Anjali looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and concern. "Do you really have to go, Chote?" she asked, her tone laced with hesitation.

Arnav met her gaze and nodded. "Yes, Di, her friend personally called to invite us. It wouldn't be polite to refuse." He gave a small, reassuring smile, hoping to ease any reluctance she might feel. Anjali, caught off guard but unwilling to protest further, forced a smile and nodded, murmuring, "Alright, if it's important..."

Meanwhile, Akash, ever the playful younger brother, couldn't resist an opportunity to tease. He leaned forward with a smirk, casually remarking, "Bhai, enjoy the... quality time with Bhabhi. After all, you don't get many such 'gatherings' to attend."

A faint blush tinted Khushi's cheeks, and she ducked her head, smiling slightly. Arnav shot Akash a mock-glare but couldn't entirely hide the amusement in his own eyes.

As the family continued with their conversation, Khushi sat quietly, her mind adrift, anticipating the evening to come. The weight of the revelations she was about to share loomed over her like a dark cloud. She worried not only about Arnav's reaction but about how it might impact their relationship and the trust they'd been building. How would he handle it? Would he be able to accept such a life-altering truth? She had no answers, only a tightening in her chest as her anxiety grew.

"Khushi?" Arnav's voice broke through her thoughts, drawing her back to the present. She looked up, startled, meeting his concerned gaze. "Are you okay?" he asked, his brows furrowed slightly.

Forcing a reassuring smile, she nodded. "Yes, I'm fine," she replied, trying to mask the tension in her voice.

Arnav watched her carefully, sensing there was more on her mind but choosing not to press further. He leaned down, brushing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Alright, I'll see you in the evening," he said softly. "Take care."

With one last reassuring smile, he turned to leave for the office. As the door closed behind him, Khushi felt a strange mixture of relief and apprehension settle over her. Tonight would be the turning point—one she both dreaded and hoped would lead them to a deeper understanding.

As evening approached, Khushi moved around their room, carefully packing their bags with everything they'd need for the overnight visit to Vrindavanam. She picked out a soft chiffon saree in a delicate shade of baby pink, hoping it might add a bit of calm to her otherwise anxious heart. After slipping it on, she adjusted her bangles and applied a touch of kajal, catching herself in the mirror and feeling a small flicker of peace.

Just as she placed the last few items in the bag, she heard the door open and Arnav's footsteps approaching. Turning around, she found him watching her, his gaze appreciative and warm. "You look... beautiful," he said, his voice soft with admiration as his eyes traveled over her in the gentle pink saree. "Even more than usual."

Khushi felt her cheeks flush, and a shy smile crept onto her face. She looked down, feeling a bit giddy under his gaze, and murmured a soft, "Thank you."

Arnav stepped closer, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The touch lingered, sparking a familiar warmth between them, and in the next moment, he pulled her gently into his arms. Khushi melted against him, resting her head on his chest as he held her close, the worries and anxieties momentarily fading away in the safety of his embrace.

After a few silent moments, Arnav whispered, "Khushi, whatever it is that's been troubling you—whatever this evening brings—we'll face it together, okay? No matter how huge the storm is, it'll only bring us closer." He tightened his arms around her, grinning slightly. "Just like this... the harder the storm, the tighter the hug."

Khushi couldn't help but laugh, the sound light and genuine, her nerves easing just a bit. She looked up at him, a playful glint in her eyes. "Then I'll be counting on you to hold me just as tightly, Mr. Raizada."

He smirked, brushing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Always, Mrs. Raizada."

With that reassurance, they shared a quiet smile, a shared understanding settling between them as they prepared to leave for Vrindavanam, ready to face whatever awaited them.

Hand in hand, Khushi and Arnav made their way out of the house, bags in tow and hearts braced for the evening ahead. They settled into the car, a comfortable silence between them, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the winding roads leading to Vrindavanam.

With each passing mile, Khushi felt both her anticipation and her apprehension grow, but the reassuring squeeze of Arnav's hand reminded her she wasn't alone. Whatever awaited them at her family home, they would face it together. As they drove into the night, the bond between them felt unbreakable, ready to weather whatever truths were to come.

And so, with a final shared glance, they set off toward Vrindavanam, a place of family, memories, and the answers that Khushi hoped would bring them closer than ever..

Author's Note:

Hey, wonderful readers! 🤗 First off, I know, I know—this update took forever to come! 😅 I'm truly sorry for the loooong wait and for possibly breaking the flow of your reading. Please accept my humble apologies (and virtual chocolate 🍫)! Life just threw me a whole bunch of deadlines at once, but finally, here we are, with Arnav and Khushi en route to Vrindavanam and into the thick of things!

So, what did you think of the chapter? Are you feeling the tension building up as they head to Khushi's family home? 💕 And Arnav's little pep talk—how sweet was that? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I'd love to know what you think will happen next! Don't forget to hit that little vote button if you enjoyed the chapter, and please do add this story to your reading list so you won't miss any updates!

Thanks for your patience and for sticking with me! You all make this journey so much more special. 🥰