London Chronicle✔

Part 13: Love Your Next

"It is so sweet. You have my photo in your wallet."

He kept his wallet in his pocket which she passed to him. He looked at her with a mischievous smile.

Arnav - You put it there after our marriage! Not me.

She pouted at him looking ever so innocently.

Khushi - But I'm happy you didn't take it out and kept it there.

Arnav - Did I have any other choice? But actually it always gives me strength to look at your photo when I'm stressed.

She went all pink and smiled feeling flattered.

Arnav - I always think if I can survive with a mental case for so many years, I can survive any stress.

Her smile vanished and she smacked him on the chest making a face. He chuckled and pecked her pout.

Arnav - I'll leave now.

Khushi - Listen, come a bit earlier today. I invited our neighbours for dinner tonight.

Arnav - You invited our neighbours? How? And why?

Khushi - For your information, I can speak this less English in the meanwhile. And what do you mean why? They are our neighbours and we've been staying all isolated for so long. I want to be friends with our next.

Arnav - You know we Raizadas don't socialize unnecessarily. I don't want them coming over. We can take them to a restaurant.

Khushi - No. Just be home on time. It's time we start socializing. Now go.

Arnav - I already have to tolerate a lot of people at Office. I just want to relax at home.

Khushi - Oh fo, stop complaining like a child and go to work. You have to come back early and get sweets on the way back home.

He growled in annoyance as she pushed him towards the door. He needs to do something before neighbours and people start marching in and out of their home.

* * *

"They may be coming anytime. Sit here quietly and dare you go up when they arrive."

Khushi placed the last bowl on the dining table and looked up at Arnav.

Khushi - You have to be here, help me and talk to them. You got it?

Arnav - Don't worry. I am completely ok with them coming over. I understand it's important to have good connections to your neighbours.

Khushi raised her brows in astonishment. She walked to him and had a proper look at him from head to toe.

Arnav - What are you looking at?

Khushi - Are you my Laad Governor only or his lookalike?

Arnav - Very funny.

He rolled his eyes to which she giggled and kissed his cheek in response.

The bell rang and they attended the door welcoming their guests. There was this elderly couple Mr. & Mrs. Newman, the other couple in their middle age Ashley and Thomas and the bachelorette Sarah in her early 30s.

Though Khushi had been habited to seeing girls in short to almost no clothes in the meanwhile, especially since she's here in London, but it didn't really make her feel good to see this thin and tall girl in a revealing mini dress. Not only that it was revealing in the north but it was red! She looked down at her orange Sari and almost panicked inside when she caught her husband checking her out.

He lead them inside and she smiled at them all nodding as the greeted them and introduced themselves to her husband.

* * *

"This tastes just so amazing. What is this?"

Khushi smiled a bit at the elderly lady's compliment but had her eyes fixed at that girl who had seated herself opposite Arnav. She fumed as she thought of all their interactions during the evening. She'd called him handsome to which he too had complimented her. They talked something about clothes and sports.

Sarah - The food is delicious.

Arnav - Thanks. My wife cooks pretty well.

Sarah - You should try me...I' mean, I'm a good cook as well.

Khushi stared the two as they smiled at each other.

Iss Laad Governor ko toh hum aaj chodenge nahi.

Ashley - Would you mind sharing your recipe for this dish?

Khushi - Um' recipe? Yes, I'll tell.

As she explained the ingredients and process in her somewhat neat English, Khushi's eyes didn't leave Arnavji and Sarah even for a second. She was jealous with the way they were giving each other looks and talking about things she didn't understand at all. She was so sure Arnav was flirting with her.

Khushi - Arnavji, I need to talk to you. Come to the kitchen.

Arnav - I'm talking to her Khushi. It'll seem rude.

She grit her teeth and suppressed herself from showing her anger in front of all and instead smiled to him. They don't understand Hindi, so she can scold him in front of them too.

Khushi - You think I am a fool? Stop being so overly friendly with her!

Arnav - She is our guest! And I am talking to everyone, not just her. If you invite people over for dinner, you can't have them eat and then go back. This is not how it works. Conversation is needed.

She looked away feeling hurt but hid it under a smile.

* * *

"Thanks for the wonderful dinner."

After a cup of coffee, the guests finally took their leave wishing them night. Khushi had just drawn her back to the door when it knocked again. She opened to see Sarah standing there.

Sarah - I think I forgot my phone here.

Arnav - Ya, it's here.

Arnav had just reached the coffee table to notice the it and now came towards the door. Khushi gulped as she watched Sarah ogle her husband. She felt like ripping this woman's hair off. Her palm tightened into a fist as she saw her deliberately brush her hand with his as she reached for the phone.

Khushi - Good Night.

Khushi had the most fake smile plastered on her face as she indirectly asked the woman to leave. Sarah bid them bye before walking out of the door which Khushi locked behind her.

Arnav - It was not that bad as I thought it would be. We should do it often, and invite all of them again. I enjoyed the conversations with them.

Khushi - With them or with her!? I am not blind Arnavji! There won't be anymore friendly dinners with neighbors. I don't like our neighbors.

Arnav - Really!?

Khushi - Ji Haan!

He shrugged his shoulders and turned. A smirk appeared on his lips as he walked up to their bedroom.

Khushi - And you, Laad Governor, you checked her out and dared to flirt with her!? You- I won't leave you!

She followed him outraged over his behaviour. But he was least bothered. He can bear her any punishment and handle her anger. Most important is that his mission was successful!