Silent Affair (On Hold)

Chapter Eighteen

With the movie complete and the shopping done, everyone met up by the cars.

"So you're going home now," Virat asked Sana.

"Yeah, I've actually got some things to do, especially with the party coming up."

"Oh, cool."

Avantika couldn't help her expression as she glanced at Virat with distaste, and then quickly looked away with a roll of her eyes.

"I hope you're all coming Friday night; it's going to be so much fun," Sana beamed.

Khushi glanced at Arnav and Avantika. Arnav had said in the morning that he wasn't sure if he wanted to go to the event at the Kapoor's. It made perfect sense before they had seen the recreation of Sana Kapoor, but now....

Mm hmm, Sana Kapoor.

"We can't wait," Virat said, once again throwing Avantika off.

Earlier, Sana had called for her car to come and pick her up, and it arrived. She quickly put her bags in - with the help of Virat - and sat inside. "Great! I can't wait to see you guys then! Bye!"

The car pulled away and Virat waved, causing both Arnav and Khushi to arch their eyebrows at him.

"What," he said innocently.

"Un-fucking-believable," Avantika huffed, and she went to the car, confusing him even more.

"What," he repeated.

"Nothing bro, just forget it," Arnav said. "Need a ride?"

Before Virat could even respond, the car Avantika had gotten into pulled away, leaving them. Khushi was a little surprised but she also understood - Avantika really liked Virat, not to mention for quite some time now. She knew her friend was a little heartbroken.

"What the," Arnav frowned. "What's wrong with her?"

Khushi quickly shook her head, gesturing to him to not worry about it... that is until she realized that that was her ride home.

"She is just... whatever. Khushi, get in the car, and you clueless, take a walk."

"Hey," Virat exclaimed and Arnav chuckled in return, getting in the car.

Khushi simply stood there, looking at the two, especially at Virat when he got in the back.

"Hey, I know you're always shotgun, I'm not even going to bother," Virat said, holding his hands up.

In the old days when they would hang out, unless Avantika was there, Khushi would always sit shotgun besides Arnav; the guys really had no choice. Luckily they didn't really complain much, especially since it gave Khushi GPS duty if necessary.

"Come on Khushi, get in," Arnav said. "Its starting to get late."

Pursing her lips, Khushi got in the car and shut the door behind her. She truly wished she didn't have to, but she did need to get home. And after her traumatic experience.... 

Simply put, it was very difficult for Khushi to be out on her own.

Arnav first headed to Virat's place, dropping him off. Bidding their farewell, Arnav headed home.

The drive home was rather silent and an awkward vibe filled the air. Khushi kept glancing at Arnav from the corner of her eyes, fidgeting with her fingers.

"You really must think of me as a stranger."

Khushi's eyes darted up to Arnav. He was still focused on the road, but he briefly glanced at her before looking back. Khushi looked down at her lap, folding her hands. She felt like she was a little schoolgirl who was about to be scolded.