Silent Affair (On Hold)

Chapter Nineteen

With the car hassle and Avantika's fuss finally out of the way, the Raizada's headed out, Vijay, Amoli, and Deviyani in one car, Arnav taking Khushi, Anjali and Avantika in his car.

"Di, you must be, like, so excited," Avantika grinned.

"It's been so long since I've seen him! Ever since he picked up this stupid big case, he's been so busy," Anjali frowned.

"But it's a really big deal Di," Arnav said, glancing into the rearview mirror. "It's been all over the papers."

"I know, but still.... I'm happy for him and I know this case will have a really big impact on his career, but still... I miss him. I can't stand being away from him for so long."

"I bet there's others who can relate," Avantika smirked, looking at Khushi.

Once again, Khushi had been put in the front, sitting beside Arnav. At Avantika's comment she glanced back at her through the rearview mirror with a small scowl, which wasn't missed by Arnav.

Others who can relate, hmm, he wondered.

It wasn't long until the family arrived to the Kapoor's residence, or rather, mansion. Valets parked their cars and the Raizada clan headed inside. Many guests had already arrived, covering many areas of the main hall. The family found Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor, greeting them and then heading into the ballroom to join the others. The family had thrown this party in honor of Sana's return home after all these years, as well as for her graduation.

At first, Khushi was surprised to see Arjun, Shivaay, and Anurag, but remembering Virat's reaction, her surprise didn't last for long. In fact, she noticed many handsome men around, and they all seemed to be looking around for something.

Or rather someone.

Khushi stayed with Anjali and Avantika, when the Kapoor's made an announcement. Standing with them were also Vikram and Sana, to which Khushi noted Sana's very, er, exotic outfit.

Let's just say, she would definitely be getting the attention of numerous men tonight.

The Kapoor's made a little speech, thanking everyone for coming. Khushi didn't really care to pay attention, as Avantika wasn't caring whatsoever and making silly faces, thus distracting her. With the speech complete, everyone mingled with each other throughout the night. Music played and some people were already enjoying themselves on the dance floor.

"Oof, where is he," Anjali pouted.

"He'll be here soon Di," Avantika said.

"Who, Jeejaji," Arnav asked as he walked over to them.

Khushi glanced up at Arnav and quickly looked away. He stood right beside her and she felt a little awkward.

"You know, you guys really look like a cute couple," Avantika said.

Khushi's eyes immediately widened as they shot up to hers. Her face instantly turned red, her cheeks feeling like they were on fire. Avantika!!!!!

Arnav opened his mouth to say something, but was immediately cut off by Anjali.

"Eeeek!!! He's here!"

This instantly turned everyone's attention to where Anjali was looking, and at the entrance of the ballroom stood Shyam, looking quite handsome in his black suit and slim black tie. With another shriek, Anjali went dashing over to her husband, Shyam's eyes instantly landing on her. He made his way towards her as she ran over to him and as soon as she came within his reach, he picked her up into the air, swinging her around.

"Awwwww," Avantika gushed.

The couple locked in embrace and kissed, not giving a single crap that all the aunties were gaping with disgust.

"Yaaaaaaaaasssssss," Avantika clapped. "Show everyone how its done sis, yas boo!!"

Arnav chose to ignore his baby sister with a shake of his head, shutting his eyes as he really didn't want to see his older sister getting smothered nor her being the smother-er. As for Khushi, her embarrassment had been completely forgotten, Khushi only being able to think how lucky the two were to be so in love with each other.

Hopefully someday, someone will love me like that as well.

The lights dimmed and slow music began to play. Shyam led Anjali out to the dance floor and once again, Avantika hollered for the two.

Just then, Virat came over. "Hey, I see Shyam is back. They look good together."

"That they definitely do," Avantika smiled. "Hey, wanna dance?"

"Nah I don't really dance to slow stuff, but next time Chatterbox."

"Don't call me that!"

Virat chuckled. "Ask your brother."

"No way! I'm not 5!" And then Avantika gasped, an idea coming to her head. "Bhai, you should dance with Khushi!"

Both Arnav and Khushi looked at her, Khushi in shock.

What?!

"Yeah, you guys used to always fool around when we were kids, dancing together to these types of songs. You guys should do it again for old times sake. Besides, you two are already  matching like a couple, so why not?"

That's when Virat noticed that the two were matching. He gave Arnav a sly smirk, Arnav giving him warning eyes in return. Things between him and Khushi were still rocky, and he wanted to fix it. Only, he barely got a moment alone with Khushi.

So this moment would have to be seized.

"Sure," Arnav simply replied, and he took Khushi's hand in his.

Khushi was absolutely shocked, as well as Avantika and Virat. But Arnav ignored them and led Khushi out to the dance floor, Khushi's feet moving after him on their own as Khushi's brain seemed to be malfunctioning. Arriving to the dance floor, Arnav turned to her. He kept her hand in his and took hold of her waist, and lead her as they danced. Khushi simply couldn't believe it, and she was still very much stunned.

"Khushi, don't look so surprised, please blink."

Khushi did as he said, blinking down to the floor.

"...you look very beautiful tonight."

Khushi's eyes snapped up to his in shock. W-what?

"Honest, you do. Other guys seem to think so too - they won't stop looking at you," he scoffed lightly, eyeing at some of those men.

His statement, Khushi wasn't so sure of, nor did she care. It was his comment that was causing her already malfunctioning brain to malfunction even more.

Wait, what is even happening right now?

"...We need to talk Khushi. Or rather, I need to talk to you. You've been mad at me for quite some time now and I don't like it."

Khushi looked away.

"I don't like the fact that my best friend is this mad at me. I don't like that she won't even bother to tell me what it is that I have done to make her so mad and keeps avoiding me. ...I don't like that the woman I love is ignoring my existence."

And in that moment, everything around Khushi had come to a halt.