Silent Affair (On Hold)

Chapter Twenty

It was as if time itself had slowed down, one by one, everything becoming nonexistent, except for her and Arnav. Khushi's heart began to beat erratically, as if a drum were banging in her ears. Arnav met Khushi's eyes and he did not drop his gaze. He simply could not control himself tonight and needed to confess to her, especially since he finally got the moment to.

Throughout the night he had noticed many men gazing at Khushi, and had even heard a few comments. One in particular pissed him off very much, and he had to control himself and his anger. Khushi was his and his only, and he needed for it to be known.

Especially by the woman he loved.

Perhaps jealousy did fuel him a little, but enough was enough, and he wouldn't waste an opportunity, especially since Khushi couldn't run away from him this time.

As for Khushi, well she was absolutely confused. None of it made any sense! How could he be in love with her when he himself had claimed her to be nothing more than a servant all those years before? How could he claim that he loved her, when he had said that she was nothing?

The memory echoed in her brain and tears pooled within her eyes. Arnav saw this but before he could even say anything, Khushi released herself and dashed away, needing air. But Arnav wasn't going to let this go whatsoever and followed after her, Anjali and Avantika noticing this.

Khushi went out to the gardens, gasping for breath. Even though there was a breeze, Khushi still felt very warm.

Do not cry, don't you dare cry Khushi, stay strong!

"Khushi!"

Khushi shut her eyes and gripped onto her lehenga. Arnav came from behind her and turned her to him. Khushi's eyes remained shut, not daring to look at him.

"Please look at me Khushi," he said softly.

Hearing his hushed tone made Khushi shudder, and this wasn't missed by Arnav. He moved closer to her, bringing his arm around her waist. Feeling the warmth of his flesh against her cool waist brought a breathy moan to her lips.

"Khushi?"

Khushi looked up at him through her eyelashes. He didn't say anything else and simply gazed away at her. Their breaths tickled in the small space between them, and the space only seemed to be decreasing until there was none at all.

Arnav placed his lips against hers and kissed her. He had been wanting to do this for so long and so many times, he had lost track. For so long, he kept his feelings for Khushi to himself, only Virat and Anjali knowing, otherwise. He had lied and hid his feelings, waiting for the moment he could tell Khushi his truth, about his feelings for her. And now, having her in his embrace, made his heart beat with life.

Dhak dhak! Dhak dhak!

Khushi's heart beat with life as well but she was still so confused! Nothing made sense at all and it made her head swirl. Khushi pulled away and turned away from him, catching her breath. Arnav was surprised by her sudden action, confusion and anger taking hold of him.

"Tell me Khushi; tell me why, even after I've just confessed that I love you, that you're still angry with me? What did I do? How long have you been angry with me?"

Khushi looked back at him, her tears streaming down her face. Anger was evident in her eyes, but Arnav wanted his answers. Khushi could tell by his expression that he would not stop until she did... so she held up three fingers.

"Three? ...you mean 3 years?"

Khushi nodded and put the three fingers down, then held up three fingers again.

"And three... months?"

Khushi nodded once more and put her fingers down, then spun her index fingers around the other.

"And ongoing?"

This time she simply looked away, but that was the confirmation he needed.

However, Arnav was confused. What had he done about 3 years and 3 months ago to upset Khushi this much?

What the? Three year ago? And three months? That was... that was right about before I left for France. Yeah... yeah that was just some time before I left for France. But what did I do or say then that could've offended her-?

And then it hit him.

"Oh Kush...."

Arnav went over to her and hugged her, shocking her.

"You will forever be a butt-head, Kit Kat," he muttered in her hair.

Now Khushi was absolutely confused. What on earth?

Arnav pulled back and caressed her cheeks in his hands. "You overheard what I said to Vikram, didn't you?"

Khushi looked away, answering his question.

"Khushi, what I said to him was a lie - a lie that thankfully has protected you."

What-? Protected me? Khushi looked up at him, her brows meeting in the middle.

"There's something important I need to tell you Khushi, something I should've told you a long time ago, but didn't. Will you at least hear everything I have to say?"

Khushi looked at him. All this time, she thought that Arnav thought nothing of her, that their friendship was absolutely false. And now here they were, Arnav claiming to be in love with her. But now he had a secret he needed to tell her?

What could it possibly be?

Wanting to know, Khushi nodded.

"Good, come sit over here with me, and I'll tell you everything."