Aapke Pyaar Mein [IPKKND AU] - to be continued

Chapter 27

'Hey DM, you both got engaged!?'

Khushu swallowed hard at the shocked expression of her new sister and she looked at the man standing by her side. Didn't he tell her about this? What had he told her? That she was his girlfriend? What is worse? Having Anjali think of her as her brother's girlfriend or getting to know they both got engaged without even telling their families, let alone ask for their consent. This was India, after all. Here you don't just marry a girl your family doesn't approve of.

Arnav registered the displeased look on Khushi's face and understood her inner turmoil.

'I'm sorry Di, I guess I forgot to tell I proposed her.' He said casually as if it was most normal thing in the world. Well, in some parts of the world it was the most normal thing but not in India.

Anjali sighed shaking her head but eventually smiled at them.

'Now please don't elope too.' She joked with a comical grin. 'We have so many dreams regarding your wedding. Let us fulfil those.'

He just rolled his eyes at her statement. Why would they elope, he thought. He least had an idea that somewhere in an alternate universe they did elope and the outcome was catastrophical.

'This is really a beautiful ring. Suits you so much.' Anjali ran her finger across the stone and affectionately put a finger under Khushi's chin. 'I'm really happy for you two.'

Khushi smiled at the fact that not only was she accepted by her future sister-in-law but also admired and loved that much to having considered her a perfect match for him. Although with all the history, she wondered how anyone can even picture them as a couple. What was it that triggered them to think these two people who hate each other, are poles apart in thinking, behaving, treating people should get married to each other?

Her stomach knotted at the realization that others may have also noticed the things going on between them during the wedding. And her hand immediately went up to her cheek as the picture of him kissing her cheek here at the very poolside flashed across her mind.

'Khushiji, what happened?' Asked a concerned Anjali after noticing her act. Khushi just shook her head taking her hand down immediately. 'Erm, nothing.'

'Accha, then tell me, why won't you both marry right now? What are you two waiting for?' She dropped the bomb finally for which she had been waiting. He'd told her they wanted to wait but had not provided an explanation. She failed to see sense in this decision. This wasn't an arranged marriage. Khushi and Arnav know each other quite well and there are no educational or work hurdles stopping them from marrying yet.

Khushi's focus shifted and her face drained off colors. It was for her. She ought to be answering this since it's her who wants to wait. But should she just reveal about her family's condition? Surely she'll understand but some things are personal and uncomfortable to share with some people.

'There's nothing much to that Di. I don't want to marry right now. That's it.' Before she could even speak the knight in shining armour came to her rescue. She felt relieved but also bad for he took it upon himself. But that's what love is, to help each other, to complement each other and stand up for each other. She urged to him right not but held herself back.

Anjali wanted to protest but let it be. If Khushi was ok with his decision then she doesn't have anything to revolt. So she nodded with a frown but then straightened her face. 'Ok, I'll go down. You two also come. We're about to have dinner.'

She tenderly patted his cheek before turning round and walking out slowly. And as soon she was out of sight, Khushi swung to her Arnavji and crossed her arms on her chest.