Don't Let Go

Chapter 3

A new day had dawned at the Raizada Mansion, and Khushi, Arnav, and the whole household were up and preparing for the day.

Sheetal stared out of the window and watched her partner in crime take a stroll in the garden with a soft smile on her face, thinking about how much they loved each other. If what the two of them were doing ever did come out, many would think she was in it for just the money, but in her case, that was not the issue. She didn't care about all the money, fame and power that came with the Raizada name, and she knew what they were doing was wrong, but never in her life had she felt so loved, and to have that love stay, she was willing to do anything. Hell, she didn't even dislike Khushi, but in fact adored her for her ability to stay positive and bring people joy by simply putting a smile on her face and moving around gracefully, living up to her nickname, 'butterfly'. But if this was what it took to make the love stay, then his plans were simply going to have to work.

Now, in Arnav and Khushi's room, the situation was different. Khushi was putting her stuff together and helping Arnav put his stuff together at the same time, because Arnav and her had both overslpet after the lengthy conversation they had had with each other. While the two of had argued, it had come to both their attentions that while they were deeply, madly in love, they had neglected getting to know each other in a deeper sense. They knew each other, but not to the point they wanted to.

Aside from that, Khushi had made plans to extend her lunch services to other companies, because, those four years she had spent in business school were not going to go down the drain, and neither were her amazing cooking skills (even if she must say so herself). So it was in great haste that she packed their stuff and got ready.

In Payal and Akash's room, the scene was a rather saddening one. Payal had awoken to no sign of Akash, and with a deep sigh she had gotten up and started preparing for the day.

The rest of the house was soon awake, and soon, the hustle and bustle of the day had come to a true beginning. The family gathered by the table and Hari Prakash started serving breakfast to the family. Anjali looked up and said with great surprise, "Arnav and Khushi aren't here yet! I can finally tell Arnav that he isn't always on time! Yes!"

As Arnav descended the stairs, he said with a very pronounced eye roll, "Yes Anjali, you can, and what an achievement that would be, eh?"

Anjali squinted her eyes and said,"Wow, who knew A.S.R. could be sarcastic?" The siblings grinned at each other and said at the same time,"Nice sparring with you, friend." The rest of the family shook their heads, both surprised and not surprised with the familiar sight.

Khushi descended the stairs at full speed, and said distracted by the papers in her hands, "Arnav be nice, and Anjali, nice one! You got him!" Anjali smiled sweetly and Arnav rolled his eyes.

Anjali eyed the two of them up and down before cooing extremely loudly,"Aw, the two of you match! Khushi, what's the occasion?"

(Arnav and Khushi's outfits)

Khushi smiled and said, "I've got a meeting to expand my lunch service to other companies today, and if I get it, I would be opening myself up to so many more opportunities to expand even more!"

Manoroma, who had been silent up until then, decided it was time to add her two cents to the conversation and said,"What business opportunities? What do you know about business?"

Payal lifted her head and said,"Four years at business school taught her all, or most of what she should know about business, and before you make another comment, I went to law school. And Sheetal, don't even think about it."

Both Sheetal and Mami grimaced, embarrassed about being shut down by Payal before they could even start.

Nani's lips turned slightly upward, and she had to brace herself to stop the laugh that wanted to come tumbling out of her lips. In all her experience with Manoroma, only few had been able to silence her, especially not someone she seemed to hold contempt for. And as for Sheetal, Nani thought, she still hadn't been able to figure out what she was here for, but she was sure it wasn't for something good. After all, years of having to figure out what Arnav was thinking through only his facial expressions ought to have taught her something about analyzing people, right?

It's only 821 words, short, I know! I'm sorry!

I really should update more often but school is pretty crazy!

Anyways, how was the update? I don't think it was all that good, but I tried...

Also, what do you think of Anjali and Arnav's behavior?

What about Payal's?

Any ideas on who is working with Sheetal?

Constructive criticism is welcome, and if you see any grammar mistakes, please point them out!