The Controlling Lover (ON HOLD)

Chapter Thirty Four

The sun came shining in, waking Arnav up from his slumber. He sat up and looked to his side to see the sheets ruffled. He remembered the night before and realized that Khushi was here last night. He wondered if she was okay with spending the night with him on the same bed. He was somewhat positive since Khushi had asked him to make love to her the night before at the hotel. Images of last night played in his head and he loved the moments he had spent with Khushi. As for the other moments, he felt pretty embarrassed.

No one had ever seen Arnav Singh Raizada crack and be in tears. Only those who were close to him had seen him in tears. Now that Khushi had seen him in that state, he wondered if Khushi thought of him as weak and childish for crying so much.

Getting up, he washed up in the bathroom. He headed downstairs to the kitchen and saw Khushi digging into her pancakes and hash-browns. She was about to take a sip of her OJ when she saw Arnav at the doorway. Arnav flushed slightly, still feeling embarrassed that Khushi had seen him in that state the night before. He came walking in and sat on the stool next to Khushi and Etta placed his breakfast and left to do other chores. Arnav dug right in, not daring to look at Khushi.

"How are you feeling," Khushi asked softly.

Arnav paused mid-chew. "Better."

Khushi nodded and ate more of her hash-brown. "What are you doing today?"

"I'm gonna be at the office. ...keep myself busy with work and what not.... You?"

"I'll be out, not sure doing what," she lied.

"Okay," he replied, believing her.

The two ate in silence for acmoment, when Arnav spoke.

"Khushi, I want you to forget everything that happened last night."

Khushi simply nodded, but she totally ignored what he asked of her. She knew he was embarrassed - it was crystal clear, written all over his face.

The two finished up their breakfast and headed upstairs to get ready for their day. Arnav left for the office and Khushi took the subway and headed on over to Anjali's place at Bay Ridge. Ringing the doorbell, she waited for someone to open the door. The door opened, revealing Arhat.

"Namaste," Khushi smiled timidly.

"Namaste," Arhat smiled back. "Come in."

Arhat took Khushi into the living where they both sat down.

"How are you," Arhat asked.

"I'm well, thank you for asking."

Arhat smiled lightly. "So what brings you here?"

"Um, I came to see Anjali."

"Oh. Well I'm afraid she's gone outside."

"Oh..."

Arhat just nodded.

Khushi pursed her lips. She had come here to talk to Anjali so she could learn more about their mother, but now that Anjali wasn't here, she would have to change her tactics.

"Mr. Raizada, I was wondering if you could help me."

"Of course child, what is it?"

Here goes... "I was wondering if... if you could tell me about Arnav's mother."

Arhat's eyes slightly widened, but Khushi didn't miss it.

"Well," Khushi pushed.

Arhat looked down at his hands. "There's so much that can be said about her, but if anything... then it's that I loved her very much."