The Controlling Lover (ON HOLD)

Chapter Thirty Seven

To say that Anjali hadn't noticed the change would be a total understatement. She had been looking for Khushi and her brother ever since they had disappeared. When she saw Khushi reappear, she was going to call out to her, when Arnav came in behind her. She wondered if the two had gotten into a fight, but then she saw the evident amount of blush surfacing on Khushi's cheeks. Arnav took her hand in his and kissed it, Khushi smiling.

Anjali smiled. Oh thank goodness, they made up! These past few weeks were just filled with misery.

Anjali remembered back to the previous week, when Arnav had come home after so many years. When Arnav had turned 15 and began to make money, he had moved out of the house and had never gone back ever since then. It had been years since he had come home. It was late and Arhat and Kaushali were at an event, along with Kalavati since she never skipped an event. Anjali was in the kitchen, making a chicken salad sandwich, when she heard the doorbell ring. When she opened the door and saw Arnav she was shocked. Not only because it had been years since he'd come home, but because of his condition.

Since Khushi had left, he had stopped caring about a majority of things, including his looks. His beard had grown and his hair was a mess. His eyes were puffy, which made it evident to Anjali that he had been crying. Bringing him inside and having him sit down in the living room, she asked him what had happened, and she saw something she'd never forget - her Chote, completely broken.

Anjali remembered how after so many years, her little brother had laid down on her lap. She remembered his tears and how he kept repeating that had extremely messed up, and how he loved Khushi oh so very much. She wanted to help her brother and wanted to talk to Khushi at the instant, but Arnav had stopped her. He said that he was the one to start this, so he would be the one to fix it.

Now seeing them together, smiling at each other, Anjali felt content. To her, Khushi was a blessing from Aisha, and she was very happy that her mother had chosen such a lovely girl.

Meeting her gaze, Arnav smiled at Anjali lightly. Anjali smiled as well, letting him know that she understood that everything was okay between the two, and that she was more than happy.

*~*

T

he night went on and about thirteen million dollars were raised for the foundation. It eventually came to an end, and everyone prepared to leave.

"It was lovely to see you again," Arhat said to Khushi as they were about to leave.

Khushi smiled.

Arnav started to take Khushi away, giving only a nod to his father. They were about to walk away, when Kalavati came up.

"Hi Arnav," she said. "I hope you had a good night."

Arnav clenched his jaws to control himself.

She looked at Khushi. "I see you've brought her again."

Khushi looked at Kalavati. Why is she saying it like that? What's she got against me?

"Her name is Khushi and of course I brought her - she's my girlfriend and the woman I love."

Kalavati's eyes widened and she looked at Arnav. "The woman you love?"

"Yes," and Arnav started to walk away, taking Khushi with him.

When they got in the car and were buckled in, Khushi just looked at him.

"You hate her," she finally said.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I simply do."

"Arnav-"