The Controlling Lover (ON HOLD)

Chapter Fifty

To say that dinner was awkward, was a total understatement. Kalavati had insisted that she and her mother should come along and that they'd try to get seats for them. In the end they won, the restaurant being okay with additions to their reservation. The entire time they were there, Arnav avoided talk with his Steps, and Khushi didn't say a word to her family. Instead, Arnav's family spoke with Khushi's family. It was through their conversations that the two learned of some things. For example, Khushi learned that her family had moved from Long Island to Brooklyn about three years ago and then to Queens one year ago, but Shyam stayed behind in Brooklyn. Arnav learned that Arhat was very much invested in the stock market. Arnav also learned that Khushi's brother had graduated with a degree in aerospace engineering. And Khushi learned that Anjali was totally hitting on her brother.

When dinner was over, they all headed outside, waiting for their car. Khushi's family decided they would just take the subway, even though Arnav insisted that he would have them dropped off. Before they left, however, Khushi's parents went over to her, who stood a distance away from the whole group.

"Khushi," her mother began softly, "I'm very proud of you."

Khushi just looked at her.

"You managed to prove us wrong and have gone so far on your own, to be successful on your own."

"We're very proud of you," her father smiled.

"Thank you," Khushi muttered, though she wanted to say something else.

"He's a good man," her mother said, referring to Arnav.

"I know," Khushi replied.

"It was sweet of him to invite us and get us tickets."

Khushi glanced at Arnav and then at them.

"I hope we'll see each other again," her mother said hopefully.

At that moment, Nigel arrived with the SUV.

"I have to go," Khushi said instead. "...bye."

She walked around them and headed towards Arnav, when her brother came up to her.

"Hey," he smiled softly.

"Hi," Khushi replied.

Both said nothing for a moment, and then he hugged her. Khushi was still for a moment, then hugged him back.

"I'm so sorry," he said, loud enough for only them to hear.

Khushi felt her breath hitch. "It's okay."

"No, it's not. I should have defended you. I should have-"

"We're past all of that now."

"Are we? Are we really?"

Khushi didn't say anything and he pulled back.

"If I wasn't stoned all the time, I could have said something."

"Shyam, don't," Khushi said, shaking her head.

"So many things could have been prevented-"

"Please Shyam, don't," she said, biting her lower lip to hold back her tears.

"Khushi-"

"I have to go. Take care of yourself."

Shyam nodded. "I will sis."

Khushi walked away and then paused. She then turned back and hugged her brother.

"I missed you," she whispered.

"I missed you, too lil sis."

Khushi pulled back. "Maybe we could meet up for lunch?"

Shyam nodded. "I'd like that."