Battle within Hearts

Chapter 9

Flashback

It was Khushi's twentieth birthday and she was giggling with joy as usual. She had loved this day and never missed to celebrate it to the fullest. Her friends also made sure that she would not be left dejected on this day at any cost.

She was gleefully roaming around the house, ordering her mother to make her favourite Jalebis, playing pranks with her sister Pankhuri, and lot other things that she loved. No one in the house had any complaints against her, as she was their darling and that was the only day in the year, she actually expressed herself out!

'Khushi, its your birthday. Get blessings from Devi Maiya and come back soon. The Raizadas will be here by the time you arrive', Ambika advised her.

'Okay!' Khushi abided by her Mami and left to the mandir.

By the time she returned taking her own sweet time to pray her Devi Maiya to fill everyone's lives with prosperity, the house looked like a bride, filled with red and white roses all over the living room, balloons hanging onto the pillars, with few blocking her way, she was mesmerised at the sight.

'Wow!' She exclaimed when a pair of hands closed her eyes from behind. She held onto the hands to guess, but it was not needed as she knew whom it belonged to.

'Arnav!' She squealed hugging him tight, while he had to balance both of them from falling down.

'Easy Khushi! When will you grow up? You are celebrating your birthdays every year but your mind does not seem to grow!' He chided but Khushi shrugged off royally.

'Tell me! What have you got?' She asked him excited about his gift. He was the only one who gave her some thoughtful gifts that she loved.

'Mmm', Arnav thought for a moment before answering, 'What if I tell you that I have not got any present?'

'Arnav! You cant do this!', Khushi huffed.

'I am sorry yaar. I was busy with my exams that I totally forgot about it', Arnav apologised and Khushi melted very easily.

'Come here', he called her for a hug and embraced her very tight. 'I wish you a very happy birthday!' He conveyed his wishes, while Khushi just enjoyed in his warmth!

Lately, Khushi had been feeling totally different whenever she was around Arnav. His casual hugs and kisses created some ripples in her heart. Her mind went numb whenever he kissed, which never happened before. She was growing up and she was not unknown to these feelings. She somewhere guessed it to be infatuation, but then she also knew that the feelings only grew stronger. So it was more than that! But was it love? She questioned herself, and the answer she finally arrived to was Yes, it was indeed love. She was overjoyed but had the fear to confess. What if he rejected? Will he? Can he? A lot of questions revolved in her mind but she could not gather enough strength to perform the task.

It was the afternoon when everyone gathered for lunch when Arnav started coughing vigorously. Khushi was the first one to raise and offer him some water and his cough did not seem to stop.

'Arnav!' Avantika immediately crouched next to him. 'Garima, do any of these dishes contain peanut oil?' She questioned her friend.

'No Avantika, I made all these dishes keeping Arnav's allergy to peanuts in mind', Garima too panicked.

'I am sure its his peanut allergy. Can you please get me the oil that acts as its remedy?' Avantika asked her to which Garima immediately rushed inside to prepare it.

By the time Garima reached the kitchen, she saw Khushi coming out holding the same oil already prepared.

'Khushi! You made this?'