Battle within Hearts

Chapter 15

'Yes I do love you Arnav! But marriage. So soon?' Khushi shook her head in negative, fear and anxiety palpable in her voice. 'I am not ready. I am sorry', she whispered, breaking the other heart into million pieces!

He grasped her shoulders tight and seethed, 'What the hell are you blabbering? Are you in your senses? The date is fixed and all the arrangements are done! You cannot back off now?'

'Why cant I?' She retorted, shoving off his arms. 'Where is my consent for marriage? I love you, Arnav but marriage is different. Its a huge responsibility. I dont think I am ready to take it up! A girl goes through so much before her marriage, and this is not just a shock, but something that I cannot accept easily!'

'Its all fixed, Khushi!' He exhaled, deciding to deal with her gently.

'Not my problem, Arnav!' She shrugged and crossed her arms across her chest, her face determined.

Arnav felt a huge weight being dumped upon his chest, as Khushi was no where in the mood to joke. They were in the boutique to collect their wedding dress, the probability of the event happening, in query.

It was easy to force his girl, but his conscience refused to do so. Never in his life, was he going to force her for anything. Her confession of loving him, settled his heart in peace, though not getting married right away still ached him. But he was not going to cloud his happiness of gaining her with her refusal to marry him.

'You sure?' He queried again. 'I mean, this should have been a shock. May be you can take some time to think', he requested, hoping against hope that her decision would change.

Khushi stood firm and determined, that Arnav's optimism started fading away.

'Fine. As you wish. I will never force you. I.. I shall talk to the family', he muttered the last line, bracing himself to face his family, who were about to be a great force to convince. But Khushi was his priority and he had no plans to go against her wishes!

Khushi nodded acknowledging and then continued, 'I am sorry Arnav. But.. but this is.. fast. I.. I am not.. ready', she explained him, who interrupted her.

'Khushi, relax! Its okay! I understand. It was my mistake. I should have taken your consent. I am sorry', he embraced her in a hug, gradually absorbing the surprise he was bequeathed with.

'But what will I do with the outfit?' Khushi whispered, coming out of his warm clutch.

Arnav smiled at her amused form and tapping her nose, he said, 'We are getting married, at a later date. So lets just take it.'

Khushi agreed but still questioned him, 'What if I say I will need an year more?'

'I will wait', he shrugged, as if it was no big deal.

'What if it is ten years? Or what if I do not want to get married at all?' Khushi gave no break to her questions.

'I will wait, Khushi. Till eternity. Yes, I am eager to start my life with you by my side, but I will never push you. I am privileged to have conquered your love', Arnav answered instantly, honesty and sincerity dripping in his voice.

'What if I stop loving you?' She asked, while Arnav stared at her, bewildered to even think of that happening. 'Will you force me then?'

Composing himself, he replied, 'That is not a possibility'.

'Why?'