Silent Affair (On Hold)

Chapter Forty

Things were going rather well in the Raizada household. Anjali's pregnancy was progressing rather smoothly, Shyam taking breaks whenever he could to get extra time with her. Avantika was absolutely hopelessly in love with Virat, which meant her shenanigans were quite amplified, entertaining him completely. 

As for Arnav and Khushi, although Arnav hadn't found a solution to his slumber issue, he decided to let it be. After all, there was no way of getting Khushi to sleep beside him in his bed, nor vice versa. In fact, he had even thought of a plan - to have Avantika say that Khushi was sleeping over in her room, and then sneak Khushi into his room. But knowing Khushi, he knew that she would never agree to do something so deceiving to his parents.

So the most he could do was walk Khushi back to her cottage at night, be it after a date or just in general.

Tonight was no different, and after dinner was done within the household, Arnav walked Khushi back. Khushi had her arm wrapped around his, her head resting against it as she walked alongside him.

"Tired," Arnav asked softly.

Khushi nodded; since Bhromor hadn't been feeling well, she had taken up the responsibilities of her chores.

"You know, you could've let the others help you."

I know... but I like doing work.

"One of these days it's going to tire you out. I don't want you collapsing on me," Arnav frowned slightly.

Khushi paused and looked up at him. She moved in front of him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her chin on his chest as she looked up at him.

"No, don't give me that look, Khushi, I mean it," Arnav admonished.

Khushi gave a small pout, batting her lashes.

"Put the pout away missy, it's not gonna work," and he released himself. "You won't listen to mom, you won't listen to me either - you just work and work without a care."

Khushi pursed her lips, looking down.

Arnav let out a sigh and pulled her back in. "Khushi, I'm not trying to scold you," he said softly, nuzzling the top of her head. "But one of these days, I'm really concerned that you're going to collapse on me, and I'm not okay with that."

She pulled back slightly to look up at him, arching her brow. I'm a bit stronger than that, thank you very much.

Arnav rolled his eyes. "Put the brow away, kit kat, and walk - I want you to sleep for a good 10 hours."

Ten hours?!

Khushi gaped at him but Arnav only shrugged, and when she didn't move, he swept her up into her arms and carried her. Khushi only continued to gape at him, and she tugged in his shirt, trying to get him to let her go.

"Don't bother, I'll put you to bed myself if I have to."

Oh you'd like that wouldn't you? Not to mention slip in besides me.

Khushi couldn't help the smirk on her face, which wasn't missed by Arnav.

"Stop smirking, Khushi. I know that the farthest that I can go is the door, so stop teasing me," he scowled.

A small giggle escaped her lips, Khushi unable to help herself given the expression on Arnav's face. He only scowled harder, making her grin harder.

"Oh, so that's how it's going to be huh?"

Arnav immediately placed Khushi down on her feet and pinned her back, Khushi only realizing then that they had reached the cottage. She felt the door behind her and felt Arnav's chest against hers.