Chapter 1

Mints23

@mints23

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]

I hade made a promise to my dearest Lolwa, that I would write an OS for her birthday. And so here I am... I hope you like this Birthday Surprise and enjoy your day to the fullest.

🤗

Please do wish DR.AALUSLOLWA on her Birthday Thread

ARHI OS: THE FATE - MATE

Amar Singh Raizada and Shashi Gupta sat anxiously in the corridor of one of the biggest maternity hospitals in Lucknow. Their families were gathered around, as they awaited the good news from the doctors. A couple of hours ago, Garima Gupta had gone into labour and her crazy best friend, Ananya Singh Raizada had accompanied her and requested the doctor to induce labour for her as well.

Both the women had been best friends since school. Inseparable in college, bonded by friendship so strong that nine months ago when they came to know about their second pregnancy at the same time... they were ecstatic. A dream that the two women had seen, of delivering babies on the same day, seemed to be coming true. The poor, worried husbands, like always had no say in the matter.

Payal Kumari Gupta and Anjali Singh Raizada babbled constantly in the waiting lounge, excited about the chotu babies, which were going to arrive in their lives. They were not concerned about how nervous their father's were, or the pain that their mother's were going through. "I want a chotu brother, who will do all my bidding," Anjali said cheerily to which Payal replied, "And I want a chotisi pyaarisi gudiya... just like me... who I can pamper." The two innocent children were unaware that their wishes were being fulfilled... just at this moment.

There was a huge celebration in the hospital wing, as Shashi and Amar hugged each other. Their families were just contented that both the babies and their mothers were healthy. The husbands and their two daughters flocked in to meet the women, who were resting after the emotional and physical upheaval. The newborn babies were cleaned and kept under observation for an hour before handing them to their respective parents.

The tiny boy, barely being able to open his twinkling eyes looked at the beautiful girl besides him. His face, involuntarily inched towards her. And as if sensing the movement, the small bundle shifted away from the boy, scrunching her face in annoyance. Fate smiled as the scene unfolded, marking a journey that was going to be very similar to its beginning...

X ---------------------------------------------- X

"Khu... take this. Play with this na..." a toddler Arnav tried to push one of his brand new toy cars in front of his friend. But the adorable girl in question was more interested in the storybook; her Amar chachu had gifted. She made a face and pouted cutely saying, "I want book Nannav!" Arnav snatched the book from her hands angrily; agitated at the fact that she was aping his older cousin by calling him "Nannav".

Khushi cried in helplessness, as Arnav said irritably, "Don't call me Nannav!" Looking at the tears in her eyes, he sighed and returned the book back to her. Arnav and Khushi had been born on the same day four years ago. He was just a couple of minutes older to her and made sure to rub it in at every given opportunity.

They were best friends and the one thing that bound them together was their older siblings. Payal and Anjali had constantly been torturing them... Payal with her over concern and Anjali with her pranks. Despite the varied nature of this torture, Arnav and Khushi were bound to each other by an unknown thread, which seemed to get stronger with each passing day...

X ---------------------------------------------- X

"You know what... my teacher had given the entire class a very tough problem in Math's and I was the only one who could solve it," NK boasted in front of a very attentive Khushi. She nudged the tiny frames adorning her beautiful hazel eyes and replied, "That is so wonderful Nandkishore. Will you help me in something that has been bothering me for a while? Your Nannav' has been acting too pricey about it."

Arnav glared at the studious duo in front of him. He just could not stand his older cousin and unfortunately for him... now he was the constant third wheel in his friendship with Khushi. The Raizadas and Gupatas had mutually decided to move to Delhi. It had been a year since they had shifted to the big city, starting up a joint venture, binding these two families professionally as well.

"Chashmish, look at my new camera. Dad got it for me yesterday. Look at me and give me a smile," he said to draw her attention. She peered through her thick-rimmed glasses, gave a fleeting smile and quickly looked away, concentrating on her book. Despite growing up together, both had grown up to be very different individuals. Khushi loved her books and she did not miss any opportunity to gain knowledge about anything new.

Whereas, Arnav was a free bird, interested in the creative aspects of life. Brilliant at arts and crafts, perceptive towards nature and also aspired to write and direct movies some day. He spoke his heart out, and Khushi barely ever spoke more than necessary. Yet, he could understand each and every thought that crossed her superior mind.

He observed her every frown; he noticed every smile that brightened up her face. And even though she did not look at him as often as he did, she knew his eyes always sought her. Like at this moment, even though she was busy in her conversation with the nerdy NK, she knew Arnav was admiring the picture he had just captured of her. The tradition still seemed to continue...

X ---------------------------------------------- X

"Wow, look Arnav is here with his date. He looks so dashing..." Syeda nudged Khushi lightly, who quickly glanced towards the entrance of the hall. It was their schools farewell party and Arnav did look extremely handsome in the crisp black tux he was wearing. She suddenly scrunched her face in distaste looking at the girl who was clinging onto his arm. Sighing heavily, she thought of what had transpired between her and Arnav two weeks ago.

"Hey Chashmish... mere saath annual party pe toh chal rahi ho na?" Arnav asked casually, popping one of the onion pakoras Khushi had been eating. "Kyon? Main kyon chalu tumhare saath?" she questioned immediately. Arnav plopped himself on the seat besides hers and said, "If not you... then who, Chashmish? You are my best friend and you know I am not interested in taking any other girl as my date to the party."

Khushi kept quiet for a few minutes, munching on her favourite dish. Arnav looked at her profile and could understand that her shatir dimaag was at work to find a strong excuse to slink off his invitation. He had known she would refuse and also knew the reason behind it. She had overheard the conversation where a few school friends had mocked her geekiness. They had been pulling his leg and trying to set him up with the school hottie, Lavanya Kashyap.

The friends had gone on and on about how Arnav could not see any girl beyond his Chashmish and if he actually wanted to fall in love, he would have to look beyond the school scholar. She had quickly turned away and sprinted out of school, not before he had seen the sheen of tears brimming in her beautiful hazel eyes. That day for the first time his friends had seen the ASR side of him... his anger and frustration lashing out at each one of them.

Since then she had been avoiding him like a plague. Whenever he tried to bring up that conversation, she had told him to let it go. Her gentle voice broke his reverie and he focused on her gorgeous face once again. "I am in the organizing committee Arnav. I will have to be at the venue much before the party begins. I cannot come along with you." He felt a little hurt at her reply and tried once again to clear the misunderstanding between them saying, "Khush, look if it is about wha..."

However, she cut him short and replied calmly, "Arnav... I think you should go to the party with someone like Lavanya. You guys will look good together." Her words unknowingly scarred him and he replied icily, "You think so? Well, how can I deny anything my best friend says? I will be going to the party with Lavanya Kashyap then. Thanks Chashmish for your help." Saying that he walked out of the Gupta house, which was located just besides the Raizada Mansion.

Suddenly all that conversation flashed in front of Khushi's eyes, as she saw Arnav excuse himself from Lavanya and walk towards her. She stiffened at his intense gaze, which always unnerved her. Things had drastically changed between them in the last two years. Growing up had sparked something between them which neither one had any control over.

Arnav on the other had admired Khushi in her aqua blue dress. She looked beautiful... like a mermaid from the ocean... pure... untouched. Only fools could not see the beauty that lay behind those thick-rimmed glasses. Her expressive hazel eyes gave away every secret that she tried to keep from the world. And he was glad, that he was the only one who could glimpse into her soul.

"You are looking beautiful Chashmish," Arnav spoke huskily, taking the plate of cutlets from her hand. "What are you..." Khushi began, but stopped abruptly as she realized there was no point in arguing with Arnav. "You look pretty good too Arnav... especially with Lavanya," she tried to act nonchalant once again. He put away the plate and mocked, "Don't we? I was thinking of dating her? What do you say Khush? Should I ask her out?"

His sudden barrage of questions hurt her... pierced her fragile heart to be precise. She knew he was only saying this because of her reaction. But her own insecurities were not allowing her to see what lay in those chocolate brown orbs. She knew Arnav thought her to be his closest friend and he would not care what the rest of the world thought about them. However, something in her, held her back each time he had tried to take a step closer; and instead she would move five steps away.

Khushi's silence gave Arnav a little hope and he took a step towards her, but like always she moved away and replied, "I think you'll will make a great pair Arnav." Saying that she walked across the hall, merging with the crazy crowd that had by now started grooving to loud music. Arnav stood staring at her retreating back while fate simply smiled at their childishness... fate definitely was inevitable but not predetermined. Some things just take a little more time...

X ---------------------------------------------- X

And time they took. After joining Delhi University in two varied streams, Arnav and Khushi seemed to have drifted apart. They were still best friends and met regularly at home. However, Khushi seemed to have immersed herself in studies and had avoided talking about Arnav's love life..., which she thought, actually existed.

Lavanya Kashyap had officially declared Arnav as her boyfriend, much to his dislike. He had rebuffed her often and had tried to maintain a distance from her. He was charming and was genuinely social... be it girls or boys. In college he was gradually termed as a "hottie" or a "flirt" by most of the women and he knew Khushi was aware of these kind of developments. Her indifference hurt him to a great extent and he decided to move away from Delhi... giving her the time and space she needed to overcome her own insecurities.

Finally after the brilliant results of HSC, Arnav announced in front of his family, his interest in learning film direction. They reluctantly agreed to send him to New York to study theatre and direction. The next few weeks were a complete chaos as the Raizada Mansion was flooded with relatives to meet Arnav before he set off to US. Arnav barely got time to meet Khushi, until the night before he left for a good five years.

"Chashmish... why are you behaving like this with me? I am leaving tomorrow and you didn't even come to meet me. I am not going to see you for the next few years... aren't you going to miss me Khush?" Arnav asked earnestly. They were seated on the huge lounger in her room, overlooking the beautiful garden, which right now was cloaked in darkness.

She peered through her thick glasses... the hazel eyes glistening with unshed tears. And then she was in his arms sobbing to her heart's content. The years of bottled up emotions, now bursting through her eyes, searing his heart to see her in this state. "I am going to miss you Arnav... I am going to miss my best friend. I am so sorry I haven't been myself lately," she mumbled.

He smiled at her, pulling off her spectacles and wiping away her tears. Did she really not realize how beautiful she was? If the term "beauty with brains" needed an example... then Khushi it had to be. They chatted all night long... just like old times... just like two kids who were bound to each other by a thread so strong, that the rest of the world seized to exist for them.

The next day, as the Guptas and Raizadas made their way to the airport, Arnav could not help but feel a little sad. He was leaving his entire life behind... in search of something he wasn't really sure of. Khushi kept her distance, observing Ananya giving Arnav continuous instructions about food, about meeting relatives and about calling everyday.

As the time for departure arrived, through the gathered crowd, his eyes sought only her. As if in trance, she walked slowly towards him, trying to keep the tears at bay. She was a few feet away when a vague colourful blur came in between. She was shocked to see Lavanya almost jump onto Arnav, hugging him to herself. Khushi halted in place and looked at Arnav's face for the last time before turning away to head to where their families stood.

Arnav had been shocked by Lavanya's attack and he could not be angrier about her timing. He saw the dejection and hurt once again on Khushi's face as she faltered in her steps before turning away. Why was it so that each time they made some progress in their relationship... they drifted even farther? An annoyed Arnav pushed Lavanya away, ignoring whatever she was talking about... cursing his fate for the umpteenth time. Fate in return simply grinned...

X ---------------------------------------------- X

Five long, excruciatingly painful years had passed. Khushi had changed drastically. Gone was the girl who was hesitant, quiet and reticent. She was now a confident woman, who would soon be joining her father's business and slowly take over his entire responsibility. After completing her graduation, Khushi had completed her MBA in India itself.

Her parents had urged her to apply to either the NY University, where Arnav was pursuing Film and direction, or the Pratt University, where Payal was pursuing her fashion designing. However, she had declined their suggestions, not wanting to leave her parents alone... especially after seeing how lonely they had become after Payal's departure.

She had clung onto Anjali Di to diminish the vacuum Payal had left her with. Also the other reason being, that she got the constant update of what Arnav was upto. It wasn't like they were not in touch anymore... they would chat and Skype almost every week, updating each other of their lives. Yet, getting to know his updates everyday brought her a sense of calm.

After assisting her dad and Amar chachu, she had finally joined RG Corp. and was excited to take up new challenges. However, off lately, her entire focus was on the return of her best friend, who would be landing in Delhi today. After all, how could he miss his cousin's wedding? She giggled at the thought of how a geeky NK had managed to tame her wacky sister.

Yes... Nandkishore Mathur... the co-owner of a huge Software company, was to wed her beloved fashionista sister Payal Gupta... who was working for a popular fashion label. They proved true, the saying that "opposites attract" and Khushi wondered if it could possibly be the case for Arnav and her aswell.

Distance had made the heart grow fonder and she could not wait to meet him. Although they had spoken about his various creative projects at the Universty, the list of firangi girls that would flirt with him and his plans to direct movies after he returned to India... she wanted to desperately see if there was any special girl in his life. If distance and time had taught her anything... it was the fact that it was time she stopped running away from him.

The wedding festivities had already begun, leaving the two families thrilled at this turn of events. And if Khushi sensed her mother and Ananya chachi's hints... they would be happier if Arnav and she were to give them similar news. She blushed at the mere thought and fastened her tinkling payals onto her feet. It was Payal and NK's engagement ceremony, and she had a list of jobs to finish before rushing to pick Arnav up at the airport. Giving herself one last appraising look, she sprinted out of Anjali's room to crash into a strong male form.

Arnav's hand instinctively went around the smooth silk skin of her waist. He peered into the clear hazel eyes of his Chashmish... except that she wasn't wearing any spectacles. He looked at her saree-clad form hungrily, years of need and frustration finally ebbing away into nothingness. All that mattered was her being in his arms, their thudding heartbeats in sync with each other.

Her eyes widened in shock and he bit back a chuckle, savoring the feel of her skin. She felt like a woman now... unlike the geeky girl he remembered. "What have you done to my Chashmish?" "What are you doing here?" Both of them asked at the same time. She blushed at his question and he continued, "Chash... hmm... Khush, this is still my home, remember? I took an early flight to surprise everyone, but seems like I am the one to be surprised. Where are your glasses?"

She blinked a few times, still not believing that he was in front of her... holding her intimately. His muscles rippled under her dainty hands, that clutched onto him for support. In front of her stood a man, who could easily pass of as a hero rather than a director. She tried to control her wayward thoughts and said, "I wear lenses Arnav... for a few years now." He was quick to interrogate, "But you always wore your spectacles when we Skyped... I have even seen your recent pictures... you were wearing them... when did lenses happen?"

She smiled brightly and her sheer happiness hit Arnav hard in the gut. She wasn't just beautiful... she took his breath away. She giggled a little and said, "I used to put on my make-up and accessories whenever I would talk to you, hot-shot director sahib." ... "Director sahib"... this was the new thing she had started a few months ago, when he had won a couple of awards at a film festival for his first short film.

He watched her laugh; her body shaking against his, causing a friction, which ignited the fire that had been consuming him for years now. What had changed in these five years and he hadn't noticed? He had kept in touch with her regularly, needing to see her all the time. Yet, he had missed this mischievous spark in her eyes. She seemed different... beautiful different!

Khushi suddenly stiffened, as she realized the precarious position they were in. Had anybody walked in on them, it would have definitely looked scandalous. His fingers were drawing circles on her waist, sending tingles through her entire body. She looked up into his eyes, only to tremble under his scorching gaze. Why was he still holding her? And why wasn't she pushing him away?

Arnav was the first one to regain control over his unruly senses. He pulled away hesitantly, yet not moving too far. Her floral fragrance lingered around him, making him crave for more. However, he knew they had a lot to talk before he put his thoughts into actions. To remove the awkwardness between them he quickly mumbled, "Let me just freshen up Chash... damn! Whatever... I am still going to call you Chashmish! So I will quickly freshen up and join you downstairs... ok?"

X ---------------------------------------------- X

The engagement party totally rocked with the guests dancing away to the tunes of "kamlee". Arnav was dragged from one group to the other, catching up on old times, discussing his future plans and socializing amongst relatives and friends. If Arnav had missed something in these five years other than Khushi, it was this warmth that only a family and home could bring along. Despite being in one of the most happening cities in the world, he had missed this sense of belonging. He reveled in their love and felt content to just be home.

Thrice, his family and the Guptas had visited him in New York. He had made sure to take some time out and show them around. However, Khushi had never come along citing some reason or the other. He had doubted what was between them several times in these five years. Their friendship was too precious to risk, had she not reciprocated his feelings. So time and again, he had curbed his heart from wandering into unwanted territories.

But one look at her glowing face amidst the gathered crowd right now, and he knew that he had been worried for the wrong reason all along. His Chashmish had always been his... all that mattered was voicing their innermost emotions and he had made up his mind to change that tonight. He saw her dancing away freely, laughing, chatting and bouncing along with his Di and hers. The three women seemed to forget they were the hosts of the party and danced like there was no tomorrow.

He admired her long lustrous hair, which had now come undone from the loose bun she had tied earlier. They seemed to have grown longer and he itched to spread his fingers through them, relishing the feel of her soft tresses. Her skin was glistening in the fairy lights, the sheen of perspiration adding to her sexiness. He thanked his lucky stars that she hadn't found some loser in Delhi, while he was away in the US. Considering the beauty she was, it wouldn't be surprising if there were guys flocking the Gupta house.

At that exact moment she looked up at him, her eyes smiling like they never had. She whispered something in Payal's ear and quickly started making her way towards him. The air seemed to be charged with a tangible undercurrent. The entire crowd seized to exist as Khushi walked slowly towards where he stood. And as if like dj vu, a flash of colour sped between them and clung onto Arnav.

Khushi's eyes rounded as she saw an even more gorgeous looking Lavanya Kashyap, hug Arnav warmly. She was now a well-renowned model and that made everything about her hi-fashion. Arnav's eyes sought hers and she for the first time did not look away. Making up her mind, she walked closer to where the duo stood.

"Excuse me Arnav... chachi is looking for you urgently. Hey Lavanya, see you around," saying that Khushi held Arnav's hand and almost dragged him towards their families. All Arnav could do was smirk at his Chashmish who seemed to not only have shed her spectacles, but also her inhibitions. He could not wait to get some alone time with her and made sure to not delay it any further.

X ---------------------------------------------- X

The night seemed to be never-ending and truthfully, the jetlag seemed to be taking a toll on Arnav as he sat on the old swing in their garden. However, one look at her face and a huge smile bloomed on his own. It was past 2 in the night and their families had retired to bed after the crazy chaos of the party. Arnav had requested Khushi to meet him in their garden, if she did not feel too tired. After a long wait of years... he could not wait for one more night to share his feelings.

Khushi came and lounged herself besides him on the tiny swing. Wearing a casual shorts and t-shirt, her face was scrubbed clean with hair tied in a neat ponytail. But what took his breath away were her eyes. She was wearing her spectacles again and he could not help grinning at her like a small kid. "Now I finally get to meet my old Chashmish... You have no idea how badly I was missing her," saying that he took her hand in his and rejoiced when she didn't pull it away.

They sat silently for a long time, swaying in the chilly weather, under the twinkling sky. Arnav was lazily tracing patterns on the back of her hand with his thumb. Khushi was the one to break this comfortable silence as she asked, "How have you been Arnav? Did you really miss me?" He looked sideways at her angelic face and smiled warmly.

"What do you think Chashmish? You know me better than myself since childhood. Even when you were looking away, you always knew that I was looking at you. So what makes you think that things have changed now?" Arnav drawled huskily, making sure to let Khushi know that he had known her feelings for an eternity now, despite her stony faade.

She blushed at the mention of the good old days, remembering so many moments that they had shared. However, she wasn't the same reticent Khushi anymore... she now had a spunk and what they called a funny bone. Hence she responded with a poker face, "Well Arnav, times have changed... we have changed. We are not children anymore and now you are one hot-shot director sahib, so I am sure you must be flocked by pretty girls to keep your mind occupied."

Arnav now turned completely towards her and looked at her face that gave nothing away. But he was also Arnav Singh Raizada... Khushi Kumari Gupta's childhood friend. And if he could not understand when she was faking, then who would? He curbed his grin and decided to play along with her and replied, "Oh well... about that... what can I say if I charm all the women around... especially Lavanya... And being a director its like asking for even more attention, Chashmish."

He saw her fuming over this confirmation and at the mention of Lavanya. He decided to end the game and not spoil their peaceful night. They had wasted too many years due to their childishness. It was time for them to speak out their true feelings. Before she could make an angry retort, he cupped her face in his, bringing her closer and said, "Khush, I don't really care of all the other things you said, about all the other women you mentioned. The only thing that is true is that... We are definitely not children anymore."

His eyes flitted momentarily to her deliciously tempting lips and back to her hazel eyes, that now twinkled with the knowledge of the meaning behind his words. Her breathing quickened as he brushed his thumb across her soft cheek. He could not believe how he had managed to control this urge for so many years. He moved a little closer and kissed her cheek gently, his lips lingering for a little too longer than required.

Moving away he saw her blissful face, her eyes closed tightly. He urged her to open them and bared his heart to her. "Chashmish... you have no idea for how long I have been wanting to kiss you... possibly since the time you kissed my cheek when we were ten. Remember that one time I got you your favorite book and you kissed me in your excitement..." he paused as both drifted along the memory lane.

"It had been an innocent gesture then and we were just kids. But while we were growing up... during the school annual day... the times that I spent with you... the time that I was away from you... all I could think was how much you mean to me. Everytime I made a move towards you, you turned away. I knew then how conscious you were of your spectacles, considering the high number you had since childhood."

As if to make his point he left her face and pulled away the frames from her face and continued speaking, "But trust me when I say this Chashmish... despite these thick glasses, I could clearly see your pure soul. These glasses just added to your spunk... especially when you were angry with me." Khushi hit him lightly, snatched the spectacles from him and wearing them once again she replied sadly, "I know I was stupid... wasn't I? I wasted too many years letting the other unimportant people get to me."

He nodded his head and said earnestly, "Khush, it was always you... it had been always you. For me none of those people ever mattered. I just wish I had the guts to take a chance and tell you what I felt. Maybe... just maybe we would have been dating for years now." Khushi giggled at what he said bringing back the mischievousness back into their conversation.

"So you think we should start dating now?" she teased. Arnav loved this side of hers and replied, "Offcourse we should... I know you like me Chashmish and I kind of am taking pity on you... warna tumhe aur kaun milgea?" Khushi pouted cutely, making him want to taste her inviting lips.

"You think mujhe aur koi nahi mil sakta... you director sahib!! You have no idea how many families have been asking my parents for my hand in marriage," she boasted, waving her henna clad hands in front of him. He was quick to grab hold of it and tug her closer.

"This hand is mine and so is the whole of you Miss Chashmish. I think we have had enough of running around the bush. Let me get straight to the point, so that no other man can stake a claim on you." He cupped her face once again and said, "I love you Khush... always have. I don't even know when I fell in love with you. It could have been a day, a moment or possibly since the first time I laid my eyes on you."

He said it with so much emotion that tears stung her eyes and she did not wait even a second to proclaim her own love for him. " I love you too Arnav... I have loved you for a really long time." His jubilation knew no bounds as he hugged her to himself, savoring the feel of her soft body close to his.

It might have been seconds or hours as they sat wrapped around each other in the dimly lit garden. He pulled away only to hold her face again and said, "Chashmish, I was serious about dating you know... this one being our first date. And as tradition goes, the date should end with a kiss." Saying that he closed the gap between their faces and captured her lips in a searing kiss.

Her inexperience only added fuel to fire, as they both tugged on each other's lips, their tongues dancing to an unfamiliar rhythm. He removed the hair-tie and speared his fingers into her soft hair... just the way he had been itching to all evening. She clung onto him as passion unfurled around them. So lost were they in their own sweet world, that they did not notice a pair of eyes watching them from afar and then quickly turn away.

Fate smiled watching the two beautiful souls finally beginning their true journey of life and love. At the end it was their choices that had led them to each other. Fate only brings two people together as it is love's job to keep them there. Sighing in happiness, it turned its attention towards the woman who had just rushed into her bedroom, shying away from the sight in the garden.

Ananya Singh Raizada could not contain her excitement. She had woken up in the middle of the night, thirsty for some water. While walking back to her room, she had glanced towards the garden to see the silhouettes of two people hugging and then kissing. It would not take an Einstein to know that they were Arnav and Khushi. She had quickly rushed inside, embarrassed to have sneaked on such a private moment.

She lay in her bed, waiting for the dawn, when she could call her best friend and tell her the good news. Garima and she had desperately been waiting for this day to happen, when Arnav and Khushi would want to be together. The two best friends had somehow managed to deliver these two babies on the same day and now to have their children married to each other would be another dream come true. They definitely were fate-mates... their friendship destined to be bound into a much stronger relationship.

Index to my other stories Arhi Index : Mints Madness