Arshi SS: The Guardian Angel Pt 8 pg 63 14/02 - Page 36

Khushi looked at the mirror and smoothened her lehenga as she stood up from the chair in front of the mirror. She was wearing a bright red lehenga with net, tassels and golden lace embroidery. Her hair hang loose in curls over her shoulders. She walked to the bed and bent down to pick up the bangles she had laid out on the bed. She wore the bangles on her wrist, jiggled them, and smiled hearing their clank. She made an annoying face and reached over her shoulders, as she realized the dori of her blouse had come loose. Before her fingers reached her dori, she startled as she felt fingers on her back. She looked over her shoulder and was about to scream, when her eyes opened wide. Behind her, stood Arnav, with a naughty smirk on his face, his fingers tying her dori.

"Arnavji, I thought you said that you won't be coming home."

Arnav took a step back, cocked his head and folded his arms. "Beautiful! Khushi, you look .. wow! Simply wow!" A faint red appeared on Khushi's cheeks. Arnav took a step closer and touched her arms. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and rested his forehead against hers. He said softly, "I missed you. So I managed to move some things around so I could come pick you up from home."

Khushi smiled and was about to say something, when they were interrupted. "Didi?" They looked at the door and saw Aarav standing at the door, looking confused at them. Khushi gulped and quickly moved away from Arnav. Arnav rolled his eyes and cursed under his breath. Aarav walked into the room and eyed both of them suspiciously.

"Papa, I thought you were going to be busy tonight." He turned to Khushi and pressed his lips together. "Didi, where are you going?"

"Chottu, I am going to your Papa's party." Khushi added with a smile. She glanced at Arnav and he turned to look at her. She blushed and he smiled.

"But Didi, I thought we were going to watch a movie tonight." Aarav sounded annoyed. Khushi turned to him, confused about what to say.

"Chottu, there you are." Arnav and Khushi looked up to see Nani at the door. "When do you want to watch the movie, beta?"

Aarav pursed his lips and folded his arms. "I don't want to watch a movie with you, Nani. You always want to watch those boring Hindi movies."

Khushi opened her eyes wide, shocked at Aarav's reaction. But Nani chuckled, as she walked towards them. "Ok, fine, beta. Today we will watch the movie you want to watch." She looked at Khushi and raised her eyebrows, a wide smile on her face. "Khushi bitiya, you look very pretty." Khushi blushed and lowered her eyes. Nani added, "Just like a bride." She winked at Arnav, startling him. She turned to Aarav. "Come, Chottu. Your Didi and Papa should leave now or they will get delayed." She ushered Aarav out of the room and walked out after smiling at Khushi and Arnav.

As they disappeared into the corridor, Arnav took Khushi's hand. "And we should leave now."

Khushi watched in awe as they entered the venue for the fashion show. Since AR was launching a new line of bridal wear, the theme of the fashion show was weddings. The hall was covered with wedding decorations. There was an enormous floral arch set up at one end of the room and the hall was decorated with fairy lights, heart-shaped balloons, red roses and red curtains.

"Komal Aunty," Khushi's thoughts were interrupted and she turned around to see Arnav touching the feet of a plump and cheerful lady, dressed in a light blue saree with kanta work. "How are you?" Komal Sharma placed her hand on Arnav's head and blessed him and turned to look at Khushi curiously. Arnav put his arm around Khushi's shoulder and said, "Aunty, this is Khushi. Khushi, Komal aunty and Aman uncle are like family. They took care of Anjali and me after our parents.." His voice trailed off. Khushi's heart pained as she watched Arnav's eyes fill with tears.

Khushi put her hands together in prayer and greeted Komal aunty. Just then someone called Arnav and Arnav excused himself. Before he left, he moved closer to Khushi and whispered in her ear. "Just stay with Komal aunty, she will introduce you to everyone. I will be right back, ok?"

Khushi smiled and nodded, trying not to let Arnav know that she was nervous and scared. Komal introduced Khushi to her friends, and their families.

Arnav watched Khushi while he was talking to one of his employees. He relaxed after seeing her laughing and talking to a group of ladies. He was impressed at how she got along with everyone, including people she had never met before. He excused himself and walked towards her.

"Arnav." He turned around to see an elderly gentleman standing next to him. Arnav smiled and embraced Aman Sharma, the man who had supported him and helped him manage the company from the age of 14, after he lost his parents.

Aman returned the hug and put his hand on Arnav's arm. "I am so proud of you, Arnav. I heard you made it to the Forbes list this year as well."

"Why wouldn't he? He deserves it." Komal joined them, with Khushi by her side. Arnav smiled and turned to look at Khushi. She smiled at him and looked away. Komal added, "Arnav, you have a gem right here. The girl is beautiful, smart and witty. She is definitely a keeper. Don't let her go."

"I don't intend to." Arnav said, looking at Khushi, with a smile. Khushi returned the smile, her heart pounding in her chest.

The lights faded and everyone turned to the stage that was set up at the center of the hall. Models walked into the room and through the floral arch. The female models wore bright-colored lehengas with delicate net, sequins, tassels and applique ensemble. The men wore black and wine embroidered sherwanis and jodhpuri suits and velvet jackets embellished with golden embroidery. Arnav slid his arm around Khushi's waist, as they watched the show. Komal noticed this quick movement and whispered something into her husband's ear, which brought a smile to his face. A few minutes later, Arnav took Khushi's hand, turned around and walked towards the arch. The voice-over announced Arnav's name, which was followed by applause from the audience.

Arnav turned to look at Khushi. She raised her eyebrows, asking him what he was doing. He smirked, then twirled her and applause arose around them. Khushi raised her eyebrows, shocked, as she twirled. Arnav turned to face the audience, Khushi's hand still in his.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending AR's annual fashion show. The theme for today's show was wedding, and that's why we chose the day of love for the fashion show. I personallyk apologize to everyone for dragging you here on the day you should be celebrating with your loved one." There was a murmur from the audience. "But we have coupons for romantic getaways for everyone who attended today." Applause arose from the audience. Arnav smiled and continued, "This event would not have been possible without my entire team. Please give them a big round of applause." Applause followed. "As you all know, I would not be here in front of you, if it weren't for my mentor, Mr. Aman Sharma." A spotlight appeared on Aman and he nodded his head, his face beaming. As the applause arose, Arnav turned to Khushi. "This year, I would like to introduce someone special." The applause faded, as hundreds of eyes focused on Khushi. "Khushi Kumari Gupta. She is wearing what I consider my best work among the bridal collection." Someone applauded from one corner of the room. Arnav continued, ignoring the murmur and hushed whispers; everyone was wondering who she was. "And I was wondering if she would be kind enough to wear it again, on our wedding day." Gasps arose in the audience. Khushi opened her eyes wide.

Arnav smiled and got down on one knee. "Khushi", Arnav said softly. His eyes, warm with love, looked up at her shocked face. "I don't believe in destiny or the higher power. At least I didn't, until I met you." She burst into a smile. "You taught me to love. You gave me courage to stand up to my fears. You make me happy, Khushi.. I.." Arnav paused, as his voice trembled. "Khushi, I realize that I don't know much about you, but I know one thing for sure.. that I cannot live without you." A tear rolled down Khushi's cheek. He slid his hand into his pocket and took out a box. He opened it and an enormous diamond shone in the bright light. "Will you marry me?" Khushi watched him smiling, her eyes never leaving his face, her eyes filled with tears. She remembered the first time she met him, the time she spent by the poolside with him, the kiss they shared. She remembered how happy she felt in his presence, how comfortable she was around him.

"Khushi?" His concerned voice interrupted her. She raised her eyebrows, when she realized he was still on his knee and watching her, concerned. The murmur in the audience was louder now and the room was filled with flashes as the reporters took pictures. She quickly got down on her knees next to him and threw her arms around him. Arnav relaxed and the crowd cheered. As she pulled away, Arnav took her hand in his and gently slid the ring on her finger.

Khushi nodded and smiled at something Komal said, when she realized the lights had dimmed. She heard music in the background and turned around to see the spotlight on Arnav, who was walking towards her.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zXJluBR26A[/YOUTUBE]

Saanchi saanchi teri nazrein ek darpan

Your honest eyes are a mirror

Arnav took her hand.

Dede mann ki yeh khabrein ek pal chhin

Gives news about the heart in a moment

He walked towards the center of the room with her, stopped and turned to her.

Adharon ne kuch na kaha re

Lips didn't say anything

Khushi leaned forward and placed her hands on his shoulders.

Nainon nain ..

And the eyes

Their eyes met and she smiled.

Kehdiya

said

His arms glid around her waist and she bent her head backward.

Tune toh pal bhar mein chori kiya re jiya mora jiya

You just stole my heart in a moment, my heart

She placed her head on his chest and swayed.

Tune bhi pal bhar mein chori kiya re jiya more piya

You too just stole my heart in a moment, my love

He twirled her and pulled her towards his chest.

Everyone cheered as the song ended. Their eyes met and they smiled.

"Oh good, Naniji." Khushi had called home to check on Aarav. Nani explained how he had slept off after complaining about Khushi leaving him alone to go to a party. "Arnavji and I will be home soon."

She cut the call and turned around to walk back into the hall when she heard female voices from outside the door leading to the balcony.

"I can't believe ASR would do such a cheap publicity stunt."

"You know him, he would go to any lengths to make his fashion shows out of this world."

"I heard his model quit at the last moment. I wonder where he found this girl. She might be an actress he hired to play his fiance."

Khushi's eyes opened wide.

"I mean.. look at her. Low class, and she doesn't even look pretty. She is no model, nor does she look like ASR's type. I am sure she is some third-rate actress.. you know those theatre types. He must have hired her so that no one would recognize her."

Khushi pursed her lips and closed her eyes.

"Hey.. the bar will close soon. Let's go get another round of drinks."

Khushi hid behind the door and heard footsteps pass her and fade away.

Khushi watched the rain drops fall against the window. She had wanted to leave, but she knew how important this event was for Arnav and she didn't want to give any bad publicity to him by creating a scene or by leaving without him. She had spent the rest of the night with Komal and avoided Arnav.

Arnav noticed that Khushi had been quiet for the past few hours. She had stayed with Komal the rest of the night. Initially he had thought everything was fine, but it seemed strange to him that she found excuses to not spend time with him. Ever since she had gotten into the car, she had just looked outside the window.

Khushi got out of the car as soon as it stopped outside the house. She muttered a quick good night without even looking in his direction and hurried into the house. Arnav watched her walk away, surprised.

"Khushi, did someone say something to you?" Khushi stood next to her bed, stuffing clothes into her bag. She paused hearing Arnav's voice.

"Khushi?" His voice was closer. She could feel him standing right behind her. She closed her eyes as she felt his hand on her shoulder. She exhaled deeply and turned around to face him.

"What do you want, Mr. Raizada? The fashion show is over, your new line has been launched. Why are you still acting like you care about me?"

Arnav's eyes opened wide. "Khushi, what are you saying?"

"It was all a publicity stunt wasn't it? Your model quit, and you couldn't find any one at the last moment, so you decided.. why not use your employee .. and since I don't look like a model, why would people accept me, so you faked the whole love shuv drama. You knew I wouldn't agree to do all this, so you faked love towards me .. and. .."

"Khushi", Arnav screamed. "What .. what the hell .. what are you saying?"

"It's very clear to me, Mr. Raizada. I knew you were upto something. I mean why would you want to marry me?"

Arnav stepped back and his shoulders slumped. "Because I love you. I thought you understood me, but I guess I was wrong."

"Enough already." Khushi rolled her eyes. "Do you deny that your model quit last night? Or did you plan all this from the beginning."

Arnav pursed his lips and said, through clenched teeth. "The model didn't quit. I fired her. She was full of herself. I didn't need her. I could have made one of those models the showstopper. In fact I could even have arranged for models to be flown in from Paris today morning for this event. But .. " He closed his eyes and looked away. "I never thought of it as a publicity stunt. I .. I guess I never thought much about it. After last night.. I.. I mean for the past few days, I.. " He sighed. He looked up and their eyes met. Her heart pained seeing the hurt in his eyes. "Never mind."

"Arnavji, I.. I am sorry. I didn't mean to." Khushi touched his arm and took a step closer. "But please understand. What am I to think of this? I am an orphan. I have no money. I don't have class. I am not well-educated. I am not beautiful. In fact, this is wrong, because you have been my guardian almost all my life. I can't marry you." A tear rolled down. "What will people say if they hear that I grew up at your orphanage? Every one will say I seduced you, that I.. ? The name of orphanage will be tarnished .. and Karim Chacha.. why did I not think of him when I said yes.. when I .." Her eyes met Arnav's and another tear rolled down.

"Khushi, the name of the orphanage will not be tarnished. I will never let that happen. I will never let anyone say anything bad about you. You have my word. No one will think you seduced me. Women have tried, believe me, and they have failed. People who say that say so only because they are jealous of you. Khushi you might have been an orphan, but not anymore. I want to be your family, your friend, .. your everything! I saw how you interacted with everyone in the room today. If that isn't class, I don't know what is. You are not well-educated? You are smarter than half the women in that room today. In fact I hope you will continue your studies, instead of teaching at the orphanage. You are intelligent and you are hardworking. If you want to, you could even get a job and earn money in no time. In fact I'm sure you will even make it bigger than me. And as far as looks are concerned," he paused to touch her cheek. "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.. and even your soul and your heart is beautiful. Khushi", He stepped closer and took her face in his hands. She looked up at him, her eyes met his.

"I love you. I love you a lot and I want to spend every living moment with you. But if you don't want to, I understand that. I want you to take your time and think about this. I will be fine with whatever you decide". He pressed his lips together gently on her forehead. He pressed his forehead against hers and whispered, "You know what I want." With that, he took a step back, turned around and walked away.

Khushi collapsed on the bed.

Arnav leaned against his chair and closed his eyes. It had been two days since he had seen Khushi or heard from her. He had gone to her room the next morning, but she had left already. The ring he had given her lay on the bed. He had confessed everything to Nani. Nani had told him to give her time. She knew Khushi loved him; she had seen it in her eyes. Aarav, on the other hand, had refused to eat, study and play. Arnav had to finally buy him a new set of video games to get him to eat.

Arnav's thoughts were interrupted by a knock. His secretary, a petite woman in her 30s, stood at the door.

"Here is your mail, sir. Did you need anything else?"

Arnav waved his hand, absentmindedly, dismissing her. She walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. Arnav exhaled deeply and pulled the stack of mail towards him. There were letters from journalists, distributors, prospective interns and fans. Suddenly he paused, as he saw an envelope with his name hand-written on it. The handwriting looked vaguely familiar. He tore open the envelope and opened the letter.

Dear Mr. Raizada,

I regret to inform you that I wish to resign from the position as Aarav's tutor. The job did not meet my expectations, since the job description seemed incomplete. It missed two responsibilities that would make me the happiest person in this world ' being your wife and Aarav's mother. I am willing to reconsider if you are still willing to change the job description.

Yours forever,

Khushi.

The letter dropped from Arnav's hand and he rushed out of the door.

"What? No. This is unacceptable. Papa cannot marry Didi. I will marry Didi."

Aarav's voice echoed in the living room.

"Chottu. Your Didi and I love each other and we both want to get married to each other." Arnav touched Aarav's shoulder.

Aarav pushed Arnav's hand away. "I don't care. I will not allow it. That's all."

"Chottu, I will be here all the time with you.. " Khushi touched Aarav's face and he looked up at her with tear-filled eyes. She got down on one knee and hugged him. "And I get to love and pamper you more' as your mother."

Aarav pouted his lips and closed his eyes. Then he pushed Khushi away and ran away from the living room towards the front door. Arnav took Khushi's hand in his and they looked at each other, looking worried.

"Aarav", a sweet voice made them look up. They saw Tara standing at the front door. She stepped into the house and Aarav stopped in front of her. His eyes opened wide as he saw the teddy bear she clutched in her arm. It was the same one he had given Khushi.

Flashback.

"Khushi didi?" Tara looked up as Khushi walked into her room, carrying a bag.

Khushi sat down on the bed next to Tara and caressed her hair. "Tara, I heard you were not well, so I came to see you. got you something. Well, Aarav got you something. He didn't want to come here to give it to you."

She picked up a teddy bear from the bag and gave it to Tara. It was the same teddy bear that had been stuffed into the mug; the one that Aarav had given her.

Tara, shyly, walked towards Aarav and stopped in front of him. "Thank you for the teddy bear." She leaned closer and placed a kiss on his cheek. Aarav's eyes opened wide and a faint blush appeared on his cheeks. Arnav and Khushi smiled and their eyes met for a brief second before they looked at the kids again.

Tara took Aarav's hand in hers and said, "Do you want to go play at my house?" Aarav looked over his shoulder at Arnav. Arnav nodded. Aarav turned to Tara and nodded. They walked towards the door and disappeared around the corner.

Arnav turned to Khushi and exhaled deeply. "I don't know what to do about him. I.." He was interrupted by the sound of running feet. He turned around to see Aarav crash into Khushi, his arms around her.

"I love you, Didi.. I mean.. umm.." He blushed as he added, "Ma." He leaned up on his toes, placed a kiss on her cheek and ran away. Arnav raised his eyebrows and looked at Khushi. Khushi giggled. "It's between my son and me. You won't understand."

"Fine." He leaned closer and rested his arms on her shoulders. "Now let's talk about you and me."

The end.

Hope you enjoyed it.

Thank you bhadraprasad was the idea about Aarav falling in love with Khushi.

The V-day special OS will be coming soon. The special OS will dedicated to all those souls who are single this V-day. I started writing it, but I have plans for tonight (13th feb) and not sure if I will be able to post it before.

I guess its already V-day in some parts of the world. I personally detest the idea of V-day, but well happy V-day to you! 🤗