The Replacement

Chapter 32: Love Story

Arnav sensed her presence before he saw her. He seemed to be doing that a lot nowadays, instinctively knowing when she was around. It was weird. But he did look up and saw her just standing there staring, with an unreadable expression on her face.

"Khushi? Are you ok?"

He looked at the time, and it was nearly 1am. He didn't realise how late it was. He couldn't go to sleep, restless and uneasy after today's escapades. So decided to get some work done. Atleast it would distract him from what he really wanted to do, which was to go to Khushi's room and get into bed next to her and just hold her so he'd know she was safe. Just be with her so he can be assured that she was fine and he could make sure that she remained that way.

He put his laptop aside on the pool lounger he was sitting on. As he got up, she walked over and stood by their usual position by the pool. He walked over to her and stood next to her, not touching but near enough that he could feel her presence.

They stood there staring at the water for a bit.

"Khushi? You're really ok, right?"

"Hmmm.... Yes." She nodded firmly, not liking his worried tone and trying to put him at ease.

"Couldn't sleep?"

"Yes, but not because of the incident with Karan", she quickly clarified.

He just turned and looked at her, his forehead scrunched up in worry.

"I never thanked you Arnav, for coming there in time, and helping me"

"And you think you need to?"

"No, I know you will likely not accept this graciously, but I want you to know how grateful I am to you... for a lot of things"

"I didn't do it for brownie points, Khushi"

"I know.... You're a good guy, Arnav. I know you would've helped anyone in that situation. But I am really thankful that you were there when I needed you. And it seems like I owe you another one... a big one this time", Khushi told him softly.

"I don't want your gratitude, Khushi", Arnav was irritated with her now. He didn't want her to be beholden to him. As for helping anyone in that situation, yes, he would've done the same thing for anyone, but it wouldn't have made him this frantic or this panicky. Just thinking about her tone on the phone made his heart beat faster. He'd never been this scared in his life. If she hadn't clung to him when she came out, he would've crushed her to his chest himself.

"But you have it nevertheless. Just take it graciously, Arnav", now she was irritated as well, "Adding gratitude to our friendship will not diminish the other feelings"

She paused, while she let that sink in. Arnav had to admit she made sense. Just because she was grateful to him didn't mean she couldn't think romantically for him, so maybe he should just give her this one.

"I'm sorry. I really shouldn't be irritated at this.... I'll accept your gratitude if you'll accept that I can be worried for you"

Khushi sighed loudly in defeat. Then she smiled and looked at him, amused, "ok. I'm allowed to be grateful and you're allowed to be worried.... Can we move on from this now?"

Arnav chuckled, and nodded.

"Yes, Ma'am! But are you sure you are ok now?"

Khushi turned to him, frustrated now. She faced him straight on, cupped his face in her hands and looked him straight in the eyes, "Arnav.... I am perfectly fine now. I was terrified for a little bit, but not anymore. I've gone past scared and am into anger now. I'm livid at Karan, and tomorrow, I shall go to the police station, sign my statement, and make sure that we add another nail to his coffin.... And you will come with me, so you can see that I am not scared, and rest assured that I am really, truly fine now. OK?", she asked him firmly.