Zaroorat - Arshi FF

CHAPTER 8

Arnav was in a terrible mood. He was in Armani trying on his tuxedo for Akash's premier and everything was going smoothly until he noticed a few people stare at him and whisper. Usually, it didn't bother him. Being a celebrity, you get used to people recognizing you. But for some reason, people were whispering behind his back a little too much today. What was going on?

He got his answer when his eyes fell on a pile of latest magazines on the coffee table for customers. One of the most popular gossip columns consisted of a front page picture of him. And not just any picture. He lifted up the magazine for a closer look, and it was a snapshot of him holding Lavanya against the wall at the bar, his lips hovering over hers.

Cursing, he slammed the magazine back on the table, startling the employee helping him. Great...this is just great! "Pack this suit!" Arnav ordered in a stiff tone, causing the employee to scurry off to the cash register. After changing and paying, Arnav made way to his car and headed home. He had a few phone calls to make.

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Khushi stepped into the house after leaving the boutique early. She had a couple of new designs in mind and wanted to work on them for the rest of the night. Akansha was capable enough to close the boutique herself, and if an emergency were to happen, Khushi was only a phone call away.

When Khushi turned to walk up the stairs, Arnav's muffled voice stopped her. It felt like he was in his study talking on the phone. But it was the irritation in Arnav's voice that stopped Khushi from going up the stairs. She should avoid going in there right now. He sounded mad and her presence may make it worse.

"I want this taken care of!" Arnav snapped and slammed the phone back on its receiver.

'To hell with it" Khushi thought, and entered the study.

She walked in to Arnav leaning with his elbows on the desk, and his face resting on his hands. He looked simply exhausted...and her heart went out to him.

Arnav looked up when he felt someone watching him, and met green eyes. "You're back early." Arnav asked surprised, subtly turning over the magazine that had his picture with Lavanya lying on his desk. He did not want Khushi seeing it. Despite his platonic relationship with her, Khushi was still his wife and any woman would react badly if they saw their husband with another woman.

"Yea I just felt like leaving early today. What's bothering you Arnav? You look distressed." Khushi asked, genuinely concerned for him. Everything has been so hard for him recently. She may not be the love of his life, but as a friend she wanted to try her best and comfort him.

"umm...It...It's nothing really...just some stress over the release of the new film." Arnav stammered, trying to avoid telling her the real reason.

Khushi walked further into the room, "Are you sure? We're friends Arnav. You can talk to me about anything." Khushi prodded further, genuinely wanting to help.

"It's nothing...really I'm fine." Arnav answered, a little too stiffly...a result of his nervousness. He regretted it the moment he said it, noticing the change in Khushi's expression.

"I see..." Khushi replied coolly, getting the hint that she was not wanted. "I will get out of your way then", saying that, Khushi turned to walk out.

"Wait!" Arnav called out, stopping Khushi. When she turned around and waited, he sighed and handed her the magazine.

Curious, Khushi walked up to Arnav and took the magazine. Her eyes darkened...for a fleeting moment. Arnav wondered if he imagined the change.

Khushi looked down at the intimate picture, trying to keep her face blank. There goes that feeling again...the weight on her chest...the same feeling she felt when she saw the love bite on Arnav's neck.