Zaroorat - Arshi FF

CHAPTER 14

"Ow!" Khushi yelped as the needle pricked her index finger.

"Oh my gosh! Appi are you ok!?" Anjali yelled, and grabbed her Khushi's finger to inspect the injury.

"No...it's nothing..." Khushi muttered. She wiped off the spec of blood and got back to work. Anjali was in AMORE right now getting her bridal dress fitted.

"Appi...aap ka dhyaan kidar hai?" Anjali asked, noticing that Khushi has been busy in her own thoughts, which is why she did not pay attention to the needles.

"Kuch nahin..." Khushi lied, and pinned a few more places on the bridal lehenga, accenting Anjali's figure. In truth, Khushi was thinking about her dori moment with Arnav last night. Khushi cursed herself for losing herself in the moment. It was so...intimate. The way Arnav looked at her...there was something there...

'Mujh par sirf Payal ka haq hai!' Arnav's harsh words rang in her ears, and Khushi's spine stiffened. She won't fall for that again. Arnav can't come close to her whenever he pleased...and then push her away whenever he pleased. There was nothing between them...nothing.

Khushi stepped back and let Anjali look at the dress. "What to do you think?" Khushi asked.

"It's perfect appi! Thank you!" Anjali gushed, admiring the deep red lehenga with intricate gold work. After changing out of the bridal lehenga and back in her normal attire, Anjali sat across from Khushi at her work desk.

"How are you appi?" Anjali asked. She knew the conditions Khushi and Arnav got married. Payal's death was a terrible loss for the whole family. A part of her coming all the way to AMORE for her dress was to simply check up on Khushi herself.

"Everything is good. Ahaana is doing great as well." Khushi replied, putting away her pins and measuring tape.

There was no mention of Arnav. Anjali noticed, but decided not to point that out. She studied her older cousin...she wasn't happy. It was clear to see that Khushi was not happy and Anjali's heart went out to her. Not wanting to pry, Anjali changed the topic.

"Appi...I need to do some jewelry shopping. Can you come with me? I need an expert's opinion." Anjali asked.

Right when Khushi was about to respond, a knock on her office door interrupted the ladies. "Come in!" Khushi called out, and in walked Arnav with Ahaana in her carrier.

There was an awkward moment between Khushi and Arnav, until Khushi went around her desk and took the carrier holding Ahaana from Arnav. That awkwardness did not go unnoticed by Anjali either.

"Hi baby!" Anjali gushed and did not waste time in picking up Ahaana. "Oh my, aren't you the most gorgeous thing!" Anjali cooed. Anjali then turned to Arnav and greeted him with a one arm hug as she held Ahaana in her other arm. "Kaise hai aap jiju?" Anjali asked.

"All good Anjali. How is the wedding planning coming along?" Arnav responded.

"It's going great! Shyam can't wait to meet all of you." Anjali said.

"What does he do?" Arnav asked, making small talk.

"He is an RJ for Radio Mirchi...RJ Shyam? Have you heard of him?" Anjali asked.

"Oh yea! I have! He plays great songs...mostly oldies and I love that." Arnav replied, completely engrossed in the conversation.

"I'll pass on the compliment! He would be so excited to know that THE Arnav Singh Raizada listens to him" Anjali teased her jiju, causing Arnav to chuckle and brushing off the tease.

Khushi simply observed Arnav. She couldn't help but admire this easy-going side to Arnav. In recent times all she has seen is his heartbreak and his anger...but seeing Arnav talking so easily and smiling was like a breath of fresh air. A hint of the old Arnav flickered through and Khushi couldn't help but quietly admire.