Lavanya was back in India after 3 years. And in these 3 years, she not only kept a low profile but also didn't keep any track of things happening in Delhi, especially in ASR and Khushi's lives! When she was leaving Delhi 3 years ago, she was an emotional mess. Having had a broken engagement with ASR and a broken heart courtesy a girl- Khushi, who became very dear to her, was a tough time in her life. Khushi had become so precious to her that the term 'Chamkili' which initially was supposed to be a demeaning name became an endearment. She knew she could not blame chamkili for snatching the man she loved much less hate her for that. She had not done anything to catch his attention. In fact, she was just being herself, her usual pure, innocent, giving and forgiving self which was enough to make ASR fall for her. Thus, Lavanya herself made it easy for all 3 of them and freed Arnav from this namesake relationship. He was never really there anyway; it was always her who had weaved dreams with him. So, better set things for the right outcome.
But today, 3 years since that tough time in her life, she felt she had fully moved on from her break-up with ASR. She had put that heartbreak behind her and could now remember it with a smile on her face. The happy moments brought a fond smile, and a few heartbreaking moments brought misty smiles. But all in all, she was able to look back at that time without any sad or depressing thoughts anymore. And that meant she was ready to come back to her workplace, to AR headquarters, to Delhi.
She spent the first 3-4 days getting over the customary jet lag. And then getting re-acquainted with the infamous weather difference. Having spent the past 3 years in south American country of Brazil, where the temperatures rarely dropped below 20 degree C, the early-November chilly air in Delhi was a stark difference. So, she spent some time getting used to it again. And finally, after nearly a week since landing here, she felt she was ready to step her foot into the lives of Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi-presumable-Singh Raizada.
.
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There were only two things that occupied Khushi's thoughts these days. One was her upcoming dance performance in her college which was hardly weeks away and second was Arnav. For the former, she could rely on her talent, her practice etc. but for the latter, she did not have much in her hands. It depended on him- on knowing him, his life, his nature, his past and of course, her family's say in it. Surprisingly, in the past few days that she started going to AR regularly, her Anjali di didn't put many restrictions on her, neither did she try to persuade khushi from interacting with Arnav. In fact, just a day before when Aakash had to leave office early for a supplier visit, khushi had to return home with only Arnav in the car. But her di didn't say anything about it which surprised her. Maybe her di started trusting Arnav now...
The second person whom she knew did not have a very good bond with Arnav was Payal. But even she was seemingly ok with khushi's increased interaction with him nowadays. Albeit she did keep tabs on her. Like the other day when payal visited her room post dinner and asked her if she was ok with going to office, and was there anything or anyone making her uncomfortable there etc.
"Khushi, tum se kuch baat karni thi, busy ho (I wanted to speak with you, are you busy)?" it was yesterday evening when Khushi was brushing her hair before plaiting it for the night, and Payal came there knocking on the door.
"Bhabhi? Of course, please come in." Khushi said turning around and walked a few steps in her direction, "What's up?"
Payal sat on the bed and unnecessarily straightened the saree she was wearing, indicating she was nervous. "Khushi, it's been a few days since you...you've started going to office. How are things going there?"
Khushi smiled. This was her worry? "It's going great! I've been learning a lot."
Payal nodded. And then her eyes narrowed in concern as she asked, "Thik hai (good). But are you sure you're comfortable there? I mean, is everyone welcoming to you? Ar- Arnavji... Aman etc? Does anyone trouble you?" she asked, trying to hide her pinpointing at Arnav.
