Accepting Reality

Part 8 - Dreams to Reality

A few months had passed by since that night, Arnav and Khushi's sexual arrangement was progressing seamlessly, their physical connection was intense. Khushi had become a regular fixture at Arnav's penthouse, spending most of her nights and weekends there. Meanwhile, NK had settled into the girls' 3BHK apartment, in the space that Lisa had vacated after her transfer to the London office. Aman had orchestrated the move, ensuring Lisa received a lucrative modeling contract that kept her away from Delhi. He had hoped this would prevent her from ever opening her mouth in front of Khushi. La and NK, wrapped up in their own world, had barely noticed Khushi's frequent absences. They were engrossed in their own live-in relationship to be bothered about Khushi, which she was absolutely comfortable with. One evening, the familiar group La, NK, Khushi, and Preetika gathered in the office for their routine meet-up. Sahil, had been distanced from their circle for obvious reasons.

La: "Hey, Khushi! Where have you been? We haven't seen you in a while."

Khushi (smiling): "Just busy with some personal stuff. You know how it is."

NK: "Personal stuff? Like what, Khushi?"

Khushi: "Oh, just.. something related to my family" lied.

As Arnav sat in his office, he couldn't stop thinking about Khushi. He found himself looking forward to their time together, to her smile, her touch. He decided to text her.

Arnav: "Can you come over tonight?"

Khushi: "Of course, Arnav Sir. I'll be there at 9."

La: "Whose message was that? Your family related issue or a special someone?"

Khushi (trying to keep her composure): "There is no one La and if there was I would tell you"

La (smiling playfully): "Yeah, Khushi. Are you hiding something from us? Maybe you've got a secret admirer?"

Khushi(blushing slightly): "No, it's just.. a family thing. You know how it is."

La (giggling): "So, you're saying there's nothing going on? But your face is telling a different story."

NK: "Oh, I see how it is. You've got a little romance blooming and you're keeping it under wraps. Isn't it?"

Khushi: "You're imagining things. I swear, it's nothing like that. Besides, you two are so busy with each other, you wouldn't even notice if I had someone!"

Preetika: "Yeah, spill the beans, Khushi. We're your friends."

Khushi: "Okay, okay. Maybe I'll tell you more later. But for now, let's just enjoy the evening, alright?"

La: "Yeah, consider this a challenge. We'll crack the mystery eventually."

Later that night, back in the comfort of Arnav's penthouse, Khushi arrived as planned. Arnav greeted her with a warm smile and a gentle kiss on the cheek, his eyes reflecting his anticipation.

Arnav: "You're right on time. How was your day?"

Khushi (smiling): "It was good. Busy, but good."

Arnav: "I'm glad you're here. I've missed you"

Khushi: "You saw me a couple of hours ago"

Arnav: "You know what I mean"

Khushi: "Okay, I get it. I missed you too."

After a quick session they were seated at Arnav's couch, the atmosphere was intimate and serene, a blanket was draped over them. Arnav was flipping through a magazine while Khushi rested her head on his shoulder, her fingers were tracing patterns on his chest.