Accepting Reality

Part 16 - Khushi Weds Arnav

Few months passed by and things had started looking up for Khushi, everything was unfolding according to her plan. She couldn't be happier. She was in the process of designing her own wedding lehenga. She had chosen a rich, deep red fabric adorned with intricate gold embroidery, a reflection of her journey, from a simple middle-class girl to the future Mrs. ASR. She was envisioning her destination wedding on the stunning beaches of Italy along the Amalfi Coast. Soon, she would attain the coveted prize: the title of Mrs. ASR. Her relationship with Arnav had improved, at least on the surface. They continued to sleep together and work side by side, but the genuine companionship and friendship they once shared had vanished. Khushi missed the old Arnav, the man who once trusted and cared for deeply. But she knew that her demand had come at a cost. Despite her longing for their previous closeness and friendship, Khushi reminded herself that she wasn't entirely wrong in her actions. Arnav had betrayed her first. She had been living a content, middle-class life until he had given her hope and tricked her into his bed. Yet, she was willing to warm his bed because, after all, she couldn't refuse her husband. The audacity of that man and how he still wanted her body as part of their marriage deal baffled her. He wasn't friendly anymore except when he wanted her on his bed. Truth be told she was content with it and not really angry because somewhere she couldn't not submit herself to her husband. After all they were getting married soon and he had given into all her demands. Arnav, on the other hand, was dealing with his own conflicts. Their dynamic had shifted, and he missed the days when they could simply enjoy each other's company without the weight of deception and manipulation hanging over them.

In the days leading up to her wedding, everything seemed eerily calm and quiet, as if the universe was warning Khushi of an impending storm. She couldn't shake the growing anxiety and nervousness gnawing at her. Doubts began to creep in, was she doing the right thing by pushing Arnav into this marriage? Was signing that deal the correct decision? What if her actions came back to bite her? Feeling overwhelmed, Khushi decided to talk to Lavanya, one of the few people who knew about the wedding. Lavanya, sensing Khushi's distress, offered her some much-needed reassurance.

La: "Khushi, you've done nothing wrong, why are you worried?"

Khushi: "You know just the fact that Arnav and I are together will cause such news and troubles again for me! You know what names they call me."

La: "You saw an opportunity in life and you took it. Everyone in this industry does it. Look around, people sleep with someone or the other to get modeling contracts, people have multiple affairs. It's the nature of the business. You dated your boss and are now getting married to him, big deal. He was interested in you as well, how does that make you a gold digger?"

Khushi: "I know, but.."

La: "But what Khushi? It's not like you are not talented and you got everything just because you slept with him. You only started dating him after reaching the heights in your career."

Khushi: "You know that but people aren't going to see it like that!"

La: "People are just jealous of you because they all want to be Mrs. ASR, but only you have that chance. You deserve this, Khushi. You've worked hard, and you've made smart choices. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for that. Relax and focus on your wedding. This is your moment."

Khushi: "You are right though. By the way I will be taking a long vacation after the wedding, I want you to handle my position. Also, if things go well I won't be coming back."

La: "What is that supposed to mean? Not coming back?"

Khushi: "I don't think it will be fine to work in ARD after the marriage. I want to pursue some other options, my own options you know. I will recommend Arnav that you take my position La, you are equally talented. I don't know whether he will take my suggestion but believe me I will be gunning for you!"