Intertwined Fates -- An IPKKND FanFic

Attraction Denial

As Arnav backed the car out of Khushi's neighborhood, she reached up and lowered the car visor so she could use the mirror.

She pulled out the face cream from her clutch and gently massaged it into her face and neck.

Arnav tried not to notice. He really did.

Next she did her mascara. He wanted to comment that she didn't need it and then bit his tongue. When did he notice that her eyelashes were so long?

When she put on her lip gloss, his throat suddenly felt parched. "Could you..." he cleared his throat. "There's a water bottle next to you; could you pass it to me?"

"Here."

His fingers brushed hers gently as she handed it to him and he pretended that he didn't notice how soft her skin was.

When she pulled her hair out of her messy bun and it tumbled down her back, he slammed his foot on the break.

"What was that?" she exclaimed.

"I--your elbow was in my face!"

"No, it wasn't."

"Yes, it was! Be more careful now."

He started up the car again and swore he wouldn't look at her again. Although he did peek a few times while she was brushing her hair with a compact hair brush that she apparently carried with her. And when she worked her fingers through her thick locks to tame them into an intricate braid. And when she was finished and leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes to enjoy the ride.

But other than those few split second glances, he didn't look at her at all.

It was a relief when they finally reached the house and he could finally step outside into the brisk air, so that he could no longer smell her perfume. Arnav was very picky about scents (his own cologne could only be found at a specific shop in New York City) but Khushi had somehow found something that he found extremely appealing.

My blood sugar must be dropping. That's why I'm having all these weird thoughts. Because there's no way that I'm attracted to her.

***

At the door of the Raizada house, Khushi hesitated. Arnav had already gone a few steps inside when he noticed that she was no longer next to him. Turning back, he asked, "What are you waiting for?"

She didn't move. With an exasperated sigh, he sighed, "You're upset that I kicked you out, aren't you? Grabbing her wrist, he gently tugged her over the threshold. "And now I'm the one bringing you back in. Problem solved."

In shock, she looked down to where his fingers were wrapped around her wrist. He let go as if burned and nervously ran his hand through his hair. "Come on now."

"Okay," she said softly.

***

Anjali didn't know what to make of it when Arnav texted her to inform her that he had to run an errand and he'd be back later.

But she couldn't call him and question him about it because a) there were guests to entertain and b) Aarav was very upset that his Khushi Didi hadn't come and he needed comfort.

To top it all off, the dinner was going really badly. Everytime Payal's cousin or his wife opened his mouth, Anjali wanted to die from secondhand embarrassment. They very openly asked about the Raizada's wealth, criticized the decor, offered business advice and Vristi even whispered very loudly to Payal why she didn't pick the more handsome cousin.

Poor Payal's cheeks seemed to have turned permanently red and she hardly looked up from her plate. Buaji kept trying to counteract her son's and daughter-in-law's rude comments by either answering them herself or changing the subject but it wasn't helping.