Arnav's heart raced with desperation as the day slipped into night. He had spent the entire day trying to reach Khushi, but she didn't pick up a single call. Panic gripped him when her silence persisted. Finally, he dialed Maddy's number, hoping for answers.
"Maddy, where is Khushi?" he asked, his tone laced with urgency.
"Why does it matter to you anymore, sir? You should be with Karishma ma'am," Maddy retorted sharply, her voice revealing both frustration and concern for her friend.
"listen, I'm serious! I don't have time for your questions. Where is Khushi?" Arnav insisted, his mind racing with possibilities of what could have happened to her.
"She's with me," Maddy finally admitted. "And she's been crying non-stop."
Arnav's heart sank. "Why is she crying?"
"I'm sorry, sir, but it's clear to everyone now. You've gone back to Karishma ma'am. Please, let my friend go," Maddy said, her tone shifting to a protective one.
"Stop. That's not true! Just talk to her, can't you?" Arnav was almost pleading now.
"She's not listening to anyone," Maddy said, her frustration evident. "Just send me your location.
After a few moments of silence, Maddy texted him the address. "Okay, I'll be there in 15 minutes," Arnav said, determination flooding through him. "Please take care of her!"
Once he arrived, Maddy opened the door, her expression softening as she noticed the anxiety etched across Arnav's face.
"Khushi is in room. But please, lock the door behind you," Maddy urged as she began to leave. "I don't want a third wheel. You guys have the whole night to sort this out."
"Thank you, Maddy," Arnav said, grateful for her understanding.
As Arnav entered Khushi's room, he knocked gently at the door. " Khushi's voice slipped through the door, "Come in, Maddy."
When he opened the door, he was met with a sight that stole the breath from his lungs—Khushi, changing her dress, her zipper stuck. She didn't see him at first, thinking it was Maddy.
"Help me with the zipper,Maddy," she called, frustration filling her voice.
Moving closer, Arnav gently pressed the zipper back into place, unable to suppress the intimate touch of his fingers grazing her bare skin. The realization hit Khushi like a bolt of lightning. She turned around, her eyes wide with shock.
"sirrr!" she screamed, stepping back.
He quickly placed a hand over her mouth, silencing her outburst, then pulled her close, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead followed by her cheeks. But as she stepped back again, a darkness clouded over her expression.
"You love Karishma di," she whispered, her voice laced with insecurities.
Arnav's heart ached at the words. He gripped her shoulders, forcing her to look into his eyes. "If I loved her, why would I be here?" he demanded. "Yes, it's true that she was my girlfriend. We loved each other, but it's over now! Do you know why? Because I love you, stupid girl! I love you,miss Khushi Ahuja. I can't think of anyone else!"
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she held onto his words, feeling a mixture of relief and hope. "Please don't make me wait," Arnav pleaded, clutching her tightly against him.
"I love you, sir."
A warm smile crept across Arnav's face. "I love you too, Miss Ahuja."
With the weight of the world on his shoulders lifted, Arnav stepped back, eyes sparkling. "What did you just say? Say it again."
"I said I love you, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada," she echoed, her cheeks flushed with emotion.
In a moment of pure joy, he swept her into his arms, spinning her around. Laughter erupted between them, filling the room with an electric happiness. They collapsed onto the bed, lying opposite one another, their faces just inches apart, eyes locked in a silent conversation of longing.
As their lips hovered at the brink of a kiss, Khushi suddenly pulled back, standing by the window. Arnav, thinking she was simply shy, wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Sir," she said softly.
"Hmmm?" he responded, his heart thumping in contentment.
"What about Karishma di?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern.
"I told her ," he said simply.
Khushi turned abruptly. "About me?"
"No, I told her I love someone else."
"And she agreed?"
"Yup," Arnav continued, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "She's understanding. But can we talk about this later? I don't want to ruin our moment."
Khushi smiled, relaxing in his embrace. "Where's Maddy?"
"She's with Akash," he replied,
"Oh! I got it. So You two had planned everything ,weren't you?"
"Nope, we all planned together—Maddy, Akash, Aman, andI," he said teasingly.
"Oh, let her come! I should tell her!" she exclaimed, but Arnav dashed over to hush her.
"Let her enjoy her moment," he said with a sly grin.
Khushi giggled, stepping back a little and pressing against the wall as Arnav closed the distance again. "Sir," she prompted, her playful tone softening the air.
"Call me Arnav."
"How can I? You're still my professor," she stammered, playing the role in a comical manner.
"Exactly, but outside of college I'm your boyfriend," he insisted softly.
"I think I'll stick with Sir for a little while longer," Khushi teased back.
"Okay…" he stepped back, pretending to frown. Just as he turned to leave, Khushi stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him from behind. "I love you, Arnav," she whispered, her heart pounding. making him smile.
Arnav turned toward her,Their eyes locked, and without a second thought, he grasped her face gently and leaned in, their lips meeting in a fervent kiss. Khushi was momentarily taken aback, but soon she melted into the moment, responding with equal passion. They lost themselves in each other, the world around them fading as they kissed deeply, their hearts racing in sync.
Eventually, they broke apart, breathless and laughing, the joyous sound echoing in the quiet room.
"Have you eaten anything today, sir? I mean, Arnav," Khushi asked, her cheeks still flushed from their blissful connection.
He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Nopes! " he admitted, his gaze locking onto hers with warmth.
"Okay, give me fifteen minutes. I'll cook something for us," she said, determination sparking in her eyes.
She dashed to the kitchen, enthusiasm bubbling over as she set to work, dreaming of all the delicious possibilities. Arnav watched her go, his heart swelling with affection. He loved how effortlessly she shifted between being his student and his partner, and the way she brought joy into his life was a light he never expected.
Fifteen minutes later, Khushi emerged from the kitchen, balancing two steaming plates of delicious pasta. The aroma was intoxicating, making both of their stomachs rumble in unison. They settled onto the couch, sharing bites and laughter, their fingers brushing against each other with every movement.
After they finished eating, Khushi sank into Arnav's embrace, the warmth of his body sending a surge of comfort through her. The day felt long forgotten, and all that mattered was the moment they were sharing.
"Thank you for the meal, Khushi. It was perfect," Arnav murmured, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.
The pair moved toward the bedroom, clutching each other tightly as they settled into bed, the sheets wrapping around them like a warm cocoon. With their arms entwined, they drifted off, hearts synchronized, lost within the safety of their own little world. The blend of their laughter, their love, and the thrill of what lay ahead painted a bright future together—one filled with memories yet to be made, adventures yet to be embarked upon, forever intertwined despite the titles they held.