#ipkknd ff

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

IPKKND SS: Fall Out of Love

Chapter 1

When days got tough, and nights tougher, Khushi shivered on the poolside floor wondering what did she do wrong. In her religion, everything was a repercussion for a deed done.

The man she loved grew stranger everyday. At one point his anger was in his words, now they lived as impressions on her arms.

God, wouldn't she give her whole life if she got a day to see the softness she had seen when he had danced his way straight into his heart.

At this point she wondered if that ever happened, or if it was product of her crazy mind. Maybe Arnav had never loved her, maybe it was all a result of her obsession with him.

Her sister had been right, Khushi had been fixated far into Arnav, ever since the day she saw him. Even when he wanted nothing to do with her.

At first it was anger, then disrespect, then curiosity, then infatuation and finally...

A cold had settled into Delhi, the winds chilled her bones. Her thin salwar was no match. She could not find herself to take the blanket on the floor.

This time, it was not self preservation. It was insects.

If she tried to get it washed, questions would be raised. The househelp was familiar with the bedroom linen. Why would it be in the garden long enough to get infested? Mami had been suspicious, and Khushi could not bear Arnav directing another play of them being happily married.

She could never see the difference between his acting and reality.

-

The blanket was washed, dried, and neatly packed. The floor was cleared, and an outdoor bedroll was in the corner of the garden.

Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks as she smelled the fresh blanket. Her body cried in relief as she laid down in the mattress.

It was the first time she slept for more than three hours in a month.

-

"Slept well?" Khushi was caught off guard. Not by the question, but the person asking it.

Shyam Manohar Jha.

Khushi ran away, her mind coming to a conclusion it didn't want to.

She bumped into Arnav, anger blazing in his eyes.

Her question of the blanket being washed remain in thin air as Manorama commented on their proximity as lovebirds being unable to separate, not noticing the soft bruise that began to swell in her arms once he left her grip.

In another time, she would've thought she saw true concern in Arnav's eyes over the mention of insects.

But for now, her mind worried over other details.

Over who got her bedding clean and washed.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

A/N: Thoughts? XOXO (Please ignore any typos/grammar errors)

Read future chapters on AO3

tagging: @shaonsim @zaphbeeblebrox @shiyaravi @chutkiandchotte @featheredclover @goals1024 @honeybellexox @darkchocolatestuff @thedupattaknowswhatsup @bigfatreader @lostafpanda @exosexosekai @hi-this-is-permabanned @scorpio-smiles @noor1025 @minpdnim @laad-governess @barshifan @whateverworks21 @maansiloves @samuraisamsworld @dropsofserenity @myloveforstuff @leila1 @onadaanparindey @dimaagkadahi @ijustchangedmyname @australian-desi @muttonthings @aye-masakalii @phuljari @msbhagirathi @rae-blogging (updating this list - lemme know who wants to be added/deleted)

[featheredclover]

Orphic

Chapter Seven

Read from the beginning

Also on Wattpad

Chapter Six> < > Epilogue

Stray dogs lazed around, with the sun’s rays kissing them gently. A lone car drove by.

Hari Prakash yawned discreetly.

Khushi knew he had a barrage of questions for her. After all, she had woken him up to drive her an hour before the actual timing!

But she couldn’t tell him what even she didn’t know yet….

Even now, she knew it was a gamble to assume Arnav would be there just because Aman mentioned once that he always liked to be in the office before his employees.

What an odd man! 

——————

Her cold hands knocked on his cabin door.

“Come in, Aman “

Hesitating at that, Khushi took another moment before going in.

He sat hunched over a piece of paper, while a bunch of files lay haphazardly around him.

A strand of hair marred his forehead, his eyes scrunched with focus.

He finally looked up, dropping his pen as he stood up. 

“Khushi?”

“I wanted to ask you about yesterday “

He bit his lip and she resisted the urge to blush at the action.

“So Miss Gupta. You are here an hour early because you wanted to ask me about….?”

“Yesterday “ she repeated innocently.

“What about it?” He pushed the files aside.

“You left me without saying a word-“

“I did say a word”

“ ‘No’ doesn't count!” She almost scolded before seeing the smirk on his face.

Realising he was wearing her thin, he put up his hands in surrender.

“Okay, I admit I was not expecting the news”

“And what about dinner?”

“Your father got the deal, didn’t he tell you?” He stepped around his table and walked up to her.

“So you and your dad came to dinner to celebrate the deal?” She frowned.

“Smart girl, “ he whispered.

“How dare y-?”

He cut her off with an arm around her waist as she was pulled up against him.

“What are you doing?”she gasped.

“What I have been wanting to do since you sat there sipping whisky, dancing and wearing that dress which made me want to rip it right off you” 

His husky whisper made her shiver.

“Arnav” she moaned as he pulled her closer.

“Khushi” he whispered as his nose nudged hers.

Their eyes caught each other for a moment . A moment before he kissed her.

She clutched his shirt as he kissed her softly. Tenderly. Her knees trembled. Her hands shook with desire. She parted her lips, and he thrust in letting his tongue twirl around hers.

Too much. This was too much.

Sensing her need to breathe , he let her lips go. But there was no respite as he kissed hotly down her throat. She felt feverish with lust when his hand wrapped around her breast.

“God” she called out.

“Arnav “ he corrected cheekily.

He claimed her lips again. Another swift kiss later, they held each other as their breathing calmed. 

“Breakfast?”he grinned.

——————

The majestic view of Lucknow glittered, as Khushi sat on the beautiful terrace of an English breakfast place. They seemed to be the only customers this early in the morning.

She wondered vaguely about Arnav vanishing as soon as he drove them here. 

What’s taking him so long?

She looked around again, smiling when she caught sight of him.

“Where have you been?”

“Oh, Aman called for something “

The waiter set down the pancakes and bowls of banana yoghurt.

Arnav grabbed the teapot and started pouring it into her cup, his hands trembling slightly.

“Arnav?”

His eyes melted something in her. She was used to the devilish glint in them. This new vulnerability he was unravelling for her to see, made her heart flutter.

“Khushi I….” He looked around nervously.

He shuffled his pocket before he set something on the table.

A flask of whiskey. Her flask of whisky.

She looked at him in disbelief, as he smiled helplessly.

“I stole for the first time in my life because of you Khushi Gupta “

He gently took her hands in his own. 

“ I meant what I said….You had me smitten the moment I saw you”

Khushi didn’t know what to say. He was saying what she had wished deep in her heart for him to feel. The desire for him had grown even without her realising.

“I had confided in my father to ask the Guptas for your hand in marriage”

“What?!” She felt a strange joy in the pit of her stomach.

“Yes Khushi. But he wanted me to wait because he felt your family would feel pressured. You know because of the new venture?......I had to convince myself to wait, and yet when you came that day all, looking all guilty…”

“You took the hotel projects away from the Khandelwals?”

“It was never theirs” he flashed her a sardonic smile.

“My brother-in-law, Shyam leaked the false news to the media. He knew dad hates to be known as someone unsure of his decision. So he thought if it was announced that Rocky had the contract, we would be forced to give him the contract!”

“Your sister knew?”

“Of course she did” bitterness clouding his voice.

“She values that crook of her husband more than dad”

“I am sorry Arnav “

“It’s fine Khushi. If Di wants to be with him, I am no one to interfere. She is an adult after all,”

“I guess” she sighed.

“Now there’s no reason to wait”

“To wait?” 

Arnav stood up, his face set in tense lines.

He kneeled down, his hands holding a velvet box.

Khushi gasped.

He opened the box to reveal the most beautiful diamond encrusted in a gleaming gold band.

Her eyes filled with tears, as she raised a trembling hand to her lips.

“Khushi Gupta, wise men say only fools rush in, but I can’t help falling in love with you!”

She giggled, “Elvis Presley! Really?”

He smiled.

“You are an orphic mystique, Khushi. The moment I saw you, I felt…something beyond me. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you please do the honour of marrying me?”

Tagging: @arshifiesta

——————

Next chapter>>

@hand-picked-star @msbhagirathi @phuljari @thenainitaldisaster @thedupattaknowswhatsup @jalebi-weds-bluetooth @barshifan @andli @shiyaravi @chutkiandchotte @laad-governess @leila1 @minpdnim @bigfatreader @arshiradio @simplycurlz @scorpio-smiles @bengudill @exosexosekai @0218fm

[myfanficfrenzy]

What's this about?

Hello Tumblr!

Welcome to our space :)

This is a blog to catalogue the fanfictions that we have read, loved, analyzed, obsessed over and forgotten our RL for!

We hope to use this space to create a directory of Arnav-Khushi (Arshi) fanfictions with their links and summaries to come back to!

Yep, characters of a show that is more than ten years old, sue us!

Best,

A and I

P.S. Heavy Spoilers for FanFics Ahead. Tread with Caution!

[thedupattaknowswhatsup]

Omg why is this the best fandom I've ever come across 😭

Aman really was ASR's Alfred

The Darkest Knight - SS

So I was talking to @phati-sari about how my dream crossover would be IPKKND and Batman because Arnav and Bruce Wayne combined is nothing short of pure godly work. So it got me thinking… why sit and wait around for it when I can do it myself??? 

Starring ASR as Bruce Wayne 

Aman as Alfred

Buaji as Commissioner Gordon (I’M JOKING)

Shyam as The Joker (to be fair he has his Joker-esque moments and the Joker is my favourite villain which is why that’s who he is).

This is Part 1 of 3! 

“She did it again, Aman.”

Brandishing the offending newspaper in his hands, Arnav sighed heavily, throwing himself down into his armchair. He leaned his head back against the soft leather, pressing his eyes shut in an effort to make the cruel words fade from his mind.

‘Philanthropist or philanderer? ASR tries to wash away playboy image with charity work.’

Why did she hate him so much? She being Khushi Kumari Gupta. A journalist at The Post, one of his most outspoken critics, as well as Batman’s biggest fan.

He may also have had a somewhat miniscule and really quite insignificant crush on her. It was nothing he couldn’t control. Nothing that would make him act irrationally.

“Aman,” he began, clenching his jaw to ready himself for his next words. “I think it’s time the world found out who Batman really is.”

There was silence for a moment and Arnav suspected that he had likely floored Aman with his selfless offer to sacrifice his own peace and comfort for -

“With all due respect sir, you cannot reveal your secret simply so Miss Gupta will like you more.”

That son of a bitch.

“Excuse me?! You really think that my willingness to sacrifice my private life has anything to do with -”

“With the fact that Miss Gupta adores Batman and well… to put it lightly, despises you.” Aman finished gently, looking at Arnav with sympathetic eyes that made him want to scream.

“I couldn’t care less what she thinks,” Arnav sniffed haughtily, crossing his arms over his chest while he stared resolutely in the opposite direction. “Although I do suppose that she might like me a little bit more if she knew that I was the man she clung to in that alleyway when I -”

“With all due respect once again sir,” Aman interrupted, breaking him out of his trip down memory lane, well it was more of a dimly lit alley actually, where he had held Khushi Kumari Gupta in his arms, cradled to his chest, and had the full force of her adoring eyes on him. “I suspect the opposite.”

“You know Aman, I’m not getting much of a respectful vibe from your statements just now.” He growled, not knowing whether he was more irritated at Aman for bursting his bubble or for drawing him out of his memory.

It was something he had come to terms with long ago that Khushi liked him more in a costume and a mask, and when he spoke in a voice a few octaves deeper than his own. And while, to some, that would have been kinky enough in itself, it didn’t really count if she didn’t know it was him she was fawning over.

Though for a woman as smart as she was, and he had no qualms admitting that he sometimes felt a spark of pride at the inventive ways she managed to insult him, he couldn’t quite figure out how she didn’t know it was him. All that stood between him, her, and true love was a mask with fucking bat ears. Also the fact that she hated him, but that would be easily rectified once she realized he was her caped crusader.

“Can you believe it, Aman?” He sighed, leaning back in his chair again, staring at the crown moulding on the ceiling with feigned interest.

“She studied at DU and a bat mask and my shitty imitation of a chain smoker have completely fooled her.”

“To be fair sir,” Aman interjected, “the suit does give the impression of you being more muscular than…she probably thinks you are.” He finished weakly, quailing under Arnav’s angry glare.

“That’s right,” he said matter of factly, surreptitiously flexing his chest. “How would Khushi Kumari Gupta know that I have abs of steel?”

Arnav attributed it to his amazing self control that he managed to resist the urge to knock Aman out when he muttered something that sounded suspiciously like “more like reinforced plastic.”

“You should thank your stars that Khushi was wrong about me Aman,” He snapped from behind clenched teeth while brandishing her slanderous article in the air. “Despite the fact that, that wonderful vixen has managed to find 5 different ways to call me an arrogant bastard in only the 3 paragraphs that I have read so far, I am an exceptionally kind man and thus, will not take offence to your rudeness.”

“Much obliged, Mr. Raizada, sir.”

Grumbling to himself, Arnav stood from his chair and began to make his way down the hallway when his treacherous butler spoke up again.

“You can’t play dress up as Batman today sir, you have a gala to attend and the press, notably your own ‘wonderful vixen,’” Aman spoke, and Arnav didn’t have to be looking at him to know he was smiling as he spoke the words, “will have a field day if you do not attend.”

“I know,” He said, running a hand through his hair as he turned back to face Aman with a glower on his face.

“Without the mask, sir.” Aman continued and Arnav glared at him when his lips twitched with the effort to resist laughing.

“I still don’t understand why she can’t look into my eyes and recognize who I am,” He muttered under his breath, his lips curving downwards into a frown.

‘Perhaps because this is not a Bollywood movie, sir,” Aman said softly, a note of sympathy in his voice, “and no matter how much you may wish it, you are not Krrish.”

He wasn’t completely sure how he resisted the urge to throw the ornate hand painted Chinese vase he kept on the mantle at Aman’s head.

“Krrish?! In his dreams, Aman, I am much better looking than some fool who wears burnt plastic on his eyes. And for fuck’s sake, can you say biohazard? And the smell!”

It was only when he saw that Aman was already walking away and he was still shouting curses at a wannabe superhero flick, that Arnav realized he had lost this round.

…Well fuck.

[phuljari]

social media au! part 2

summary : khushi is a model and influencer; arnav just seems to stumble upon her profile one day— not so much by accident. (or what if khushi fell in love at first sight?)

warnings : just some hindi/hinglish, cussing in both languages. deliberate typos. online stalker!shyam. flirting with the boss

a/n : i am...trying something new (by using the word prompts) #IPK 13th Anniversary Fiesta @arshifiesta

hellohibyebye

liked by aakash_r, amanmathur, gulabo_devyani, anjaliiiii.r, mahendrarudrapratapsinghraizada, hari_prakash and 137 others

hellohibyebye haaye! ekdum vaijanthimaala laagat hai hum😍🥰

⚫kaala tika najar na lage e ke khatir⚫

view comments

aakash_r Maa group pe daalne ko bola tha, Instagram pe nahi 🤦

gulabo_devyani Manorama! Ye Hear. hum aapko diye naahi the... Toh kaisan aap pehen liye?

anjaliiiii.r Mamiji 👌😍

mahendrarudrapratapsinghraizada Thoda vakht nikal ke humare saath bhi ek-do photu khichwaye leti!

⤷hellohibyebye aap photo me bilkul handsome.... nahi laagat hai 😒

hari_prakash B//J...K>';edxnnnnddd

iMessage "Raizada Group"

Aakash Maa aapne instagram pe post kar diya 🤦

Manorama toh ka hui gawa? hainn

Mahendra Bohot sundar laagat hai tumhari amma 😊

Akash liked a message

Manorama liked a message

Devyani Humra. Haar. Dena mat bhulna. Onmanorama.

Anjali Arre Aakash, karne do yaar, umar hai inki 😌

HP Ji Naniji, hum abhi wapas rakhwa dete hain

HP hhhhhhhh?/?????

Aakash HP yaar tune firse phone bandh kiye bina pocket me rakh diya... buttdial nahi, yaha toh butt-typo hote hain😶

Anjali 😂😂🤣🤣🤣

Arnav seen

Anjali Chotte yahan bolna mana nahi hai!

Arnav: Di, I'm in a meeting right now. Ttyl

Anjali: Arre, chotte 🤦‍♀️

Manorama added NK to Raizada Group

NK: Hello bhaiyyon aur bhabhiyon

Anjali: Bhabhiyon nahi NK bhai, beheno!

NK: Haan wahi Di! You understand me so well!!

Aakash: 😂😂

Arnav left Raizada Group

NK: Oh no Nannav! Tum kyu chale gaye

Aakash: You know that he can't see the messages now right?

NK: Oh, Whoops! Wait

NK added Arnav to Raizada Group

NK: Nannav mere bhai!! How are you??

Arnav: Isn't it like 3 AM in Sydney?

NK: Nannav, naughty naughty, tumne time check kiya mere liye! So cutee! I'm at your home doofus 😂

Arnav: gtg

Arnav left Raizada Group

iMessage

Anjali: Ye har baat pe chotte group kyu leave kar dete ho?

Arnav: Di! WTF ye NK kya kar raha hai Shantivan me?

Anjali:😶‍🌫️

iMessage

Aman: Sir, we have officially signed Ms. Khushi Kumari Gupta!

Arnav: Good

Arnav: Kumari?

Aman: That's her middle name boss

Arnav: Oh, okay

iMessage

Aakash: Bhai, you signed THE KHUSHI GUPTA??

Arnav: Yes

Arnav: And she's not that popular c'mon

Aakash: Bhai do you even use instagram? 😭

Arnav: Of Course!

Arnav: Btw I have more followers than her 😒 So much for "influencer"

Aakash: That's her personal profile Bhai! You have to see @/thekhushigupta

seen

thekhushigupta

liked by divalavanya, payaliyaa, guptagarima, aakash_r, shyamjha, versace, arnavsinghraizada, saritaraman and 396,981 others

thekhushigupta @/versace thank you for sponsoring my cannes debut

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saritaraman You dancing on hawa hawaii at cannes was the only thing left for me to see😭

⤷thekhushigupta all thanks to you babe <3

payaliyaa My babie sisterrrr 😍

⤷thekhushigupta jijiiiiii 😊

guptagarima Ae Khushi isko chalu kaise karte hai

versace It was our honour! 😍

aakash_r Amazing performance👌

shyamjha khushiji aapka koi boyfriend hai kya? 😭

divalavanya Bestie 💖

⤷thekhushigupta right back at ya! 💖

user1 i love the dressss

user2 just one chance khushi pls pls

user3 it was so cheap idk why ppl idolize u

⤷user1 get tf outta here

shyamjha hosh rubaa😍

nandiii khushi jiiiiii 💘

⤷thekhushigupta nanhe jiiiiii

nandiii

tagged: @/emirates @/anjaliiiii.r @/aakash_r

liked by aakash_r, anjaliiiii.r, gulabo_devyani, mahendrarudrapratapsinghraizada, hari_prakash, hellohibyebye, thekhushigupta and 806 others

nandiii So excited to meet you guys!😭

view comments

anjaliiiii.r Pooja ki thaal tayyar hai NK Bhai

⤷gulabo_devyani Aapan. Ka. hi intezaar hai Bitwa.

mahendrarudrapratapsinghraizada Return flight book karke nikle ho ki naahi?

⤷nandiii Now why would I do that Mausa Ji? 😊

thekhushigupta nanhe ji! iss baar aap mile bina nahi jaa sakte 😌

⤷nandiii Aapse hi toh milne aa rahe hai Khushi ji! It was fun to hangout with you while shooting in Portugal last year! 😊

hellohibyebye humre khaatir oo gucci peck kiye ki naahi?

⤷nandiii Maasi ji aapke liye toh chanel, gucci, versace sab haazir!

hari_prakash Ccooffee lenge?

Notifications (arnavsinghraizada)

thekhushigupta followed you

titaliya_k followed you

payaliyaa followed you

Notifications (thekhushigupta)

arnavsinghraizada followed you back

shyamjha unread 1475 messages

shyamjha commented on your post: hosh rubaa 😍

shyamjha commented on your post: khushiji aapka koi boyfriend hai kya? 😭

usershyam hume aap bohot pasand hai khushiji

iMessage

Khushi: he followed me back omgomgomg

Lavanya: ???

Khushi: ajgar

Khushi: arnav*

Lavanya: 😂😂

Lavanya: You didn't stop talking about him last night oh god

Khushi: i know ur friends were so pissed😭

Lavanya: Nooo, why would you thibk that

Lavanya: And look at you crushing so hard on ASR!

Khushi: you've met?

Lavanya: Briefly

Khushi: 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

Khushi: I'm gonna slide into his dms wish me luck

Lavanya: Khushi wtf

Lavanya: Khushi come back you son of a bitch

Lavanya: Istg Khushi pls don't make a fool of yourself in front of your new boss😭

Lavanya: Khushiii??????

seen

(1) message from thekhushigupta

thekhushigupta: hey

arnavsinghraizada: Hi?

thekhushigupta: we met the other day

arnavsinghraizada: Yeah, you bumped into me, how can I forget?

thekhushigupta: omg i'm really sorry for that😩

thekhushigupta: can i take you out for an apologetic dinner?

thekhushigupta: tonight?

arnavsinghraizada: Are you...

thekhushigupta: asking you out? yes

arnavsinghraizada liked a message

TBC

<previous> | <next>

[titaliya]

Arshi Fiesta 2024 Theme : Colours/Stages of Love!

Sharing a one shot that I wrote sometime ago. I've added a few tweaks to include the word prompt reverie @arshifiesta

Click on the link to read it on wattpad

Scarlet Hues

Arnav held her, as she leaned into his chest, feeling his heartbeat, their heartbeats beat as one. He was in awe of her beauty- her hair, her eyes, her smile. She looked more beautiful now with a scarlet hue from the gulaal and with his senses being enhanced by the bhaang.

He never wanted this moment to end - them together by the pool, in each other's embrace. It felt like a dream, a daydream no less. In this moment, there was only love in his heart, no anger, no hatred, no thoughts of her betrayal. In this moment, she was just Khushi and he was the Arnav she fell in love with. It was perfect. So, he simply held her to himself.

As he took all of her in, her fingers entwined with his, the weight of her on his chest, her deep breathing, he realised she'd fallen asleep.

The reverie was breaking. The fog in his head, from the all bhaang was slowly lifting as well. The moment had to come an end. He carefully carried her sleeping form, not before admiring her one more time, and lay her down on his bed. She scrunched her face, as if she was missing his closeness, but went back to sleep.

"Chhote!" Anjali's call echoed through the door.

Arnav opened the door.

"Here you go, Lemon pickles. Take them, freshen up and come down for tea with everyone." She said and left the room to Khushi and himself.

Things were becoming clearer by the second and he did as he was instructed by his sister. A question rose in his mind.

Should I wake Khushi up? She had slept by the pool the past few days. Maybe, she could have the bed for the time being.

Right then, Khushi moved in her sleep, she looked uneasy and she murmured something which sounded a lot like 'no...stay away'

Concerned, Arnav rushed to her side and Khushi woke up with a jolt. Before Arnav could react, Khushi had assessed her surrounding and looked relieved and her body relaxed.

"Arey waah! When did I float from the poolside to the bed?" She asked, still very much under the influence.

Arnav simply smiled and handed over the lemon pickle. He was almost sober now.

"Have this... We have to go downstairs..."

At the mention of downstairs, Khushi's expression changed. She looked worried "no...no..I don't want to go downstairs..no...no..." She kept repeating, like a scared child.

Arnav was now sure, something was wrong.

"Khushi! Khushi!" He caught her hands gently calming her down. "Look at me! What happened?" He asked patiently.

"Woh! He is downstairs..." She replied, shaking her head.

"Woh kaun?"

"Woh Ghatiya Aadmi...Here... It's safe Arnav-ji, with you.... I don't want to go downstairs... please" she was almost having a panic attack.

A splicing pain, zapped through Arnav. What was she talking about?

His hand moved in its own accord. He took her palm in his and placed it on his chest. His other hand to cradle the side of her face, his thumb softly caressing her cheek.

"Hey...shh...shh..." He whispered. "Feel that? Feel my heartbeat... Our hearts beat as one, remember? Now breathe with me...deep breaths..."

He seemed to have assuaged her fear.

"We aren't going down, okay?" He assured. She nodded, taking comfort in his touch.

"Good..." He sighed internally, seeing her regain her composure. But, his relief was short lived, as his mind began to race in a thousand different directions.

What was I missing? Who was Khushi scared of? What the fuck is happening?

He looked down at her and she looked like she was studying is features and as if she'd read his mind, she began to speak.

"Woh.... He is taking advantage of my silence... After I found his truth, I broke my engagement with him....Told him to stay away from my family and I...he wouldn't...instead he misbehaved" She mumbled.

Arnav could barely make out from her words, that she was talking something about her ex-fiance.

Was he here? Was he still terrorizing her? Misbehaving with her? I have to find the guy... I'm going to kill him.... Aman can track him down..What was his his name?

Arnav's train of thought abruptly halted upon recalling her ex-fiance's name. A heaviness settled in the pit of his stomach.

No...It couldn't be...

"Sh..Shyam?" He articulated the name.

Khushi's facial expression was enough to confirm is doubt. Even in her intoxicated state , he could make out the fear and disgust on her face.

"Yes, him!" Khushi shut her eyes, in an attempt to will away those fateful memories.

She was visibly flinching to those memories before him.

A tumultuous anger built inside of him, seeing her fighting her demons.

What have I done? Fuck! What have I done? How could I've been so oblivious...The truth was there the whole time. I blamed her without knowing her side of the story and all the while, she was a victim. I put her through hell, when she was already traumatized. Oh no! No! I brought her under the same roof as him.

Arnav was falling deep in the spiral of regret, but, he couldn't let his emotions take over. She was very vulnerable. Her faculties had been compromised. He couldn't let re-live whatever torment that sick bastard had made her endure.

Blinking away his tears, he lightly pressed the pad of his finger to her chin, causing her to flutter her eyes open. They were bloodshot scarlet.

"Look at me, Khushi... A lot has happened today.... You should rest, okay?" He said tenderly.

But, Khushi wasn't fully listening. "I hated it..." She started her lips quivering.

"No..Khushi...You don't have to..." He pled, but it went to deaf ears.

"I hated when he touched me.... It was like..it was like acid on skin...scalding." She was going through it again. This was exactly what he didn't want happening. Her every word was like chipping pieces of his flesh.

"Please...no.. Khu..."

"First, On the day of Sangeet, by the poolside... Then, on the terrace, the day of the wedding..th..then...today..." Arnav cupped her face, finally gaining her attention. She was shivering, tears were flowing uncontrollably.

"Shhh....Khushi... Listen to me... He can't hurt you...not anymore... I'm not going to let that happen...hear me? Yes?" He soothed her, brushing away her tears.

"Yes..."she whimpered. Arnav exhaled audibly.

Without warning, Khushi threw her arms around him, almost knocking him of his balance. He stilled. He hesitated to hold her back, this time, scared, if he'll hurt her. But, Khushi was still shaking from the crying,so, he settled to run his fingers through the length of her hair.

"I never should have hid his truth..." Khushi whispered against his shoulder. Arnav knew what she was doing. He wasn't going to let her.

"Please, don't blame yourself...please..."Arnav implored, "If anything, It's my fault..I should have known, It's my fault. Mine." Tears clouded his vision.

She didn't respond, but only tightened her hold on him.

They stayed like that, till he felt Khushi's body succumb to the day's exhaustion.

He mindfully helped her to a comfortable position, pulled the comforter over her.

As he got up, Khushi clasped his hand. "Stay with me."

Arnav obliged got into the bed, beside her. She lulled back to sleep, immediately. He couldn't sleep, not with what he'd learnt today.

Tomorrow, after the effects of bhaang wore off, she was going to hate him, like she does his vile brother-in-law.

When that would happen, he didn't know what was in store for him. He didn't know if he would ever be able to right the wrongs he'd done to her in this lifetime.

He did know, there was an inferno blazing scarlet inside of him, and he was going to burn the Shyam Manohar Jha down.

_____________________________

[thedupattaknowswhatsup]

“He’s tall…and handsome, wealthy too.”

“And is that all that matters?”

“Well….I mean, it helps.”

Yeah Arnav, it sure does help.

“It’s so cold out here -”

“ASR once saved a dog’s life, you know,”

“What?”

“What?”

“Well yes, of course, it’s cold.” Batman scoffed, looking at her like she was a fool now, “I don’t know why you came out here without a sweater.”

“What are you waiting for?” He continued, “Go get a sweater. In fact, change out of that dress, you’ll get sick.”

Far from ravishing her as she’d hoped. Instead, she’d gotten a scolding that sounded like something she could have called Payal to hear.

“Well alright, you know best, I suppose.” He said casually & she felt like wrenching one of the weapons off his suit & using it on him. He was supposed to become protective, demand she change before she got sick. Instead, he treated her like an adult who knew her own body & could make her own decisions?

One of the best things I've read in my life. Arnav babua can be so clueless sometimes. How to have a crush on a girl and not see the hints she's giving u. My poor, stupid babies.

"What were you saying before?" she prompted, taking a step closer to his form.

"You mean before you drew my attention to how careless you are with your health?" Batman said, turning to face her again, seeming unfazed at her sudden closeness. His eyes bore down into hers and the expression of displeasure on his face made her heart thud erratically in her chest.

Oh. she was going to swoon.

Yeah, same khushi same. Rude hot men are also my kryptonite, especially when they're displeased with me. *swoons in dhak dhak & acidity*

Meanwhile, across town, lying on the floor of his Batcave, Arnav could think only one thing.

Where the fuck was he going to get a dog?

One of my favourite fics out there. This was so good. I'm still laughing at how accurate the characters are

The Darkest Knight - Part 3

WE’RE BACK!!! Thank you all for your votes and for your support while I’ve been AWOL in fic-writing! I hope this makes up for it somewhat and that both old and new readers alike find something to enjoy here! 

Find the other parts here 

Wrapping her arms tighter around herself as the chill of the night set in, Khushi took her keys from the valet and hurried into her car, hissing slightly when the cold leather came into contact with her skin.

She had really fucked up tonight, that much she was sure of. She couldn’t figure out where, but something had thrown her off and she’d been unable to recover for the remainder of the gala, barely cracking a smile when Rohit Mishra slipped on a spilt cocktail and fell into the fountain, something that would have made her shriek with laughter otherwise.

He was such an idiot. Arnav Singh Raizada - not Mishra.

Keep reading

[blink789]

Arshi FF Suggestion Request

So, I think I have read almost all the completed arshi ffs. And I need to read new ones or I am going mad rereading the old ones. 😭😭😭😭

Please help me out with hidden gems or the ones which were in protected blogs earlier but are open now.

[laadgovernorandsankadevi]

OS: Here

can be read here as well: wordpress

He yawned while flipping the channels to ultimately settle on the sports channel replaying highlights from a test match earlier. Rarely the one to turn on the bedroom tv, his attention shifted to his wife sitting across from on the green recliner in front of the television.

Her head was bowed in concentration. Yards of fabric lay in her lap which was being embroidered with small golden motifs. It must be for her sister, he concluded recalling the list of presents she had made and narrated to him.

“Suno–” [listen] He called her out softly.

Her head shot up and her hands stilled with the needle in between her fingers. Her brows furrowed at the softness of his tone and the way he had beckoned her, “ji?”

“Idhar aao.” [come here] He said. The words felt like lightness in midst of the silent night and buzzing of the voices from the television.

She smiled, her face softening. “Kyun?” [why?] She breathed.

“Yahan bathe jao na?” [come sit here please?] He requested, pulling her pillow towards himself. A coy smile danced on her lips.

“par—” [but—] she resigned a sigh pointing out the fabric in her lap.

“Thodi dair ke leye?” [for just a little bit] He asked, his voice lowering and his face appearing dejected.

She looked at his pouting face, the needle in her hand, the lingering sourness of her wrist, and the fabric left to be embroidered in her lap. She looked up again. “Theek hai!” [okay] She replied.

She put the threads and needles into the tin box next to her feet and left the fabric on the recliner. She climbed into the bed, scooted over to wrap her arm around his, and placed her head on his shoulder.

“We can watch whatever you want.” He offered.

“Nahi.” [no] She said, “Yeh theek hai.” [this is okay]

He lowered the volume of the television, pulled his arm out from hers to wrap it around her. She frowned for a moment before wrapping her arms around his torso. Her head leaned on his shoulder.

She tried paying attention to the statistics shared by the newscaster but his heartbeat wouldn’t stop echoing in her ears. He kissed her head.

“Khushi?” He said.

She didn’t reply. He looked down to see her sound asleep. He smiled shaking his head. She could be quite predictable at times.

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

ArShi OS: Kyun Farak Padta Hai

Khushi waited by the terrace with bated breath. The fairy lights, the reds, the stage, the beauty in the darkness - it all had one name to it.

Arnav Singh Raizada

But since when was Arnav so expressive? Khushi chuckled at the thought of Arnav, in his three piece suit, fixing the stage up. And that's when one niggling thought crossed her mind.

Could Arnav really do this?

But they hadn't even shared a word of what they shared in between them. But today he wanted to.

The door swung upon and Khushi closed her eyes tight, wringing the corner of her dupatta.

Arnav did not know what was more endearing - the fact that Khushi decorated the whole terrace by herself, perhaps knowing what he wanted to say, or that she was standing in the middle of her own decorations where her eyes closed.

Bilkul pagaal hai

"And I thought I was uncomfortable with my feelings but you amaze me Khushi Kumari Gupta. You can barely watch what you're doing?"

Khushi colored at the familiar snark, she was about to reply but his face was so soft, the smile so mischievous, that she found herself shy again.

"Dekhiye-" She said.

"Dikhaaye,-" Arnav quipped, taking two confident steps towards her.

"Suniye-"

"Sunaiye-" Arnav stood by the stage, him and Khushi eye level at this point. Khushi bit back a smile.

"Hum yeh kehna chahte hai that I am not uncomfortable with my feelings unlike someone who smiles as frequently as the blue moon's appearance. I don't hide anything at all." Khushi, proud of her speech, looked away.

Arnav laughed. So much for her directness that she couldn't even meet his eyes?

"Please Khushi, you know you're good at hiding truths." Khushi was caught aback. The words hit closer than expected. Arnav had never been more earnest in life.

And Khushi had never been aware of just how much she cared for this man until now. The truth of Shyam Manohar Jha, one that felt like acid in her heart, must be revealed to this family.

But it would come at the cost of her and Arnav's... what were they? It wasn't a relationship. She was scared to call it love. It was nameless yet potent.

God, couldn't she be selfish for once?

"What happened?" Arnav frowned, brushing his fingers against her bangs. His bravado was wavering. Khushi had no idea that his entire being was resting on her acceptance of him. It was silly that someone could mean so much that despite all accomplishment their yes could be the most validating moment.

Was it ok to surrender so much to someone in love?

Khushi's eyes fluttered shut as he continued to play with her hair.

Yes

"Khushi, I want to tell you something." He stepped up the stage and Khushi, for once, did not step back.

"But before that, I must admit, all of this is very pretty." Arnav pointed to the decoration. Khushi frowned, was Arnav Singh Raizada such a Laad Governor to praise his own decorations?

Arnav Singh Raizada was unbelievable!

"What? No, you did-" Arnav clarified and they both realized that neither decorated the place.

Then just who did?

Di?

"Di-" "-Anjali ji-"

Arnav and Khushi burst into chuckles. To think they were setup by the ever sweet Anjali Jha! Khushi laughed till her stomach hurt and she clutched his shoulder, resting her head to calm down.

Here they were, unable to tell three words, while the whole world had caught onto their poorly kept secret.

Arnav held Khushi in his arms, and after a moment as their laughter subsided, he wrapped her in a gentle, tentative hug. Khushi looked up, her own hands locked around him, her cheeks flushed from laughing.

"Khushi, mujhe farak padta hai." Arnav confessed.

"From your smiles to your tears, har cheez se farak padta hai." He continued.

"Because-"

"-me too." Khushi confessed.

"Hum aapse, hum aapke bina..." No word could justify the extent of her confession.

"I love you." Arnav said, wiping the slight tear of joy from the corner of her eyes. Khushi gave him the biggest smile and squeezed him tight in a hug.

With a force that nearly toppled him over.

-- -- --

"You didn't say it back-" Arnav whispered as they tried to make an invisible, dignified entrance towards the living room where the marriage proceedings had begun.

"Read my mind for a change," Khushi whispered back, slapping his hand away from her waist.

"What the-"

"Not now! Everyone's watching." Khushi shushed him.

"So?" Arnav grabbed her hand, pleased at the sight of his gifted bangles chiming.

"Arnav ji, we're in the middle of a wedding. Our families are here. It will take them one second to place us in the mandap and get us married as well." Khushi reasoned.

Arnav stopped on the stairs, and for once marriage didn't frighten him. Khushi kept muttering something on the side - which he didn't quite pick up on.

"Don't tell me you're ready?" Khushi asked, her eyes as round as saucers.

Arnav shrugged.

"Pinch me."

"Gladly," Arnav chuckled and pinched her waist. Khushi shrieked and all heads turned to her side. And, miraculously, when she glared at him - Arnav Singh Raizada was found ten feet away checking out the quality of curtains Shantivan had.

"Woh, woh, JIJI I AM SO HAPPY YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED!" Khushi yelled and ran down the stairs, shooting him a quick wink before nearly toppling her sister off the mandap as well with a fierce hugs.

Anjali watched her brother gaze fondly at Khushi from on top of the stairs.

Finally!

-- -- --

A/N: Sometimes I like writing happy things. Image credit @phati-sari

tagging: @shaonsim @zaphbeeblebrox @shiyaravi @chutkiandchotte @featheredclover @goals1024 @honeybellexox @darkchocolatestuff  @charucoal @thedupattaknowswhatsup @bigfatreader @lostafpanda @exosexosekai @hi-this-is-permabanned @scorpio-smiles @noor1025 @minpdnim @laad-governess @barshifan @whateverworks21 @maansiloves @samuraisamsworld @dropsofserenity @myloveforstuff @leila1 @onadaanparindey @urwatueat @dimaagkadahi @ijustchangedmyname @australian-desi @muttonthings @eunoiabeyours @aye-masakalii  @phuljari @msbhagirathi (updating this list - lemme know who wants to be added/deleted)

[msbhagirathi]

FOR REAL. AND THIS IS EVERYONE WHO COME, READ AND LEAVE WITHOUT DROPPING A LIKE OR COMMENT. FOR THE LAST TIME. I. WILL. LOVE. YOUR. LIKE. OR. COMMENT. BYE.

To my readers:

If your comment is long and rambling and full of quotes you enjoyed, I will love it.

If your comment is full of story related questions, I will love it.

If your comment is a single sentence, I will love it.

If your comment is a single emoji, or a string of them, I will love it.

If you comment, I will love it. It's that simple.

[featheredclover]

Baisemain

Oneshot inspired by this prompt (courtesy @arshifiesta )

He pulls his bow tie into place, glancing over at Aman who was setting his hair.

“I didn’t know you were into such formal events”

“Come on Arnav, it’s our college’s tradition “ he said, his eyes still on the mirror.

“Bullshit” he shook his head, “Women?”

“Free alcohol” Aman winked.

“Okay gentlemen “ Akash walked in “We need to leave in 5”

Arnav looked bored at Akash’s antics.

“Why are you dragging us to this place?”

“Don’t tell me you haven’t heard of the legend! This is the night you meet your soulmate, if they are here. That’s why the masquerade!” Akash said, looking mildly offended.

“Really?” Aman laughed.

“Yes, I have already found Payal, but what kind of a friend would I be if I didn’t help you two out?”

Arnav narrowed his eyes.

“So this is Payal’s doing. You have started talking like her. Soulmate is a crap idea, sold by miserable optimists.”

“Arn-“

“And I don’t need your help with women, thanks” he shrugged.

Aman chuckled, “Why would you when there are Lavanya and Sheetal  worshipping the ground you walk on!”

Arnav shook his head, grabbed his simple black mask and donned it.

“Okay guys, now we are actually late”, Akash said as he half pushed them out of the dorm.

——————

The scent of a hundred perfumes danced in the air, as the dark hall, brightened only by candles and chandeliers, shimmered.

Arnav looked around bored.

Feathers and masks fluttered around like confetti, and he cursed Akash again.

“You guys came! “ Payal shouted.

“Well, well Payal. That’s a stunning mask” Aman smiled.

“Thanks” Payal smiled as the feathery mask on her face ruffled.

“You look like a very beautiful duster, Payal,“ Arnav smirked.

She punched his arm playfully, “At least I am creative, Raizada “ 

Her eyes caught someone behind him, and she looked back at him with an unholy grin.

“Looks like your soulmate is here”

Before he could turn around, his arm was grasped in a vice grip.

“Hello Arnav “ Lavanya smiled, “Hello everyone “

Payal smiled at Arnav’s discomfort. 

“Well Akash and I are hitting the dance floor! Come on Aman , my friend has been pestering me to get you to meet her”

“My pleasure “ Aman winked at Arnav, and walked into the sea of dancing couples.

With a sigh, he shrugged his arm out of Lavanya’s grip.

“You have been ignoring my calls Arnav “

“No, I haven't, “ he spoke grimly.

“Really? I can show you my call log”

“I am not ignoring you Lavanya. I am just standing by my words. This relationship isn’t working out for me, and I want you to move on as well”

Her cat like eyes pinned him with a deadly gaze, “Any man would die to be in your place. To be wanted by Lavanya Kashyap is a dream for some”

“Then go find them” he dismissed her coldly, walking off towards the bar.

——————

“A martini” he called out to the bartender.

He tapped the marble counter impatiently, as the earlier irritation bubbled inside him.

He had no patience for people who didn’t respect his words or themselves.

He was suddenly harshly pushed against the counter as a body crashed into him.

He turned around, set to kill whichever unfortunate soul it was that bumped into him.

“Sorry! I am so sorry Mr black mask! These heels are the culprit” the girl continued her diatribe, dressed in a beautiful gold dress, her mask the same shade of glitter.

She then looked up at him, and Arnav took a sharp breath in.

Almond eyes, in the most stunning shade of brown.

“It’s fine” he found himself answering, hoarsely.

She smiled.

“Thank you for forgiving me!”

“Did you need a drink?”

“Yes! ‘Sex on the beach’ would be nice”

His lips twitched.

“Don’t laugh, okay! Cocktails are the best!”

“Of course “ Arnav coughed, hiding a laugh.

He placed the order and turned back to her.

“Who are you?” he peered intently at her face, hidden from him by the mask.

She giggled, “We can’t reveal ourselves before the clock strikes twelve! Didn’t you know that?” 

He shook his head, mesmerised.

“Very Cinderella-ish I feel” She whispered, almost conspiratorially.

“Well, then I have to keep you occupied with me till twelve “

She laughed. And somehow, the feathers and glitters didn’t seem so grating to him anymore.

——————

Arnav couldn’t for the life of him recall what his drink tasted like. He felt an unbearable craving for the pink cocktail, the golden girl was sipping so enchantingly. He was sorely tempted to taste it from her lips.

“So Mr black mask, aren’t you going to dance with me?” , she tilted her head adorably.

“As soon as you are done with that drink, golden girl” he breathed out.

“Golden girl? I like that name” she smiled.

 She slipped her cold fingers into his warm ones, making his head swoon with desire.

She led him to the floor, the disco ball reflecting along the length of her dress, clinging beautifully to her.

Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars.

Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars.

Frank Sinatra sang in their ears, as he spun her around. Her surprised smile filled him with enough elation to let go of his inhibitions.

“Where did you learn to dance like that Mr Black?” She asked as a slow tune pulled them closer.

“When I was eight my mother felt she should raise an old school gentleman in the 21st century “

She laughed, “Well, she did you a big favour “

“She will be pleased to hear that”

He twirled her around, and pulled her back into his arms. He heard her breath hitch.

He lifted her hand, placing a tender kiss on it.

She whispered , “Why not just kiss me?”

“Baisemain my golden girl, is far more intimate in this day and age”

“I see” she conceded with a smile”

“So, how’s the campus treating you so far?”

“Well, the classes are good. And I have joined the theatre club”

“One for the dramatics?”

“You would be surprised, “ she grinned.

And just like that, he felt the need to know her more. 

“So do I get a date after twelve?”

She leaned forward, whispering into his ears,

“ Golden girl accepts Mr Black’s invitation “

He stared at her in daze, blushing a faint red.

—————

“Ladies and gentlemen! The 86th annual masquerade ball is coming to its conclusion. You might have made friends, foes or lovers by now. So I hope you reveal yourselves, and meet each other’s expectations!”

 The voice boomed from the speakers as Arnav’s heart quickened. He was intoxicated and he was damn sure the martini had nothing to do with it.

He looked down at her, to see her staring up at him. A mischievous glint stole up her eyes.

A blast of trumpet distracted him, as the crowd hooted and cheered. 

The clock had struck twelve.

He turned back , just to find himself alone.

In a frenzy, he looked around. For a glimpse of gold, for a glimpse of an alluring smile.

He caught a flash of gold at the entrance and made a mad dash towards her.

He reached the empty hallway leading to a staircase.

Arnav Singh Raizada. Chasing someone. Oh, how the mighty have fallen!

He walked briskly towards the staircase, stumbling upon a black heel.

Bending down he picked it up, amusement stealing up his eyes.

He ran towards the steps, and looked up.

There she was, in all her golden glory.

Her lips were pursed, and he knew she was a moment away from bursting out into laughter.

“Oh fair maiden, I have searched the lands of my kingdom for a lady who left me just this shoe. Will you please do me the honour of trying it on?” He inflicted as much passion into his voice as possible.

She cleared her throat, breaking into a smile.

“Why not, my dear prince?”

She lifted her dress up a few inches, and he swallowed, exerting an iron grasp on his desire.

He climbed up, bent down and took her foot in his hand. She couldn’t hide her tremble, as she placed a dainty hand on his shoulder.

He placed the heel perfectly, caressing her skin as he did so.

“How did I do?” He stood up.

“Brilliant!” She giggled.

“ You have earned a spot in our club, Mr. Black.”

He pulled her close with an arm around her waist. 

“I can’t wait anymore “

With trembling hands he removes the golden mask framing her face.

He gasps in awe, as he sees her. Her cheeks lifted up with her smile, her nose was slightly tinged pink and her eyes even more beautiful unadorned.

He felt her hands cup his face, before loosening the ribbon tying up his mask together. He felt as if he was just learning to breathe.

“Arnav Singh Raizada “ she muttered, her eyes widened in shock.

He didn’t know what he expected. But being the prime trustee’s grandson had always brought him unwanted fame. 

Inexplicably, he found himself uncaring about that now, all he knew was that he wanted her.

“And you are?” He asked, clouding her space, not letting an inch rest between them.

“Khushi Gupta”

He laughed, “You are Payal’s cousin?”

She nodded, seemingly still shy from the revelation.

“Small world”

He lifted her chin, making her eyes meet his.

“This Cinderella is not going home tonight “

She smiled. Her lips twisted in a teasing pout.

“Isn’t she?”

He lifts her hand. Bending down, he kisses it.

Her eyes darken, her lips part.

He never breaks away the stare, as he moves down. Kissing every inch of her arm.

And just when she gasps out breathlessly,he whispers “Never”.

——————

Tagging: @hand-picked-star @phuljari @msbhagirathi @thenainitaldisaster @thedupattaknowswhatsup @jalebi-weds-bluetooth @barshifan @andli @shiyaravi @chutkiandchotte @laad-governess @minpdnim @bigfatreader @arshiradio @simplycurlz @scorpio-smiles @bengudill @exosexosekai @0218fm

[myfanficfrenzy]

Arshi FF: Best Laid Plans

Author: AnamikaGK

Status: Completed and Available for Purchase on Amazon

Genre: Angst, Romance, Drama

"Keep Reading" to read my two cents on the fic. Major spoilers ahead!

My Two Cents:

Romeo - Juliet meet Arnav - Khushi and learn how it's done in this epic saga of Mafia Romance written with a pen that always gives me the warm fuzzies each time I read it! Seriously, this is one of my comfort reads! <3 <3 <3

Arnav Singh Raizada as a powerful Mafia Lord? Yes please!

Arnav Singh Raizada who is able to break someone's wrist, (without breaking a sweat, might I add) just because they tried to touch Khushi inappropriately? Please and Thanks!

Khushi Ranjan Vaghela returning home for good after three years equals Arnav Singh Raizada pursuing her, relentlessly, much to her consternation. Because Khushi is nothing, if not non-confrontational!

Khushi's devoted brother Akash and Arnav's rivalry aside, Khushi has no delusions to why Arnav is bad news for her. Her father has left behind a legacy of revenge, animosity, and bloodshed. And Khushi has no intentions to add to that list. Or be the reason for either of their deaths.

However, if there is one thing Khushi cannot convince Arnav of, is that she doesn't love him anymore. And since she is the only thing Arnav Singh Raizada has to live for, (after achieving his life goal of avenging his mother that is), Arnav has no intentions of giving her up!

The story-telling is superb, the plot-twists are engaging and the fic/book keeps you hooked to the very end to tell a story of childhood sweethearts who have had it rough. This possessive, brutal, but all heart -when it comes to Khushi- Arnav hooked me in and didn't let go until I read and re-read this story over and over again! Khushi for all her faults, is someone you cannot help but cry for. And yet, her bravery and resilience will leave you in awe!

-A

[phati-sari]

Arshi FF: Tere Bin - Chapter 8

Read from the beginning | Chapter 7

Chapter 8: Ranjha (listen while reading)

Khushi

“What was he doing here?”

Khushi answered without turning, her head resting on the window sill as she studied the moon. “I don’t know.”

It’d taken a long time to escape to the room she shared with her sister after they’d first stepped through the doors. First, Amma had asked about the hospital visit, making Khushi recite everything the Doctor Sahib had said while Bua-ji interrupted often to ask questions. Babu-ji had soon taken over, asking to see the paperwork Khushi had collected and asking a few questions of his own. Still full from the gol gappe, Khushi had nibbled on some puri under Jiji’s watchful gaze while the family considered the payment plan the clinic had laid out.

Luckily, no one had asked exactly how she’d gotten home.

“You were in his car, Khushi.” Jiji came to stand next to her, her tone coloured with disapproval.

“The auto broke down. He was driving past.”

“He, of all the people in Lucknow and Delhi, just happened to be driving by? At the exact moment your auto broke down?”

An odd defensiveness flared in her chest, words popping out of her mouth before she’d thought them through.

“What can I say, Jiji? My phone’s battery was dead, it was dark. He offered to drop me home.”

Jiji reached out to touch her shoulder. “Did he fight with you again?”

No, he bought me gol gappe.

“No more than usual,” Khushi tried to smile at her sister. “I’m fine. Really. He drove me home. That’s all.”

Though she looked unconvinced, Jiji stepped away with a nod to ready herself for bed. Khushi waited until she was alone to snatch her bag from where it hung on a hook. Her searching fingers found the business card he’d offered.

“Well, it’s just that you like arguing so much, and we argue so often … I think we should keep in touch.”

At the time, she’d been so startled that she’d simply taken the card and slid from the car without answering. Jiji, fortunately, had been too busy scowling at him through the windows to notice as she’d slipped it into her bag.

The card was thick, the surface almost velvety to the touch. It sported a bright red logo in the top corner and announced his name in crisp black letters — ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA. Khushi shook her head to clear the unbidden memory of correcting his name on hundreds of letters.

The writing on the card included a number she recognised for the reception desk at the head offices and an email address that his managers monitored. But he’d scrawled another number untidily along one side with a black pen.

His personal number, Khushi realised with a jolt.

It felt strangely intimate, though logic reminded her that she’d had the same number saved in her phone before he’d broken it on the storeroom floor.

Why is he still in Lucknow?

On the heels of this thought came another: Why should I care?!

Her mind was suddenly awhirl with memories — raised voices and shouted words, a fall from his window, the broken door to the storeroom. His airs about money and power. The terror of the guesthouse.

Khushi ripped the business card in half, her breath coming in rapid pants, and then tore it into even smaller pieces. Tears stung in her eyes. She scrunched the pieces into her palm as Jiji returned to the room.

“Make sure you wake up early tomorrow,” her sister draped her towel near the window. “We’re going to the temple.”

“Okay.”

Waiting until Jiji was occupied with something in the cupboard, Khushi returned the ruined card to her bag. In the bathroom, she brushed her teeth and washed her face before studying her reflection. Her pulse was a chaotic drumbeat in her body, her thoughts a wild tangle. And underneath it all was something that thrilled and scared her at the same time, something that had followed her to Lucknow.

                                    #####

“Everything leads back to him,” Jiji had groaned, rolling on her side on the bed they shared. “Just go to sleep quietly.”

It had been a week since they’d returned to Lucknow, and Khushi had been comparing the price of potatoes between Lucknow and Delhi. Or at least, that was how the conversation had started. She couldn’t remember how they’d gotten to talking about that Laad Governor.

“You’re right Jiji. We’re in Lucknow now and we’ll soon forget that we ever went to Delhi. Or that we met such cruel, haughty people. Although … Anjali-ji had such sweetness in her. It’s a shame that we had to leave without saying goodbye to her. At least we met one nice person in Delhi. Oh … and Nani-ji. Maybe two nice people. And Aakash-ji, I suppose, though —”

“— Khushi! Are you going to count out every member of his family? Your mind is like a compass that’s always stuck on him!”

“And why wouldn’t it be?” Khushi had asked hotly. “He sent me there to do some meaningless task, knowing the place was about to collapse.”

“I know. You’ll never have to see him again, Khushi. You resigned from that awful job, you gave him an earful, and now you’re here and he’s there.”

The words should have elated her, but they only left her feeling strangely hollow.

                                    #####

That hollowness sat heavily inside her as Khushi joined her sister in their bed a few minutes later, sliding between the covers with a sigh.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Jiji’s voice was soft in the dimness.

“Yes.”

“You barely ate dinner.”

“I’m not hungry.”

A short silence, in which Khushi’s mind unhelpfully replayed the way she’d fallen into his arms yet again.

Oh Devi Maiyya, couldn’t you find another place to make me slip? You mustn’t have liked the offering I left you this morning.

“I’m glad we came back to Babu-ji,” Jiji said softly. “I can’t imagine being away from home at a time like this.”

“The doctors said that as long as he rests properly and takes his medicines, there’s nothing to worry about.”

“He isn’t resting nearly enough, even with both of us at the shop.”

Khushi nodded her agreement, “He’s worried about the bills.”

“Bua-ji and Amma are talking about selling some jewellery. I thought I’d give them my bangles.”

“I have bangles we can sell too.”

It took a while for Jiji’s breathing to fall into the deep, slow rhythm of sleep. Khushi lay awake, her thoughts chasing each other in ever-tightening spirals.

The night of the photoshoot. The softness of her pallu as it slipped. The scorch of his gaze as it roved over her body and left her feeling singed. The electricity between them on Teej, every touch a bolt of lightning. The weight of him pressing into her in the storeroom.

She flushed, skin prickling and warmth blooming in secret places.

Stop it, Khushi. A handful of gol gappe is all it takes for you to forget his cruelty?

She turned onto her side with a huff. Sometimes it felt as though her life had been split into Before and After, as though falling at the fashion show had created an entirely new Khushi Kumari Gupta. A Khushi who was strangely compelled towards him, a Khushi who’d come dangerously close to swooning in his arms today. A Khushi who wanted something she had no name for.

“I didn’t know the situation at the guesthouse was that bad!”

“Do you really think I would’ve sent you there if I’d known? Is that what you think of me?”

For the first time, she allowed herself to entertain the idea that he hadn’t sent her there on purpose.

So what if he hadn’t? I was still trapped there for an entire day. He was wrong.

But the thought was impossible to dislodge now that it’d wormed into her mind. Having assumed he’d wanted to argue every time he’d approached her, she now considered whether he might have been trying to explain. She saw their interactions in a new light. The sweets, the cheque.

Did he feel guilty? Was he trying to say sorry?

She eventually fell into an uneasy sleep, tormented in her dreams by his eyes, his voice, the memory of his touch. She woke just before dawn, breathless and damp with sweat, the sheets tangled with her legs. Flinging them off, Khushi sat up in bed. Her sister made a questioning noise.

“Sleep, Jiji. It’s not time to wake up yet.”

A nameless storm raged in her chest, making it hard to breathe. She squeezed her eyes shut.

I should hate him.

A lurch in her tummy.

But I don’t.

Padding slowly over to her bag, she fished out the pieces of the business card one by one. There was a roll of tape amongst the paper and pens scattered on the table in the corner. Khushi glanced back at her sister as she sat. It took a few minutes to line up the jagged edges, to press the tape along them with trembling fingers until she could read his name again.

He’d set down a challenge. She wouldn’t back down.

    ********

Thanks for reading :) I know some of you may be disappointed with the level of introspection in this chapter and where I chose to end it. Tere Bin is Arnav’s story, one where he has to work out what he wants and how to get it while Khushi is in Lucknow. While I intend to dip into Khushi’s point of view where the story demands it (and I feel that her presence greatly improved Chapters 6 and 7), it will focus heavily on Arnav. I am not intentionally writing something to annoy or disappoint readers. I’m trying to do something very specific with this story, and like all experiments, I’m learning as I go :) 

[exosexosekai]

A GEM

Hi! If it's not too much to ask, could you write me a mini fic on Arshi where they knew each other since they were kids?

Hi!!!! OhhhhhhhHHHHHH you’ve activated one of my kinks™…. the childhood lovers!!!! Love ittttttttttt, all I can do is hope that you love it as well haha 

Also!! The song of this mini fic is Kya Hua Tujhe from Tumko Na Bhool Payenge!

He couldn’t remember a time where she hadn’t been a part of his life. When the snot-nosed brat that would follow him around had weaselled into his heart and never left. For as long as memory served him, Khushi had been present. One of his earliest memories was of staring down at a young version of her in awe that he too had once been that small. In that moment, with her tiny fist closed around his finger, he promised her he’d be her best friend forever.

As far as children went, they were as different as could be, with Arnav preferring books and cunning mischief to her loud movies and innocence. But when she looked at him with those sad eyes and told him she had no one else to watch movies with and, being the fool he was, he always conveniently forgot Payal existed in those moments, he would be roped into some ridiculous film. 

To her credit, she considered him all knowledgeable and unfailing in his understanding of everything in the world. And at 8 years old to a 5 year old, he supposed he was. For a number of years, he was able to get her to agree to his every suggestion solely because he was older and thus must know better. They were a force to be reckoned with, Arnav and Khushi, their parents would say. Arnav thinking of the most underhanded plans and Khushi trusting him so blindly that she’d follow him to the ends of the earth if he asked. 

Okumaya devam et

[dimaagkadahi]

I wrote a thing after an eternity. Anyway, here’s an Ode to Khushi, courtesy of one Arnav Singh Raizada

——————————

She comes to my home like the monsoon wind

With the hope and life it brings

She passes by like a thunderstorm

To wash away my sins

She comes to my home like a starry night

That brightens up the sky

But no nightly lights can compare

To the twinkle in her eye

She comes to my home like fairy bells

A symphony in art

The magic of her tinkling laugh

Heals my wretched heart

She comes to my home like a calming balm

All suffering she seeks to ease

She graces us with her smiles and warmth

And brings peace to my house of peace

She comes to my home like a trusted friend,

Who knows me, not my disguise

Hand in hand and eye to eye

We set out to conquer the skies

~ fin ~