It has been a few days since Khushi started working in AR. Payal also joined within a couple of days, after thinking about the pros and cons of the offer ASR made.

"Chamkili" Khushi looked up as she heard the loud voice.

A smile appeared on her face when she saw Lavanya coming towards her, with a bright smile.

But soon the smile disappeared and she felt guilty. 

Does Lavanya know that ASR proposed marriage to Khushi? If she knows, how would she take it?

"Lavanya ji? How are you? When did you return from London?" Khushi asked

"Yesterday morning, chamkili. How are you? It feels like it has been years since we talked" Lavanya said

"You left without telling me, Lavanya ji" Khushi said softly and Lavanya sighed. 

Lavanya didn't mean to block out Khushi like that. But her heart ache was too much. And she couldn't trust herself to talk to Khushi at that time. 

Knowing that the man she loved was in love with her new best friend, it was difficult for Lavanya. 

But she is getting better now. No. She has not completely moved on. But staying cooped up in her London home, wouldn't make it easier either.

Maybe seeing Arnav and Khushi together with her own eyes, though painful, might help her move on completely. 

And she isn't angry with either of them either.

Love cannot be forced.

How can she blame ASR for falling in love with Khushi. Nobody can control the heart.

And knowing ASR, she knows he must have tried like hell to get rid off his feelings for Khushi. 

And what about Khushi? Does she also feels the same?

"Lavanya ji?" Khushi shook Lavanya, realising that the other woman has zoned out suddenly 

"Uh sorry Khushi. I was thinking about something. And I am very very sorry for leaving without telling you" Lavanya said with an apologetic smile.

Khushi shot a smile at Lavanya, not probing much.

"I couldn't stay here, Khushi. I just wanted to escape" Lavany said with a sigh

God! This was so awkward. 

Lavanya was wondering whether Khushi knows that ASR broke up with her, because he is in love with Khushi.

And Khushi was wondering whether Lavanya had any idea about ASR's marriage proposal and all.

They talked for a while and Khushi understood that Lavanya had no idea about what Arnav did after breaking up with her.

The nerve of the man!

How could he so easily do that? Didn't it bother him even to the slightest that Lavanya would be heartbroken when she comes to know this from someone.

Khushi shook her head and continued her work.

"Khushi? Can you come with me and check the new fabrics? They are in the basement. Just check whether they are ideal for your designs" Aman said as he came into her work area.

"Sure, Aman ji" Khushi said and they both started walking towards the elevator.

"Where is Payal?" Aman asked

"Uh. Akash ji called her because he had some doubts with her designs" Khushi said, with a frown. 

She had always felt that Akash has got some feelings for her elder sister. It was so obvious with the way the man stares at her sister. With stars in his eyes.

Could it be possible that ASR offered a job to her sister, to help his brother woo Payal?

ASR a cupid? Is that even possible?

Aman's phone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts. 

"Will check it out, right away, ASR." Aman said and hung up the call. 

"Khushi, I got an urgent work to do now. Do you mind going to the basement alone?" Aman asked

"No Aman ji. I will check them out and let you know. Please carry on with your work" Khushi said with a smile and got into the elevator. 

She was checking the fabrics and noting down the points to discuss them with Aman, when she felt his presence.

Dhak Dhak….

"Hey" Arnav whispered, standing very close to her.

Her heartbeat picked up its pace.

"What are you doing here?" She asked

"It's my office, Khushi. I can be anywhere" Arnav said with a smirk.

"Sure, Mr Raizada" Khushi said and turned around to check the fabrics.

"You have been avoiding me," Arnav said in an accusing tone.

"No Mr Raizada. I attended all the meetings you scheduled." Khushi said formally 

"I am not talking about the bloody meetings, Khushi. And you know it. I came to your work area many times. Always you find some reason to leave from there. I am done with your ignorance. Nobody is going to come here. It's just us. You have to talk to me now" Arnav said in his demanding voice.

"Did you call away Aman ji on purpose, Mr Raizada?" Khushi asked furiously 

"Yes. So what if I did? I wanted to talk to you." Arnav said angrily, fed up of the avoidance game

"There is nothing to talk, Mr Raizada" Khushi said and tried to walk away

Arnav quickly got hold of her arms and stopped her.

"Mr Raizada, let go off me now" Khushi said

"Stop avoiding me Khushi. I know I am at fault. I have hurt you a lot in the past. But I promise you, it will never happen again" Arnav said

"It doesn't matter, Mr Raizada. I would prefer if you could keep everything professional here" Khushi said

"Damn it, Khushi. Stop ignoring me. Stop being so indifferent towards me. I can't bear this anymore" Arnav said

"Why not? Aapko kya faraq padta hei? Humaare hone ya na hone mein aapko tho koi farak nahi padta na. Apne hi toh kaha humse. So, even if I am ignoring you, it shouldn't matter to you" Khushi said with a casual shrug, making Arnav more furious.

(What difference will it make it to you? Whether I live or not, it doesn't matter to you, right? You yourself told me that.)

"Faraq padta hai damn it" Arnav muttered furiously, as he lightly shook her.

(It matters to me, damn it)

"Kyun? Kyun faraq padta hai aapko?" Khushi goaded

(Why? Why does it matter to you?)

"Because I love you, damn it"