FF: It's Not Right - Chapter 44

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Chapter 44

‘I spoke to Dhruv. I apologised.’

‘I told him he could stay here for school next year if he wants.’

Arnav had expected that statement to get a reaction from Khushi at least but instead she had continued to look straight ahead and kept trying to draw the conversation towards Akash and Payal.

‘He thinks you’re a babe.’

That had her turning to look at him instantly, ‘what?!’

Her usual look of shock with her eyebrows raised and mouth in a perfect ‘o’ made him smile causing her face to instantly change to one of annoyance.

‘You think that’s funny?’

‘What? No! He really did call you a babe! I told him not to say it again if that helps.’

Khushi spluttered and almost began to say something before she stopped herself. Although as he continued to drive towards their usual cafe Arnav noticed her expression had slightly softened. But as she continued to ignore him his anger increased with every passing second.

He slammed his foot down on the brakes and Khushi flew forward, saved only by the seatbelt he had clipped in himself only 10 minutes ago.  ‘Khushi, don’t be like this. I know I need to apologise to you too but I can’t do that if you won’t look at me!’

Khushi twisted her hands together and looked around nervously at the people passing the car in case they should notice Arnav’s heated behaviour. ‘Arnav, I think... look we need to decide what to do about Jiji and Akashiji...’

‘Screw Akash and Payal!’ Arnav interrupted leaning towards her and grabbing hold of her hands in his. ‘They can sort out their own problems. I want to talk about us!’

Khushi tried to struggle against his hold on her hands and sighed heavily when she failed. ‘Arnav i don’t think... look you don’t need to apologise about...’

‘Of course I do, Khushi. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that.’

‘No Arnav you don’t understand. I’m really... I’m really not angry or upset with you. You were right. I should have... I always interfere in your life and I should learn to... Arnav what I want to say is that... I think... I don’t think we should... This isn’t because of what you said yesterday at all I promise just...’

Arnav gripped Khushi’s hands tighter as his stomach churned for some unknown reason at her expression of defeat and desolation.

‘I think we shouldn’t... shouldn’t see each other anymore.’

Arnav let go of Khushi’s hands as if scalded and back into his seat in shock, ‘WHAT?!’

Khushi at least had the good grace to look down and avoid his gaze so Arnav leaned forward in his seat again and held her hands, in an attempt to force her to look at him.  ‘Khushi look, don’t be stupid! I really am sorry. You know I say things I don’t mean when I’m angry...’

‘Arnavji it’s not because of that! I just... I don’t know how to explain but I feel... I think what we... what we had it’s just reached a standstill and I don’t want...’ Khushi struggled to find the words to describe her inner turmoil not quite able to understand herself just what it was she wanted from Arnav.

She had long ago accepted Arnav’s stance on relationships and had promised herself in the beginning never to attempt to change that but she couldn’t help the envy she felt now that she knew about Payal and Akash.  ‘Look, Jiji and Akashji they... Arnav please...’

‘Khushi! We are not breaking up! I don’t care what stupid explanations you’ve thought up in your head but it’s not happening! Just because I get angry at you, just because I say stupid things it doesn’t mean I don’t love you! It doesn’t...’

Arnav broke off, his mind registering both his own words and Khushi’s shocked expression at the same time. After being full of raised voices and high running emotions only a minute ago the only sound that could now be heard in the car was the hum of the engine, still ticking over and the intense laboured breathing of both its occupants.

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Short I know! I apologise but I tried to write this so many times to write a long update and it just didn't work. Not that I'm completely happy with this either but oh well. hopefully another update coming your way this week :)