Chapter 13

Someone calls out for HP outside Arnav's room breaking their intimate cocoon... They pull apart breathing heavily, their heart picking up same rhythm... Dhak dhak dhak dhak dhak dhak...

Khushi pushes a dazed Arnav which unravels her pallu from his lax fist, grabs the bangle from the floor beside the pool and runs downstairs...

Arnav leans against the wall to regain his balance and then slowly smirks thinking of Khushi's next move.

He remembers his last bet and Khushi kissing him back on the cheek in front of everyone.

Arnav smirks and thinks that now Khushi will have to kiss him too. And this time, on the lips. He goes out of the room to see her reaction.

Khushi runs downstairs and Anjali sees her coming down huffing and puffing. Anjali was chatting with Payal.

Anjali calls Khushi and asks her: Are you all right Khushiji? I hope Chotey did not...

Khushi looks up and sees Arnav was standing on the stairs and giving her naughty smirks.

Her cheeks turn the colour of her saree and she says hurriedly: No Anjaliji. Nothing happened.

Anjali sees her bright pink cheeks and turns around. She sees Arnav standing on the stairs looking at Khushi.

She hides her smile and decides to pull Khushi's leg: Khushiji, why your cheeks are so red? Are you all right?

Khushi gasps and touches her cheek with her palm and blushes some more: Di, I must be because of heat...

Anjali smirks: Yes, of course...

Khushi blushes tomato red: I will go and check what Hari Prakashji is doing in the kitchen.

Anjali and Payal giggle at Khushi's blush...

Kitchen, Shaantivan:

Arnav was looking for Khushi everywhere, but she seems to have vanished.

He was passing through the living room when he gets a familiar aroma he will forever associate with Khushi. He smiles to himself and heads to the kitchen.

Khushi is muttering under her breathe and busy making Jalebies. She has already made a plateful, but she can't seem to stop...

HP, OP & JP were munching on her jalebies standing behind her and were praising Khushi didi's jalebi to high heaven...

The moment they saw Arnav, their hands froze in unison with jalebies in front of their open mouth.

Arnav raised his brow and nod towards the door.

Khushi's entourage get out of the kitchen in a hurry gulping down the last pieces of jalebies.

Arnav leans against the counter and takes in the picture she is making.

She was still wearing the Coral Pink saree with her pallu tucked in her waist. Her hair has been pulled in a messy bun, exposing her gorgeous back only covered by the skinny strap of her deep cut blouse. Her round cheeks were flushed to the colour of saree, this time due to heat from the stove and she was biting her lips and occasionally muttering something which sounded like "Laad Governor", "Shameless", "Crazy", "Bet", "Khushi Kumari Gupta"  being mostly used words.

Arnav smirks and decides to tease her a little. He walks slowly to the still oblivious Khushi and wraps his arms around her waist and puts his face on her shoulder.

Khushi squeaks and turns to her side to see Arnav's face on her shoulder and his arms wrapped around her waist. She blushes deep and stammers: Yo-ou?

Arnav smirks: Why? Were you expecting someone else?

Khushi (flustered): No-oo... (Suddenly realizes their closeness in kitchen and starts squirming) What are you doing, Arnavji? Let me go or someone will see us...

Arnav tightens his hold and turns Khushi so that she faces him but does not let her go: So?

Khushi (panicking and squerming): What do you mean so? What if Naniji sees us, or may be Mamiji, or Di, or...

Arnav (amused at her panic, but with a calm expression): So what? Let them see. We are getting married in three days. So who cares if the entire world sees us?

Khushi (scowls): You are shameless.

Arnav (agrees): Yes, I am. Now you will finish the bet and kiss me.

Khushi (wide eyes): What? (Then composes herself) What bet?

Arnav raises his brow: Shall I remind you again? (He leans forward)

Khushi raises her palm and puts it on his mouth to stop him: No-oo, no need. I remember now. Yeah, okay. I will finish it later.

Arnav removes her palm: When?

Khushi stammers: On our wedding night.

Arnav impatient: No. I need it now.

Khushi (scowls): No. Tomorrow.

Arnav smirks: Fine.

Khushi (surprised): How come you agreed so soon?

Arnav smiled his wicked grin: Because I wanted you to confirm the day yourself and you did.

Khushi (open mouth): You tricked me?

Arnav leans forward and whispers to her: Did not you hear?

Khushi wide eyed whispers back: What?

Arnav comes closer and whispers: Everything is fair in love and war, darling. I will wait for my kiss.

He kisses her bright red cheek and winks at her before leaving the kitchen.

Khushi stands there open mouth, still holding the spatula in her hand...

Then she smiles and shakes her head: Laad Governor...

Arnav's Bedroom,  Shaantivan:

Arnav picks up his phone and texts Khushi: I will be waiting for you to complete the bet...

He was about to put down the cell when the cell rings. He picks up the phone and it's his bodyguard.

Bodyguard: Sir, we have found a clue.

Arnav's eyes harden, "You wait right there. I'm on my way.

Arnav runs down the stairs and on his way out bumps into Khushi.

Khushi: Ooomph...

Then she sees him and blushes: Dinner will be ready soon...

Arnav (distractedly): You have your dinner, Khushi. I will be back soon... Tell HP to keep a plate for me in the microwave. No need to wait for me, I will be late.

He runs out the door.

Khushi runs after him calling his name: Arnavji, Arnavji...

But she can't stop him.

Khushi gets worried: What is going on with Arnavji? I need to talk to him when he comes back.