NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE (Completed)
41 Approach
Part 41 Approach
Lalith was seething with anger. How could he ask him to drop the proposal? How dare he break their partnership? He could not tolerate it. He couldn't imagine failing; he didn't want to accept Arvind's decision. He was very clear about that.
On the other side, the students went for a short break. Arnav approached Khushi and sat beside her. Khushi smiled at him faintly.
"What happened? Why did you become emotional all of a sudden?" she asked.
She shook her head, indicating that she was okay.
"Do you think I don't notice you? You've been acting strange since you learned about the fees issue. Khushi, there's nothing emotional about it. I can cover the costs; it's not a big deal."
"Is that all?" she asked, swallowing her words.
Arnav looked away.
"You love me, right?"
Arnav blinked in surprise.
"Honestly, your circle of friends wouldn't even enter my house."
"Who cares?"
"Don't interrupt me," she chided gently.
Arnav bit his lip.
"Why me?"
"I want someone for myself—wholly. That's why. I have no one else and want my life to be peaceful. I want my partner to love me for who I am. That's why I want you, Khushi. Your house may not meet the expectations of my friends, but they don't understand that a palace means nothing without people to share it with. Do you think Burger and I need that house? It's all an illusion, Khushi. Our happiness comes not from material things but from the people we cherish. I may not fully understand your circumstances, and you can't understand mine, either, because you have parents who want your happiness even in difficult times. I, too, want to live a fulfilling life. That's why I want you."
Khushi placed her hand over his, which overwhelmed him. He tried to read her eyes, but she sat up straight, keeping her expression unreadable.
Arnav returned to his place in silence.
"What happened, ASR? Khushi looks emotional," Aman asked.
Arnav shot him an angry look.
"What do you mean?"
"She is emotional because of my love. What would she think if I accepted Lavanya's proposal to stop Lalith?"
"It's just a pretext, ASR..."
"But what about Khushi? Could I put her under pressure? How could I break her trust?"
"I just had an idea..."
"Go to hell with your idea."
"I'm sorry, ASR. I didn't mean to think that way, but I figured you wouldn't have accepted the suggestion. So why are you angry?"
"Don't even think of such damn ideas. Do you understand?"
Aman nodded.
Lunch Break
After having lunch, Khushi saw Arnav walking toward the BBA wing, so she went out with Preeto. There, she noticed Lavanya sitting with Payal. Lavanya smiled at Khushi, who returned the gesture. Lavanya approached her and extended her hand.
"Congratulations on your new state meet record."
"Thank you," Khushi replied with a smile.
"All the best for the national meet."
"Thanks!" Khushi left the place.
Lavanya stopped seeing Arnav advancing.
"Hi, Arnav..."
"Lavanya, I need to talk to you."
"Go ahead, Arnav."
"Khushi set a new state record."
"Of course, I know. I congratulated her as well."
"That's nice, but do you know there's a big conspiracy against her?"
"What do you mean?"
"Someone spiked her drink to make her collapse."
"Why would anyone do that, Arnav?"
"Yes, someone wants her banned for life."
"But why? Who would want her to fail? What do they gain if she loses?" Lavanya said, realising that people might think she would hate Khushi and stop helping her, leading her to distance herself if Khushi was proven wrong.
Lavanya was horrified. She suspected it was Sheetal, who had always wanted Arnav to keep his distance from Khushi. Sheetal openly despised people from lower social classes and was envious of Khushi.
"What do you want me to do about this, Arnav?" Lavanya asked.
"Please talk to your father and clarify that we are just friends."
Lavanya frowned. "Why do you want me to talk to my dad? What does he have to do with this?"
Arnav looked at her but didn't answer.
"Arnav, your silence is frightening. Please tell me that my father isn't behind Khushi's drink issues," she pleaded.
Arnav nodded sadly. "I can't say for sure, Lavanya, but your father tampered with her drink. I stopped her from consuming it; she would have succumbed had I delayed for even a second."
Lavanya hugged her books tightly, feeling uneasy. "What would have happened if you hadn't stopped her? She could have faced humiliation and lost her respect and career... possibly her life..."
Lavanya swallowed hard. "I'm sorry, Arnav. I can't believe my father would stoop so low."
"You know why he did it. He is determined to get you married to me and thinks it won't happen as long as Khushi is around."
"I'll talk to him."
"Do you think he will listen?"
"I'll manage it. Still, be cautious. I'm unsure how much I can change his mind, but I will try my best."
"Thank you, Lavanya..."
"I'm so sorry for my father's disgraceful actions, Arnav. I feel ashamed of him."
"It's unfortunate to have parents."
That was when Lavanya's phone rang. She glanced at the caller and looked at Arnav, showing him the screen. He felt embarrassed; the caller had embarrassed him multiple times before. It was Radha calling. Arnav was unsure why she was reaching out to Lavanya and hesitated to move away from the spot. Although he had never intended to listen to her, curiosity got the better of him because he found it hard to believe what she might say.
Lavanya understood the situation well. She answered the call, turning on the speaker, which left Arnav stunned.
"Hello, Aunty..."
"Lavanya, please call me when you are free. I need to talk to you."
"I'm free now, Aunty. It's our lunch break. Please tell me."
"Don't take me wrong for bringing this up. I don't know what you think, but I must speak."
"Go ahead, Aunty."
"Lavanya, a wedding is a mutual relationship. It shouldn't be built on suppressing one's feelings."
"Why are you telling me this, Aunty?"
"Your father and Arvindji wanted to get you and Arnav married. I'm not sure if your father discussed this with you and received your consent before making plans, but Arvindji didn't talk to Arnav, beta. From the start, Arnav was not happy with this proposal because you are his friend. He had no other thoughts in mind. You need to understand this. My words may hurt, but we have no choice. You should accept the truth that Arnav beta has no feelings for you."
"I know, Aunty. Arnav doesn't love me; he loves Khushi."
"Do you truly know that?"
"I do, Aunty. Do you?"
"Not only me but also Arvindji knows this. That's why I called you."
"Does Arvind uncle know you're calling me?"
"Yes, I told him."
"Did he agree with it?"
"I convinced him..."
"Oh..."
"He spoke to your father too."
"Then you don't need to call me 'Aunty'..."
"I don't think your father will accept his decision. That's why I called you; you are an understanding girl, unlike your father. Even after knowing about Arnav's interest in Khushi, he continues to push forward with unwanted plans, beta. This will only upset and anger Arnav. Your father doesn't realize that he can't gain anything by forcing him. Arnav is already furious with him for spiking Khushi's drink. If he takes any further action, he will have to face Arnav's wrath. I just wanted to convey that to you."
"I understand, Aunty. Thank you for calling me."
"It's my duty. Bye."
Radha disconnected the call.
Lavanya looked at Arnav, who was still in disbelief.
"This is who Radha aunty is. You don't trust her."
Arnav remained silent, unsure of what to say.
"She is a good woman, Arnav. Please don't hate her." Lavanya walked away.
Arnav regretted having thought poorly of her. His mood shifted quickly when he saw Sheetal approaching.
To be continued...
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