"Because I love you damn it" Arnav roared

Because I love you damn it!

Because I love you damn it!

The words echoed across the basement as Khushi froze.

Her heart picked up its pace at an unusual speed and she feared, this time she would definitely get a heart attack.

Did this man, who never left a chance in letting her know how much he hated her, confessed he is in love with her?

No. There must be some mistake!

She is definitely hearing things.

She shook her head to dispel the unwanted thoughts and turned around to record the details of her fabrics.

Arnav Singh Raizada stared at her in disbelief. 

He couldn't believe that she simply ignored his confession as though it meant nothing.

He had never said those words to a woman before.

Because he has never felt that before.

First time in his life, he fell in love and the woman didn't even want to listen.

What an irony!

"Damn it, Khushi. I said I love you and you are ignoring it?" Arnav bit out through clenched teeth.

Khushi's eyes widened realising that what she heard was indeed right.

That man did confess his love. 

"The same love you felt for Lavanya ji a month ago?" Khushi asked mockingly 

"Khushi.."

"I could live without that kind of love, Mr Raizada" Khushi said

Arnav held her arms and turned her around to face him.

"I have never said those words to anyone before, Khushi. Because I have never felt that way before" Arnav said

"Does Lavanya ji know that?" Khushi asked

"Stop dragging Lavanya into everything. This is about US Khushi. You and me" Arnav bit out.

Khushi let out a humorless chuckle

"That just shows what a heartless man you are. You broke up with your fiance not two weeks before and you are confessing your love to another woman. And you say your ex fiance has got nothing to do with this? I beg to differ, Mr Raizada" Khushi said

Arnav sucked in a sharp breath.

"Khushii…"

"Let me talk, Mr Raizada. Have you, for once imagined, how Lavanya ji would feel when she comes to know that you proposed to me in marriage? Or that you confessed your so-called love to me? That too mere days after your break up with her?" Khushi asked

Arnav remained silent, which gave her the answer.

"No. You didn't even think about it, did you? Do you know why? Because you are a selfish man, Mr Raizada. The only thing that matters to you, is you and your family. How your words and actions cause pain to others, doesn't bother you in any way" Khushi said

Arnav didn't defend himself, because he knows that whatever she is saying is right. 

"For over six months, ever since I accidentally crashed your fashion show, you made my life a hell, Mr Raizada. I have had nightmares after many things you did. And on diwali night, you almost broke me. And now you dare to come and say that you are in love with me? Do you take me for a fool?" Khushi asked furiously 

"You are right, Khushi. I made your life a hell. Do you know why? Because, ever since our first meeting, you had placed yourself in my head and refused to move out. I couldn't handle the feelings you evoked in me. So I retaliated." Arnav said

"That's your problem, Mr Raizada, if you couldn't handle your feelings. That is no excuse to make my life a living hell" Khushi bit out.

"I apologise, Khushi. For every wrong deed I did to you. Can we have a fresh start?" Arnav said, almost pleading, because he could see her slipping through his fingers.

"Did you apologise to Lavanya ji?" Khushi asked 

"No" Arnav said with a sigh

"I know you wouldn't have. She was what? Collateral damage? You used her to keep me away, didn't you? Now that you started accepting your own feelings, you didn't need her anymore and you chucked her out of your life without remorse" Khushi said in disgust.

"Enough Khushi. I know what I did was wrong. But it was you who forced that engagement and marriage on us, remember? What Lavanya and I had was very clear to us from the beginning. Neither of us wanted anything serious. It was you who planted the idea of marriage into her head. What excuse do you have for forcing your beliefs on others? You have been trying to do that to me from our meeting at the dargah." Arnav bit out.

"I admit, I shouldn't have done that. It was not my place to teach you the values of marriage. I will never repeat that mistake again" Khushi said

"Khushi, all these problems occurred because I tried to run away from my feelings. And now you are repeating the same. I know you feel something for me, Khushi. If not, that diwali night wouldn't have happened. So don't bother to lie to me on that. I will be patient and wait for you to accept our feelings. And just keep in mind, Arnav Singh Raizada never gives up. You will be mine Khushi, no matter how long it takes" Arnav said and Khushi felt her hair rising listening to that promise.

Arnav turned on his heels and walked away, leaving Khushi to her thoughts. 

*****

"Jiji? Why are you on a cleaning frenzy?" Garima asked her sister in law in wonder.

The older woman received a phone call in the morning, and ever since, she had been cleaning that additional room they have in their house.

"Didn't I mention about the paying guest we got? He is coming back after work today. He called in the morning asking what he should bring back for me. Silly boy" Buaji said with a loud laugh.

"Oh. That lawyer boy?" Garima asked

"Yes. Shyam babua. He is such a nice boy. He was the one who arranged for sanka devi's job when they were new in Delhi. It is another matter that the job turned out hellish for her. But the poor boy only intended to help" Buaji said

Garima nodded, though not very sure about the 'nice boy'. She will reserve her opinion until she meets him in person. 

"Bua ji" both the ladies looked towards the door when they heard the happy greeting.

There stood a man, probably in his early thirties, with a huge smile on his face.