Scars ~ Part 31

“You should just leave Khushi! Arnav could never love someone like you any way, you’re not his type.”

 

Khushi’s eyes snapped up to meet Sheetal’s. She could feel anger starting to boil within her.

 

“What the hell do you know about my relationship with my husband? You know nothing about us. So how about you just be a good friend to him and stay out of our business.”

“Aw has someone got a little bit brave now? Khushi, you forget, if I could make your life hell when you were 14, I can still make your life hell.”

“I’m not that weak little kid any more.”

“I know, you suddenly think you can speak back to me, don’t forget, I’m still 50 times the person you’ll ever be.”

“You can’t bully me any more.”

“Honey, I don’t need to do anything. I just need to tell your husband about how you’re scum and watch how he’ll drop you.”

 

With that, Sheetal pushed past Khushi. Khushi watched her walk away, her words ringing in her ears. Surely she wouldn’t say anything to Arnav? But even if she did, what did it matter? Arnav knew about Khushi’s past and about all the crap that bullies had put her through and he cared for her. Surely even if Sheetal said anything, Arnav would have Khushi’s back. Khushi’s mind was put at ease and she thought of her relationship with Arnav. Maybe before, if Sheetal said anything, he may have been different. But now, they’re relationship was strong enough to deal with anything.

Khushi put all the thoughts aside and began to gather her things so that she could leave for college.

 

*****

 

Khushi arrived to college and to her delight was greeted by Lavanya and Raj. Lavanya rushed forward and hugged Khushi and Raj hung back simply smiling.

 

“Finally! You’re back! I was going mad with just him.”

“Why? Where are Amrita and Tom?”

“Ohhhh of course we need to fill you in about all of that stuff.”

 

Lavanya linked arms with Khushi and they began making their way towards the canteen. Raj shook his head and laughed and followed the girls.

 

“So basically, Amrita broke up with Tom.”

“What? Why?”

“He was flirting with some other girl and she saw and he denied it and she got mad and said she was done with him.”

“Oh wow.”

 

Khushi, La and Raj pulled out chairs and sat down at a table in the canteen.

 

“So yeah. They’re both in their own worlds now and it’s just been me and Raj the whole time. But that’s minor. How was your honeymoon!”

 

Khushi blushed and looked away shyly. Lavanya looked to Raj and raised an eyebrow. Raj nodded and got to his feet.

 

“I’ll see you at AR tomorrow Khushi! I’ve got to go and do some work now.”

“Bye Raj.”

 

Raj left and Lavanya got Khushi’s attention back again.

 

“So he’s gone now. Tell me everything!”

“What do you want to know?”

“EVERYTHING!”

“You’re going to have to specify.”

“What did you guys do?”

“We went and saw all the different sites in Paris, we went shopping, we went to all these different restaurants. La, it was the best time I’ve ever had!”

“Was he good to you?”

“He was amazing La, he treated me like a princess and he took care of my every little need.”

“So are you guys all good now?”

“Better than we’ve ever been!”

“Did you guys…”

“Did we what?”

“Did you guys, you know, do it?”

 

Khushi knew she should feel shy, but this was La, her best friend, the first person in years who made her feel like she was wanted.

Khushi looked down and nodded. Lavanya squealed out in delight and hugged Khushi.

 

“How was it! Did it feel good?”

“Laaa! That’s personal!”

“Tell me na! I’ll tell you when I get married! You tell me now.”

“It was amazing.”

 

Lavanya wanted to pry further but it was evident that Khushi wasn’t going to spill the truths about the honeymoon any more than she already had done so. They made small talk about things that had happened around college and then realised it was time to head off to their lesson.

 

*****

 

Throughout their lesson, La could tell that Khushi was highly preoccupied and so decided to address it at the end of the session.

 

“Khush, what’s up?”

“Nothing, why do you ask?”

“Khushi I know something’s up. You were so super quiet in lesson and you weren’t even taking down notes or anything. Come on tell me what’s on your mind.”

 

Khushi began to tell Lavanya about Sheetal. She told her about her past and everything that had happened before and what Sheetal had said to her today.

 

“Tell Jiju! Khushi this bi*ch sounds dangerous and she’s messed with you before. Jiju loves you and everything but you need to make sure that she doesn’t cause any hiccups for you guys.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes! You need to tell him she’s trying to blackmail you.”

“Alright, I’ll tell him tonight.”

“Make sure you do Khushi, do it before she has the chance to make up some rubbish.”

 

*****

 

“Arnie!”

“Sheetal? What are you doing here?”

“I thought I’d come and see you at work.”

“You didn’t have to, I was going to come home in a bit.”

“I know, but I thought I’d stop by and just speak to you because at home everyone’s around and I can’t get you alone.”

 

Arnav laughed and turned back to his laptop and Sheetal took a seat opposite him.

 

“So tell me Arnav, how come I didn’t hear about your marriage until a couple of weeks ago?”

“Long story!”

“I have time.”

“Lets just say I was an idiot to start with and didn’t get round to making it official.”

“I can understand why.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, it’s obvious what must have been going through your head when you got married, it doesn’t take a genius to figure that you didn’t want to marry her.”

“Damn is it that obvious?”

“Yes. Arnie, so what’s the plan?”

“What plan?”

“To make her want to break off the marriage with you?”

“What?”

“Oh Arnav. It’s evident. Di and Nani must have forced you to marry her and now you’re stuck in a relationship you don’t want. But at the same time you don’t want to say anything and end it yourself because you’re worried about the effects it will have on your relationship with your sister. I get it Arnie! But don’t worry I’m here now and I’ll help you.”

 

Arnav looked at Sheetal his eyes wide with shock. Admittedly that is how he had felt at one point, but how did she know all this?

 

“Sheetal? How do you know I’d feel this way about my relationship with Khushi?”

 

Sheetal leaned across the table and placed a hand on Arnav’s arm.

 

“I know you Arnav.”

 

He pulled his arm away from her and stood up.

 

“Look everything you have said is correct, but this is how I felt before, I don’t feel like that any more.”

 

Sheetal too got to her feet and made her way round to Arnav and put her hands on his shoulders.

 

“Arnie, it’s okay. I understand how you feel, you don’t have to lie to me I won’t judge you.”

“Listen, La I know you mean well, and I know what you’re saying, but I’m being serious, I love Khushi now and I want to spend the rest of my life with her now.”

 

This stumped Sheetal. She was so sure Khushi was just saying that she and Arnav had a good relationship to get at her. But here it seemed Arnav really did want Khushi.

 

“So you are happy then Arnie?”

“I’ve never been happier.”

 

And with this Arnav went back to his work. Sheetal got up from her chair slowly, her mind working overtime.

 

“There is no way in hell I’m going to allow Khushi to be happy with Arnav.”