- Chapter 5 -

 

Khushi was too angry at her friend to notice the awestruck gazes of her classmates, looking her up and down. And when she finally did, it only worked to anger her all the more. "What?!" She spat at them. They immediately turned their eyes away from her, embarrassed at being caught. Could this day possibly get any worse??! She, personally, didn't think it was possible. She marched into her biology class, dumping her books on the desk before she poutingly sat down herself.

 

Lavanya walked into class miliseconds later, giving her an apologetic look - to which Khushi turned away. Lavanya was so manipulating. She really did hate her sometimes. And the worst of it was that because of her so called 'emergency', Khushi had rushed out of her house, looking worse than crap at 7 in the morning. I really don't know why I care so much. She thought. Her friends were right. She was really a worrywart. And it was her constant tendency to care and worry for her friends that had lead to this day. She was certain of it.

 

 

It was at that very moment that a certain person she hated beyond limits decided to walk in. Needless to say, it was Arnav. Khushi slid farther into her seat, her cheeks turning red. Was she blushing? No no no! Khushi!!! You can't do that!

 

She thought, shuddering at what she had done and quickly rising to her original position. She could feel his eyes roaming over her. She glared. This was absolutely the last thing she needed today. For the maha jerk to make fun of her. She had expected him to make a joke. She had expected him to laugh. To tease her. To do anything but what he did.

Instead of taking his seat like he would have normally done, he walked over to Lavanya. Khushi frowned. Arnav and Lavanya? Together? What could they be talking about? Probably laughing at me. Khushi thought, feeling ten times more depressed than she had a moment ago. This was just perfect. Her best friend making fun of her behind her back... and that too with the jerk. But their talk lasted only moments. Then, Arnav turned towards the teacher, and spoke to her.

What was going ON in this classroom? Wondered Khushi. The young girl bit her lip with curiousity. And then, Arnav turned to Khushi, walking towards her with measured steps. Khushi gulped. She could already feel her heartbeats going ecstatic. What's wrong with me?! She murmured, pinching her thigh underneath the desk to get her thoughts back on track. Her eyes remained fixed onto him, staring him down.

"Come on." He said at last, offering her his hand. Khushi looked at him. Was he crazy? "Forget it. I'm not going anywhere with you." She declared with venom in her voice. He sighed. "Look Khushi. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Your pick." Khushi folded her arms against her chest, shaking her head. "Neither. I'm not going with you and that's final." Arnav's eyes turned hard. He pursed his lips, gripping her arm in his hand and pulling her up to her feet. "What the - excuse me! You can't just do that!" She shouted as he pulled her towards the door of the classroom. "This is abuse! It's harrassement! Wait till this gets to the principal! I swear, chodungi nahi tumhe! Let. Me. GOOOO!" She whined, slapping at his hand. "Chodo mujhe! Ek khubsorat ladki kya mil gayyi, you think you can do anything you want with me? I'm Khushi Kumari Gupta! You can't take advantage of me like this - ...Look! I - I know kung fu ok?! Lagti nahi hongi par main buhot strong hoon! I'm a brown belt! I can-"

The moment they had reached the empty hall outside, Arnav had pinned her to the wall and placed his hand over her mouth. He was angry. He was furious. Khushi could feel his hard breathing on her skin. She shuddered, as the goosebumps rose up her spine. "Shut. Up. Khushi. Kumari. Gupta." He murmured, each syllable slow and pronounced.

It was the first time Khushi had noticed his eyes. Not black. But not brown either. Somewhere in between.... They were mesmerizing. She felt herself drowning within them...losing her senses.... And momentarily, forgetting her hatred for him. Was he really that bad? He didn't seem to be.... His eyes eyes were telling an altogether different story. Wait. What?! Khushi shook her head, clenching her eyes shut. She couldn't look into his eyes. She couldn't lose herself. She had to remember. Remember what? She had forgotten.... Oh yes... of course... that she hated him. He was the enemy. She hated him. He hated her. And that is how it would stay forever. Perfect.

"First of all..." he whispered. She forced herself not to shudder at the huskiness in his voice. So manly..... Focus... focus Khushi. She admonished herself. "I highly doubt you know kung fu. And secondly...." He whispered, moving in even closer to her. "Even if I did want to take advantage of you wouldn't dare stop me. Because you would want me to do it."

Khushi's eyes fluttered open, shocked. "Wha- no! Of-Of course not! I...I hate you Arnav Singh Raizada." She declared, confidently. She wasn't lying. She definately wasn't lying. At least...she tried to convince herself of this.

He lingered a moment longer, breathing in her enticing scent before retreating. He closed his eyes. "We need to fix you up." He said, after a moment's pause. Khushi looked at him, bewildered. "What do you mean?"

He laughed. It sounded forced. But whatever. Why should she care? "Have you looked at yourself in the mirror?! Joker lag rahi ho! Poori class tumhaari mazaak uda rahi hai!"

She placed her hands on her hips, angrily. "Yeah, well, what's it to you?! Mera mazaak jo udaana chahe uda sakta hai. Khushi Kumari Gupta doesn't give a damn." He rolled his eyes. God. When would this creature at least START acting like a girl?

"I care, ok? So don't question me and turn around. We gotta straighten up that mess of hair that you got."

Khushi frowned. He cared? What the? When had that happened? He was the most uncaring soul she had ever met in her life! "You care...?" She asked, unbelievingly. The words seemed odd, considering that they were coming from THE Arnav Singh Raizada.

"I mean, you're my sister's friend. And I can't have my sister's friend looking like this and making a fool of herself in front of everybody." He quickly corrected. Hmm... aaj kal ye kitna ajeeb behave kar raha hai na? Thought Khushi to herself, although she didn't voice it. He pulled out a pink hairbrush from the pocket of his jeans. So that's what he had gone to get from Lavanya. Thought Khushi. But... there was something wrong here...And Khushi just couldn't resist asking him the question on the tip of her tongue. "Why didn't you just get Lavanya to come and help me?" She asked. Arnav didn't reply. He pulled her hair back gently with the brush. Unfortunately, the tangles in her hair didn't seem to appreciate his gentleness. "Ss! Ouch...!" Khushi yelped as her hand flew to her hair.

"Sorry, sorry!" Arnav declared, lightening his hold on her hair. Sorry?! He just said sorry?And that too, twice?! Khushi thought she might faint. How many surprises was she going to get in one day?? Something was definately wrong with the world today. "Turn around." Came Arnav's sharp voice. Obviously he had realized his folly by apologizing and was now trying to correct it by trying to seem angry. She turned. "Tumne abhi tak mere sawaal ka jawab nahi diya?" she asked.

"Look. Maybe this was a mistake." Declared Arnav, pulling away from her. "I came to help you. I didn't think about logic at the time, alright? So sorry. Here. " He said, handing her the box of makeup (again, Lavanya's). "Put some on and then come in. I have a class to attend."

He moved back, and walked stiffly away from her. She wanted to tell him that she hadn't meant it like that. She wanted to apologize to him. He had just been trying to help.... And here, she was going on questioning him.

- Chapter 4 -

 

Khushi was a monkey on a mission. Er... she looked like it anyway. Her determined, calculative eyes, pensive thoughts and not to mention her out of the ordinary appearance that morning simply added onto her 'monkeyish' aura.

 

She looked like crap. It was a fact that she had (disheartedly) come to accept. On any normal occasion, she might have jumped in a well, seeing herself in her full glory of shabbiness. But on this particular day, she had more important business to take care of.

 

That business being, of course, finding her friend, Lavanya who, at the present state, seemed to be slightly...demanding.

It had been less than 10 minutes since she had rushed out her front door and thanks to Lavanya's constant persistance, she now stood panting, in front of the school building.

Her phone vibrated for the umpteenth time. Another text. She didn't have to check it to know that it was from Lavanya. Taking a deep breath, she kicked open the front door of her school, feeling positive, motivated and prepped up. That feeling lasted all of two seconds - until she noted the 100 plus pairs of eyes in the hall staring her up and down. The embarrassement of the situation spiraled down on her. She was standing in front of close to a quarter of the school population, dressed in her sleep shirt and a pair of shorts. Oh and with a jungle for hair. Could this get any worse? She closed her eyes tightly. This is just a nightmare, Khush. It'll pass. It. Will. Pass.

 

She definately had to find Lavanya. Lav, this better be super important. She murmured before taking a deep breath and shoving past the crowds of bystanders.

She rushed towards the girl's gym on the third floor, not even waiting to catch her breath. She knew of her friend's temper. And according to her, Khushi was already late. Her lungs felt as if they were on fire. She slid to a stop in front of the gym's open door, feeling like she might collapse if she walked another step. But Lavanya's insisting text messages were forcing her to move. As quick as she could, she walked in, eyes scanning for her best friend -  who was (surprisingly) nowhere in sight.

She had said the girl's gym, hadn't she? She picked up her cell phone, double checking. Yes. She had. Then where was she?! Lavanya ki bachhi.... Khushi muttered clenching her teeth. Mujhe jaldi aane ke liye kaha aur maharani khud aayi nahi abhi tak....

It suddenly occured to Khushi that perhaps Lavanya had been talking about coming to the smaller gym on the second floor. The space was too tiny to play any sports, which is the main reason why it hadn't been used in over a year. Quiet and lonely, it would be the perfect place to talk. Khushi turned, preparing to make her way down to the other gym.

She would have made a lot more progress if she hadn't chanced upon an old 'friend'. Sheena. She took in Khushi's not-so-elegant appearance and an immediate smirk formed on her over-glossed lips. Khushi gritted her teeth, preparing for a fierce battle. Let me back up a second here. Sheena and Khushi were practically mortal enemies. Sheena displayed her hate for Khushi very openly and Khushi was no different. Everyone knew that Sheena was super jealous of Khushi's success. And why not? Khushi was intelligent, witty, funny and mischevous all at once. Skills that Sheena didn't exactly seem to posess.

And now, as Sheena took in Khushi's shabby attire, she knew she had hit the jackpot.  After all, Khushi's humiliation just about made her day!

Khushi folded her hands, sighing. "Start." She declared. "Get your shit over with so I can walk away and pretend you didn't just stick your face in front of mine."

Sheena smirked. "Aww, poor, poor Khushi.... Had a rough morning huh? Heyy! Did'ya by any chance stick your head in a ditch last night? Oh! no no! Don't get me wrong! The whole, afro look really suits you!" She chuckled, high fiving her little posé.

Khushi gave a big smile. "Oh Em Gee! How did you figure out my secret?! But you know, you're ten steps ahead of me when it comes to style! See, you don't even have to stick your head in a ditch to look like shit! It's your most natural look! And hey! Fancy seeing you in a gym! Aren't you scared you might break a nail...? Ouch...."

She blinked innocently before pushing past them and continuing on her search. Lavanya... Kahan ho tum? She whispered, urgently. Her head was bent as she walked out of the gym and raced down the two flight of stairs to the second floor. She couldn't believe she was roaming the halls of her school in her night clothes. Lavanya sooo owes me for this... She thought, gritting her teeth.

The trip to the second gym seemed to take an eternity. She could feel her cheeks burning with heat everytime someone gave her the look. She wanted to run up to each of them and say, "I'm not the crazy chic that you think I am! I'm sane! I promise!" Her patience level was truly being tested.

She had never been as relieved to reach her destination as she was on that day. She walked into the room, looking for her friend, who sure enough, was pacing angrily back and forth. "Ha! Khushi! Thank god tu aa gayyi ... Wait. What the HELL were you thinking about when you got dressed this morning?! Like...EWWW! Kay Kay! I'm not impressed!"

Khushi was fuming. "What do YOU think I was thinking about Lav?! When my best friend sends me an urgent text to meet her at the gym, there's not much else I can be thinking about! I thought something might have happened to you! I thought you might have gotten hurt or something and that's why you called me! But you - ... ugh! Just forget it! What's wrong?"

Lavanya gave her a sheepish smile. "Hehe...uh, sorry about that! I didn't mean to make you worry.... Anyways. The thing is, you know how our school is having it's 75th anniversary this year?"

Khushi nodded. How could she NOT know? Lavanya had been talking about it non stop, not to mention the hundreds of flyers tacked all over the walls of the school "Well, I'm in charge of all the performances. The thing is, woh, humaari jo show stopper hai na, she can't make it the day of the presentation. She's going out of town."

Khushi raised her eyebrows, suddenly afraid of where this conversation was headed. "So..." Lavanya added, biting her lip. "So?" Khushi asked. "So I was wondering if you could take her place."

Khushi wasn't surprised. She had expected this. She shook her head the moment Lavanya had finished. "no no no no no. No ways. Not happening babe. I can come to school dressed like a nut case for you, but there ain't no way in HELL that I'm gonna perform in front of the entire school. Get it?"

Lavanya's face turned white. She looked like she was about to cry. "But...you're the last hope I have!" She whined. Khushi closed her eyes, refusing to look at her friend. She knew she would give in if she did that. "NO Lavanya. I am NOT going to go in front of everybody and embarras myself. You KNOW that I could never dance even if my life depended on it!" Lavanya shook her head. "You don't have to worry about that! I know the best dance teacher. You'll be a pro in no time. Just...please! Don't say no! Please please please!" She begged. Khushi flailed her hands in the air, exhasperated. "Why can't YOU perform Lavanya?! You're in charge of the entire thing after all!"
"And that's exactly why I can't perform!" She whined, tears slowly forming in her eyes. "I'm not allowed! I already asked the teacher! She said it was part of my duty to find replacements if people couldn't make it!"

And eventually, it was Khushi who was forced to give in. Oh! Don't get me wrong! Khushi had tried her level best to look away from her friend's pleading eyes. But long story short, she could never refuse her manipulative friend. "FINE!" She exclaimed, angrily. "I'll do it. But you REALLY owe me for this Lav! I swear! Jaane nahi doongi iske baad tujhe!" She threatened, turning away from her friend.

Lavanya giggled. "Thanks K! I knew I could count on you!" Khushi gave her the death glare before pacing angrily out the door. What had she gotten herself into?

 

- Chapter 3 -

 

 

Khushi awoke to vigorous shaking. Earthquake. Was the first thought that hit her mind. But she liked to keep her options open. In the two minutes of shaking that she had endured, she had considered all the possibilities:

1) The sky was falling

2) The world was ending! (OMG! No more school! Whoopieee!!!)

3) Tsunami (She had been trying to convince her family to move cities... but NOOOO.... A tsunami would show them all... :P)

4) She had somehow swirled her way into a hurricane *shudder*

 

But, as usual, her overactive imagination was left with nothing...but disappointment. Curiously, she had opened one eye, prepared to fight any disaster. She hadn't realized she had been holding her breath until she let it out after seeing her sister giving her the death glare.

 

Payal, Khushi's sister, was a traditional sort of girl, two years older than her. Khushi loved her. Although, of course, she DID have her annoying times.... And those times would be each morning.

She knew what was coming next. It had been happening for the last 6 years  after all. But Khushi was Khushi. She didn't care.

 

Yawning, Khushi shoved her sister's hand aside and flipped over on her stomach.

 

"Kya hua jiji...? Why are you bothering innocent people so early in the morning??"

Even when she wasn't seeing her sister face to face, Khushi knew that Payal would be fuming right now. She loved irritating her sister. She surpressed a giggle.

 

"Khushi, do you honestly expect me to go over this with you every morning?! When are you going to grow UP?! What will your future husband think of you? What will your future in laws think of you Khushi?! Please! Be serious! I'm tired of waking you up every morning.... Why can't you set your own alarm and get ready on your own??!" She sighed, pulling the blanket off of Khushi.

 

Khushi groaned, sitting upright on her bed. "Dear god jiji! Why oh WHY are you such a mom?! Just chill ok!  Paanch minute school late jaaungi tho koi pahad thodi na toot padega?! And my future husband will be very understanding jiji. He'll let me sleep in. And dare my in laws say anything... they'll be having it from me." She said, rolling up her sleeves. "I ain't gonna let anyone boss me around. Not my husband and DEFINATELY not my inlaws! Get it jiji?"

She winked, giving her sister a tight hug before jumping off the bed.

Payal shook her head, groaning an exhasperated Oh god, aapne iss ladki ko dimaag KYUN nahi diya...?
before marching out. 

Khushi, on the other hand was literally drooping with sleep. She had barely gotten 3 hours of it last night. Her head was so sore and when she looked at herself in the mirror, she almost couldn't recognize herself. Her eyes were burning red and her face was pale. Her hair looked less like hair and more like a jungle.

But she had grown accustomed to looking much worse. After stretching out her arms above her head and letting out another yawn she bent towards the sink, splashing her face with cold water.

All signs of sleep vanished immediately. What an amazing way to wake up... She thought, with a slight pout on her face. Dumping ice cold water on your face at 7 in the morning.... wow.

Seriously. Mornings were and would always be the worst. She reached for her toothbrush (red - her favourite colour), squeezed a load of paste onto it and brought it to her teeth. She propped herself up on the sink, picked up her phone and absently reefed through her texts as she brushed.

Anji... Lav... her sister... another one from Anji.... Nothing new, but they still brought back memories. Khushi smirked, thinking about Anjali. She was so crazy. So pagal. Completely her twin. And completely opposite to her obnoxious brother. Khushi's smile faded. Truth was, she didn't even know why she hated Arnav so much... he was just so... argh... frustrating.

She was about to shove her phone back into the pocket of her shorts when she felt three short vibrations. A message? Holding it up, she selected her inbox. And sure enough, there was one knew text. From who else, other than Lavanya.

She slowly scanned through the message, eyes becoming as wide as saucers with the progression. It said:

 "No time to talk. Emergency. Get your butt over to the girl's gym. RIGHT NOW!"

What the hell? She thought, rereading the message. Was Lavanya dramatic? Sure. But serious? Rarely. And it was the seriousness in Lavanya's message that was scaring Khushi. Something was surely up. Unless the situation was desperate, she knew her friend would never send her a text like that. She knew Khushi's tendency to worry. But her thoughts were interrupted by loud banging on the door. "Khushi Kumari Gupta!" Yelled her sister's voice. "If you don't get your pretty little butt out here in the next 3 seconds, I swear, you aren't going to HAVE a butt." Woah. That was a bit extreme. Who knew that her quiet sister had the voice of a lion within her?!  And why is everyone after my innocent butt?!! Wondered Khushi as she shook her head, still worried about Lavanya's text.

That wasn't like her at all. Ignoring her appearance, she typed up a quick reply:

I'm on my way La. I'll see u in 5

Payal stood  there, hand fisted, about to knock on the door once more when it had flung out at her. Her mouth fell open when she took in the messy clothes, ruffled hair and flushed up skin of her sister. "Wha- Khush- Wait!" But before she knew it, Khushi had darted out the front door calling a worried "Bye" from behind.



- Chapter 2 -

 

 

"Did you say anything to him Khush? He looked like he was gonna be sick, walking out of chem class."

It was past midnight and Khushi was flopped onto the bed, reefing lazily through her notes for the next day's test while gossiping with her best friend on her phone.

 

"Avoid yaar, La. I'm really not in the mood." It seemed that nowadays, her dramatic friend was thinking more about Arnav than herself. Wait. What? Me and thinking about Arnav?! EWWWW! No ways! She shuddered at the thought that had just passed her mind.

 

"C'mon K! You never tell me anything anymore!" Whined Lavanya. Khushi rolled her eyes, rolling over on her bed. She giggled. "Like you tell me EVERYTHING that goes on in your life! You STILL haven't told me what you and NK were doing after school today." She had seen them out on the back field, doing something that appeared suspiciously like hand holding.... And after Lavanya's persistance about her and Arnav, she had just felt compelled to bring up that particular topic. Khushi smirked. She could almost see her friend's face turning tomato red.

 

"Wh-aat? Nothing...there was nothing. Me and Nk? Something between us? Pfft! No! There was nothing! Of course there was nothing. What makes you think that?" She chuckled, nervously, hoping Khushi hadn't noticed their...erm...proximity.

 

"Uh-huh, sure." Khushi said, teasingly. "That's what they ALL say... at first...." Lavanya was lost for words. What had her friend seen? Worse yet, HOW MUCH had she seen. But if she asked her outright, Khushi would know for sure that there was something going on between them. She had to be subtle. C'mon La. You're the leader of the student council team. You can do this. Just be strong. "Kay kay, I think you're going a bit nutty.... Me and Nk? How the hell did you come up with that?! Like, EWWW! That is SO gross. Did Anj start her gossiping again? Did she tell you something? You ACTUALLY believed her? I'm dissapointed K! Truly, I'm dissapointed." She finished, dramatically. Anj, aka Anjali was Arnav's younger sister. Bubbly and cheerful like Khushi, but also a MAHA gossip queen like La.  

 

But.... let's get back on topic. "...Truly, I'm disappointed. She finished, dramatically.

 

Khushi knew La like the back of her hand. Unfortunately, it seemed her best friend didn't know her so well, and hence had underestimated her intelligence. She knew the motive behind her questions. But Khushi wouldn't reveal anything. Not so soon.... hehehe....

 

"Awww babe! How I know about you two is MY secret and I don't plan on giving it away. But let me give you a tip. If you really want to get cozy, try the girl's gym. It's a little more...erm...private." She laughed, finishing the call before La could bombard her with another series of questions.

She couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief after she had clicked the 'end' button on her phone. It wasn't that she didn't like talking to La. In fact, it was the total opposite. Lavanya was her right hand man when it came to anything life-related. Maintaining student council, cheerleading and a part-time job, Lavanya was the epitome of responsibility and security. Another plus point: she wasn't boring. Khushi admired that about her.

But nowadays... all she would talk about would be Arnav.... Arnav this, Arnav that. "Oh, did you know the boys won the football match last night? Thanks to the captain, Arnav!" "Guess what K? Arnav was so helpful today! He came right over after school to help me out with a volunteer project!" "D'ya know the latest? Arnav was voted student body president this year!"

Khushi groaned. Lavanya had made her reach such an extent that she had even begun hating the name 'Arnav' nowadays.

When I get married and have children, She thought. I'll name them Jalebi and Pakora. At least that way you can go on saying their names without giving the other person an ear sore. (I mean, hello! Who doesn't like jalebis and pakoras?!)

She let out a dreamy sigh. She could imagine it already. Her husband, coming home, tired from work, wrapping her in a tight hug while their two adorable children would run up to greet him. Now wouldn't that be the perfect family?

She giggled and found herself blushing a bright red. Her friends weren't lying when they said there was no hope for her!

Thankfully, her eyes then fell on the clock. The young, jovial girl who had been anticipating a long and hearty life, nearly died of a heart attack at the very instant. One in the morning! Oh my god! I am SO dead! She had cracked her books open at exactly 9 pm, after she had finished her homework, with an aim to study for her math test the following day. And what had she done? Spoken with La on the phone for a good 3 hours. Stupid stupid stupid Khushi.... Why the hell did you have to have that gossip session with her? Now what are you going to do?

She was certain that if her blood pressure had been measured that instant, it would have hit the roof. She was stressed beyond limits. And that was new for her. Because Khushi Kumari Gupta was never stressed.

Her fingers ached to call Lavanya, her only saving grace in all of life's problems. And these were desparate times. But she knew better. If she called her now, at least another hour would be wasted. Better stop thinking and stick your head in the book. Said her conscience. And who was she to argue?  So she went along with it and buried her mind in the world of coefficients, variables, x's and y's.



- Part 1 -

 

 

"I think he likes you," Nudged Lavanya with a mischevous smirk. Khushi shot a cold glare at her so called best friend. She placed a finger on her lips as she turned back to her physics professor who was furiously writing equations on the blackboard. Although she had turned her back to Lavanya, her thoughts were focussed on the conversation that has transpired between them just moments ago. Arnav? And that too, liking her? She was repulsed (I mean, it was ARNAV for god sakes.... the rich, spoilt, good-for-nothing brat). Oh god, kaash ye sach na ho.... "No seriously," Lavanya added, poking her arm with the tip of the pencil. "You should have seen the way he was looking at you yesterday in Chem. He was all," Lavanya, slapped her hands on her cheeks, pretending to heave a loving and dreamy sigh as she looked at her friend with the most lovelorn gaze she could muster. Unfortunately, this didn't go unnoticed by the prof who now stood glaring at Lavanya with fists on hips. "Ahem." He cleared his throat. Lavanya turned, suddenly realizing the 27 pairs of eyes that were fixed upon her. "Miss Kashyap. Perhaps your grades would not be what they are today if you had given my lectures the same attention that you give to your friend." Lavanya's face was as bright as a tomato. "Y-Yes sir. Sorry sir." He nodded, "Well, I certainly hope you are!"
Khushi, on the other hand was shaking, trying to hold in her laughter. "Khushi ki bacchi... class ke baad dekhti hoon tujhe...." Muttered Lavanya as she shifted away from her and tried to focus on physics.
Khushi was holding her aching stomach as she doubled over with laughter. Class had just gotten over and both the girls were sitting in the caf, waiting for their next class to begin. "Oh god Lavanya, after that look you gave to me, no guy will ever look at you the same way again!" Lavanya looked much like an angry plum. And that just made Khushi belt out with another wave of laughter. But seeing her friend's downcast expression, she forced herself to control "Well, I guess one good thing did come out of this...." Lavanya's eyes lit up with hope. "You won't have to worry about getting NK off your back! I'm sure he would have understood the 'real' reason why you were rejecting him in the first place!" Lavanya scowled. "C'mon K. You know I'm not like 'THAAT'. And it's not that I HATE Nk.... It's just, you know I have a rep to protect, babes. And Nk? Well. He's not exactly what you would call 'up to standard'." Khushi rolled her eyes. "Uff oh La, tu bhi na? Nk is a GOOD GUY.... jis din tujhe ye pata chalega na, I'm sure you'll regret. Aur waise bhi, you have no rep to protect after today!" She smirked. Lavanya picked up her binder, threatening to give her a solid whack.
"Ok, ok, sorry! Ab se kuch nahi bolungi, promise! Class shuru hone waala hai. So... chalein?" Lavanya gave her friend a final look of reproach before grabbing her things and stalking off. Khushi rolled her eyes, following behind her.
"So who can tell me how we can determine the type of chemical bonding using the electronegativity values of the element?" Silence. The room was so quiet that Khushi could almost hear crickets chirping in the background. The chemistry teacher looked around the room, evidently frustrated. "Anyone?" Khushi knew the answer.... but she had always been hesitant to share it. What if it was wrong? But unfortunately, at the very same second, the teacher's eyes fell on her. Khushi's eyes were fixed to her paper, not daring to look up, for fear that the teacher might pick her to answer the question. But luck was obviously not on her side. "Ah! Khushi! I'd like to hear your answer!" Khushi's cheeks were flaring red. Slowly, she sat up in her chair, realizing that her wish to sink into the ground had been futile. "Uh. Y-you take the electronegativity value for both elements and subtract them. The difference will determine the type of bond that those elements will share." The teacher gazed at the frightened girl affectionately. She had always known that Khushi had the smarts. She was just scared to show it. "Excellent, dear! That's exactly it. Did you hear that class? I hope you've all noted it down in your books! I won't always be picking on Khushi, you know?" Khushi heaved a sigh of relief. She didn't know what was wrong with her. She was usually bubbly and upbeat. But something strange always came over her when it came to answering questions in front of the class. Fear? Nervousness? Whatever it was, she wasn't accustomed to it and she didn't like it.

She felt a tug on her hair from behind and suddenly came out of her reverie. "So miss Gupta has some brains is it? What a nerd." In spite of herself, she felt her heart skip a beat. Stupid Arnav. "At least I'll get somewhere in life, unlike you." She muttered back to him.
She could hear his faint chuckling. And it was irritating her. "Tsk tsk. Money can do a lot of magic Khushi."
Her hands clenched into fists. "Haan Haan, zarur. Bina dimaag ke log yehi tho karte hain - baap ke paise par aish."Suddenly, she felt him grow rigid. His hold on her hair weakened, before he finally let go. He didn't know why he was so affected by her. Just the way in which she had said those words.... It seemed to tear through his very soul. But he was not the only one affected. Khushi was too. She didn't know why. After all, she had been the one to say the words. But something told her that she had surpassed her limits that time. Khushi Gupta, you have no right to judge anyone's personal life. Chided the righteous voice inside her mind. Should I apologize? And then the meaner, more prevalent part of her mind spoke up. No ways. Just remember. He's Arnav Singh Raizada. Paison ki ghamand hai na, usse? Tho he deserved that. And apologizing? To HIM?! Never.
And that was where their conversation ended. But little did they know that after that day, a small part of them would never be the same again.

FF - Laad Governor Weds Jalebi Girl (Overview)



Hello everyone! I can't believe I'm saying this....but I've decided to start another FF! Yepp...call me crazy... but I just couldn't help it.... But this is no ordinary FF.... For one thing, most of the first parts are based on a true story...with minor romanticism added to it of course! :P One thing I have to say is, I have no idea how far this FF is going to go! It all depends on the comments that I get on this blog! So you there! Yeah you, reading this blog! Don't be shy jaan! Do leave me with a few words to read on here! :)
Thank you from beforehand!

Now, I know many people are going to be wondering who the characters in this story are, considering it's based on a true story. But as I said before, I don't want to take any names of the people involved in the incidents pertaining to this FF, so I'll leave it with the screen names!