Threads of Fate

The dining table was beautifully set, and the aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the air as the Guptas and Raizadas gathered for Aditi’s first rasoi. Aditi’s face beamed with pride as she served the food, the compliments flowing freely from everyone around the table. But despite the joyous occasion, there was a hint of disappointment in the air.

Arnav, who had been quietly scanning the room, noticed that Khushi was still missing. A slight frown tugged at the corners of his mouth as he moved to take his seat at the dining table. Just as he was about to sit down, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway, followed by a familiar voice.

“I’m so sorry, everyone!” Khushi’s voice rang out as she entered the room, her words spilling over each other in a rush. “There was an emergency at the hospital, and I couldn’t say no. I didn’t mean to be late.”

Arnav turned around at the sound of her voice, and the sight of her made him freeze. It was the second time he had seen her in her scrubs. Her hair was tied back in a simple braid, and there were faint circles under her eyes, evidence of her exhaustion. Yet, despite her tiredness, there was something undeniably captivating about her.

Khushi came to an abrupt stop when she saw Arnav looking at her, her breath catching in her throat. The room seemed to pause for a moment, the air thick with unspoken words.

Arnav, quickly composing himself, moved a seat and gestured for her to sit next to him. “Come, Khushi, you must be exhausted. Sit down and eat.”

Khushi hesitated for a second before taking the seat beside him, her heart still racing from the intensity of his gaze. As she settled in, the conversation around the table resumed, and everyone continued to enjoy the breakfast, complimenting Aditi on her cooking skills.

“Didi, everything tastes amazing!” Karan exclaimed between bites, grinning at his sister.

“Absolutely,” Anjali added, smiling warmly at Aditi. “You’ve done a wonderful job, Aditi. The food is delicious.”

Aditi blushed under the praise, her eyes shining with happiness. “Thank you, everyone. I’m glad you all liked it.”

As the meal came to an end, Anjali turned to Khushi, noting the fatigue on her face. “Khushi, you should go home and freshen up. You look really tired. Don’t worry about anything here; just take care of yourself.”

Khushi nodded, grateful for the suggestion. “I’ll be back in 10 minutes,” she promised, standing up and giving everyone a small smile before heading out.

The family gathered in the living room after breakfast, chatting and reminiscing about the wedding day. The laughter and lighthearted banter filled the space, but Arnav’s mind was elsewhere. As time passed, he noticed that Khushi still hadn’t returned.

An hour later, the worry gnawing at him, Arnav decided to check on her. He quietly slipped out of the Raizada mansion and made his way across the street to the Gupta house. As he entered, he found the house eerily quiet, the usual warmth and activity replaced by an empty stillness.

Arnav climbed the stairs, his footsteps soft on the carpeted floor, and approached Khushi’s room. The door was slightly ajar, and he gently pushed it open. The sight before him made him pause.

Khushi was lying on her bed, still in her scrubs, fast asleep. Her braid had come loose, a few strands of hair framing her peaceful face. She looked so serene, so vulnerable in that moment, that Arnav found himself unable to look away.

As he moved closer to wake her, something inside him shifted. He had always admired Khushi’s strength, her kindness, her unwavering dedication to her family and her work. But seeing her like this, so unguarded, stirred emotions in him that he hadn’t fully acknowledged before.

Without thinking, he leaned down and gently pressed a kiss to her cheek. The touch was light, almost imperceptible, but it was enough to rouse Khushi from her slumber.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she gasped softly, startled to find Arnav so close to her. Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, the world around them ceased to exist.

Arnav, realizing what he had done, quickly stepped back, his face flushing with embarrassment and nerves. “Everyone is waiting for you. You should hurry,” he said, his voice more hurried than usual.

Without waiting for her to reply, he turned and left the room, closing the door behind him. Khushi sat up slowly, still in a daze from what had just happened. She touched her cheek where Arnav’s lips had brushed against her skin, her heart pounding in her chest.

“What just happened?” she whispered to herself, her mind racing to make sense of the unexpected encounter. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something between them had irrevocably changed.

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