PART 39

Khushi gazed befuddled at ASR.She found it hard to grapple with his sudden mood swings.One second he was warm annd considerate Arnav and the very next, he turned into ruthless,unruly ASR who was eternally feared.These transmutations were unsettling.

''What did I do Arnavji?''Khushi asked,wondering what she had done to piss him off!

''Oh really?You don't know?What was going on down there?''A hard note crept in ASR's voice.

''I don't understand...''Khushi said uncertainly.

''There's no need to act so innocent!You know what I'm talking about well enough!Just two days ago you were moping around,claiming that you freak out when in close proximity  with men and today you were dancing hand-in-hand with my brother!How shallow!''He jeered.

Although,his theory was entirely irrational as khushi had been very particular about her relation with Akash and how he had helped her overcome her problem, but the pangs of envy and fury that coursed through his nerves,tattering them, blinded him,robbing him off his senses.Moreover,the fact that Khushi and Akash were brother and sister,was unknown to him didn't help it either.

Khushi stared at him,shocked.She was immensely hurt by his harsh words. All those horrid memories that haunted her came to her en mass.He was accusing him of something that she could never even think of!

Khushi opened her mouth to tell him the truth of her and Akash's relation,but Anjali's voice interrupted her.

''Chote!Khushiji!Where are you both?We've got to cut the cake....Everyone is waiting down there!''

Anjali deliberately took some time before entering Arnav's room as she expected to find the duo all gooey-eyed,but she was taken aback with what she saw.

''Khushiji what's...?''

''Anjaliji,I'm sorry!Actually we started discussing an important case.Lets go!''Khushi forced a smile on her face and before Anjali could utter another word,she walked out of the room.

''Chote what was that?Why was she crying?''Anjali asked Arnav,seeing their plan to bring them together miserably.

''Nothing di,don't stress!Lets go ,Akash must be waiting!''ASR slouched out of the room without meeting his sister's eyes.

The cake was cut and celebration went on,but khushi had lost her perk and appetite.Never before had she felt so doomed!The day she had shared everything with Arnav,her darkest secret,she thought or rather assumed,that they were closer,that there was no place for misconception between them,yet today his words tormented her,chafing her wounds.

She pasted a fake smile on her face for other's benefit and especially for Akash as she didn't want to spoil her best buddy's birthday.

A bunch of Akash's friends took some cake and applied it all on Akash's face.Pieces of cake fell on the floor and cream made the surface slippery.

Khushi sauntered around,lost in thought and stepped on the cream.She lost her balance and prevented herself from falling by catching hold of the nearest pillar, but her left leg twisted at an awkward angle.

''Ah!Ouch!''She cried,as pain ahot through her.

''Khushi!''

''Khushiji!''

Everyone rushed to her and Payal and Anjali supported her to couch.

''Khushiji,are you Ok?Is it hurting?''Anjali asked concerned.

''No,I'm fine Anjaliji.Its ok!''Khushi choked,but the expressions on her face were giveaway.

Raizadas family doctor who too had come to attend the party,checked Khushi. Apparently she had sprained her ankle badly and was advised not to put stress on her injured leg.

HP cleaned the floor and on khushi's insistence,party started again.She remained seated on the couch and was pampered and treated like a baby by the Raizadas, except one.

ASR stood in a corner,staring at her,his instincts screaming at him to go to her, but his manly ego held him back.Khushi's hurtful eyes ached his heart and guilt flooded him.Yet,his mind refused to own up to that!

The party went on in full swing till quite late in the night.

Khushi and Payal decided to take leave from the Raizadas.

''Anjaliji,Naniji,we sholud be get going!Its getting late.''Khushi said as she leaned heavily on Payal.

''Khushiji,wait I'll aske Akash to...''Anjali began.

''Please don't bother him Anjaliji.We'll manage!''Khushi said earnestly.

She didn't want ASR to spot her with Akash and conjure ugly travesties,not after the poolside gaffe.But,at that precise moment Akash appeared at Anjali's shoulder.

''Come on khushi,I'll drop you both.''Akash offered.

''No Akash we've come by car.You shouldn't leave the party.''Khushi protested.

''Few minutes won't affect anything khushi.See,you are unable to walk properly!'' 

Akash caught her arm and gently supported her out.Khushi followed him quitely, too occupied with the building pain in her leg.Seeing her discomfort,Akash lifted her in arms and took her to car.

''Akash what are you doing?What will others think?''Khushi muttered, embarrassed.

''Don't be ridiculous khushi.You're my sister for crying out loud!''Akash said incredulously.

But,his words went unheard  by ASR,who stood at a distance,seething in murderous fury!