The fragile truce between Arnav and Khushi had begun-but trust, once broken, is not easily repaired. Especially when shadows from the past refuse to fade.

-×-

Shantivan - Kitchen

Khushi moved silently, prepping ingredients for Nani's favorite sooji halwa. Her hands knew the motions, but her heart fluttered each time Arnav entered the room.

He stood in the doorway, quietly watching her. Her forehead was creased in concentration. A stray wisp of hair had fallen across her cheek.

He wanted to brush it away-but stopped.

Not yet.

Arnav (gently):

"Main madad karun?"

(Should I help?)

Khushi looked up, surprised.

He was in a business suit, sleeves rolled up. Not exactly halwa-making attire.

Khushi (guarded):

"Yeh kaam aapke liye nahi hai, Arnav ji."

(This work isn't for someone like you, Arnav ji.)

Arnav (stepping closer):

"Khushi, main sirf kaam mein madad nahi karna chahta. Main tumhara bharosa jeetna chahta hoon."

(Khushi, I don't just want to help with the task. I want to win your trust.)

She hesitated for a second-then silently handed him a bowl of chopped almonds.

Khushi:

"Bas inhe garnish ke liye use kariye. Zyada mat daaliye."

(Just use these for garnish. Don't overdo it.)

A smile tugged at his lips. Small progress.

-×-

Later - Raizada Living Room

Nani tasted the halwa.

Nani:

"Uff, Khushi bitiya, yeh toh bilkul Lucknow jaisa swaad hai!"

(Oh Khushi dear, this tastes just like back in Lucknow!)

Manorama (whispering to Anjali):

"Lagta hai drama khatam ho gaya hai... ab romance start ho gaya."

(Looks like the drama is over... now the romance is starting.)

Khushi flushed, embarrassed. Arnav just smirked.

-×-

Meanwhile - Somewhere in Delhi

Shyam Manohar Jha stood in a dark room, his jaw tight, fingers clenching his phone.

Shyam (muttering):

"Khushi sirf meri thi... aur ab bhi meri hogi."

(Khushi was mine... and she still will be.)

He clicked on a folder of photographs-some from the wedding, some of Arnav and Khushi during rituals.

Shyam:

"Ab Arnav Singh Raizada ko uski sabse badi kamzori se todunga."

(Now I'll break Arnav Singh Raizada through his greatest weakness.)

He smirked. A plan already forming.

-×-

That Night - Poolside

Khushi was lighting diyas, placing them around the edge of the pool. Arnav watched from the shadows.

She almost slipped on a wet tile-but before she could fall, he caught her.

Again.

Arnav (softly):

"Tum hamesha girne se pehle mujhe kyun yaad karti ho?"

(Why do you always remember me just before you fall?)

Khushi (looking into his eyes):

"Shaayad kyunki har baar aap pakad lete ho."

(Maybe because every time... you catch me.)

Their eyes locked. The moment stretched.

Then Khushi gently stepped back, straightening her dupatta.

Khushi:

"Mujhe chai banana hai."

(I have to make tea.)

She turned and walked inside.

Arnav let out a breath.

It wasn't love. Not yet.

But it wasn't hate anymore either.

-×-

Next Morning - Outside RM

A parcel arrived for Arnav.

It was addressed in messy handwriting. No name. Just one word on the top:

"Sach." (Truth)

Arnav opened it-and froze.

Inside were printed photos.

Khushi.

With Shyam.

On the terrace.

Zoomed. Cropped. Twisted.

From angles that made them look... close. Secretive.

At the bottom of one image, a handwritten note:

"Kya ab bhi tum isse pyaar karoge?"

(Will you still love her now?)

Arnav's hands trembled.

Not with doubt.

With fury.

Arnav (gritting his teeth):

"Shyam..."

(You messed with the wrong person.)

-×-

To be continued...

Next up: Chapter 10: Shatranj Ki Chaal

By

Muskan Tarway

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