Chapter Twenty Six

Arnav sat down in the living room and was tying his shoes on when I came in. We had just eaten breakfast, though breakfast was very quiet. Not once did Arnav say anything, nor even look at me. Could it be because of last night? But for which part? Whichever it was, I'm more concerned for his nightmare. I mean he looked so fragile last night, like he might break!

"Arnav," I began softly, "what did you dream of last night?"

Arnav looked up at me as he adjusted his shoe. I gulped, his expression boring through me.

He stood up and stood right in front of me. "Don't ever ask me that again," he nearly whispered. "Understood?"

I looked at him, confused. "I don't understand- I mean why?" I caressed his face with my hand, Arnav looking at it and then back at me. "I just want to help you," I said softly, looking into his eyes.

For a second, I can swear on it, he looked fragile. His expression had softened for a straight moment, but it went right back to his stern expression, but his eyes were the giveaway.

"No one can help me," he said, looking straight into my eyes.

My lips parted slightly as I scrunched my eyebrows, looking at him in confusion.

Arnav's eyes showed even more vulnerability. "No one has... nor will ever be able to."

He moved my hand away and walked out of the room and left the apartment, leaving me there to stand alone. What does he mean by that? No one can help him? I'm sure if he told someone his problems then he could be helped. But... he said no one has, which means... he told some people? But it didn't work? And what does he mean by "ever be able to"? Is it that bad of a thing?

I'm so confused.

But I'm not willing to give up. Maybe there's a reason why He up there brought me into his life - so that I can help him "recover" from this problem of his. And to be honest, I don't think what he said is true.

And whatever it is, I will find out.

Suddenly, I heard click-clack's and I turned to see... Kalavati?

She looked at me with a smirk and I just looked at her confusedly.

What was she even doing here?

Out of nowhere, she began to clap. "Wow. I must say, just simply wow," and she stopped clapping.

"What do you mean," I asked.

Kalavati leaned against the wall. "I just find it... funny. How you're trying to get to Arnav."

I scrunched my eyebrows.

She looked at me seriously. "Understand one thing - no one, and I mean no one, will be able to help Arnav," and she stood straight again.

"How do you know," I asked, crossing my arms.

She smirked lightly and looked at the floor, and then back at me. "I'm closer to him than you think," and she turned to leave.

I heard the doors shut, but I still stood there confused. What in the world does she mean? Closer to him than I think? And how does she know so much? I mean yeah, they're step-siblings, but he's not that close with her. Then... what?

*~*

Around 7:30, Arnav came home. He came straight up into the room and placed his briefcase. I was in the dressing room and came back through the bathroom. Going over to him I helped him take off his jacket. I moved in front of him, somewhat surprising him and began to unbutton his waistcoat. Arnav just looked at me as I began to remove it.

I could feel his warmth radiating off of his body. And his cologne... oh that smell of him.... I couldn't help myself but hug him, burying my face in his chest. I know it surprised Arnav somewhat because I felt him flinch. But he recovered in a split second and held me around my waist. We just stood there a few minutes, holding, feeling, and embracing each other. I could hear his heartbeat, running in that rhythm that it would always do when we're in those romantic moments. And I knew right there that my Arnav was back. Even if it was for that short moment, I knew my Arnav was here.

Pulling back, I caressed his face. Suddenly, the urge to kiss him built.

"Arnav-"

But before I could say anymore, Arnav covered my lips with his. There was hunger in his kiss and I knew that if we continued, then it would lead on to something else.

And if it led on to something else... I don't want him to be that controlling way.

I pulled away. "Arnav," I breathed.

"Yeah?"

He kissed me again, and I could tell he was in the mood. He didn't seem like he was going to be rough, but I had other things to worry about.

"Arnav... please," I asked, pulling away

But Arnav's mouth traveled along my neck and shoulder. I felt butterflies in my tummy, but I refused to crumble to his touch. I needed to find out what Kalavati meant.

I held onto his shirt above his abs and tried to pull him away. "Arnav- Arnav, please. I- I need to ask you something."

But Arnav held on tightly. "Please Khushi, just drop it."

I shook my head. "It's not about that."

This time Arnav did let go. "What do you mean?"

I noticed Arnav's tie somewhat wrinkled, and I refused to let that happen. I mean its an Armani tie! I quickly worked on it to remove it and Arnav knew my peeve over his stuff getting ruined.

"Um... actually," I began, "it has to do with Kalavati," I whispered in the end.

I felt Arnav stiffen at the sound of her name.

"What," he asked sternly.

"Kalavati said that nobody will ever be able to help you." I looked up at him as I placed the tie on the bed. "What does she mean?"

Arnav began to fume and I knew then that gone was the Arnav who was here a few minutes ago, being the passionate man I love. His eyes grew with fury and anger and by his expression, I could tell that he was trying to control himself from going over the edge. He shut his eyes and clenched his fists, his veins outlining on his skin.

"Khushi," and he opened his eyes, "don't ever, EVER, talk to that bitch again. Never ever again."

I scrunched my eyebrows. "But why? You're not-"

"I don't care! Just don't ever speak to her again." He turned to go to the bathroom, when he looked back at me. "It's for the best," and he left to take a shower.

What is it between him and Kalavati? Did the two get into a really big fight or something? Or is this really some step-sibling hatred?

*~*

Time went by, winter going away slowly and spring approaching. The snow was melting off the ground and rain was coming to take its place. But one thing for sure - the dark clouds remained. Not just in the skies, but above our heads. 

Constantly, Arnav and I would get into fights. It was becoming the usual between us. Arnav would argue and fight with me and then try to hurt me. He would return home at night and I would be sad and angry. Although Arnav never said it himself, I could tell by his expressions that he would get mad at himself as well, but he'd never admit it if I were to ask. But the outcome of our fights were always the same - every night, Arnav would cry out in his sleep and shout and tumble. He would wake up sweating and panting, looking scared to death. After that, I would give myself to him to comfort him. But it not only helped him, but it helped me because this was the only time Arnav was truly loving me. When we would have sex, it was more of the deed, like we were just fucking, but in darkness of night, love was always pure. 

At the end of it, I would always ask him what he dreamt of. But never would he tell me what he dreamt of. Never. But whatever it was, I was determined to find out.

Thinking of all that has happened between us still surprises me. How is it that I got this creature that is called a man? Not even. He was too beautiful to be called "man". I looked back up at him and looked at his angelic face, him asleep, breathing lightly against my forehead. I nuzzled his chest and held him tighter than before. Instinctively, Arnav's hold tightened as well, and I lightly smiled.

I will find out these dark parts to him.

No matter what.