Chapter Forty Nine

Arhat and Anjali arrived to the CitySpire and the the receptionist downstairs called up to the penthouse, informing Etta. She let Nigel know and he called Arnav to let him know.

"We'll be down in a moment," Arnav replied, and he ended the call.

"We should go," a sated Khushi sighed.

"We should," but neither made effort to move and they broke into laughter.

"We are some crazy children," Khushi chuckled.

"Perhaps," Arnav grinned.

With a stretch, Khushi got up from the floor and looked at their scattered clothes all over the floor.

"We truly are crazy," Khushi sighed.

Arnav sat up and ran his fingers along Khushi's back. "I don't mind."

"Nor do I," and she leaned in for a kiss.

Arnav kissed her softly then caressed her cheek. Judging from the look on his face, Khushi could tell that Arnav wanted to say something, but he seemed to be struggling.

"Is something wrong," Khushi asked.

Arnav shook his head. "No, everything's fine. Now come on, up you get. Let's get this show on the road."

"Oh yes, indeed," and the two got up, quickly got ready, and headed on down.

When the couple arrived to the lobby, Anjali came dashing forward and gave her brother a hug.

"I'm so proud of you Chote," she beamed.

"Thanks Di."

Anjali released him and hugged Khushi. "Congratulations Khushi."

"Thank you," Khushi smiled.

Arhat came forward and congratulated Khushi as well, then turned to his son.

"Congrats son," he smiled.

He was about to go in for a hug, when Arnav held his hand out.

"Thank you," Arnav simply replied.

The two shook hands and the ladies noticed the tinge of disappointment in Arhat's expression.

Nigel appeared. "Good morning Mr. Raizada. Ready?"

Arnav nodded. "Yes Nigel, let's go."

They all headed out and got into the SUV. Nigel drove off to Madison Square Garden, where the commencement would take place. The entire ride there, Anjali spoke nonstop, keeping Khushi in conversation with her, Arhat humored by his chipper daughter, and Arnav rolling his eyes and seconds away from a headache.

When they were near the Garden, Anjali chirped.

"Eep! We're here!"

"Thank goodness," Arnav muttered.

Khushi had heard and nudged him, but Arnav simply rolled his eyes.

Nigel quickly got out of the car and held the door open for them to exit. After they all got out, Arnav went over to Nigel.

"You're going to pick up Etta now?"

Nigel opened his mouth, when his phone beeped. He looked down at it and sighed. "Seems not, Sir."

Arnav shook his head with a light smirk. "Let me guess, she's still not ready."

"She said my hair isn't done yet, please wait another 15 minutes."

Arnav chuckled. "Then 15 minutes it is."

Nigel nodded and got back in the car, heading back to the CitySpire. Khushi walked over to Arnav, looking in the direction the car went.

"What was that about," she asked.

"Etta."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows.

"She's taking her time to get ready," he chuckled. "But Nigel's going and the two will be here soon."

Khushi was still confused, and then it all clicked together. "You gave your tickets to them," she said, though it was more of a statement than a question.

Arnav nodded. "They're basically family."

Khushi smiled softly. "That they are."

Arnav wrapped his arm around Khushi's waist and kissed her on top of her head. "Come on, let's get going."

Khushi nodded and they all walked into the Garden. Arhat and Anjali were taken in one direction, leading them to their seats, while Arnav and Khushi went in another, taking them to join with their fellow students. First thing when they entered, Lavanya caught sight of Khushi and came running towards her. Both squealed and jumped around in joy!

"I can't believe we're done with this hell hole," Lavanya shrieked.

"Me too," Khushi squealed.

People around them glanced at them and Arnav simply shook his head.

"Ugh, I can't believe we won't be in classes together anymore," Lavanya pouted.

"Same, but at least we'll still hang out and meet up every now and then."

"True, but I'll miss seeing you're face at 8 in the morning."

"Well, it is a lovely face."

The two giggled and Lavanya nudged her with her hip. 

It wasn't long until commencement began, and the boys were split from the girls. Arnav would be giving a speech, so he was at the front of the line, where he would split off to go sit on stage. The ceremony began and they began to enter and stand in front of their seats. Khushi was excited, not to mention thrilled. But as soon as she entered the arena, something seemed strange. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was a vibe in the air. As she went to her seat, Khushi glanced around, but everything seemed normal. Her eyes met Arnav's, who was already looking at her, and she smiled softly, receiving one from him.

The commencement went as a blur for Khushi. The guests and their speeches went through one ear and out the other when they spoke. She also didn't pay attention when special awards were handed out to some students. The only time she did pay attention was whenever it involved Arnav. She gave her full attention when he gave his speech about always striving to do your best. And when his name was called twice to receive his plaques, she clapped and whistled, feeling mighty proud of her man. Not only did she, but she heard Anjali over all the clapping, causing her to laugh. 

It was when Arnav was called up to receive his second plaque for outstanding achievement, that they had asked him to say a few words.

"Thank you Professor Giles; this award means a lot coming from you, as you were one of the few professors that had my attention in their class."

Everyone chuckled.

Arnav looked down at the plaque. "I've worked hard to get to the position where I am in life. I do admit that I'm not perfect and have done some... silly things. But I fed off the negativity I have had in my life and wanted to become something - to be someone. I also thought of my deceased mother and of her hopes and dreams for me."

At the mentioning of his first wife, Arhat took a deep breath and held his ring.

"For years, I felt lost. Even after the success I achieved, I still felt lost. I never thought I'd get out of it, but then someone found me. They helped me reconnect pieces of myself and became my strength. And that person is you Khushi," he said, looking at her.

Everyone looked in her direction, but Khushi focused on Arnav.

"Thank you for being my strength. Thank you for bringing me into the light," he smiled softly.

Tears pooled into Khushi's eyes and she blew him a kiss, not caring that her face was plastered on the big screen.

"I love you."

This time, Khushi couldn't hold back her tears. 

"I love you, too," she smiled.

Everyone around them clapped and cheered, and Arnav returned to his seat, keeping his eyes on Khushi. She looked at him adoringly, wishing she could run up to the stage and hold onto him for the rest of her life.

*~*

After going on stage and receiving their diplomas, the headmaster declared that they were officially graduates and caps flew into the air. Commencement ended and everyone went to meet with their families. Arnav and Khushi joined together and Anjali came running towards them, giving them a big hug.

"I'm so proud of you guys," she beamed, tears pooling in her eyes.

"Thank you," Khushi smiled.

Arhat came forward and Khushi hugged him as well. When they broke away, Arhat looked at Arnav.

"Congratulations son," he smiled humbly. 

"Thank you," Arnav simply replied.

Arnav caught the look on Khushi's face from the corner of his eyes and knew what she was trying to say. Respecting her wish, Arnav reached out and for the first time in many years, Arnav hugged his father. Arhat was stupefied, as well as Anjali. Khushi smiled softly, happy that Arnav had actually hugged him. It took a moment to recover, but Arhat finally hugged Arnav back. He couldn't remember the last time he had hugged his son, but he was grateful that they were right now. And it gave Arhat hope - hope that maybe one day he and his son would reconnect. As for Arnav, he felt a familiar warmth he hadn't felt in a long time. Emotions had swept over him, but he held himself together. For the first time in many years, he felt that he had his father back.

Anjali stepped over to Khushi and nudged her lightly. "Thank you," she whispered.

Khushi looked at her innocently. "What for?"

"For this," she said, teary-eyed. "I never thought I'd ever see this happen, not in a million years."

Khushi was about to say something, when someone cut her off.

"Oh my!"

Khushi's eyes widened and Arhat felt his son turn to ice.

"Do my eyes deceive me?"

Everyone turned to look at Kaushali, who stood there looking emotional, with her daughter, Kalavati, standing beside her.

"Today truly is a wonderful day," Kaushali smiled, tears pooling in her eyes.

Arnav looked away, as well as Anjali, and while Khushi looked at the mother-daughter pair confusedly, Arhat joined his wife's side.

"Er, Kaushali, how are you..." but Arhat couldn't finish his question.

"Well I understand that the university doesn't give out many tickets," Kalavati answered for her mother, "but it pays to have good connections," she smiled, though Khushi could tell there was more to it.

"I made some calls and voila! We got tickets."

"I was so glad when Kala told me she got them," Kaushali smiled. "I just had to see my son graduate!"

Khushi noticed Arnav slightly cringe when she said my son. 

"We must celebrate!"

"Yes, that we must," Arhat replied, unsure of what else to say.

Truth be told, he just wanted it to be the four of them tonight.

Luckily Anjali came to the rescue. "Well that's sweet of you," she smiled sweetly. "But unfortunately, we made reservations for four," she said with fake sympathy. "If we had known you were coming, we would've made reservations for six, but..." she shrugged.

"Oh... well that's too bad."

"Actually Di, we do have space in our reservation," Arnav said.

Everyone looked at him in shock.

"What," was all Anjali could say.

Arnav nodded. "Mm hmm. It's a reservation for seven."

"Seven," Kalavati said confusedly.

"Why seven, Chote," Anjali asked.

Arnav's eyes focused elsewhere. "We have very special guests joining us."

"Who?"

Before Arnav could answer, Khushi got that strange feeling again. Only this time, it was mixed with a familiarity. She looked in the same direction as Arnav and froze. Walking towards them were her mother, her father, and her brother.

What... the...?

Khushi stopped breathing as her family came and stood before her. Her eyes were wide as she stared at her mother, who looked back at her with tears in her eyes.

"Khushi," her mother whispered.

And in that instant, her mother hugged her. Khushi remained frozen, still in complete shock. Her father hugged the two and kissed the top of Khushi's head. Khushi could feel her father shake from his emotions, but it wasn't enough to shake her off her shock.

Arnav came forward and Khushi's parents pulled away.

"I'm glad you could make it," Arnav said.

Khushi looked up at him in shock.

"Thank you," Khushi's mother said softly.

Khushi looked back at her and her mother met her eyes. She still couldn't believe they were here.

Khushi's brother came forward. "Hey lil sis."

Khushi just looked at him as he came forward and hugged her. "I'm proud of you sis. Congrats."

Khushi finally managed to bring words to her mouth. "Thanks."

"Now then," Arnav began, "shall we go to dinner?"

Chapter Forty Eight

It was around eight when Khushi woke up from her nap. She saw Arnav asleep below her, so she carefully got up and washed up. She made her way downstairs, went out to the terrace to gaze at the bright city around her, and went into thought.

Everything I had ever wished for in life has never happened exactly the way I wanted it. Is that a good thing or is that a bad thing?

I'm in love and I'm happy, all past mishaps aside, but....

She looked down at where she was standing and at the penthouse behind her.

I have done nothing but fallen in love with someone, and have gotten here. What happened to all those plans I had?

She looked back at the city.

Here I am, standing in another person's hard work and achievements, and I'm doing nothing for myself.

"Angel?"

Khushi looked up and found Arnav coming towards her. He kissed her on her cheeks and held her from behind.

"What's wrong angel; I see you're upset."

Khushi sighed and held onto his hands, leaning back onto him. "I haven't done anything in life."

"Angel, your life is just starting-"

"I know but.... Years ago, back when I was in high school, I had set goals for myself. I had planned that when I got into my second year of college, I'd look for internships that would help me for my future career. I thought that by the end of college, I'd already have a job and have no problems. I'd be living on my own, guiding my life the way I wanted it - I'd have my own home and someday move to Dumbo with a nice view of the Hudson. I hoped to achieve so many things, but I'm nowhere near it.

"When Rose was here, going through all the plans, it made me realize that I have come nowhere near to what I had hoped for. But you managed to do so much! For a moment, I became really jealous. You've worked so hard and have gotten yourself to such a good position in life, while I'm just sitting around in all your achievements. ...This isn't what I wanted for myself."

Arnav held her tighter. "I'm sorry if I've distracted you-"

"No, it's not your fault Arnav, you haven't done anything wrong." She cupped his cheek and let him nuzzle her shoulder. "I was off track from the start. I was trying to manage to pay rent, take care of myself, and get my education complete. Everything went downhill when-"

Khushi immediately stopped herself. Arnav looked at her confusedly, Khushi's eyes wide.

"Everything went downhill when what happened," Arnav questioned.

Oh no, Khushi thought.

Arnav turned her so that she'd face him, but Khushi didn't meet his eyes. He cupped her face in his hands and tilted it up.

"What happened angel?"

Khushi pursed her lips and looked down.

I know all of his dark secrets and his dark past... I can't hide my past from him either. But... it's just so hard!

Khushi held his hands. "Arnav... something happened before I met you - years before we met actually... I want to tell you but... I'm just not ready yet."

Arnav didn't say anything for a moment and just looked at Khushi's expression. She wouldn't meet his eyes, looking everywhere else but at him.

"You will tell me though, right," Arnav finally said.

Khushi nodded.

"Okay. Now look at me," he said softly.

Khushi looked up at him.

"Don't ever think for a moment that you are a failure. I see the look on your face and I know that face because I used to make it. You are not a failure, do you understand? So what you didn't get any good internships because you needed to feed and nurture yourself? So what you don't have a proper and good paying job right now? So what if you're not standing on the balcony of your loft in Dumbo? You have everything it takes to make that happen."

Khushi bit her lip to stop her tears.

"You have everything you need - everything you got on your own - to be successful. The only thing you need right now, is confidence and faith in yourself," he said, wiping away the escaped tears off her cheek. "My angel is a strong woman. She helped me, a broken man, to slowly piece myself back together. Now I want her to have faith in herself and to use her own powers, just for her. Understood?"

Khushi nodded.

"Good girl. Now come on, let's get you something to eat."

Khushi shook her head. "I'm not hungry," she said, releasing herself.

"Angel, you barely ate anything today."

"I'm fine, honest-"

"I won't hear another word. You're coming downstairs with me."

"Arnav-"

Arnav bent down and carried her over her shoulder.

"What the- Arnav!"

Arnav chuckled and spanked her. "I quite like this game."

Khushi frowned. "Oh yeah? Lets switch places and see how you like it then," she huffed, blowing her hair out of her face.

Arnav chuckled and led them back into the penthouse. "No need to carry me, angel. You've done enough."

"I'd do it forever."

Arnav paused and Khushi looked up at him. He suddenly lifted her off his shoulder and held her, wrapping her legs around his waist.

"You'd do it forever," Arnav questioned, looking her straight in the eyes.

Khushi smiled and caressed his cheek. "If I don't, who else will," she teased.

Arnav just smiled softly.

"Do you think there's anyone else in this world who understands you as clearly and as perfectly as I do," Khushi asked.

Arnav shook his head. "They would have ran away, maybe even making a trip around the world by now, ready for their second."

Khushi saw the sadness in his eyes and she cupped his face. "Well I'm not anyone else."

"Thank goodness you aren't. I don't know what I would have done if you were."

Khushi smiled and kissed him softly. "I love you Mr. Controlling," she teased.

"That I am," Arnav smiled softly. "Promise me something?"

"And what is that?"

"You'll never leave me, will you?"

Khushi just looked at him, knowing that it was his insecurities speaking right now.

"Never," Khushi promised. "It would take very strong forces to separate me from you."

"Even after everything?"

"Even after everything. You're mine Mr. Controlling, and I hope you understand that," she grinned, trying to lighten up the mood.

"Yes ma'am, I do."

"Good. Now let me sleep," she said, laying her head on his shoulders.

"Oh no you don't; first we're eating," he said, placing his fingers through her hair.

"No," Khushi whined.

"Eat - we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."

Khushi groaned. "Oh yes, the end of hell!"

Arnav chuckled and took her downstairs. "Yes, the end of hell."

"I don't get why you didn't drop out, I mean you're all set."

"Anything can happen, angel. Anything can happen. Plus it was my mother's dream to see me graduate from college."

Arnav placed Khushi on the counter top and she looked at him.

"You're such a good son," Khushi smiled softly.

"Now I am," he smiled sadly.

"Hush, I don't want to hear that."

Arnav smiled as he prepared a plateful of spaghetti.

"Where's Etta," Khushi asked, glancing around.

"I let her off early tonight - it's date night."

"Date night? Etta's going on a date? With who?"

"Nigel."

Khushi's eyes widened. "With Nigel? Since when were they dating?"

"About four to five years I think?"

"How come I didn't know about this?"

Arnav stood before her to hand her the plate, a fork, and a spoon. "Cause I keep you busy," he smirked.

Khushi rolled her eyes. "Honestly, how could I have been blind about this? And don't get another plate, this is way too much for me."

Arnav frowned. "Angel-"

"Please? This is honestly way too much. Come here and we'll share - I'll feed you."

Arnav moved in between Khushi's legs and held the plate. Khushi spun some spaghetti around the fork, using the spoon as the backdrop, and fed him.

"I'm surprised you're even using the spoon" Arnav said after he swallowed.

"Have you seen how properly you eat," Khushi said, cocking her eyebrow. "Why the hell does anyone need a spoon for spaghetti? Just spin the fork on the damn plate," and she rolled her eyes.

Arnav chuckled as she placed another forkful in his mouth. "Eat."

Khushi gasped mockingly. "Why Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, are you speaking with food in your mouth? You, a prestigious businessman?"

Arnav swallowed. "Eat," he grinned.

Khushi smiled as she took a forkful in her mouth.

They continued with their small talk, teasing here and there. Once they were done, Arnav put the dish and utensils in the dishwasher.

"Do you know how to use the dishwasher," Khushi teased, wiping her mouth.

"As a matter of fact, I do," Arnav smirked, pouring them some glasses of wine.

He handed her a glass and the two clinked their glasses together.

"To the end of hell," Khushi toasted.

"To the end of hell," Arnav grinned.

*~*

"Thank fucking goodness!"

Khushi looked at herself in the mirror, wearing a white dress accessorized with a red belt, and a black commencement cap. She held her commencement gown in her hand and she took a deep breath.

Arnav chuckled and held her from behind. "You're very happy," he smiled, nuzzling her below her ear.

"That I am," Khushi smiled.

Arnav looked at her through the mirror. "My angel is graduating - I'm proud of her."

"Why thank you, Sir."

Arnav cocked his eyebrow. "Angel," he warned.

Khushi turned in his hold and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Let's celebrate together tonight - alone."

Arnav smirked devilishly and Khushi felt her core ache.

"Does my angel want me to take her right here and right now," Arnav teased.

"Fast and quick," Khushi panted.

"Angel," he mocked disapprovingly.

"What," she said innocently. "It's your idea," she pouted.

Arnav chuckled and Khushi continued to pout.

He glanced down at his Rolex. "Considering the amount of time we have... we just might be able to," he winked, looking back up at her.

Khushi bit her lip, the ache in between her thighs increasing.

"And as for tonight," he said, backing Khushi up against the wall, "it might not happen."

"Why," Khushi pouted.

"Don't forget you invited Di and and my dad," Arnav frowned.

Khushi smiled. She had planned this for a while now, giving her tickets to Aryan and Anjali. Knowing Arnav's distaste towards his steps, Khushi didn't say anything to Kaushali and Kalavati to respect Arnav.

"You're welcome," Khushi grinned.

"Think it through - knowing my Di, we'll be spending time with them till three in the morning." He picked Khushi up, wrapping her legs around his waist. "So what's it going to be," he smirked.

"Hmm," Khushi pretended to debate. "Dinner with your family... or mind-blowing, knee-trembling, unable-to-walk-for-a-week sex?"

Arnav grinned roguishly and moved his hips, Khushi gasping at the feel of his erection.

"Choose wisely," he grinned.

Khushi reached into his pocket and found an ever-present condom in his pocket. "You had intentions," Khushi stated, cocking her eyebrow.

"Always prepared," he winked.

Khushi undid his pants and loosened her hold on him so Arnav could lower his pants.

"Always prepared," Khushi confirmed, brushing her dress aside to reveal that she wasn't wearing anything underneath.

Arnav grinned and kissed her. "A start of a new beginning."

Khushi grinned and rolled the condom over his length. "To a new beginning."

Arnav pushed himself within her. "To a new beginning indeed."