My Beloved Jaan (ON HOLD)

Chapter Twenty Eight

Me? Jealous?! The nerve of that guy!

Khushi was infuriated, nonstop thinking of her encounter with Arnav. After she arrived home and gave her mother the news of her being the lead, Kinjal was ecstatic and prepared something special for her. Khushi was waiting up in her room and finishing up her assignments, while being distracted with those thoughts.

Well... are you, a soft voice asked from inside.

Khushi pushed it away. No.

But the voice came back. Are you sure?

Khushi growled.

Oh she's jealous alright, a snarky voice replied.

Hush it, you, Khushi replied.

I am you so you hush.

Khushi groaned in frustration and put her head down on the table. She turned her head to the side and dazed off, staring at the wall.

What is Arnav up to, she wondered. He's saying stuff that makes it seem like he really is innocent. But he can't be! I mean she walked out of his apartment trying to fix her dress! 

Yeah, but she's a bitch, the snarky one said.

I agree, the soft voice said.

Khushi shook her head clear. Ever since freshman year, Anisha always had something against me. At first I didn't get it, but then Lavanya told me. But why?

Khushi shut her eyes and reflected back to freshman year. She remembered Anisha's party and the classes she had with her. One thing she kept finding in common with all of the flashbacks were of how she kept trying to flirt with Arnav, but Arnav never gave her the time of day. In fact, Arnav was the only one who didn't fall and kiss her feet.

Khushi's eyes shot open. Does it have to do with Arnav?

Arnav and her would always chill together back then, and usually when Anisha came around him, Khushi was always there. Arnav would be nice, but it would be obvious that he was trying to brush Anisha away, though she never got the memo. In the end, he'd walk away with Khushi... usually with his arm around her.

Khushi gasped. Did that tick Anisha off? That Arnav and I were close? Well we're- were, best friends. I mean he would always put his arm around my shoulder so... no. He'd mostly put his arm around me when she was around. But....

Khushi got up and stood by her window, crossing her arms.

Arnav said he'd get his "love back", meaning me. So.... Did he like me all these years? While I always wondered how I could get him to have feelings for me the way I do- did?

Khushi bit her nails.

Something's not right. And I smell a rat!

Kinjal knocked on her door and came in. "Sweetie, come on down."

Khushi looked at her. "Coming Momma."

Kinjal smiled and and she headed back downstairs. Khushi turned back to the window and ran her finger over her bottom lip.

Could it be that Arnav is innocent? But Anisha had the whole year to herself while I was gone, which meant she could've gotten lucky or something with Arnav. Is that what happened then? Did she finally manage to get to Arnav? He no longer had me as an escape route.

Or maybe... maybe she didn't. Maybe she didn't get to him. But then what Lavanya saw... there's more to this. There's more than what Lavanya saw. And what that is will determine whether or not Arnav truly is innocent.