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Chapter 30 - 28.Between Heart and Duty...

Maddy, Akash, and Aman , their concern palpable , Maddy leaned forward, her voice low. "Sir, you know she is fighting with her own feelings."

Akash nodded, "Han bhai, we have to figure out this."

Aman raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Wait a second, guys. I think Arnav thinks something bigger."

Arnav, sitting across from them, flashed a mysterious smile, which ignited an inquiry from the others.

Maddy, Akash, and Aman chorused, "What's this? What is going on in your mind?"

Arnav leaned back, his playful demeanor fading just enough for a moment of seriousness. "Khushi wants me to marry her sister, then let's do it."

Akash scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Are you mad? We know you'll never marry Karishma."

Just then, Maddy's phone buzzed, breaking the tension of their conversation. "Khushi's mom is calling me," she announced and quickly switched to speaker.

"Hello, Aunty! Kaisi hai aap?" Maddy said cheerfully.

On the other end, Khushi's mother sounded anxious. "Yes, I'm fine, beta. Where is Khushi? She didn't answer my calls. Please tell her to come home fast!"

Maddy glanced at Akash and Aman, worry creasing her brow. "Aunty, she has already left."

"Oh, acha theek hai..." Her mother's voice softened but then grew serious. "Beta, can I ask you something? Khushi and Arnav love each other, don't they?"

A shocked silence enveloped the group. Maddy stammered, "Wha—what, Aunty? I think you should—"

Before she could finish, Khushi's mom interrupted. "Don't worry, beta. Khushi told me the truth. She loves Arnav, and Arnav loves her too."

"But then why is she doing this?" Maddy questioned, her head reeling.

"She's stubborn. I made her understand, but she refuses to see reason, she doesn't want to understand things," Khushi's mom sighed."

With urgency buzzing in the air, Maddy suggested, "Aunty, I think you should talk to Arnav sir. He is here too."

Maddy handed the phone to Arnav, who took a breath before speaking. "Ji aunty, I truly love Khushi. If you support us, I believe we can convince Khushi."

Khushi's mother sounded hopeful. "Kaise?"

"Just start preparations for my engagement with Karishma, I'll handle khushi myself."

"Okay, beta," she agreed, and they ended the call.

Aman smirked, "I knew it. Kuch toh bada chal raha hai tere dimaag mein, "So, what's this plan?" Akash asked, his excitement bubbling over.."

Arnav leaned in closer to them, his expression determined. "Guys, Khushi should feel like we're all happy about this engagement. If we play along, she'll be the one to stop it."

A plan forming between them, excited for the chaos to unfold.

At the Ahuja household, Khushi returned home, her mind chaotic with thoughts of the conversation earlier. Her mother was waiting with expectant eyes. "Kar aai sab khatam?"

"Yes, Mom," Khushi replied, though uncertainty bubbled within her.

"Achha kiya. By the way, Karishma and Arnav make a great couple," her mother remarked casually.

Khushi's heart raced at her mother's words. Everyone seems to have changed their minds; first, everyone was against it, Everyone seems to have suddenly sided with them and now Mom too?!she murmured, contemplating the unexpected shift in loyalty. "Are you serious?"

"Did you say something, Khushi?"

"Nothing, Mom!" Khushi quickly replied, trying to mask her turmoil.

That night, as they went to bed, Khushi tossed and turned, her heart torn between loyalty to her sister and her feelings for Arnav.

The next day dawned bright and hopeful, yet Khushi felt the weight of unspoken truths choking her. Karishma, now fully recovered, knew her engagement to Arnav was finalized and felt blissful. Karishma beamed. "I can't wait for Arnav and my engagement!"Khushi tried her best to smile. "Yeah, that's great."

They arrived at college together, Karishma glowing with joy, while Khushi could only muster a weak smile.

At the college gate, Arnav met them. "Hi, Karishma! How are you feeling now?"

"I'm well, Arnav. Thank you for visiting and agreeing to the engagement," Karishma chirped, and Khushi felt a pang of jealousy.

"Thanks to your sister," Arnav said, glancing at Khushi, who could feel her heart racing in response.

His words hung heavily in the air. "If your sister hadn't talked some sense into me, I might have missed this. Khushi made me realize that my feelings for that girl were just infatuation, but my love for you Karishma is real."

Khushi's heart sank, but she maintained her composure, forcing herself to cheer for her sister. They walked together and what her heart ached for growing larger.

Trapped in her own misery, Khushi stared at her feet, unable to find words. Maddy approached her, breaking the silence.

"Hey, Khushi! Shopping done?"

"For what?" she retorted, the bitterness leaking into her tone.

"For Karishma di and Arnav sir's engagement," Maddy replied, puzzled by her reaction.

"You know everything, Maddy," Khushi said, sadness enveloping her.

"Yeah, but this is what you wanted, isn't it, Khushi? You wanted Karishma di and Arnav sir to get engaged.""we never wanted this!" maddy admitted, her voice cracking.

Khushi found herself wandering toward Board's office, fear and longing battling within her.Inside the boardroom, Khushi felt anxious. She knocked on the door.

"May I come in, sir?" she asked, hesitating.

"Yes, come in, Miss Ahuja," Arvind replied.

"Sir, I'm here to make my transfer certificate," Khushi said, her heart pounding.

Ishaan's brows knitted together. "Why? You have one year left. What's going on?"

"For personal reasons, I need to go abroad," Khushi lied, hoping to hide her turmoil.

Do You informed Arnav? Arvind questions, everyone confused Arvind's expression softened" i mean you should consult with your professor because your session comes under professor Arnav .

The board members surrounding them nodded in agreement, pushing her to continue the formalities. "Okay, sir."

As she left, Khushi muttered, "He'll never let me go."

Finally, she stood outside Arnav's office, summoning the courage to knock.

As she knocked on Arnav's cabin door, he looked up, irritation mixing with confusion. "Yes, come in, Miss Ahuja."

"Sir, I—" Khushi started hesitantly.

"Hurry up, Miss Ahuja. I don't have time to waste. My engagement is around the corner," he replied coolly.

Tears stung her eyes as she whispered, "Arnav, please..."

"Arnav sir!" he interrupted, his tone harsh, yet she saw the fleeting pain behind his façade.

Tears slipped down her cheeks. Arnav felt his heart flip. He wanted to reach out, comfort her, but he held back.

"What brings you here?" he asked, a mix of gentleness breaking through his rough exterior.

"I want to make my transfer certificate. Please confirm that so the board members can give it to me."

"Okay; I'll call my father. He'll sign it," Arnav replied, his tone cool yet a thread of warmth tucked away within the words.

Arnav sighed, picking up the phone. "Dad, I need you to sign Miss Ahuja's transfer certificate," he stated, dismissively.

Khushi's heart shattered; he didn't even think to stop her. She held back tears, about to speak but caught herself. "Thank you, sir," she managed before leaving his office.

"Khushi, how long will this charade go on? You'll realize soon that you need to stop this engagement," Arnav murmured to himself, a smile creeping onto his face as he thought about her.

Khushi approached Arvind's office. "May I come in, sir?"

"Yes, beta," he replied, motioning for her to sit. "Khushi, think about this again. There's something going on between you and my son. Your transfer...it's because of him, isn't it?"

Khushi shook her head vigorously. "No sir, it's nothing like that!"

"Okay, all the best for your future, Khushi," he said, ending the conversation with a heavy heart.

"Thank you, sir," she said, stepping out of the office, the future she wanted slipping further from her grasp.

Little did they all know, life had a way of bringing true feelings to the forefront, and Khushi would soon have to face her heart's desires.

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