Chapter Twenty One

As planned, both Arnav and Khushi were making their way to the fields. It was outside of town, but not too far away. There were some workers on the field, picking up fruits and vegetables, which would be distributed to different stores within town and some to the next town over.

"This is incredible," Arnav said, looking at all of the agricultural work.

Khushi looked out at the field and the workers. "Yeah... I guess when you see it everyday, you get used to it but seeing it after a while... it is amazing."

Arnav looked down at Khushi with a soft smile and Khushi returned him with one of her own. The two continued to walk, making their way to the field of flowers.

"What the- this is insane! There's so many flowers, all over the place," Arnav said in amazement.

"Bapu made this garden just for me. When I was born, Bapu was really happy that they had a girl, and so to celebrate, he had planted these flowers, with the help of some workers, and they've been around ever since. As a kid, I just took it for what it is, but as I got older, I would help the workers to take care of it. It made Bapu proud."

Arnav looked down at her while Khushi looked at the field, an essence of pride covering her face. "That's really nice of you. You love your father that much, huh?"

Khushi remembered herself saying such similar words to Arnav and she looked up at him with a smile. "Yeah, I do."

Arnav smiled in return and he looked out at the field once more, when he noticed a big tree and something hanging from it. "Is that the tree Payal was talking about yesterday?"

Khushi looked in the direction he was looking at. "Yeah, it is."

The couple made their way towards the tree, walking through all of the flowers. It wasn't long till they reached the tree and Arnav looked at it in amazement.

"Wow, this tree must be pretty old."

"Bapu says one of our ancestors planted it, but he's not exactly sure when. But Bapu and Kaka have been seeing this tree ever since they were kids.

Arnav looked over at the swing. "This I'm assuming isn't that old."

"No, Bapu had that put in when I was about 5 or 6 years old. He made sure to make it big enough so that both Payal and I would be able to sit on it without a fuss, even when we were older.

Arnav nodded in acknowledgment before gesturing to Khushi to sit. Khushi did so, sitting on one end of the swing. She patted on the space beside her, gesturing for Arnav to sit, and so he did. Both faced their bodies in the opposite direction so that way they'd be able to see their faces a little easier. Using his feet, Arnav started to push away from the ground, allowing for the swing to begin rocking back and forth at a steady pace.

For a moment, no one said anything, allowing for the sounds of nature to surround them, as well as the light breeze that flowed through the air.

"This place is really relaxing," Arnav said.

Khushi nodded. "It is."

Arnav glanced at her, looking at her while Khushi gazed away at their surroundings. "You know I never expected to hear you cuss."

Arnav watched as Khushi's eyes slightly widened, blush appearing on her cheeks.

"Seeing you with Payal... it was nice, not to mention entertaining," he chuckled lightly.

Khushi arched her eyebrow at him. "Entertaining? How," she frowned.

"Oh come on, the way you and Payal were reacting at how two people finally hooked up, was definitely humorous. Shooketh the house? Really?"

Khushi blushed once more, looking away, while Arnav chuckled.

"It was nice to see you like that," Arnav smiled genuinely.

Khushi looked back at him.

"It was nice to see the real you... and I hope she stays."

"I... um... uh-"

Khushi felt Arnav place his hand over hers, causing her to look down at them and then at Arnav."

"Khushi, I really meant that I don't regret my actions from that day."

She immediately understood what he was talking about, remembering their conversation from the previous day.

"I meant it Khushi, I don't regret it. I just didn't want you to think bad of me."

Khushi gave him a soft smile. "Arnav, it would've been one thing if I didn't want you anywhere near me..."

Arnav's eyes slightly widened.

"...but that's not the case. I forgave you for a reason - I don't regret what happened that evening."

"Really? Even though we weren't even as close as we are now?"

Khushi shook her head, feeling the warmth on her cheeks spread through her.

"Oh... okay...."

While Khushi looked down at her lap, Arnav went into thought. He was somewhat surprised that Khushi had no issue with the way he had behaved with her that night.

But why? I mean could she be...?

Arnav looked at her, taking note of the blush on her cheeks. Without thought, Arnav reached out and caressed her cheek, Khushi turning her face towards him. His eyes wandered down from her brown eyes to her luscious pink lips, and Khushi felt her heart beginning to race. Her eyes were on his lips as well, and she felt desire begin to pool within her. As Arnav brought his face closer to hers, Khushi only felt that desire continue to build, until finally their lips had met, and her desire burst all over her.

Khushi let out a moan and Arnav deepened the kiss. His tongue met hers, waltzing away. Khushi couldn't believe that this was happening, especially right here, on this swing where she had spent so much of her childhood.

Needing air, Khushi slowly pulled back, her eyes still shut. Arnav leaned his forehead against hers, both tugging on the air between them. Khushi glanced up at Arnav, and a small, shy smile formed on her face. Arnav couldn't help but to smile in return, and he kissed her cheek, right over her scar.

Things were definitely changing between the two.

~

Cuteness overload or nah 😍