Chapter Eight

Khushi's bags were packed and placed in the back of the car. Khushi's foster siblings were crying, upset that Khushi was leaving them. She told them that she wouldn't be gone for long, but she didn't even know what was in store for her.

Arnav and Khushi got Ammijan's blessings and Arnav drove off. He went to a clinic and Khushi looked at it.

"You okay," Arnav asked.

Khushi looked at Arnav. "Why are you doing this?"

"For the sake of my baby," and Arnav got out of the car.

But that wasn't what Khushi meant.

Arnav came around and opened the door for Khushi. Khushi came out and Arnav led her in and took her to the reception desk.

"Hi," Arnav said. "My girlfriend here," he said, gesturing at Khushi, "is pregnant, and it's her first time."

"Not a problem," the receptionist smiled. She handed him a clipboard with papers. "Just fill these out and then return them to me."

Arnav nodded. "Thank you."

He led Khushi over to the seats and they sat down. Arnav filled out the forms, asking Khushi for information on her when he needed it. As Arnav filled out the form, Khushi just looked at Arnav. He was keeping her in line, being so careful of this baby business. He was more attentive than her and it bemused Khushi.

"Be right back," Arnav said, and he went to the desk.

Wow, Khushi said in her head. I'm pregnant yet I didn't even remember the whole doctor thing. But... why is Arnav so into this? Does he feel guilty and want to make up for it?

Khushi saw Arnav talking to the receptionist.

I don't want to be a burden on him. I should probably-

Arnav came back and sat down. "The doctor will call in a few."

Khushi nodded. "Thank you Arnav."

"For what?"

"For keeping me on guard. I had completely forgotten about the whole doctor thing."

Arnav made a face. "Which is why I'm having you move in with me."

Khushi didn't say anything and just looked for a distraction. She was looking around, when she saw a mother come in, holding her little boy's hands. The boy was fooling around and the mother kept warning him repeatedly. Khushi looked in horror as the woman went to the reception desk.

I don't know if I can do this, she said in her head.

"Khushi Kumari Gupta?"

Both Arnav and Khushi looked up and saw a nurse.

Khushi stood up. "Yes?"

"Follow me."

Khushi nodded and followed. Arnav had gotten up as well and followed. They were led into a room and were seated. The doctor soon came in and the two stood up.

"Hi, I'm Doctor Heather Thomas," she said, holding her hand out.

"I'm Arnav, Arnav Singh Raizada. And this is my girlfriend, Khushi."

Khushi smiled lightly and shook her hand.

"Pleasure to meet you both," Dr. Thomas smiled. "Please, have a seat."

Everyone sat down as Dr. Thomas went through Khushi's newly created file, filled with the information Arnav had put in the other papers he had filled out.

"Hmm... so Khushi, you're 17," Dr. Thomas asked.

Khushi nodded.

Dr. Thomas nodded. "When did you discover you were pregnant?"

"Early October."

"Hmm...." Dr. Thomas put the file down. "Now, before I continue, I want to know one thing, and please answer truthfully."

"Of course," Arnav said.

"Are you two really a couple, or was this... an accident, to somewhat put in a nicely way."

Khushi looked down. "Accident," she whispered.

Dr. Thomas nodded in acknowledgement. "Now Khushi, do you really want this baby?"

Khushi looked up at her. "I don't believe in abortion, Dr. Thomas."

"Okay. I won't ask too much on that because I don't want to stress you." She looked at the papers. "You don't seem to have any problems and seem as healthy as can be," she smiled.

Dr. Thomas continued on with some questions, like allergy histories, medication use, family history of any diseases, etc.

"Okay then, I'll just do some blood work now. Khushi, if you would come with me, please."

Khushi nodded and got up. She went behind the screen with her and Dr. Thomas took some blood. She also did some other exams, then rejoined Arnav.

"Khushi, I would like for you to come back in next week. This way we'll have a look on the baby at the beginning of November, and can continue on from there, like setting a date. Okay?"

Khushi nodded.

"Here are some vitamins I would like for you to take," she added, handing her a prescription slip.

Arnav took it instead. "I'll keep monitor over that," he said assuredly.

"Good. And I must say Mr. Raizada, I am impressed. Most men these days back off when they impregnate someone, but you are taking on your responsibility."

Arnav didn't have so much of an expression. "Thank you."

"And I hope you'll continue?"

"Of course."

Chapter Seven

Arnav placed his books into his locker and was about to close it when he saw Khushi coming his way. He noticed the other students looking at her as she walked, but she just looked down at the ground and went over to him.

"Hi," Arnav simply said.

"Yes."

"What?"

"You wanted me to move in with you. Now I said yes."

Arnav shut his locker and leaned against it. "All of a sudden you're saying yes," he asked, crossing his arms.

Khushi looked away. "Yes."

"Why?"

"Because...."

"Because?"

"Just... because...."

Arnav shrugged. "Stubborn mommy."

Khushi gaped. "Hey!"

Arnav chuckled. "Shall we go to class?"

"Whatever."

Khushi turned away and headed to class. As she walked, Arnav caught up with her and walked along with her. Khushi looked at him and he just smiled. She sped up her pace and Arnav did as well. When she slowed down, he did as well.

Khushi stopped. "What are you doing?"

"Um, walking with you?"

"Why?"

"Because I can."

Khushi let out a deep sigh. "Look, just because I'm agreeing to live with you, doesn't mean I'm suddenly your girlfriend or something."

"I don't care. You're my responsibility now."

"Excuse me?"

Without a word, Arnav walked into the classroom. Khushi followed in and then sat down in her seat. Arnav moved his seat back and sat next to Khushi.

"What are you doing," Khushi asked.

"Sitting next to you," Arnav replied.

Khushi groaned. "If I knew you'd act like this, then-"

"Well, would you look at that."

Arnav and Khushi looked up to see Lavanya and Sheetal.

"Now both of them are together," Lavanya continued.

"How cute," Sheetal said.

The two went to their seats to sit. Khushi rolled her eyes and looked at Arnav, who was rolling his eyes as well.

"Like I was saying, if I knew you'd act like this, then I never would've said yes," she hissed in the end.

"Chill babe. I just want my baby safe."

Khushi gaped as the teacher came in.

"Alright, settle down," the teacher said.

"What do you mean keep it safe," Khushi asked.

"Ms. Gupta."

Khushi looked up.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to teach."

Khushi shrunk in her chair and nodded. Arnav smirked slightly, glancing at Khushi. Their teacher began his lesson and as he had his presentation go on, Arnav reached out and placed his arm around Khushi. Khushi shrugged his arm off and gave him a face. Arnav just shrugged and smirked. Khushi rolled her eyes and looked away. Arnav did it again and Khushi shrugged him off again.

"Stop," Khushi whispered.

Arnav did it again anyways and Khushi sighed and didn't do anything, annoyed by him. After class ended, Arnav removed his arm and offered to help Khushi up, but she got up on her own.

Khushi walked out to the hallway, when Arnav stopped her.

"Khushi, wait."

Khushi sighed exasperatedly. "What?"

"I'll pick you up in front of the school. Then I'll take you to your place so you can get your stuff."

"You want me to move in today?!"

Arnav nodded. "Yeah. Oh, and once we collect your stuff, I'm taking you to the doctors."

"Why?"

"I'm assuming you haven't gone yet, so I'm taking you."

"Whatever," Khushi rolled her eyes and left to class.

*~*

After school, Khushi waited out in the front. She noticed people looking at her, and she tried her best to ignore. But just at the brink of losing her cool, Arnav appeared. Khushi couldn't help but to gaze at him. He came out the doors, holding a five-subject notebook in his hand, walking over to her with swag.

"Hey," Arnav said.

Khushi snapped back to reality. "Hi."

Arnav smirked lightly. "Still can't get over me."

Khushi frowned. "Shut up. Arrogant much," she whispered.

Arnav leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Suna maine."

Khushi looked at him wide eyed. "Good," and she turned away.

Arnav chuckled and held his hand out. "Come with me."

"I'll follow."

Arnav shrugged. "Suit yourself."

Arnav walked away and Khushi followed. They walked to the parking lot and Arnav went over to his Audi. He opened the door for Khushi and Khushi sheepishly got in. Arnav went around and got in the car and started it up. Khushi noticed the people around them looking at them.

"What's wrong," Arnav asked.

Khushi looked at Arnav. "Everyone's looking at us."

"Of course they will. We're only juniors in high school."

Khushi sunk in her seat. Arnav felt bad for what he said and apologized. Khushi just looked away and Arnav knew he shouldn't have said that. Arnav drove off, asking Khushi her address. He drove there and then arrived.

Khushi looked at Arnav nervously. "Please come in with me."

Arnav understood and he nodded. He got out of the car and quickly went around to open the door for Khushi. Khushi came out and led the way, going inside the building. Arnav looked around as he followed and went into the elevator. It went up and then Khushi led them out.

"You live here," Arnav asked.

"Yeah."

"But this-"

"Khushi?"

They looked up and saw Ammijan.

"Khushi, who is this...?"

"Ammijan, this is Arnav," Khushi said in a low voice. "He's...."

Ammijan looked at him. "I understand."

Arnav smiled slightly. "Assalamualaikum"

"Walaikumusalam. What's your name beta?"

"Arnav."

Ammijan nodded in acknowledgment.

"Ammijan, remember how I told you that he wants me to move in with him," Khushi asked.

Ammijan nodded.

"Well-"

"Ammijan," Arnav interjected, "if I may, may take Khushi to live with me? Starting today?"

Ammijan looked at the two and then at Arnav.

"Please?"

Ammijan looked away and then back at Arnav. "Okay. But do take care of her."

Arnav nodded. "Of course."

"And the child."

"With my life."

Chapter Six

Khushi sat in her room as thought of what Arnav had said earlier.

*Flashback*

"Khushi... I'm sure you haven't told your family about this."

*End of Flashback*

Khushi stood up, feeling really disturbed. She couldn't focus and she felt like the walls were caving in on her.

What do I do, she cried in her head.

Khushi looked up at the clock and saw that it was 3 AM. She just couldn't fall asleep. She continued to stay up, when there was a knock at her door.

"Khushi?"

It was Ammijan.

Khushi got up and opened the door. She saw Ammijan standing in her night clothes, tired.

"Khushi, why are you still awake?"

Khushi couldn't help herself but to break into tears and attacked Ammijan, hugging her tightly and crying.

"Khushi? What's wrong?"

Khushi just cried and Ammijan led her over to her bed and sat Khushi down. Pouring Khushi a glass of water, she gave it to Khushi and Khushi drank it slowly.

"Now tell me," Ammijan said as Khushi calmed down, "what's wrong?"

Khushi didn't say anything but sniffled.

"Khushi? Tell me. Otherwise how am I supposed to help you?"

"You can't help me," Khushi whispered. "It's too late."

"'Too late'? What do you mean?"

Khushi began to tear up again. "I'm..."

"You're...?"

"I'm... I'm pregnant," Khushi cried.

Ammijan looked at her in shock. "What," she breathed.

"I'm pregnant!"

Ammijan just gaped. "Wha-what? Are you sure? I mean, are you sure you're not just a bit late?"

Khushi shook her head. "I'm over two weeks," she cried.

Ammijan was still. She couldn't believe what she heard.

Khushi hugged Ammijan tightly. "I've committed such a big sin," she cried.

Ammijan caressed her hair. "Shh, you're young-"

"No Ammijan! I've committed such a great sin!"

"Shh," she soothed. "Just relax honey, just relax."

Khushi cried a little bit more and then calmed down. She stayed still, her head rested on Ammijan's shoulder, her staring off.

"Khushi," Ammijan began softly, "does the boy know?"

Khushi snapped back to reality and then slightly nodded. "Yes," she whispered.

"And did he say anything?"

"He wants me to move in with him."

"What?"

Khushi looked up at Ammijan, who looked shocked.

"He said that," Ammijan asked. "It's hard to believe. Especially since most boys don't want to have anything to do with pregnancy."

Khushi sighed. "I guess."

"What else did he say?"

"He wants me to move in with him so he can take care of the baby and me."

"That's kind of him. What did you say?"

"No." Khushi sighed. "Oh Ammijan, I don't know what to do! At some points, I feel like abortion is better."

"Shh! Don't ever say that Khushi! Besides, what fault did the baby commit?"

"You're right. It's the stupid mother at fault, not it."

"Don't say things like that."

Khushi laid down on Ammijan's lap. "What should I do, Ammijan?"

"I think you should give the boy a chance Khushi. Let him have his connection with his child."

Khushi looked up at her in fear.

"Honey, I'm not throwing you out, if that's what you're fearing. But I think you should go to him. Live with him, but be cautious. Don't strip the child of its father. You know what it's like not having both parents around."

Khushi sighed and nodded. "I do."

Ammijan kissed her forehead. "Whatever you do from now on, should not just be about you, but for your child. Okay?"

Khushi bit her quivering lip and nodded.

"Oh sweetheart," and Ammijan held her tightly as Khushi wrapped her arms around Ammijan's waist and cried into her belly.

"I'm so scared," Khushi cried.

"Shh... everything will be okay." Ammijan kissed Khushi's hair with a tear trailing down her cheek. "You're a strong girl Khushi. A very strong girl."

That night, Ammijan stayed with Khushi in her room and helped Khushi to fall asleep.

Chapter Five

"Khushi, I remember everything," Arnav repeated.

Khushi turned away as she snapped back to reality. "I don't know what-"

"Please cut the crap Khushi! I know that your baby is mine!"

"Arnav-"

"And I want responsibility in it."

Khushi looked at him in shock. "What?!"

"That's my baby. And I want it. So if you plan on aborting-"

"No! That's completely against my self moral."

"Good. And now, I want responsibility of my baby."

"Meaning?"

"I want you to move in with me."

"WHAT?!"

"Move in. With me."

"No! No, no, absolutely not!"

"Why not!"

"I'm not gonna leave my home for you! Who are you to me even-"

"I'm the father of your baby!"

Khushi flinched. There were some people in the hall who heard and turned. Shocked by the news, they quickly rushed back to class to gossip.

"Move into my home," Arnav said. "I want to make sure that my baby is healthy."

"Oh, so what are you trying to say? That I'm not healthy."

"Khushi-"

"This conversation is over. Im not moving in with you. The baby is just mine and I'm taking full responsibility for it. I don't want you involved, done. I'm going back to class."

Khushi turned on her heels and headed back to class. Arnav called out and followed her back. When they arrived back in the classroom, everyone turned and looked at them.

"Arnav is the father," all the students asked.

Khushi slumped and just looked at the class. She was definitely not going to be in peace this period. Nor was Arnav.

They walked inside and sat down in their seats. Lavanya and Sheetal just gaped at Khushi.

"OMG Khushi," Sheetal said. "Please tell me this is a joke!"

Khushi just ignored.

"Are you serious?! Arnav really is the father?!"

Arnav rolled his eyes. "Khushi-"

"No way though," Lavanya said, cutting Arnav off. "I mean you're Ms. Invisible and he's Mr. Ex-Bad Boy!"

Khushi looked away.

"Gee, aren't you nice," Payal said sarcastically.

Lavanya eyed her and Payal smiled back over-sweetly.

Arnav just rolled his eyes. "Khushi, can we please-"

"No Arnav," Khushi said, cutting him off. "I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"But we have to. So could you please move over here? That way those two won't intrude," he said, nodding his head at Lavanya and Sheetal.

"No."

"Khushi, I'm being nice. Please come over here."

"No."

"Khushi-"

"No."

Arnav rolled his eyes and grabbed her desk and dragged her over to him, surprising everyone else.

"Arnav-"

"Shh," he said, putting his finger to his lips. "Now I'm gonna talk."

Khushi just blinked once.

He sighed. "Look," he said lowly so only they heard, "I want responsibility for my kid. I want to take care of it and I wanna take care of you. I want to be responsible for my actions. So please Khushi, move in with me."

Khushi couldn't believe how he was owning up to it, but she shook her head. "No. I don't want you involved. I'll take care of the baby myself."

Arnav shut his eyes and exhaled sharply, as if he were keeping control of himself. "Khushi," he said as he opened his eyes, "I'm sure you haven't told your family about this."

Khushi looked at him wide eyed.

"And I bet they'd get mad."

Khushi thought of Ammijan. She'd probably throw me out, she said in her head.

"No," she gasped.

She looked at Arnav with wide eyes and he just looked at her. At that moment, the bell rang, and Khushi picked up her bag and move her seat back. She headed for the door, when Arnav went to her.

"Khushi-"

"Arnav please, I don't...."

She just left and didn't feel any good and ran to the bathroom to release her breakfast.

Chapter Four

"I don't know if we should be here," Khushi said.

"Oh why not," Payal asked. "We're juniors now! We should have some fun!"

"But we're juniors. And we should be studying and getting high scores so that colleges like us."

"Oh relax! It's only September. Now cummon!"

Payal dragged Khushi with her into the house that the party was being thrown at. People held glasses in their hands, which was obviously contained with beer. Payal took Khushi into the living room and saw snacks on a table.

"Want some punch," Payal asked.

"I dunno. I mean what if it's screwed?"

"I don't think so. Come on!"

Payal took her over to the table and got Khushi and herself some punch. Khushi took a sip and thought it tasted okay. So she continued to drink it.

Throughout the party, Khushi stayed with Payal. The two just sat and talked, eating and drinking punch. Khushi was in the middle of talking to Payal, when she saw Arnav. He had just come in and got a cup of beer. He went over to his friends and talked.

Khushi just looked at him when he turned and saw her. Khushi flinched instantly and looked away. She took a chance and glanced back at Arnav and saw him still looking at her. Khushi drank her punch and finished it.

"I'm gonna go get more punch," Khushi said and went over to the punch bowl.

One bowl was finished, so Khushi went to the other. She drank some of it and saw Arnav still looking at her. Finishing her punch, she got more. She couldn't help herself! With Arnav drinking his beer and looking at her, she felt super-conscious.

And this wasn't the first time.

During the summer, they had seen each other and this had happened. Khushi would get caught looking at him, as he would look at her. It even happened before the school year ended. But when school started this year, she would catch him looking at her. It was weird, but she liked it. Both would catch each other and look at each other.

Khushi finished her punch and got another cup. She kept drinking cup after cup and found it weird.

But what did she know that he was drinking the spiked bowl of punch.

"Khushi!"

Khushi turned and saw Payal. "Yeah?"

"Dude, what are you doing here? Come on!"

"'Kay."

Khushi went with Payal and hung out with her. She saw Arnav looking at her now and then, but didn't say anything.

And then Akash came.

Akash and Payal were... well, "on and off". They were together for a period and then they weren't. But after their most recent "incident", things were just unclear.

Payal had gotten pregnant. She was in shock when it had happened, but she was going to keep it. She had told Akash, and he was shocked. He was so shocked, that he didn't want to talk to her. Payal was hurt, but she didn't care. She was determined to keep her child and determined to raise it. Alone, even if she had to.

But it seemed life had its own plans. Payal was only 6 weeks, when the doctor told her that the baby had no chance of surviving. The baby was forming alright, but it's umbilical cord would eventually come in the way and choke the baby. Plus, the baby had a problem with its brain. It seemed that the fetus wasn't developing a brain. So had she continued, Payal would've ended up giving birth to a stillborn. That shocked Payal, and sadly, she had to abort the baby.

After that, Payal was just miserable. She would cry nonstop and Khushi would do her best to comfort her. But Payal was depressed. Akash had gotten news and it had hurt him a lot. He wanted to meet her, but Payal wouldn't. She hated him and had decided she didn't want to have anything to do with him. But Akash denied and wanted to talk to her.

One night, Akash had snuck into her room to talk. And that had pushed Payal off the edge. She blew her head off, yelling and blaming Akash, saying it was his fault that her baby died. She said that because he had turned away from her and their baby, that her baby was taken away from her.

After that, Akash was completely lost. He didn't know what to do. And this was all during the summer. Now, he had decided it was finally time to talk, and that the BS was enough.

"Hey Payal," Akash said.

Payal looked away. "Hi."

"Pays, I wanna talk to you."

"I don't."

"Babe, please-"

"Don't... call me that.... Please."

Khushi finished her punch. "Um, I'm gonna go get more punch."

"Khushi-"

"No Payal. You guys need to talk this out," and Khushi got up and left.

Khushi got more punch, drank it, not realizing the alcohol she was taking in. And soon she was buzzed. She had the urge to pee and she went to the bathroom. When she came out, she bumped into someone.

"Sorry, sorry," she chimed.

"Nah, it's okay."

Khushi looked up and saw Arnav.

"A-a-a... a-a-a... Arnav?"

"Yeah. And you're... you're... oh yeah! You're that cute chick, Khushi."

Khushi blushed. "You think I'm cute."

"Baby I think you're a lot of things."

"Oh? Really?"

"Yeah."

"Then prove it to me, Mr. I-always-look-at-you-but-don't-make-a-move."

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows. "I didn't know I had such a long name."

Khushi grinned foolishly. "You have a silly last name," and she stuck her tongue out.

Arnav smirked and took her hand and led her into a room. "So now you want me to prove it to, hmm?"

"Sir, yes sir," she saluted.

*Mature Content*
The two chuckled and tripped over each other and landed on the bed. They looked at each other for a second and then broke into laughter.

"Hey Khushi, you a virgin?"

"What do you think?"

"Um... virgin."

"Why?"

Arnav leaned over her. "Cause baby, I see the way you lookin' at me."

Khushi wrapped her arms around him. "That's cause you're sexy, baby."

"Oh? Am I?"

"Fuck yeah! Now kiss me!"

"With pleasure," and he kissed her.

The two kissed and then looked at each other. They just gazed at each other, when Arnav reached out and caressed her face. Khushi shut her eyes to his touch and then looked into his eyes. She cupped his face in her hand and Arnav shut his eyes to her embrace.

"I need to have you," Arnav whispered.

"Then take me," she whispered back.

And their lips joined again. Arnav brought Khushi up and soon their clothes flew of in different directions. They were skin on skin and were feeling each other. The environment around them was in heat as they felt each other, kissing and touching each other.

"Are you ready," Arnav whispered in her ear.

Khushi shivered. "Yes."

And then they became one. Khushi did feel pain but she didn't want to back away. Soon enough, the pain was gone and she loved the feeling of him within her.

"Arnav," she gasped, "please stop."

"Why baby? Don't like it?"

"I do but I feel something."

Arnav kissed her. "Because you're gonna come."

"What?"

Arnav didn't reply and entangled his fingers through hers and pinned them above her head. Burying his face in her neck, he began to move really fast. Khushi tried to free her hands, but his grip was tight. All Khushi could do was wrap her legs around his waist. She was breathing insanely, getting an unfamiliar feeling within her.

"Let go, Khushi," Arnav whispered in her ear. "Just feel everything and relax."

Khushi shut her eyes and tried to relax, just like Arnav said. He felt Arnav move fast within her and soon enough, she was gasping. She tightened her hold on his hands as wrapped her legs even tighter around his waist.

And then she shattered.

"Arnav," she cried out.

She threw her head back as she found her release. Her body felt loose and relaxed. As Khushi breathed heavily, Arnav was still moving fast as then found his release.

"Khushi," he cried out.

His grip tightened on her hands as he cried out from his orgasm. And then he collapsed on her body, moving a few more strokes.

As the two caught their breath, they held onto each other, covered in sweat, lust, and impassioned heat. Arnav picked himself up a bit and looked down at Khushi. Khushi slowly opened her eyes and looked at Arnav. The two were lost in each others gaze, unable to believe the passion they were in not to long ago.

"Tired," Arnav asked, his voice hoarse.

Khushi nodded. "You," she asked, her voice also hoarse.

Arnav nodded. "Hmm."

Arnav pulled out and Khushi winced. He laid down beside her and held her tightly to him. The two shut their eyes and caught some sleep, relaxed and sated.

*~*

Khushi woke up and felt something tight around her. As she blinked her eyes open, and looked to see Arnav asleep next to her, holding her tightly to him.

Khushi couldn't believe what she saw with her own two eyes. She looked around her range and realized she was naked and so was he. That's when she remembered what had happened. Carefully she lifted Arnav's hand away and found her clothes on the floor. Quickly, she wore her clothes and slipped out of the room and went to the bathroom.

What did I do? What did I do? What did I do, she cried in her head.

Everything replayed in her head and she shook it clear.

Don't think about it. Don't think about it. Don't. Think. About it.

Washing her face with cold water she looked at her reflection.

Hopefully he won't remember. Hopefully.

Khushi dashed out of the bathroom and saw that she had only been gone for an hour. She hurried home and saw that Ammijan and her siblings were asleep. She dashed to her room and quickly showered, trying to get rid of the memories.

But what did she know that in a matter of two weeks, everything would change. Or even, that within her body, at that very second, a change, was occurring.

Chapter Three

Khushi walked through the halls while everyone looked at her. They were whispering stuff to each other as they looked at her. Khushi quickly slipped to class and sat down in her seat. Her classmates were also looking at her, but she didn't let it get to her.

Payal came in and sat down in her seat. She was about to ask Khushi something, when Lavanya and Sheetal came in. They went right towards Khushi and hovered around her.

"Hey Khushi," Lavanya said.

Khushi just blinked at them. Those two NEVER spoke with her.

"Uh-"

"So you're really pregnant, aren't you," Sheetal asked, interrupting Khushi.

"Um-"

"It's amazing how a girl like you could even get knocked up," Lavanya said.

Khushi looked down at her hands. Lavanya and Sheetal smirked at her evilly. Payal was about to say something, when someone else spoke.

"Cut your shit."

They looked up and saw Arnav coming over to sit in his seat.

"Always being the nice guy, huh," Sheetal remarked.

Arnav rolled his eyes and slunk back in his seat and put his feet up on the chair in front of him. Lavanya and Sheetal rolled their eyes and went to their seats. Khushi just looked at Arnav, as he looked forward.

The bell rang, and instead of the teacher, a substitute came in. She didn't care what they did, as long as they weren't too loud. That gave Lavanya and Sheetal their opportunity.

"So tell us Khushi," Lavanya said as she moved her seat closer to Khushi's, "now that you're not a virgin and all."

"Yeah," Sheetal agreed.

Khushi just looked away and ignored.

"Oh? Knocked up, and gained some attitude, huh," Sheetal said.

"Yo, will you guys shut up," Arnav said as he turned around.

"Well we're not talking to you."

"Well you're being very loud."

"Then butt out."

"Why butting in yourself?"

"What's it matter to you anyways," Lavanya asked.

"Nothing."

"Well it should," Khushi whispered.

The three looked at her. Khushi suddenly didn't feel so great and asked if she could go to the bathroom, and ran out. She vomited again and then washed up.

Why me, she cried in her head.

Wiping her face with a paper towel, she headed out of the bathroom. She was walking down the hall, when someone grabbed her hand and pulled her. Khushi was turned and leaned up against the wall. She gaped as she looked at... Arnav?

"What are you doing," Khushi asked. "Let me go!"

"I need to talk to you."

"Why?"

"Because..."

"Because?"

Arnav looked down and released her from his grip.

Khushi looked away. "Arnav, I know you must've figured that I liked you but... I'm knocked up! You don't wanna have anything to do with me."

"Khushi-"

"Please Arnav. ... I'm already going through enough stress. I... I don't want anymore," she said, her lower lip quivering.

Pushing him away, Khushi began to walk away, when Arnav spoke.

"Khushi, I remembered everything."

Khushi froze. Her eyes widened as she looked back at him. "What," she breathed.

"I remember everything from that night."

Khushi gasped, as she remembered back to the night of the party.

Chapter Two

Khushi sat in her room and stared off into space. School had ended a few hours back and she had rushed home. She thought back to a few days ago, when her life had took a complete full turn.

*Flashback*

Khushi brushed her teeth and used Listerine just to make sure that her breath didn't smell. She had vomited, again. That was the second time today.

I hope I didn't eat something bad, she said in her head.

Khushi came out of the bathroom and wiped her face with her towel. As Khushi went to place the towel down, she noticed the calendar from the corner of her eyes. She went over to it and realized that there wasn't a red circle on there.

And that made her brain crank up.

Khushi looked at the month before. There was a circle around the 19th of August. Looking back at September, there wasn't a single circle. and it was already October 3rd!

"Oh no, oh no, oh no," she breathed.

Grabbing the landline, she quickly called Payal, telling her to come instantly. Payal understood from her voice that it was serious and rushed over.

"Whats wrong," Payal asked as soon as she came in.

"Payal, I'm late," Khushi cried.

"What?! But-"

"It's been over a week! Its been what? Eleven days?!"

Payal got worried, cause it was really about 13 days, so she quickly ran outside to the pharmacy and then came running back. She handed Khushi the bag and Khushi went inside the bathroom and took out the pregnancy test. A few minutes later, she came back out.

"Well," Payal asked.

"I have to wait two minutes," Khushi replied.

A few minutes later, Khushi came back with the test in her hands.

"I can't look," Khushi panicked.

"But you have to!"

"You do it."

"Khushi."

Khushi sighed. Taking a deep breath, she looked at the test and gasped.

"What," Payal asked. "Is it negative?"

Tears formed in Khushi's eyes. "It's... positive."

Khushi collapsed to the floor and cried, Payal hugging her to calm her down.

*End of Flashback*

Khushi wiped away the lone tear that escaped from the memory.

"Ammijan," Khushi called out.

"Haan," a woman replied.

"I'm hungry!"

"I'll make you a sandwich. Why don't you go and first do namaz? It's time for Asr."

"Okay."

Khushi went to pray and cried for help in her prayers. For forgiveness in the deed she had done, regretting it all.

Once she had finished, she went downstairs and found her siblings there as well. Of course, they weren't her actual siblings. Khushi had become an orphan at the age of two. She was taken into this orphanage, which was run by a woman who accepted any child. She was known as Ammijan. She was kind and she loved Khushi very much. No matter how many mistakes Khushi made, she always excused her for it.

But Khushi feared that if Ammijan got to know about her pregnancy, then she would never forgive her.

Ammijan served them their snacks and sat with Khushi.

"How are you feeling," she asked. "You were feeling sick earlier, weren't you?"

"Yeah, but I'm fine now."

"Good."

They continued to eat and soon went back to their rooms. Khushi tried to focus on her reading assignment, but couldn't. She kept thinking of those hazel eyes and brown tousled hair, as well as that toned, muscular, tanned body. She tried to get rid of the thoughts, but they kept coming back.

"Stop Khushi," she said aloud to herself. "Don't think about him."

But she couldn't. She kept thinking of him and it was driving her insane!

"Khushi," Ammijan called out, "come down for dinner!"

Khushi sighed and shut her book and went downstairs. Everyone sat at the table and began to eat. But Khushi just picked at her food.

"Appi, aren't you going to eat," her sister, Mahi, asked.

Khushi gave her simple smile. "I'm not that hungry."

"Why? Whats wrong," Ammijan asked.

"It's nothing."

"It cant be nothing - you're usually the first one to eat."

Khushi just shrugged. "I don't know... Will you feed me Ammijan?"

The little ones giggled but Ammijan smiled lightly.

"Of course," she smiled.

Ammijan began to feed her and Khushi smiled lightly as she did. Khushi loved it when she did her motherly gestures.

Once dinner was complete, Khushi headed back to her room. She took a shower and then stood in front of her mirror, naked. She observed her body. Khushi realized that her breasts had gotten bigger. She went to feel them, but they felt really sensitive.

Why did I sleep with him, Khushi cried in her head. Why?! She covered her face. How could I have been so stupid?! She looked back up at her reflection. I'm going through all this and him? He doesn't care does he? She wiped her face and then looked down at her stomach. It'll just be you and me, baby. She looked back up in the mirror. Just you and me.

Chapter One

Khushi looked in horror, as all 32 pairs of eyes looked at her. She stood still, not sure of what she should do and looked at Payal. Payal just gave her a look of sympathy. Khushi looked around the room and looked at the teacher, who was looking wide eyed at her. She looked at Lavanya and Sheetal, who were gaping at Khushi. And then she looked at Arnav, who was just looking at her wide eyed like the rest of the class.

Khushi looked down and side to side, and then back at the class, tears formed in her eyes. Unable to stand there another second, she grabbed her bag and ran out of the room. She ran down the hall and went straight into the bathroom, feeling like the was going to hurl.

And indeed she did.

Once she was done, she came out and washed up. Going through her bag, she took out a strip of "5 Gum" and quickly chewed on it. Looking up, she looked at her reflection. She was pale, paler than usual. She didn't look the beautiful-pale she was, but sick-pale.

Tears formed again in her eyes and she held into the slab of the sink and cried. A few seconds later, the door opened, Payal coming in.

"Khushi-"

Khushi quickly tackled Payal and hugged her, crying on her shoulder. Payal hugged her friend back and moved her fingers through her hair to comfort her.

"Hush," Payal soothed. "Don't cry."

"Payal, I'm all alone," Khushi cried.

"Shh, don't say that. You have me and you have another being within you, so don't say that."

"But-"

"Shh. Don't cry."

Khushi slowly let go of Payal and wiped her tears away and caught her breath.

"Khushi, you need to be strong. If not for me or yourself, do it for the being inside you."

Khushi nodded and wiped her escaped tears away. "You're right. But... I can't believe I just spilled it like that."

"Doesn't matter. You'll have to ignore them. Too much stress isn't good for you."

"But what about him?"

"I don't know... That can be figured out later."

"Why are you being so strong for me?"

"Because I'm your best friend. And I want to support you."

Khushi nodded and then hugged her. "Thanks Payal. For everything."

"No problem," she smiled humbly.

*~*

Khushi headed to lunch and saw Payal waiting for her. They both went inside and some people looked at Khushi. Khushi did her best and ignored them, going on the lunch line to get food. She got her tray and went to find a table, when she looked up and saw all eyes on her. Khushi stood still, when Payal joined her.

"Khushi," Payal questioned.

Khushi snapped out of trance and went over to an empty table. Payal followed and both sat and began to ate. They felt like they were being stared at and snuck a glance up. They saw people looking at them, whispering stuff.

"I can't believe it spread this fast," Payal said.

"Hmm," Khushi simply replied.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

Khushi continued to eat when she saw Arnav come through the doors. He went on the line and got food and looked for somewhere to sit.

"Khushi, don't," Payal simply said.

Khushi looked at Payal. "He'll never talk to me. Especially after this... Just like everyone else."

"Don't let it get to you."

Khushi suddenly didn't feel so good. She looked up and saw Arnav coming towards them. That's when she really felt sick.

"I'm think I'm gonna hurl again," Khushi said quickly.

"Are you okay? Should I come-"

Khushi shook her head and grabbed her bag and ran out the lunchroom, darting past Arnav. Everyone looked at her as she dashed out of the lunchroom. They murmured stuff and looked at Payal. Payal simply grabbed her stuff nonchalantly and left the cafeteria and headed to the bathroom to find Khushi.

Prologue

Dhak-dhak!

Khushi looked to her right.

Dhak-dhak!

Khushi looked to her left.

Dhak-dhak!

All around her were nothing but students. They were busy in their own worlds, socializing with others. Khushi tugged on the strap of her bag and continued walking to class. She entered the room and sat down in her seat. Her friend Payal came sitting down next to her in her seat.

Khushi sat and waited for the bell to ring, feeling anxious. The bell rang and in came the teacher. As he settled down, in came two girls. Two girls the male student population swooned for.

They were Lavanya and Sheetal, half-sisters. They were friends since they were little. Lavanya lived with her father and Sheetal lived with her mother. Soon, their parents began to date and married. Since then, Lavanya and Sheetal never broke.

But she didn't care about that. The last arrival made Khushi's heart thump again.

Dhak-dhak!

Dhak-dhak!

In came Arnav Singh Raizada, the boy every female in the student body swooned for. But he was quiet and didn't make a fuss. If he liked a girl, he'd hookup with the girl. Once it was over, then it was over.

He was simply straight forward.

"Alright class," the teacher began, but Khushi paid no attention.

Khushi was too busy looking at the back of Arnav's head. Her throat went dry and she wanted to talk to him. She just wanted to talk to him once. Just say two words and never speak to him again. Just say-

"Ms. Gupta, is there's something you'd like to share with the class," the teacher asked.

Khushi hadn't realized she had just mumbled those two words. No one had heard, but they had turned and looked at her, while she was glued and continued looking at Arnav. Even he turned around to look at her.

Khushi mumbled again, still lost in her thoughts.

"I didn't hear you," the teacher said.

Khushi felt her head spin. She had been ignoring it, thinking it was because she skipped breakfast, but she knew all to well what it really was.

"Ms. Gupta, if you'd please, because I'd like to start my teaching, hmm?"

And the teacher went back to his work. Everyone else turned away as well, but Khushi wasn't feeling good. She slowly lowered her head and rested it.

"Ms. Gupta!"

Khushi hadn't even realized that she had fallen asleep and she shot up. "I'm pregnant!"

Everyone slowly turned and looked at her. Khushi looked in horror, as all 32 pairs of eyes looked at her.

She definitely did not think that people would find out this way.