Chapter Eleven

Two weeks passed and Arnav and Khushi had gotten closer. Their days began and ended with each other, each day getting better and better as the baby grew bigger and bigger. People at school still spoke about them. In the beginning it was the shock that had them talking - that the ex-bad boy and the goodie-two-shoes-slash-nobody had made a baby together. Now when they spoke about them, it was their curiosity on whether or not they were a thing.

Payal knew of these things and she had began to wonder about the same thing. She cared for Khushi as much as she cared for her. Earlier when Khushi had gotten the pictures of her baby, Khushi was nervous on sharing them with Payal since Payal had lost her child. Payal didn't deny the fact that she was a bit envious, but she cared for the happiness of her best friend's so she overlooked it and was happy for Khushi.

When Arnav and Khushi came to class, Payal went over to Khushi.

"Hey Khushi. Can I talk to you for a bit," she asked, glancing at Arnav.

It had become a regular thing for Arnav to sit with Khushi. He moved his desk back everyday so that he would sit next to Khushi. The teacher would yell, but Arnav never cared, and the teacher gave up. So since Payal wanted to talk to Khushi privately, she would have to get her away from Arnav.

Arnav moved his seat to where it should be and Payal spoke low to Khushi so only that they could hear.

"What's up," Khushi asked.

"Nothing much. I see you've taken on some weight."

"Yeah, I have. So what did you wanna talk about?"

Payal glanced around and then looked at Khushi. "What's going on between you and Arnav?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean are you guys like a thing?"

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "What?"

"Do you guys go out?"

"No! What-"

"Everyone's asking questions Khushi. The whole student body is wondering if you guys are together or not."

"Why? Just because he's the father of my child?"

Payal tilted her head. "Khushi, you have to admit that you guys have gotten closer. And I mean way closer."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You guys come in matching now and then. You're always together, coming in and going out of this building. You even spend more time with him!"

"I do not!"

"Yes you do Khushi."

Khushi looked away.

"Listen, I'm just asking because it's annoying to hear crap from all of these people."

Khushi sighed. "I'm sorry Pays. I didn't mean to yell."

"I know," she smiled softly. "I'm just looking out for you."

Khush smiled as well.

Payal glanced back at Arnav. "He seems to be doing a very good job."

"He is," Khushi said, looking at Arnav, who was busy on his phone.

"He's very sweet."

"He is. Every night, before we go to bed, he always says goodnight to me and the baby."

"That's cute."

"Mm hmm. We spend a lot of time together at his place. The idea of the baby keeps us together and it goes on beyond that."

Payal looked at Khushi for a moment, watching how Khushi was looking at Arnav. "You're in love."

Khushi snapped back to reality. "What?"

"You're in love."

Khushi couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Don't be absurd!"

"You're in love Khushi. It's visible all over your face. The way you look at him, the way you act around him, the way you care about him - I've been seeing it with my own two eyes Khushi. You're talking about him all the time and you worry about the smallest of things when it comes to him. You're in love Khushi, and you're in denial."

Khushi just blinked. "That's the funniest thing I've heard in a while," she grinned.

Payal held her hands up in innocence. "I said it as I see it, sister. It's up to you on whether or not you wanna be in denial."

Payal tapped Arnav's shoulder and went back to her seat. Arnav moved his seat back and looked at Khushi confusedly.

"What was that about," Arnav asked.

"Nothing," Khushi smiled lightly.

Class went on and Arnav had his arm wrapped around Khushi the entire time. In the middle of the lesson, Khushi began to wonder about Payal said.

Could she be right, Khushi wondered.

The thought stuck to her head all day. It annoyed Khushi that she couldn't figure it out. Even back at Arnav's she was lost in thought.

Do I love him? You'd think that you would know that you love someone but no! This is so stupid! 

Khushi was in her room, completing her homework.

I probably think so much about Arnav because he's the father of my child. That's not wrong of me. Plus I now live with him, so sorry if my life now focuses more around him!

I don't like him, I highly doubt it. Payal is just saying some crazy stuff!

Khushi finished up the last of her homework. She had nothing to do, so she decided she'd spend some time with Arnav. Heading over to Arnav's room, she knocked and opened the door. Arnav was nowhere to be seen so she stepped in.

"Arnav," she called out, but Arnav wasn't there.

She looked around the room, but Arnav was nowhere to be found.

Where is he?

Khushi walked out of the room and looked for him. Arnav was usually in his room at this time of the day, busy with homework and other stuff. It puzzled her as to why Arnav wasn't there today.

Khushi was walking past Dadi's room, when she heard her talking.

"... see Arnav? Even though you chose not to hear my words, life played its game and you did what I asked of you."

Asked of him? What? She moved to the door so that she could get a peek inside.

"Wrong," Arnav said. "I did it as a mistake, which I regret-"

"How dare you?! Do you not care for this family? Arnav you are the only hope I have to see this family continue!"

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. Only hope?

"Why does it matter so much to you? None of this is important-"

"Of course it is important. Do you have any idea how much of a respected family we are because of your ancestors?!"

"I don't care!"

"Well I do! This family lineage is very important to me and unless I see the next heir, I will not be able to die peacefully."

"That's ridiculous-"

"You wouldn't understand because you don't care. All that matters to me is that I see the heir of this family and rest in peace."

"You're a mad woman! Honestly, I wish I had never walked out of the house that day. Then maybe, just maybe, all of this could've been prevented from happening."

Khushi felt her heart pit. Arnav....

"But you can't change time," Dadi said. "Trust me, if it could have, then I would've changed everything

Arnav looked away.

"We will speak no more of this. What's done is done, and all that matters now is the child Khushi is carrying-"

"And what exactly do you plan to do when she gives birth to the child," Arnav asked, looking at her. "Answer that because that's one thing I simply don't understand."

Khushi's eyes widened, fear growing inside.

"When the heir is born, I will-"

Khushi stepped back and knocked a small vase over, which was sitting on a table behind her. The vase broke into pieces and Khushi moved away before Arnav and his dadi came out.

Arnav was the first one to come out of the room. "Khushi, are you okay? What are you doing here?"

"M-my head was spinning slightly," Khushi lied. "I was going to go downstairs for water, but my head was spinning and I ended up turning into this hall and bumped into the table," she said and held her forehead.

Arnav went to her side immediately and held her. "You should've asked for someone to help you."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bump into the table-"

"Ssh, that's not important," Arnav said softly. "What matters is that you're okay and didn't get hurt."

Khushi nodded, looking down at the floor.

Dadi had come out and had called a worker to clean up the mess. "Khushi, I think it's best if you go to your room."

"Okay," Khushi nearly whispered.

Arnav was about to walk her away, when Dadi spoke.

"Wait Khushi."

The two looked back at her.

Dadi came up to her and for a moment, Khushi was scared. She was hoping that Dadi hadn't realized that she had lied.

Dadi stood in front of her. "You have to be more careful okay? If you ever need anything, just tell someone to do it. It's their job to help you. Okay?"

Khushi nodded. "I'll try to keep that in mind."

Dadi smiled lightly. "I know you're not used to it yet, but hopefully you will."

Khushi nodded and Arnav took her back to her room. He helped her into bed and placed the covers over her.

Arnav tucked her in. "If you need anything, just call me, okay?"

Khushi nodded but she didn't look at him.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

Arnav sat down beside Khushi, cupping her face in his hand, moving it so that she'd look at him. For a moment, the two just looked at each other. Khushi looked at him and wondered to herself.

Why is it that I can't take my eyes off of him? This should feel awkward but... but it feels perfect.

"Khushi are you scared about what just happened?"

Khushi looked down. If you only knew what's going through my head.

Arnav sighed. "Khushi, don't be scared. You don't have to worry about anything. You didn't fall over, and that's what matters. You just need to be a bit more careful."

Khushi just nodded.

Arnav smiled softly. "Don't worry about a thing. I'll take care of you and our baby. Okay?"

Khushi looked up at him. He was smiling and Khushi could only wonder. She nodded slightly and Arnav got up to turn off the lights and closed the door behind him as he left. Once the door shut, Khushi could only stare up at the ceiling and think of Arnav's and dadi's conversation.

*Flashback*

"And what exactly do you plan to do when she gives birth to the child? Answer that because that's one thing I simply don't understand.

"When the heir is born, I will-"

*End of Flashback*

Khushi cursed, mad that she didn't get to hear the end of what Dadi had to say.

Is she going to kick me out, Khushi wondered. Is that what she plans on doing?

Khushi turned to her side.

You know what, who cares if she does. I don't care. I don't care at all! I don't care one bit that...

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

Dhak-dhak! Dhak-dhak!

Khushi sighed. That I realize that I'm lying.

Khushi shut her eyes and she saw Arnav flash before her eyes. She opened them up immediately and shut them again. She, again, saw an image of Arnav flash before her eyes.

Khushi took in a sharp breath. I think I am falling for Arnav.

Chapter Ten

Before I start...
Remember how I asked if you guys know why Khushi was surprised? Well, Penrith was the first to get it!


Khushi opened the door and without even thinking, went in. She couldn't believe what she was seeing with her own two eyes.

Arnav Singh Raizada was also doing namaz.

Arnav finished and looked up to see Khushi. "Khushi, what are you doing here?"

Khushi realized her intrusion. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come in like that. It's just that, I was so surprised."

"Why?"

"You were doing namaz... but, I thought... I mean your name-"

"A name is a name Khushi - it doesn't make us who we are. What we do makes us who we are."

Khushi slightly smiled, liking his little quote.

"So what can I help you with," Arnav asked as he put his janamaz away.

"I'm kinda hungry...."

"Oh, okay. Come, I'll show you to the kitchen."

Arnav led her down to the kitchen and helped her up with a sandwich. Khushi ate in a jiffy, surprising Arnav and herself by how hungry she was and how she gobbled up the sandwich.

"How about I give you a tour," Arnav said.

Khushi nodded in agreement and followed Arnav around the mansion. It was big and spacious, no doubt, but it was very empty. With the numerous rooms that the mansion held, Khushi would've thought that Arnav had a big family living here. But yet the only people she'd seen all day were Arnav and his Dadi.

As they were heading to the dining room for dinner, Khushi couldn't help but to ask.

"Arnav?

"Yeah?"

"Where's the rest of your family?"

Arnav scrunched his eyebrows.

"I mean... you live in such a big place, and I've only seen you and your Dadi here so...?"

Arnav looked away. "There's only the two of us."

Khushi was confused. "What do you mean?"

They were near the dining room, so Arnav didn't bother answering Khushi and quickly slipped into the room. Khushi watched Arnav in confusion as he sat down. She went over to him and sat beside him, looking down at the table in front of her.

Why is Arnav dodging the topic, Khushi wondered.

Dadi came in a few moments later and dinner was served by the workers. Unlike at home, dinner was quiet at the Raizada home. Khushi ate, feeling really awkward in the silence. Back at home, the kids always had to say something, sometimes even singing, and Ammijan would yell at them for not listening to her.

It felt like forever for dinner to end. Once they were finished, workers placed bowls of water before them. Khushi looked at it in confusion and noticed Arnav and his dadi dipping their hands in to wash up. Khushi did the same and found it odd.

They sure are fancy, Khushi said in her head.

All washed up, she dried her hand with the cloth napkin provided. The workers took the bowls away, and Arnav and his dadi got up to go back to their rooms. Khushi followed Arnav, going back upstairs towards their room.

"That was kind of uncomfortable," she muttered to herself.

"Sorry about that," Arnav said.

Khushi looked up at him. She didn't think she had said it that loud. "Sorry," she blushed.

"It's okay. I don't like the silence either."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. Then why don't you say something to engage a conversation?"

Arnav paused and Khushi stopped behind him.

"Things aren't the same as they used to be?"

Khushi tilted her head. "Meaning?"

Arnav shook his head and faced her. "Nothing. I hope you'll be alright your first night here?"

Khushi glanced into her room, which they had stopped in front of. "I think so."

Arnav nodded. "And if you need anything, you know where I am."

Khushi nodded. "Okay."

Arnav smiled lightly. "If I may; can I say good night?"

Khushi's eyebrows scrunched. "Of course."

In the blink of an eye, Arnav was on his knees. Khushi gasped and was about to step back by instinct, but Arnav held her hands. Khushi froze and looked at him wide eyed, but Arnav wasn't looking at her.

"I don't know you so much, but I know something good will come out of us," Arnav said softly.

Khushi looked at him confusedly.

"Within time, I hope we bond. I definitely want you in my life and I hope you'll feel the same."

He wants me in his life, Khushi wondered.

"I can't wait to meet you," Arnav smiled.

Wait what?

Arnav softly placed his hand over Khushi's stomach and her eyes shot down to his hand and then to his face.

"I can't wait to hold you in my arms," Arnav said softly, stroking Khushi's stomach.

Feeling Arnav's fingers on her body sent tingles up Khushi's spine. She even shivered slightly, which Arnav felt. He looked up at her and then pulled his hand away.

"Sorry," Arnav said as he stood up.

Khushi shook her head. "It's okay," she said, tucking a tendril of hair behind her ear.

Arnav looked away, slightly embarrassed. "Good night."

"Good night."

Arnav turned away and disappeared to his room. Khushi stepped into her room and shut the door, leaning against it for a moment.

He's very caring, Khushi said in her head. Maybe he really does care for the baby.

Khushi placed her hands over her tummy. I guess your father does care.

*~*

A couple of days passed and Arnav and Khushi were getting along well. Arnav could still be annoying now and then, but Khushi didn't mind as much as she used to. She was liking how things were going. In fact, she was liking him more than before.

One morning, Khushi was ready for school. She stepped out of her room to go to Arnav, only to see him coming her way. Khushi couldn't help but to ogle him down, wearing black skinny jeans, white v-neck, and a navy blue varsity jacket. As Arnav approached Khushi, he was checking his phone. When he looked up, he paused.

"Whoa," was all Arnav could say.

Arnav paused and looked Khushi down, her in black skinny jeans, white tank top, and a navy blue varsity jacket.

Arnav placed his finger to his lips. "I didn't know we were matching today."

Khushi hadn't even realized and looked down at her clothes and then at him, flushing. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

Arnav chuckled. "There's nothing to be sorry about. I think it's cool."

"Really?'

"Yeah. Plus this will let people know that we're very much serious about all of this."

Khushi felt a pang in her chest. "You care about what people think?"

Arnav could tell that she took his words the wrong way, so he went up to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "No, I don't. But if it helps them to stop annoying you and not stress you out, then I'm fine with it."

Khushi just looked at him. "You're that worried?"

Arnav nodded. "Yes. You're the mother of my child - why wouldn't I care?"

Khushi looked down and nodded.

Arnav smiled lightly and tilted her chin up so she'd look at him. "Hungry?"

Khushi nodded. "Very much," she slightly blushed.

Arnav smiled. "Let's go."

Taking her hand in his, Arnav led them downstairs to the kitchen. There was a breakfast bar and both of them took a seat. They were served waffles and Khushi feeling very hungry, ate waffle after waffle after waffle! Arnav gaped at Khushi as she ate her 7th waffle.

"That hungry," Arnav asked.

Khushi looked at him. "You have no clue," she said in the middle of chewing.

Before Khushi could grab her 8th, Arnav stopped her. 

"I think that's enough for one morning."

Khushi was going to object, but Arnav cut her off.

"We're going to be late."

Washing up, the two headed out. One of the workers pulled up with a white Audi and got out, handing the keys to Arnav.

"How many cars do you have," Khushi asked, once she and Arnav were seated.

"A couple," he said, pulling out and past the gates.

"You're such a guy."

Arnav winked and Khushi rolled her eyes.

"You have your appointment today, so I'll meet you outside of your class," Arnav said.

Khushi smacked her forehead. "I totally forgot."

Arnav came to a red light and looked at Khushi. "Khushi you have to remember these things."

"I know! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

Arnav sighed. "I know. Just try to keep these things in mind."

Khushi felt like a baby. "Okay," she slightly pouted.

Arnav chuckled and began to drive. "You're so cute when you pout."

Khushi blushed and looked at Arnav. She felt her heart flutter and she looked out the window, smiling lightly.

*~*

When they arrived to the school, all eyes had turned on them. It was the usual thing, and now they really didn't care. Arnav got out of his car and went around to open the door for Khushi. She came out and both walked in to the school together. Everyone around them muttered, their eyes glued to the two.

Walking in to class, they took their seats, and were in conversation, when two unwanted pests came strolling in.

"My, my, my, what have we here," Sheetal said. "A matching couple."

Arnav and Khushi rolled their eyes and ignored her.

"No girl, they're not a couple but a duo," Lavanya said. "Remember that they don't go out and she's just knocked up."

Arnav bunched his fists and was about to say something, but Khushi held his hand. He looked at her and she shook her head. Only because of Khushi, he didn't say anything but shot a nasty glare at the two. Feeling scared, the two went away to their seats.

The day went on and Khushi couldn't wait for it to end. Ever since she remembered the appointment, she had become very anxious. She was now very curious about her baby and she wondered if she would be able to see it at the doctors.

The day soon came to and end and Khushi was grateful. She put her notebook away in her bag and placed it over her shoulder. Handing in the assignment they were doing in class, she headed to the door and paused. Arnav was there, leaning against the doorway, looking as sexy as ever.

Khushi took in a sharp breath and let it out. Dancing hormones, she wondered. I believe so.

She walked towards him and Arnav smiled. "Ready?"

Khushi nodded.

Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, they headed to the main exit. All eyes were on the two and for the first time, Khushi felt good. She didn't care about everyone looking at them. She didn't know where the sudden confidence came from, but she straightened up and walked with Arnav towards his car.

They drove to the clinic and Arnav registered Khushi in. They waited a while, when the nurse called. Khushi went in alone and came back out after a few minutes, and waited for the doctor. Khushi was grateful that she had Arnav with her because the waiting was torturous. It was a matter of time when Khushi was finally called. Both Arnav and Khushi were led into Dr. Thomas' room.

"Hi, how are you two," she smiled.

"We're good," Khushi smiled.

The two sat in front of Dr. Thomas while she looked through Khushi's file.

"So how have you been Khushi," Dr. Thomas asked.

"I've been okay. The morning sickness isn't as bad as it initially was. I've been hungry a lot and eating a lot."

"No kidding there," Arnav teased.

Khushi playfully hit his arm. 

Dr. Thomas smiled. "I see you two have gotten closer."

Arnav and Khushi looked at each other.

"That's good," she smiled. She turned to Khushi. "We'll have to do some blood work again today and then we'll take a glimpse of what's going on with the baby."

Khushi took in a sharp breath. "Really?"

"Really," she smiled. "So let's get the blood work done; I'm sure both of you are anxious to see the baby."

Both Arnav and Khushi nodded.

Taking Khushi for a moment, a nurse dealt with the blood work. Dr. Thomas was busy setting up everything so that they could check up on the baby.Once Khushi's blood work were done, both Arnav and Khushi were taken to another room, where all the equipment was.

"Ready to see your baby," Dr. Thomas asked.

Khushi nodded.

"Then sit right here and let's see this baby."

Khushi nodded and did as she was told. Pulling her shirt up, Dr. Thomas placed a cold jelly-like substance on her stomach. Arnav was standing beside Khushi the entire time, completely anxious. He couldn't wait to see his baby.

Dr. Thomas did what she did and all eyes were on the screen. The duo grew antsy, wanting to see their baby already.

"Ah, there we go," Dr. Thomas said. 

The monitor displayed an image and Dr. Thomas zoomed in on it.

"That right there," she began, "is your baby."

Arnav and Khushi stared at the screen. They couldn't believe their eyes.

"You're at about seven weeks, it seems," Dr. Thomas said, zooming in a bit more. She pressed some buttons and wrote some stuff down in Khushi's file. "Everything seems to be okay and your baby seems fine."

"I can't believe it," Khushi whispered, her eyes never coming off the screen.

Dr. Thomas could only smile.

"That's our baby," Arnav asked, totally stupefied.

"The proper term is embryo but yes, yes it is," Dr. Thomas chuckled. "Your baby is starting to form," she said, pointing at the screen. "There's the baby's head and it's face its forming. The ears, eyes, nose and mouth are forming. And you see these," she asked, pointing at something paddle-like. "That's your baby's hands forming."

Khushi went into tears as she gazed at the screen.

"The embryo is about half an inch long."

"Half an inch," Arnav questioned. "That's about half the top part of my thumb!"

Dr. Thomas chuckled. "Yes, it's half an inch tall."

Arnav couldn't believe it and just gazed at the screen.

Dr. Thomas continued on showing them their baby, when the embryo moved slightly.

"Fidgety, are we," Dr. Thomas joked. "That's perfectly normal."

"When will I start to feel it moving," Khushi asked.

"Not until four months."

Khushi nodded in acknowledgment.

"I'll print out some still shots of the baby for you to keep, okay?"

The two nodded.

Dr. Thomas worked on printing the pictures while Arnav and Khushi looked at the still shot on the screen.

"I can't believe that's the baby," Arnav said.

"Me neither," Khushi replied.

The two looked at each other for moment, smiling softly.

*~*

Khushi's next appointment wasn't for another four weeks. Sitting in the car, the two were still blown away by the sight of their baby.

"Arnav?

"Hmm?"

"Can we visit Ammijan? I'd like to show her the pictures."

"Of course," he smiled.

It wasn't a long trip over and Ammijan was excited when she saw the images.

"It's so small," she sighed. She placed a kiss on the picture. "Bless it's soul," she smiled.

Both Arnav and Khushi smiled.

*~*

When Arnav and Khushi got to Arnav's place, they went to their rooms to rest. Khushi took off her varsity jacket and went to her closet. She looked around her stuff and found what she was looking for - a scrapbook. A while back, she had gotten a few scrapbooks because she wanted to keep the memories alive of her ending high school years. Since there was a sale, she bought three all together. Taking one that was black with white polka dots, she took the copies of her sonogram and placed it on a page. She labeled it, indicating the parts of the baby.

Once she was done, she smiled. 

Things just might get better, she said in her head.