"Lectures in the Heart: A Love Unforeseen"

The next day, Arnav grabbed his phone and dialed Khushi's number.

"Where are you?" he asked, an eager edge in his voice.

"At home," Khushi replied, her voice bright yet laced with uncertainty.

"Come downstairs. I want to meet you," he urged.

"Okay," she responded, her curiosity piqued.

When Khushi arrived outside, she found Arnav leaning casually against his sleek car, a smirk playing on his lips. As soon as she approached, he opened the door, encouraging her to settle inside.

Khushi couldn't help but tease him, "I know you can't stay angry with me for long."

With a playful tilt of his head, Arnav interrupted her, "Khushi, actually, it's just the two of us who know Karishma so well. So I was thinking… you could help me."

Puzzled, she asked, "Help you with what?"

"Let's cut to the chase," Arnav said, locking eyes with her. "I want to propose to Karishma, and who better to help me than you?"

The mention of Karishma shattered Khushi's heart into fragments. A wave of mixed emotions crashed over her. "Sir, think about us plz," she implored.

Arnav's expression turned serious. "You've thought about pushing me towards Karishma instead?"

"Please, don't do this!" Khushi cried, instinctively hugging him tight, desperate to hold onto something, anything.

"Don't touch me again. I'm going to be your sister's husband," he snapped, his frustration simmering just under the surface. "Now stop the drama and help me out. You can handle the arrangements for her, do whatever you want for her . Tomorrow morning right here, in front of everyone, I will propose to my love."

As Khushi pulled away, tears threatened to spill, but she fought to keep them hidden. The thought of assisting Arnav in his grand romantic endeavor for another woman felt like a betrayal to her heart.

They drove back together in silence, each lost in their thoughts. Arnav stared ahead, contemplating his plan, while Khushi gazed out the window, the landscape blurring as her tears remained unshed.

"You have no idea what surprises await you, my love," Arnav thought, still blissfully unaware of the turmoil brewing beside him. He couldn't fathom the love that enveloped Khushi's heart, the love that would never let her be just a friend in his story.

When they finally arrived at Khushi's home, she directly enter her home .

As he watched her enter her home, he felt a strange emptiness inside. Little did he know, while he was preparing to proclaim his love , With a heavy heart, Khushi closed the door behind her, realizing that she was once again playing the role of the supportive sidekick, when in truth, all she wanted was to be his leading lady.

Khushi stood before her sister, "Di, can you please book my tickets day after your engagement?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Okay, I will," Karishma replied,

"you want to spend tomorrow at the beach with me ?"khushi asked

"Yes, of course!" Karishma exclaimed, a flicker of joy lighting up her eyes at the thought.

After their conversation, Khushi made her way to her parents' room. She knocked lightly before entering,

"I want to talk to you, Mom and Dad," she announced, trying to sound composed.

Her parents looked at her, surprised but attentive. "Yes, beta, bolo," her father encouraged.

With a deep breath, Khushi revealed the news she had been holding onto like a treasure. "Dad, Arnav sir wants to propose to Di, and I will help him, so tomorrow you both should come with us to the beach."

Her parents exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. "Okay, we'll join you," her mother said, smiling.

As Khushi walked back to her room, tears pricked at her eyes. The anticipation of tomorrow tightened her chest with a sorrow. She didn't want to burst into tears, but the reality was difficult to bear.

"Khushi!" her mother called, following her.

In her room, with the door barely closed, Khushi let the tears flow. Her mother's voice was gentle, understanding. "Why don't you tell the truth to everyone?" she asked softly.

Khushi sobbed, collapsing into her mother's arms. "Maa, I was so stupid! I ruined everything."

Her mother held her, comfortingly stroking her hair. "Shh, beta, it's alright."

"Maa, I told him everything—that I love him and want him," Khushi cried, "but he said he didn't want me anymore because I didn't take a stand for my love."

"Maybe he's right," her mother softly remarked, her voice laced with compassion.

"I can't take it anymore. Please arrange the engagement quickly so I can go abroad," Khushi begged, a sense of desperation filling her voice.

"Okay, I'll talk to Arnav about the engagement tomorrow," her mother promised, her eyes reflecting concern for her daughter's heart.

"Thank you, Maa," Khushi whispered, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension.

Later that night, Khushi sent a message to Arnav, wanting one last dinner together. She needed closure, a way to say goodbye. Arnav, understanding yet reluctant, agreed.

They met at a cozy restaurant, the air filled with the warmth of memories and unsaid words. "Thank you for coming," Khushi said, trying to maintain a brave façade.

"It's okay," Arnav replied, scanning her face.

"Let's order," she suggested, her heart racing.

"Sure, what do you want?" he asked.

"Whatever you want," she replied, letting him choose.

"Alright, waiter, please bring two Rajma chawl, chapati, and some other things," he ordered with a smile, his easy charm still managing to get to her.

Khushi watched him as they waited, her heart heavy with unspoken feelings. "What's on your mind?" he asked, noticing her stare.

"Nothing—I just want to end things on a good note, that's all," she replied, forcing a smile.

"Okay, so Miss Ahuja, we can remain friends?" Arnav suggested lightly.

"Yup," she agreed, though her heart knew it was more complicated than that.

They shared stories and laughter, enjoying ice cream after their meal. But when they returned to her house, the atmosphere shifted.

"Khushi, you're home," Arnav said, stopping the car in front of her house.

"Yeah, thank you," she whispered, her heart aching. Khushi leaned over and hugged him tightly. He embraced her back, both feeling the weight of unfulfilled emotions in that moment.

"I will miss you," she said, her voice trembling.

"I will also miss you," Arnav replied, his own eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

With a heavy heart, Khushi stepped out of the car, her emotions swirling like a tempest inside her. She turned back to see him, a bittersweet smile lingering on his lips, before she went inside. Once in her room, she fell onto her bed, the tears flowing freely now as she remembered the moments they shared—the laughter, the warmth, the love that was never fully realized.

Tomorrow would come with new opportunities and challenges, but tonight, she allowed herself to feel the weight of her heartbreak, embracing the memories that would forever linger in her heart.