Chapter 39

Author's Note: This is a combined Rishbala and Arshi ff. I am sorry but I can't give preference to one couple over another. 

*Unedited*

It was Kush's birthday today and everyone was busy decorating every nook and corner of the house. The mansion was in chaos. Kush wanted a cartoon-themed party. So it was like a mini Halloween bash going on. The servants were wearing different costumes ranging from Tom and Jerry to Scooby Doo. Their dog Bingo was dressed as Scooby-Doo and the female servants as Powerpuff Girls. Kush himself was dressed as Doraemon and he wanted Rishab and Arnav to dress up as Pooh and Rabbit but that was least going to be the case. It took them a day to convince Kush that they can't dress up as he wanted them to. Well, it took a day for Arnav to pacify Kush, Rishab on the other hand made a deal at an amusement park with him just after half an hour. Arnav was not going to make a fool of himself by dressing up as a rabbit in front of his acquaintances. He could only imagine the look on Khushi's face if she was him dressed up as a bunny. Finally, after many requests Kush allowed him to be something else. 

Anjali personally went to invite Madhu and Khushi to the party. She knew they won't be able to turn her down. She also apologized to Shamsher Malik for her brother's behavior seven years back, but he seem to understand. He promised her that both Madhu and Khushi will be present at the party.

It was evening and soon guests started pouring in. Kush's friend came dressed as cartoon characters. The living room was full of tiny cartoon characters roaming around. It was like colour bombs went off in every direction. Anjali and Samar were busy catering to the guests. Anjali was dressed in a beautiful princess gown and Samar was dressed as a cowboy. Both the parents were beaming with joy even though Samar was a bit uncomfortable with the costume his wife had made him wear. 

Samar: I wish Kush demanded something else. I am thirty-six and dressed as a cowboy in stupid leather pants.

Anjali: (Whispers) Hush my dear. I can promise you a treat if you promise to be a good boy tonight. (Winks)

Anjali left with a love-sick Samar following her. Rishab stood there with a horrified look on his face. Did he just see his sister and brother-in-law flirt? He mentally gagged and shook his head. He was feeling sick of all this. He felt like he had been stuck at a kindergarten Halloween party. Elder ones were dressed as witches, pirates, vampires, wizards, etc. He needed to get out of this colour riot. He was dressed as a wizard and his badge proudly said 'Slytherin'. 

Arnav's eyes were searching for someone especially after Anjali told him that she had invited most of his office staff. He was dressed as a vampire but of the 21st century (who didn't possess fangs or a pale white face with bloody red lips).

Rishab: (To Arnav) My snowman!!

Arnav: Shut it, Malfoy.

Rishab: I must say I expected you to dress as Dumbeldore. Old and Wise.

Arnav: One more remark and I swear I will punch you. I am already starting a headache with all this kiddish stuff. 

Rishab: Same here bro. By the way, have you seen Kush? He has my phone with him.

Arnav: No but he must be out on the lawn with his friends.


Half an hour later Khushi and Madhu arrived at the party. When they got to know about Kush's invitation they were a little nervous about facing the two demons. Madhu was still not ready to face Rishab as it reminded her of the kiss. While Khushi got excited soon. She got dressed as a fairy (that too with fake wings) and Madhu as a witch. Although Khushi wanted to dress up as a zombie to frighten Arnav Singh Raizada. Samar and Anjali received them at the gate.

Anjali: (Grins) Welcome Madhu. Welcome, Khushi.

Madhu: Thank you for inviting us. And you two look so good together.

Khushi: (Winks) Now I see why Samar Ji loves you so much.

Samar: (Laughs) Thanks Khushi. You two look absolutely gorgeous.

Khushi: Thanks but not more than your wife.

Anjali blushed while Samar wrapped his arm around her waist. Madhu wondered if she will be able to get such a happy married life with Mukund. Soon Kush came there.

Anjali: Kush this is Khushi and this...

Kush: Honey!! 

Kush rushed toward Madhu and hugged her tightly.

Madhu: Happy birthday Kush.

Kush: Thank you. (Points toward Khushi) She's your friend?

Madhu nodded and Kush turned towards Khushi.

Khushi: Hey Kush. I am Khushi. Happy birthday. (Gives him his birthday present)

Kush: (Blushes) Thank you. You are beautiful.

Khushi and Madhu giggle.

Kush: (to Anjali) Mummy, can i take them with me?

Anjali: okay.

Kush was completely enjoying their company. They were playing with his friends when suddenly Rishab's mobile buzzed in his pocket. He had taken his mobile to play games.

Kush: Oh oh.

Madhu: Kush? Are you okay?

Kush: Honey can you please give this to Pooh? I want to play with Khushi.

Madhu chuckled at Kush's reaction when he said Khushi. It was clear that someone was having his first crush on Khushi. So Madhu decided to return Pooh's mobile herself.

Madhu: (Mutters) Let's find you, Mr. Pooh.

So Madhu went and looked all over but she couldn't find anyone mature enough to be dressed as pooh. The only person dressed as Pooh was a seven-month-old baby. She tried to check the phone contacts but it was password locked. And damn the wallpaper was a typical guy one. It was from the Arrow series.

Khushi was playing with the kids. Right now she was one of them. Blindfolded she was chasing them when suddenly her heart started thumping loudly. She could sense someone familiar around. She turned around and knocked into someone rather tall and lost her balance. But before she could hit the floor a pair of arms strongly held her by the waist. His touch sent a shiver down her spine. And then that person slowly but carefully removed her blindfold and she slowly opened her big brown almond eyes. And there was the person who made her feel a tide of emotions whenever he was near.

Arnav was staring at her. She was really his fairy. She was so innocent and pure but was this for real? Or maybe all this was a facade. He remembered what he saw seven years back and heard her talking to her boyfriend yesterday. So he roughly pushed her away. Khushi stood there hurt. But surprisingly she was not hurt by his behavior. She just wanted to find the reason behind his bipolar nature.

Rishab was upstairs when he saw a girl in a Hogwarts robe wandering around with his mobile. What the hell? He was very possessive about his mobile and here some thief was freely roaming around. How could his sister invite such people to the party? Suddenly a thought struck him. What if she was an impersonator? Maybe there was a loophole in the security. And this person saw it as an opportunity to make some money. He decided it was better to follow her rather than call and alert her.

Madhu sensed that someone was following her. Oh, God!! She decided to act normally and continued walking slowly. But she didn't even dare to look behind. She quickly picked up a vase lying on the side table.

Rishab : (To himself) Vase!? She can at least leave the vase alone!!

Madhu : (To herself) Be brave Madhu, on the count of three. One. Two. Three.

With that Madhu whirled around and raised the vase to hit the person but stopped when she realized who it was. Rishab was also shocked by this sudden turn of events but fortunately, he held her hand in time. 

Rishab: What the f*ck Madhu !?

Madhu: YOU!!!

Rishab: Yes me!! Do you want to kill me!??

He took the vase away from her hand.

Madhu: I...I thought someone was stalking me.

Rishab: Stalking? And that too..you?

Madhu: I don't have time for this Rishab. I have to find Pooh.

Rishab: Pooh. (Smirks) Do you know what he looks like?

Madhu: I don't know. But I guess he will be cute and lovable.

Rishab: You like Pooh?

Madhu: Who doesn't? But why are you asking?

Rishab: Well then Pooh likes you too. (winks)

Madhu: W-What?










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