The Perfect Arrangement - ArShi Story

Chapter 5: Family Pressure

Khushi woke up the next morning with a heavy heart. She knew that she couldn't keep her feelings for Aman a secret any longer, but she didn't know how to tell Arnav or her family.

As she got ready for the day, Khushi couldn't help but feel anxious. She knew that her family was going to put even more pressure on her to marry Arnav, and she didn't know how to handle it.

When she arrived at her parents' house for lunch, she was greeted with hugs and kisses from her family. But as soon as they sat down to eat, her mother brought up the topic of marriage.

"Khushi beta, we want you to make a decision soon," her mother said, her tone serious. "Arnav is a good match for you, and we don't want you to miss out on this opportunity."

Khushi felt her heart sink. She wasn't ready to make a decision yet, but she knew that her family was expecting her to.

"I know, Ma," Khushi said, her voice weak. "But I need more time to think."

Her father spoke up. "Khushi, you're not getting any younger. We want to see you settled and happy. Arnav is a successful businessman, and he can give you everything you want in life."

Khushi knew that her father was trying to do what was best for her, but she also knew that she couldn't make a decision based on someone else's expectations.

"I understand, Papa," she said, her voice shaking. "But I need to be sure of my feelings before I make a decision."

Her family continued to pressure her throughout lunch, and Khushi felt like she was suffocating. She couldn't take it anymore.

"Excuse me," she said, standing up abruptly. "I need some air."

As she walked outside, Khushi felt tears streaming down her face. She was tired of feeling like she had to please everyone else. She wanted to make a decision based on what was best for her.

But she didn't know what that was yet.

As she sat on a bench outside, lost in her thoughts, Khushi felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Arnav standing in front of her.

"Hey, what's wrong?" he said, his voice full of concern.

Khushi tried to smile, but she couldn't hide her tears. "Nothing, I'm fine."

Arnav sat down next to her and put his arm around her. "You can talk to me, Khushi. I'm here for you."

Khushi took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. She knew that she needed to tell him the truth, no matter how hard it was.

"Arnav, there's something I need to tell you," she said, her voice shaking. "I'm not sure how to say this, but...I still have feelings for my ex-boyfriend, Aman."

Arnav looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "I see," he said finally. "And what does that mean for us?"

Khushi felt a lump form in her throat. She didn't know how to answer that question. She didn't want to lose Arnav, but she also couldn't deny her feelings for Aman.

"I don't know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just so confused right now."

Arnav took her hand and squeezed it gently. "I understand, Khushi. Take all the time you need to sort out your feelings. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

Khushi felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was grateful to have someone like Arnav in her life, someone who supported her and cared for her, even in the midst of her confusion.

Over the next few days, Khushi tried to sort out her feelings. She talked to Aman, and they agreed to meet up and talk things through.

But as she sat across from Aman, she realized that her feelings for him had changed. She still cared for him, but she knew that she couldn't be with him again. He had hurt her too much in the past, and she didn't want to risk getting hurt again.

Khushi left the meeting feeling more confused than ever. She didn't know what to do. She loved Arnav, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

As she lay in bed that night, Khushi couldn't stop thinking about her situation. She didn't want to hurt anyone, but she also didn't want to make a decision that she would regret.

The next day, she decided to talk to her best friend, Payal. Payal had always been a good listener, and Khushi hoped that she could help her sort out her feelings.

"Payal, I'm so confused," Khushi said, her voice shaking. "I don't know what to do. I love Arnav, but I also have feelings for Aman. And my family is pressuring me to make a decision."

Payal listened patiently as Khushi poured out her heart. When Khushi was finished, Payal took a deep breath.

"Khushi, you need to do what's best for you," Payal said, her voice firm. "Don't let anyone else dictate your life. Follow your heart, and everything else will fall into place."

Khushi felt a sense of clarity wash over her. She knew that Payal was right. She needed to make a decision based on her own desires, not anyone else's.

The next day, Khushi sat down with her family and had a frank conversation with them. She told them about her feelings for Aman, and how confused she was.

At first, her family was upset. They didn't want her to jeopardize her future with Arnav. But as Khushi spoke more, they began to understand.

In the end, Khushi decided to take a break from both Arnav and Aman. She needed time to figure out what she wanted and who she wanted to be with.

Arnav was hurt, but he understood. He told Khushi that he would wait for her, no matter how long it took.

And Khushi knew that she had made the right decision. She needed to focus on herself and her own happiness, and everything else would fall into place.