Chapter 9

If Khushi's car was a big surprise to Arnav, then the place where they were headed was a bigger one; As soon as the Silver Astin Martin convertible had made an entrance in front of the sparse gaping crowd at the back of the club, back because the paparazzi were still hounding the front , Arnav could not help but wonder who the beauty belonged to.

But the mystery was solved when Ms Gupta herself sashayed to the driver's door and handed the valet his tip..she looked at him and said with a wink "I'm a huge Bond fan" He was momentarily struck by her choice in cars but quickly composed himself and got into the passenger seat with a smirk.

He knew she was waiting for him to comment...more than waiting daring him to say something...but he did not give her the satisfaction of it...instead he leaned back in the plush leather and closed his eyes as car roared into life

They had once again fallen into an easy conversation about work and the city in general with arnav letting khushi take an unknown road towards the south mumbai area...though they both stayed in town*, the dark and bumpy road which was quite uncommon here left him wondering where exactly they were headed to

“Uh..Khushi...where are we going exactly?” he asked her as she looked at him with a glint in her eyes “Oh...just wait n watch...i've not been there since the last time i was in Mumbai...so it's taking me a bit longer to remember the proper route....but this was a short-cut we used to take” she said as arnav nodded

He thought it best to trust her judgement before passing a sexist comment on women and directions.."You haven't eaten anything yet have you?” she suddenly asked him making him remember his grumbling stomach “Not really...but if your'e hungry, we can grab a bite at Zodiac...It shouldn't be that far from here” he said glancing outside

She grinned and winked at him before turning into a still smaller lane “Oh we are going to eat allright...just not at a fancy restaurant like Zodaic” she said as they finally came to a stop in a brightly lit street bustling with late night workers and party goers.

“Ok...lets go...my car won't go further than this...its just through there” she said pointing towards what looked like a small grocery store. Arnav nodded and got out of his seat as khushi waited for him to join her on her side...they could hear whispers of the few people trying to make out who they were...He nearly burst out laughing when he heard some one say 'Shahrukh khan hai kya?' (is it Shahrukh Khan?)

“What happened?” Khushi asked him as he pursed his lips and controlled his mirth “Nothing...i'm just not sure where you are taking me...are you sure I can trust you? What if you are going to drug me and sell my kidney or something?” he said as khushi gave him an amused look

“Oh my God...did you just crack a joke?” she said with a mock shocked face to which arnav simply shrugged “I told you...there is lots you don't know about me...i'm not the khadoos everyone thinks me to be” he said as khushi smiled “Oh yes i know...my mother is one who always sings your praises” she said rolling her eyes

“Garima aunty is a sweetheart....i don't think she can't not sing everyone's praises...she has this innate talent to look for goodness in even the worst of people” he said as she sighed “Tell me about it” she said as arnav looked at her frowning face...he knew she was thinking about her father

“By the way...i never knew that our parents were acquainted” she said as arnav nodded “Yes they were...i think you were at boarding that time...i had met your parents a couple of times since i studied in Mumbai only” he said as she nodded “It must be difficult not having them around” she said to which he shrugged again

“You get used to it” he said hoping that khushi won't talk about it anymore...and to his relief she just smiled at him and pointed towards something that looked like a little stall 

“Here we are!” she said as arnav tried to look around for a restaurant or at the most a building that might hold one...but when the most amazing aroma's stuck his nasal senses...he knew this was the place she was raving about

He looked at her sheepishly as she gave him a smug look “Oh...i assumed again...but seriously, is it my fault? I could never guess that you would eat at a place like this...i mean most girls like you don't go anywhere near such places” he said as she pulled him forward and ordered two mutton seekh rolls for them

“Girls that you know don't Mr Raizada...i don't think you know any girls like me” she said as she paid for the rolls and started walking back to the car. They both knew that it wasn't advisable to sit there and eat...especially the way they were dressed

As soon as they sat inside, Khushi put on the air conditioning and settled into her seat before greedily biting into the succulent kabab, covered in spicy salad and soft roomali roti..she let out a soft moan relishing the stinging heat of the kabab and the cooling hit of the chutney

Arnav too closed his eyes in satisfaction as he bit into his roll, he was beyond surprised to know that Khushi knew of this place and liked this food...he had eaten at many such places, but her eating here was a huge surprise for him.

He was just about to thank her for bringing him here when her sudden moan and eyes closed in food ecstacy made him watch her in fascination, he shifted in his seat as Khushi suddenly opened her eyes and looked at him “So, did you like it?” she asked arnav who just realized that his mouth was open with the kabab still in his hands while khushi had already polished off the entire thing

He nodded and went back to eating the rest of it as khushi rummaged in the cooler in between the two seats for some water, she took a couple of sips as arnav finished his and offered the same bottle to him. Once they were belted back into place she started the engine as arnav asked her “Where to next?”

“Well...since we are in this part of town...i know exactly the place for the perfect chai” she said as he raised his eyes “Chai? At this time?” he asked her incredulously as she nodded enthusiastically and reversed the car out of the small parking area.

He leaned back and relaxed as she put on some classic rock music and opened the windows “I just love it when i'm driving around marine drive...the wind in my air...the smell of sea...bliss!” she said as he could not help but smile at the excitement

They drove a bit more till Khushi finally slid her car in one of the free parking areas in front of marine drive, close to nariman point...they both got down with arnav following khushi to the upper seating area overlooking the beautiful Queen's necklace

“I love this place...i used to come here a lot with my parents” arnav mused as he let the gentle breeze caress his face...he could not remember the last time he had been so carefree...it felt wonderful to not be hounded by the press or feel suffocated at society parties.

“I know you must be wondering where the chai is right?” khushi asked him as she rubbed her arms along her bare arm. Arnav nodded at her as he took off his coat and gave it to her “Yes i am...but this is nice too....here, put this on...the last thing we want is a mob out to kidnap you” he said as khushi rolled her eyes

“Thanks..but all this is so filmy and cliched right? The hero chivalrously giving his coat to the heroine who is freezing to death in her thin dress...now all we have to wait for is the slow violin music and the cue to look into each others eyes” she said wriggling her eyebrows as arnav burst out laughing

“Has anyone told you how mad you are? I don't think i could ever guess this side of your's” he said as khushi grinned “I know...i am really mad...but when it comes to work, i take professional conduct very seriously!” she said as arnav continued to chuckle

“You should laugh more you know...all that frowning and sneering will make your face age earlier than it should” she said as arnav raised an eyebrow “Oh, this is coming from you? I haven't seen you smile and laugh like this since i met you” he said as she wore his coat and tightened it around herself

“I know...i actually haven't...” she said to which he gave her a confused look “I mean...i actually haven't smiled and laughed so much....since a long time” she said as she looked away “Thanks for joining me today...i really needed this” she said looking back at him

He promptly smiled, still wondering what she meant by her earlier words “By the way....you still need to tell me about that Banerjee chap everyone keeps asking you about” he said once again trying to broach the subject...he did not know why, but it really bothered him....the way that people kept asking her about him

“Hmm...well, since i promised you i'll tell you but i really want to know if your girlfriend writes? I mean...i don't mean to mock her...but she really does not seem like the kind to...” she started saying when he shook his head “Oh..no don't worry...i know you only asked out of curiosity” he said as she smiled at him

“Sheetal...does write....or you can say, she is under this illusion that she can write...” he said as khushi burst out laughing followed by arnav “Ok...we have to stop laughing...its not good for me” he said as khushi suddenly pointed towards a kid on a bicycle

“There he is...” she said as she suddenly got up and waved to the boy who seemed to be carrying a huge steel apparatus and paper cups on his tiny cycle “Chotu...do chai dena (two tea's please)” she said as they boy stopped in front of them and poured out two steaming cups of ginger tea for them

Khushi took both the cups and looked at arnav who was still sitting “Well..what are you waiting for? Give him 10 rupees...i paid for the kababs...so the least you could do is treat me to this chai” she said as arnav shook his head and handed over the 10 rupee note...something which he had to really search for in his wallet

“Seriously Khushi....you know exactly how to make a man feel worthless!” he said as she grinned widely and handed over his tea “Hey...that's just me..” she said as he took his tea from her...after a few sips of tea, he turned back to her

“Now...tell me about him....” he said as she took tiny sips of her tea and looked at him....the depth in her gaze, suddenly unnerving him “You really don't know who Sujoy is?” she asked him to which he shook his head..it amazed her how much he wanted to know about Sujoy

“Arnav...do you ever watch movies?” she asked him to which he thought for a few seconds before shaking his head “Not really....i don't get time for them...i'm mostly a news and share market kinda guy....that's all i really see on television...and i really cannot remember the last time i steeped into a cinema” he said as khushi looked at him wide-eyed

“Wow...you really are something...no wonder you don't know about him” she said as she finished her tea and snuggled into his coat...the intimate gesture making arnav's heart flutter “So...Sujoy is a hollywood director...he's one of the few Indian born directors that hollywood has...and his is Good...Oscar good” she said as arnav nodded

“I met him a couple of years ago at party in LA..” she said as arnav continued to listen to her...“We got into an easy conversation...and hit it off...but we never took it further....I was still in university that time and all this was pretty new to me...so i never understood when i developed feelings for him” she said as she drew her knees closer to her body

“We kept meeting now and then...i even did a workshop with him, though it was out of my syllabus...but i really liked his company...he had this aura around him you know...” she said as arnav continued to listen “After about a year of knowing him...he suddenly asked me out” she said as her eyes lowered

“I was tempted...very tempted...and i knew that i liked him....a bit too much, plus both of us were not looking for anything permanent...at least not at that point” she said with a small smile

“Things got pretty routine after that...and i moved in with him....Nani and mamma obviously were not happy and the fact that he was much much older than me...and was not interested in marriage, just did it for them...we never saw eye to eye on that issue....but they are not the kind of people to give me ultimatums and dhamki's (threats)...so they kept quite” she said as she sighed deeply

“So are you still with him? Like a long distance thing?” arnav asked her as she shook her head “No...when nani proposed this new opportunity to join GR, i really had to put things into perspective...when i thought over our relationship...i felt that more than anything, we liked each others company...but there was never love in our equation...and he knew it too” she said as she looked at arnav

“I'm not the kind of person who believes in love...i can't..my father saw to it” she said as her eyes moistened “So...it wasn't difficult for both if us to step out of whatever we had...we parted as friends...and will always be friends...” she said as arnav kept his hand on hers

“Khushi...I” Arnav started saying when looked at him “Its ok Arnav...i know your'e feeling awkward after listening to all this...but you have a right to know....professionally this question will come up now and then during our interaction with media...and you should know the truth behind it” she said as he nodded

“Sujoy has still not disclosed the details about why we both split...thats why the media goes crazy wondering what is going on...but they'll get their answer when they see him strolling around sunset boulevard with someone new” she said as a soft smile lit her face

“Or they might see you with a someone new” he said as she pulled her hand from below his and folded them in front of him “Maaf karo (sorry)...but there is no way i'll be seen prancing about like that!” she said as she made a sour face “I like being on my own...i don't need a man to complete me!” she said smugly

“I'm sure you'll be fine on your own Khushi...but sometimes you need someone to share your life with....otherwise life gets very boring, you need a special someone” he said as she raised an eyebrow “Oh and you are an expert on this because Sheetal is your special somepne?” she asked him to see him look horrified

“No way...Sheetal knows where she stands in our relationship....you can say she is the Sujoy in my life...but only someone i can't stand at times!” he said grimacing when khushi hit him playfully “Arnav singh raizada...women are not playthings...you can't use her like this” she said as he grinned

“Oh...i'm not using her at all...in fact she is using me!” he said as she opened her mouth “Disgusting!” she said as he threw back his head and laughed “Oh don't judge me darling...we don't live in an ideal world now do we?” he asked at which she nodded

“Nope...we dont! And thank God for that!” she said as he got up dusting his pants “And who knows Khushi...the right man for you might already be in your life...” he said as she got up and straightened her dress “Oh yeah...like who?”

He smirked at her as he gave her a hand to get down “Shyam jha!” he said as she glared at him “That is not even remotely funny!” she said as both walked towards the car with a silly smile on their faces

They did not say much after that as khushi drove him to his house, which was only a couple minutes away from there....they parted outside his house with soft goodnights and smiles of trust and a budding friendship

As Arnav hung his coat inside his huge wardrobe...he could not help but inhale the heady scent of the woman he had spent the night with...not in the sense that he usually does...but in a sense he never had...he knew that after tonight, he would never think of Khushi like he did before he had met her.

She really was an enigma...someone who seemed so strong and poised from the outside, but was equally fragile inside...the girl had soo many facets to her...that he imagined it would take a lifetime to understand her...he shook his head as he prepared for bed at the absurdity of the night...

Something that started off as a pretentious farce of a night...ended in the most liberating way amongst easy conversation and real laughs...this was this last thought as he fell in to a dreamless sleep...something which he had not had since a long time.

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“I can't believe you let this opportunity pass off you idiot!” the gruff voice came from the other end as the man holding the phone walked around agitatedly in his living room “I could not help it...she left very quickly...that too wiht that ASR....i could hardly carry out our phase two...especially since she refused the drink” he said as the voice sneered from the toher end

“I don't care...this is the last time i'm warning you...get the job done as soon as you can...I want to make a mockery out of that girl! You get it?...and its intriguing that she went with ASR...is something brewing there?” he asked as the man took a deep breath “I don't care....you know what? I can't do this anymore...i want out” he said as the voice started laughing

“Oh you want out do you? Did you forget the stuff i have against you? You know what it will do to your precious career now, don't you?” he said as the man gulped down his fears and closed his eyes, he damned the day when he lost his senses!...dammit...if it weren't for her...he thought as the man's voice cut through his thoughts

“Oh, its no use regretting the past...you are my puppet now..do what i say or else...” he said as the man cut the call and threw his phone away...he knew there was nothing he could do...nothing!

* Town that i mentioned is South Mumbai...we in Mumbai call it town or SOBO...very expensive place to live in!

Marine Drive with a view of Queen's Necklace (in Town...)

Chapter 8

“So bhai...i was in office today” Akash said lounging about on the lazyboy in arnav's room, busy with his playstation. Arnav had just finished applying his aftershave and had walked out of his bathroom in his pants with a towel around his neck

“Oh Yeah...when?” arnav asked as he threw his towel towards the laundry basket in the corner and opened his wardrobe to pick out a shirt...he looked over his shoulders at his brother engrossed in his game

“Akash...i asked you something...why and when were you in office?” he asked him again as akash paused his game and looked up at his brother who was now putting his arms through a pale blue shirt “Sorry bhai...what were you saying?” he asked him again as arnav rolled his eyes while buttoning up his shirt

“You told me you were in my office today..?” he asked him as he picked out his jacket for the evening. He went to the mirror and gelled his hair before going back into the bathroom to wash his hands..he heard akash say something and walked out just in time to hear his last sentence

“...and man is she hot!” akash said with a dreamy face...arnav walked towards him and picked up his phone from the table as he asked him again in mild annoyance “What are you talking about Akash?”

“I just told you na!...i went in to sign some papers that yudi wanted me to sign...but when i came to meet you, you were busy with some work...so i went down to the cafeteria to grab a cup of coffee...when i saw her” he said with a goofy smile which left arnav amused

“Her? Who did you lose your heart out to now?” he asked him typing something on his phone when akash sighed and leaned back on the lazyboy, stretching his arms above him “Khushi gupta....the woman of my dreams!” he said as arnav's fingers suddenly stilled over his keypad

“What?” he asked akash, turning towards him “Did you say Ms Gupta?” he asked him to which akash nodded “yes bhai...she is perfect! Every man's dream...God...that face, that body and that luscious long hair...i just wanted to...” he said when arnav's glare made him stop talking further

“Akash...she is my colleague...and partner...I expect the utmost respect for her from you...she is not a college girl you want to roll in the hay with..understand?” he said sternly to which akash started laughing hysterically...he fell off his chair while arnav continued to glare at him

“Roll in the hay! Bhai...why are you talking like its the 80's!” he said with huge guffaws as arnav went back to his typing...akash saw his brothers stiff stance and unsmiling face and knew he had to do some big time damage control. He got up and held his ears to show his apology

“Sorry bhai...i was just joking...she is too mature for me...though she is gorgeous beyond a doubt, i think she will eat me alive if I even approach her...” he said as arnav smirked at his brother words...he agreed with him 100%

“Yes she will...now get back to your books...you have your final's in just a month...so get studying!” arnav said as he ruffled his brother's unruly hair..

“Life is so unfair bhai...i have to study while you get to party...kya din aa gaye hai (what days have come)!” akash said dramatically as arnav said a quick goodbye and left for the party...he was already very late and he had to pick up sheetal on the way.

...........................

“What time will you be back?” Garima asked khushi as she spritzed some Escada..she picked up her clutch and checked if everything was in there “Uh...don't know mamma...i personally don't want to stay there for more than half an hour...” khushi said with a grimace as Garima shook her head

“Khushi...why are you even going if you don't like him” Garima said as khushi sighed “for professional reasons mamma...i don't like Mr Jha at all...but he is a good friend of Arnav...i don't want things to go sour if i'm rude to him on personal level as well” khushi said dabbing a bit of lipgloss before stepping into her heels

Garima looked on concerned at her as she pondered over what khushi just said “Hmm...you are right...but i fail to understand how someone like Arnav is friend's with that vile man” she said as khushi nodded

“I know mamma...but who cares! Mr Raizada might have his reasons to keep him close...plus why do you assume that Mr Raizada is the epitome of perfection and won't have any flaws like choosing bad people for his friends?” khushi said with a sarcastic edge in her voice to which her mother laughed

“Are you jealous my bacchi?” Garima asked her as khushi gave her a hard glare “Why would I be jealous mamma? Sing his praises all day and night...i don't care...i just don't think that you should always stick to your first impression about anyone” she said as she stood in front of the mirror for one last time

“Hmm....i suppose...but I have failed to find a single fault in him during the times I have met him...so unless I do...I'll stick to my opinion of him” she said with a smile as khushi rolled her eyes “Sure mamma...whatever you say” she said as she leaned down to kiss her before leaving for the party....she felt like driving today!

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“Are you sure she is coming to the party?” a rough voice spoke on the phone as the other man whispered back “Yes...its confirmed...she should be here any minute” he said as the voice on the other end took a deep breath

“Great...i think we can use this to our advantage...i'll call you back in a few minutes to explain the plan” he said as the other man nodded, his palms clammy with the thought of once again doing something unsavory for the man on the phone...

He ended the call and wiped his forehead as he took a huge gulp of his drink...he kept the crystal glass down as he walked back into a brightly lit corridor of Club Viver...he smiled at the familiar faces as he made his way inside the VIP section and picked up another glass of scotch from a passing waiter

He sat down on one of the plush chairs and removed his phone from his pocket...he waited.

...........................

“You know its in fashion to be late right?” Sheetal asked arnav as she adjusted her very short red dress before getting out of their car. Arnav turned towards his driver and told him that he will be out in half an hour max “Oh c'mon Arnav...you were not serious about that were you!” sheetal exclaimed as arnav gave her a hard look

“Look sheetal...i told you earlier as well....i don't like Shaym Jha...and i cannot stay at this party for more than a few seconds...half an hour of my time is more than what that man deserves” he said as he pulled his jacket together and started walking towards the red carpet laid out for the guests.

Sheetal pouted at arnav's very cold demeanor but forgot about everything as the press started clicking their pictures... “Oh..ok fine baby...as you wish” she said as she laid a peck over his cheek and entwined her fingers with his while they walked towards the entrance of Club Viver

...........................

“May I say you look absolutely ravishing today my dear” Shyam slurred giving Khushi an appreciative look, making her cringe. She was mentally berating herself for wearing this dress but unfortunately she had yet to unpack properly and this was the only thing she could find at the last minute suitable for this party (see pic below)

“Well, this is probably the 10^th time you have told me this Mr Jha...seems like your alcohol level is climbing at top speed” she said sarcastically and turned around trying to catch some known person's eye...a task she had been doing for the past 15 minutes that Shaym had stuck to her like a leech.

“Oh....your words stab my heart Khushi...you do have a very sharp tongue...sharp enough to cut maybe? Sharp and beautiful..” he started saying when khushi narrowed her eyes “Please stop commenting on my tongue Mr Jha...you will never be fortunate enough to get with 10 feet of it” she said as Shyam's eyes widened..but a deep voice from behind made them both turn around at the same time

“Looks like its slice and dice time!” Arnav said as he glanced at the purely irritated and completely embarrassed faces in front of him. 

When he had walked into the club 10 minutes ago...Sheetal had gotten herself busy with her other friends leaving a visibly happy Arnav behind

He himself was trying to spot Shyam to say the customary hello and then leave, and he did only to find himself stop and admire the woman talking to him, she had her back to him, but as she flicked her long gorgeous hair over one shoulder...something about the gesture made it look very familiar.

As he walked towards the duo, his eyes appreciatively took in the woman's perfect body fitted to a tee in a figure hugging lace dress...the sheerness of it and the underlaying skin colored fabric..leaving little to the imagination

But the shocker for him was when he caught the tail end of their conversation...Sharp tongue indeed...it hadn't surprised him that the damsel who was currently annoyed with Jha was none other than Ms Gupta herself

“Arnav!!” Shyam said as she lunged forward to hug him, giving Arnav a waft of his strong smelling alcohol breath. He pulled back quickly from the hug and said a quick “Hey Shyam..” before turning his attention to Khushi.

He was momentarily left tongue tied as he took in her dark kohl lined eyes and pouty red lips...plus the dress she wore left him wondering more about her...till now he had only seen her in office wear and formals...this...this was totally new for him.

“Mr Raizada...I wondered if you were going to show up!” she said as he raised his eyebrow....he picked up a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and looked back at her “You knew i was coming?” he asked her as she shrugged her shoulders

“Well...after Mr Jha mentioned how close you both were...i assumed you will be here” she said as he looked at her uncertainly, but their conversation was cut short by their only spectator who suddenly did not want this talk to continue “Uh...i have to go and meet some people...Khushi, why don't you come with me?” he asked her with a smile

Arnav saw the way Khushi hesitated to go with him and stepped forward before wrapping his arm around her waist “Oh...I think I should take Ms Gupta to meet some of our partners?” he said as khushi sighed in relief as shyam looked pointedly at arnav's arm

“Yes...off course...Uh...i'll see you both later” he said and walked away towards the other side of the club “He is so strange!” khushi said as arnav chuckled besides her, his arm still holding her close to himself...a fact that both realized at the same time and literally sprang apart as if burned

“Uh...yes...he is strange...and the only reason he ran away like that was because he knew I was going to tell you the truth” he said as khushi raised one perfectly arched eyebrow...the sudden loss of warmth in the back of her mind “the truth?” she asked him to which he nodded

“Yes...the truth....that i hate that man's gut!” he said as khushi's mouth opened in a perfect 'O' “Really? But he told me how close you both were...” she said as arnav made a sour face “Close? Me and him?” he asked with a sardonic twist to his mouth as Khushi's eyes turned stormy

“Why that lying bastard..” she said making arnav raise his eyebrows further more...she looked at his horrified expression and smiled “What? He told me that you guys were very good friends and had done a lot of work together...so i thought professionally it would be very wrong of me to not attend an event he personally invited me to” she said as arnav shook his head

“Oh i'm not surprised he lied to you...Shyam Jha is an expert at this...the only way he gets his way is through lies...” he said as khushi gave Shyam's barely visible back a disgusted look “Yeah...i have dealt with him earlier...and i know exactly the kind of person he is!” she said as she saw a blur of red come towards them and literally stick to arnav's right side

“Baby....who is this? Won't you introduce us?” sheetal asked a very irritated arnav; he was just about to say something when Sheetal held her hand forward to khushi “Hi...i'm Sheetal kapoor...Arnav's girlfriend...and you are?” she asked khushi who took a second to give her a once over before shaking her hand and smiling

“Oh hi...i'm Khushi Gupta...Arnav's partner in GR...” she said as Sheetal squealed “Oh my God! You are Khushi Gupta!!...Gosh i''ve been meaning to meet you since the time i heard you were going to work with Arnav” she said as khushi stepped back from her overwhelming response to meeting her

“Oh...thats great...its really good to meet you Sheetal” Khushi said trying to think of one reason why Arnav was with this woman...and as always she came to the same conclusion she always did...all men think of only one thing...and Arnav singh Raizada was nobody different, Khushi thought eyeing Sheetal's ample bosom and killer body

“Same here...but listen....I really need to ask you something” Sheetal said as khushi looked at her “Are you still dating Sujoy Banerjee?” she asked her with a dreamy look which arnav did not fail to notice...

What! That same name...he had asked Lavanya that day who this dude was when she had looked at him with wide unbelieving eyes and had only said one thing 'I don't believe you don't know him! Which rock are you living under ASR?'!..he had meant to search him on the internet...but had forgotten

He saw khushi's eyes flash red before she took a calming breath and pursed her lips...he knew that look...she was not happy. He looked at his totally clueless girlfriend and tried to ease the situation before it worsened

“Oh uh...Sheetal? Shyam was saying he wanted to show you the VVIP lounge...apparently some big Bollywood celebs are up there...maybe you should join in too...you can discuss your plans for that story you were writing?” he asked her as her face brightened

“Really? Oh that's great...who's there? Is Ayubji here? I always wanted him to direct my movie” she said as she said a quick 'see ya later' to khushi before waking briskly towards Shyam while a smiling waiter came towards khushi “Mam...Mr Jha sent this drink over for you...its a special Appletini” he said as khushi shook her head

“I'm sorry....i'm driving...and i've already had two drinks...so my limit for today is over” she said as the waiter nodded and turned away hesitantly...arnav looked up to see Khushi taking a deep breath “Looks like this is a tough night for you” he said as she nodded

“Yeah...you can say that....i just hope it doesn't get worse” she said as she saw another couple approaching them...her father and his wife “Khushi beta...you are looking gorgeous...I've been waiting for you since a while now!” Arun mehra said as khushi did the customary air kissing...and let him give her a side hug...she knew she could not show her indifference in public

She looked at monica who looked much younger than the time she had married her father...thanks to plastic, she thought as she gave a tight smile to her “Khushi...how lovely to see you...Arun's been talking about you non-stop for the past couple of days now...he is soo happy to have you back!” she gushed as she came forward to hug her

“Yes, its grand seeing you too” khushi said as she thrust her hand forward for a mere handshake making it very clear that there was no way she would hug her....she got a small satisfaction seeing a bit of red tinge Monica's perfect cheekbones..but she composed herself very quickly before anyone could notice

“You should come over sometime...” she said as they shook hands, khushi gripping her's a bit too tightly for monica to understand what the younger girl was trying to convey “Uh....ok...I uh...have some people to meet” she said as she went on her tiptoes to kiss her husband before leaving the other three

“Arnav...good to see you out and about....i hardly see you for these things” he said as arnav gave him a small nod...he could cut the tension in the room with a butter knife “Yes...i do come out now and then...but i'm a pretty private person” he said as arun smiled

“Off course..its always good to be private and have some time to yourself....especially in this busy life” he said as khushi turned her icy glare towards her father “Oh, that's fancy coming from you....when did you believe in privacy? What with your habit of washing your dirty laundry in the open...” she said caustically before turning around a walking out if the room....she had enough for one night.

...........................

Arnav saw khushi briskly walk away from the two of them, leaving Arun mehra very flustered in front of him...her outburst did not surprise him anymore...even though he hardly knew the girl..he just knew that when her father was in the frame, she was nothing short of a live wire

He said a quick goodbye to Mr Mehra whose entire face was blooming red and walked towards the exit he had seen khushi take. When he reached the now deserted reception area he saw her fidgeting with her clutch.

“I don't suppose you have a genie in there?” arnav asked her as she suddenly turned around with a startled expression “Oh...Mr Raizada...n..no i was looking for my valet ticket...i'm leaving” she said as arnav nodded “Yep..i figured..” he said as khushi closed her eyes and turned back towards him

“Listen...do you want to go for a coffee or something...I mean...i just can't go home right now...and some company would be great” she said as arnav raised his eyebrows...he was about to say something when khushi slapped her forehead

“Shit..i'm so sorry for asking you this...i totally forgot you came here with your girlfriend” she said as arnav shook his head “No..no...listen, i'd love to join you...in fact i was leaving myself..is it ok if we take your car? I'll leave mine for Sheetal...she's going to stay her till the club closes anyways” he said as khushi smiled uncertainly

“Are you sure? You don't have to do it out of pity you know....” she said as arnav laughed...his entire face transforming with the action

“Are you serious? Me take pity on you? I don't think that will ever happen...lets just go Khushi...i mean...Ms Gupta” he said as khushi smiled at him warmly “You can all me Khushi...Ms Gupta was getting a bit too stifling!” she said as arnav smiled back

“And you can call me Arnav...” he said as Khushi nodded and gave her parking ticket to the valet. Both waited in comfortable silence as arnav suddenly spoke up “By the way...i know this is out of the blue....but who is Sujoy Banerjee?” he asked her

He expected her to blow a fuse on his question, but was pleasantly surprised when she gave him a small smile “I'll tell you if you tell me something i want to know” she said as arnav nodded and waited for her question “Does Sheetal really write?” 

Khushi & Arnav's Outfits 

Chapter 7

“Memsaab, may i come in?” Garima looked up from the sheaf of papers she was correcting and smiled at the man standing near her study door “Arre...Suresh beta, come in...kaise ho? (how are you?)” she asked him with affection to which he shyly smiled

 “I am always happy and content working you you and badi memsaab...so i am very well” he said as Garima gestured him to come and sit

She kept her papers aside and folded her arms on the table “So, is everything ok? How's you wife now? She was not keeping well wasn't she? And the baby?” she asked him with a concerned look to which he nodded “Yes, she was ill, doctor saab said she has weakness...but now she is fine...and our daughter is also doing well” he said proudly

“Hmm...i see the pride of being a father in your eyes!” she said laughing with him “And don't worry... physical weakness is pretty common after first pregnancy...with proper medications, she will be fine...do let us know if you need anything ok?” she asked him gently placing her hand on his

“Thank you memsaab....and yes, i am very proud that i'm a father of a daughter...after seeing badi memsaab, you and khushi didi...i know that i'm very lucky to be blessed with a daughter, who will one day make my name proud!” he said with a twinkle in his eyes

“Accha memsaab..i had actually come to return this” he said handing over a ornate box to her...she recognized it instantly and looked at him with a question in her eyes 

“I forgot to return it back...you see, a few days ago, this paan daani was lying at the Mill's reception area..I know it belonged to Arun sir” he said explaining to her

“I tried finding sir to return it back to him, but that same day he had left for Delhi...so i took it along with me lest someone steals it...but i am ashamed to say that i gave the paan's inside to thapaji on that fateful night of his death..bless his poor soul” he said with remorse.

Garima took the box and kept it aside “Its ok Suresh, i'm sure Arun is not even aware of it missing...he has many of these around..what with his fondness for paan...” she said as the young man nodded and smiled fondly “At least thapaji died eating this favorite thing that night” he said as Garima gave him a soft smile

“Yes, his death really shook ma a lot...the heart attack was so sudden that nothing could be done...” she said as a lone tear ran down her cheek at the thought of her favorite thapa chacha...he always knew what to say to lift everyone's moods, she thought sadly as she wiped the tears off her face

“I'll return it to Arun when he comes here next” she said to Suresh as he nodded and got up “Thank you memsaab...i would have done it myself, but since he hardly visits the mills now...” he said as Garima shook her head

“I know...he'll be here mostly tomorrow..ill give it then” she said as Suresh thanked her again and left, leaving her to go back to correcting her notes...not aware of a very disturbing discovery lost amidst their conversation.

.........................................

“Baby!...where are you?” sheetal's voice drifted over his phone while he went over some figures on his laptop...he took a second to answer her back instead of ending the call in annoyance 

“Sheetal...its 3 in the afternoon...so i'm obviously at work...was there anything important you wanted to talk about?” he asked her, knowing the answer to it

“Oh God baby...why are you always so annoyed? I had just called to remind you about Shyam's party tonight...you haven't forgotten have you?” she asked him in a panicked tone to which arnav just wanted to groan out loud...the last thing he wanted to do was attend that fool's party

“Uh...Sheetal...i'm afraid i'll be tied up with something...you should go ahead though” he said as he went back to his work 

“No...no! You can't do this to me!! I mean..i bought a brand new Versace for this party...and its also a launch party of one of the best clubs in Mumbai that Shyam owns...please arnav, you can't ditch me at the last moment!” she whined as arnav closed his eyes in frustration

“Fine..i'll come, but for half an hour only...get it?” he said in a 'I don't want any argument' voice to which sheetal agreed quickly...he knew she won't ask more than that....and he knew that he could only take that much of the saccharine sweetness that Shyam Jha ladled up.

He ended the call as his intercom rang “Yes” he asked as his secretary spoke “Sir, Ms Gupta is here..may i send her in” she asked him to which he answered quickly “yes, please let her come in” he said and waited as his door opened up and khushi walked in with a polite smile

“Hope i'm not disturbing you?” she asked as he shook his head, “No, off course not...” he said as she came and sat down opposite him...he looked on as she flipped open her ipad and clicked on something before showing it to him 

“I had sent his mail in the morning to you...but i guess you were busy...” she said as arnav donned his glasses and peered at the screen

Khushi passed the iPad to him and admired how the rimless glasses suited his personality “I didn't know you wore glasses?” she blurted out, much to her indignation and his amusement “Oh...there's loads you don't know about me yet Ms Gupta” he said quoting her own line back

She gave him a sheepish smile as he continued “But, since you asked...yes i do wear glasses, but only when i use any kind of tabs or laptops...i have sensitive eyes...and any light at close proximity hurts them” he said as she peered at his laptop “Oh..my laptop...it has a screen over it...” he said pointing at the screen jutting out.

She smiled and nodded at him while he read the mail. Her gaze wandered over his office as she took in the warm browns and soothing creams of the entire place...she had imagined him to be someone who would be very grey and black type of guy

“Hmm...you reply is bang on” he said bringing her out of her thoughts. She leaned forward to take her ipad back from him “Sorry I din't get to read the mail earlier otherwise i would have replied...lets meet with these guys and work out a better plan for this quarter” he said to her as she nodded

“Great...i'll ask aman to fix up a meeting soon” she said as she got up to go, only to be gestured by arnav to peer at his laptop screen...she walked around the table to get a better look and stood next to him as he pointed towards the screen 

“This company is very interested in investing with us...this guy” he said pointing towards a name, which khushi could not read clearly

She leaned forward to see it , oblivious to the fact that she was standing very close to him. Arnav suddenly felt very alert as she leaned towards his laptop...her flowery scent wafted over his nostrils as he breathed in deeply “Victor huang..i have heard of this guy...in fact, a year ago...i met him at a fundraiser in LA” she said as she looked to her right side, suddenly finding arnav nose very close to hers

“Uh...sorry” she said quickly, straightening up as a faint knock on the door made them look up “ASR, may i come in” Lavanya asked as she walked in before he could say anything...she knew that she could take certain liberties after working for him for so long 

“Ok..so on insistence of Sheetal maam, i have kept your evening free for...” she started saying but stopped when she looked up to find Khushi standing next to her boss

“Oh...i'm so sorry....i'll come back later” she said with an apologetic smile “Oh no, we are done Lavanya” khushi said walking back towards her earlier seat and picking up her iPad. She turned towards arnav as he sat watching her “We'll talk about Mr Huang's company later...i'll do some more research from my end...” she said to which he nodded

Khushi said a goodbye to Lavanya before walking out of the office. “Wow...i absolutely love her office wear (See below)!” Lavanya said with a dreamy look to which arnav snorted a 'hmm...'. 

She looked at her boss who looked a bit lost and a small smile touched her lips at the implications “ASR, i hope i did not disturb any important discussion” she said trying to gauge his reaction

But was left disappointed as Arnav singh Raizada looked at her with a blank look “No, off course not...what was it that was so important?” he asked her as she raised her eyebrows and sat down in the same chair khushi had just vacated 

“Oh yes...uh, Mr Jha's party tonight? I've informed the driver and rescheduled your evening meeting for tomorrow afternoon” she said with a smile only to get a scowl from her boss

“Who the hell told you to reschedule anything? Lavanya...what is wrong with you? I never compromise work for these frivolous parties..” he said as he ran a frustrated hand through his hair...Lavanya looked down and cursed herself for not consulting arnav before rescheduling

“I'm so sorry ASR, but Sheetal maam insisted that this was a very important event..and I” she started saying only to be cut int he middle by arnav 

“And you what Lavanya?...why do you take anything that sheetal says so seriously? For her an important event is trying out the latest restaurant before one of her other socially retarded friends have a chance to!” he said as lavanya bit back a laugh, wondering for the umpteenth time, why her boss was with that woman!

She pushed forward a glass of water towards him and said in a sincere voice “I really am sorry...and i won't repeat this next time” she said as arnav gave her a quick nod 

“Hows you son now? Arush right?” he asked her to which her face literally lit up “Oh, he's much better now...thanks for sending doctor mirza that day...Arush really wasn't in a state for me to take him to the clinic” she said, gratitude heavy in her voice

“Don't thank me woman...i salute you for taking care of two kids on your own” he said as Lavanya gave him a sad smile “Yes...if i did not have a considerate boss, I don't know where i would be now!” she said as arnav gave her a stern look

“Ok enough...now this considerate boss wants you to get to work...i need your eyes on the new team..see if they are working well together...i'm a little bit worried for a few of them...so i need performance and professional conduct reports on all.” he said as Lavanya did a mock salute and left, leaving him amused.

.........................................

“I need you to let me know how the guys are faring in their new roles...i'm a little bit worried for some of them...keep an eye on Sahiba..she's the one i really want to focus on..” Khushi said as Aman nodded “Sure maam, anything else?” he asked her as she waved her hand

“No..nothing else...” she said as aman turned around at the last minute “Maam, the Biz Standard people wanted to fix a meeting sometime this week...they want to do a personal interview” he said as khushi looked up “An Interview? Now? What for?” she asked Aman who quickly checked his mail on his phone.

“Uh...they are doing a piece on successful women in their 20's....they want to feature you in it” he said as khushi thought about it “Hmm...check with PR if its a good idea and proceed to fix it for coming monday if they think its relevant” she said as aman nodded and left.

Successful women....she thought as she suddenly remembered the conversation she had yesterday with arnav...and her own thoughts about why she behaved so differently around him. She got up and stretched her arms up while walking towards the french windows.

She was what she was, on her own.period. Yes, she did have an advantage of being a Gupta, but she was proud of what she had achieved for her company in such a short time...she did not need to prove herself to anyone...then why was she trying to impress him so much?

She had thought about this long & hard and the only thing she could conclude was that he still affected her...even after all these years...she still felt this innate need to prove herself to him...and for him not to think of her as one of those girls he had accused her of being.

But then, he did not even remember her...he probably does not even remember that silly incident anymore...so what was she trying to prove? And why would it make a difference now? After so long!

She hugged her arms around herself and closed her eyes. She still remembered that night so vividly...

Club Arizona

13th May 2006

“Khushi..what happened? You ok?” her friend asked her as the rest of their group milled around her. She was still in a kind of shock after listening to those words from his mouth...but what had really struck her was the disgust she saw in his eyes...

How can someone judge another person so quickly? How could he say that she was attracting such scum just because she was wearing a short dress...he does not even know her!....she felt more tears prick her eyes as one of her friends shook her “Khushi! Wow! Arnav singh raizada fought for you...oh my god! This is going to be page three news tomorrow! Look at that Neeta woman from Bombay times talking to him” she said pointing towards the VIP section

Khushi forced her eyes to move towards the place where he was sitting, looking furiously at a woman in a short kurta and jeans who was trying to talk to him....Khushi took a deep breath and started walking towards them to give him a piece of her mind when she heard his clear cut voice through the haze of trance music playing around them.

“Girls like her give other decent girls a bad name...i'm no hero for saving her...in fact, i feel that if women are bold enough for other things...they should also be strong enough to defend themselves...In fact i'm not even sure if that girl was genuinely in trouble.....maybe it was a plan to get into tomorrow's bloody page three!...all these girls care about is their one minute of fame..poor little rich girls...rolling in their daddy's money!” he said menacingly, his harsh words slashing through khushi's tender heart

But before he could look her way, she turned around and ran out of the club...tears streaming down her face...she could hear her friends calling her name...hell she could also feel a pair of heated caramel eyes on her back...but she did not stop..she ran and ran till she could run no more...

That was the day, she took the biggest decision of her life...she would prove him wrong...she would one day stand up to him and look into his eyes and proclaim that she is not like any of those women...she would prove to him that she could be better than him...that she could have the world at her feet...and no one...not even him could point at a flaw in her...she would show him.

The ringing of her phone got her back to the present...she took a deep breath to calm herself and went to pick up her phone..she cursed loudly as she saw the name flashing..she gritted her teeth and picked up the phone before speaking a honeyed tone “Mr Jha...what a pleasant surprise!” she said as she heard his deep chuckle from the other end

“Well i'm glad its pleasant my dear...i was afraid i won't get to hear your sweet voice after that day at the auction” he said smoothly making khushi wonder what this slime-ball was made of....she thought she had gotten rid of his unwanted advances for good...but here he was flirting with her again as if she had laid roses at his feet.

Her thoughts were suddenly cut mid-way as he spoke “I know you must be wondering why i'm being like this right? When i should probably be miffed and angry with you for what happened that day?” he asked her as khushi wondered the same

“Well, you see Ms Gupta...i thought about it that day....and i came to a conclusion...that i like you...i really like that fierceness and feisty nature of yours...its so refreshing” he said as khushi made a sour face

“Now...i'm not saying that you should like me too....but how about we start afresh huh? I mean, now that you have a tie-up with Raizada's...i'm sure we can benefit mutually? I mean Arnav and I are old friends you know...” he said making khushi wince

“Hmm...I don't know what to say Mr Jha” she said, actually wondering what she should say to this new development...she was surprised that Arnav was friend's with such a vile man like Jha...and she would have to bear this oaf owing to good personal relationships...

“Just say you will Khushi....i hope i can all you Khushi?” he asked her as she thought it best to be civil to him for now “Yes, off course you can...” she said as he quickly cut it “Great...so i'm having a small party tonight...its for a launch of one of my clubs...i'll send you the address...please do come...i will be honored with your presence” he said as she pursed her lips..she could honestly not say no now

“I'd love you...do send me the address, i'll be there” she said and ended the call with a quick godbye before he could flirt anymore. She kept the phone down and called aman to inform him about the party so that her evening schedule could be cleared.

She looked at the mail which had just come from Arnav and it took her back to her previous thoughts...she decided that she had had enough of proving herself...to him, to her father....to this bloody chauvinistic society who thought that a woman could never lead..even after the shining example her own grandmother had set.

She really did not care anymore what anyone thought of her...either they accept her as she is, or go to hell...choice is theirs. But as for her, she will be answerable to no one except her nani and mother....the rest be damned. Khushi Gupta has arrived.