Chapter 20

Khushi’s heart stilled as her mind took time to register what was happening….and then when it did, her heart started pounding wildly as she felt her lips being drawn into a sensual assault by the man holding her tightly in his arms…this was wrong...she had to pull away…didn’t they discuss this just yesterday? And he…he had more or less forced his lips on hers…but then why did it feel so right?

She gasped as his hold on her waist tightened while his other hand crept up to hold her nape, maneuvering his lips to slant over hers, deepening the kiss…his tongue lazily stroked her bottom lip as she whimpered at the raw desire he evoked in her…she felt her treacherous body relax into his as her hands traveled over his hard chest, finally digging into his shoulders as she opened her mouth to welcome his probing tongue, giving in to what was inevitable

Arnav groaned as Khushi’s sweet taste assaulted his senses…her tongue dueled with his as both tried to quench this thirst that seemed insatiable…he pulled her closer still, undoing her hair as the gorgeous tresses flowed around her…he broke the kiss to trail his lips over her chin and delicate jaw line…he could feel Khushi’s heart beating against him as she held onto his hair while arching her back, giving him more access to her delectable neck area

“Arnav…” she moaned as his stubbled jaw abraded her soft skin…the feeling so heady that she pressed her face more into his while he nibbled at her neck…drawing her shirt collar over one shoulder, he left tiny bites over her milky skin making her purr in pleasure…. When he finally looked up in to her eyes he could clearly see the same desire he felt, reflected in her eyes… “Khushi…” he rasped as she pulled him closer to bridge the gap between them once again….when the door suddenly opened making them both look at the person who had entered

To say Lavanya was shocked was an understatement…she had an inkling about the blatant sexual chemistry between her boss and Khushi  maam, but actually finding them in such a position was beyond anything she had ever imagined… she stood there gawking for a second before realizing the extremely tricky situation she had walked in on.

She quickly apologized for entering and sped out of the cabin before anyone had a chance to say anything….she walked briskly towards the conference area when her heel twisted, nearly making her fall if not for the arm that held her steady “Slow down Lavanya…where are you going in such a hurry? And have you seen Khushi  maam? Is she still in ASR’s cabin? I need to go and get her” Aman said as Lavanya yanked his arm and pushed him inside the empty conference room before locking the door behind them

“You will do no such thing Aman Mathur!” Lavanya said as she stood in front of him with her hands on her hips, her eyes stern while her high ponytail bobbed behind her “What? Why?...Lavanya…what is going on?” Aman asked her, partly bewildered and partly amused…”I told you na…bas! Don’t go there now…” she said as he looked on with confusion

“I can’t tell you” she said as Aman shrugged “Fine…in that case…I’m going there…now!” he said as he walked towards the door and unlocked it…but was once again held back by Lavanya’s firm grip on his arm “No wait….ok fine…I’ll tell you” she said as she narrated the scene she had seen in Arnav’s cabin

Aman looked on with shock as she finished telling him everything “Are you serious? You sure it was Khushi maam?” he asked her as she rolled her eyes “Yes…it was her and ASR…Oh God! I don’t know how I will ever face them again” she said biting her lips as aman smiled at her antics

“Hey…relax, you did not know…just pretend you never saw anything and act normal…I’m sure they will too” he said as she threw him an annoyed look “Easy for you to say…you weren’t the one gawking at both your bosses with their hands all over each other” she said as aman laughed

“Loosen up Lavanya…Khushi  maam is very chilled out…plus think about the good thing…” he said wriggling his eyebrows “What good thing?” she asked him as he opened the door of the conference room “How cool is it that our bosses hooked up….a bit of office romance in the air!” he said as Lavanya giggled “Aman Mathur…I never pegged you for a romantic” she said as he gave her lopsided grin before both walked towards ASR’s cabin….or rather the Lion’s den

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Khushi looked everywhere but at arnav as she quickly straightened her dress along with her open hair…she was trying to find her band when arnav’s hand reached towards the desk and handed it to her “Uh…you can use the restroom….if you like” he said as he tried to make eye contact with her…but was utterly unsuccessful

What the hell had he done! After all the stuff they spoke about yesterday, he had to go and kiss her….sometimes logic and propriety just does not work, he thought as he saw her tie up her luscious long hair into a tight knot at the back, the action suddenly irritating him…making him want to once again release her hair from the blasted confine

He watched her touch her palms to her cheeks which were flaming a blazing red right now, somehow the color highlighting her high cheekbones and perfect facial structure…he looked on as her eyes glanced around and met his for a nano second before she quickly looked away, her gaze going towards the closed cabin door

“Uh…I should go…I have a meeting in few minutes” she mumbled as arnav sighed…this was not happening again “Khushi…” he said as she had turned around to walk out…but stilled at his voice and looked over her shoulder, somehow not able to turn completely “Khushi, we need to talk…I’m not doing this anymore” he said with a sigh as she turned fully towards him

“Doing what Arnav? This was a mistake…there is nothing more to it” she said as he strode towards her and held her by her waist “This is not a mistake…stop labeling it one! We both were equally involved Khushi….I know the first time we kissed, it seemed too sudden…but this, I can’t pretend that there is nothing between us!” he said as she wiggled out of his arms

“Stop Arnav…please…we are professionally linked…don’t you understand? Today Lavanya saw us…tomorrow, God knows! We are constantly under vigilance Arnav…it will reflect very badly on GR” she said trying to convince herself more than him “So that means, we just let this Go…this unexplainable pull we feel towards each other…without giving it a chance!” he asked her incredulously as she looked down

“Tell me Khushi, was this really a mistake?” he asked her…gently now, as he waited with baited breath for her answer, but he saw it before he heard her say it “Yes…it’s a mistake…there is no place for such complications in my life right now Arnav…please understand…I don’t want to lose out on our friendship for something we don’t know will work or not…and I don’t want this to affect our work” she said as Arnav closed his eyes and stepped back

Both were silent for a few minutes till Arnav looked at her with a steely determination in his eyes…having made up his mind “Fine, if this is what you want…then so be it” he said as Khushi quickly looked up “I’m sorry this happened Khushi, but rest assured, it will never happen again…if you want to keep our relationship to strictly being friends, then I won’t urge you to rethink…I too value our friendship and would not like to jeopardize it on any cost…” he said as Khushi opened her mouth to say something when there was a knock on the door

“Come in” Arnav said in an irritated voice as both Aman and Lavanya walked inside…Aman looked at Khushi while Lavanya and Arnav pretended like nothing had happened “Uh Maam, your meeting is in five minutes….can we proceed?” he asked her as Khushi looked once at arnav before nodding at Aman…it took Arnav all his self-control not to blast both their PA’s for interrupting them again…especially Lavanya who knew what had transpired here

But all in all, it was probably for the best…it hurt him to see Khushi’s determination to not change anything between them but it also gave him a hope that maybe all was not lost…he had seen the hesitation and longing in her eyes before she answered and that was what had made him say those things to her…Ms Khushi Gupta can deny all she wants…but he knew that she too wanted him…it was only a matter of time and tactic to make her come to him…and he was the master of strategy…after all he was Arnav Singh Raizada…

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“What happened Khushi? Once again you look lost…is everything ok at work?” Shalini asked her granddaughter as she helped her with sorting some of her old files “Yes nani, I’m perfectly ok…just a mild headache” she said as her grandmother smiled and resumed her work…khushi got back to her thoughts about Arnav and all that had happened in office today

She had feelings for Arnav…of that she was sure…but she also knew that feelings led nowhere…it would only mess up things…she unfortunately was never a witness to real love, especially with the way her parent’s marriage suffered…but she was also not against it…this was all so confusing, she thought and was about to call it a night when Garima walked in…her face, paler than usual

“Mamma…whats wrong? …are you ok? Laxamma…get some water please” Khushi shouted as she and Shalini made her mother sit on the bed, while both of them sat around her “Beta, what’s the matter…why are you not saying anything?” Shalini asked her as Garima looked up into the worried eyes of both the women she loved so dearly

“Ma...Khushi…that…the detective, he had called…he said that Monica has given her statement…and…and she said that Arun used to get threatening calls from a woman…and the woman…she said it was me…that I was calling him…how can she..” Garima said as Khushi got up and took her cell phone out…how dare that pschyo woman take her mother’s name and that detective! She had clearly told him to not contact her mother directly!

She tried reaching the detective at his given number, but the call wasn’t connecting through…she looked back at her mother who was resting her head on her nani’s shoulder “Mamma…what else did he say? “ she asked her as Garima looked at her “He said that her statement makes me a suspect, one of the top ones…he asked me not to leave the city and said he will come here tomorrow to take my statement…with or without you” she said with a trembling voice as Khushi sat down next to her and hugged her

“Mamma…I promise you…nothing will happen…I told you na,  Arnav and I are suspects too…all thanks to Sheetal…but this all just procedure…just because someone says something does not mean that the law will think of it as truth…we’ll work through this ok…none of us are guilty of anything we are being accused of…so why should we worry so much?” Khushi said as Garima nodded and tightened her hold around her daughter

Khushi knew that things were not that simple…Monica was Arun Mehra’s lawfully wedded wife...while Garima his ex…if monica, who was out of the city at the time of murder is asked to think of any suspects for her husband’s death…the person she points at will be in direct line of possible murderer…though it can also be said that Monica herself had a lot to gain from Arun’s death…

She really had to think this through…and she needed someone who could help her out…the only one who at this very minute was probably hating her for all that had happened today…she closed her eyes as the sight of his steely eyes reflected back…she shivered slightly thinking how things would be in office tomorrow…will she get her friend’s advice and counsel….or did she lose that right forever?

PS: Thanks for reading guys...i know i don't answer your comments...simply because i'm too tied up with work and office. and can't do justice to them with my paltry response...but i read them religiously and love you guys for it...

Also...i'm on vacation till the 1st of June...so the next update will be when i get back...thanks..love ya! xoxo

Chapter 19

Khushi rolled her eyes at her phone screen as yet another of her calls to Arnav went unanswered. She texted him once again as her fingers ran expertly over the keypad ‘Need to talk.Urgent’…she pressed the send button and leaned back in her chair and wondered what was going on

She knew that things would be awkward between them post the kissing episode, yes…that is what she would call it…a complete mad reaction to something so potent..But now, she was finding it difficult to understand Arnav’s behavior since yesterday afternoon after he himself had made her feel comfortable about the entire thing.

She smiled as she remembered their conversation in the warehouse and how she had confessed to being stupid about the aftermath and reaction to their sudden intimacy…she was partly relieved that Arnav had not made a huge deal out of it and things had seemed to go back to normal

But she was also partly upset that it had been so easy for him to term the entire thing as something insignificant and to be forgotten about…but isn’t that what she wanted as well? She closed her eyes and felt like pulling at her hair as images from that day kept flashing in her mind…she did not have time for all this!

She went back to her laptop as she glanced at her phone, wondering for the umpteenth time why Arnav was ignoring her…or was he really so busy that he forgot to even say a bye to her yesterday when she was supposed to catch a ride with him…but instead , had vanished before she could even look around for him.

She had not thought so much into it, assuming that he must have had some important work for which he left so hastily…plus she wanted to spend some time with someone else who had come all the way to meet her as soon as he landed in Mumbai…so she had texted Arnav informing him of taking the day off, and had only got a ‘Fine’ as a reply from him later on in the day

When she had finally gotten back home after tons of gol-gappas at Elco and a total Bollywood flick at the cinemas, she had called Arnav to check with him on some work, but he had not picked her calls…even now, since morning she was trying to reach him…only to once again not get any reply from him.

She turned her phone away in annoyance and had just managed to get back to her mails when there was a knock on her door and in walked the very man she was looking forward to meeting today….especially since it was such an important thing they had to discuss

“Moti! Are you actually working? Look at you sitting all pretty and posh behind this huge desk…” he said as Khushi grinned like a child “Shut up Motu! I’m not a geek like you…so obviously I’ll looks posh and pretty!” she said with a huge smile, her earlier morose mood changing as he came and sat on the couch

Khushi got up and went to sit next to him “So?? Did you get em?” she asked him excitedly when he nodded and took out a box from the bag he was carrying….He opened the box as Khushi pounced on the stuff lying inside it “Oh…these are so beautiful! Thanks so much for taking my opinion motu…I’m really very touched” khushi said as her eyes filled up with the gesture

“Don’t be silly! Who else would I have asked sweetheart?” he said as he pulled her in a tight hug, which khushi returned smiling…but it took her a second or so to realize that the person she had been thinking about since the past 48 hours was standing there watching her as she hugged a man on her couch.

“Arnav?” Khushi said as she quickly pulled out of the hug and stood up, only to get an icy stare from him “I’m sorry…guess I’m interrupting…” he said and turned around as Khushi came towards him and laid her hand on his arm “Arnav…please don’t be silly…do come in” she said as arnav closed his eyes for a minute before turning around to meet her confused eyes

He watched as the man on the couch got up and smiled at him….the only thing registering in his mind were the words spoken by the same man…calling Khushi his sweetheart…but why was this affecting him so much! It was anyways becoming impossible for him to act normally with Khushi after the kiss and then when he had seen her hug this man yesterday; his usually logical brain had been whirring in non-stop motion

He knew it was juvenile of him to just walk out of the warehouse yesterday without informing Khushi, but something had snapped inside him and he had not wanted to stay for even a minute. All he knew was that he had to go away from there…and did so, successfully ignoring khushi’s calls and texts…till just a few minutes ago his rational brain had finally made a comeback

He knew he had jumped to conclusions as always, and had thought of the situation in a completely different way, thinking that the guy was probably just a good friend or something…so he had made himself think that it did not make a difference to him and that whatever happens, Khushi and him had to maintain a professional outlook …so he had come to make amends and not think too much into what he saw yesterday

But this…what he saw…what he heard now…it felt like a bloody full circle…back to square one! “Arnav…is everything ok?” Khushi asked him bringing him out of his thoughts as the tall man came sauntering towards him “Hi…we have not been introduced…Khushi told me about you yesterday, but unfortunately I could not meet you since you had already left” he said as Arnav nodded stiffly

“Uh yes…I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce you, this is…” Khushi said as arnav shook his head  “Its fine Khushi…I did not know you had a visitor…I’ll come by later” he said in a stiff voice as his eyes went to the colorful stuff lying on the coffee table…Khushi saw arnav’s eyes dart suddenly to the seating area and she smiled as Arnav looked confused

“Wedding cards…we need to decide on a design today…” she said with an impish smile at the other man which had arnav fuming inside…. He looked on at the foolishly smiling pair and was in two minds…one to shake khushi and ask her what the hell was going on! Why was she selecting wedding cards with this man…and the other part of him wanted to punch this guys perfect pearly whites out..

“Yes, I had to take her opinion…obviously!” the man said as Arnav gave one last look in his direction before stunning Khushi with a freezing look…something she had never expected to ever get from Arnav…but before she could question him for his mood, he turned around and swiftly walked out from her cabin . Leaving the other two occupants bewildered and highly confused.

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Shashi Dinkaran was a happy man…he could easily say that about himself as his driver drove his car around the Gupta mansion and maneuvered around the guesthouse. The car came to a stop as Shashi thanked the driver and instructed him to come by next day at sharp 8am. He walked to the house as a sudden flash of green made him look on his left towards the path leading to the garden

There she was, running around with her hands full of saplings…he gave his bag to the help who was assigned to the guesthouse and divested himself of his coat and tie; but something made him step back outside the door and head towards the garden…following the same path he had seen her take

Garima…since the time he had met her, something about her had made his heart beat faster; he knew it had been a long time since his wife had passed away, and it wasn’t like he had not taken an interest in other women, hell he had even wanted to marry again just for his kids sake…but something had stopped him from such a commitment and since then no woman had come even close to make him feel anything for them…his entire life  had been dedicated to his kids and his work

But something about this woman, had touched a chord in him…and that something was so potent that he never even realized that his feet had taken him to the entrance of the green house which sat isolated around the end of the vast garden…he could see her pottering about with the new saplings as she cleaned and filled up little pots with wet mud and manure

“Are those Geraniums?” he asked her rather loudly, his deep voice resonating in the closed space, making Garima shriek in fear as her vision took in the man standing in front of her “Mr Dinkaran…you gave me a fright” she said with a muddy hand clutching the kurta over her heart as Shashi quickly came towards her and gestured at it

“Oh No!” she said as she took of her gloves and wet a clean tissue to wipe off the mud “No…don’t do that” Shashi said as she looked up, her eyes full of questions and something else…"Huh?” she asked him as he gave her a dazzling smile “If you rub the mud with that rag, it will only go in deeper…you need to soak that in soapy water…the mud will come off on its own” he said as she looked on with wide eyes

“Wha? How do you know that?...I mean, I did not expect…”she stared saying when he smiled deeply…the dimples in his chin digging in giving him a boyish look “ A man to know all this? Well…I was pretty handy around the house...especially when my wife was pregnant…more like a slave, if you ask me…” he said as Garima gave him a small smile “and then after she passed away, I had to be a full time slave for my kids…not that I’m complaining” he said as her smile turned sad

“I’m so sorry…” she said as he held up his hand “Don’t be…I will always cherish my time with her…I tend to remember all the good times we had…as a couple, as a family…it keeps her memory bright and happy in our lives” he said as Garima gave him a warm smile as nodded “Yes, I suppose that is what we are left with” she said as shashi looked at her curiously but did not probe further...he had no idea why he had spoken about his wife to her…but something about her presence had made him feel very comfortable around her

"Anyways…would you like my help with the plants? I’m pretty good with gardening as well” he said as she shook her head “Thanks,I’m nearly done here…but I will keep this little tit-bit in mind and let you know the next time I need any help” she said as he nodded and smiled at her before saying a quick goodbye, leaving her with her plants.

Garima stood in the same position watching him leave’ a part of her wanted to call him back and make an excuse to make him stay back and help her…why she had no idea…it was wrong of her to think of another man in such a way when she was in mourning for her husband’s death…she did not understand what had gotten into her as such thoughts assailed her mind…and what amazed her the most was that she had flirted…something which she had not done ever in her life…she had done today…what was going on with her!

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Arnav paced around his office as Lavanya rattled on about his pending meetings….it had been 15 minutes since he had left Khushi’s cabin, again without any explanation...God only knows what she had thought of him…but it serves her right…how dare she not tell him about her wedding! And that kiss? She had responded to that...had in fact wanted it as much as he did…then what was going on here!

“ASR ? Did you hear what I said?” Lavanya asked him as he glared at her “No Lavanya…I did not hear you! Does it look like I’m listening to you?” he said as Lavanya looked on in amusement at him “Ooook….should I come back in sometime? Cause clearly something is bothering you” she said as arnav have her another glare “Yes…come back in 10 minutes…I…I….just come back later” he said as Lavanya quickly made herself sparse leaving Arnav on his own in his cabin

He was still pacing about when he heard the cabin door open  a minute later “I told you Lavanya…” he said as he spun around to give his PA a earful, when he shut his mouth and a hurt glare replaced his anger as he saw Khushi standing inside his cabin closing the door “What do you want Khushi?” he asked her rudely as she folded her arms and stared him down

“Answers Arnav..I need answers” she said as he chuckled mirthlessly “Really? For what? Did you finally get some time off from your personal errands?” he asked her as she looked at him with blazing eyes “Mr Arnav Singh Raizada…who the hell do you think you are? How can you be so rude to someone? First you ignore my calls since yesterday and now…do you know how embarrassing your behavior was in my cabin few minutes ago?" she asked him as he smirked at her

“Oh really? Sorry if I disappointed your guy…but frankly you can browse through your wedding cards and have your romantic talks outside of this office…I do not tolerate such things in the office…and its goes for everyone…even you!” he said as Khushi’s eyes turned huge with total bewilderment written all over them.

“What? hold on…what the hell are you on about?” she asked him as arnav came and stood in front of her “Really? You are going to act all innocent now are you? How could you Khushi…how could you not tell me that you are getting married? How can you…that day….God!” he said with annoyance as Khushi thinned her lips

“Arnav…when did I introduce Akhil to you as MY fiancé? And do you really think I won’t inform you about my wedding? Are you that daft to think that such a thing will remain unwritten about and secret with the media hounding me down after the Sujoy thing? Seriously! I really don’t understand you at all…one moment you are this amazing guy who supports me and helps me through my tough time and the other minute you are this insensitive jerk who jumps to conclusions without having a second thought!” she said as arnav looked on with a growing sense of unease

“You know what! I’m fed up with this Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde persona’s of yours…you really think so low of me? that I would have kissed you if I was involved with someone else to this extent!...I’ve had it Arnav…Akhil is my cousin, my maasi’s son…he is getting married to his girlfriend…I don’t even know why I’m explaining all this to you…” she said as she spun around from him not wanting him to see her moist eyes when he caught her wrist and pulled her flush against him…before crushing her lips mercilessly under his.

Chapter 18

“Is the poha spicy khushi?” Shalini asked Khushi in a concerned voice as she sat with a faraway look, her face scrunched up “Uh....no nani, its fine...why do you ask?” Khushi asked resuming her eating while taking small sips of her now warm green tea

“Nothing...you seem to be worried, is it because of that detective?...” she asked her as Khushi shook her head “I'm fine nani...its just that lots of things have happened all at once..and I don't know how to handle all this” Khushi said as Shalini leaned across and held her hand.

“You don't have to figure everything out yourself darling...your mother and I are in this together...don't think so much about all this, most of it is just formality...it'll all be over soon” she said as Khushi smiled softly “Thanks nani...I already feel better...anyways shouldn't we get going now?” she asked as she finished drinking her tea

“Yes..we should actually, Shashi will be waiting for us...will you be taking your car as well? Since your going to GR after the introduction?” Shalini asked as Khushi shook her head “No...not really...I thought it will be good to see the production for the new consignment that GR has placed.” she said as Shalini drew her eyebrows together

“Oh...Isn't Arnav looking into production? Plus right now only the preliminary work will be going on Khushi...” she said as Khushi once again smiled at her “Well...I think its best I keep a look out still...it is one of our biggest orders! GR's I mean..Arnav can come by next week when its underway” she said as her nani nodded in agreement while both walked out to the waiting car.

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Khushi breathed in a sigh of relief as she made herself comfortable in her grandmother's plush Mercedes...she looked sideways to see her nani close her eyes to rest till they reached the mills...the silence giving Khushi a chance to think about how things had suddenly taken this turn...first her father's death, then the investigation and now this....something she had least expected...but knew was bound to happen

She had thought about it all night, and had come to a conclusion that what happened between her and Arnav was not merely an emotional mistake...but it was something which was long standing...not the kiss as such, but the attraction she felt towards Arnav. She looked at the passing landscape as remembered the first time she had met him...not the meeting at the club, but the one at the press conference

He had always been handsome with a sex appeal that few men alluded...and she had followed him through tabloids and media all those years even after that horrible club incident...but she had never really thought of him in a romantic way; Yes, she appreciated his looks and personality...but like one does a celebrity...not someone she could ever think of on a serious note.

But then, the meeting at the press conference and the subsequent ones after that made her appreciate him on a more personal level...she had often thought of herself with him...but then had dismissed the thought as some kind of a mad fantasy...since she knew that till the time they were professionally linked, such things were not possible

And so she had stuffed her desires somewhere far away...and had concentrated instead on their professional relationship...something which had only gotten better with time...so much so that they could practically read what the other was thinking without voicing it....but now....now she had to go ahead and ruin it all...and Arnav?

Agreed she had been foolish to kiss him...but he...he had pulled her back for a much deeper one...one that had left her breathless and wanting more...she knew that he too was attracted towards her...she could see it in the appreciative glances he threw her way and the way he looked at her sometimes...but yesterday it had all spilled over...she wondered if they could ever go back to how things were

Thankfully she did not have to meet him today...she had made a conscious decision to avoid seeing him today and to give each other some time to get over what had transpired..she knew things would be back to normal tomorrow since neither of them were giving any importance to yesterday's incident...Plus she really did want to meet and get to know the new MD of Gupta Mills better.

“Lets go Khushi” she heard her nani call out to her as the car had come to a stop and the guards stood holding the door open for them...Khushi nodded at her grandmother as she came out of her thoughts and got down from the car. She would not think about him today...nope...No.

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“Good morning maam” Shashi said as Shalini entered his cabin along with Khushi, she smiled at him and said a quick good morning while turning her hand towards Khushi “Shashi...this is Khushi, my grand daughter...she is a parter at GR, our Joint venture with R&S...I'm sure you know all about it by now” She said with a smile as Shashi turned towards the beautiful young woman next to her

“Yes, off course...How are you doing Khushi? Nice to finally meet you” he said with a smiled as Khushi shook his hand and smiled warmly “Thanks Mr Dinkaran...its great to have you on board” she said as he smiled back “Thank you...and please call me Shashi” he said as they settled down on the couches by the window. Khushi looked around as her heart suddenly became heavy, thinking how this was her father's cabin earlier

“Khushi” Shalini asked her as she squeezed her hand, understanding Khushi's silence “You can go and have a look at the production if you'd like” She said as Khushi shook her head “No..I'll do that later...” she said while turning her head towards Shashi

“So Shashi...how do you find Gupta Mills? Hope you have settled in well?” she asked him as he nodded “Yes...everything is great...I'm yet to meet the staff, but whomever I have met so far, have been very accommodating and welcoming...the house too is perfect and my kids are ecstatic about it” he said as Khushi smiled

“Thats great....nani told me about your kids...they are more than welcome to come over anytime and use the gym or the pool in the main house...we also have a mini theatre and recreation room if they feel like it” she said as Shashi looked on warmly

“Thank you Khushi...that will be wonderful, though mind you, they are mad hatters, both of them, you give them your finger and they'll pull your arm out ” he said as Khushi laughed “Then we should get on like a house on fire!” she said as Shashi and Shalini both joined in her laughter.

After a small chat about some of the future projects both companies were vying for, they decided to head towards the conference room where the rest of the staff would be joining in for a formal introduction. They were just about to get up when they heard a knock on the cabin door and someone walked in.

“Hi...sorry I'm late” Arnav said as he stepped in, quite at a loss of words when he spotted Khushi sitting on the couch with her grandmother. When he had received Shalini Gupta's call in the morning to come and meet Shashi Dinkaran, he had assumed that Khushi must have already met him and would not be here.

He was actually glad that he could avoid meeting Khushi till later and instead spend some time with Shashi, who he really did look forward to meeting....it would provide with the best timeout before facing her again...but, guess things never work in your favor all the time.

“Arnav, glad you could make it....Shashi, this is Arnav...Khushi's partner at GR” Shalini said introducing the two men, the word 'partner' not going unnoticed by both arnav or khushi “I wanted to introduce you both to each other ...” she said looking at Shashi who shook hands with Arnav and started a conversation, thankfully leaving Khushi out of it

“Khushi, I completely forgot to tell you that I had asked Arnav to come and meet Shashi....but since Arnav is here as well, both of you should go and check on the production...and since it won't take that long, it would be best for you to go with him to GR later...no use wasting time here during preliminary production..” she said as Khushi looked on mutely while trying to avoid Arnav's gaze which kept flitting between her and Shashi

Arnav, who was trying to keep up with what Shashi was saying, kept looking at Khushi surreptitiously...he could not hear what Mrs Gupta was saying to her, but the way she stood stiff as a board, knew it wasn't something she was happy about...he tore his eyes away from her and looked back at Shashi who had an amused look on his face

“Is everything ok Arnav? You seem distracted” he said observing the way the younger man kept stealing glances at Khushi... “Yes...everything's good...anyways, we'll talk more on that new process...it sound great and will decrease our time for dyeing the richer fabrics” Arnav said as Shashi nodded and gestured for them to follow the ladies who were headed out

Arnav walked straight on towards the conference room with his thoughts scattered all over the place...he knew things were a bit awkward between him and Khushi after yesterday...and it was evident from the way she had greeted him, with just a nod of her head, averting her gaze instead of the warm sunny good mornings he was used to...and this worried him

He liked working with Khushi...and her company was great, but there had always been undercurrents amongst them...he was attracted to her a lot...since the very first time they had met; but had never given into his feelings...and even though he was tempted to many times before....especially the ill-fated day at the restaurant, he had never crossed the line.

So what happened yesterday? He knew she had not kissed him on purpose...it was a spur of the moment thing and she had realized it which led her to pull away....but something in him had snapped...he felt like he could never let her go...like having her in his arms was the best thing ever...and he had for the first time in his life, let his erractic heart overrule him.

But now...now he just wasn't sure where they stood. She had made it immensely clear that it was a mistake and she would like to forget about it...but how could he? The feel of her petal soft lips, her pearly teeth sinking into his...that taste of her fiery tongue...everything overrode his senses...making him crave for more.

He watched her walking in front of him in her skirt suit, the beige fabric hugging her curves in all the right places, while the skirt, even though of modest length, left her long legs bare....their smoothness glistening in the mid morning light...his treacherous eyes had also noticed the rise of her chest ensconced in a dark maroon top with a sweetheart neckline, giving him a tantalizing view of her soft curves, while she stood speaking to her grandmother earlier [ see khushi's outfit below]

How can he be normal with her now? Especially when he knew that she too was attracted to him...otherwise why would she have responded so spontaneously to him...but it was only right to nip this in the bud...nothing comes out of relationships when personal and professional boundaries are crossed..so he had spent the entire night...deciding on how he would make things between them normal again...and how nothing should affect their professional equation

And with that thought in mind, he had fallen asleep at 3am in the morning...ready to face her. But now, things looked a little bit complicated..more so because of the fact that khushi was blatantly ignoring him. He sighed as they neared the conference room and stopped at the door

“So Arnav, Since Khushi wanted to see the pre-production of your order...maybe you should join her too? It would be good to..” she started saying when Khushi spoke up “Uh..no nani...I mean, Arnav will be coming her quite often during the production and formation...So it makes no sense for him to...” she said as Arnav raised an eyebrow at her...Boy! Was she trying to avoid him or what

“Mrs Gupta, Khushi is correct...I'll check the production in two weeks time...I'll head back to GR now since you both will be busy” he said watching Khushi from the corner of his eyes as she breathed a sigh of relief. He turned towards Shashi who was smiling at him “It was really great meeting you Shashi...we have lots more to discuss!” he said shaking the older man's hand again

“Most definitely Arnav...lets meet soon” he said and turned to say a quick good bye to Khushi who looked like she was ready to sprint any minute and in fact she did after giving her grandmother a quick hug and a nod in Arnav's direction.

Arnav saw her scurrying away as soon as she said her goodbyes...he tried to follow her as soon as he said his goodbyes, but he could not seem to find her anywhere. He knew something needed to be done and her running away from him and avoiding him was frankly giving him a headache

He asked around for the raw material warehouse where he knew she would have headed to and started walking briskly towards it...it did not take him long to spot her amongst the fluffy unprocessed cotton that lay strewn all over the massive place...he looked around and found no one in his immediate vicinity and started walking towards her

Khushi stiffened as she heard footsteps behind her....for some reason she knew it was him and even though her brain told her to take off and run, she willed herself to stand still till he called out to her...she knew she was being childish with the way she was behaving, but somehow she just could not get herself to face him.

“Khushi?” she heard him say as he neared her...she took a deep breath and freed the cotton she was inspecting from her hands onto the stone floor....she turned around to face him, but was left shocked to see his face drawn in anger...something she had not expected

“What is the matter with you Khushi? Why are you ignoring me? Is it because of what happened yesterday? Because as far as I remember, we both decided that it was a mistake and that it would not hamper out professional relationship...neither our friendship...so why are you acting like this?” he asked her as she looked down..unable to look up into his questioning eyes

“Please Khushi...We can't be like this...we need to...” he started saying when she interrupted him “I know Arnav...i'm sorry...its just that” she said as she looked up and Arnav was stumped by the vulnerability he saw in her eyes...he felt his anger fading away instantly as she stood on front of him with her arms fisted by her sides, her chest heaving with heavy breaths

“I don't know why i reacted like that...I'm not like that...I have very good control over my emotions but i guess...i guess too many things happened yesterday which left me messed up...I'm sorry for doing what i did yesterday” she said as arnav walked closer to her “Hey...its ok! We did not do something wrong...it happens...you said it yourself yesterday right?” he asked her as she nodded at him

“Great...so lets just go back to how things were Khushi...because frankly I don't think I can take your silence anymore...it will drive me nuts!” he said as Khushi smiled...once again leaving him hoping that things were different “Sorry Arnav...I'm such a child sometimes!” she said as he smiled back “Its ok...sometimes you need to be” he said as she nodded, but was distracted when her eyes took in the tall figure who had just entered the warehouse

Arnav saw Khushi's eyes becoming wide and her face splitting into a thousand watts smile as she looked at something over his shoulder...intrigued with the sudden change in her mood he had hardly turned around to look at what or who she was looking at when khushi ran past him before he could register what was happening.

He looked on with confusion and something akin to desolation as the now visible man held his arms out towards her as she leapt in excitement into them...he looked on as her dainty arms went to hold him tightly while his wrapped around her...both speaking at once and laughing as they kept hugging for quite some time.

Both of them so engrossed in each other, that they failed to notice Arnav walk right out of the other exit ...his stride angry and swift as he walked briskly to his car and drove out of the Mills before he could think otherwise...before he could understand why his chest suddenly felt constricted or why a feeling of loss suddenly overwhelmed him as his mid refused to picture anything else but that hug.

Khushi's Outfit

Chapter 17

 “Tell me khushi...have we met before?” Arnav asked her in his husky voice as she tried to remain calm beneath his imploring gaze. She shifted slightly to her left to put a little distance between them but Arnav stepped forward closing the space, leaving hardly a foot distance between them.

She looked up to see him looking at her with questioning eyes as she smiled nervously at him “Wh...why would you say that Arnav? We have never met before...I would have remembered” she said with as much conviction as she could only to have arnav raise his eyebrow in question.

“Are you sure? Because you don't sound very convincing...you know Khushi, since the time i met you...the very first time actually, you seemed to have a preconceived notion about me....I know i did too, but your defiance and blatant disregard for my opinions irked me...a lot actually” he said circling her, he could see her palms clenched into fists my her side

“But then, things slowly changed between us...you became more accommodating and understanding...as if, suddenly you changed your thoughts about me...or maybe were trying to look beyond whatever you had judged me for..” he said as khushi took deep breaths..she had no idea that he had observed her and her behavior so closely.

“Don't be surprised...I read people very well...that's why I am where I am today...but you Khushi, i'll be honest....you were completely different to what i had imagined you to be...and you surprised me at every level...” he said as he sighed and stopped walking about to stand in front of her

“I always felt like there is something you are hiding from me....something i ought to know...what is it Khushi? Why did i feel like you were trying to prove something to me?...frankly it irritated the hell out of me” he said finally as Khushi's eyes widened with shock

He had known that she was trying too hard...God, she felt so humiliated...how can she ever tell him why she was acting in that way...how can she explain to him that his hurtful words that day had left a deep impact on her...the scars of which were now fading away slowly.

“Khushi?...Khushi!” Arnav said shaking her from her shoulders slightly as she took on a glazed look....she slowly looked at his face, trying to focus away from his eyes, but then quickly stepped back and started walking away “I'm not feeling well Arnav...I...I have to go” she said as Arnav quickly held her hand and made her stop. He walked towards her and tilted her chin with his forefinger, making her look directly into his caramel depths

“Enough Khushi...tell me...what is it?” He asked her in an annoyed voice, annoyed because she was giving away her uneasiness at his questioning...proving to him that there indeed was some truth to his doubts...he saw he close her eyes before taking a deep breath “yes...” she said as she opened her eyes “To answer you question...yes, we have met before...Now I really have to go” she said pulling her hand away from him when he once again held it....this time more firmly

“No...you can't just say that and leave...tell me...what are you hiding?” he asked her as she pressed her lips together and spoke in a wobbly voice “What do you want me to tell you? That we had met many years ago? In a bloody nightclub that too! Where you had saved me from a leech...and when i wanted to thank you for it, you insulted me by saying that I invited such people on purpose...” she said as arnav suddenly left her arm, shock and confusion evident in his eyes.

“Without knowing anything about me, you...you judged me to be a characterless girl, the disgust in your eyes was so searing, that till today I can feel the burn Arnav....and you say I judged you? Hell yes I did...what more can i think of someone who talks about an innocent girl in such a derogatory manner...” she said as her eyes filled up with unshed tears

“Khushi...I...” arnav started saying when Khushi help up her hand “Its ok Arnav...I don't hold any grudge against you now...you were drunk that day...plus I was a complete stranger for you...so it did not matter to you what you spoke of me...lets just forget about it ok” she said as she sniffed and wiped her eyes before packing up her stuff from the table into her bag

She could feel Arnav's eyes on her...unwavering..as if imploring her to look up...but she knew that he would probably apologize for that day and try to assure her that he did not mean anything...but she truly did not care for it anymore...she probably would have a few weeks ago, but now...now things had changed...equations had changed...she held nothing against him...but she wasn't strong enough to face him and smile...she needed to get away from him; only then she could get back to being normal.

She started walking towards her door when she heard his voice “Do you hate me Khushi?”

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

“That dog...such an as****le...I hate this city!!” Shashi found his daughter muttering obscenities as she entered the guesthouse living room...he could not help but smile as she twisted her face in anger and annoyance at some poor soul “Paayu...why are you swearing so much!?” Shashi asked as he finished reading the mails sent to him by HR...he had a couple of formalities still left to complete and needed to finish them before officially joining in tomorrow

“Oh God! You have no idea what happened to me!!” She said loudly with full dramatic sweep of her hands as she plonked herself on the comfy couch opposite her father “Well i'm not going to know unless you tell me” he said with a smirk as she rolled her eyes “Please don't act funny dad...if i tell you na, you will blow a fuse!” she said as Shashi frowned.

“Ok, no jokes...tell me, what happened? Were you ragged?” he asked with slight anger at whoever had made his daughter upset...but calmed down as she shook her head “No dad...i was not ragged...actually yeah, i was...” she said as he looked on with a confused look “I hate this city!” she wailed as Shashi came and sat next to her

“Paayu...stop beating around the bush...tell me, what happened at Uni?” he asked her with seriousness as she closed her eyes and said in an irritated voice “This idiot had the gall to kiss me as I walked inside the campus...i'm sure it was a stupid bet or something...but still...he..” she started saying when she heard a loud “What!” from Shashi

“Who is that B*****d? Did you get his name? I'm going and complaining about him right away....how dare he!” he started saying when payal held his hand “Daad!...see I knew you will react this way...relax, he ran away...but I know exactly how he looks, next time i see that jerk, I will mince him with my bare hands!” she said as Shashi got up and picked up his phone

“No..you are not going to that University...however good it is...I don't want you anywhere near such sick people” he said as payal plucked the phone out of his hands “Dad!...please calm down...you have high BP, the last thing i want is to admit you!” she said with exasperation as she made him sit down

“Dad...you taught Ritwik and me to be strong and independent na? So why should we change our paths to avoid such people?...This University is best in West India dad...and i really want to study here....trust me, he seemed harmless...and a total coward for running away from there...I can handle such people...you just concentrate on your work ok” she said as shashi smiled at her softly

“When did my babu grow up so quickly?!” he asked as payal wound her arms around her fathers and leaned her head on his shoulders “Well, one of us had to...”she giggled as shashi laughed and ruffled her hair. He really was blessed with his kids...and for that, he thanks his love every single day.

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

“Baal baal bach gaye yaar! (Thank God we got saved!) ” Amandeep said as they met up with Akash at their usual cafe outside campus...the entire gang was in a state of shock as the girl had started screaming her head off, scaring all of them from reacting in any way...let alone go to Akash's rescue “Oh shut up!” akash said as he pushed his coffee away

“You all are such wuss's!” he said as the others looked at him and then looked down “I should never have done it...it must have been so humiliating for her” he said as Imran piped in “Oye! Adarsh ka putla (statue of righteousness)...it was you who wanted to prove your prowess!...you could have always backed out...but no! Aaksh Singh Raizada is not a coward!” he said mimicking Akash who gave him a death glare

“Par kuch bhi bol...ladki thi bohot mast yaar! Total pataka! (But that girl was too hot! Total firecracker!) ” Amandeep said as akash bristled “Once again..shut the f**k up guys! Just leave her alone ok...I'm as it is feeling so bad for what I did!” he sighed as one of the other boys spoke up “Dude! You should be worried about her complaining about you...not how bad you are feeling right now...when did you become such a girl?!” he said as Akash looked up dreamily

“Since I looked into her gorgeous eyes man!” he said as the rest of the gang gaped at him...he laughed at their expression as he finished his coffee “Yep...I have to make up for what i did...starting tomorrow...” he said cryptically as the other looked at each other, wondering what Akash was going to do to pacify the girl he royally miffed today

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

Khushi stopped in her tracks as she heard his words....the pain behind them very poignant...she slowly turned around and looked at arnav who was looking at her with regret and pain evident in his eyes... “I'm not going to justify why I said those things and what I did...because I vaguely remember that night...In fact i can't seem to place it very well” he said as khushi stood rooted.

“I wish i could remember it, but i'm also glad that i don't because knowing you now...being your friend, i would never be able to face you...for the simple fact that i hurt you so much that day"  he said with regret as he walked towards her with Khushi stepping forward too “And i know that just a simple apology won't be enough...especially not after what you just told me” he said as he closed his eyes

“But...i'm sorry Khushi...I said such horrible things to you that night....but that was how I was Khushi...I was judgmental...I was bitter and resentful about a lot of things then...my ego...my pride...these were my vices...and still are to some extent” he said as he opened his eyes...khushi felt her heart squeeze tight...she could hear the pain in his voice and it made her want to wrap her arms around him and comfort him...despite everything

“But I would like to say this Khushi...you are amazing...and whatever anyone says to you...even a first class moron like me...never forget that you are an amazing and wonderful woman...and I am so glad that you are part of GR....I don't think...” arnav was still speaking when he felt her wrap her arms around his neck and pull him closer, pressing her soft lips to his...gently

The act was so bizarre and sudden, that it took him a moment to register what had happened...and before he could react in some way, he felt her pulling away...her eyes reflecting the shock at her action...but the built up desire to kiss her, taste her, hold her was so strong...that arnav did not think of anything else as he pulled her towards him and claimed her lips again...this time with a passionate hunger that was repressed for all this time

Khushi who was too shocked to think straight, panicked as she realized what she had just done...she had meant to hug him and kiss him on his cheek...for all the wonderful things he spoke for her...to reassure him that she never hated him...never could hate him...but her mind refused to co-operate as she gazed at his lips...wondering how they would be against her...and she lost the will...she lost the restraint she had held for all this time...something which she did not even realize she had felt...not to this maddening extent

But when she had started pulling away, he had pulled her back to him...and she could not mistake the blatant desire in his eyes...something that was easily reflected in her own...and she gave in...she felt her heart thunder as his lips coaxed hers...sucking them, nipping her soft delicate ones as if the unleashed hunger could never be satiated.

Arnav felt her respond to his kiss eagerly as she splayed her fingers into his hair, holding on to him as his hand held her delicate neck while the other roamed over her back....she whimpered as he lightly bit her bottom lip, making her open her mouth to receive him...a moan escaping both as their tongues made contact, the heat and taste of each other making their blood sing..

But just as soon as it had begun in the right sense, Khushi came crashing back to earth...the reality of what was happening hit her as she pulled out of arnav's embrace and pushed herself away from him...leaving him confused for a second before he too realized what she had.

Arnav ran a hand through his tousled hair as he tried to gain composure after that soul searing kiss he had shared with khushi...hell, they had kissed...and how. He looked up to see her walking towards her table and bracing her hands on the edges of it...she too was trying to come to terms with what had happened between them.

“Khushi...” she heard him say huskily...she knew if she turned towards him and looked into his eyes, they would reflect the same unfulfilled desire that was surging through her right now...but she had to nip this and knew he too was thinking of the same thing. She turned around to see him looking at her with an unreadable expression and before he could say anything she spoke up

“Sorry Arnav...this shouldn't have happened...we both know that it was a mistake...I...I was overwhelmed by the things you said about me...and I was upset remembering that day...and also I...I mean, these things happen...we shouldn't pay too much heed to it...this will only ruin what we have built so far...” she started saying when Arnav held up his hand

“Its ok Khushi...you don't need to explain yourself...I myself can't understand what took over me...yes, this will ruin everything...we can't let it affect our professional or personal equation...you are right, these things happen...emotions were high and....lets just forget what happened ok” he said as khushi nodded...her heart hurting at the fact that he did not even refute anything...maybe she was thinking too much into this....but she knew that such raw, passionate kisses are not because of some loose emotions and scattered thoughts...but it was right to let it go.

“Great...that's settled then...lets not let this get any more weirder ok..” she said with a small smile as arnav nodded....his fists clenched in regret and something skin to hurt...her indifference to the matter got him upset, but he did not let it show...they were right to not over-think this...but why did it feel so wrong?

He looked on as khushi said a quick good buy and scampered off before giving him another look over her shoulder as she left her cabin....how much ever they pretended...he knew that things would never be the same between them...and somehow that thought made him feel lighter and happier instead of making him worry..like this was the turning point he was waiting for...but as promised, he would not pursue it further...just like she won't.