Chapter 35

Arnav sighed as he walked back to where Khushi sat with her head in her hands, she looked pale and visibly shaken after the ordeal they had been through in the past two hours....she looked up as Arnav sat next to her and handed her a cup of nescafe which Avinash had ordered for them “Here, drink this...it will help” he said as she nodded and held the warm styrofoam cup in her palms, the outer heat warming her cold palms

“Did the forensic's check it yet Arnav? What are they saying?” She asked him in a small voice as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her towards him giving her the much needed support she craved...he pursed his lips as she snuggled closer to him and leaned against his strong frame

“Just a few minutes more sweetheart...we'll know for sure if there was any tampering or not” he said as she nodded and sipped the coffee “Are you not having some?” she asked him as he gave her a tired smile “No...i think i would prefer something stronger” he said as she gave him a concerned look “Arnav....you have come out of a fever...you need to replenish your body...please have some juice at least” she said as she started getting up to get it for him

“I'm fine Khushi...been sipping on water...I'll take something if we have to stay back longer ok?” he assured her as she smiled softly and sat back “I hope Sundar is ok now...he seemed really scared when we met him....poor guy got so many cuts and bruises....if I was in the car, I probably would not have even known what to do..” she said with a faraway look as arnav turned her around to face him

“Nothing would have happened to you Khushi..you get that? We don't even know if this was an attempt to your life..and Sundar is fine, he is getting the best treatment....don't worry so much....” he said as she took a deep breath “I know Arnav...but I can't help but think if I would have been in his place....then what?...I may be strong and carefree to the outer world...but in reality i'm scared and weak...” she said as arnav placed his finger on her lips

“Shh...you are not weak sweetheart...scared, yes...but anyone would be in your situation...but you are not weak Khushi Gupta...and don't you dare say it...and till I am with you, I swear to God I will not let anything happen to you!” he said a little gruffly as Khushi smiled at his fierce expression wondering what she did to get such an amazing man in her life...her man.

“Ok...I won't say it again...but i'm worried if mumma and nani come to know about this” she said as Arnav shook his head “That's taken care of....media will not talk about this, luckily the place it happened on was pretty deserted...and even though your car is a very rare and expensive piece of machine, Thanks to Avi...he got it cleared in no time...” Arnav said as Khushi nodded remembering the state of her car when they saw it

They had rushed to the accident area as soon as they could....Arnav had called Avinash and explained everything on the way....they had been surprised to find a police car waiting for them at the accident site with a very pale and injured Sundar sitting inside with a bottle of water...Khushi had rushed by his side to first check if he was ok before going and seeing the car and what remained of it

She had thought that the car would have been a complete mangled mess, but was surprised to see that only the front part of the car had been badly damaged....with no harm done to the engine on a large basis...she assumed that since sundar had the presence of mind to shift the gear into neutral, the car had been forced to slow down before impacting with the dumpster

As Avinash had arrived about half an hour later, Arnav had already made calls to Lavanya and Aman and had explained that this should not get into any paper...he had far reaching influence to make sure this happened...as it is, there was a small crowd gathering near the site, but since the accident did not look that big only the fascination of the car interested them

They had waited till the requisite formalities had been completed and the car had been towed back carefully to the forensic headquarters in town where further investigation was being done on the cause of the failure...thanks to Avinash, a good team was already ready when they reached the place while Arnav and Khushi were asked to wait in the visitors room till they could be taken into confidence...if proven to be a tampering, it would be booked under criminal offense.

“Arnav?..Khushi....can you guys come please?” Avinash said as he walked towards them and pointed to a door on his left...they quickly got up and went inside the room as Avinash followed behind them....“We have the result guys... Neha, out automobile expert is coming to explain this in more details to you both ” he said as the door opened and a dusky slim woman who seemed to be in her early 30's walked in with a small smile “Hi...I'm Neha...sorry it took us this long, but we had to be sure” she said as she sat opposite to them while both Arnav and Khushi looked on nervously

“The breaks had been tampered..this is a criminal case” she said without any preamble as Khushi clutched Arnav's hand under the table...he held it tightly as he felt her body stiffen at Neha's words “Someone planned this to hurt you Ms Gupta...but there is an interesting twist to this” she said as she picked up a pen and paper and faced it towards both of them

“You see, in an automobile brake system, the main thing that the mechanism works on is a break disc...” she said as she drew a round slanted disc..."this is supported by three other parts of the system...the break pad, the callipers and the slide pin” she said drawing random odd shapes on the circle... “When someone tampers with the brakes of a car with an intention to kill or harm mortally, they would either target the calliper or the pad...” she said making big circled on two squiggly things she had drawn

“But in the case of your car...the person tampered with the slide pin...he loosened it to such an extent that after a few attempts to break, the pin falls off the valve and lodges itself into the rotor....this results in a failure to stop the car on the pressure provided by human feet...but on impact, the emergency brakes of a car like your's go into action and jerk the car to immediately stop” she said as both Arnav and Khushi tried to understand her reasoning

“But why won't the emergency break work if the other two parts are tampered with as well?” Arnav asked in genuine curiosity as Neha smiled “Emergency brakes work on same principle as the normal brake system...they are in fact part of it and only come equipped in luxury and sports cars like Ms Gupta's...if the other two parts are tampered with, the emergency brake too stops working” she said as arnav nodded and leaned back in his chair

“So bottom line here is Khushi...that the person who did this, was not trying to kill you....he was trying to scare you...hurt you through fear” Avinash said as Neha nodded “If this is the same guy and I am very sure he probably is, he is seriously trying to scare you...his intentions right now are not to kill you but to harm you” he said as Khushi closed her eyes and held on tighter to Arnav's hand

“Have you gotten any leads yet Avi?” Arnav asked as his heart bled looking at Khushi's state “No...Not yet Arnav...but I did send my guys to go and collect the CCTV camera footage from the R&S Car park...luckily Khushi's car was parked in the VIP section where there is a direct camera facing the parking area” he said as Arnav nodded

“We do have some leads on the photo thing though...I'll let you know once things are a little but more solid..right now everything is on suspicion...but rest assured we'll get this guy soon....remember everyone leaves a trail....” he said as Arnav and Khushi nodded gravely hoping to God that they find this man soon.

“Let me know of you need anything else...anything!....i'm counting on you Avi” Arnav said as Avinash came and sat next to him “I'll do my best Arnav...all my best guys are on this case...right from Mr Mehra's murder to the recent scare attempts on Khushi...we'll nail him...soon” he said as Arnav and Khushi both looked at him gratefully

….................................

“ I Know that it will take some more time to woo you enough to come and have dinner at my place, so can we just meet for a quick walk in the garden? Say near the Greenhouse?” Shashi asked Garima as he paced his living room…after the night at the engagement party where Garima was left a bit disturbed due to Khushi and Arnav’s discovery, he had not gotten any time to speak to her

Today somehow was the perfect time to meet her since payal had gone for a college trip to Karjat while Ritwik was staying over at his friend’s place for his project work…he had also come to know that Khushi was staying back at R&S and Garima was more or less alone at home…such opportunities were rare…and he wanted to make the most of it

“You know I can’t come over to yours na…there are too many people around…but yes, I can meet you in the Garden…after all, that would be a coincidence right?” she said with a giggle as Shashi smiled on the phone “ See you in a bit…accidentally” he said before ending the call, a huge goofy grin plastered on his face

He quickly changed his t-shirt and wore a freshly laundered one before slipping into his loafers..he walked out of his house into the balmy evening as the setting sun cast a beautiful moody tone to the evening sky…he took a deep breath of the tantalizing rose fragrance that lined the entire north side of the garden as he passed their path towards the green house

He strolled around the periphery and waited patiently as after a few minutes, Garima came around the entrance of the greenhouse from the other side of the house…she smiled shyly at him before walking inside making his heart beat erratically…he took small steps towards the greenhouse watching over his shoulders for any unwanted attention

“Now this is romantic” Garima said with a soft smile as she stood by the orchids, spraying the stems with some water…she kept the bottle down and gestured Shashi to come and sit with her on the bench by the window that faced the rear of the garden…a place where no one usually ventured

“I know!…what is life after all…if there is no romance?” Shashi said as he sat close next to her and took her hands in his…he bought them up to his lips before kissing her knuckles..albeit with a little more pressure than he did the last time…he smirked as he saw a faint blush mar Garima’s fair cheek while she looked away shyly

“How much Longer Garima? Why is this case taking so long? I wish that things weren’t this difficult for us..” he said as he sighed and put his hand over her shoulder while she rested her head on his “I know shashi…but it will all be over soon…I can feel it…things are changing Shashi…for the better” she said as she looked up into his concerned eyes

“I know… I know…” Shashi said as both closed their eyes and leaned into each other, the flutter in their heart igniting the dormant need to be with each other, making them sigh in contentment as they aligned their bodies together, finding solace in each others arms as they looked deeply into twin orbs speaking of the same emotion

“May I…kiss you?” Shashi asked hesitantly as Garima’s already present blush deepened making her look more irresistible then she was…she hesitated for a moment before looking down, her lashes casting a deep shadow on her cheeks as Shashi angled her face towards him “I got my answer” he said as he lowered his face towards hers to join his lips to her smiling ones…it was soft peck…but something so insignificant caused a rush of heat to run across their bodies

They turned fully towards each other as the kiss lengthened and deepened as their lips and teeth sought the pleasure that both discovered mutually…Garima melted in Shashi’s arms as his lips trailed over hers, parting them to finally reach the sweet recess he craved…as they came up for breath when breathing was absolutely necessary, Garima had her eyes shut as Shashi leaned his forehead against hers..smiling softly at her reddened face

“Now, how can I stay away from you?” Shashi asked her as all the tension left her body as she hugged him tightly while laughing along with him…their laughter ricocheting across the glass walls of the greenhouse..leaving them in a safe cocoon away from everyone else…they still kept hugging as their laughter died down but the bliss of being in each other’s arms still left them in euphoria…until it was cruelly cut down by an unexpected voice

“Ooh....what do we have here? A lovers reunion?” a tall willowy woman said as she stood at the entrance of the greenhouse, her heels clicking against the terracotta tiles as she smirked with a rained eyeborw at a visibly shaken Garima who looked up in horror and fear..she quickly pulled out of Shashi's hug as she stood up and started at the woman “Monica?”

…...........................

“Arnav?” Khushi mumbled as she shifted more closer to him....she looked over her shoulder to see him open one eye groggily and lean down towards her “Khushi?..whats wrong?” he asked her as she turned towards him and hugged him laying her head over his chest...she shook her head as he tightened his hold over her “Nothing..” she said as he kissed her hair lightly

“Not getting any sleep?” he asked her as she looked up to find him gazing at her with a tender look...as soon as they had reached home, they had changed and fallen into bed, exhausted to the bone....sleep had taken over almost instantly but the restlessness of whatever had happened had left them in a state of incomplete slumber as they kept waking up again and again

“No...its not that...I just feel really weird...like something big is going to happen...I just...” she said as aranv cupped her cheek “Shh...don't say that...you are just feeling like that because of all the stuff that has happened...everything will be ok...alright?” he said as she smiled at him and leaned forward to kiss his lips lightly

Arnav smiled against her mouth as he deepened the kiss before bringing her back to hold against his body...he ran his fingers through her long hair as she gradually fell asleep, her ear pressed against the steady beat of his heart...he looked at her tenderly and wondered how she would have reacted had he told her what he wanted to earlier...before she got the call of the car accident

He sighed as he felt her even breathing against his skin while her arms imprisoned him possessively....tomorrow...tomorrow he will tell her....he thought as he closed his eyes and fell into a dreamless slumber.

Chapter 34

“Haan mumma, don’t worry…I’ll be fine…if this wasn’t so important, I would not have stayed back” Khushi said biting her lips as she made up an excuse to stay back at the penthouse, she felt that could hear the slight doubt in Garima’s tone but then rubbished it “Khushi, I don’t like it if you stay out at night, can you not come home when the call is done? I’ll send the driver over” Garima said as Khushi closed her eyes…it was taking a really long time to convince her mother

How could she tell her that she wanted to stay back to check on Arnav? She had first thought of calling his brother or grandfather but then thought she should first ask him if he wanted to inform them; plus his fever had come done considerably, the last she has checked, he seemed to be normal but still she did not have the heart to leave him alone

“No mamma, it will be very late…I don’t want Sundar to wait here till that long, its not fair on him…and ya, speaking of which my car needs to be taken for service tomorrow morning…I’ll ask Aman to inform Sundar about it…its better he takes my car today only so that there's no delay in the service appointment tomorrow” she said mentally making a note to inform Aman as well.

“Fine beta, if you insist…do you want me to send some clothes for you with the driver? You will need some for tomorrow right?” Garima asked as she wondered if Khushi really did have an international conference call or was she just giving reasons to stay back with… “I have some clothes here…have kept them for such emergencies only” she said as she sighed in relief thinking that it was a good decision to keep some clothes here on Arnav’s insistence

“Ok…but please take care all right? Oh and Khushi…is…is Arnav staying there too?” Garima asked as Khushi’s breath hitched…why did her mother sound so concerned and odd “Uh..yeah mamma, he will be staying back as well…the penthouse is huge…so…” she said as Garima said a soft “Hmm…ok, I’ll see you tomorrow then…I’ll inform Sundar to pick up your car” she said as Khushi smiled and said a quick goodbye

She took a deep breath as the familiar feeling of guilt of lying once again ate at her…she hated this but something was stopping her from going and telling her mother all about her and Arnav…she feared that things might get jinxed if she voices it out plus she really wanted things to settle down and not add her new formed relationship to her mother’s worry...but she knew she had to...eventually.

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

Arnav woke up sweating as his hand searched around on the bed the AC remote..he tried to make sense of why he was ensconced in two thick blankets while pulling them off from his sweat soaked body as he got up and sat with his legs folded beneath him. He drank some water from the glass kept on his bedside as he remembered what had happened few hours ago

He checked the table clock and was left shocked at the fact that he had slept for nearly five hours straight…it was already 6pm…he stretched his body to get rid of some of the aches that had settled in while he had slept in one position and got up yawning…

He smiled recollecting Khushi’s care for him and how she had snuggled up to him..she was probably in her cabin ready to leave for the day...and he was positive that she will come and meet him before she went...the thought itself making him feel very good.

After a quick shower and change of clothes, he padded out of his room to go downstairs when he heard some faint jazz music being played…he wondered if Khushi had left the music player on before leaving and headed to the kitchen where the music seemed to be wafting from...but as he neared the kitchen he was surprised to see Khushi alternating between stirring something on the stove to typing something on her laptop that was perched on the kitchen slab

He smiled widely as she once again turned towards the stove completely unaware of his presence...he quietly walked to her and hugged her from the back, sliding his arms around her waist...her sudden yelp made him chuckle as she dropped the spatula she was using, to jump in alarm as his arms tightened around her “Baby...its me” he said soothingly as she placed her hands over his and turned sideway to look at him

“I know its you...you just surprised me” she said as she switched off the gas and turned in his arms to face him...her face was slightly damn with perspiration and her cheeks were a rosy red...she smiled at Arnav as he kissed her lightly on the lips before suddenly pulling away “Shit...you'll get the flu...I better stay away” he said half heartedly as she giggled at his forlorn expression

“Hmm...let me see if you still have it...hold on” she said as she placed her palm on his forehead before turning towards the drawers and pulled out the first aid kit once again...she made Arnav sit at the table and popped the thermometer in his mouth...he grimaced as she told motioned him to sit still “Gosh Arnav...you are such a baby sometimes” she said as he smiled sheepishly, making sure the thermometer does not slip out

He gestured to her asking what she was still doing here when she sat atop the table and brushed his hair away from his forehead “I stayed back....got Aman to bring up my laptop and other stuff and worked from here only...I have postponed the sampling meet for tomorrow afternoon, so you can be present as well...plus they'll get some more time to work on it now” she said as she checked the time before pulling out the thermometer from Arnav's mouth

“Good boy! Ur as good as new!” she said as Arnav pulled her onto his lap “Arnav..!!” she shouted as he placed a finger on her lip “You said I'm as good as new...and I' feeling all strong and refreshed...so I need my present for being a good boy” he said naughtily as she wiggled herself off him and stepped away from him before he could grab her again “Not now mister! First you need to eat something...come, I'll get some chicken soup for you” she said as Arnav groaned and sulked while Khushi ladled up some of the hot steaming soup

“Where did you find the stuff to make it?” he asked her curiously as she pursed her lips and winked at him “Who said I made it? I got the chef to make it downstairs...I was just heating it up now knowing that you might wake up anytime” she said sheepishly as Arnav laughed out loud “Thats good...he makes the best chicken soup” arnav said as Khushi hit him lightly on his arm “I am also a very good cook...its just that there wasn't anything here to make soup” she said as Arnav continued to look at her in amusement

“I'm sorry baby...I'll ask someone to stock up this kitchen ok...so next time you can make something for me” he said as Khushi's eyes lit up...this all seemed so homey to her...even when she had lived with Sujoy, they hardly spent any time in the house together...in fact both of them had great conversations and loved spending time with each other, but she never shared this kind of a relationship with him...this was all so new and....exciting

“Hello! Earth to Khushi!” Arnav said as waved his hands in front of her...he smiled as she came out of her thoughts and picked up his empty bowl “Should I get you some more?” she asked him as he shook his head “No..this was quite filling...I'm feeling so much better now...” he said as he placed his hand on hers “Thanks for being here Khushi...it means a lot” he said as she smiled warmly at him

“I wanted to be here Arnav....there was no way I would have left you alone” she said as she got up and kissed him on his forehead...she saw his eyes darken but quickly went to the sink to place it in...she had just turning around when she found him standing right behind her again, his body nearly touching hers

“I wish you could stay with me tonight” he said huskily in her ears as she smiled and closed her eyes “What will you give me if I stay back?” she asked him cheekily as he inhaled deeply taking in her citrusy fresh smell “Anything...I want you with me...tonight....every night” he said as the deeper meaning to his words resonated in her thoughts, bringing in a slight panic but also a sense of exhilaration in her

“In that case....i am staying over....I anyways wasn't going to leave you alone” she said as his eyes suddenly shot up and he turned her around to meet his joyous gaze “Really? But what about your mother?” he asked her as she placed her palms on his chest, lightly running them over his t-shirt clad torso “I lied...I hate it Arnav, but I had to stay back tonight...i think i'm going to tell her about us...she deserves to know..” Khushi said as arnav pulled her closer to him by her waist

“You should sweetheart...she needs to know...at least I won't feel guilty of her daughter lying to her just to be with me” he said with a soft chuckle as Khushi rested her head on his chest “Hmm...yeah, I know....I'll tell her” she said making her decision as Arnav kissed her hair “You can pick up whatever you want from the designer section downstairs...just let Lavanya know, she'll bring something over tomorrow” he said as she smiled

“There is no need...I have some stuff here...I took your advice and stocked some of my clothes in the downstairs bedroom” she said as Arnav pulled back to observe her “What have you done to my Khushi? One who was afraid to acknowledge us in front of her mother...one who refused to take the keys to this apartment...and that too when things were absolutely platonic between us” he said as she caressed his cheek lovingly

“I'm still the same khushi...but now, I don't want to be afraid anymore...if I could I would shout out loud for the entire world to hear that Arnav Singh Raizada is my boyfriend...my partner...my lover....and....” she paused as arnav raised his eyebrows “and what?” he asked her as she shook her head “and rest in good time....” she said as arnav nodded and smiled “Oh and Arnav....I don't think things were ever platonic between us” she said as she raised herself on her toes and kissed him full on the mouth.

Arnav hardly needed a push to deepen the kiss as he picked her up and made her sit on the cool kitchen slab.. he groaned with pleasure as khushi parted her lips to invite him in...she plunged her fingers in his hair and held him tight as his hands held roamed over her waist to pull her shirt out of her tight skirt, he settled himself between her legs as she opened them to accommodate him, her skirt riding high up on her thighs as she circled her legs around him

They continued feeding each others passion as arnav undid her button impatiently while she plunged her hands under his t-shirt to feel his muscled back... “Are you sure you are o..ok Arnvavv...” Khushi panted as she gazed into Arnav's desire darkened eyes...he nodded and muttered something incoherently as he pulled her body more closer to himself, lifting her lithe body off the slab and taking her to the large couch in the living room.

He laid her down as he undid the last of her button, his lips dropping to the erratically beating nerve near her neck as he kissed and bit her softly on it...he laved the reddened spot with his tongue as Khushi arched for him, wanting more of his heated tongue to travel over her body...her frantic hands pulling off his t-shirt to finally feel his naked skin against hers.

His busy fingers caressed her cool skin as his hands reached to undo her bra..he felt a sudden heat take over his body, more blazing than the fever as khushi rubbed her pelvis against his in a seductive way...he smiled at her wickedness and unclasped her bra as his mouth lowered to one straining pink peak

She gasped in pleasure as arnav suckled on her breasts one after the other while his other hand went to her thighs...he crept his hand slowly inside to feel her damp heat, her readiness making him harder than he already was... “Baby....bed....now....” he said as Khushi suddenly pulled his head up and kissed him soundly “No....I can't....please...now...” she pleaded in a hoarse voice as Arnav quickly discarded his track pants and boxers

Khushi whimpered in desperation as he hoisted her legs up and slipped off her skirt and panties...she moaned loudly as she felt the head of his hard arousal teasing her....she could hardly wait as she caught him in her hands and guided him inside her waiting warmth, finally heaving a sigh a relief as he filled her up completely

Arnav held her tightly against his body as he tried to make her as comfortable as he could on the couch...he thrust into her repeatedly as she met him with equal vigor at every point...their passion knew no bounds as their bodies joined together again and again for the delicious release they both sought as they finally crashed into a shattering respite.

As they held each other tightly, Arnav pulled Khushi up gently to lay her on his lap, he tucked the hair that was stuck to her temple as her labored breathing got back to normal...both smiled in satisfaction and wonder at the hunger they had displayed for each other...Khushi slumped against his body as he caressed her naked back slowly

“Khushi...I need to tell you something...” Arnav said in a husky voice as khushi looked up at his face...she trailed her thumbs over his forehead and cheeks as his eyes closed due to exhaustion...she knew he was tired since his body had just come out of a feverish state “Arnav...you need to rest...look at..” she started saying when he shook his head “No...listen to me...this is imp...” he said as Khushi's phone suddenly started ringing

She looked at him apologetically and got up, she wore his discarded t-shirt and threw his boxers at him “It may be mom” she said with a cute smile as Arnav shook his head...he saw her heading towards the kitchen table to check the phone and frown “My driver...Sundar” she said as she picked up the phone and spoke, her face turning pale after a few seconds of speaking

Arnav quickly donned his clothes and came to her as she sat down at the dining room chair with a hand on her head “Oh my God” she said as fear struck her eyes while she listened to what was being said...she looked up to find Arnav sitting on his knees in front of her with a worried expression “Are you ok? Where are you now?” she asked her driver who seemed to be telling her something horrific looking at the way her face paled further

When Arnav could not take it anymore, he pressed her knee to get her attention, his anxiety increasing at the way she was responding to the call “I'll just call you back...stay right there, i'm coming” Khushi said as she ended the call and kept the phone down before looking at Arnav “My car...the breaks failed...luckily Sundar, my driver down shifted the gear and reduced the speed before jumping out...” she said as Arnav gathered her in his arms, a chill going down his spine at the implication

“Arnav....I could have been driving it...I...” she said as Arnav hugged her tightly “Shh...don't say anything ok...nothing will happen to you...we'll go there right now...where is Sundar now?” Arnav asked Khushi who started at him blankly “huh?..he...he is at the accident site...there is police and a lot of chaos...the car crashed into a parked dumpster...no one was hurt...but...” she said as Arnav pulled her up

“Its ok baby...calm down, lets get you dressed ok....I'll call Avinash on way, this may be an attempt by the same guy...we will only know for sure once both Avi and we get there...come” he said as he helped her get to the bedroom to get dressed...he hardly thought of anything as an unknown rage filled his system...and the urge to find the B*****d who had dared to hurt his Khushi.

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

“You fool! What do I pay you for? Because of this, they will start investigating more” the man in the suit said on the phone as he ran an agitated hand through his hair...the first attempt was to scare her....and they succeeded in that, the second one today was to harm her...though not mortally....the breaks had been tampered in such a way that on impact the car would have stopped, damaging the front only while the excellent airbag system in her fancy car would have kept her alive....alive but fearful...that was what he wanted

But things hadn't gone according to plan...they had assumed that she would drive home as always on her own...but princess Gupta had other plans...he was sure though that this would have scared her...big time, but the actual fear would have been for her to experience it.... “Leave the city at once...don't come back for a month at least, you'll get you money in a day or two” he said as he cut the call and leaned back in his chair...he had to start putting his plan in motion now...with the new cop getting involved, things were not as easy as they once were.

Chapter 33

Garima yawned widely as she opened her drowsy eyes and squinted towards the thin ray of light that was coming from her bedroom window; she stretched a bit before getting up from her bed yawning again as the exhaustion from last night's function caught up with her. She rubbed her eyes and picked up a glass of water from her bedside table and sipped on it...her thoughts in turmoil as events of last night swirled in her mind ....

The night of the engagement

“Seriously Shashi, I feel like a teenager sneaking about...” Garima said softly as she entered the small terrace off the first floor corridor...she was busy entertaining guests when her phone had buzzed in her hand with Shashi's message for meeting her in the upstairs terrace garden.

She had discreetly checked up on her family who were busy with different tasks and had slowly made her way up...the anticipation and excitement of finally being near him was making her nervous as she made her way up, her heart thudding audibly in her chest.

She had been very happy to see him after so many days as they had avoided meeting personally after the accident...they had glanced at each other on odd occasions when she was in Garden or he was walking up the pathway to his home...but both had kept their distance due to someone or the other's presence around them...now that they had accepted having feelings for each other...things had become a little bit awkward between them, making them aware of each other in a way they never were before.

She was disappointed when she had not gotten to spend time with him during the party....but she could feel his gaze burning into her as he kept it trained on her all night...she smiled shyly as she made her way towards the end of the garden where Shashi stood looking dashing in his three piece suit, his hair wavy and free of the usually gelled look.

“Well, you certainly look like one today” Shashi said as he extended his hand and made her stand next to him at the large marble railing, they both faced each other as happiness and satisfaction of finally being in each others company shone bright on their faces

“You are a charmer aren't you Mr Dinkaran” Garima said as she laughed and wondered where this natural talent of flirting had come to her...she looked up to see Shashi gaze intently at her, his eyes soft but dark as he held her hand more tightly in his...he gently bought her hand to his lips and caressed his lips softly on her knuckles before letting it go

Garima didn't realize that she had held her breath all this time as a long forgotten feeling started developing deep within her...she blushed as she twisted her long deep mauve sari in her hand while she glanced shyly at the man who was continuously on her thoughts now a days “How are you now Garima? I can't believe that we are meeting after so long...” he sighed as he turned towards her

“I'm better now...my hand, that is...is much better...thanks to Khushi and ma who did not let me do anything!” she said with exasperation as Shashi smiled at her “Thats good...you need someone to take care of you....you have taken enough care of everyone...” he said in a serious voice as Garima's breath hitched...she wondered if his words had a deeper meaning to them, but he had quickly averted his eyes after saying that.

“Garima...I....I need to ask you something” he said as she nodded and waited for him to continue “I want to do this properly....I mean, I want to court you...but not before we tell your family and mine about it....we are both adults who know what they want in life...at least I know what I want” he said as his eyes smoldered with an unknown feeling “But, I want to know when you will be ready to...to accept us...officially” he asked her as she took a deep breath and closed her eyes

“I know Shashi...I know you are waiting patiently...and I too don't want to keep playing this hide and seek game anymore...but the situation is still very delicate...with Arnav's friend getting involved in the investigation, things are looking better...but I cannot risk bringing you into it...especially when with you, both Payal and Ritwik will also be dragged in” she said as Shashi came towards her and enveloped her in a sideways hug...he held her hand as she rested her head on his shoulder

“I understand Garima...we'll wait, I just hope all this gets sorted out soon...and you are right, I can't be selfish...not when my children are involved...but I just wish I could be with you like this..” he said as he turned his face and kissed her hair “We will be...soon” she said as she looked up into his eyes...their faces inches apart...but they broke away as they heard some voices nearby, springing apart quickly “See! This is what I mean...teenagers!” she said as Shashi shook his head and laughed

They walked besides each other to leave the terrace and had just stepped out when they saw a door opening, which Garima could make out was Khushi's...she stepped further into the corridor to check who was coming out of it when her eyes widened taking in Arnav's form emerging from the shadows...she pushed Shashi back towards the terrace as she saw Arnav look back at the door and smile before walking down

They waited as after a few seconds, Khushi walked out of her room and locked it before making her way down stairs...both of them unaware of Shashi and Garima's gaze on them....Garima could see that Khushi's hairdo was different then earlier, which only proved one point to her...somehow her dazed mind did not register anything else...she turned towards Shashi who stood staring at her with guilty eyes and a barely controlled smile “Guess I was right...” he said as she looked on in shock

Present Day

That was yesterday...when she had come down a minute later, both had acted as if they were nothing but colleagues...though Garima observed both of them like a hawk. When Arnav's bua questioned him about his whereabouts, he had easily told her that he had come in half an hour ago...but due to an important phone call he had gone out to take the call.

She had let it go last night after talking to Shashi who had told her about how he thought they were together, but had not felt it his place to inform her about the same...she had shushed him saying that he should have told her sooner...she had started wondering how she should approach his topic when Shashi had calmly told her to let it be...he said that when Khushi wanted, she will come and speak about it herself....after all she would be a hypocrite if she confronted Khushi about the same.

So she will wait...she trusted her daughter and knew that she was responsible and mature enough to handle any relationship...but she just hoped that for her sake, no one else had figured out what Shashi so effortlessly had...she sighed as she started getting ready for school, her mind still full of yesterdays's fuzzy feelings and shocking truths.

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

“No..I don't like this texture...we need to try some other combination” Khushi said as she swiveled around in her chair in the fifth floor workshop...they were working on various unique fabrics that D'blanc had hinted at working on and Khushi being Khushi, had got the team to work alongside Gupta Mills to produce the same.

She looked on exasperated at the swatches of rejected material lay on the table while everyone flitted about trying to work out something that would appeal D'blanc....she eyed her tea which had now gone tepid as once again her gaze went to the large door towards the end of the room...she looked away irritated that Arnav had still not come down, even after her repeated messages to him

When she had come in early morning, a silly smile lighting up her face as she remembered the wild passionate moments she had spent with Arnav...she knew she had made the rules for keeping up a professional outlook at work, but she could hardly wait to see him in the morning...his early morning mandatory 'Good morning' message had kept up her jubilant mood, taking her mind off the nearby lurking disturbing thoughts about the murder case

But when she had reached office, she was informed that Arnav was busy with their CFO and legal team to work out a few kinks that the new contract seemed to have...she had called him to ask if he would like her to join in, but he had asked her not to worry and that he will come and meet her in a few minutes...that was 3 hours ago!

Since then she had finished her morning mails and had come into the workshop when their design team had informed her of the new samples arrival...she had texted Arnav at least three times now to come there for them to approve the fabrics...but his 'gimme a min' and 'just a sec babe' had been the limit...where was he!

“Sorry, i'm late...what did i miss?” Arnav barged in just as Khushi came out of her thoughts...all her angry thoughts vanished into thin air as she took in a fill of him...he too gave her a wink making sure that no one was noticing and sat down next to her at the table.

“Hey...sorry, I kept you waiting” he said softly as khushi gave him an annoyed look “Its ok...at least you are here now...” she said as she looked at his tired face....his eyes looked red and his face had taken on a gaunt look all of a sudden “Arnav....are you feeling all right?” she asked as she held his hand under the table, only to gasp at the heat coming off it

“Khushi...that...” Arnav started saying when Khushi jumped out of her seat... “Guys, lets take a break...I need to discuss something with Mr Raizada in private...we'll meet here back after lunch” Khushi said as she gestured arnav to follow her out...everyone took a sigh of relief and rushed out before they were subjected to Arnav's wrath as well for the sub-standard work as khushi had put it

“Khushi...wait” Arnav said as khushi pursed her lips and walked to the elevators.. “Not a word Arnav...” she said as they stepped into the elevator....she pressed the penthouse button as Arnav protested “I have another meeting with the supplier in few minutes” Arnav said as Khushi looked at him angrily making him shut his mouth at once

Once they stepped out to the penthouse floor, khushi hardly wasted a minute to open the door and usher him inside...she made him sit on the couch as she took off her heels and went to the kitchen to fetch the first aid box...she pulled out a thermometer and plonked it into Arnav's mouth with a stern look as he tried to protest

“You will not talk Arnav...not till I get your temperature...what is the meaning of coming to office with such a high-fever...I did not even need to touch your forehead to check...your hands were burning!...and in all this you sat for three hours in a meeting!” she said as Arnav tried to chuckle, but kept his mouth shut owing to the thermometer

As the minute came to an end, khushi checked the mercury line and widened her eyes while looking at arnav with concern...he put her palm on Arnav's forehead and gasped once again as she registered the heat emanating from him “102...Arnav....I...get up...you need to rest” she said as she pulled him up and led him to the bedroom downstairs... “Khushi....stop fussing....i'm fine” arnav said as a delicious warmth sizzled all over his body at her concern for him

“No Arnav....you will not say anything...do you even know what 102 is! I'm going to call in the doctor to get you checked..” she said as she took his coat off and pulled away his tie “Damn...I can't even kiss you now...did you have to strip me khushi?” he asked her as she continued to unbutton his shirt, her hands trembling as an unknown fear enveloped her

“Hey...hey...i;m fine....baby please” Arnav said as khushi looked up with moist eyes “I know you'll be fine Arnav...but I...I just get a bit nervous when someone I lo...I mean, someone who I care about falls ill...its just this phobia I have” she said hoping to God that Arnav had not heard her slip of tongue....what was she about to say just now?...her unstable mental state had started acting up on her

But Arnav had heard her slip and it had made his already racing heart thud loudly against his chest...Khushi had said something which was plaguing him since last night....after he had left her home, all he had done all night was think about her...how she fit perfectly in his life, how being with her gave him the peace and satisfaction that he had always craved for...how he could not imagine being without her even more than a minute....what did it all mean?

He wasn't a bitter person to not believe in Love...but he had never felt anything this strongly for any other woman before...hell, he had never felt like this for any other person before....he could imagine himself living away from his Dadaji and Akash and bua...but somehow he could not imagine a life without Khushi...he craved to be with her every single second of the day....he wanted to see her every night before he slept and every morning as he woke up

This same thought had kept him awake all night...and this thought had made him walk into his garden late at night in the blitzing rain....he did not know how long he had stayed like that staring at the night sky as every moment spent with Khushi flashed before his eyes...it was too soon, his mind said...too soon to feel something so deep for someone...but his heart...his heart had recognized her the minute he had laid eyes on her at day in the hotel

When he had finally gotten back inside, he was shivering with cold and had immediately changed into dry clothes and slept....amazingly sleep had come to him quickly, as if he had finally solved the puzzle that had been nagging him all these days...but then morning had come with an acute body ache and high fever.

He had ignored his health and had still come to office...just so he could see her...but the damn contract had kept him busy...and he was glad, glad that he had come...otherwise he would have never had the pleasure to see khushi's care and love towards him...because that's what it was...even if she pretended not to acknowledge it...he knew she felt it as deep as he did...and he'll wait for her to accept this fact...and he will make sure that the stubborn girl sees sense

He had not even realized that all the time had had been thinking about what she had said, Khushi had already helped him into a a soft t-shirt and got him into bed...she had spoken to the doctor who had advised her to give him two crocins with a glass of milk and then make him sleep to get his temperature down...she had also got some cold water compress ready

“Hmm...that feels good” Arnav said as Khushi covered his heated forehead with cold soaked cloth...he had gulped down the glass of milk in one go with the tablets lest she scold him again and had laid down immediately as she fussed about adjusting the double blankets around him and tucking him in snugly as he gazed up lovingly at her...a tiny smile finally rested on her lips as she changed the compress and replaced it with a new one

“Do you know the last time someone did this for me?” he asked her as she shook her head “My ma...i don't remember much but I have a vague memory of her doing the exact same thing ..” he said as he closed his eyes at her loving touch, his body already feeling better just being in her vicinity

“I'm sorry Arnav...it must have been very painful for you to lose both your parents” she said softly as he groggily opened his eyes, the lethargy and sickness making him drowsy “Its ok Khushi...It was a long time ago...” he said as he held her hand over the blankets “I never thought you would be the fussy nurse types” he said with a chuckle as she hit him lightly on his hand

“I did not know it myself...but lately after mom had that fall and now you, with this fever...I suppose my nurse instincts are coming out....I never really had anyone to care about earlier” she said as she gazed down at his handsome face...her eyes bright as he tightened his hold on her hand “Lay down with me?” he asked her as she nodded and snuggled into him over the blankets

They stayed like that as arnav quietly slipped into a dreamless sleep with khushi keeping an eye on him....she smiled as his erratic breathing became normal while she caressed his hair...his temperature too seemed to have come down from before...she kissed him lightly on his forehead as she once again questioned her feelings for him..she had gotten in too deep now...and somehow for the first time, she did not mind..in fact she wanted to fall in more and more.