Chapter 37

Winds of change...thats what Khushi felt as she looked at her mother who was waiting expectantly for her daughter's response to her news, at this point she could not fathom if it would be positive or negative but she hoped for some response instead of the stunned way in which she kept staring at the slim tan line on Garima's ring finger that was left when she had finally rid herself of arun mehra's ring....recently.

She took a deep breath before she pulled her hand away from her mothers and got up to stand looking outside the window...the calm noon breeze was calm and inviting, as the tall coconut trees swayed in its wake...the sunny day seemed to have gotten brighter as khushi's thoughts returned to what she was feeling right now....because though she felt like she was in two minds about her mother's new relationship...somehow it made her happy...strange

“Mumma...” she croaked as Garima got up and came to stand next to Khushi.... “I just want to ask you one thing..” she said as she turned towards her mother with a calm face while her heart ran at an erratic speed “Does he make you happy?” khushi asked Garima who looked flustered before a sudden rush of heat infused her cheeks giving them a rosy tinge that was missing since many many years

Khushi got her answer...she smiled at her mother who was looking anywhere but at her daughter as she contemplated how to answer this question....how does a mother tell her adult daughter that she is in a new relationship with some man....that when its the time to look for a groom for her daughter and think about settling her life, she is instead busy making her own fairytale...how does one do that?

“Babu...i'm sorry...I don't know how this happened...” Garima said as he eyes once again filled up but khushi's sudden giggle made her looked up sharply at her daughter “Mumma...why are you sorry? What are you sorry for?” she asked her as Garima shook her head “This isn't right khushi...I know...when I need to think about your marriage, i'm..” she said as khushi placed her hands on her mothers shoulders and made her sit back on the chair

“Mumma...please leave all that aside...All I want to know is if you are happy? You deserve to have all the love in the world mom...you gave up too much for Mr Mehra...and if life has given you another chance in the form of Shashi Dinkaran...then there is no one happier than me” Khushi said genuinely as her mother's shoulders sagged...as if the biggest weight has been lifted off her

“Oh Khushi...he really does make me happy....he is a wonderful man and an even better father....Its too soon to say it, but I think I care about him a lot...i like him a lot...maybe even love him actually” Garima said with a faint smile, finally accepting the truth that she had kept hidden within her heart...she smiled shyly as khushi raised her chin and spoke in a soft voice “Then if you need my blessings Ms Garima Gupta....you have them” khushi said as she leaned forward and hugged her mother

“But, even though you are sure of your feelings for him...has he said anything from his side?” khushi asked her as Garima shook her head “He has, but not in so many words...I too haven't accepted him fully...My last relationship has left me vary and nervous to form any new ones...but with Shashi I feel like it was meant to be.....we still have a lot of things to tackle...our family, his family....I don't know how Payal and Ritwik will take this news...and your nani? Now i'm really scared” Garima said as Khushi groaned

“Dammit...I'll have to be civil to that brat now” Khushi said as Garima looked on confused “Nothing mumma...nothing to worry your pretty little head about...and don't worry about nani...i'm sure she will support your decision” Khushi said as Garima placed her palm on Khushi's cheek “Baby...you are not just accepting this because you feel you have to right? You are happy about this na?” Garima asked khushi as she nodded

“Yes mumma...I'm really am happy for you...you need someone who will love and cherish you for who you are...I just hope that Shashi will not disappoint” Khushi said as a fear for her mothers soft heart enveloped within her as she made a mental note to check up on Shashi throughly, though he seemed like a genuinely good man.

“He won't khuhsi...I just know....when you love someone, when you accept your feelings for them, you accept them as a whole...I was very naive when Arun came in my life...he promised me the stars and I went with him, but now I know for sure that Shashi is the one for me...we have both been through a lot in life...and this is what makes us understand each other so well..” she said as Khushi's thoughts got stuck on the first line her mother said...'When you love someone'..

“Khushi?” Garimas voice broke khushi's thoughts as she looked at her mother staring at her “What happened?” she asked her as Khushi bit her lip “Mumma...how do you know that you love someone? What makes you so sure about Shashi?” Khushi asked her mother who had a knowing look on her face

“Love is something you can't explain babu...its when you can't seem to live without being with him, without talking to him....without seeing him at least once...its much much beyond the physical need, its an emotional and spiritual need...where their presence brings in a calm like nothing else can...when your any and every decision is taken with their thoughts in your mind...when breathing becomes difficult with the thought of not ever being with them...that for me is love...when there is no you and me...there is only us” Garima said as khushi absorbed her mothers words...her own heart agreeing to each and every word she spoke...her heart accepting that unknown feeling she always tried to ignore

“Again you are lost! What is it Khushi? Is something bothering you?” Garima asked, hopeful that khushi might tell her about her and Arnav...but she knew her daughter, she won't say anything till she is not very sure about it... “No mumma...just asking...in general” khushi said as Garima nodded and let it go...she knew that sooner or later she will tell her...she just hoped that things work out between them...she liked Arnav and knew he wasn't the sort of person to play with Khushi....she just hoped her stubborn daughter realized her feelings soon.

“Mumma...why were you so worried about Monica then? Why would it matter what Monica thinks?” Khushi said coming back to their earlier topic of discussion...she looked on as her mother suddenly stilled and her rosy cheeks lost some color “Khushi...what if she drags Shashi into all this? The reason we kept our relationship a secret was to avoid any unwanted attention to Shashi and his family...you know how the media is...what if she spins another tale out of this” Garima asked as Khushi placed her hands once again on Garima's knee

“She won't mumma...and what tale can she spin? You have been divorced since a really long time...you have the full freedom to date or marry whoever you want....and you met Shashi after dad's death...it has nothing to do with the case...and even if she says anything, I'll make sure that it won't affect Shashi and his family in any way ok? I mean, even Arnav and I have not..” Khushi started saying when Garima's gaze turned sharp at his mention

“Arnav and you?” Garima asked as khushi quickly bit her tongue...she was going to blurt out about arnav and her keeping their relationship secret because of the same reason... “I meant, even Arnav and me...we both have tried to keep our personal lives away from the case...it shouldn't matter as long as it does not have a direct link with the murder case” Khushi said as she covered up her lines

She bent down and kissed her mother on her forehead “Don't worry mumma...everything will be ok...you just be happy...but yes, you need to tell nani about you and Shashi...and Shashi too needs to tell his kids...I will advice you to not get into this deeper till he too accepts his feelings for you...along with the approval of his kids...we don't want him backing off later saying that his kids are not happy about it...promise me you'll insist on him to tell them” she said as Garima nodded and smiled

Khushi got up as she looked at the time on her watch “Shoot! It's one already...I'm late for lunch...I better get going” she said as Garima nodded “You are coming home today right? Or do you have any more tele-conferences?” Garima asked to judge her daughter's features...she smiled inwardly as khushi blushed furiously “Huh? ah...no...I'll be back in the evening..” she said as Garima nodded and smiled as khushi bid her a quick goodbye and left

She greeted Laxamma on the way and raised her eyes at the cups of tea she was bringing in now.... “You two seemed busy talking...so I did not disturb” the old wise woman said as khushi smiled and shook her head....she walked out of her house where Aman was waiting for her in the foyer....she gave him a bright smile that kind of shocked Aman a little bit as he followed her out..

She was indeed very happy for her mother...but there was a small worry about Mr Dinkaran's intentions which would only go away once she spoke to him...they got into Arnav's car that his driver had pulled into the driveway and khushi relaxed into the plush leather seat at the back while Aman sat in the front with the driver

As they drove out of the huge gates, her gaze fell on a couple that was standing outside with huge haversacks on their backs...as the car pulled away she saw their faces and their entwined hands...she smiled as she wondered if God was busy making new couples up there...she rolled her eyes as Payal leaned in and kissed the guy on his cheek...who waved at her before hailing an auto...his face very familiar for some reason.

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“Don't worry so much dadaji...he's just a kid...let him enjoy life” Arnav said into the phone as Lavanya flitted around with one file after the other...she kept opening them to show something to arnav who either nodded or shook his head....he was having a tough time finalizing the new samples and the crazy quotation they were getting from their usual vendors, and on top of that his grandfather had called him complaining about Akash because he had not called even once from his camping trip

He nodded as his grandfather kept on ranting about how Akash is irresponsible and a total 'Lafanga' who hangs out with his other 'Lafange friends' and is bound to ruin his life if he continues like this...Arnav sighed as he pressed his thumb on his forehead while Lavanya tried her best to get him to look at the new files...'Where the hell was Khushi!' he thought as he assured his grandfather that he will talk to Akash and bring him on track

“What did Akash do now?” he felt her presence before he heard her voice making him do an about turn to come face to face with Khushi....he pointed to his phone as he nodded while khushi gave him an amused look and said a quick hello to Lavanya who seemed like she had no idea what to do at that point except flee

“Dadaji, i'll call you later ok...you just relax and leave the lecturing to me” he said before swiftly ending his call, he looked around to find Lavanya make her way slowly out the office before clicking the door closed...'clever girl' Arnav thought as he smiled and walked towards Khushi before pulling her into a much needed hug...his headache had lessened just at the sight of her “I missed you” he said huskily in her hair as she giggled and pulled out of their hug

“Arnav! I have just been gone for 4 hours...how can you miss me?” she asked him as he gave her a lopsided grin and pointed towards his table, now cluttered with the samplings.... “I missed you when I did all the work of short-listing those” he said as Khushi's eyes travelled to the desk..she huffed as she turned away from him and walked towards the sorted files “Off course...that's why you missed me” she said in an annoyed voice as Arnav chuckled

“God! Its soo easy to rile you Miss Gupta” he said in a flirty tone as he came and stood behind her, his arms automatically going to her waist, pulling her pliant body into his but khushi pushed him away before the urge to melt into him got the better of her “Don't you Miss Gupta me...and yes, it is easy to rile me...especially when...” she started saying when she stopped herself in time and went back to seeing the files laid on the table

“Khushi?” Arnav asked in a slightly louder voice as he held her elbow and turned her around to face him “What happened? Everything ok?” he asked her as she tried to change the topic and shrugged her shoulders “I'm just a bit on the edge....because of the psycho who's behind me...and all the other stuff that is happening around me...” she said as Arnav did not buy her reason...he suddenly remembered why she had gone home and wondered if everything was ok with her mother

“Is your mother ok? Why did she call you home?” he asked her as Khushi looked away from him...she wasn't sure if she should tell him about her mother and Shashi as yet...it would be better to keep it a secret till her nani knew.... “Nothing...she was just worried about the case...that's all” she said with a small quick smile as she once again looked away from him

“Khushi....I know you are not telling me something...and its ok...you don't have to tell me anything right now...but remember that whenever you want to, i'm here” he said as she felt her eyes fill up with tears....she was such an emotional wreck now a days...the Khushi Gupta who hardly shred a tear since her adulthood was now a leaking tap... “Hey...hey...baby...what's wrong?” Arnav asked her as he made her sit and poured her a glass of water

She sniffed as she wiped her tears and drank the water gratefully....she kept the glass on the table and stood up to hug arnav again “I'm sorry Arnav...its not that I don't want to tell you...but its not something I can talk about till...well....till mumma herself wants to...” she said as he ran a loving hand over her back “Its ok sweetheart...I understand...if its a family matter, you should not talk about it to anyone else unless it bothers you too much....but Khushi if this has anything to do with your parents...you need to tell Avi..” he said as khushi suddenly looked up to stare at him

“What? What did you say?” she asked him as he looked on confused “Arnav...you are not 'Anyone' to me...you are much much more....I share things with you that I can't even imagine sharing with myself...please don't think you are lesser than family to me...and yes, this might have some effect on the murder case...but I will only reveal it first to you and then to Avinash once my mother has given her ok...its not mine to tell” she said as Arnav felt his heart sing in pleasure...he was elated to know that she feels so strongly for him...now only if they gave words to their feelings

“Ok Khushi...you tell me whenever you can and we will together meet Avinash and talk to him about it...whatever it is, that is...” he said as Khushi giggled “Its not a bad thing Arnav...its actually very good...but I won't pass my verdict till i investigate it further” she said as Arnav groaned at the growing curiosity at her words “Don't tell me all this Khushi...i'll just be too impatient then...and an impatient Arnav is not a good sight...or company” he said as Khushi kissed him quickly on his cheek before gently coming out of their hug

But Arnav was too quick to pull her back into his arms and take her lips into an all consuming passionate kiss which left them both gasping for air as their hands travelled hungrily over every familiar crevice and curve while their mouth refused to part ways... “Stop...we need t..to...stop” Khushi moaned tilting her head to rest it on Arnavs shoulders... “I know...can you stay back today as well?” arnav asked her with puppy dog eyes as she shook her head making him throughly disappointed

“Sorry baby...I have to go home today...but we'll work something out over the weekend ok” she said as he nodded and finally left her warm body “Oh yeah...what were you saying about Akash? Hope all's ok...” she asked him trying to diffuse the heated environment they had just created around them...she saw Arnav roll his eyes and sit himself down in his high backed chair

“The same...he didn't call dadaji even once when he went for his camping trip...and that is the bone of contention...he's actually never done that before...come to think of it, he didn't call me either...just texted me the day he reached” Arnav said as khushi laughed and sat on the chair opposite to him “Looks like he's found more interesting things to do instead of chatting to his family” she said as arnav frowned

“Meaning?” he asked her as she wiggled her eyebrows “Looks like your brother may have found himself a girlfriend...or at least some girl who interests him way more to spend his free time with her” she said as Arnav widened his eyes “You might just be right there...I mean, I remember when I was in college and with my girlfriend, I too did not...” he started saying when he realized what he was about to say

He quickly looked at khushi to see if she was fuming in anger but was pleasantly surprised to find her listening to him with an amused smirk “I'm sorry...I shouldn't have...” he started saying when she waved her hand and smiled warmly at him “Its ok Arnav...those girls were your past...just like I had one...but today, i'm your present” she said with a soft glint in her eyes before she went back to working on the sample as Arnav kept looking at her...his heart not hesitating from saying the words in his head 'and my future'

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“Its not going to work Monica...don't be stupid” the man said as he lit up a cigarette...he went towards the windows and clsoed the curtains before looking back at the woman sprawled on the huge four poster bed...naked except for the wisp of sheet covering her front.... “Why are you being so secretive all of a sudden? First we met here instead of your apartment...and now...” she said as he drew a long drag and let the smoke engulf his senses

“You are on watch Monica...after that Avinash got involved, you and everyone related to the murder has come under constant scan...God only knows if someone is following you....thanks to that Raizada” he said with a scowl and stubbed his cigarette before taking off his robe and sliding into bed alongside her...he took her mouth in a rough bruising kiss as she wound her arms around his strong back

“Baby...why don't you listen to me! Lets just use the news I told you to our advantage...we can always say that Garima and Shashi were having an affair and they conspired against Arun to kill him so that Shashi could take his place...it will atleast take the heat off me...” she said as the man bit her hard on her neck as she screamed in pain and pleasure

“You still don't get it do you? You did not kill Arun...I did not kill him either...what I want is to destroy his daughter...that's all....it really does not matter who killed him...bottom line is you will never be convicted of it since you have a strong alibi while I an no were near the radar...so who the f**k cares what Garima is doing...” he said as he looked down directly into monica's vary eyes

“Its best to not speak about what you saw unless you want to stretch this murder tale longer...the murderer will be found one day...but before that we need to finish off what we started...so that when the murderer is found...he will be found guilty for both crimes...the murder of father and daughter...while we....we get out scots free!” he said as he laughed maniacally waiting for the next leg of his plan to start.

Chapter 36

Contains Mature Content

“Are you mad Payal? Don't go there!” zee said loudly as payal winked at her “Don't worry so much zee...see its perfectly safe” payal said as she gingerly placed her foot over the sodden path that lead deeper into the darker part of the forest.

It had been two days of continuos fun and frolic and lots of trekking with the entire senior batch of her college...payal had made a lot of new friends over the course of these two days, but the high-light of the trip had been her growing closeness to Akash.

She had been drawn to him; she knew that...but never in her life had she thought that she would start liking him so much...his warm, gentle nature had really won her over and she loved the fact that he paid so much attention to her..especially since some really skanky girls seemed to have taken an interest in him, as if he would ever go for them!

But what she thought was odd, was the fact that everyone seemed to know him...which was strange since he seemed like a guy who did not mix up much...but then she only knew him since few days...maybe he was a social person, unlike her...plus he did not seem to want to spend time with those loafers who had been trailing him since two days, decent guy that he was.

She looked back to find zee biting her nails as Payal rolled her eyes...today they had camped in the deeper part of the forest and after another night of loud singing and campfire everyone had gone back to sleep...Payal was sharing her tent with zee and another senior girl, but had woken up at 4:30 in the morning to go and explore the waterfall that was half a mile away....unfortunately, the road looked tricky but doable

“I don't know payal...I...I think you should come back” Zee said as payal walked further inside shaking her head “You are such a wuss Zee...” she said loudly, her voice echoing in the dense foliage...she looked back to see that she had walked quite a few paces ahead and could hardly see zee anymore...she shrugged her shoulders and continued ahead, lost in her own sweet world.

After a few minutes, as she came across a small stream that seemed to be a part of the waterfall...she jumped over the more sturdier looking rocks to cross to the other side...but as she stepped jerkily on the last rock,the moss covered rock gave away and she slipped, falling flat on her ankle in the cold water

She screamed as a sharp pain shot through her foot...her eyes burning with the tears as she tried to get up...but her twisted ankle made her hiss in more pain as she failed to do so, making her sit back in the ice cold water with a thump

As she contemplated what to do next, she heard someone shout her name...she looked up to find Akash running towards her making her smile through her tears as he quickly made his way to her, his long limbs helping him cover the distance in no time...”What the hell do you think you were doing! Thank God zee told me about your harebrained plan!” he said as he walked into the stream and stood glaring at her

“S..sorry...I would not have fallen if that damn rock was not unstable...” she said as he realized why she was sitting in an awkward position inside the stream “You fell? Shit!” he said as he crouched down next to her... “Are you hurt? Can you get up?” he asked with a concern laced voice which made payal's insides instantly warm up

She smiled a watery smile as she held her hands up “I hurt my ankle...and I don't think I can walk...can you help me up please?” she asked as he nodded and got up to help her...but what surprised her was that instead of giving her his hand he pulled her up in his arms and walked across the stream to make her sit on a higher rock

She felt a a sudden giggle form in her throat as she held on to his T-shirt lapel while he settled her on the rock “Whats so funny?” he asked her as she shook her head and smiled... “Noting...its just that I never expected for you to come here as my savior...I actually thought that zee would probably come herself” she said as Akash snorted at her but then turned his face serious again

“You should not have come here in the first place...now let me see you ankle” he said as he kneeled down in front of her...the little light from the rising sun let him examine her foot which seemed to be swollen and red “I don't think its broken...but you should not walk till we get it checked with the doctor...I'll ask the co-ordinator to see where we can find one on the way back today” he said as he got up once again pull her up in his arms but payal's grip on his wrist stopped him

“Sit with me for a bit...the sun is rising” she said as he sighed and sat on the rock next to her “Isn't it beautiful Akash?” payal asked him as she turned around to see him staring at her “Beautiful” he said in a husky voice that made her blush instantly “I was so worried payal...don't do this again” he said coming closer to her as she continued looking into his eyes

“Why? Why were you so worried?” she asked him softly as his shoulder brushed against hers...he tucked a few wayward strands on her face behind her ear as she closed her eyes...wanting...anticipating to feel more of him on her...her thoughts surprising her more than anything...she shyly opened her eyes but did not look up as he inched his face closer to hers

“Don't you know why?” he asked her as she slowly shook her head “Show me...why?” she asked in a voice so soft that she doubted if he heard them...but the next moment as he pulled her closer to his body while his lips caressed hers, she knew he did...she sighed as he held her face gently while his lips explored hers, softly...gently...her arms went to his shoulders on their own accord as she let him kiss her....her first kiss

A shiver ran up her spine as he traced his tongue over her lips urging her to give in and when she finally did, he abruptly pulled away...his eyes looking at her in wonder and something akin to guilt “I....I'm sorry...I shouldn't have” he started saying when payal placed her finger over his lips “I wanted it too...kiss me...again” she said boldly as he looked up into her innocent face...he once again held her face as she smiled at him gently

“There are some things you should know about me...” he said as she shook her head and held on tighter “Later Akash....i'll listen to anything you want to say....but for now, kiss me...hold me....please” she said as she pulled him closer while he crushed her petal soft lips again...their passion igniting the deep emotions hidden beneath it all...the kiss starting a new phase in their life...for now, this was enough.

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The shrill ringing of his alarm clock woke him up from the deep slumber that he had seemed to have fallen in...he groggily opened his eyes and let them adjust to the bright light coming from the window...squinting his eyes, he wondered why he had kept the curtains open when the events of last night flashed before his eyes...”Khushi” he said as he turned towards her side of the bed to find it empty

He sat up on the bed and looked around to hear some sounds coming from the bathroom...He got up and stretched his arms before making his way to the bathroom...holding the knob and hoping against hope that she had kept it open he turned it slowly for it to give in and the door to open...a sudden gust of steam hit him as he stepped inside the bathroom and located her inside the shower cubicle

His eyes bore into her naked form as he gazed at her from beyond the frosted glass...he walked slowly towards her, his body instantly hardening as he opened the door to step inside the cubicle...he stood gazing at her with a smile as she hummed a soft melody oblivious to his presence

“I just love such mornings” he said seductively in her ear as she shrieked and turned to nearly slip on the floor, but arnav's quick reflexes came handy as he held her in his arms...her body reacting almost instantly as her eyes darkened in unabashed desire surprising arnav completely as she hooked her arms around his neck and pulled him into a hard scorching kiss...the kind of which she had never initiated before

She devoured his lips as her hands slipped over his now wet form as he battled with her for dominance...no words were exchanged between them as both nipped and sucked to their hearts content while the hot water flowed over their already heated forms...arnav held her hips to grind them against his manhood as she whimpered in need...her nails scraping over his muscles as she wound her legs around him

“Take me...now....please” she said as arnav dipped his head to latch on to her blushing nipples, making her moan out loudly and arch her body away as he continued his assault on her...finally when he felt his control slipping completely, he pushed her body gently against the cool tiles as she held onto his shoulders...they looked into each others eyes with naked need as he slipped into her slick heat making them both sigh and moan at the same time

Arnav continued to slide her over him as she let her head fall against his neck...her lips biting and nipping at whatever skin she could find to sink her teeth in... “Khushi...” he groaned as she sucked hard over his neck, the insane pain and pleasure making him harder than he had ever been

He increased his momentum as she met him passionately for each thrust making them both hold on tighter as he pushed harder into her soft plaint body, making them both come together explosively...their breathing got ragged and short as they remained joined while they savored the shattering that left them in a delicious fulfillment

The water that had gone tepid, cooled down their heated selves as khushi unwound her legs from around him and slid down his still tingling body to hug him tightly.... “Thank you...” she said as he raised his eyebrow and pulled her back to look into her eyes “For what Khushi?” he asked her as she smiled at him “You just know what i need...all the time” she said coyly as he chuckled while pulling her back into a hug “You ok?” he asked her as she nodded against his chest “I am now” she said as he smiled into her fragrant hair...content with the little bubble they stood in.

They helped each other bathe as their bodies readied for another round of unparalleled passion but the delay of time and need to be in the office made them quickly finish off their shower....as both got out smiling softly at each other, Khushi went to the other room to get ready while Arnav got ready in his...when Arnav was nearly done getting ready, he saw khushi barge into his room and look around

“Arnav, have you seen my phone?” she asked him as he looked around and shook his head “No..where did you use it last? You forgot to take to when we went to the accident site yesterday” he said as she remembered that she had left her phone in the penthouse “Shit! I totally forgot to check it when we got back yesterday...what if something has come up about my car? And mumma...she must have called me..” khushi said panicking as she ran down the stairs to get to the living room

She found her phone by the dining table where she had left it last night...quickly picking it up she saw two missed calls of her mother and one text from her asking her to call whenever she got free...she looked up to see arnav looking at her worriedly as she dialed her mother's number “Mumma's missed call...one from last night and one from now..” she said as her mother picked up the phone after a few rings

“Khushi! Where are you? Are you ok?” Her mother asked her as khushi looked up with a frown at arnav “I'm fine mumma...why do you ask?” she asked her mother, praying to God that her mother did not know about the car accident from yesterday “What kind of question is that Khushi? You did not text me back and neither did you call me...obviously I was worried...” she said as khushi breathed a sigh of relief

“Sorry mumma...my phone was on silent due to the video chat and I just checked it now...are you ok? You don't sound well” she said as she registered a note of worry in her mother's usually calm voice...“Yes...I...I'm ok...but...I need to talk to you...can you come over now? Or I will come over there” her mother said as khushi creased her brows together

“What's wrong mumma? Is everything ok?” khushi asked as a gripping worry took over her system “No...everything is not ok...I need to tell you something Khushi..before you know form anywhere else...” she said as her distressed voice make the hackles rise on khushi's back

“Stay at home mumma...i'm coming right away” she said as she bid a quick goodbye and ended the call...she walked towards arnav and held his hands “Arnav, something is not right...mumma sounded very worried...I have to go, can you handle...” she started saying when arnav interrupted her “I'm coming with you..we'll reschedule the meeting” he said as she shook her head

“No arnav...we can't keep doing that...you go for the meeting and workshop...i'll meet mumma and try and come back by lunch time...if its anything serious i'll let you know...ok” she said as he agreed reluctantly.. “Ok, but you are not going alone...take my driver and car and Aman will come along with you...” he said as she agreed quickly...she wasn't going to argue with him in this matter...especially when she herself was a bit worried

She made quick work of getting all the things ready as arnav spoke to his driver “Drive the car around for a round first before picking up Miss Gupta from the front of the building...and check the breaks before driving it” he said gruffly as she smiled behind his back, a sudden surge of emotions ran through her as she made her way to him and held him tightly from behind as he ended his call

“Hey...you ok?” he asked her as he turned around to hold her face...his eyes shining in concern and something deeper...something which khushi was thrilled to know that she wanted to explore “I am now” she said, repeating the same words she had said earlier...they smiled as they kissed each other good bye before deciding to meet back by lunch time

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“I'm not getting you mumma...you are saying that Monica came here last night? But why?” Khushi asked as she paced her mothers room...she had come directly upstairs as soon as she reached home and had instructed laxamma to get them some tea looking at her mother's worried state as she rested on the huge chair by her window

When khushi had asked her mother what the matter was, her mother had simply stated that Monica had come to their home last night and that it scared her as to what would happen now, her statement putting Khushi in confusion as to why Monica was here in the first place and why was her mother reacting so much to it

“Khushi...you don't understand....I know that woman...she will...she will...” Garima said as Khushi went and kneeled in front of her...she placed her hand on her mothers knee and asked her again “Mumma...what has happened...why are you so scared? What did Monica say? Did she threaten you? Cause if she did...God save her from me” khushi said vehemently to which Garima placed her hand on her daughters and looked at her in the eye

“She did nothing of the sort...but...but she saw me...” Garima said as she wondered how Khushi would react to the news...something which she never in a million years imagined she would be telling her daughter in this way.... “What do you mean mumma...you are not making any sense...what did she see?” Khushi asked her bewildered as Garima's eyes turned moist...more from the emotions that were locked away for a man and from the eventuality of whether or not her daughter would accept them

“Khushi...she saw me and Shashi together...in the greenhouse....I wish this was not how you would have come to know about us...but, I have to tell you this because I know Monica...she simply looked at us and gave me a mocking smile before leaving the house...it took me a while to follow her, but she was already gone...a lot is at stake here Khushi....I...” Garima said as tears spilled from her eyes which made their way down her cheeks while Khushi went still at the news her mother had just told her

“Mumma...are you saying that Mr Dinkaran and you?” Khushi asked incredulously as her eyes widened when the gravity of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks...she hardly registered her mothers soft nod as all that kept whirling around in her head was the fact that her mother was dating Shashi....Garima was dating Shashi.

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.