Chapter 38

“How about this one rimmy? What do you think?” Tripti asked her sister who sat with a faint smile on her face as she fingered the delicate lace on the bright pink sari...Tripti kept the sari she was holding aside and clicked her fingers in front of Garima which startled her a bit, making her drop the sari and look at her sister in alarm “Arre...where were you lost? And what's happened to you?” Tripti asked her as Garima shook her head and smiled

“Whats happened to me? I'm the same...” Garima said trying hard to cover the blush she was sporting by holding her palms over them “Rimmy...are you ok? You seem a but flushed...should I decrease the AC a bit?” Tripti asked as she leaned over and reduced the AC temperature further down as Garima shook her head

“No..no, i'm fine...I think its just the busy day i've had” she said as Tripti gave her a grateful smile “Sorry rimmy...I know I dragged you all across town for all this shopping...but i really wanted you to come along...plus i felt this would take your mind of all the things that are happening around us” she said as Garima hit her lightly on her arm

“Chup...how dare you say sorry! This is my son's wedding...if i'm not there with you, who is? Waise bhi Sanjay is always busy with his patients..the least I can do is be with my sister for the preparations” she said as Tripti made a sour face “You bet....sometimes i really wonder if his heart beats for me or for his medical equipment” she said as both ladies chuckled

“Arre wah...whats happening here? Two of my three favorite ladies giggling into oblivion!” Sanjay said as he strolled into the bedroom where Tripti and Garima were sitting, the bed piled high with various designer sari's and dress materials.. “Oh Ho...talk of the devil! When did you come?” Tripti asked as she got up and walked to him, taking his coat from him

“Just now...Akhil told me you both are in here...poor boy did not want to step in anywhere near here” he said as Tripti hung his coat and returned to her place on the bed...on cue the house help came with a cool glass of water with mint leaves and held it out to Sanjay who took a huge gulp of the refreshing water “This habit of yours will never change na Jijaji?” Garima asked Sanjay who gave her a warm smile and leaned back in his chair

“No ways Garima...I cannot have water without mint...i'm surprised you remember it” he said as Garima rolled her eyes.... “As if I will forget...you remember when you came to see Tripti at our house and I offered you water? You seemed so hesitant to take it when your mother said that you only drink it with mint...” she giggled as Sanjay laughed along with her

“Yes, and then you...ran all the way to your little garden and plucked some out for me...how sweet was that!” he said as Garima smiled while Tripti looked on fondly “That was some day huh!” she said as All nodded reminiscing about the past when Garima took a deep breath and said softly “That was also the day when I met Arun for the first time...” she said as both Sanjay and Tripti looked at each other

“Rimmy...” Tripti said as Garima shook her head “Its ok now...those things don't bother we anymore...i'm well over him and everything related to him...this memory just triggered that moment i first saw him...” she said as Tripti sighed “I know...to think that if Sanjay had not come that day to see me, you probably would have never met that vile man” she said as Garima gave her hand a squeeze

“Leave it Tripti...he was Sanjay's best friend...more like a brother to him...and if Sanjay had not come that day, then would we be here today? If I wouldn't have met Arun, would I have my gudiya with me today? My Khushi? and anyways, if not through Sanjay, he would have come in to my life anyways...he always coveted that job in our mills...” she said as Sanjay shifted his chair closer to hers and held her hand “You are right rimmy, Khushi is the only good thing that ever came from Arun...rest of him kept rotting as time went by” he said as remorse for a one time best friend took over

“I know Sanjay...and it wasn't fair to you that you had to lose a friend because of what happened between us...” she said as Sanjay shook his head “He was lost to me a long time before that....but why are we talking about all this huh? We have soo many good memories to make now! Akhil's wedding, then pretty soon it will be Khushi's wedding too....by the way is she seeing anyone or should we start thinking seriously for some ristha's for her? She's pushed this for far too long now!” Sanjay said as Tripti clucked

“Leave her alone...I'm sure she will find someone worthy for herself...because I truly don't know if we'll ever find a man worthy enough for my chulbuli” Tripti said as Sanjay nodded “Actually, I was thinking...how about Mr Raizada's grandson? Arnav? The one she works with? He seems really good, plus the family is very well known to us...what do you say rimmy? Baat chalaye [should we talk?]” Tripti asked her as Garima looked on with wide eyes

“Uh...yeah, he will be perfect for her...but I think i'll talk to her first and take her opinion...after all it would be awkward if we go and speak to Yudhisthirji and Khushi doesn't agree after that” she said as both Sanjay and Tripti nodded “Yeah, lets not rush this...and waise bhi jaldi kya hai? [Whats the hurry?]” Sanjay said as Tripti gave him a confused look

“Doctor saheb....what's wrong wrong with you! Just now you were worrying about her marriage...anyways, Rimmy....you are right...i really hope khushi says yes though...once she too is settled in life, both children's life will be set...plus i really like that Arnav...isn't he helping out with the investigation? I heard he got the best guy on the case...looks like he cares for khushi already” Tripti said as Garima nodded

“Yes, he got his friend Avinash to intervene...the detective in charge from CBI is not really all that good...plus he seemed to be working more on what everyone said instead of actually investigating...at least Avinash is good, I haven't met him yet but Khushi was all praises about him...we did talk on the phone and he seems like a genuinely good cop too” Garima said as Tripti nodded and squeezed her shoulder

“Phir wohi baat [again the same thing], I told you na...lets not talk about stuff that makes us gloomy and sad...lets focus on new things...like this sari! Garima you will look really good in this...what do you think Tripti?” Sanjay asked as both women got diverted back to their original conversation “No Sanjay, rimmy wears muted colors...she does not like loud ones...” tripti said as Garima picked up the earlier pink sari she was eyeing “No Tripti...I like this one...maybe its time I bring colors back into my life” she said as Sanjay smiled warmly at her, his eyes misting as he saw some of the old rimmy back

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“One Black coffee for you and one masala chai for me” Avinash said as he settled himself into his chair in his study, while Arnav smiled gratefully…He had come to meet his friend at his house as he wasn’t keeping well and they had to discuss a little bit more on the case as well…Avinash had explicitly told him not to bring Khushi along, making Arnav anxious and worried

“I forgot you like masala tea…Khushi too…she can’t seem to survive without it” Arnav said fondly as he tried to kepp his worries at bay…probably it was nothing…but till Avinash does not tell him, he will keep wondering about it..so he thought its best to bring it up at the beginning itself

“Speaking of which…Why did you tell me not to bring Khushi? I feel she has a right to know everything about this case…” Arnav said getting a little bit defensive as Avinash chuckled and took a large sip of his tea “Arnav…do you even realize how deep you are in already? God…I’ve never seen you like this…have you told her?” he asked him to which Arnav rolled his eyes

“Avi…seriously…we are not here to talk about my feelings for Khushi…which I assure you I am perfectly aware of and am planning to tell her soon” he said as Avinash chuckled some more “Right now I’m really tensed about why you called me here alone…What have you found out?” Arnav asked him as Avinash kept his cup down and entwined his fingers before resting his elbows on his desk as he studied Arnav sitting across him

“Arnav…I honestly did not ask you not to bring her here to keep anything away from her…its just that I needed to run this past you first before bringing her into it…also, by law…she is under suspect..” he said as arnav nearly jumped out of his seat to defend her but stopped as Avinash put his hand up

“No..listen to me first Arnav…I am an officer of Law first before your friend..and it is my duty to follow the strict rules by which we adhere…” he said as Arnav let out a frustrated sigh “Then what about me? Even I’m a suspect…how come you are telling me all this then?” Arnav asked a sudden challenge lit his eyes

“In case you did not know, the only one pointing towards you was Ms Sheetal…and she has in her latest statement taken her doubts off you….that does not mean you are cleared…but you are not in direct line of fire…while Khushi…she is…unfortunately…” he said as Arnav took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair while massaging his suddenly throbbing forehead

“Ok…fair enough…I don’t think we should waste time arguing anyways…what have you found out?” Arnav asked as the silly argument seemed to have lost its weight under the more pressing issue to what Avinash and his team have found out “Ok…now there are two things we are dealing with here” Avinash said as he pursed his lips and leaned forward, Glad that Arnav had let it go for now…he understood his annoyance but he had to accept the facts

“One is the murder…the other is attempts on Khushi….maybe not to harm her…yet” he said as Arnav’s eyes took on a darker tinge “Nothing is going to happen to her Avi…no one will hurt her” he said with a finality which Avinash had to admire in his friend…he really was head over heels in love with her…the thought making him smile

“I understand Arnav…and nothing will happen to her…but we will discuss her safety in a bit…for now, all I want you to know is that, the person responsible for both these things are not the same…it just doesn’t add up” he said as Arnav’s eyebrows creased in confusion “How can you be so sure that they are not the same? Didn’t she get the photograph with a red mark across her father? So they have to be the same person” he said as Avinash rubbed his neck and shook his head in the negative

“No…I think the person who is behind khushi is just using the opportunity of Mr Mehra’s murder..you see Arnav, the person who killed Arun had a very personal issue with him…no one would benefit from his death…not even Monica…or Garimaji or Khushi….all his property is protected and most of the things he owned has been sold off or stuck in the banks…” he said as Arnav nodded

“He also did not have any kind of professional rivalry…in fact the competition loved him for the company secrets he occasionally let out...” he said as Arnav raised an eyebrow “Oh yes…a lot of dirty laundry has been discovered during our investigation…even Shaliniji had removed him for fraud from the company…so no one, and I mean no one would benefit from his murder…it can’t even be a jilted woman because the kind he usually slept with knew that they were in for…he did not make false promises…” Avinash said as Arnav listened carefully

“So, whoever has killed him…had a very personal agenda against him…something big enough to want him dead…now Monica did mention that he used to get calls from a woman…and after checking his accounts we have worked out a pattern where he called a number every month on the 1^st…and that same number called him at odd times in the night…” he said as he got up and went to his window to light up a cigarette [Smoking is injurious to health]

“We got it checked and found out that it belonged to a ‘Parul shah’ from Ghatkopar…but on further investigation, we came to know that this person does not exist…what is also interesting is that the last call between Arun and Ms Shah’s number was on the day of the murder.. precisely six hours before…also the number has been out of existence from the day after the murder....we will look further into it and I’m sure we will figure it out…but something tells me that this might be our killer…a woman…Ms Parul Shah…obviously a alias” he said as Arnav digested all the information

“Why do you feel then that this person is not the one behind Khushi? What if she wanted to take revenge further by hurting his daughter” he asked as Avinash turned around and faced him “Exactly Arnav…why would she? The world knows how much Khushi loathed Arun…she made it quite public when she threatened to kill him…so why would she or maybe even a he try to harm someone who hates Arun Mehra…it just does not make sense” he said as Arnav sighed and covered his eyes with his hands

“What do you think then? Who can it be?” Arnav asked as Avinash once again sat down on his chair and stubbed his cigarette “Someone who does not like Khushi…it can be someone on a professional front or someone in the family who has something against her….and I’m dead sure that the person, if not family is someone who is close to them…that photo of Khushi and her father…Khushi said only two copies existed..one is with her still and the other was with her father…so…” he said as Arnav caught on

“Monica…I will kill that b****h” Arnav said with so much venom that Avinash had to get up and hold his shoulders down “Calm down Arnav…this is just a hunch….we are still not sure…and we also need to think how will Khushi’s fear or sorry to say this but ‘death’ can benefit her…why go to such an extent if there is no reward…I feel there is someone else involved along with her” he said as Arnav nodded and relaxed

“We need to find them Avi…both of them…but more so the person who is now behind Khushi…We don’t know what else they might be planning…I’m so scared and worried that they might get her the next time…” he said as Avinash patted his shoulders “Arnav…you have done whatever you could to keep her safe…she still doesn’t know about the bodyguards who trail her does she? They are like shadows…we’ll keep her safe…I promise you” he said as arnav looked up and nodded

“Do what you have to Avi…but find them…find out if its Monica…and if its her…God save her from my wrath” Arnav said as Avinash squeezed his shoulders and assured him….the first thing he had to do now was call up his team member at the station and get the daily reports on Monica’s whereabouts…he had got a tip that she was meeting someone in a hotel…he was waiting for the photographs and report eagerly.

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“Khushi maam?” Aman asked Khushi as she sat at her desk going over her mails...she had had a very busy morning with meeting prospective clients and working on finalizing the samples for the French deal...plus the fact that she had not seen Arnav since morning had made her cranky as hell.

“Hmm Aman...” She said not looking up from her laptop as her fingers typed up her responses to the unread mails “Uh....I....I wanted your opinion on something” he said after a few minutes of silence in which khushi completed her work and looked up to find him fidgeting nervously in front of her...she gave him an amused smile as he searched for something in his suit pocket before coming and sitting at her desk opposite her

She craned her neck to see what he was holding when he raised his palm and held out a small velvet box “What is this Aman?” she asked him as he opened it and held it out to her “Its for the woman I love...” he said as Khushi looked on bewildered at her usually quite and shy PA as he blushed while showing off the ring to her but before he could say anything, a loud voice bellowed inside her cabin

“Aman Mathur! What the f**k do you think you are doing!” Arnav roared as he saw Aman holding out a ring towards khushi while confessing he was in love with her....he had just gotten back from Avinash's and had headed straight to Khushi cabin to share some of the talk that Avinash had said was ok to involve her in when he came across this sight

“S..sir?...I....I” Aman stuttered as the ring box fell from his hand onto Khushi's desk....he stood up straight as Arnav came and towered over him “Care to repeat what you just said to Khushi? How dare you?” Arnav asked him as Aman looked between a throughly confused khushi and a throughly angry Arnav...but he squared his shoulders and looked him in the eye “What is wrong with proposing to the woman I love? We both love each other and this is the most logical step I should take now” he said as Arnav went to hold him by his lapels when Khushi intervened

“Arnav Wait....Aman what are you saying? When did you...I don't understand...” she said as she saw a fuming arnav looking at Aman with daggers in his eyes while Aman gulped and picked up the ring box “It just happened maam...Love doesn't come knocking you know...we fell in love and I fell in love with everything about her....her smile, her simplicity...her kindness and also her adorable kids...” he said as Arnav and Khushi looked at each other in utter confusion

“Wha...Who? Who are you talking about?” she asked him as he smiled and said in a soft voice “Lavanya...” he said as Khushi's eyes nearly popped open “What? Lavanya? As in Lavanya Kashyap?...Aman! When did this happen? Oh my god! This is huge!” Khushi said excitedly as Arnav took a huge breath and relaxed...it did not even register to him that Aman was talking about his PA..the only thing that relieved him was that Aman wasn't talking about Khushi...his Khushi...no one had the right to love her...no one...except him

“Arnav? Arnav! Where are you lost!” she asked him pinching his arm as he came back to watch Aman look at him warily “Sorry Aman...for a minute I thought you were talking about Khushi...” he said as Aman's face twisted in horror...No wonder Mr Raizada had gone wild! “So, whose the girl then?” he asked him with a small smile as Aman and Khushi gave him weird looks

“Arnav...Lavanya...your PA....what is wrong with you!” she said in exasperation as Arnav looked on at a blushing Aman.... “Really? You and Lavanya?” he asked with an amused looked as Khushi hit him lightly on his arm “Shut up Arnav...Aman, the ring is gorgeous...you are right, this is the next step into your relationship....Lavanya is a wonderful woman and I am sure you will make her very happy...Life is too short to wait around...Go and get her!” she said with a huge smile as Arnav felt the weight of her words...was she hinting at him too?

He saw her smile at Aman and gush over the ring as she fingered the delicate diamonds on it...he saw a twinkle in her eye as the shine of the diamond sparkled in them...he knew he had procrastinated this for too long...he just hoped she wanted what he did too...with that in mind he congratulated Aman and threatened to kill him if he ever hurt Lavanya....as Aman left Khushi's cabin with a spring in his step, Arnav pulled Khushi closer to him, crashing his lips over hers...she responded with equal longing as they remained in each other's embrace, waiting for each other to take the next step.

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'

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

“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.

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

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

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

“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.