Chapter 23

“She looks stunning!” Drita exclaimed as Arnav's eyes seemed to be fixated on Khushi....to say he was stunned was an understatement..Khushi looked ravishing...she was always beautiful...but today...today she looked ethereal...and somewhere Arnav had a nagging thought that she had dressed up extra carefully tonight for him; or maybe he was being just too big headed

“Yes she does...” he said finally looking Drita's way for a second before his eyes once again turned towards Khushi who was not being surrounded by the usual media and a bevy of male models, while many of their business associates crowded her..the scene making Arnav's blood boil making him see red.

“Easy now tiger...she will get this kind of attention tonight...but I am interested in seeing how you will turn her attention towards you” Drita said giggling as Arnav smiled “Oh...you just wait and watch Drita...I am Arnav singh Raizada after all...let me see for how long she can resist me” he said confidently as he strode towards where khushi was standing

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Arnav picked up two champagne flutes and stood right beside khushi as she laughed at something one of the Italian model's was telling her in his annoying accent...he gave her a few seconds to finish her talk before tapping her on her bare shoulder with the cool champagne glass.

“Oh...Arnav....God that was cold” she said, her eyes conveying that the words had a much deeper meaning than the literal sense “You look beautiful Khushi...thought i'll get you some bubbly before we make the rounds” he said offering her one of the flutes...he watched in satisfaction as the crowd around them thinned out...leaving him at peace and not in a murderous rage to punch the hell out of all the men standing near her.

“Thanks Arnav...but I'm not feeling like drinking tonight...I would actually prefer a fruit juice or something” she said as Arnav pulled back his hand and arched his eyebrows...but before he could say something else another voice interrupted them “Well...since the lady does not want to drink anything alcoholic, may I offer you a fruit punch”

Khushi sighed as she turned around to find Shyam Jha standing right behind her, a glass of orange colored fruit punch in his hand, prettily decorated with a cut pineapple and a paper umbrella “Shyam...what a pleasant surprise!” Khushi said sounding anything but pleasant as Shyam leaned forward to air kiss her...making her grimace before she stepped a few paces away from him

“I am so sorry to hear about your father Khushi, he was a great man...it must be terrible to lose a parent like that” he said with sympathetic eyes as Khushi's gaze bristled “Yes it is a loss...but I had lost my father many years ago...and as far as a 'great man' is concerned...I don't think we are talking about the same person” she said as he laughed nervously

“Oh...yes...I completely forgot your equation with your father” he said as Khushi turned around, trying to completely ignore him “No wonder people are saying you had a hand in his murder” he said with a calculative grin as Khushi turned back sharply only to have arnav step in front of her looking at Shyam menacingly

“One more word Shyam and I will forget we are business partners” Arnav said as Shyam put his hand up and stepped back “Hey! No need to get so touchy Arnav...I'm just relaying what is being said...besides why are you getting all worked up...don't tell me Ms gupta has you all wound around her little finger...she loves doing that, don't you darling!” Shyam sniggered as Arnav held him by the lapels “I mean it Shyam...shut your trap or I won't be responsible for what I do next” he said as Shyam pushed Arnav's hands away

“I get the picture Raizada..no need to get physical..” he said as he looked once more at Khushi who was facing the other way and walked away whistling. Arnav took a deep breath and turned back to see if Khushi was all right when he did not find her there...he looked around and saw her slip away to the terrace area, away from the crowd.

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Khushi wiped at her tears as they rolled down her cheeks. She looked up into the sky and wondered why she, who always spoke her mind....who no one dared to speak against, was feeling so vulnerable because of a few words that scumbag had thrown at her! How could she just stand there without doing anything when he spewed all that nonsense...but she knew the reason why.

Arum Mehra!....He did not let them be in peace even after leaving them...her mother, herself....they would always be tormented by his deeds...'Great man' indeed! She thought laughing bitterly...and then there was Arnav....she did not know what to think of him...should she be grateful that he stood up for her? Or should she be angry that he interfered in her matter.

Why does that man confuse her so much! When she had walked inside the venue earlier, her eyes kept flitting around trying to find him....and when she did spot him, the pleasure and thrill of seeing him in that perfect Armani suit had been short-lived as she saw him hug Drita.

She had seen him stare at her....his eyes shinning with appreciation , admiring her as she stood by the door flanked by media...and when she had dared to look into those caramel depths, they had darkened with desire...something she knew they could never escape ...his pull they had towards each other was too potent...but she also knew that he was trying to keep away from her...she had asked him for it...and so, she had to respect that.

She was trailing her hand over the marble balustrade when she felt someone watching her....she turned around to find a pair of molten brown iris's looking at her intensely “Khushi? Are you ok...” he asked her as he came towards her...Khushi felt her heart beat getting quicker and her throat drying up as she took in his magnificent form...made more alluring by the moon light; and Khushi did what she thought was the right thing to do.

“How dare you Arnav Singh Raizada!” She said as he stopped a few feet away from her, his eyebrows raised in a question “How could you interfere like that? You just proved to him, what he was trying to imply! He's going to think that we...that...you and me...th..” she struggled with words as Arnav stepped right in front of her and held her by her upper arms

“That we what dammit?!” he said with anger simmering in his gaze “What is wrong with you Khushi? Why does what a B*****d like Jha think matter to you? Huh? And what did you want me to do? Stand there like a bloody puppet and let him talk like that to you!...let him accuse you and ridicule you like that?” he asked her as she started back at him, but she forcefully pushed him away as Arnav looked at her in bewilderment

“Yes, you shouldn't have done anything! It was me he was accusing, me he was ridiculing...I can take care of my self Mr Raizada...I don't want anyone to fight for me...do you understand? And least of all you! Who the hell are you!!” she said in a fit of rage as arnav felt like he had been hit in the guts

“Shit...Arnav....I...I'm sorry...I did not mean...” Khushi stared saying when Arnav held up his hand “No Khushi...enough....I have had ENOUGH!” Arnav shouted as Khushi shut her eyes....trying to keep herself from trembling “You know what Khushi Gupta? I respected you....i respected you when you said you did not want anything with me...I respected when you said you wanted us to be friends and nothing more..,it hurt...but i stepped away” he said running a hand through his gelled hair

“Is that why you ran into the arms of the first woman you met after I said no?” she asked in a soft voice which Arnav would have missed if it wasn't so eerily quite on the terrace...his head whipped up when he saw her flashing but sad eyes “Is that what you think? I agree that I wanted you to feel jealous...a little bit so that you may consider us...but did you really think so low of me?” he asked her as she looked on, trying to make sense of what he was saying

“You know what? You are right...we can never be together....we are too proud, both of us....it just wouldn't work...and now even the thought of being your friend is tiring...after the way you reacted when i stood up for you...I really don't think you even know the meaning of being one” he said as he stepped back...leaving a stricken Khushi behind

“Have fun Khushi Gupta....my partner at GR....because that's all we'll ever be from now on....I assure you of that” he said before he turned on his heels and walked back into the noisy ballroom...Khushi stood there for quite some time before sitting on the stone bench with her head down...she did not know for how long she sat there...but when she finally did get up, she felt drained...her tears had dried up crying and she had no energy to go back in there anymore.

She swiped her hands across her cheeks and slipped quietly inside to go directly towards the ladies room....she glanced at her bar to find arnav gulping down a drink as some of the models surrounded him...she quickly walked away to avoid meeting anyone as she reached the washroom.

She quickly washed her face and reapplied her minimum makeup, filling her eyes with a lot more khol to make the redness go away....after standing at the sink for a little while more she made her way out....trying to look for Arnav...she knew it was foolish to speak to him....but she had too...she could not bear him being angry with her.

She looked around trying to spot him, but was disappointed, not to find him anywhere...she saw Aalim, R&S's lead designer and went to ask him about arnav “Oh...I don't know actually....He was by the bar few minutes ago...but now he seems to have disappeared” he said as Drita walked towards them

“Babe, do you know where Arnav is?” he asked her as he slipped his arm around Drita's tiny waist. Khushi looked on in surprise as Drita kissed Aalim's cheek fondly before turning towards Khushi “I'm not sure...he was here some time back...Oh, he did say something about going to his apartment?” she said with a confused look as Khushi piped in “Penthouse...did he say he was going there?” Khushi asked her as she nodded

“Yes, that's what he said...but...Oh my God! Arnav was really drunk! Like seriously drunk...and he is driving as well...” she said with a horrified face only to be met with a sight of a hastily running khushi gupta...she looked on as Khushi ran out of the ballroom...her face a mask of horror and concern “What was that? Arnav was fine..he just had one or two drinks” Aalim said as Drita kissed him on his mouth “You won't understand darling...you won't understand”

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Arnav had just taken a shower and was in the process of drying himself when he felt someone shouting his name...'Khushi?' he thought as he recognized the voice...what the hell was she doing here? He quickly threw on some drawstring pants and an old t-shirt before opening his door and walking down the stairs “Khushi?” he said as she quickly whirled around and ran towards him, knocking the breath out of him as she hugged him

“Oh God Arnav! Are you ok? Thank God you are fine!” she said as Arnav stood shocked...from all the things he had imagined, Khushi hugging him tonight was not one of them “Khushi? What's wrong? Why are you so scared?” he asked her as he pulled her away and looked at her teary face

“You moron!” she screamed as she pushed him on his chest making him sway a bit “How can you drive on your own when you were drunk! What if something had happened to you....did you know how worried I was! All through the ride from the gala to here i kept looking around to see if your car was in a mangled mess somewhere...don't you ever do that again! Do you get that?” she asked as she once again pushed him only to have him hold her tightly by her arms

“Khushi Gupta! What the hell are you on about? Do I look drunk to you? I had one drink...one! How will that get me drunk? And I had my driver with me...I never drive to these things on my own” he said as Khushi stared at him...noticing for the first time how his hair was damp with few droplets of water lingering on the tips...how she could feel the hardness of his body when she had hugged him...thanks to the paper thin old t-shirt...how handsome he looked standing in his night clothes with that stern expression on his face

“Khushi?!” he said again as she came out of her trance “Arnav....that...Drita...” she said as he left her arms at once “Not again Khushi!!! how many times do i have to tell you....Drita and me have nothing going on...she..” he started saying when khushi interrupted him “I know....I saw her with Aalim...” she said as Arnav looked at her with confusion.

“I'm not talking about you and Drita Arnav....its just that Drita told me you were drunk and that you were driving back here on your own” she said as Arnav realized what Drita was trying to do....and had succeeded to some extent...but he wasn't going to give up so easily.

“So you came here to see if I was ok?” he asked her as she nodded, a faint blush making its way across her cheeks..making her look adorable and sensuous at the same time... “and now that I've seen you...that you are ok...i'll be going” she said as she turned around to walk out when his hand held her arm and turned her to him “Not so fast Khushi....why did it matter to you if i was safe?” he asked her as she hesitated

“Arnav I need to go...” she said as he shook his head “Not before you answer me...” he said as Khushi sighed “Fine, if you want to know...then listen...I was worried all right? I know things were really bad between us before you left...and I thought that you were drinking because of it all...and I...as a friend I mean, was worried for you” she said as he left her arm

“Ok, thanks for the concern...but I am fine as you can see...so Good night, I'll see you tomorrow” arnav said as he turned away to walk towards the stairs when Khushi spoke in an offended voice “What? That's it! All my concern means so little to you?” she said as her anger and frustration rose up

Arnav turned around and raised an eyebrow “Why? Do you want it to mean more? You just told me khushi that you were concerned like a friend...so thanks friend, I appreciate it...I would probably do the same thing” he said as Khushi walked towards him in an angry stride “Yeah right! I'm sure you would...cause you are a good friend aren't you!...but then I probably don't even know what a friend is...” she said as Arnav shook his head “Don't go there Khushi” he said as she continued

“Why not Arnav? You think you know everything about me? Well you don't!” she said as tears struck her eyes “You are right...I don't know what a friend is because I have never had any friends Arnav...no one who I could talk to or spend time with...” she said as her voice softened, tugging at arnav's heart

“I had a few i think, when I was a child...but then when i went to boarding, i was too traumatized and disturbed because of what was happening in my family....i preferred being a loner...I never let anyone close to me...i was afraid that they too will leave like my dad did...” she said as arnav came towards her...but she put her hands up

“No let me complete...when i came back, I was shipped abroad to study...but I did not make any friends there as well...class mates and people to hang with, yes....but no friends....then Sujoy happened....and his friends became my friends...but I never really made any friends of my own...i guess i just don't know how to” she said as arnav pursed his lips...her words were making his heart bleed for her

“Then i met you Arnav...and for the first time, i knew what a friend was....you were there for me Arnav...when i needed someone to support me, when i needed someone to just be with me...you were there...and that's when i knew what a true friend was...but then, the kiss happened...and I felt that I was losing you again” she said as arnav looked at her helplessly

“I am scared Arnav....don't you get it? Don't you understand why I keep myself away from you? Why i keep ignoring this thing we have between us? I don't want to lose you too arnav” she said as a lone tear made its way down her cheek

“Arnav, I don't know what a real relationship is like....even with Sujoy it was never beyond companionship and mutual like we had for each other...and i'm scared...My father ruined the meaning of relationship for me...I don't know if I can give my 100% to someone....what if I'm like my father? What if the guy i'm with is like my father?” she said as arnav walked towards her and held her hand

“You can't think like that Khushi” he said soothingly as she closed her eyes “I know Arnav....but i'm scared...you mean too much to me...I agree i was jealous to see you with Drita, but I cannot lay claim on you...and if i do then I will lose you as a friend” she said as arnav hugged her...his heart cried for the lonely girl who never had a friend...it cried for the girl who did not want to give herself a chance because of fear...fear of loosing something close to her

“Shh...Khushi....its ok....I'm here for you...” he said as she hugged him tighter...her fingers digging into his back as he hugged her back... “I'll never leave you Khushi....and if you just want to be friends and nothing more...i'll accept that...” he said as she suddenly looked up from his chest, her eyes dewy from the tears and her cheeks flushed from being pressed to him....she never looked more beautiful.

And arnav's heart soared as he heard the words she said next “But what if I don't want that arnav? Being just a friend...I'm tired of fighting this....i thought i knew best....but i don't...I want to give us a chance arnav....b..but....only if you....” she started saying but was cut off as arnav bent down to take her trembling lips in his...she sighed in contentment as he moulded his mouth to hers, making her trail her hands from his back to his chest, finally holding him securely by his shoulders as he cupped her face with his hands

Khushi shivered as arnav deepened the kiss, teasing her mouth open to taste her....his tongue met hers explosively as days of need and desire coursed through their bodies, making them cling on to each other in desperation...Khushi could feel his rough palms grazing her soft skin over her bare shoulders and down her arms as they traveled sensuously over her body...she moaned as she went on her toes to hold him by his hair...twisting it in her fingers to show how much he affected her

It was bliss...Arnav knew this kiss was different to the others they had shared...this time they both wanted it, with a conviction...there was no going back now...there was no hesitation and second thoughts between them as Arnav's lips left khushi's mouth to trail over her slender neck....she gasped as he nipped at the delicate vein throbbing over her pulse, laving it with his tongue to soothe the pain...Khushi had never known pain to be this pleasurable as arnav continued leaving open mouthed kisses and bites all across her upper body...his hands gripping her waist tightly.

“Arnav...” Khushi moaned as he picked her up in his arms and sat himself on the couch with her straddling him...the slit in her dress made it easier for her to place her legs on either side of his as he pulled her down by her nape and proceeded to kiss her passionately..his other hand busy gliding over her sleek leg...from her knee to her tsatiny high making it impossible for her to keep the moans from escaping her mouth.

Arnav mouth was hovering over the swell of her breasts near her neckline as his hands gripped her waist when he suddenly pulled away and sighed deeply....he shut his eyes as khushi came out of her drugged state and looked at his tortured face....she quickly got off his lap and tried to get up when he pulled her back and made her sit properly on his lap, his arms gripping her waist while burying his head in her long tresses that had come tumbling down

“I'm sorry Khushi....i got carried away...” he said in a shaky voice as she smiled and wound her arms around his neck....for a second she was worried if he suddenly regretted what had just happened but her heart beats got back to a normal pace as she relaxed in to him “its ok arnav...i get the feeling” she said as he smiled against her neck

“but you still haven't answered my question....” she said as she leaned back and looked at his face...a small smile playing on his lips “do you want me to spell it out Khushi? After all that?” he asked raising his one eyebrow as she shook her head making him gather her once again in his arms.

“So...where do we go from here?” she asked him as he took a deep breath and caressed her cheek “I'll leave that to you Khushi...you can decide the pace of our relationship....if you don't want to go public about us, then i'll wait...but not for too long” he said taking her lips in another kiss..she was irresistible...God only knows for how long they could stay away from each other

“Hmm...thanks Arnav...for understanding me...” she said pulling back and holding his face “I promise i'll try my best to get over my insecurities...i really want this to work...” she said as she quickly gave him a quick kiss before getting up from his lap much to his disappointment

“Don't go yet...” he said getting up and running his hands on her arms, making her shiver “I have to Arnav...otherwise i'll start getting calls from mamma and nani...” she said making him groan “I'll see you tomorrow....” she said as he nodded and walked with her to the door, his hand entwined with hers.

She smiled as she turned one last time towards him and pecked him on his cheek before whispering in his ear “Lets try and keep our hands off each other in office...ok?” she said with a grin as arnav stood at his door, a small smile playing on his lips....waiting desperately for tomorrow to arrive.

Chapter 22

“Payal right?” a soft voice spoke as payal looked up to see a short plump girl sitting down besides her on the bench at the university leisure center “Hi..i'm zee” she said offering her hand to payal who gave her an awkward smile while shaking her hand “Umm..hi...how do you know my name?” she asked her as the girl removed a huge book from her bag and settled it on her lap

“Oh, i was there in the life sciences class today when you were getting introduced, I'm doing marine biology, so we share a few classes” she said adjusting her specs on her nose as payal smiled, liking the girl immediately “Oh..thats cool” she said as zee looked quickly towards her left as if she was trying to look for someone

“Is everything ok? You seem a bit preoccupied”' Payal said as zee looked at her with startled eyes “Oh...nothing...i'm just waiting for my bestie...he's the best! You know...he's so caring and such a terrific guy...i mean, this one time...he put his life in jeopardy trying to save a cute little kitten” she said with a lot of enthusiasm to which payal could only nod

“Oh and this one time, he totally helped out nearly all the students in our class to pass their math exam...he tutored all of them, for free! Oh and did i tell you how he teaches at the local orphanage and donates half his pocket money to the homeless...” she said in one breath as payal tried to process her words...who the hell did all this? Surely even a saint wasn't...so ideal!

“So yeah, what was I saying...oh yeah...you know poor chap, my friend...my bestie...the other day he got tricked into ragging this poor innocent girl...this total ass of a guy told him to kiss some girl at the school gates otherwise that jerk would have shown his sister's compromising photo to everyone...” she said with a sad glint in her eyes while payal looked on shocked.

“Yeah, that jerk used to date his sister...so to keep his sister's pride intact, my dear friend had to agree...but now he feels so bad about that day...he regrets doing what he did...” zee said with a sigh as payal looked on in astonishment...should she believe all this? This guys seemed like the same one who had kissed her....after all how many boys go around kissing random girls!

“Uh...zee, i think i know who your'e talking about....in fact, i'm the girl who he kissed” payal said as zee's eyes widened “What? Really? It was you! Oh my God...you have to meet him...he really wants to apologize to you...poor guy has hardly slept a wink since that day...gosh, he'll be so happy to finally meet you and say sorry” zee said as she got up and went running towards the entrance of the pool

Payal looked on with confusion as few minutes later she saw zee walk in with the same guy from that day in tow...she was dragging him in, while he protested saying things like 'I feel ashamed...all my fault'....payal waited till they both came towards her with the guy looking down at his feet

“Payal, this is my friend Akash....Akash this is payal, the girl you...uh....” zee said being at a loss of words, she looked with expectant eyes at payal who was in a moral dilemma what to do....on one hand she wanted to wring his neck and take him to the authorities...but then on the other hand, she could understand the protective brother in him acting that day...

“Payal...Akash wants to say something” zee said as she nudged Akash on his ribs “Ouch...zee...” Akash said with a grimace as he looked up and saw payal stare at him with an unreadable expression “Uh...i'm sorry...really sorry for that day...I...I did not know what else to do” he said as payal seemed to relax a bit after that

“I won't say its ok...because to save your sister, you ridiculed someone else's....but having a sibling myself i can understand why you did what you did...so just forget about it....don't expect me to forgive you, but i will not take this further....my initial thoughts were to get you suspended” payal said with a straight face as akash looked visibly pale

“Thanks payal....uh, I'm Akash by the way....Akash Raizada...” he said as payal nodded “Payal Dinkaran...wasn't nice to meet you that day...anyways I gotta rush, its getting pretty late...bye zee...i'll see you in class tomorrow..” payal said as she picked up her stuff and walked out of the pool area...if she had turned back before she left, she would have seen both zee and akash 'hi-fi' each other while doing a jig

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“And here i thought my baccha would be haggard from all that partying hard!” Arnav heard a very familiar voice boom across the living room as he stepped in after dropping Drita off at her hotel...he literally ran the rest of the steps and came face to face with his first love...“Paddu Bua!!! when did you come?” arnav said with a huge smile as he hugged her tightly

“Arre baba...leave me first...you'll stop my oxygen supply!” she whined as arnav stepped back, only for his bua to hold his face and kiss him on his forehead “My baccha has really grown up huh?” padmini said as she swiped some kajal from her eyes and applied it behind arnav's left ear

“God, bua! You say that every single time! Off course i'll grow every year! But you...you look young and beautiful as ever!” he said with a smirk as they heard another voice speak from the doorway “And sexy as hell!” both turned to see akash grinning from ear to ear as he came to them and picked up padmini in a bear hug

“I swear Paddu bua, if we were not related, i would have swept you off your feet and married you ” he said as padmini hit him on his shoulder as he put her down “Chup..badmash! You will never change! And why are you both so late! I have been waiting for both of you since evening!” she said with an annoyed face as both brothers looked on fondly at their loving bua...their mother after they were orphaned

“Ek minute...koi ladki ka chakkar toh nahi hai na? [One minute...this is not because of girls is it?]” she asked them as both brothers looked uncomfortably at the floor before shaking their heads “Not again bua...nothing like that, i had a business dinner and akash...well, he was being akash...probably loitering around college 'trying' to pick up girls!” arnav said as akash glared at him “Bhai!” he said as padmini placed her hands on their shoulders

“Enough kids...I only asked cause i really want to see you both settled...not you right now Akash, though you seem more eager than Arnav...i can only wish i get to see his kids before I..” she said as arnav placed his hand on her mouth “Don't say anything more bua...and don't worry as soon as i find the right girl, I'll get married” he said sincerely as akash sniggered, earning another glare from his bua

“Thats like my kiddos...ok now you both go to bed...we'll talk tomorrow morning!” she said as both the men gave her a quick hug before kissing her on her cheek....Padmini looked on as they walked upstairs to their respective rooms...she did not think much of it, but she knew something was troubling Arnav....and being the ever meddling bua, she doesn't find out soon.

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“Lavanya, can you ask Khushi to join in for this meeting?...i want to introduce her to our delegates” he said as Lavanya looked up from her ipad “Oh, sir...Khushi mam did not come in today....Aman told me she's not keeping well...if she's better later, she might come for the gala in the evening” Lavanya said as arnav felt concern and a bit of guilt after hearing about khushi

Once Lavanya left he sat back in his hair and thought about last night...he knew it was odd of Khushi to just leave like that for the restroom making him wonder if she was upset about him going to the gala with Drita...but he had genuinely thought that she did not mind...especially since she had made it clear about how she felt about them...he knew it was rude of him to cancel going with her but at that point he wanted to see how much his indifference affected her

Once they had sat down for dinner, he had seen Khushi walk quietly after a few minutes to her table and resume her dinner with Shashi and Mr Chaturvedi, both of whom he had gone and said hello to earlier...their eyes met briefly as she gave him a small smile and went back to talking to the other two, but arnav had notice something about her...her eyes seemed vacant and red...did she cry?

He wondered if he was thinking too much into this...he admitted that it was satisfying seeing her all worked up about his spending time with Drita...but it was strictly professional for him....he could never think of Drita in that way, especially when Drita had admitted liking his head designer Aalim...their growing closeness was witness to it....plus his every second was weighed down by khushi's thoughts only.

But after yesterday's event, he felt he should talk to her today and see if maybe they could go back to the earlier arrangement of going with each other....he knew that Drita had wanted to go with Aalim but had kept quiet after his announcement to Khushi...and now, Khushi might not even come.

He sighed as he picked up his phone and texted her 'Hey! Heard you weren't well...how you feeling now?'...he kept the phone back on his table and stared at the screen as if commanding it to light up with a return text, but he knew she wouldn't reply right away....and he deserved it...he had been mean to her, but what could he do!

He felt too much for her to let her go...and she, she had let it go before it had even started...this was the only way to make her understand what she felt for him...but had he gone too far?

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“Stop it you moron!” Khushi reprimanded herself as she slipped on her evening gown...her eyes kept darting to her phone that was resting comfortably amongst the pillows on her bed. He had texted...and she had still not replied...why? She had no idea...lats night had been terrible...she had hardly slept a wink after she had come back from dinner.

Yes, it hurt her....it hurt her to see him with someone else, but what could she do!...she wasn't an immature child to go and pull him away from Drita just because of her jealousy or the fact that she had finally accepted that her feelings for him ran deeper than she had thought.

When did it happen? She had no clue...she had always been a headstrong girl, never getting swayed by emotions...but where Arnav was concerned, they ran amok....at first she had thought it was purely physical attraction, but now...she was sure it might be a little bit more than that...maybe even a lot more if she gave it a chance

So, she had finally reasoned with herself that it was best to let things go on its own...she was a master at keeping her emotions in check and she will do just that. There is no way she was going to cry over something which was probably never in the cards.

She adjusted her dress and walked purposefully towards her bed and picked up her phone, it had been a few hours now but what the hell 'I'm better now, thanks...see you at the gala' she texted as she took a deep breath and let it out...along with all the frustration she felt...this was a very important night and she would be damned if she wasted her night cooped up in her room instead of being there.

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The lights were dim and the music loud as people mingled with each other; There were business moguls, fashion designers, super models, film-stars and even politicians gracing the mega event which saw the commencement of the much awaited fashion week in Mumbai...conversation flowed, eyes flirted and promises were made as the champagne freely flowed amongst the beautiful crowd

But one man had his eyes wandering towards the entrance throughout the last half an hour that he was there...he was keeping himself busy talking to people and avoiding the female advances which were plenty that evening as it always is wherever he went...but tonight, he was dressed to kill...his all black Armani distinguishing him from the other men [see below for Arnav's outfit]

'Where was she!?' he kept thinking as Drita and his head designer Aalim came towards him, their hands linked as they sipped on their drinks “Arnav...why are you standing all alone? Waiting for someone?” Drita asked him with a wink as Aalim excused himself to take a call

“Yes actually...i'm waiting for Khushi...don't know why she's taking so long and i can't get through her phone as well” he said as Drita gave him a knowing smile “You know arnav, you try to keep it hidden...but you can't” she said as arnav gave her a confused look

“Oh come on! There is so much electricity between the two of you....i could literally feel the burn yesterday” she said with a smirk as Arnav stared at her with a dumb expression “Don't give me that look Arnav, I was scared she would eat my head off yesterday after you offered to take me to the gala...i knew something was up when you suddenly threw that at her” she said raising her eyebrows as arnav shrugged

“I don't know what your'e talking about Drita...I thought you'll feel awkward coming here without me, so I...” he started saying as Drita put her hand up “Oh please, you knew that I wanted to come with Aalim...in fact had already decided it...but then i thought i should keep quiet about it...i felt i could maybe help you out” she said with a grin as arnav gave her a small smile

“Fine, so you figured it out...but that little stunt of mine may have put me in a tighter spot....I think i overdid it and she may have really felt bad...” he said as Drita placed her hand on his shoulder.... “Hey! If things are meant to be Arnav, they fall in place...whatever you did or she felt has nothing to do with how things will shape up...just have faith ok and if you guys are meant to be, it will all work out!” she said with wink as arnav smiled at her gratefully

He bent down to hug her for her lovely words when a sudden hush fell amongst the people as many turned to look at the entrance....arnav quickly stepped back from the hug as he felt the breath knocked out of him...even if he tried he could not take his eyes off the woman who had just entered...the same woman he had been pining to spot all evening

Dull gold lace overlaying soft satin fabric, clung to her every curves, making every red blooded male gape at her perfect figure; the upper bodice moulded her breasts as if it was second skin while one shoulder was left bare, highlighting the milky skin just begging to be kissed....Christian Dior never looked better on anyone else till now.

The daring split going all the way up to her silky thigh accentuated her long beautiful legs encased in stunning swarovski crystal studded heels while her hairdo enticed one towards her swan like neck, left bare....the only accessories she wore were Bvlgari chandelier earrings and a matching bracelet. [see below for Khushi's outfit]

Khushi Gupta was dressed to kill...and Arnav was sure that she would be the death of him tonight.

Chapter 21

“Thanks beta....that's wonderful news...I'll let Garima and Khushi know right away” Khushi heard her nani taking on the phone as she came back from the temple visit she did with her mother every tuesday. She looked back towards the main door and saw her mother distributing the prasad to everyone

“Nani? Who are you talking to?” Khushi asked with curiosity as she saw her grandmother turn towards her with a relieved look, after the call from the detective last night, hardly anyone of them had slept; Khushi had texted arnav in the night that she wanted to talk to him about something important, but he had not replied back...even now at 10 am in the morning, she had still not received his reply

“Oh..good you are here...where is Garima?” Shalini asked as Garima came a few seconds later and offered a peda to her mother “Ma, here..have some prasad” she said as Shalini smiled and took the prasad from her “That was Arnav on the phone...he had called to tell us that he has spoken to the commissioner and they have agreed to further question Monica before talking to Garima..” she said as Khushi looked up sharply

How the hell did arnav come to know about the detective calling Garima? She has not had a chance to tell him yet and no one from the house had called him, so...her thoughts were interrupted as the same question was posed by her mother “But ma, how did Arnav come to know about it?” she asked before turning towards Khushi “Did you tell him about the phone call from last night Khushi?”

“Uh ho...let me complete first beta” Shalini said as she went and sat at the dining table and poured herself a glass of fresh juice “Apparently the detective had called arnav as well to fix a time with him for a recorded statement based on Sheetal's witness...there he happened to mention that he was going to meet Garima today” she said as both mother and daughter looked at each other

“He said that he knew what Monica said was preposterous and so tried to intervene and make the detective look further into the matter before meeting you” she said as Garima looked on in wonder “But since he did not comply, Arnav called in a favor with the commissioner who happens to be a very close friend of Yudhitsherji” she said as Garima sank on the dining table chair in relief, with Khushi holding her shoulders from behind

“This is such a relief” Garima said as she smiled at her mother before turning around to face Khushi “Please thank him from me when you meet him today at the office Khushi, I don't know how I could have faced the police with accusation in their eyes, for something that I can't even think of doing in my dreams” she said as Khushi squeezed her mothers shoulders...still puzzled as to why Arnav had not called her

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“Lavanya...where are you guys? Khushi maam has been trying to reach Arnav sir since the past hour” Aman said in his phone as Lavanya whispered back “Is it urgent? Sir is in a meeting right now” she said as Aman looked back and saw Khushi agitatedly walking along the length of her office “Uh..i'm not sure, but i think there is trouble in paradise” he said as Lavanya rolled her eyes “Shut up Aman!...ASR is in a meeting with Drita andori, I suppose Khushi mam knows about it” she said as aman's eyes bulged out

“Drita andori? The croatian supermodel turned designer?” he asked as Lavanya said a quick yes before glancing at the table where her boss was busy chitchatting with the leggy brunette “Yep! But then she might not know about it since this meeting has nothing to do with GR...its basically for the upcoming fashion week where R&S is collaborating with Ms Banks for a show...but anyways i gotta go. We'll be back in an hour or so” she said as Aman said a quick bye and walked back into Khushi's cabin

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It had been 5 hours since Aman had informed her of Arnav's meeting with Ms andori, what the hell were they talking about? She knew about the collab and was actually looking forward to the new designs being worked for it...but now she was plain annoyed...why wasn't he back yet...she thought as she finished few mails on marketing approvals before she heard a sharp knock on her door

Assuming it was Arnav who had finally decided to make an appearance, she quickly smoothed down her hair and straightened up before saying a soft 'come in'....but she was disappointed and a bit embarrassed to find Lavanya at the door...she remembered what Lavanya had seen yesterday in Arnav's cabin and went a slight shade pinker as she smiled and asker her to take a seat

“What can i do for you Lavanya?” she asked in a calm voice when she was anything but calm...she wanted to scream and ask where her boss was and why did he take so long to reach office “Oh nothing important maam, but Aman said that you were looking for ASR...so I just came to inform you that he is not coming in for the day” she said as Khushi knotted her eyebrows together

“Is he all right?” she asked with concern as Lavanya shifted uncomfortably “Y..yes, he's fine....he...he's actually still in the meeting with Ms Andori, and has asked me to inform everyone that he was not coming in for the day...” she said as Khushi took a deep breath...he was still with her....why?

“Ok, sure...no problem Lavanya...i'll give him a call later” she said as Lavanya got up to leave but stopped midway “Uh....he may not take his calls...but since its you, he will...off course” she said as Khushi looked at her in amusement “Why? He'll still be in the meeting?” Khushi asked in a light voice when Lavanya looked at her with unease “Uh, I just booked a table for him and Ms Andori for dinner...i suppose the meeting will run a tad bit longer” she said before saying a quick goodbye and sprinting from her office

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“Payal...where is Ritwik? I've been shouting his name since the last fifteen minutes” Shashi asked as he made quick work of tying his tie while sipping his coffee at the same time.....He saw his daughter walk towards him shaking her head “God papa...when will you learn to knot your tie properly!” she said with a sigh as she adjusted the tie for him while he smiled into his coffee

“Till the time you are here to do it for me...but then, once you get married and leave...I guess Ritwik will have to take care of this for me” he said with a wink as payal rolled her eyes “In that case, be prepared for a lifetime of wonky ties if you want that brat to do it for you” she said as Shashi let out a loud laugh

“Oh and since you asked, Ritwik is currently busy with his music composition...he probably can't hear you cause he has those huge earphones of his on...probably at a very disturbing level of volume” she said as she stepped back to see her handiwork “Thanks darling...this looks perfect” Shashi said as he admired her work

“Anytime papa...accha, i'll be late today...I need to choose my extra-curricular activities at uni today...so i'm gonna look around after classes...” she said as Shashi nodded “Ok, but make sure you have your phone on full charge...and if you get very late, let me know...i'll come and pick you up” he said as payal smiled, but their conversation was interrupted mid-way when the door bell rang

“I'll check who it is” Payal said as she turned and walked to the door before opening it to find a very beautiful girl in a chic business suit looking at her with a big smile “Hey! You must be payal...i'm Khushi...Khushi gupta” the girl said as payal came out of the stupor...it was a crime to look this good early in the morning

“Oh hi...yes, i'm payal...papa's told me about you...please come in” Payal said ushering Khushi inside the cosy living room where her father stood with his briefcase ready to leave “Oh Khushi...I was just on my way to the mansion...I suppose you have already met my daughter Payal” he said as Khushi smiled

“Yes we did...its so nice to finally meet you payal....are you settling in well?” she asked the younger girl who looked kind of detached but gave her a small smile in the end “Yeah...its ok...i'm still very new to this city...and just joined my uni...so...” she said while shrugging her shoulders when Shashi spoke up

“Yes and she has already had a brush in with this idiot who ragged her on her first day” he said as Khushi looked on in surprise and shock “Really? Thats horrible!...did you complain to the principal?” Khushi asked payal who was glaring at her father for casually speaking about her humiliating episode

“I can take care of myself...plus if I ever see that dolt again, i'll be sure to hit him where it hurts” she said with a smile as khushi laughed “Well, i'm sure you will...but just be careful ok...these sick guys are always in packs...it will be best to let the authorities take care of him” she said with genuine concern which irked payal...who was she to advise her...but before she could speak more on it, shashi interrupted them

“Yes, she is right Payal...now Khushi, we better leave...” he said as Khushi nodded and said a quick goodbye to payal who did not seem very happy to have not completed her part of their conversation...nevertheless she smiled at Khushi and hugged her father as they both left the house...leaving her to get ready and rush to uni...she had tons of work today...and she hoped to God that she would meet that jerk again...to complete what he had started

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“So Khushi...what do you think?” Shashi asked her as they surveyed the place and saw the plans which were getting chalked up for a new manufacturing plant to expand the mills productivity. The new projects which GR was getting for the mill had more or less exhausted their resources, so plans were on for more recruitment and expansion

“I think this place is perfect” she said surveying the huge old mill which they were in the process of buying out “The structure is perfect and works with our vision for the new mill” she said as Shashi nodded “Yes, i think so too...i don't think we should delay anymore” he said as Khushi nodded her consent

“Yes, i agree...but can we meet the previous owner once more before signing the papers? I really want to know his reasons for closing down...I mean, everyone knows the financial reasons for the closure, but since i haven't met him yet, it will be good to have his perspective on it” she said as Shashi nodded

“Sure Khushi, he's a very well known man...if circumstances were good, he would never have sold this to us” he said as Khushi nodded while Shashi dialed the man's number...after a few quick words he turned to Khushi and spoke “He'll meet us for dinner tonight at the yacht cub” he said as khushi confirmed the same with aman

“Great, I'll head to GR now...I'll see you tonight, should we go together?” she asked him when he shook his head “No, i'll meet you directly there...have some personal bank work in town, will be better for me to meet you there instead of coming back home” he said as both he and Khushi walked to their respective cars to leave for their offices

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“ASR? Khushi maam just got in...you said you wanted to meet her” Lavanya asked carefully as she waited for her boss to say something “Uh...oh yeah, I'll go and meet her...do i have any meeting for the next hour or so?” he asked her when she looked into her diary 

“Nope...nothing till the next hour, plus if you need more time...i can always shift the next meeting...” she said as Arnav interrupted her “Ms Kashyap...do not suggest something which I haven't asked for..” he said as she shut her mouth and watched him walk briskly out of his office

He knew he was a bit rude with Lavanya, but after the incident two days ago which she was privy to, he was a bit on the edge with her...plus it did not help that he had hardly got a wink of sleep since that blasted moment with Khushi....all he kept thinking about was how perfectly she fit in his arms...her eyes heavy with want and desire

He tried to blank his mind once more as he knocked on Khushi's door and opened it without waiting for her answer only to find her look up from her laptop with shock as he walked inside her cabin and sat down at her table in front of her “Hi...Lavanya said you were looking for me yesterday” he said trying not to stare at her gorgeous hair which she had left open today

“Uh...yes....Arnav....I, I actually wanted to thank you for talking to the commissioner about...” she started saying when arnav held up his hand “Please Khushi, don't thank me...that Monica is a lunatic to accuse you mother, Plus the detective has to interrogate her personally before pointing fingers at anyone...she is coming back tomorrow i think...and only after they have taken her statement will they talk to your mother where you will be present as well” he said as Khushi breathed in a sigh of relief

“Thats great Arnav...I did not know Monica was getting back this soon...but I won't be surprised of she is involved somehow in all this” she said as Arnav nodded “Hmm....” he said as he rubbed his hand on his tired eyes making Khushi look at him with concern “What happened? You look tired” she asked him as he yawned and replied “Yeah, i hardy slept a wink last night...so my body is protesting against the lack of it” he said as Khushi's mind went to her and Lavanya's conversation yesterday

She knew that arnav had dinner with that supermodel last night...was that why? She thought as Arnav's voice interrupted her “Khushi?” he asked her when she looked at him with something akin to disgust, how dare he...he slept with that model after kissing her senseless the day before...what was all that talk about some unexplainable pull?all bull shit off course...he could not wait to jump in bed with that b***h

“Hey...you look a bit zoned out there...” he said as Khushi gave him a tight smile “Oh, nothing much...i was wondering how your 'meeting' went yesterday?” she said as Arnav smiled “Oh, it went great...Drita is such a treasure house of experience and knowledge...her stints with all big fashion houses has given her so much in-depth knowledge...you should meet her” he said as Khushi cringed inside

Off course...lots of experience...something that he definitely benefitted from, she thought as Arnav looked at her with a gleam in his eyes that she failed to notice as a certain green eyed monster clouded her vision “Anyways, i have to get going...have some personal work” he said as she nodded before asking him “Did you get my text the other night?”

“Oh yeah...i had slept early...i saw it in the morning...but I assumed it was about the detective...sorry forgot to text back” he said as she shrugged and saw him leave her office. She kept staring at the closed door with a twinge of irritation and hurt at the way he was acting all cool and aloof...as if, that kiss had never happened...as if he wanted to forget about it...but then he did didn't he...she had asked him to...so why the hell was she feeling like her heart was on fire

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“I'll have a white wine spritzer please” Khushi said as the waiter politely nodded and turned to the other two men at their table, one being Shashi and the other Mr Chaturvedi, the previous owner of the mill they were going to buy...the conversation was going very well as the older gentleman explained his reasons for the tough decision he had to take with his mill

She mused how at one point, Mr Chaturvedi's mill was their strong competitor, but with the next generation of his family not showing any interest in the working of it, the Mills he owned had to be shut down and eventually sold off to the Gupta's. She smiled as Mr Chaturvedi regaled the olden days when Khushi's nani was just making her place in the industry...she loved listening to her grandmother's praises...but today her heart was not in it.

Since yesterday morning, she was feeling lost....like she was losing out on something very important...and it was silly to think that it had anything to do with a certain Mr Raizada...but she had to accept that it did...indeed it did. It had upset her to think that he was spending so much time with that model while not even responding to her texts and calls...if nothing else, they were business partners...does one forget work in front of a pretty face!

And then, she had hardly slept all night...visions of their kisses kept repeating in her mind, and his confession about not getting much sleep...she kept thinking about him being intimate with that Ms Andori and it stung her...real bad...she was hurt that he had so easily gone to another woman..but then she had never given him a reason not to...dammit! Why can't she stop thinking about all this...

Plus the ongoing investigation was making things worse for her....she so wished that she was still in the US, she wished that GR had never happened...that she had never met Arnav Singh Raizada...that her father was still alive...but the chain of events that had gotten her to this current state had happened..and nothing in the world would change that.

“Excuse me gentlemen, i'll just be back” she said as she got up to go the washroom...she also wanted to breath in some fresh air to clear her mind a bit...it wasn't fair that she could not give 100% to the conversations at their table.

She was just turning towards the entrance to step out, when the hem of her blue dress got stuck on one of the wall surfaces....she tugged on it to release the fabric when his husky voice reached her ears “Khushi?” great! She was hearing him too! She thought as she whirled around, only to come face to face with him... “Arnav?” she asked him as she saw his eyes rake her from top to bottom, his eyes drinking in her sight and that of her bare legs in the figure hugging dress.

She blushed slightly at his blatant admiring look and was about to ask him what he was doing here when she saw a slender arm wrap itself around his left bicep along with the rest of the beautiful perfect body coming into view...and a smiling gorgeous face attached to it... “Hi...” she said as arnav left his eyes from roaming over Khushi to acknowledged the woman by his side

“Oh uh Khushi...this is Drita by the way...I believe you haven't met her yet and Drita, this is Khushi Gupta, my business partner at GR” he said smiling at the model who smiled a genuine beautiful smile at her before holding her hand out for khushi “Hi Khushi, its great to finally meet you” she said as khushi smiled back “Same here Drita” she said as she shook her hand.

“So, you here for dinner i suppose?” Arnav asked her to which Khushi nodded absentmindedly...still shocked from seeing both of them together...now it was hard to dislike her as well...she looked like a really nice person and she was too damn gorgeous to feel any superiority over “Uh..yes, I'm here with Shashi and Mr Chaturvedi...from Samyukta Mills..” she said as Arnav nodded at her

“Oh thats great...anyways we'll let you get back to your dinner...as it is, we are heading to the club upstairs...do join us if you like” he said as Drita chirped in “Yes, it will be great if you can...Arnav gets too boring sometimes!” she said with a grin as arnav rolled his eyes...the domesticity of the scene making Khushi choke...she could probably cry right now, she thought as she took a deep breath

“Thats sweet of you to invite me, but I'm not feeling too well; so will be heading home after dinner...great to meet you though Drita, Im sure we'll meet again” she said as Drita gave Khushi a quick hug “Off course Khushi, I'm coming tomorrow for the Gala organized by India Fashion week....I suppose you'll be there too” she said as Khushi gave herself an imaginary kick...she had complete forgotten about that in all this mess! She and Arnav were supposed to go together for it

“Oh yes, I totally forgot...” she said as she turned towards arnav “What time do we have to be there?” she asked him as he shifted uncomfortably on his feet “Uh, Khushi...is it ok if I take Drita along with me? She's new here and doesn't know anyone...you'll be fine coming on your own right? The invitation says 8pm” he said to her as Khushi felt the earth moving under her feet

Khushi's Dress

“Sure...no problem...” she said in a soft voice as Drita squeezed arnav's arm “Oh Arnav, i'm so excited...it will be great to meet so many amazing Indian designers” she said as arnav smiled at her and placed his hand on hers...the gesture making khushi's eyes tear up....she had to get away...now 

“I have to go...uh...i'll see you guys tomorrow” she said quickly before any of them had a chance to reply...she walked briskly towards the washroom and got into one of the cubicles before letting the tears flow...for something she could never have. 

Drita Andori