Chapter 8 – Trust

Khushi pulled back from her hug, embarrassed at her impulsive behaviour.

She really should learn to curb these displays of emotion.

What if someone saw her?

 

Close on the heels of that thought, she felt that sensation that she always associated with Arnavji’s presence.

She quickly turned to scan the street, but all she saw was a flash of white as a car turned a corner.

Was that Arnavji’s car?

But why would he be here now, he was coming here this evening, wasn’t he?

 

 

“Khushiji, are you okay? I thought you would be happy when I told you this..but you seem a little disturbed..”

 

 

“No, Rishiji, I am happy! Ecstatic, in fact! It’s I just that I thought…never mind. The past few days have shown me that you are really a wonderful man, and I couldn’t be happier about what you just told me!”

 

 

“So will you come there tomorrow night?”

 

 

“Of course! I’ll be there.”

 

 

“I’m not sure how Mr.Raizada will react to this, though. He doesn’t seem to like me.”

 

 

“After tomorrow, he will be forced to change his opinion. Don’t worry about him, I”ll handle it!”

 

 

“See you tomorrow, then!”

 

 

Khushi waved enthusiastically as he got into his car and drove away.

What a wonderful start to her day!

 

She had a feeling today would be special.

She had spent last night thinking about everything, and had come to a decision.

She had no doubts, no regrets.

Her heart and mind were in perfect agreement.

And they wanted just one thing.

 

 

 

Later that evening, she stood in front of her mirror, adjusting the pallu of her saree.

 

Her eyes sparkled with humor as she recalled how Arnavji had chosen this saree for her, while pretending to talk to Amanji on the phone.

Naniji had caught them out,though.

 

She had just fastened the earrings when she heard the knock on the door, and walked quickly to open it.

 

He took her breath away as he stood there in his three piece suit and aviators.

 

“You’re not late today.”

 

 

“Did you want me to be?”

 

“No! I’m ready.”

 

“Let’s go , then.”

 

 

As she strapped her seatbelt, she looked at his tense profile, and a sense of foreboding took over.

Something wasn’t right, and she needed to find out what it was.

 

 

“Is everything okay, Arnavji? You seem..distracted..”

 

 

“I’m just trying to concentrate on my driving,Khushi.”

 

Khushi didn’t buy that excuse for a second.

Thus was the same man who could figure out her bangle size while driving!

 

She resolved to ask him once again, after they reached their destination.

What could be wrong?

 

Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t realize where they were going until he had actually pulled up in front of their destination.

 

She got out of the car and stared at the temple.

 

The same one where she had come, all those days ago, seeking divine guidance for her uncertain future.

The same one where he had bandaged the cut on her finger, before they had parted ways.

 

Only  to have destiny throw them together again and again.

Why had he brought her here?

 

“Do you know that your eyes always mirror your thoughts perfectly?”

 

“What??”

 

“You are thinking about why I brought you here, right?”

 

“Yes..I know you don’t believe in God..”

 

“No, I don’t.”

 

“But why?”

 

“Because if there was a God, there would be no injustice in this world. My parents, and yours, would still be alive.”

 

“And I would never know Amma, Bauji and Jiji.”

 

“If there was a God, Di would still have full use of her leg.”

 

“There is a God, because Di still has full use of her other leg.”

 

“You have an answer for everything,don’t you? But I haven’t come here to discuss my belief in God, or the lack of it. Come with me.”

 

She followed him into the temple courtyard, stopping next to him at the exact place where they had stood facing each other as he bandaged her finger.

 

“Do you remember the day we were here before?”

 

 

“Yes. You bandaged my finger. And then, when I went home, Shyamji wanted to put his ring on that finger, but he couldn’t, and this made Buaji very angry. But I was just…glad.”

 

“Nothing has made me angrier than the sight of that ring.”

 

 

“I never understood that anger. After all, you were planning your own engagement to Lavanyaji..”

 

 

“I told you, I would never have gone through with that. But we’re not here to talk about Lavanya, either. “

 

 

 

“Why have you brought me here?”

 

“Before I tell you that, you need to know why I blackmailed you into that pretend marriage. I wanted you to be with me, close to me, while I tried to get you to confess and reveal your true feelings for me. All my life, I haven’t been given anything easily, Khushi. I’ve always had to fight for it. That’s the only thing I know. And so, I fought for you, but I ended up fighting you instead. And today, I’m here to tell you that I can’t do it anymore.”

 

“Can’t do what?”

 

 

“I can’t fight you anymore. I can’t coerce you, threaten you, blackmail you, or bully you into anything. I don’t want to do any of those things. 

The only thing I want to do, the only thing I can do, is this.”

 

 

 

Khushi watched in open-mouthed astonishment as right there, in front of Devi Maiyya and all her devotees, Arnav Singh Raizada went down on one knee.

 

 

“A..Arnavji?”

 

 

“I love you, Khushi, you know that already. I can’t live without you, you know that, too. I am sorry for everything I’ve done, I’ve said that before, and I’ll say it again. I’m sorry. But there’s one more thing you need to know.”

 

 

“Wh..what?”

 

 

“It’s simple,really. Without Khushi, Arnav is nothing.”

 

 

 

Khushi’s eyes filled with tears.

No one could doubt his sincerity now.

His soul was laid bare for her to see, those beautiful eyes shone with honesty, and love.

 

 

“I don’t want to be nothing, Khushi. I want to be whole, and only you can complete me. “

 

Khushi was overwhelmed, his intensity left her speechless.

 

 

“Khushi, I’m not Salman Khan, and this isn’t a movie. I can’t propose with a flowery speech, or break into a song and dance routine.

I can only say this, if your answer is yes, I will be the happiest man in the world. But if you say no, I promise, I will not walk away. I can’t. I will not force you, or threaten you in anyway, but I will continue to try and persuade you to give me a chance. Do you understand?”

 

Khushi nodded.

It was only thing she was capable of doing at the moment.

 

Arnav took a deep breath.

He had made many decisions in his life, made many deals, and mergers, and acquisitions.

 

Nothing had made him more nervous than he was at this moment.

 

His entire future depended on one word.

He looked up at her, his Khushi, his one chance at happiness.

 

And he asked her,

 

 

“Khushi Kumari Gupta, will you marry me?”

 

 

“Yes”

 

 

It was a whisper, but Arnav heard it.

He didn’t quite believe it, though.

 

 

“Are you sure?”

 

 

“Yes.”

 

 

She expected him to stand up then, but he stayed on one knee, and pulled a small red box from his pocket.

She gasped as he opened it to reveal a beautiful ring, a gold band with a round ruby in the center, surrounded by tiny white diamonds.

 

He took her left hand in his, and slipped the ring onto her finger.

 

Unmindful of all the curious onlookers, he kissed her ring-finger, and stood up.

 

The magnitude of their commitment overwhelmed them for a moment.

 

 

“Come with me.”

 

 

He led her out of the courtyard, into a grove of trees, and pulled her behind a tree-trunk.

 

And then kissed her until she couldn’t breathe.

 

 

“So, you’re my fiancee now.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Our relationship finally has a name.”

 

“Yes,it does.”

 

“And now, I have the right.”

 

“The right?”

 

 

“The right to tell you that I really don’t want to see a repeat of what I witnessed this morning.”

 

 

“This morning?”

 

 

“I saw you hugging Vadra, Khushi. Don’t get me wrong, I know you must have had a reason for doing so. I trust you, you are incapable of cheating  anyone. But most men would take that the wrong way, when you get so close to them . And I really don’t want that. It hurts, Khushi, to see something like that. Just like it hurt you when you saw me hug Lavanya.”

 

 

“If you saw that hug, why didn’t you say something?”

 

 

“Because I had no right, Khushi. I had never given our relationship a name. I had no right to question you, and no right to punch him in the face, like I wanted to . But now, I have the right.And so, I’m begging you, don’t put me through that again.”

 

 

“Wait, did you just propose only because of what you saw this morning?”

 

“Of course not! I’ve had this planned for days! “

 

 

“Arnavji, I was only hugging him because..”

 

 

“Khushi, I don’t need to know. I’m sure your motives were pure. That was never in question. Let’s not dwell on that anymore. Tell, me , do you like your ring? I had it made, just for you..the colour of the ruby reminds me of the saree you wore on Diwali..”

 

“It’s beautiful, Arnavji. But I..I don’t have a gift for you…”

 

 

“I’ll just have to resort to collecting my usual payment then..”

 

 

 

 

This time, it wasn’t Vimla Maasi.

This time, another woman was climbing the temple steps when she caught a glimpse of colour in the tree grove, and turned to see what it was.

When she saw them kissing passionately, she almost dropped her pooja ki thaal.

She quickly averted her eyes, her cheeks pink with embarrassment.

Holding up her net saree, she resumed her climb up the temple steps.

 

 

 

Khushi went to bed with a smile on her lips, caressing her new ring.

When the phone rang, she didn’t even need to check who it was.

She answered on the second ring.

 

 

“If you’re calling to find out what I’m wearing, it’s a pink night suit this time.”

 

“And what are you wearing under that?”

 

 

“Arnavji!!”

 

“I’m only asking because the image in my mind this time is of that swimsuit..”

 

“What are you wearing?”

 

 

“Nothing.”

 

 

“No one goes to bed wearing nothing!”

 

 

“I do. And so will you, once we’re married.”

 

 

Khushi’s dhak dhak was loud enough to wake Buaji.

 

 

“I’m putting the phone down.”

 

 

“Wait! I was calling to tell you that I want to invite your family for lunch tomorrow.”

 

 

“But why?”

 

“Stop asking endless questions, I’ll see you tomorrow!”

 

 

Khushi stared at the phone.

Why did he keep doing that?

 

 

 

 

The next afternoon, they were warmly welcomed by Di and Nani, who informed them that Chotey was held up at the office.

 

Khushi’s eyes kept darting to the front door throughout lunch, but he came in much later, when they were all in the living room.

 

Khushi smiled at him, but he didn’t return it, just staring at her for a long moment before addressing the others.

 

 

 

“I have something to say, and I would appreciate it if you would let me speak without any interruptions. This is about me and Khushi. I’m saying this today because I don’t want anyone blaming Khushi for what has happened. This was entirely my fault. I blackmailed her into a pretend marriage for six months, telling her that I would stop Payal’s marriage if she didn’t agree. This was the reason she left home, and is now back with her parents.”

 

There were shocked expressions all around, and Di was the first to react.

 

“Chotey, how could you!”

 

“Di, please let me finish. While Khushi was at her parent’s house, I have managed to persuade her to marry me. And we will have that wedding whenever she wants. Now, I know you have many questions, and I will answer them. But first, let me speak to my fiancee.”

 

He went over to Khushi, pulled her up, and took her to the poolside.

 

 

“I can’t believe you did that for me…and yet, you managed to leave Nani out of it..”

 

“There was no point dragging her into it. And I wanted you to enter this house without any fear of someone getting angry with you, or blaming you for something that’s entirely my fault.”

 

“A..Arnavji, about the wedding, is it okay if we wait for some more days?”

 

 

“Why?”

 

“I just like the idea of being a fiancee for some time..”

 

 

Arnav thought about this.

He couldn’t wait for her to be his wife.

And yet, he couldn’t refuse her.

 

 

“That’s fine, Khushi. Whenever you want. So does this mean you want more dates?”

 

“Something like that. Will you come with me tonight? I’ve been invited to this event..”

 

 

“What kind of event?”

 

 

“You’ll find out tomorrow.”

 

 

“Using my own words against me, Ms.Gupta?”

 

 

“What can I say, I’ve learned from the best, Mr.Raizada!

 

 

Arnav laughed as he watched her run out the sliding doors.

He wondered where she was taking him tonight.

 

 

 

 

Hours later, he was still trying to find out , as he drove them to their destination.

He stole a glance at Khushi, who looked stunning in a blue lehenga.

 

“You’re not going to tell me what this event is?”

 

 

“You’ll find out in a few minutes.”

 

They stepped out in front of a convention center that was leased out for high-society events.

Arnav handed his keys to the valet, and walked inside with Khushi.

 

The milling crowds obscured his view of the center of attention.

 

When they walked further into the hall, he finally had a clear view of the stage.

 

He stared in astonishment.

 

And then he turned to look at a smiling Khushi, who said,

 

“I told you, I had a reason!”

 

 

 

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Chapter 7 – Embraces

 

“Why have you taken off your shirt?”

 

 

“It’s hot in here.”

 

 

“Hot? The air-conditioning is running!”

 

 

“Those lights are making me sweat.”

 

 

“I’ll turn them off, then.”

 

 

“That shirt is uncomfortable.”

 

 

“You’ve been wearing it for hours, and you just realized that fact?”

 

 

“Why is it a problem for you?”

 

“I never said it was a problem!”

 

 

“Then why are you making such a big deal out of this?”

 

“I’m not!”

 

“So go ahead and take the pictures.”

 

 

“Wear your shirt!”

 

 

“Why? Does it bother you? Does it make you want to touch, to caress..”

 

 

Khushi took a deep breath.

So that’s why he was doing this, to make her break her resolution!

 

 

“Put your shirt back on, Mr.Raizada. That’s an order from your boss.”

 

 

Arnav’s eyes widened.

She had to pick this moment to remember that she was boss for the day!

He had to admire her feisty attitude, and he knew he had to give in.

He was the one who had made her boss, after all!

He picked his shirt off the floor, tugged it on, and buttoned it up.

 

“Satisfied now, boss-lady?”

 

Khushi saw the wicked light in his eyes, and bristled.

He really wasn’t taking this seriously, was he?

She would show him who had the upper-hand here.

For a moment, she wondered if she was brave enough to go through with the idea that had just sprung up in her head.

Why shouldn’t she?

If he could do this, so could she!

 

“Thank you, Mr.Raizada. Now, we will begin with some face-shots. Please move to the center of the sofa and look at the camera. Don’t move until I say so.”

 

Arnav  did as she asked, and watched as she walked forwards until she was right in front of him, within touching distance.

 

 

“Your hair..there’s something not right…here, let me fix it..”

 

 

He held his breath as she leaned forward and started finger-combing his hair.

 

And then stopped breathing entirely as her pallu fell down, giving him an up-close view of her chest.

 

She had done that deliberately, the little witch!

He couldn’t believe it.

Was this the same shy Khushi Kumari Gupta who ran from him when he kissed her on the cheek?

 

He managed to tear his eyes away from her chest and looked at her face, just in time to catch the naughty look in her eyes.

His suspicions were confirmed, she was doing this on purpose!

 

 

“You seem to have misplaced your pallu.”

 

“What? Oh, thanks.”

 

He watched as she nonchalantly put her pallu back in place, as if this was an everyday occurrence,

There was no trace of embarrassment, except a slight pink tinge to her cheeks.

 

Arnav laughed.

 He had to admire her for doing this, she had turned the tables on him effectively, leaving him hot and bothered.

 

 

“I know what you’re up to.”

 

“Me? I’m just trying to tame your hair, and make it look good in the photos. Can we start now?”

 

 

“Sure, boss, whenever you’re ready!”

 

 

Khushi took a couple of pictures, still unable to believe what she had just done.

Her boldness had shocked even her, but it had been liberating, too.

And this was Arnavji, after all!

She was about to take another shot, when she noticed him staring at her in that focused way of his, as if she was his center of attention.

 

“What?”

 

“Nothing. I was just recalling that time you posed her in that red saree. I remember , I couldn’t take my eyes off you. I still can’t.”

 

“You were furious because I didn’t wear the other dress..”

 

“I know. It wasn’t about the dress, it was just the fact that you chose to defy me. And that’s why I also hate when you turn away when I’m talking to you…”

 

“I don’t do that anymore..”

 

“I know. It doesn’t matter. If you turn away, I’ll just walk around to face you again.”

 

 

Khushi didn’t know what to say to that.

She didn’t quite know how to react to this side of Arnavji , when he was being honest, and open..

 

“I made you stand out in the rain. For hours. “

 

 

“You saved me from the car though..”

 

 

“Saving you from a danger created by myself isn’t heroic, Khushi. Just like that time in the construction site. I can’t begin to describe the terror I felt that day! I felt the same way again, when I saw your slipper and broken bangle at that accident site, too, you know..”

 

 

“And then you brought me those bangles. I’ve kept them safe, in my jewel box…”

 

 

“You have? Which reminds me, do you want to see something I have kept with me?”

 

 

He reached into the pocket of his pants and removed his wallet.

Reaching into a zipped pocket, he held up a key.

 

Khushi recognized it immediately.

 

 

“You still have the mannat-ki-chaabi?”

 

 

“I think of it as a lucky charm. Since I started carrying it around, I’ve made some great deals, and won some lucrative contracts..and then, I have you..”

 

Khushi laughed.

 

 

“If that’s what the key is capable of, I should never have given it to you! I haven’t won anything, ever, except for this one time when I found two silver coins in a pack of deter…why are you looking at me like that?”

 

“Nothing. It’s just…nothing.”

 

 

Khushi stared at him, puzzled by the way he wouldn’t meet her eyes.

What had she said to evoke that response?

Why would the talk of silver coins make him look guilty?

And then it clicked.

She has always wondered why there were two coins, when the ad said there would only be one.

 

 

“It was you, wasn’t it?!”

 

“Me? I don’t know what…”

 

 

“You put those coins in the pack of detergent! I don’t know how, or why, but I’m sure it was you! It’s written all over your face!”

 

 

“Okay, it was me. I wanted to make you happy, and see you smile, is that a crime? Haven’t you ever done something like that, something that the person didn’t actually know  who did it?”

 

 

Khushi blushed as she remembered something.

 

“I..I was the one who bought those plants..”

 

“Plants?”

 

“Yes, the ones that you thought were a gift from Lavanyaji, after your argument..”

 

 

“What?! Those were from you? I should have known! But they were expensive, how could you afford…Khushi, don’t look away, answer me!”

 

 

“I..I had some money..”

 

“Where did you get that money from?”

 

“It doesn’t matter anymore..”

 

Arnav went to her and tilted her chin up, looking into her eyes as if he would find the answer there.

 

“Tell me. Please.”

 

“I..I sold a gold bangle..”

 

“You what?! You did that, just so that Lavanya and I could get back together?”

 

 

“I couldn’t bear to think that the two of you separated because of my mistake..”

 

 

“Khushi, you’re too selfless for your own good. If it had been me, I would have been happy that there was a break up, giving me the freedom to get closer to you!”

 

 

“I never thought of you that way then!”

 

 

“Liar. We have always thought of each other that way. We just never realized it, never confronted the truth. Why else would you have tears in your eyes when you saw me hug her?”

 

 

Khushi was speechless again.

He was right, she had always been drawn to him, and that embrace with Lavanyaji had forced her to face that fact for the first time.

She hadn’t understood it then.

 

“I wasn’t sure..I never knew..”

 

“I know. You weren’t sure of what you felt. And I didn’t help matters by being a brute..”

 

“You’re not a brute now!”

 

“What am I , then?”

 

“You are..you are…Arnavji..”

 

“Your Arnavji?”

 

 

Khushi was drowning in the warmth of his eyes.

When had they come so close to each other?

 

“You are Laad Governor.”

 

 

“Can you do me a favor? Can you call me Arnav?”

 

 

“I..I can’t..”

 

 

“I would really like it if you do..I want to hear my name from your lips..”

 

 

“I..I’ll try…”

 

 

“Whenever you are ready, Khushi. There’s no hurry. “

 

 

She nodded.

 

Arnav looked around him, he had almost forgotten where they were.

The lights were really making the room hot now, and he was thirsty.

 

 

“Let’s go down to the cafeteria and get something to drink.”

 

 

They went  to the cafeteria, and opened two bottles of water.

Khushi took a sip of the cool liquid, and sighed.

She liked this.

The date, their conversation, the dance..

And the man.

She had always been drawn to him, had felt the attraction, and the beginnings of love.

 

But now, she actually liked him.

This man who acknowledged his mistakes, who was honest, with no pretense, and no games.

Well, except the game of seducing her, which he continued unintentionally even now..

Her eyes followed the line of his throat as he swallowed , and noticed that the first two buttons had been left unbuttoned.

She blushed.

And then almost choked on her own water, as he said,

 

 

“Why did you agree to marry Shyam?”

 

“What?”

 

“I know what he did  was all an act, Khushi. But you didn’t know that. And I know you had some feelings for me, even at that point. So why did you get engaged to him?”

 

Khushi knew she owed it to him to be as honest as he had been with her.

 

“I did it because my family wanted me to. Because they thought he was the best choice for me. And also because..”

 

 

“Because?”

 

“Because…because you said you’d marry Lavanya..that night, during Diwali..”

 

 

“So it was revenge?”

 

 

“No! It was just..I thought there wasn’t any hope anymore…”

 

 

Arnav felt a stab of guilt as his actions came back to haunt him.

He rose from his chair, pulled her up from hers, and held her close in an embrace.

 

They stayed that way for a while, each taking comfort from the fact that the other was here, with them, and no one else was between them.

 

The desire that was always in the background couldn’t be denied for too long, though, and Arnav pulled back to look into her eyes.

 

 

“I know you said we shouldn’t touch, but I can’t do this, Khushi. I can’t be near you, and not touch you. I’ve never been able to resist.”

 

Khushi nodded, unsure what she was agreeing to, and then closed her eyes as his lips touched hers.

 

This kiss was different , somehow, from all the others.

There was passion, and need, but there was also an acknowledgement of the other’s love.

They needed no words.

Just like their love needed no name.

 

 

Arnav knew he would lose control if he continued, and he didn’t want to jeopardise their new-found understanding.

He pulled away, and ran his finger down one pink cheek.

 

“I’ll take you home now, it’s late.”

 

 

There was silence on the drive back home , as they tried to come to terms with all that they had learned about each other.

Khushi unstrapped her seatbelt and stepped out of the SUV, not looking forward to saying goodbye.

 

“Khushi, there’s something I need to tell you. I know you need time, I know you have to think about all this before you decide, but you can’t stay here for too long before they start asking uncomfortable questions..there’s only so many excuses I can make, you know..”

 

“I know, but..”

 

 

“I did think of telling them the truth, that we aren’t married. But that would lead to the revelation of Nani’s plan, and I don’t want Nani to lose everyone’s respect and trust…not everyone will understand her motive, you know.”

 

 

“You are right, Arnavji…Can we manage one more day?”

 

“Of course. But only on one condition.”

 

“What?”

 

“I need a kiss, right now.”

 

 

 

 

Vimla Maasi was about to shut her window, when she saw a scandalous sight.

Khushi bitiya was pressed up against the front door of a big white car, her husband kissing her just like they did in the English movies!

She shook her head. The couples of today, they had no shame.

She continued watching until they finally came up for air, and Khushi bitiya ran to her door, turning to see him drive off.

Perhaps she should leave her window open, after all.

 

 

 

Arnav dropped his keys on his bed, and stepped out to the poolside.

He looked up at the sky and smiled.

His mission was almost complete, he could feel it.

This time, she would come to him of her own free will, no lies and no games between them.

And he would make sure he never hurt her again.

He thought of his plan for the next day, and his smile widened.

Khushi Kumari Gupta would love it, he was a hundred percent certain.

 

 

 

 

Khushi changed into her nightsuit and lay down, her thoughts still on the date.

Arnavji had opened up to her, and she had tried to be honest with him as well.

She still hadn’t been able to tell him she loved him, though.

She wondered what was holding her back.

It wasn’t just the pretend marriage, she had almost forgiven him for that, now that she understood his motivation.

She didn’t know what it was, but she couldn’t bring herself to confess yet.

She wanted a sign.

 

 

Her phone rang, startling her.

She looked at the clock, who could it be at 2:00 am?

She looked at the cellphone, and was shocked to see Arnavji’s name.

 

 

“Hello?”

 

“Hi.”

 

 

“Have you reached home, Arnavji?”

 

 

“Yes, some time back, actually. Were you asleep?”

 

 

“No..I wasn’t.”

 

 

“What are you doing?”

 

 

“I was just..thinking..”

 

 

“About me?”

 

 

“Yes. I mean, no! Why would I think about you?”

 

 

“Who were you thinking of, then?”

 

 

“Salmanji.”

 

 

“Really? And what were you thinking about him?”

 

 

“Just that..he’s so handsome.”

 

“Huh.”

 

 

“And he has all those muscles..”

 

 

“Khushi.”

 

 

“Yes?”

 

 

“Shut up.”

 

 

Khushi smiled. Was he jealous of Salmanji?

 

 

“If you didn’t want me to speak, why did you call me?”

 

 

“I just wanted to ask you what you were wearing.”

 

“What?!”

 

 

“Yes. Tell me.”

 

 

“Why do you want to know?”

 

 

“I just do. Now tell me.”

 

 

“I..I’m wearing my night suit..”

 

 

“Colour?”

 

“Blue..”

 

 

“And is your hair open?”

 

“No..”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Why are you asking me all this?”

 

 

“So that I can replace the vision in my mind, which isn’t letting me sleep.”

 

 

“What?”

 

“Yes. I have this image of you in that red nightgown we saw earlier today, with your long hair left unbound, and your back…”

 

 

“Stop! I’m putting the phone down!”

 

Arnav laughed.

 

 

“Wait! I did have something to ask you. What are you doing tomorrow?”

 

“Tomorrow? Nothing..well, except  for some papers which Rishiji wants me to sign..”He’s bringing them over in the morning.”

 

 

Arnav clenched his jaw at the mention of the other man.

Over the past few days, they had met each other a  number of times, and Vadra continued to be his usual flirtatious self.

On all those occasions, Arnav had been present, but tomorrow he had a meeting with some overseas clients that couldn’t be postponed.

Why was that idiot coming to her house, anyway?

 

“I’m coming there in the evening, be ready by five.”

 

 

“Where are we going?”

 

 

“You will know when you get there. Now go to bed, good night.”

 

Khushi stared at her phone, confused.

Why had he cut the call so abruptly?

She sighed. 

Laad Governor kahin ke!

 

 

 

 

Arnav awoke to the sound of his ringing phone.

 

 

“Yes, Aman?”

 

“They postponed the meeting? Why, dammit?”

 

“What do you mean, the delegates are sick? “

 

“Oh okay. Set up a new date and email me the details.”

 

Arnav put the phone down, irritated by the bad beginning to this day.

And then he realized that he had nothing to keep him from going over to Khushi’s place right now.

He took a quick shower, dressed in a black suit and navy shirt, and went downstairs to the dining room.

 

 

“Di, I’m not joining you all for breakfast today, I’m in a hurry.”

 

“But Chotey..”

 

Anjali was talking to his back.

 

 

 

 

Arnav hurried out to his SUV, anticipation running through his veins.

Today was the day.

He had it all planned out, he knew exactly what he was going to do.

He knew that Khushi still had some reservations about their relationship, and he hoped today would resolve all those issues.

He was confident, and excited, and couldn’t wait to meet her.

 

He broke a number of traffic rules while getting to Gupta house, and got there in record time.

Getting out of the SUV, he straightened his tie, and walked towards the front door.

 

His eyes were drawn by a movement on the front porch.

 

His movements slowed, then stopped completely.

 

 

 

Khushi was there.

 

But she was not alone.

 

Rishi Vadra had his arms around her in an embrace.

 

And she had her arms around him too.

 

 

 

 

 

***************************************

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS: I wish I could reply to all your wonderful comments, but time isn’t on my side! I have replied to some comments on page 44.

 

 

 

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Chapter 6 – First Date

“Why on earth have you brought me here?”

 

 

“You’ll find out in a minute. Now come with me!”

 

 

Khushi stepped out of the SUV and stared up at the facade of AR Designs. Why had he brought her to his office?

 

Arnav guided her in to the lobby, the office dark except for the few subdued lights scattered throughout.

 

Khushi gripped his hand tightly, her fear of the dark coming to the fore.

 

“It’s okay, the lights in my cabin are on.”

 

Khushi looked up at his cabin, and instantly memories assailed her. She remembered how she had felt while working here, the fear, the helplessness, the everyday battles she had to win if she needed to fulfil his contract.

Again, she wondered at his choice in bringing her here.

 

She stepped in to his office and looked around.

The office had obviously been renovated, but it still retained the same functionality, and the lack of personal effects was the same, too.

She had just opened her mouth to ask him what they were doing here, when her eyes fell on his desk.

She stared, arrested.

 

Arnav followed her line of sight and smiled.

 

She was looking at the framed photograph on his desk, a photo taken during their dance at Jiji’s sangeet. Her eyes were closed as she leaned back against him, and his head was bent close to hers. 

They looked like they were lost in each other,unaware of their surroundings.

She raised her eyes to his, asking him silently why he had it there.

 

“It’s there because I think during that dance, we both said what we needed to, without actually saying anything.”

 

Khushi couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

Was this Arnav Singh Raizada, or his long-lost twin? 

 

“I want you to sit in that chair.”

 

“In your chair? Why?”

 

“Khushi. Just stop asking so many questions, and do as I say, please?”

 

 

The ‘please’ spoken in that husky voice , did the trick, and Khushi found herself sitting in his chair behind his desk.

 

“Now what?”

 

“Now, I work for you.”

 

“What?!”

 

“Yes. Just for today, you are my boss.”

 

“Are you crazy?”

 

 

“About you, yes. Otherwise I’m generally considered to be an astute businessman.”

 

“What am I supposed to do?”

 

“Anything you want. You’re the boss, you get to order me around.”

 

“But..but why are you doing this?”

 

 

“Khushi, you were the one who wanted to start from the beginning. So here we are. I know I acted like an tyrant when you worked for me, so now, it’s your turn. You can make me do anything!”

 

 

“But I meant something else when I said that! I was talking about going out on a date, as if we just met..

 

 

“This is a date. An unusual one, but a date nevertheless. It’s just like or relationship, which certainly hasn’t been normal!”

 

“What?”

 

Arnav sighed.

 

 

“Khushi, I’ve given this some thought too, you know. What you wanted us to do would never work. We can’t just erase the past few months as if they never existed, and pretend we have just met! But we can start over, and I thought this would be a good place..”

 

 

Khushi didn’t know what to make of this, but she decided to play along for the moment.

 

“Okay…so what am I supposed to do?”

 

“Anything..you can ask me to do whatever you want.”

 

 

Khushi ignored the sensual invitation in his voice, and focused on what he was asking her to do.

If she was in his place, what would she want?

She realised that she was curious about his work. While she worked here, she had been an outsider, really, and her duities had mostly consisted of clerical work.

But now she wanted to know it all, what exactly did ASR do on a day-to-day basis? This was a fashion house, right? So that’s where she would start.

 

“I want to see the clothes you make here.”

 

“The clothes? You mean our collections?”

 

“Whatever you call them. I want to see some of those.”

 

 

She watched him think for a minute, and then his lips curved into a naughty smile.

She didn’t trust that smile, and was instantly wary.

 

“Come with me, boss lady.”

 

 

Khushi rose,and followed him out of the cabin, and across a corridor into a workroom.

She waited while he turned on the lights, and immediately saw the mannequins in the far end of the room, each life-size figure covered by a dust cloth.

 

“Are you sure you want to see our latest designs?”

 

Khushi looked at him. He was taking this very lightly. When he had been her boss, she had certainly not been like this around him!

 

“Mr.Raizada, remember I’m your boss. I already said I want to see these clothes. And I want you to tell me a little about them, too.”

 

Arnav smirked, and moved across the room to the first mannequin.

He pulled the dust cloth off with a flourish,  and turned to face her.

 

Khushi gasped.

The mannequin was hardly wearing anything!

 

“So, Madam Boss, this is the first piece of our Summer swimwear and Lingerie collection!”

 

“Wh..what? But there’s hardly anything there! Just..just three triangles of fabric! “

 

“That’s our showstopper swimsuit, Madam. Would you like to see the next one?’

 

Khushi looked at him, about to refuse.

And then, she noticed the challenge in his eyes. He expected her to feel embarassed, and back out.

She wouldn’t give him that satisfaction.

 

“Sure, go ahead!”

 

Arnav raised an eyebrow, reluctantly impressed.

He turned around, and uncovered the next mannequin.

This was from their nightwear line, a silk nightgown in a deep crimson shade, with an almost non-existent back.

From where Khushi was standing, he knew she could see that.

He turned around, and saw that her cheeks were an interesting shade of red.

 

“Wh..where would someone wear that?!”

 

“It’s a nightgown, Khushi. A woman would wear it to bed. Although, I’m not sure it would stay on for very long, if someone saw her in it..”

 

He watched Khushi lower her gaze , as her blush intensified.

He had a sudden vision of Khushi in that nightgown, her ivory skin a beautiful contrast to the deep red color, her long hair streaming down her back..

Khushi was twisting her pallu around her fingers now, her discomfort evident.

Arnav was instantly struck by guilt. This was supposed to be their first date, he didn’t want her to be uncomfortable!

 

He went up to her and raised her chin with one finger.

 

“Khushi, let me show you something else. I’m sure you’ll like this much better.”

 

He took her by the hand, led her back to his cabin, and seated her in his chair again.

He pulled a leather-bound portfolio from a drawer and came to stand in front of her.

 

“This is a personal project of mine, Khushi. I’ve been working on it for a few weeks now. I’m no designer, but I did have some ideas, and I had my chief designer sketch them out for me. They are for a very special client. Take a look, and tell me what you think..”

 

Khushi took the portfolio, and opened it.

The very first sketch made her gasp out loud.

The woman was wearing a red chiffon saree, very similar to the one she wore during Diwali! Except this was different, it had more embellishments along the border, and the pallu, somehow making it more beautiful, more special..

She quickly flipped through the other pages.

And quickly realised one thing.

Most of the dresses were inspired by something she had worn in the past.

 He had taken the basic design, and added his own touches to them,made a few changes,and made them truly  unique pieces that looked so fashionable!

And there were others, completely new pieces, including some of the most beautiful sarees she had ever seen.

She looked up at him, her  gaze filled with wonder.

 

“You..you remembered so many dresses wore..and you made everything different, and special..why?”

 

“Of course I remembered. I remember everything about you, from the first time we met. And I had these designed for you, I tried to keep it similar to what you wear, but added those things that we normally use in our own designs. Do you like them?”

 

“I love them! They are so..me, but still different..but why?”

 

“Because I wanted to give this to you as a wedding gift. A whole new wardrobe. I wanted you to wear these clothes, and know that I had played some part in creating them..Does that sound crazy?”

 

Khushi laughed. 

“It does, but I like it! 

 

“Like I said, I was going to give them to you as a gift. But  now, I’ve changed my mind.”

 

“What?”

 

“Yes. It’s no longer a gift. You’ll have to pay for them.”

 

“Pay for them? But..but I haven’t got the money from my  inheritance yet!”

 

“Who said anything about money?”

 

Khushi met his gaze, and suddenly realized how close he was, his legs almost brushing hers as she sat in his chair.

She leaned back as he put one hand on either side  of her, and bent down until his face was inches from hers.

 

“Payment can take many forms, you know..”

 

His breath now fanned her lips, and Khushi closed her eyes, her senses reeling under the onslaught.

His lips touched hers, moving over them lightly.

He moved back again, checking her response.

 

That brief pause gave Khushi some room to breathe.

She suddenly remembered her earlier resolve, how could she have forgotten?

She slid out from the chair, and turned to face a surprised Arnav.

 

“I..I need to tell you  something..”

 

Arnav sighed.He needed to stop making her uncomfortable, and to do that, he had to keep his urges under control for the time being.

 

“Khushi, it’s okay..Come, I have a surprise for you..”

 

 

Khushi opened her mouth to speak, but couldn’t find the words, and ended up following him out of the room.

 

They went across to the conference room, and Arnav held the door open for her.

 

“After you, madam!”

 

Khushi stepped into the darkened room, and waited for Arnav  to turn on the lights.

Her eyes widened in surprise as the room was revealed.

 

Bouquets of white and red roses were placed on the various surfaces, and a center table held a dinner service.

The conference room had been converted into an intimate restaurant for two.

 

“I know I could have booked a table at a real restaurant, but I wanted more privacy. And time. I didn’t want a waiter breathing down my neck, telling me it’s closing time! And I also wanted our dinner to be free of all interruptions. So here we have, Restaurant Raizada!”

 

Khushi laughed, and stepped forward.

Arnav pulled out a chair for her, waited till she sat down, and then seated himself in the opposite chair.

 

He proceeded to open the various dish covers, and Khushi received her second big shock for the evening.

She recognised the selection, all the dishes were the same ones she had ordered at the Dhaba!

 

“You remembered this too?”

 

“I told you, Khushi, I hardly forget anything about you.”

 

Khushi enjoyed the meal, and enjoyed his lighthearted comments even more.

She hadn’t seen this side of him before, and she cherished every moment.

 

When they were done, Arnav reached for the final covered dish, and opened it.

 

“No meal for Khushi Kumari Gupta is complete without Jalebis, of course.”

 

 

Khushi’s mouth watered. She reached out to take one, but he pulled the dish out of her reach.

 

“No you don’t! I’m going to do everything for you today, including feed you these..”

 

“But I can eat them myself..”

 

“I know. But I want to do this. I always have…”

 

 

Before she could protest further, he had placed a jalebi against her lips.

 

She opened her mouth to take a bite, and closed her eyes in bliss as the sweetness spread over her tongue.

 

When she opened them again, she saw his gaze fixed on her mouth

 

His gaze darkened as she unconsciously licked her lips.

 

He fed her another bite, his hungry eyes still trained on her lips.

 

Khushi was mesmerised by the desire in those caramel depths.

 

She felt a drop of syrup run down the corner of her lips, and lifted her hand to wipe it off.

 

“Wait..”

 

He leaned forwards until his lips almost touched hers, and  licked the away the moisture with his tongue.

 

“There, all clean now.”

 

Khushi jumped out of her chair, flustered.

It was happening again!

He touched her, and she forgot everything else!

 

“Khushi, come here.”

 

“Why?”

 

“I want to dance with you.”

 

“Dance? “

 

“Yes. Now,come here please.”

 

Khushi hesitated. She had to talk to him, but maybe it could wait until after the dance?

She remembered being in his arms during their dance at the sangeet. She wanted to feel those sensation again, experience the same emotions..and here was her  chance!

 

Arnav  turned on the CD player, and a beautiful instrumental tune began playing.

He held his hand out to her, and pulled her close as she placed her hand in his.

 

They started dancing slowly, their movements in sync with each other, their eyes never leaving the other’s.

Arnav tightened his hold around her bare waist, registering the silky feel of her warm skin.

He wanted to kiss her , and lose himself in her.

But this wasn’t the time, or place.

She had opened up to him this evening, but he knew he still had a long way to go before winning her over.

He hadn’t forgotten his aim of making her see that he had changed, that he was no longer the monster she had thought him to be.

He knew that their past was holding her back, and he needed to talk to her about that..

If only he could stop getting distracted by her scent, her touch, her very presence!

He took a deep breath.

He could do this.

He was ASR, dammit!

 

“Khushi, I need to talk to you about a few things.”

 

Khushi glanced up as the trance-like state she had found herself in was broken by his sudden statement.

 

“Arnavji?”

 

“There are some things you should know..about my previous behaviour..”

 

 

“What things?”

 

 

“Things like…do you know what I was thinking when you fell off that ramp into my arms? All I could think was, how dare this woman disrupt my fashion show, and how dare she have the most luscious lips I’ve ever seen?”

 

 

“What?!”

 

“I was staring at your lips the whole time. You had an intense effect on me from the beginning, Khushi, don’t you know? And I hated it.”

 

“Hated it?”

 

 

“Yes. You made me feel out of control, helpless, angry…you just plain made me feel. I had closed myself off to all emotions for so long, and then you came in, and made me experience all those again, and I just hated it. And hated you for making me feel that way. That’s why I was so furious, so rude and so harsh whenever I met you after that, specially when you turned up in my office!”

 

“I never knew that was the reason..”

 

 

“Yes, it was. And here, I had to see you everyday, arousing those same feelings, and challenging me at every turn! I’m not making excuses for my actions, Khushi, I’m just trying to explain what I went through..I know I did some unforgiveable things, how could I have done something as cruel as dropping you from the first floor, I’ll never know!”

 

 

Khushi didn’t know what to say.

She had always thought of that time as a horrible, traumatic experience, but now she saw it from a different perspective.

His protective shell had been damaged, and he had lashed out at her for that..

She didn’t condone his actions, but she understood his side now.

Since they were talking about that time, she had one big question that always bothered her..maybe she could ask him now?

 

“And what about Lavanyaji?”

 

 

“Lavanya? That was a huge mistake, Khushi. When I first met her, her most attractive trait was that she made no demands. I liked that about her then. But when I brought her into Shantivan, my reasons were different. At that point, I think it became more a question of defying Nani, and not so much about Lavanya herself. I certainly never intended to marry her, and she knew that. But then..that time we spent at the poolside on Diwali..something snapped in me. I couldn’t believe I’d been about to kiss you. I was confused, and overwhelmed, and ended up making a hasty decision that will haunt me forever. I announced that I would marry Lavanya, and I know this was unfair to her. But you were the reason behind that, too.”

 

“Me?!”

 

 

“Yes. I was running from you, from what you made me feel. And then , when I found out about your engagement, I lost it. It became my goal to punish you in every way I could think of. I’m not proud of that time, Khushi..”

 

Arnav realised that this kind of conversation was alien to him, he certainly hadn’t done anything like this before!

He couldn’t deny that it gave him immense satisfaction, and made him feel lighter, and happier than he had felt in weeks, when he saw the doubts beginning to fade from those hazel eyes.

 

 

And so they continued dancing, and Arnav continued to talk.

He told her how happy he was when he learned of her broken engagement, and how he had broken up with Lavanya just before that.

He talked about the things he had done for her during Akash’s wedding ceremonies, the mad dash behind the ambulance, the bangles..

 

And Khushi heard it all, and savored every word, her heart feeling lighter as he continued.

 

Eventually they stopped dancing, and just looked at each other, a new understanding blossoming in place of distrust and doubt.

 

Slowly, awareness of their proximity crept in, and both knew what would happen next.

 

The kiss took no one by surprise.

 

Khushi’s arms wound around his neck as he plundered her lips, gentleness forgotten in the need to get as close as humanly possible.

Her body was crushed to his, both fitting together like two halves of a whole.

 

And still, the kiss continued.

Arnav walked her backwards without breaking the kiss, till her legs hit the conference table.

He leaned her over the table, and moved his lips down to the pulse beating madly at her neck.

His hand left her waist to travel upwards, and he lightly cupped her breast.

 

The new touch brought Khushi back to her sense abruptly.

This was exactly what she had been afraid of!

She pushed him off herself with a jerk, and rolled off  the table.

She adjusted her saree with shaking fingers, buying some time to calm herself.

 

“Khushi? What’s wrong?”

 

She took a deep breath and turned to face him.

The next moment, she wished she hadn’t.

She may not know a lot about all this, but she did know when a man was aroused.

 

She quickly raised her eyes to his, and said,

 

“We need to stop doing this!”

 

“Why?”

 

“Why?! Because it isn’t right! We’re not married! And also because this keeps distracting us from talking and clearing the air!”

 

Arnav was about to deliver a scathing retort, but stopped when he saw the fear in her eyes.

She expected him to lash out, to be furious.

He took a deep breath and counted to ten.

 

 

“So, what do you want, Khushi? No more kissing?”

 

“No! And no touching, either!”

 

 

“No touching? Really? Okay, I can do that, I guess. But what about you?”

 

 

“Me?”

 

 

“What if you want to touch me?”

 

 

“I don’t!”

 

 

Arnav’s eyes glittered at the challenge.

He would do this.

He would keep his hands off her.

And he would force her to make the first move.

 

 

“Okay, Khushi, whatever you want. You’re the Boss, remember?”

 

 

Khushi was suspicious about his easy acceptance. She had expected a fight.

 

“There’s one more item on the agenda for tonight. Come with me..”

 

 

Khushi followed him again, downstairs this time.

They stepped into the studio, and Khushi remembered the photoshoot she had been forced to do.

Apparently, he remembered the same thing, because he said,

 

“Turnabout is fair play, Khushi. I made you pose for the shoot that day, today it’s your chance.”

 

“Mine?”

 

“Yes. I pose, you shoot. With the camera, of course.”

 

Khushi smiled. She could do this, it would be fun!

 

She walked over to the camera, and listened while he explained how it worked.

She adjusted the lights while he went over to the sofa in the center.

 

This was the best idea he had had all night, she would enjoy taking pictures of him!

She could take them home and frame them, just like he had done.

Busy in her thoughts, she turned around to face him, and froze in shock.

 

 

 

“Why have you taken off your shirt?!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**************************************************

 

 

 

PS: The song they were dancing to is the instrumental Rabba Vey.

 

My replies to some of your comments on page 37.

 

 

 

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Chapter 5 – Challenges

 

“Sheetal? What are you doing here?”

 

 

“I know you told me to return to Delhi , ASR, but something has come up..”

 

 

“Could it wait? I’m busy right now.”

 

 

“ASR, this is important.It concerns Ms.Gupta too.”

 

 

Khushi looked up at the severe-looking, middle aged woman dressed in a black suit, her graying hair pulled into a tight bun.

 

 

“Me?”

 

 

“Yes, Ma’am, it has to do with..”

 

 

“That’s enough! You can tell me, let’s go inside.”

 

 

“Arnavji? What’s going on? Who is she?”

 

 

“I’m Sheetal Mishra , Ma’am, retired CBI officer, now head of AR’s security team…”

 

 

“If you’re done with presenting your CV, can we go inside so you can give me your report?”

 

 

“This is not about a report, ASR. If you remember, I told you about the lawyer representing the trust board who wanted to meet Ms.Gupta? Apparently there was some miscommunication, and he came here to Lucknow instead of meeting her in Delhi.”

 

 

“Miscommunication?! Fire whoever did that! “

 

 

“ASR, that won’t solve anything, he’s here now.”

 

 

“Fine! Khushi, come back inside, let’s finish this soon so we can leave.”

 

 

Khushi nodded, and followed him back to the Mahal,

She watched Arnav head into the living room with Sheetalji, now joined by two men , also dressed in the same black suits.

She suddenly remembered Salmanji’s film, Bodyguard, and the thought brought a smile to her lips for the first time in hours.

 

Stepping in to the living room, she saw the man seated on the armchair rise and approach them, a smile on his face.

 

“Good morning! I’m the legal rep of the trust board, nice to meet you!”

 

 

ASR took the business card from the lawyer and glanced at it briefly.

 

 

“Rishi Bankelal Vadra?”

 

 

“Yes, that’s me, and you must be Mr. Raizada? “

 

 

 

Arnav disliked Rishi Vadra on sight.

When he was told to expect a visit from the trust’s lawyers, he had expected an old, experienced, battle-axe.

 

Not this guy, who looked like he had stepped off a fashion runway.

Who had hired him anyway?

His clothes weren’t too bad either, that suit was quite similar to many he owned.

Good manners dictated that he move forward and shake hands with him, and he did so, irritated to discover that Vadra was taller than him.

 

 

“Mr.Raizada, a pleasure. And you must be Ms.Gupta? I can tell you right now, my purpose in making this visit has been fulfilled already!”

 

“Please call me Khushi, Mr.Vadra. And what do you mean?”

 

“Khushi it is. Which means that you should call me Rishi. See, Khushi, I was sent here by the trustees to start the process of verifying your identity. But I can see , that’s completely unnecessary. Someone as beautiful as you could only be a princess!”

 

 

Arnav stiffened. Was this man flirting?

He glanced at Khushi, whose cheeks were pink now, and she had a shy smile on her lips  as she sat down.

What the!

 

“So, Khushi, I’ve been told that you wish to remain ignorant of your birth name. I have to tell you, that’s not going to be possible, because that name , as well as those of your parents, is mentioned in these papers, several times.”

 

Khushi nodded, seemingly overwhelmed.

Arnav went to her, and took the seat next to her, placing his arm around her shoulder.

 

“It’s okay, Khushi. You can do this. It’s just a name, think of it that way.”

 

Khushi looked up at him and nodded again, her gaze moving back to Vadra almost immediately.

Arnav seethed.

Why did that man have to look like that, dammit?

And what was wrong with Khushi, staring at him that way?

 

He saw Vadra’s gaze move from Khushi’s face to Arnav’s arm around her shoulders.

He raised a questioning eyebrow.

 

“I need to know something upfront. I’m sorry if I’m being intrusive, but this is important. In cases like these, we need to know about all immediate family members too.

So, Mr.Raizada, how are you two related?”

 

Arnav opened his mouth to tell him that Khushi was his wife, but remembered just in time that it wasn’t true.

Yet.

 

“I..she is..we..live together..”

 

“I think I understand. I did notice that she has no mangalsutra, no sindoor. So, is this a live-in relationship?”

 

“What? No!”

 

“Oh. Then, a girlfriend, or fiance, perhaps?”

 

“No, not yet..I mean..”

 

Arnav faltered to a stop as he realized something important.

He had desired her, loved her, pursued her, and tried to make her his for months now.

But he had never given their relationship a name.

He had never given a name, an identity to his love.

He hadn’t even tried.

 

 

Khushi spoke up, her voice sounding loud in the sudden, uncomfortable silence. 

 

“We are related by marriage, Rishiji. My sister is married to his brother.”

 

Was it his imagination, or did he see a satisfied light enter the man’s eyes?

 

“Okay, then! Let’s get started on the process on making you a very rich woman, Khushi!”

 

 

The next half hour was pure torture for Arnav.

Every word uttered by that moron Vadra seemef flirtatious, and Khushi wasn’t doing anything to stop him, either.

Were all her sarcastic retorts reserved for him, dammit?

 

As he waited for them to finish, Arnav realised two things.

 

While he had been the one to break the news to her in the first place, actually seeing her sign the papers brought home the fact that she was actually a princess.

Maybe not in this day or time, but those were her bloodlines.

Which meant that all his taunts, his cruel words about her class, her status, had come back to bite him.

He felt like an idiot.

A cruel, insensitive idiot.

A cruel, insensitive idiot , who was steadily going crazy with jealousy.

 

Secondly, he had no claim on Khushi, legal, or otherwise.

Khushi, who was beauty, and grace personified.

Khushi, who was now an heiress.

Khushi, who was easy prey for handsome gold-diggers like that Vadra obviously was.

He seethed in silence.

 

Finally, all the paperwork was done, and Vadra took his leave, holding on to Khushi’s hand longer than was strictly necessary.

 

Arnav had reached boiling point by then.

He didn’t waste a moment in going up to Khushi,

In a fraction  of a second, he had Khushi pinned to the wall, holding her arms in a bruising grip.

 

“What the hell do you think you are doing?”

 

“Me? What are you talking about?”

 

“I’m talking about that idiot Vadra! He was flirting with you constantly,and you did nothing to discourage him, just stood there blushing! Don’t you realize he’s obviously got his eyes on your money? He was…”

 

“Stop right there! Firstly,I dont think he was flirting at all, I just think he was being kind and attentive! And also, are you saying that the only reason someone would want to know me is because of my new-found wealth?”

 

“No! That’s not what I meant! He was flirting, dammit! And why were you staring at him all the while?”

 

“Where else should I look when he’s addressing me?”

 

“You could have glanced at me, atleast once!”

 

“I couldn’t!”

 

“What? Why? Because you think he’s more good-looking?”

 

“No! Because looking at you makes me unsettled! I can’t concentrate on anything else!”

 

Arnav stilled.

What was she trying to say?

He suddenly realised how strong his grip was, and relaxed his hands.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I..I…nothing!”

 

“Why do I unsettle you, Khushi?”

 

His voice had dropped to a whisper, and unbidden, the memories of their kiss in the rain came back to hover between them.

 

Both gazes dropped to the other’s lips simultaneously.

 

Arnav bent his head towards her, his intention clear.

 

Khushi made no move to stop him.

 

His lips touched hers , softly.

He raised his head, his eyes asking her permission to continue.

 

 

Someone clearing their throat loudly broke the charged moment.

 

“Sorry to intrude, but that report is ready, and you asked to be informed immediately, ASR.”

 

 

Arnav sighed.

When would he have some time alone with her?

 

“Sheetal, you have great timing. Okay, let’s hear it.”

 

 

Khushi took the opportunity to leave the room while ASR was occupied with his team.

 

She was too restless to stay indoors, but she didn’t want to go out to the courtyard either.

The memories of the rain yesterday still had the power to make her blush.

 

So where, then?

 

The terrace, maybe?

 

She got lost trying to find the stairs that led upstairs. After making a couple of wrong turns, she finally found them, and started climbing.

This Mahal was huge! That thought led her to think about what Rishiji had said about her mother’s inheritance. Although she hadn’t wanted any more information then, she now admitted to herself that she was curious, and would like to know more…

She had so many plans about what she would do with the money for Amma, Bauji and Buaji..

 

Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice the little girl running down the stairs, and collided with her.

Both fell on the stair landing, with Khushi taking the brunt of the fall.

 

“Are you allright?”

 

“I am fine, Madamji..and you?”

 

Now that she saw her face, Khushi recognised her as the little daughter of the maid, whom she had seen her running around the gardens yesterday.

She opened her mouth to reassure her, but the little girl’s loud exclamation stopped her.

 

“Madamji! You are hurt! Just look at your arms!”

 

Puzzled, Khushi looked down at her arms, her eyes widening as she realised what the girl was looking at.

 

“No..that’s not from the fall..that’s from..from..”

 

“I understand,Madamji..I know how you got them. Sometimes my Mother has those kind of marks on her arms too, when my Father returns home drunk.”

 

Khushi looked at the girl, speechless, unsure how to respond.

 

 

 

Neither of them noticed the man standing at the bottom of the stairs, staring down at his hands as if he would stab them.

 

 

 

Arnav was angry.

Angry at himself for repeating his mistakes, even after he realised what he had done wrong.

Angry for being unable to stop hurting her, the one woman he wanted to protect with his life.

And also angry with her, for making him crazy, and muddling his thought-processes to this extent!

 

His emotions, which he had never paid any attention to before, seemed to be on  a roller-coaster ride, swinging wildly from guilt, to desire, to anger, and back to passion again!

He needed to regain control of himself, where was the cool, level-headed businessman, who had a plan for every eventuality?

He needed to be that man again, if he had to win back Khushi.

Nothing he did seemed to be working so far, and he was out of ideas.

He decided he would do what she wanted him to do.

Usually, he had no faith in her plans, they all seemed crazy at first glance, but they worked!

So that’s what he would do.

She wanted to make a fresh start, and begin anew?

He could do that.

He didn’t think she realized what she was asking, though.

Going back to the time they met, meant bringing back ASR.

 

Arnav would have to take a backseat.

 

There was one big difference, though.

This time, ASR was in love.

His shaatir dimaag would now be used to make the biggest merger of his life.

 

He laughed.

Khushi probably didn’t know it, but he thrived on challenges.

And he would win this one, and her.

He was Arnav Singh Raizada, after all!

 

 

 

Khushi didn’t know what to expect as she got into the helicopter.

That tender kiss earlier had unnerved her.

She looked at Arnav as he helped her buckle the seatbelt.

 

Something was different about him.

He looked…confident, was the word that sprung to her mind.

What was going on in that head of his?

 

His husky voice broke into her thoughts.

 

“I agree.”

 

“Wh..what?”

 

“I’m willing to go along with your plan. No past, no hangups, just a fresh start. Strangers meeting for the first time, is that right?”

 

 

“That’s not..exactly what I meant..”

 

 

“Oh? I thought it’s what you wanted, a clean slate?”

 

“I do, but..”

 

“You got it. So shall we begin? Hi, I’m Arnav Singh Raizada, and I think you are the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen!”

 

 

“What?! “

 

 

“It’s true, you know. That’s what I would have said, if we had met under normal circumstances.”

 

“No, you wouldn’t! You would have made some cutting remark about my dress, or style or something!”

 

“Why do you wear these glittery clothes anyway?”

 

“I like colours. And sparkle. Unlike other people who are happy wearing black all their life!”

 

 

“I’m not the only person making snide comments, you know. And anyway, you look beautiful today. Where did you find this saree?”

 

“It’s Preeto’s…Ouch!”

 

“Khushi? What’s wrong?”

 

“I think..I think my payal is caught on something..”

 

 

“Stop squirming, let me see!”

 

Arnav unbuckled his seatbelt, and knelt at her feet.

He soon saw the problem, her payal was caught on the bar protruding under the seat.

He unhooked it, and gently rubbed her ankle where the skin had turned red.

 

He heard her gasp, and looked up.

She was staring at him with  wide eyes  and parted lips.

 

He looked down at her foot again, so delicate and feminine.

He gently rubbed her ankle again, and then made his way higher, lifting her saree as he went.

She gasped again, louder this time.

 

“Arnavji?”

 

“Arnav. Just…Arnav..”

 

He looked up at her again, his hand now gently massaging the back of her knee.

 

She opened her mouth, but no words emerged.

 

“Do you have any idea what you do to me?”

 

“Wh..what?”

 

“Do you have any idea how difficult it is for me to keep from touching you when  you are near?”

 

Khushi clutched her hand to her chest.

The Dhak-dhak was back again!

 

“I think you know, Khushi. Because you feel it too..”

 

Khushi shook her head frantically, her heart racing madly now.

 

“Yes, you do. You feel the same pull towards me that I feel for you. You feel it now, and you have felt it before. You even felt it when you hated me.”

 

He moved his hand higher, and this time, Khushi  clutched his hand to stop it moving upwards.

 

“You will always be drawn to me, Khushi. Do you know why?”

 

Khushi shook her head again, the power of speech seemed to have deserted her.

 

“It’s simple. Because you love me. You may not have said the words. but I know the truth.”

 

 

Arnav removed his hand from her leg and settled back into his seat.

 

 

“I have agreed to your plan, Khushi..But know this, the methods will be mine. I will go about this my way. And you will like it.”

 

 

He took her hand in his, raised it to his lips, and pressed a lingering kiss to her palm.

 

 

“And at the end, you will be mine. Forever.”

 

 

Khushi remained speechless all the way back to Delhi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four days later

 

 

“Have you seen my purse, Amma?”

 

 

“It must be in your room, why are you looking for it in the kitchen, Sanka Devi?”

 

 

 

Khushi ran back to her room, and found her purse on the dresser.

She was almost ready, if only she could find those earrings now!

 

The past four days had been a whirlwind of events.

 

When they returned to Shantivan, Arnavji had taken control again, this time with the intention of getting her back home, as she had asked.

He had told everyone that he had brought her back, they had settled their argument,and that she would go back for a few days for her Pag Pheras.

Everyone had readily agreed, surprised by the fact that Arnavji was aware of these rituals.

She had come home, and since then, the formalities of the trust had taken up most of their time.

She had seen Arnavji everyday, but they had always been surrounded by others, including his team, and the trust’s lawyers.

 

A lot had changed, though.

Amma had started weeping when she found out what Khushi knew.

Apparently, Garima had adopted her from a small orphanage, after finding out that she couldn’t have children.

She had lied about Khushi being her sister’s daughter in order to avoid uncomfortable questions.

Khushi had reassured her, telling her that she knew how lucky she was to have her for a mother.

Bauji had told them to stop crying and start thinking of what all they could do with the money, and suggested that Khushi could buy all the Sweet shops in the city if she wanted!

This had broken the tense moment, and everyone had laughed.

Khushi was happy on that front.

 

Arnavji was another matter.

They had not had any time together since Lucknow.

She had no idea what he was thinking, or what he planned to do.

That was about to change, though.

He had called earlier today to let her know that he would pick her up in the evening at seven. She had asked him where they were going, but he wouldn’t tell her.

That was why she was getting dressed now.

 

She was still angry with him for the games he had played with her, but she had to grudgingly admit that he was trying very hard to be a different man from before.

She wasn’t quite ready to forgive him completely, her hurt ran too deep for that.

But she was going in to this with an open mind, and heart,

Although she did have one condition.

She wondered how he would react to that.

 

She jumped when she heard the knock on the door, and almost tripped in her haste to answer it.

 

She opened the door and stared at him, the Dhak dhak back with a vengeance.

 

 

 

“Hi.”

 

“You are late.”

 

“I know. Traffic was bad. Shall we go?”

 

 

Garima came out at that moment.

 

“Bitwa, Namaste! Won’t you come in for tea?”

 

“No, Aunty, some other time. Thank you!”

 

 

Khushi followed him out to the SUV, and got in on the passenger side.

 

She waited until he was seated and then asked,

 

“Where are we going?’

 

 

“You’ll know soon enough.”

 

 

He wouldn’t say another word on the topic for the rest of the drive.

 

As they got nearer, Khushi began to recognise landmarks.

 

She knew this area, she had been here before…

Were they going to…

 

 

The next moment, her suspicions were confirmed as he brought the SUV to a stop.

 

 

She turned to him, suprised at his choice.

 

 

“Why on earth have you brought me here?”

 

 

 

 

 

                             **********************************

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS: So that’s my little revenge! Sheetal is neither positive, nor negative. She’s just…insignificant.

Take that, CVs!

 

 

New readers, please buddy me for PMs when I update.

 

Chapter 4 – Rain

“Rani Sahiba?!! Why would she say that about me?”

 

 

“She was not talking about you, Khushi. Apparently, you look just like your mother, and Dadi was referring to her…”

 

 

“My Mother was called Rani Sahiba?!!”

 

 

“In the elite circles of their society, yes. Dadi said that  she was the last living descendant of an ancient line of royalty, apparently this wasn’t common knowledge.”

 

Khushi stared up at him, stunned.

 

And then, she stood up and shoved him back, hitting his chest with her hands.

 

 

“Liar!! You are lying again! “

 

 

She shoved him one more time.

 

 

“I thought you were done with your games!”

 

 

 

Another shove, more forceful this time.

 

 

“How can you just stand there, and lie about my dead mother? Do you think I’m stupid? Don’t think I would have known that about my mother? I was eight years old! I would have remembered something!”

 

 

Khushi moved to push him once again, but this time, he was ready.

He pulled her towards him until she collided with his chest, and held her with firm hands while she fought him wildly.

 

 

“Let me go, you lying b…”

 

 

 

“Khushi! Stop this! “

 

 

Khushi managed to free one hand, and raised it toslap him.

But Arnav reacted in time, and recaptured her hand.

 

 

 

“Khushi, stop! You have to listen to me! I’m not lying, why would I?! “

 

 

Khushi stopped struggling and stared up at him.

 

Could it be possible?

Could there be even a tiny bit of truth in what he was saying?

 

Could she trust anything he said?

 

 

Arnav took the opportunity to lift her in his arms and place her back on the sofa.

He got down on his knees in front of her, took both her hands in his, and looked into her wild eyes, hazel blurred by angry tears.

 

 

“Khushi, please, you have to believe me. I know this is difficult for you, you have had to face a lot over the past few days, and it’s all my fault. But  this is important. And you have to trust me on this. I probably have no right to ask you to have faith in me, but this is real. This is the truth. Trust me!”

 

 

Trust him? Khushi didn’t know if she could do that, after everything that had happened.

 

And yet, what reason could he have for lying about this?

 

 

“I’m listening.”

 

 

Arnav sighed.

 

 

“Thank you. And before I tell you anything, please remember, I only know what Dadi told me. But I have my team looking into the details, we should know more soon…”

 

 

Khushi nodded, still unable to believe any of it.

 

 

“Your mother was the descendant of  a royal line, she had no other family, no one remains of that lineage. Of course, in our times, royalty is just  a word, and the title is just a name. That was the case for her as well. Only the ones close to her called her Rani Sahiba. And after her marriage, no one really remembered that name. But just think about it, Khushi, if you were born a hundred years ago, you would have been a princess!”

 

 

 

“I still don’t believe this. I do have some memories of my parents, I do know we lived a simple life, in a small house, and no one called her that!”

 

 

“Like I said, it wasn’t common knowledge. The few who did know, stopped calling her that after her marriage. And yes, your mother did have an inheritance, but the Government laid claim to it, and the case has been in court for years now…The members of the trust have been looking for you , they have some keepsakes belonging to your mother. But I think their search has not been very diligent, to say the least…”

 

 

Khushi tried to absorb all this information he was throwing at her, with no respite.

She didn’t know what to feel.

Her mother was a royal?

She suddenly realised it made no difference to her.

 

What did affect her was the revelation of exactly how her parents died.

She had known about the car crash, but not the events preceding it.

 

She was suddenly overwhelmed by grief for what could have been.

She had been that little girl, smiling at her mother, talking to her father…and then, it was all gone, forever.

 

Her heart ached for the parents she didn’t remember, the life she would never have.

 

The tears flowed, fast and furious.

 

In the next moment, she stopped herself from going down the tortorous path of what might have been, and wiped away her tears with jerky movements.

 

She had been luckier than most, she had her Amma and Bauji! 

They had loved her, cherished her as their own, and she had never once felt like an outsider.

To mourn now, to cry and grieve, just felt like a betrayal of their lifetime of selfless love.

 

She probably would always feel a pang of loss when she thought of her parents, but all her life, Amma and Bauji were the parents she had known, loved and respected, and it would stay that way, she would make sure of it!

 

 

“Khushi, Dadi did tell me what your name was, she had never met you, but she heard it from your mother. It was…”

 

 

“NO!! I don’t want to hear it! I am Khushi Kumari Gupta, and I always will be! “

 

 

“I know that, Khushi, but don’t you want to know..”

 

 

“I said no! Not right now..Maybe someday, maybe never! It’s my decision to make, not yours!”

 

 

Arnav nodded.

He wouldn’t push her further, the day had been taxing enough.

It was time to end this.

 

“I think you should probably get some rest now, I’ll have someone take you back..”

 

Khushi looked at him, really looked at him, for the first time since he came for her.

 

His face was drawn and haggard, he looked like he was facing the fires of hell.

His eyes held so much sadness, her heart involuntarily lurched in sympathy.

 

Why did he look like this?

 

And then, it all clicked in place.

 

 

“You think I hold you responsible, don’t you?”

 

“What?”

 

 

“For my parent’s deaths. You think I’m going to blame you, and your family, for what happened all those years ago!”

 

 

“Khushi, I am responsible for most of your grief over the past few months..I know now, I have been a monster. There are no words to convey how sorry I am that I did those things to you…And now it turns out that my mother was responsible for causing the events that led up to that car crash! Of course, I feel responsible! “

 

 

“Were you driving the car?”

 

 

“What ? What are you talking about?”

 

 

“The car that crashed,were you driving it?”

 

 

“What kind of question is that? Of course not!”

 

 

“Did you pull the trigger?”

 

 

“Khushi, stop this…”

 

 

“Answer me!”

 

 

“No!!”

 

 

“Did you spread the scandalous news around Lucknow?”

 

 

“Khushi, I was just a boy…”

 

 

“Exactly! You were just a boy! You were caught in a web of circumstances that were not of your doing! So how can I possibly hold you responsible for it?  But of course, you are ASR. Everything has to be about you, the world revolves around you, you are the cause and effect of everything, right?”

 

Arnav winced.

 

If you looked at it that way, his guilt merely sounded stupid.

He had agonised over it ever since he found out, torturing himself with the possibility that she would hate him for it, and leave him forever..and here she was, showing him just how mistaken he was!

He felt  foolish, relieved, and glad, all at once.

 

But he just wasn’t used to this sarcastic Khushi, dammit!

 

 

“Khushi I…”

 

 

Whatever he was about to say was cut short by the ring of his cellphone.

He took it out with the intent to  turn it off, but paused when he saw the name of the caller.

 

 

 

 

He listened for a few minutes, his expression changing from confused to astounded, and then cut the call.

 

He looked at Khushi, who was staring at him curiously.

 

 

“That was the head of my security team..she just found put something from the board of trustees..Khushi, I think you should sit down..”

 

 

“What? Why?”

 

“Khushi, the court case I was telling you about? Apparently that was a battle being fought by several families of different royal lineages..and now they have won!”

 

“Won? So what? Why are you telling me..”

 

 

“Don’t you get it? I told you, your mother had an inheritance, it consisted of several properties, jewellery and antiques which were acquired by the government. But now, the case is over, and they will be returned to the living heirs. In this case, it’s you!”

 

 

“Me?”

 

 

“You’re a heiress. Khushi!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arnav stepped out of the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist.

He pulled a white shirt and blue jeans out of his suitcase and began to dress as he thought about Khushi’s reaction to the shocking news..

She had stared at him for a moment, sitting down abruptly while continued explaining what would happen next, the meetings with lawyers to establish her identity, and then with the trustees to file the claim.

She had heard everything silently, and then stood up suddenly, saying she wanted to go home, to her Amma and Bauji.

Arnav had tried to argue against leaving at this time of night, but she had been adamant.

 

However, nature had intervened.

A freak thunderstorm was forecast for the area, and his pilot had advised against travelling tonight.

 

He had taken Khushi to a guest bedroom and left her there an hour ago.

He knew she needed time to absorb everything, to deal with all the events that had transpired.

 

But he wanted to be with her.

He wanted to know if she had forgiven him for his mistakes, if she really didn’t blame him for the past.

He wanted to be assured that she still saw a future that included him.

He needed a sign from her that there was still hope.

 

He paced around the room restlessly, his thoughts giving him no peace.

He decided he would step out for a while. The outdoors, the greenery always soothed him.

 

He pulled open the sliding door that led to a central courtyard with a marble fountain at it’s centre.

 

He took one step outside, and stopped dead.

 

Khushi was there.

Still dressed in the white suit, standing in front of the fountain with her back to him.

 

He started walking towards her without even realising what he was doing, and stopped when  he was an arm’s length away.

Her shoulders stiffened, and he knew she was aware of his presence.

 

She didn’t turn to face him though.

 

As if on cue, the heavens opened up, and the rain drenched them both in seconds.

 

Arnav couldn’t take his eyes off her, her white suit now turning almost transparent in the rain.

 

He took another step forward, and touched her hair.

He had fantasies about her hair ever since Diwali, he wanted to see it unbound, he wanted to feel it against his face as it lay across his pillow..

 

He touched her back, and trailed his fingers down to her waist.

Putting both hands around her waist, he pulled her back until she rested against his chest.

 

They stood there, in a warm embrace, even as the cold rain continued to beat down on them.

 

 

Khushi didn’t know what was happening.

She didn’t know if it was right, or wrong.

All she knew was that she needed comfort, a sense of security after the disquieting events today, and right now, his arms provided that for her.

 

She gasped as she felt him kiss the side of her neck.

 

 

 

Arnav didn’t know what he was doing, either.

All he knew was that she was here, and he needed her.

His desire for her wouldn’t allow him to move away, not now.

 

He had to touch her, taste her.

Even in his passion-filled daze, he knew there was something else he needed to do, too.

 

He kissed her neck again, and whispered,

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

He  felt her stiffen, and knew she was surprised.

 

He raised one hand, and traced the raindrops running down her arm.

 

She shivered.

 

“I’m sorry for everything I’ve done to you, ever…”

 

He turned her around to face him.

 

Her beauty never ceased to amaze him.

 

He kissed her lips, softly, gently.

 

“I’m sorry for anything I might do , unknowingly, in the future..”

 

He kissed her lips again,his touch still soft.

 

“I can do anything, bear anything, except live without you..Don’t ever ask me to do that. Don’t ever leave me again…”

 

 

They looked at each other for a long moment, bound by their love, but still held apart by the echoes of hate..

 

In the end, passion won, and their lips came together in ravenous need, long suppressed.

 

Arnav pulled her close, her wet, trembling body arousimg him to fever pitch.

 

Their lips met, parted and came together, again and again, as they sought to get as close as possible.

 

Arnav lifted her in his arms without breaking the kiss, and took her to the courtyard wall, sheltered from the rain.

 

He put her down, and pressed her into the wall with his body.

 

He continued to rain kisses all over her face and neck now, while she grasped his shoulders for support, swept away by a mindless passion.

 

 

A clap of thunder sounded, and brought Khushi crashing down to reality in the space of a second.

 

What was she doing?

 

She pushed him away, and ran into the house, not pausing to see his response.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arnav placed both hands on the wall and took deep breaths to calm himself.

 

He knew it.

He knew that when they came together, their passion would be explosive.

That had just been proved.

 

This interlude in the rain had proved something else, too.

 

Khushi had forgiven him.

 

She must have, or she would never have allowed  this to happen.

 

She had put a stop to it, but that must be because she was shy, and scared of what was happening between them.

 

He knew now that his questions had been answered, he had received the sign he had been looking for.

 

She was his.

 

All that remained were the vows, really.

 

He raised his face to the sky and smiled.

 

If there was a God, he was thankful to him!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arnav paced by his helicopter the next morning, anxious to see her, and talk to her this morning.

 

He hadn’t seen her all night, but a maid had informed him that she had slept through the night, and eaten breakfast in her room.

 

He grinned at that thought.

He had made sure they sent her jalebis with her breakfast.

And a single white orchid.

 

Where was she?

 

He turned towards the house, and was rewarded by the sight of Khushi walking towards him, holding her hair away from her face with both hands as the wind blew it into her eyes.

 

She came up to him, and stopped at a distance.

 

He wanted to pull her into a hug, and kiss her till she was breathless, but something stopped him.

 

Something was different about her today.

 

He always thought about her as his girl, but now, that description didn’t apply anymore.

 

She looked like a woman, a proud, confident woman who had something on her mind.

 

“Good Morning! How was breakfast, Khushi?”

 

“It was good, thank you. I need to talk to you, Arnavji…”

 

 

“Yes, I know. I have to talk to you too, there are things that need to be said, plans to be made, before we get back to Delhi..”

 

“I’ve been thinking all night, I think I know what needs to be done..”

 

 

“Don’t worry, Khushi, I’ll take care of everything.Now get in!”

 

 

“You..you will?”

 

 

“Of course! Just tell me your preferences, and I’ll do the rest.”

 

 

“My preferences?”

 

 

“Yes, for the various ceremonies..”

 

 

“Ceremonies? Wait, what are you talking about?”

 

 

“Our wedding , of course! Let’s get going, we can start planning as soon as we get back…”

 

 

“When did I say I’ll marry you?”

 

 

Arnav had been about to grasp her hand, but her words froze him in place.

 

 

“What? But last night…in the rain… I thought…”

 

 

“Just because we kissed in a moment of madness, you assumed I would marry you?”

 

 

“Yes! No! I mean. it wasn’t just that, I thought you had forgiven me! I thought you didn’t hold me responsible for the past! “

 

 

“I did say that about the past. But I never said I had forgiven you for recent events, for your lies, your games, your insults!”

 

Arnav was stunned. Here he was, a man who didn’t even believe in marriage, and already planning the wedding, and she claimed she hadn’t even accepted his apology!

 

 

“Unbelievable! I apologized, several times! What more do you want?”

 

“I gave this some thought last night. I think we cannot move forward from this point, Arnavji. Too much has happened, too many mistakes have been made. We have to start afresh,make a new start. As if we just met.”

 

 

“Start from the beginning? You want me to fall off a ramp into your arms?”

 

 

“This isn’t a joke!”

 

 

 

“The whole thing is a joke! We love each other, we get married, end of story!”

 

“When did I say that I love you?”

 

 

Arnav was stunned for a second time that morning, as he realised that she had never said the words.

 

“Khushi, we both know…”

 

His words were interrupted by a new voice.

 

 

 

“ASR?”

 

 

“Sheetal? What are you doing here?”

 

 

 

                        *******************************

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS: I apologise for the lack of historical details about the royal dynasty, but I didn’t want to bore you.

New readers, buddy me for PMs when I update.

Chapter 3 – Past

Arnav removed his aviator sunshades as he leaned back against the seat of his helicopter.

He pressed his fingers against his aching forehead, the events of the past few hours taking their toll on him.

The helicopter took off, and Arnav finally allowed himself to replay the sequence of events since Khushi disappeared last night.

After a fruitless search, he had found himself by the poolside, unable to think, unable to do anything other than whisper her name again and again, as if that would bring her back.

It was in this state that NK had found him, three hours after Khushi had vanished.

NK had then proceeded to calmly inform him that Khushi had called him from just outside Shantivan, told him the entire truth, begged for his help, and extracted a promise not to tell Arnav. 

NK also told him that Khushi had called Gupta house and told them the same thing.

Arnav had been incapable of any reaction, only able to wonder why NK was telling him now?

NK had answered that question before he could ask, telling him that he could not bear to see Arnav in this condition.

He told him how he had helped Khushiji leave Shantivan, driving her in his car to her friend Preeto’s house where she had quickly changed clothes, and then driving her to the Railway Station. 

It was there that they had parted ways, and he did not know where she went from that point.

Arnav’s stupor had vanished upon hearing this news, and he had jumped up suddenly, startling NK.

He hadn’t even cared enough to get angry at NK, his only thought was that finally, he had a clue.

After that, it was a simple matter of asking Aman to find out about all trains leaving the station at that time of night, and then getting his security team to trace her wherabouts.

Which was why he was in his helicopter now, heading to the city where she had been found.

The location of his best, and worst memories.

The place where it had all started.

Lucknow.

He looked out the window, and rubbed his dry eyes in frustrated despair.

He had destroyed everything.

And the realisation had come too late.

Last night, when he thought she had vanished without a trace, he had been forced to think about exactly why she had done so.

He was the reason.

He had finally pushed her too far.

He thought about how he had discovered the truth about Shyam, and had set about using Nani’s schemes for his own purposes.

At that time, he had still not understood what he felt for her, he only knew that he had to keep her close, and Nani’s manipulation had provided him that opportunity.

Even then, the thought of parting from her, not being able to see her everyday, had made him play along with all their games.

Later, when he understood his emotions better, he had still been unsure about hers.

He knew there was attraction, a fascination she couldn’t hide.

But love? He hadn’t been sure.

Which was why he had seized the chance  offered to him after that terrace scene yesterday, and blackmailed her into a pretend-marriage.

It was all he knew, manipulating people, and circumstances to suit his needs  was second nature for him.

He had thought that having her live with him would give him time to make her fall in love with him, if she wasn’t already..

But everything had backfired, spectacularly.

He knew he had done everything out of love, out of his all-encompassing desire to make her his, but his manipulations, his games, had crossed all limits.

He knew that now.

He only wished he had seen it earlier.

But that was not all, was it?

He now knew he had been in love with her for months, probably from the moment she fell off that ramp in Lucknow.

But could he really call it love?

If it was, then how could he explain his repeated cruelty, the insults he had thrown at her so casually, the attempts to distance her from his life?

For a wild moment last night, he had even wondered if she might have attempted to harm herself in some way.

That thought had snapped something in him.

Seeing it through newly opened eyes, he knew he had messed things up right from the beginning.

She was pure, and beautiful, someone made to be cherished.

And he would do just that, if he was given a second chance , an opportunity to redeem himself.

Until yesterday, she might have given him that chance too.

But now, he had discovered a new, vital piece of information.

Something that had the power to change everything.

Something that he was bound to tell her.

Something that could result  in her walking away, forever.

He closed his eyes, unwilling to consider that scenario, even if it was only in his fevered imagination.

NO!!

He would not let that happen!

Not without one final attempt to win her.

Because he knew the truth now.

Without her, Arnav Singh Raizada was nothing.

Without her, he might as well be dead.

Tu hi bata mere maula, tu hi bata mere rabba ..

Faasle meeloon ke hain, doonon hain alag disha..

Khushi had heard this song many times before, but today it resonated with a new meaning for her.

The last twenty-four hours had taught her a lot, she felt like she had aged ten years since then.

She looked around , the crowd of people at the Dargah making their way forward, their sole intention to pay their respects to the Khwajaji.

Her thoughts were not so focused, however.

They kept going back to him.

Last night, she had heard the words that had stunned her.

And then  she had run.

As far and as fast as she could.

She knew he had meant it, Arnav Singh Raizada  would not lie about something like that.

But if he was telling the truth, how did that explain his earlier behaviour?

The insults, the fights, the anger..were those the kind of things one expected from a man in love?

She could never imagine herself playing those kind of games with someone she loved.

Oh yes, she had also realised that she loved him .

A love that could not be denied any longer.

A love that would not be dismissed.

But there was hatred there as well.

Her conflicting emotions had confused her, overwhelmed her to the point where all she could think about was escape.

She needed some space, some time to sort out her tangled thoughts.

Some time alone to decide her  future.

She could not think rationally in his proximity when he was being intense, she had never been able to.

And that was why she was here, at this Dargah in Lucknow.

To think, too contemplate, to plan.

But this place held memories too.

She stood still for a moment as a sudden breeze blew a strand of her hair over her eyes.

And then, she felt it.

He was here.

Arnav stared at the  slim woman dressed all in white, and was immediately reminded of that day, so many months ago, when they had met at this very place.

He watched as she pushed a strand of her beautiful hair out of her eyes, and then seemed to brace herself before turning to face him.

He did not question how she knew that he was here.

They had always known, had always been attuned to the other’s presence.

The mere sight of her was like a balm to his ravaged soul.

He watched her take a deep breath before she spoke.

“I knew you would find me.”

“There was never any doubt, Khushi.”

“I know. But you needn’t have gone to all this trouble. I wasn’t running away forever. “

“But I didn’t know that, did I? Why did you run away?”

“I just needed some time to think. Some time for myself. I have had very little of that , you know.. I’ve always put others first..My parents, Jiji, Anjaliji..and you. But now, it is time to think about myself. About what I want, and whom I want that with.”

“And have you had enough time?”

“Maybe..I do know what I do not want, though. I definitely do not want a continuation of what the past few months have been like..”

“Neither do I. Khushi, please, before saying anything else, listen to me…”

“No! For once, you will listen to me, Mr.Arnav Singh Raizada! I have thought about this long and hard, and I know one thing for sure. I do not want to end things between us.”

Arnav couldn’t believe his ears.

And yet, he should have expected this.

Khushi always managed to surprise him, nothing new about that!

“Khushi, I…”

“I said, let me speak! My mind is very clear about certain things now, I know what I feel, and I know I cannot stop myself . I do not want this to end, but I want it to be different. I’m tired of not being equal, of being the lesser one, somehow. So that’s my deal, Mr.Raizada, take it or leave it. If we begin anew, it has to be as equals. Which means no more games, no more manipulations, no more belittling insults! Oh, and how can I forget, I want an apology, or maybe several! So tell me, are you up for it?”

Arnav knew the fates were mocking him now.

Here he was, being handed everything he had ever hoped for, but he couldn’t reach out and take it.

Not before telling her the final, life-altering truth.

He looked around him, people were beginning to stop and stare.

“Khushi, I think it’s best if we continue this elsewhere, in privacy.”

Khushi saw the onlookers and blushed, she knew she had almost been shouting.

“Where can we go?”

“Home.”

“I’m not going back to Shantivan before resolving this!”

“I meant my home here. Sheesh Mahal.”

The drive to the Mahal  passed in a tense silence, both lost in their own thoughts about the coming confrontation.

When they arrived, Arnav came around to open Khushi’s door, and led her inside to a formal living room.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

“No. I just want to get this over with!”

“Khushi, sit down. I need to tell you something before we talk about us.”

Khushi seated herself on an antique sofa, a little afraid of the emotions in his eyes, the tone of his voice.

What was going on?

“Khushi this is going to take some time to explain. Please, give me the chance to finish before saying anything..”

Khushi nodded, her tension increasing with every word.

“I know what I’ve done to you. I know I was wrong, on so many levels, in so many ways. I also know, a mere apology will never be enough..But there are things about me,  and my past that you do not know, Khushi. Things that have shaped me, things that have made me the man I am today..”

“Stop right there! If all this is about you using your past as an excuse for your behaviour , your actions, then I don’t want to hear it! Do you think you are the only one with a bad past? I was an orphan too! Do you see me using that as an excuse to throw people out of cars, or insult their upbringing? I have tried to forget, to move on, so please spare me the tragic speech about your past!”

Arnav closed his eyes as her words hit home.

How could he have ever done all that to her, the one woman who mattered?

“Khushi, I do need to tell you about my past. But this isn’t an excuse for anything. It’s important, because it involves you too.”

“Me? What could your past have to do with…”

“Please, just listen. This is difficult for me…”

Khushi watched as Arnav turned his back to her, walked to the window, and started to speak while apparently looking outside.

“My past is the  story about a young boy, who was happy and secure with his parents and sister. Living a life of luxury and comfort, not a worry in the world. Until one day, it all came crashing down. It was his sister’s wedding day, when he heard an argument that would change everything. He heard his mother accuse his father of infidelity. He had barely enough time to digest this shocking information, when he heard the..the gunshot..quickly followed by another.. and his world collapsed around him with the death of both his parents..”

Khushi’s eyes teared up as she heard the raw anguish in his voice.

“Arnavji..”

“No, Khushi, please..let me finish.. That young boy eventually went on to build his own fortune, and lived with his sister, whom he adored.

But his past had damaged him, altered him until he trusted no one. Especially not a woman, because he felt betrayed by his mother, who had been selfish enough to leave him alone..To protect himself, he built a wall around his heart, and never believed that it would be breached. But it was. Breached, broken, and crumbled  to bits, by a girl. A girl who was everything he wasn’t. A girl who brought light into his dark life, who forced him to feel again. And he didn’t like this. He didn’t like the fact that she made him lose control, he hated the helplessness he felt when she was away. And so he lashed out at her. Made her suffer for his weakness. One day, however, he realised that his heart was completely hers, he had fallen in love. And then, he decided he had to have her, at any cost, whether she wanted it, or not. But that plan failed, and how! The girl ran from him, leaving him in despair. He did everything he could to find her, and finally knew where she was. But in the process of doing so, he discovered a truth , long-hidden. A truth that linked them together, before they ever knew the other existed..”

“What? I don’t understand…”

“Neither did I, at first… But let me finish. He used his security team to look for her in Lucknow, and they used her photo to ask around if anyone had seen her..And someone completely unexpected recognised her.A maid who lived with  his grandmother…”

“Naniji??”

“No,his other grandmother. His Dadi, who lives in Lucknow. The woman who left her grandchildren alone for fourteen years, and swore to never see them as long as she lived. But one who is now apparently on her death-bed, and this prompted her to tell the truth about the photo, and what happened all those years ago…”

“My photo? But how…”

“Yes, your photo..I will come to that in a minute. My grandmother also spilled the facts about Di’s wedding day. Apparently, my mother was a high-strung, insecure woman who had falsely accused my father of having an affair with a woman who was visiting them at the time. But none of it was true, it just existed in my mother’s imagination. She believed her own words, and when my father continued to deny, she attempted to shoot him with the gun. When he tried to stop her, the trigger was pulled by accident, and she died. And then my father killed himself out of guilt. This story has also been confirmed by the old maid who worked for my family, I don’t trust my grandmother even now…”

“Arnavji, I’m so sorry…”

“I’m sorry too. I’m sorry that I believed so strongly in my father’s guilt for so many years. But that is not the end of the story, Khushi..”

“What?”

“Yes. I have to tell you what my grandmother told me about this supposed other woman. She was blameless, of course. And quite unaware of my mother’s jealousy. When my parents died, however, there was a huge scandal in Lucknow, and the woman had to leave town with her husband. In their haste, they took a wrong turn, and their car crashed..They died, Khushi, leaving behind a little girl…”

Khushi was beyond words, beyond shock now.

Was he saying what she thought he was?

“That little girl was never seen again. Some said she died in the car crash too, some said she was adopted..no one knew for sure..But everyday, for the past fourteen years, someone has looked for her..”

“What??!! Who?!”

“Yes, someone wants to know where she is. So she can have what is rightfully hers..”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you know what my grandmother’s first words were, when she saw your photo?”

“Wh..what?”

“Rani Sahiba.”

************************************

PS: Yes, I know I’m venturing into fairy-tale territory here, but all will be revealed in the next update, so please don’t judge me until then!

New readers, please send me Buddy requests if you want PMs when I update.

Chapter 2 – Confessions

Neither Arnav nor Khushi reacted to the knock for a couple of minutes.

They continued staring at each other, and only when the knock was repeated, Arnav broke out of the trance and moved to open the door.

 

 

They stared in surprise as Payal rushed in, still dressed in her bridal finery.

 

“Khushi, are you okay? I need to talk to you, right this minute!”

 

 

“Jiji? Why? Is everything..”

 

 

Khushi didn’t get the chance to complete her sentence, because Payal pulled her outside, and didn’t stop until they were at the poolside, away from prying eyes.

 

 

“Khushi, I’m so sorry about what happened earlier! I am ashamed of my behaviour..I was just talking to Akash about this when I heard you shout loudly, and I came running to ask..Khushi, are you okay? Exactly what happened today?”

 

 

Khushi didn’t need to be asked twice.

She opened her mouth to begin telling Payal the entire truth, but stopped suddenly as she felt an arm slide around her bare waist from behind.

 

 

“Is everything okay, sweetheart? You should come back inside, it’s too cold out here, and you are too..exposed..”

 

 

Khushi whirled around and looked at him in astonishment.

Now what was he playing at?

 

She continued to stare at him, bewildered, as he continued,

 

“Payal, you should go back to your room too. I’m sure Akash is eagerly awaiting your return.”

 

 

“I’m not going anywhere until Khushi assures me she’s fine!”

 

 

 

“Jiji wants to speak to me, you cannot stop us!”

 

 

All three were silenced as a new voice intruded.

 

 

“Bhai? What’s happening here?”

 

 

“Akash! Just the person I wanted to see! I was just telling Payal that it is quite late, and very cold out here. I think everyone should go to their own rooms.”

 

 

“Bhai is right, Payal, it’s very cold. Come with me.”

 

“But Akash..”

 

 

“Jiju…”

 

 

Arnav exchanged a long look with Akash, which went unnoticed by the two women.

 

 

Akash took Payal’s hand in his.

 

 

“Whatever it is can wait until morning, Payal. Everyone is exhausted, we should leave..”

 

Khushi watched helplessly as Akash led a protesting Payal back to their bedroom.

 

 

A slow rage built inside her.

She turned around, and saw him standing there, leaning against the wall, watching her nonchalantly with one raised eyebrow.

 

 

“I know why you did that! You didn’t want Jiji to know the truth about today, did you? About how you blackmailed me, using Jiji’s marriage as the reason to make me pretend to be married to you for the next six months? I would have loved to see her reaction if I told her how we bought the flower garlands, the mangalsutra, and sindoor from the market, and returned home without ever going to the temple! But you couldn’t let that happen. How dare you stop me from telling the truth to my own sister!”

 

 

“Oh I dare. I dare to do much more than that, if it leads to me getting what I want. “

 

“What do you want, Mr.Arnav Singh Raizada? Just what were you trying to say before you kissed…”

 

 

Arnav watched in amusement as Khushi turned beet-red as the word ‘kiss’ left her mouth.

He knew that kiss had affected her, no matter how she had reacted after it.

 

He also knew that he had some explaining to do.

 

 

“I was trying to tell you that the past few months have meant something, were leading somewhere. And deep down, you know it too. Can you deny your response when we kissed just now? Can you honestly say you have been unaffected by my presence, by my touch, all these days? Answer me, Khushi, do you feel nothing?”

 

 

“Of course I feel something! But all that dhak-dhak is because of acidity! And I asked Devi Maiyya to clarify that too!”

 

 

Arnav laughed.

Her naivete, her innocence, these were the things that drew him to her like a moth to a flame.

And it was time that she knew it, too.

 

 

“Khushi, I know what you feel. And believe me, it’s not acidity. I know, because I feel it too..”

 

“Right now I feel nothing but an urge to throw something at you!”

 

“Really? What about now?”

 

 

Khushi gasped as Arnav pulled her against himself with one arm around her waist.

She saw the expression in his eyes, and was outraged again.

How could he look so smug, as if he  knew everything she was feeling?

 

“I don’t feel a thing!”

 

 

Khushi gasped again as Arnav tightened his hold, held her with both arms now, and bent his head to kiss the side of her neck.

She closed her eyes at the feather-light touch of his lips, sensations running through her , uncontrolled and unstoppable.

 

“And now?”

 

 

She watched as he raised his head, a confident smirk in place.

 

 

“I said I don’t feel anything!”

 

 

Arnav bent his head again, and kissed the corner of her lips.

 

“What about now?”

 

 

Khushi’s senses were reeling under the onslaught.

 

She knew if she let him continue further, she would lose herself completely in the tangled web of desire that only he could arouse.

Her body always betrayed her, even as her mind told her to run far , far away from this man.

 

“I already told you , stop touching me!”

 

 

Arnav stumbled back for the second time that night as Khushi pushed him away.

 

“What the!!”

 

 

“I have not forgotten what happened last Diwali! “

 

 

“Last Diwali? You mean with Lavanya? Khushi, I was trying to tell you earlier, I only said I’d marry her because I was trying to escape…I mean, I never intended to actually..”

 

 

“So that was a lie too? Another game?! Stop playing your games! Stop it right now! I want to know the meaning of all this, why are you doing it?”

 

 

“Khushi, I’m doing this because… I mean, mujhe faraq padhta hai…”

 

 

“Yes, I know! You’ve told me that a hundred times! I want to know why! For the last time, Aapko kyun faraq padhta hai?”

 

 

It was Arnav’s turn to be struck speechless this this time.

 

He knew why it mattered, why she mattered to him.

He knew why he had planned and schemed and manipulated until he had her where he wanted.

He had come to that realisation earlier today.

His feelings were crystal-clear in his mind.

 

But now when she asked him like this, point-blank, the words wouldn’t come to his lips.

 

 

“Khushi, I…”

 

 

“You what?”

 

 

“I think I’m…I’m…”

 

 

“For once in your life, can you complete your sentences? Oh never mind, you can never say what’s in your thoughts. I forgot that I was speaking to the mighty ASR, who only knows how to order, threaten and demand! “

 

“Khushi I don’t know how to say…”

 

 

Suddenly, Khushi was exhausted.

 It had been a long day, and all these revelations were just too much to handle all at once.

 

She had had enough.

 

 

“Fine. Then don’t say it. I’m not waiting around to hear it.’

 

“What do you mean?”

 

 

“I’m going to sleep. Perhaps Jiju was right, we should talk in the morning. Although I don’t think I want to hear anything more from you, ever!”

 

 

Khushi turned towards the bed, and stopped.

 

The bed was decorated with orchids and white roses for their supposed Suhaag Raat.

The very thought paralysed her, she couldn’t possibly sleep there!

 

 

“You can take the bed. I’ll take the recliner.”

 

 

“Don’t be stupid, Khushi. The recliner is no place for you! Speaking of which, I think Nani expects me to make you sleep somewhere outside my room, like the poolside, maybe?”

 

 

Arnav laughed at the thought.

And then stopped abruptly as he saw Khushi open the sliding door that led to the poolside.

 

“Khushi!!”

 

 

He held her arm and pulled her back inside.

 

 

Khushi struggled to free herself.

 

 

“Let me go! I’m going to sleep by the poolside! Anything to escape sharing the same space as you!”

 

 

“Are you insane? I will not let you sleep there, never! Do you know how cold it is out there?”

 

 

“I don’t care! Let me go!”

 

 

“Khushi, stop this! For once in your life, be sensible!”

 

 

His words triggered a surprising reaction from Khushi.

 

She stopped struggling, and as Arnav watched, the expression in her eyes changed from furious to determined.

 

“You are right. It’s time for me to be sensible. I know what I’m going to do.”

 

 

“What do you mean?”

 

 

“I mean, I’m leaving. I’ve had enough of this. I’m going back to my family. Now that I know the truth,when I tell them that, I’m sure they will welcome me back with open arms!”

 

 

Arnav watched, incredulous, as Khushi turned around and headed for the bedroom door.

 

 

She was leaving him.

She would walk out that door, and walk out of his life, just like that.

He knew she would, he had seen the resolve in her eyes.

 

He had to do something, he couldn’t let this happen!

 

 

 

 

Khushi held her skirt up with both hands as she rushed down the stairs, uncaring of anything else in her haste to get away.

She reached the living room and came to a sudden stop as she saw Naniji, Mamiji, Anjaliji, and NK sitting there, staring at her as if she was mad.

 

“Khushiji? What..where..”

 

Before Khushi could open her mouth, Arnav interrupted once again.

 

 

“We have a problem.”

 

Khushi watched in astonishment, as once again, Arnav took control of the situation.

 

 

“Chotey? What has happened?”

 

“Di, Khushi is angry, and wants to leave the house.”

 

“What?!”

 

 

Khushi stared at him, open-mouthed.

He hadn’t just said that, had he?

 

 

“Yes. Khushi wants to leave the house, because she is unhappy about the fact that we married in a simple temple ceremony, and deprived her of her dream wedding!”

 

 

Khushi could not believe her ears. Why was he lying to everyone?

How many lies could he come up with, to cover up the truth?

 

She opened her mouth to speak again, but never got a chance, as everyone started speaking at once.

 

 

“Chotey! That is not even a problem! Khushiji, if you are not happy about the temple wedding, we will arrange a proper wedding for you! As soon as we can! All you had to do was ask, there was no need to get so worked up! After all, we are not happy with your secret wedding either, and this would everything better!”

 

 

“But Di, I..”

 

 

“Khushi bitiya, it’s okay, you can tell us these things…we are your family now, you know..”

 

 

“But Naniji..”

 

 

Arnav watched in smug satisfaction as everyone overwhelmed Khushi with their ideas and plans, giving her no chance to voice an objection.

His family had even forgotten to be angry with her in their enthusiasm to plan their wedding.

 

He saw Di break away from the group and come towards him, hands outstretched with the intention to cup his face.

He took a quick step back.

 

“Di! Don’t do that! I’m not a five-year old! “

 

“Okay, Chotey, I won’t. But I am so happy about this wedding! I can do everything I’ve always wanted to, I’ll make this the wedding of the decade!”

 

Arnav barely heard her as he watched Khushi make an excuse about being exhausted and head back up the stairs.

 

“Di, we can discuss this later, I have to go..”

 

He didn’t wait to hear her reply, almost running up the stairs to catch up with Khushi, who was  at the door to their bedroom.

 

 

“Khushi, listen…”

 

He never got a chance to complete.

It took him a moment to actually comprehend that the words hadn’t left his mouth because Khushi had slapped him with all her might.

 

 

He looked up at her, and was taken aback at the murderous rage in her eyes.

 

 

“HOW DARE YOU!! You think you can control everything, manipulate everything, don’t you?!  First you force me to pretend to be married, and now you are trying to force me to actually go through with a ceremony?! You are unbelievable! After everything you have done to me, all those times you have insulted me, mocked me, made my life a living hell, this is the last straw! 

I HATE YOU!! Do you hear me?? I HATE YOU!!”

 

 

“But I love you!! Can you understand that? I LOVE YOU!!”

 

 

They stared at each other, stunned.

 

 

Arnav didn’t know when he had moved towards her, but he suddenly found himself holding her by her arms, pulled up against his body.

He was beyond furious, and helplessly aroused, all at the same time.

Only this woman could do that to him, damn her!

 

 

Khushi looked up at him, shocked beyond words by his declaration.

 

 

And just like that, a realisation hit her too.

 

She loved him.

 

Always had.

 

Probably always would.

 

And yet…

 

She hated him too.

 

Hated his anger, his arrogance, his ego.

 

And most of all, hated the power he wielded over her.

 

Through the whirlwind of emotions, one thought surfaced.

 

She couldn’t let this continue.

 

She couldn’t live like this, ripped apart by her own feelings.

 

She  had to find peace.

 

And just like that, Khushi knew what she had to do.

 

 

 

Arnav waited with bated breath for Khushi’s reaction to his confession.

He knew what he wanted, he wanted her to admit to her feelings.

He wanted to know, finally, that she was his, just as he was hers.

 

He loosened his hold on her a little, and leaned back to look into her eyes.

 

The next moment, he was holding an unconscious Khushi in his arms.

 

 

“Khushi? Khushi !! Khushi, wake up!”

 

 

He lifted her in his arms,placed her gently on the bed, and ran to his nightstand to get some water.

He sprinkled some on her face, and waited for her to open her eyes, his heart pounding with terror as she remained unresponsive.

 

He had to get help!

 

“DI !! NANI !! SOMEBODY!!”

 

He ran out to the door of his room, and waited for someone to respond.

 

When no one did, he walked quickly to Di’s room, banged on her door, and pulled her out with him when she opened it.

 

“Chotey?! What is wrong?”

 

“Di ! Khushi fainted! I don’t know what…”

 

He stopped abruptly at his door, and stared at the empty bed.

 

In fact, the entire room was empty.

 

She was gone.

 

 

 

 

A half hour later,a panic-stricken  Arnav had personally checked the entire mansion, and it’s garden.

He had even searched the terrace.

He had  called Gupta house, but they had no clue either.

 

 

 

She really was gone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS: Thank you for your wonderful comments! I may not be able to reply to everyone, but I have read them all, thrice!

Next update will be up tomorrow..

 

And new readers, please send me a buddy request if you want PMs for updates.

 

Chapter 1 – CHECKMATE

CHECK…

 

 

 

 

The Shantivan Terrace, the night of Arnav and Khushi’s forced marriage

 

 

 

 

 

“So you got what you wanted. Arnav Singh Raizada married Khushi Kumari Gupta tonight.”

 

“It was never about what I wanted, it was about the right thing to do.”

 

“I have always wondered, how did you know?”

 

“That he loved her? It was obvious to anyone who watched that television footage of his Sheesh Mahal fashion show. I had never seen that look in his eyes before.”

 

“And so you decided to play Cupid, just like that?”

 

“It wasn’t that easy. I had to plan it out to the last detail, and anticipate their every move.”

 

“And to do that, you decided to use me? To this day, I don’t understand why.”

 

“It wasn’t that way in the beginning, you know that.I only sent you to Lucknow to find out more about Khushi. Was it my fault you decided to channel Salman Khan and save her from those goons?”

 

“I couldn’t just leave her to their mercy!”

 

“You have a soft spot for her, don’t you?”

 

“Yes, I do. I respect her, and there is some affection there as well.But that’s all there is.. Which was why it was so difficult for me to do what you asked .”

 

“I only asked you to get her a job in AR Designs so that Chotey could meet her everyday. You know him, do you think one encounter would be enough?”

 

“Her stint in his office was nothing short of disastrous. She suffered through that ordeal until she couldn’t bear it anymore. She almost lost her life in that collapsing building!”

 

“I had not anticipated that Chotey would descend to such depths of cruelty. But I also had my next move planned by then.”

 

He sighed. “Yes, you did. Using me as a pawn, asking me to move into the Gupta house as a paying guest and acting as if I was interested in Khushiji. Do you even know how that made me feel, pretending to feel affection for Khushiji, when I’ve always been in  love with…”

 

“Yes, yes I know. Don’t bring that up again, you’ve told me often enough how disgusted you were. But it was necessary.”

 

“Necessary?! You know,some people might call you crazy for doing this. If you were so sure of his feelings for her, why couldn’t you just take a proposal of marriage to Khushiji? Why play this convoluted game, and manipulate everyone?”

 

“Are you serious? At that point in time,do you think Chotey would have simply agreed to get married to Khushi? Have you forgotten Lavanya?”

 

“Lavanya Kashyap. One more pawn in this game of yours. It was good timing for you, wasn’t it? You made Lavanya the excuse to bring Khushiji into Shantivan.”

 

“I never believed that Chotey had any affection for Lavanya Kashyap. He just looked right through her whenever Khushiji was in the house.'”

 

“I don’t believe that. You must have been afraid of their relationship, or you would never have asked me to take that next horrible step!”

 

“Asking you to get engaged to Khushiji? It served two purposes. One, a proposal from some other man would force Khushiji to confront her feelings for Chotey. Two, the news of her engagement would drive Chotey insane with jealousy, and make him reconsider his relationship with Lavanya.”

 

“It didn’t quite work out that way though, did it? He went ahead with the announcement of his engagement on Diwali, and the same night I had to go through that sham of an engagement with Khushiji!”

 

“It worked out well enough. Both engagements were broken soon, weren’t they?”

 

“You had a hand in neither. Khushiji was never meant to see me on that terrace, it was an accident. And Arnav called his engagement off all by himself.”

 

“My purpose had been served by then. And as an unexpected stroke of good luck, Akash got engaged to Payal.

And the wedding festivities that followed only reconfirmed my belief in their love. The haldi, the mehandi, their beautiful dance during the sangeet, who could have missed the obvious connection they shared? Everything fell into place, it was perfect.”

 

“If it was perfect, then why? Why did you ask me to do this today?”

 

“Do what? Oh you mean lie to Arnav about you and Khushiji? It was the final push. He needed that to take him all the way to that temple, and marry her.”

 

“But now he hates her! And she probably does too! Don’t you understand?!”

 

“It’s you who doesn’t understand. The hatred will fuel their passion, and bring them together!”

 

“You really believe that will happen?”

 

“If it doesn’t, then I have plans to make it happen.”

 

“You are too clever for your own good. I don’t know why I helped you every step of the way. What was in it for me anyway?”

 

“Nothing, except for the satisfaction of bringing a man like Arnav to the threshold of marriage. And you have a good heart, I’ve always believed that.”

 

“You are unbelievable! I’ve had enough of this, you are on your own from now. I’m going in!”

 

 

She watched Shyam turn around and head towards the door leading downstairs.

A sigh escaped her as she looked up at the stars.

She hoped that both Arnav and Khushi’s parents approved of her scheming and meddling, her ultimate goal was pure, wasn’t it?

She shivered as the cool breeze blew across the terrace. She should go in now, the night promised to be windy and cold.

 

 

And as Naniji hurried down the stairs, she failed to see the couple hidden behind the terrace door, who had heard every word.

 

 

 

 

 

And MATE…

 

 

 

 

Arnav waited until Naniji was out of sight before he removed the hand he had clamped over Khushi’s mouth.

 

He stared down at her shocked eyes, and whispered..” Not one word until we are inside the bedroom!”

 

Khushi was too stunned to react, and allowed herself to be led down the stairs, across the hallway, and into the bedroom.

She watched Arnav shut and  lock the door behind them, and was shocked anew when he turned around with a smirk.

 

“Wh..what just happened there? And why are you smiling? I can’t believe any of this!”

 

“Believe it. It’s the truth. You heard Nani and Shyam, didn’t you?”

 

“Everything was a lie? Shyamji was just acting, and Naniji was behind it all? And they did it because they thought..they think..you and I..”

 

Khushi stopped speaking as a blush spread across her cheeks.

 

“Yes,they did. It was a very clever plan. But they forgot that they were playing games with me, Arnav Singh Raizada!”

 

“You knew about this?! Since when?! And if you did, why didn’t you say anything? This is just too much for me…”

 

 

“Khushi, relax. Here, sit down, I’ll explain. Yes, I figured out quite early that Shyam was playing a complicated game. It wasn’t very hard, I even had a detective follow him for a few days when I briefly thought he was cheating on Di. But very soon, I saw how he was pretending to be attentive towards you, and would look disgusted with himself when he returned to Shantivan. I even saw him report to Nani then. I heard everything, knew it all, right from the beginning. And I pretended not to know, I pretended to be angry with Shyam when he told me about you..”

 

 

“I cannot believe this!! If you knew this, why didn’t you stop it? Why did you let him continue to cheat me and hurt my family? I need some answers, Mr.Arnav Singh Raizada!”

 

 

“And I will give them. Believe one thing, Khushi, I am very  sorry that this game has hurt your family. I would have prevented it if I could, but I saw no way to do so, without alerting Shyam and Nani…”

 

 

“But why? Why did you want this to continue? That’s what I don’t understand, why did you want them to use Shyamji and try to create situations to bring you and me together? Aapko isse kya faraq padhta hai?”

 

 

The next thing she knew, Khushi found herself pulled up by her arms, and pinned to the wall beside the bed.

 

 

“FARAQ PADHTA HAI, DAMMIT!! How many times have I told you that! When will you understand?!”

 

 

“A..Arnavji..you are hurting my arms…”

 

 

Arnav let go of her immediately and stepped back, and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

 

 

“Look, I didn’t mean to yell. Yes, I wanted their game to continue. Yes, i wanted them to continue creating situations to bring us together. Because they were doing exactly what I wanted to do in the first place!”

 

 

“Wh..what?!”

 

“Yes! Don’t you get it? How many times do I have to tell you before you understand?”

 

“Understand what? And you haven’t told me anything…”

 

 

“I was going to! That’s why I told you earlier today that I wanted to talk to you..that was why I was headed to the terrace!”

 

 

“What were you going to tell me? I don’t understand..”

 

“You have never understood. What did you think the past few months have been about? “

 

“The past few months? I don’t…”

 

Arnav took a step towards her,  and watched her take one back.

She was speechless, mesmerised by the intensity in his caramel eyes.

 

 

“Why did you think I was so angry, so frustrated, so affected by your presence?”

 

Another step foward, and one back..

 

 

“Why do you think I said I’d marry Lavanya?”

 

 

Another step..

 

 

“Why do you think I tolerate your insolence, your  attitude, your crazy antics?”

 

 

One more step..

 

 

 

“Why do you think I ran behind an ambulance like a madman? Why do you think I bought those bangles? Why do you think I served food to people at your house?”

 

 

Another step..

 

 

“Why do you think I secretly do things to make you smile?”

 

 

One final step, which left Khushi against the wall.

Arnav placed his hands on either side of her, caging her in.

 

 

“Why do you think I stare at you when you aren’t looking? Why do your lips fascinate me endlessly?”

 

 

Khushi couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe..what did all this mean?

 

“A..Arnavji? I still don’t understand..”

 

 

Arnav looked at her, wide-eyed,  trembling with uncertainty, and whispered,

 

 

“Yes , you did. You almost understood it, for one moment, last Diwali..do you remember?”

 

 

Khushi stopped breathing completely.

 

 

The memories of that magical moment surrounded them, enveloping them in the same haze of passion, of desire, of an all-encompassing need.

 

They moved towards the other, in perfect accord, as if in a dream.

 

 

And for the first time, Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Kumari Gupta kissed each other.

 

 

Arnav tried hard to stay in control, to hold back, he didn’t want to frighten her now. His lips tested hers, would they feel as soft as they looked?

 

He had his answer the next moment. 

No. They were softer, and sweeter, than anything he had imagined.

He took his hands away from the wall, and held her face gently, as he tilted it to deepen their kiss.

He felt the exact instant she began to respond, as her lips parted, and her body relaxed against his.

He exulted.

She was his!

 

Khushi was losing herself in the whirlpool of emotions and feelings unleashed by their kiss.

This was what she had unconsciously been waiting for, by the poolside during Diwali..

 

Her eyes flew open.

The thought of that incomplete kiss had brought with it the memories of the tortorous time that had followed. 

How could she have forgotten the devastation, the pain, the anguish?

 

She pulled away from him and shoved him away with all her strength.

 

Arnav stumbled, caught by surprise.

He looked at her, confused.

 

She stood there, her chest heavng, eyes wild, and lips trembling with an unnamed emotion.

 

“Khushi?”

 

“HOW DARE YOU, MR.ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA??”

 

 

“Khushi, listen, there was nothing wrong…”

 

 

“Nothing wrong?! How can you even say that? How can you kiss me?”

 

 

 

“Khushi,it was just one kiss..”

 

 

“One kiss?! It might just be one kiss for you, but you have no right to even touch me!”

 

 

“What?!”

 

 

“Yes! You have no right! Have you forgotten that we lied to everyone about our marriage today? We didn’t even go to the temple!”

 

 

They stared at each other, both angry, both reeling from the truth.

 

 

 

A loud knock interrupted the angry silence.

 

 

*******************

 

 

 

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