Part 16
Khushi POV
I walked inside Arnavji's office and felt weary because of the special treatment offered by the staff of AR. This is the result of my earlier reluctance to visit Arnavji's workplace. Don't know what he has done but every time I visit AR Designs the workers treat me as if I own the damn place. Ughh. Last time when I came to Arnav Singh Raizada's official den he had been smug about making me a shareholder of his company. Why cannot these people act normal around me? Arnavji's staff either makes fun of a person or they show respect out of fear. Ajeeb log hain.
(Weird people I tell you).
I passed a flustered Pam who hovered around me like a mother hen. She kept inquiring about my well being and asked the receptionist to bring a hot piping ginger tea for me. I rolled my eyes at her behaviour. Months ago when I worked here as Lavanyaji's assistant Pam used every opportunity to insult me. From calling me Chamkeeli to making fun of my lifestyle. Now all of a sudden I am being addressed as Khushi Maam. Devi Maiyya raksha karna. As Pam practically pushed me towards the stairs that led to my boyfriend's cabin I shook my head in disbelief.
(Keep me, safe lord).
However, on the landing of the stairs stood Amanji. I greeted him but he was lost in his world. A strange mix of urgency and fear laced his features. When I enquired about his worries he reluctantly told me about his dilemma. I palmed my face hearing his explanation.
Khushi after making me wait for so many months finally Jia, my BFF, has agreed to go out with me. While ASR wants me to complete a report of our pending project by tonight.
Oh no Amanji. I feel bad for you. Ek taraf khai aur dusri taraf kua. Ab kya?
(You are trapped from both sides. Now what?)
Disappointed by the turn of events, he informed me that it would be better to postpone his date. I could see the trouble in his eyes. He wanted to spend time with his love and here my man is trying to sabotage his manager's love life. Due to his ASR avatar, Arnavji often becomes a cold-hearted beast. With a halfhearted goodbye, Amanji was about to walk away when an idea struck me. Only one thing can distract Arnav Singh Raizada. Only one person can distract the snobbish ASR. Khushi Kumari Gupta. I immediately verbalized my thoughts.
Amanji! wait. I have an idea. You won't have to postpone your date with Jiaji. Devi Maiyya ki kasam.
(I swear on Devi Maiyya).
When I whispered the details of my plan to Amanji his slouched shoulders became erect, the dullness of his eyes disappeared and a full-fledged smile replaced his earlier expressions. Metamorphosis. That's the only word to describe Aman Mathur's state.
But Khushi are you sure this will work? What if the plan backfires? I don't want to leave AR Designs.
In my heart, I knew that the plan would work. This time around I am not a mere employee of AR. I am the owner of Arnav Singh Raizada's heart. And if my assumption is correct then Arnavji will offer a good bonus to Amanji this year. I reassured Aman Mathur that nothing would go wrong and wished him good luck for his date.
Arnav POV
When a familiar gust of wind blew across my cheek I knew that she was here. To someone else, my behaviour would seem obsessive since I met Khushi 24 hours ago. But for those who have lost and found love would relate to my feelings.
Swiftly turning in my chair I noticed two things from my ceiling-high glass windows. One Khushi looked no less than an angel dressed in a bright shade of yellow. And two, she stood on the landing step smiling at my manager Aman Mathur. While the former made me happy, the latter vision repulsed my senses. A few minutes passed and the two parted ways with a smile etched on their faces. Rage enveloped me. All my happiness vanished within a few moments.
She walked into my cabin and greeted me with the same joyous smile. Fisting my hand I returned the smile with a fake one of my own. I did not wish to spoil her mood. So curbing my reaction I only plotted the different ways of dealing with Aman Mathur.
Arnavji...
Scarlet patches blazed furiously on her cheeks as soon as she whispered my name. I advanced in her direction as her potent scent burned through my brain. Vicious and scorching and clinging like Napalm. Controlling my desires I folded her in my arms pleased by the gasp that escaped her lips.
Khushi...
Why did you ask me to visit your office Arnavji?
Moving my palm up and down her back I tried to control my response as her innocent voice plunged me into a land of seduction. Coming back to the real world I tried to remember why I had asked her to visit AR. Soon the reason flashed in my mind. I pulled away from her embrace and gave her a small smile.
I want to show you something.
Dragging her away from my cabin I took the elevator at the end of the floor. The one that would lead to my haven. The surprise on my girl's face made me realise that she had not seen this side of my office. Reaching the topmost floor of ARD I welcomed Khushi to my suite. A few weeks ago when I returned to work Aman gave me a tour of my office. And this place made me aware of another fact about my ASR side. I like to have a space of my own. Away from my family. A home away from home.
My musings halted as Khushi explored the apartment with a zealousness that made me happy.
This is so so beautiful Arnavji. Arey ye chotu sa kitchen kitna cute hai.
(This small kitchen is very cute).
I chuckled watching her move around the suite. The domesticity of the moment made me want Khushi Gupta as a permanent fixture in my life. Maybe we could have a double wedding with Payal and Akaash. Hmmm. Not a bad idea. My thoughts came to a halt as a strange look came on Khushi's features. Before I could enquire anything about her worries she checked something on her phone. After a minute or two, the expression disappeared and relief flooded her senses. My eagle eyes did not miss the changes on her face.
Khushi?? Kya hua? All okay?
(What's wrong?)
Umm. Umm...Arnavji. I...
I sauntered towards her determined to solve her problem when she met me halfway. Clasping my shoulders she moved towards the living area and pushed me on the three-seater sofa. I lifted my eyebrow confused by the gesture. And then giving me her most charming smile the woman removed my coat and tie leaving me flustered by the unexpected touch. I gulped in anticipation. Something mischievous was about to happen.
Don't move Arnavji. Please.
Okay.
A few minutes later Khushi stood a few feet away, dressed up like me and a familiar song reached my ears. Dhruv had made me hear it last night. Khushi Kumari Gupta began to dance to the tune of Sami Sami. Her moves jolted me.
Nuv ammi ammi antante
Nee pallannaipoy nattundira
Saami na saami
Ninnu saami saami antante
Na penimiti lekka sakkagundira
Saami na saami
Nee yenke yenke adugethante
Nee yenke yenke adugethante
Yenkanna gudi
Yekkinattundira saami
Like a pro, Khushi slipped out of my coat looking me in the eye. And all my thoughts of work and commitments flew out of the window. Placing my elbow on my knees I leaned towards her gaping at the sexy goddess who instantly replaced my innocent girlfriend.
Nee pakka pakkana kusuntante
Parameswarude dhakkinattundira saami
Nuvelle dhaari sootha unte
Yere yendinattundira
Saami na saami
Prowling towards me she loosened my tie around my neck. As if she had practised the move for ages the minx pulled the item over her head and lassoed it for a minute only to bounce on my lap making me wrap my hands on her petite waist.
Na saami
Ho rara saami
Bangaru saami
Meesala saami roshala saami
Na saami saami
Ho rara saami saami
Bangaru saami
The song continued to play in the background as she kissed my cheek and placed the tie on me like a garland of flowers.
Meesala saami roshala saami
Pikkala paidaaka
Panchanu yethi kadithe
Pikkala paidaaka
Panchanu yetthi kadithe
Na pancha pranaalu poyenu swamy
Kaara killi nuvvu
Kassu kassu navvuluthunte
Na vollu yerraga pandenu saami
Before I could pull her to me she pushed away from me and started dancing in my proximity like a trained lap dancer. My desire for Khushi Kumari Gupta reached another level. I had to kiss this woman. The trial relationship is damned.
Nee arupulu kekalu vinta untey
Nee arupulu kekalu vinta untey
Pulakarimpule saami
Nuvvu kaalu meeda kaalesukunte
Poonakaale saami
Rendu gundeele ippi
Gundenu soopithe
Paala kunda lekka
Pongi potha saamy na saami
I stood up and slithered towards her. She pulled her hair-tie and I was greeted with her beautiful mane flowing wildly around her frame. I tried to reach her but she flipped her hair to the other side drowning me in her jasmine scent.
Na saami
Ho rara saami
Bangaru saami
Meesala saami roshala saami
Na saami saami
Ho rara saami saami
Bangaru saami
Meesala saami roshala saami
The music faded in the background. All I could hear was the thudding of my heart. Khushi stopped her movements altogether as I reduced the distance between us. Her shallow breaths mingled with my own. Slowly, painstaking I cupped her face and pulled her closer to me. Rubbing my nose with Khushi's I whispered her name against those trembling rose petals of hers. A wildness took over the gentleman inside me. Unable to fight the sudden desire I pressed my lips over hers.
My nightmares. My wounds. My broken heart. Every hurt. Every pain. All came to a full circle. As if the elements that made me Arnav Singh Raizada finally aligned together to make me whole again. At last, destiny gave me a sign. A sign that denoted that my life would revolve around this human for the rest of forever. I continued to kiss Khushi Gupta passionately. Seconds turned into minutes. She became breathless. Finally, the need for oxygen made me pull away from her.
A red-faced Khushi took a few steps back and did not meet my eyes. But her burning touch had done the unthinkable already. Like a mountain lion who loved to circle his prey, I pulled Khushi in my arms and kept smooching her repeatedly. The sensation made me want to kiss her again and again. She began to squirm in my hold but I did not allow her to leave my embrace.
Arnavji what are you...? Stop please...I...
She looked pretty flustered but I only pecked her once again. My denial made her angry and she passed me her fiercest glare. I grinned at the look. She resembled a cute angry kitten ready to battle with the king of the jungle.
Stop kissing me.
I cannot help it. Who told you to give me a mini lap dance huh? Ab bhugto.
(Now suffer).
With a cheeky smile I bend to smooch her again but this time she pushed me away and turned towards the side table to pick up her device which continued to play the Sami Sami number. Grinning like a fool I kept following her around. She stopped the music and sauntered towards the kitchenette area but not before narrowing her big doe eyes in my direction. Boiling water in the electric kettle she muttered to me in a no-nonsense tone.
I only did that to distract you from your work. Warna aap to Amanji ki date spoil krdete Arnavji. Who told you to drown him with so much work?
(Or else you would have spoiled Amanjis date).
Oh, so that is the reason behind her smexy performance a while ago. Magnificent. Well then in that case Mathur deserves a raise. After all, I got my first taste of Khushi because of my dear manager. Her face looked cute. As if there were red balloons under her cheeks. That angry stare will kill me one day.
Aman ko toh bonus dunga. Aakhir ussi ki wajah se to tumne apne Sami ko kiss kia Khushi.
(Aman will be rewarded with a bonus. It is because of him that you kissed your Sami, Khushi).
With a gaping mouth, she turned towards me. The dark hue on her cheeks made me chuckle. Not liking the distance between us I trapped her between the counter and me. Her eyes immediately dropped towards my feet. Rolling my eyes I kissed her warm cheek with a loud noise. On reflex, she placed her palms on my chest. She tried to push me away but I did not budge.
Dekhiye uss waqt jo bhi hua woh aapne kia. Humne to bas...
(Whatever happened earlier, you initiated it. I simply...)
Humne toh bas kya Khushi Kumari Gupta?
(You simply what Khushi Kumari Gupta?)
She did kiss me back and now she was hell-bent on denying the fact. I like her feisty side. But this timid and tomato red Khushi is the best of all. She likes my touch. But she won't admit it. Gliding my nose along her cheek I moved towards her ear and whispered in a husky voice.
Khushi tumne bhi toh mujhe kiss kia. You liked it did you not? Bolo Khushi?
(Khushi you kissed me back. Tell me?)
I sensed her nod against my neck and then before I could pull back to see her properly my girl hid in my chest and kept mumbling that she cannot face me and needs to hide here. Her embarrassment made me sigh in disbelief. Well, who would say that a while ago this same woman was teasing me with her sensuous moves?
You know what Khushi? I would like it if you called me Sami.
She pulled back immediately and her jaw dropped, bewildered by my announcement. Kissing her forehead I leaned away from her allowing her the space to breathe. However, Khushi surprised me by kissing my jaw with a giggle of her own.
Ye naam aap pe itna bura bhi nai lagega Arnavji. Sami.
(This name kinda suits you Arnavji. Sami).
A few seconds later I too joined her and together we laughed out loud like silly teenagers enjoying their first love. An hour later I rested my head on Khushi's lap as she rubbed the pads of her fingers on my scalp.
In the last few days, her touches had become involuntary. We worked like magnets. She moved. I moved. I could sense the change in our relationship. We were no longer under a trial. And Khushi was falling in love with me. However, she did not realize the fact. Yet. I believe it is my job to make her reevaluate her emotions. I was planning how to start this conversation in my head when suddenly the shrill of both our phones disturbed the comfortable silence.
Jeeji? Why is she calling me at this time?
Hun? Akaash?
I sat up on the sofa and answered the call while Khushi walked towards the balcony chirping like a morning bird. The calmness that was wrapping me in its warm cocoon disappeared in thin air as the pleadings of my brother reached my ears. I sighed hearing the lengthy descriptions of Payal Gupta's mood. The Raizadas had finalized a date for my brother's engagement and marriage. By the end of this week, Akaash would be a married man. And now he wanted me to postpone the date to the next month. Reluctantly I agreed to his demand and hung up on him. At the same second, Khushi returned to me with a small smile on her face.
Jeeji wants me to coax both families to postpone the wedding. She wants to meet me to discuss the issue.
Akaash wants the same.
I think we have a double date with Jeeji and my would-be Jeeju.
Winking at my girl I traced the back of my fingers along her cheek observing her flustered self with my keen eyes. She picked up her bag from the recliner and sauntered towards the main door of my suite with an extra sway on her hips. The move made me growl and I grabbed Ms Gupta tickling the hell out of her.
We left the building determined to help our siblings.
Khushi POV
Although we were seated in a cafe I could feel Arnavji's eyes on me. Jeeji and Jeeju were trying to come up with different ideas to postpone their wedding date. However, their conversation was lost to me. Earlier to help Amanji I tried to distract Arnavji by giving him a lap dance. The idea worked. And now Arnav Singh Raizada is not ready to waiver his gaze from my form. When I managed to lift my head and face him, the witty man threw me a wink.
Blood pooled around my cheeks at his blatant display of affections. At this rate, Arnavji's intentions would become too obvious to Jeeji. I cleared my throat and tried to participate in Jeeji and Jeejaji's discussion.
Don't worry Jeeji I will convince Di...I mean Anjaliji, about postponing the wedding date.
You should call her Di.
As soon as Arnavji uttered the five words both Jeeji and Jeeju swirled their heads in his direction. Oh no. Ughhh. Arnavji should not have said such a thing. Why is this man so possessive about me Devi Maiyya? Now Jeeji won't spare me. Before I could handle the damage made by Arnavji Jeeji pounced on him.
Why? Why would Khushi call your sister Di?
I tried to intervene but Arnavji was ready with horns to battle with my sister. I shared a glance with Jeejaji who sat as bewildered as me by the change of events. Thankfully Arnavji locked eyes with me and his anger mellowed down significantly. But the determination in his posture remained the same.
Why won't she? Khushi is your sister, and Akaash's would be sister in law. This means she is practically a Raizada.
My eyes bulged out hearing the word Raizada. What the? Should I wear a sign on my forehead now? Beware - Property of ASR. Thankfully Jeeji did not cross-question him any further. The waiter served our order allowing me to divert Jeeji's attention.
Jeeji aapki chai. Adrakwali hai. Peejiye.
(Jeeji have your tea. It's ginger flavour. Drink please).
Thankfully Arnavji and Jeeji did not get into another argument for the rest of our time in the cafe. Arnavji impressed Jeeji with his idea of tackling the wedding. He explained how together with me he could delay the marriage. An engagement will be conducted to please the families. But the wedding will be postponed for two months. Both our siblings were pleased with my boyfriend's logic.
An hour later a satisfied Jeeji left with Akaashji. Arnavji insisted on dropping me home so I had no choice but to agree. However, as we drove towards my place Arnavji parked the car in an abandoned street. I swirled my head towards him only to see intense eyes staring back at me. A burning intensity, where his whole being was focused on my form as if I would disappear any minute now.
You don't like me anymore.
The statement blew my mind. Hey Devi Maiyya ab inhe kya hogaya? Why is he under the misconception that I don't like him anymore? A few minutes back everything was fine. Before I could share my musings with him a smirk blossomed on his face. A surge of current crackled insistently as he drew closer to me. Looking like a deer caught in headlights, I backed myself against the passenger door of the SUV. He leaned further till I had no option but to lock eyes with his love-filled ones.
I said you don't like me anymore Khushi, kyunki tumhe mujhse pyaar hogaya hai.
(Because you have fallen in love with me).
Kya?!? Aap ko aisa kyun laga? Ji nahi hum abhi bhi...
(What?!? Who gave you this idea? No way I am...)
In the process of hyperventilating, I did not realise that he had stopped leaning into my personal space. Tilting his head to the side he grinned wolfishly back, as my eyes widened, startled. I knew it was not healthy for me to keep watching him.
The way you danced with me. That kiss. The trust in your eyes. Everything points to one thing Khushi Kumari Gupta.
No...not at all...I...
You will confess that you love me Khushi. Three days from now on. On the day of Payal and Akaash's engagement.
And then with a wink, he began to drive us back to Laxmi Nagar as if we never made a pitstop in between. I gulped as he dropped me home with a delightful expression on his face. Like he was sure that I would admit my feelings to him soon. What the...! Ughhh. This man is so so...infuriating. I won't say anything to him.
I felt flustered recalling my dance and our kiss. This is not possible. I danced so intimately with him because of...because of Amanji. Yes, he needed my help. But there are thousand different ways to distract Arnavji from work. Why did I choose seduction? Does that mean I am in love with him? And our kiss? Why did I kiss him back? The desire in his eyes was enough to make me turn into a poodle.
Sitting on my bed I tried to rest for some time. But my mind kept running in circles. I bit my lower lip as butterflies spun inside my gut. What if he kisses me again on Jeejis engagement? I will lose myself in the moment and then he will coax me into saying those three words. No. No. I won't allow it. Yes. I will stay two feet away from him. Only social distancing can help me now. Nodding my head at the brilliant idea I slept off for the rest of the evening.
Lavanya POV
After spending an hour at my place suddenly out of the blue Nandkishore revealed to me something that pricked my old wounds. The revelation left me flabbergasted. The words felt like acid to me. All the progress that I made in my life felt utterly useless at the moment. These past few months of healing felt like a facade now.
When he said that I had something important to discuss I assumed the worst. I even prepared myself for an eventual breakup. However, what he disclosed, sent me back in time. Physically I was in Australia. But mentally I found myself sitting in one of the guest rooms of Shantivan.
You are kidding, right? Please tell me you are joking NK?
I felt a bullet punch its way through my heart, causing a gaping hole in its wake. The silence was deafening. My initial fear of a nasty breakup disappeared in a matter of seconds. Only to be replaced by something even worse. With watery eyes and trembling lips, I tried to make sense of what he just confessed to me. With his hands lifted in the air, he slowly advanced in my direction as if I were an injured animal he wished to rescue.
Look Lavanya. I had no idea that you are The Lavanya Kashyap. My son Dhruv lives with Anjali Di and Nani he told me about you being ASRs....ex, recently. Then it did not take me too long to join the dots.
Shaking my head sideways, vigorously I made him halt his movements. I slumped into the nearby chair. I leaned forward, placed my head in my hands and sobbed. Huge body shaking sobs racked my body, each coming in a wave and with every sob, I let out a whimper. No matter how hard I try my life can never move ahead. I will always be stuck around ASR. Always.
Why? Why does this happen to me all the time?
I kept glaring at the tiled floor for a very long time. Tears kept cascading down my face. My mascara must be running down making me look like a loon in front of NK. But my life has become a joke in the past few months. So physical appearances don't matter much now. Suddenly out of the blue two warm fingers wiped the tears from my face. Stunned by the gesture I glanced up to see NK giving me a small smile.
I know you are upset that I am connected to your past. But is it so bad being with me Lavanya? Cannot you overcome this sadness? I hate this look of disdain on such a pretty face. I know you are stronger than this. Don't let the darkness of your past consume your present. I am here. With you.
He embraced me for a long while. But his words echoed in my mind like a broken record. Am I really strong enough to overcome this event? No, it is not bad at all. Being with NK feels so surreal. Thoughts of a better future with this man stopped the tears. And suddenly I felt lighter and calm. A small smile made its way over my face, as I snaked my arms around NK. Finally, I muttered the words that made him chuckle.
No dark clouds. Only bright sunshine. Got it.
