AJHS - 11

Part - 11

Khushi POV

Sometimes you are made to believe that your life is in your hands, that you could mould it as per your needs and desires. Strength, power, determination and focus, all of these lose the battle when fate and destiny have other plans for you. 

When the cruel, cold-hearted, Arnav Singh Raizada rejected me I broke down. My emotions went haywire. But with time and effort, I undid the damage done to my fragile heart. I tried to move on. I met Sid and Dhruv. I made new friends too.  However, the man returned to my life. This time with a vulnerability attached to a strange persona. Claiming to be a different person altogether. So I pitied him. On the grounds of humanity, I initiated a friendship with the one person who did not think twice before slicing my heart.

And yet again Arnavji surprised me. Recalling a few chunks of our memory he is now determined to stake his claim over my heart. What does he think of himself huh? How dare he assume that we can continue our game of cat and mouse from where we left off? Ughhh. 

Leaning against my bedroom window I glanced at the stars that twinkled in the night. The moon surrounded by the clouds kept playing peek a boo from the sky. Thoughts of Arnavji's confession swirled in my mind. He likes me. He promised to heal my wounds. He wants me to give him a fair chance. And he hates my friend Siddharth. 

Just because he is suffering from Amnesia I am supposed to forgive and forget our past. And even if I do accept his grand proposal what if one fine day he recalls every single detail of our toxic relationship? Am I supposed to keep sewing back my heart every time Arnav Raizada is done playing with it? No. Not again. If he thinks that one apology will rectify his previous mistakes then he is highly mistaken.

Agar Sid ne humein phir se ghumne ke le liye poocha toh hum unhe mana nai karenge. Apni Zindagi ka faisla ab hum soch samajh ke krunge.

(If Sid will ask me out for a date again tomorrow then I won't say No to him. Now no one will force me to decide against my will).

Lavanya POV

With wide eyes, I stared back at the screen of my laptop. A few minutes ago I had logged in to my Facebook account. After checking back on a few friends I posted a few pictures of my stay in Australia when a friend request from a Nandkishore Raizada popped up on the corner of my laptop screen. The profile picture had a familiar face staring back at me. 

It was the man who had banged into me the other day. The one who compared me to his wife. He had called me Sana. Wow. He looks hot. Should I accept his request? He appears to be decent.

Well, there is nothing wrong with getting to know someone. I am finally moving on from ASR. It's high time that  I go out with a new guy. My mind drifted back to the moment when he had pulled me by the elbow. His touch ignited a burning sensation inside me. The electrifying connection had left me with goosebumps.

Accepting the request I clicked on his profile. Oh my. Nandkishore Raizada is a hot mess. The last name made me doubtful though. Is he a relative of ASR? Of course not. The surname is not so uncommon. I should put my overthinking to rest. Oh!! He has a son. Interesting. A single dad who is too handsome for his good.

Hi...

He used the chat messenger to send a greeting to me. His timing is good. A brownie point for sure. With a grin, I replied instantly. Sipping my coffee I kept talking to him for a while. 

This is refreshing. Let's see what destiny has in store for me little old me. 

Arnav POV

The next morning, flanked by Aman and Akaash I walked inside the red and white building that had a huge logo of AR on it. Pride clouded my mind as I conceded my accomplishment. My success. I basked in the glory of my fame. Security staff, front desk executives and the rest of my employees welcomed me one by one as I prowled through the corridor.

My persona unnerved them. According to Aman Mathur, my manager, I am a ruthless workaholic businessman who loves to scare his staff. Not wanting to change that I simply nodded as everybody greeted me. Instead of heading to my cabin, I stood at the landing of the stairs with my hands across my chest. With a sweeping glance, I noted the worried looks they exchanged amongst themselves. Taking that as my cue I began my speech.

Good morning everyone. It is me ASR. Yes. I am back. Let me make a few things clear. Retrograde Amnesia is not going to stop me from bagging business deals anymore. So stop being lazy and start working damn it.

Everyone returned their cubicles as I swirled around to head up to my cabin. The glass walls of my office appealed to my eyes. I could easily see myself keeping an eye on my staff. Chuckling at the design I sat on my chair playing with a paperweight as Aman advanced towards me.

ASR are you sure about your decision regarding Khushi Gupta being the new shareholder of AR?

His words felt like an inferno all over my body. How dare he question my decision? Who gave him the right to go against my word? Does he too have feelings for Khushi like that Shukla? No way. I am not gonna entertain any more competition. He needs to be put in his place. Palming the paperweight I stood up from my chair and sauntered towards Aman leaving him enough space to retreat. He was sweating bullets right now. Great. Using every bit of my strength I threw the object in my hands only to hear the shattering of my glass walls. The action was enough to gain everyone's attention.

Khushi Kumari Gupta will become the new shareholder of AR and that is final. Why are you questioning my idea? Do you like her? Huh? Tell me.

I glanced below at my audience who were watching our interaction with wide eyes. Good. Everybody should know about the woman who will own every dime that I have earned from scratch. I cocked my head to face Aman who gulped feeling the bubbling anger towards him.

Nn..no. No ASR. I have zero interest in Ms Gupta. I swear. It is just that you felt immense hatred for her in the past so it made me wonder...

Stop wondering Mathur. And this goes for the rest of you too. Khushi Gupta is important to me. Forget what happened in the past. She will be treated like a damn VIP in AR from now on. Is that clear?!?

My voice echoes through the building. My employees bobbed their heads like robots as I locked my eyes with everyone present below. I smirked as my plans were set in motion. Striding back I sat behind my desk and stared fiercely at a frightened Aman.

I will start the paperwork ASR.

Wait! I need you to do something for me first.

It took me a while to explain to Aman what I wished for. After I finished he stared at me with a gaping mouth. I grinned in return. I knew my idea was bordering obsessive but I have to do everything to gain Khushi Gupta's attention. 

Khushi POV

By the time my working hours were over, I was dead tired. Even meeting Dhruv did not help me much. The sweet fella was adamant about another outing but I was too exhausted to entertain the idea. Another outing will result in another spat with his Uncle. Why cannot Arnavji be like Dhruv? This man loves to create a ruckus around me. 

Suddenly out of the blue my phone went off startling me from my train of thoughts. I picked up my device to check the caller id only to give out an exasperated sigh. Arnav Singh Raizada seriously needs a new hobby. Sitting on my bed I answered the call but did not speak a word. I was greeted by silence in return. Whatever. Agar baat nahi krni hai to inhone call hi kyun ki. Hum bhi kuch nai bolenge Devi Maiyya. However, Devi Maiyya was not on my side today. To scratch an itch on my feet I used my bangle clad hand and the noise was loud enough for Mr Raizada to hear.

(If he does not wish to talk then who asked him to make this call. I too won't speak a word, my goddess).

Oh, toh aaj tum nahi tumhari chudiyan mujhse baat krengi?

(Oh so tonight your bangles will talk to me instead huh?)

Aap kya chahte hain Arnavji?

(What do you want Arnavji?)

Tumhe nai pata?

(You don't know?)

The quick response caused my heart to flutter. There was a strange huskiness in his otherwise rough voice, involuntarily causing a shiver down my spine. Dhak dhak. Dhak dhak. His voice reminded me of our proximity and almost kiss on Diwali night. My lips trembled as I recalled our closeness. His breath had touched mine that fateful night. I shook my head trying to get rid of the emotions that were threatening to take over my mind.

Nai pata humein samjhe aap Mr Raizada. Aap humse door rahiye. Aur agli baar humein phone karne ki...

(I don't know you get that Mr Raizada. Stay away from me. And next time don't you dare try to initiate any sort...)

Dhamka rahi ho mujhe?

(Are you threatening me?)

Why? Why why why?!? Why does he use his voice as a tool to attract my attention. I am trying so hard to end the constant toxicity that we shared so that this cycle will stop once and for all. But no Arnavji cannot digest the fact that I am moving on from him.

Sach bata rhe hain. Iss sab ka ab koi fayda nahi hai.

(I am telling you the truth. You are wasting your time).

Tumhe kya lagta hai haan? Mujhe nai pata iss waqt tumhara dil kitna tez dhadak raha hai? Mujhe tumhari saanson ki awaaz nai aarhi hai? Tumhari kaampte hont mujhse jo nai keh rhe hain na Khushi mujhe woh bhi pata hai. 

(What do you think? I don't know anything about your escalating heartbeat? I cannot hear your shallow breaths? I can even comprehend the things your trembling lips have not uttered yet, Khushi).

An involuntary gasp escaped my lips hearing the truth from his mouth. How can he know all this? Is he here somewhere around? I quickly got up and rushed towards my bedroom window to see if he was watching me from nearby. But there was not a soul on the empty street in front of me.

Ab mujhe dekhne ke liye khidkhi ke paas jaake mat khadi hona. Bahar thand hai. So jao. Save your energy for tomorrow. Goodnight.

(Now don't stand next to your window in hopes of seeing me. It's cold outside. Sleep tight).

Before I could scream at him for his nonchalant behaviour the man hung up on me leaving me agape staring at my phone. How dare he? Who the hell is he to order me around? One second. Hold the phone. Why did he say that I need to save my energy for tomorrow? Ab kya chal raha hai Arnavji ke dimaag mein? Hey Devi Maiyya kal kya hone wala hai? Humto off bhi nai le sakte kyunki kal ek special event hai language school mein. 

(Now what's cooking in Arnavjis mind? Oh lord, what's gonna happen tomorrow? I cannot even take a day off because of the special event in the school).

Wait. Oh yes. Why did I not think of this before? He is doing all this to catch my attention. This is his new technique to bother me like always. He purposely said those words to keep me up all night. Nope. I am not gonna fall for this trick. 

Switching off my night lamp I laid down on my bed and prepared myself to sleep. 

The next day I practically hopped my way to reach the school. There were no classes to teach today because we were having a big event. The founders had finally met the perfect sponsors to open a new branch of our school in Noida. Siddharth had discussed with me many times how no sponsors were agreeing to join hands for the extension of our language school. Devi Maiyya humari dua hai ki jisne bhi bachon ke liye is naye school mein humari madad ki woh jo chahe usse mil jaye.

The event was held in the small auditorium of our building. I waved enthusiastically at a smiling Sid as he caught my eye. He was speaking to Mr Sharma, one of our founder members. The man who was kind enough to help me grab this job. I advanced towards the duo. When Mr Sharma immediately greeted me with a grin of his own.

How are you beta?

I am good Sir. It's been so long since we saw each other.

Work keeps me, busy kid. It took a lot of effort to find sponsors for our Noida branch. I will introduce you to them soon. Please show your best to them. Now take a seat with the rest of the teachers.

Nodding in agreement I sat in the second row allotted for the teachers. A couple of minutes passed and soon a group of people entered the auditorium. The room darkened and the spotlights on the stage were switched on. We welcomed our sponsors with loud applause. As they took the steps to be on the stage my phone vibrated twice. Ughhh not again. I looked down to read the message from Arnav Raizada.

Ab to tumhe mujhse baat krni hi padegi.

(Now you will have no choice but to talk with me).

I fumed in anger. What does he think of himself? Mr Sharma's welcome speech reached my ears as I typed in a response furiously. However, I had to stop midway because of the one particular name that Sharma Sir mentioned when he introduced us to our sponsors. The name reverberated around the auditorium as I slowly lifted my head.

An audible gasp escaped my mouth watching the three familiar faces sitting comfortably on the sofa chairs under the spotlight. Akaash Singh Raizada, Aman Mathur and of course Arnav Singh Raizada. His eyes met mine at the same time. He teased me with his patent smirk. My eyes widened in realization. And my ears twitched hearing the announcement of made my Sharmaji.

Please give a big hand to AR Designs who will sponsor our Noida School. 

What the hell is this? I told him to join AR and he is using it as a medium to manipulate me. He did this purposely. I should have understood his indirect message yesterday itself when he advised me to save on my energy. With a clenched jaw, I witnessed how he wrapped the founders around his pinky. Our school was looking for a sponsor desparately and he came in as a saviour. I was about to get up and leave the audi when I recalled Mr Sharma's previous words.

...It took a lot of effort to find the sponsors for our Noida branch. I will introduce you to them soon. Please show your best to them.

No-no-no. He cannot take over my workplace like that. This is the height of being unprofessional. I glared at him as he smiled in my direction. Taking a deep breath I tried to compose myself. Get it together Khushi. Do not allow him to win this match. Get even. Be as sarcastic as possible. I gave myself a pep talk as he stood up to take over.

Goodmorning everyone. I am Arnav Singh Raizada. This is an exceptional language institution. My nephew is a student here. And it's a pleasure to sponsor this initiative taken by Sharma Language School. I request your support and cooperation in this collaboration. Thank you for having me here.

He looked in my direction as he spoke the last sentence. Yeah right. I will show you cooperation Raizada. The staff clapped and agreed with loud energy making me roll my eyes. Just like me, there was another person who did not like Arnavji's involvement in our school. I spotted Sid in the front row. He was scowling at our guest of honour.

Arnav POV

Mr Sharma the founder of the language school kept praising me. However, my attention was focused on the changing expressions of the spectacular woman with whom I shared an enigmatic bond. The astonishment laced on her features made me smirk. When anger replaced the shock on her face I understood that she knew what I meant for this school.

I took the mike from the founder and as a good orator impressed my audience with my thank you speech. She looked like a goddess in her angry avatar. My inner beast grinned evilly as a furious Siddharth Shukla greeted my line of sight. Take that Shukla. I am still unbeatable. Nobody can claim what is mine. No one.

As the event came to its end I was introduced to the staff of the language. Mr Sharma happily enquired about the language my nephew was learning from his school. With a grin I locked eyes with Khushi who appeared to be all uninterested. 

Oh yes. My nephew Dhruv takes Hindi classes from this institute. He admires his Hindi teacher.

Hindi? Matlab Khushi aapke Dhruv to padhati hai? Idhar aao Khushi greet Mr. Raizada.

(Means Khushi is your nephew, Dhruv's tutor? Come here Khushi and greet Mr Raizada).

Hello Mr. Raizada. Nice to meet you.

Heavy sarcasm dripped from her overly polite tone as Khushi quickly looked sideways. She was hell bend on keeping her distance. I returned the greeting lifting my hand to shake hers leaving her no option but to hold mine. As her skin came in contact with my own I thumbed the back of her hand making her eyes meet mine. My touch caused a dark hue on her otherwise milky white cheeks. She pulled her hand away instantly.

The pleasure is mine, Ms Khushi. I was wondering Mr Sharma can Khushi show me around. I would like a tour of this school.

Mr Sharma practically pushed Khushi in my direction showing his agreement and the poor woman had no option but to join me as I left the auditorium. Fuming with rage she followed me without uttering a single word. I grinned feeling her rising anger. We kept walking till I reached the amphitheatre behind the building. She looked breathtaking in her bright pink salwar suit. I sat on the familiar bench just like the last time when Khushi had spoken to me out of my own will. We have come afar from that phase of confusion and hatred. My musings came to halt as a furious Khushi exploded on me.

When I suggested you get back to work I never meant for you to be the sponsor of my language school. Stop hounding me. I am not interested in your games.

Listen Ms Gupta I will do whatever it takes to make you a part of my life. This is not a game for me. Baat dil ki hai. Mera suqoon ho tum. Aur koi mera suqoon cheene ye mujhe gawarah nai.

(This is about my heart. You are my peace. And I won't spare anyone who will try to ruin my peace).

She cocked her head to one side as if my words did not make any sense to her. Slowly as comprehension dawned upon her a frown appeared on her forehead and she pursed her lips as if I were a bratty child who was not ready to understand her point. I sighed watching her reaction. How can one woman look so...so cute? Folding her hands across her chest she uttered the one name which is enough to make my blood boil.

You are just jealous of my friendship with Sid. He is everything that you are not. So naturally, you are scared that...

His name enraged the monster inside me. While Khushi's eyes twinkled with the mere mention of his name.  I stood up from my comfortable position making the lady in front of me retreat. Before she could another step away from me I  held her palm in both my hands and gave it a long-lasting smooch. A gasp escaped her lips at my unexpected affection.

Siddharth Shukla ne tumse friendship kri thi tumne nahi. You only offered your friendship to me. When I fainted you took care of me. You like spending time with me and my nephew. Chaahte to hum dono hi ek hi cheez hain Khushi Gupta.

(It was Sid who wanted to be your friend, not the other way round. Both of us want the same thing, Khushi Gupta).

Scrunching her face she pulled her hand away from me. The gesture hurt like hell. But it did nothing to dampen my spirit. I had done all this wanting her to hear me out. So I focused my attention on the task. Keeping a check on my emotions I simply stated the obvious.

Khushi come to AR tomorrow there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for my new project. You are my good luck charm.

Are you kidding? You expect me to come to that evil place that you call your office? You are nuts Raizada. 

This time things will be different I promise.

But she turned away and headed back towards the building. My desire to have her as the guest of honour was greater than my self-respect. So I did the one thing that she least expected out of me. Sprinting towards her I went down on my knees and called out to her. Khushi's eyes touched her hairline at the public display. There were a few teenaged students nearby and it did not take them long to notice what was happening between us.

Smirking at the idea that crossed my mind I put my plan into action.

Khushi please maan jao. Tum office aaogi to mujhe achcha lagega. 

(Khushi please agree with me. I would like it if you will join me at the office event).

YE AAP KYA KR RAHEIN HAIN?!? Uthiye...Arnavji uthiye sab dekh rahe hain. HUM YAHAN KAAM KRTE HAIN...Hey, Devi Maiyya ye kya tamasha hai?

(WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO?!? Get up...Arnavji get up everyone is watching us. THIS IS MY WORKPLACE...Oh Devi Maiyya what is all this drama?)

Haan krdo Khushi warna main in students ke saamne main bahut kuch karsakta hoon.

(Say yes Khushi or else I can do a lot of things in front of these students).

Aap humein dhamka nahi sakte?)

(Are you trying to threaten me?)

I have a ring on my finger what if I pull it out and....?

NAHI! BILKUL NAHI! 

(NO! STOP IT!)

Her eyes bulged out making me chuckle inwardly. I did not want to force her hand like this but this woman is so stubborn that I had no choice but to act like a Romeo desperate for his Juliet's attention. Good. I observed her expressions watching her consider my idea. To prompt her further I enquired once again.

So what is the verdict Khushi?

Theek hai. Hum kal aapke office aajayenge. AB UTHIYE. JALDI SE.

(Fine. I will be there tomorrow. NOW GET UP. QUICK).

Smiling at my ladylove I stood up and turned around to see a couple of teenagers whispering amongst each other. When they saw me looking at them the gossipers stood a little away from

each other. Rolling my eyes I stated a simple fact.

I am pulling her leg. We are BFFs.

By the time I turned back to face Khushi she returned to the building but not before banging the door a little too harshly making me grin at her childishness. I am sorry Khushi but tomorrow is a really big day for me. And I need you around me. Nothing could go wrong when you are next to me. Aur kal main tumse apne dil ki baat kehke rahunga.

(And tomorrow I will finally confess my love to her).

Unknown POV

Tapping desk I gazed back at my most trusted man who was finally giving me a lead about my enemy. Raizada was finally out of his den. An evil smirk took over my features imagining the different scenarios that would cause his death. By sheer luck, he escaped his end the last time. But this time no one will be able to save him. Not even god. I confirmed once more for my satisfaction.

And you are sure about this information?

Sir the entire AR Designs is gossiping about his return. Tomorrow there will be a small get together in the office.

Standing up from my seat I sauntered towards my right-hand man and patted his shoulders. This was my gesture to let him know that he did a wonderful job. He beamed at me in return. My approval is not earned so easily. 

I rubbed my hands in glee feeling the excitement for tomorrow. Finally, I will get the chance to finish off Arnav Singh Raizada. The man who destroyed my father. It was because of Arnav that my Dad lost his pride and power. Our palace, Sheesh Mahal. The good for nothing psychotic Raizada had to return and claim his house after ages. He should have been rotting in hell after the way Dad threw him and his sister out of Sheesh Mahal.

But no. Like a thorn in our lives he ruthlessly took our business and property from us and then dared to blame us for claiming his possessions. The next day I had found my father's dead body in his room. Unable to take the hurt and loss he had over-dosed. From that day onwards I Shyam Manohar Malik took the oath to destroy him for good.

The accident I had staged on Diwali night was perfect. However, he survived. But tomorrow I will ensure that he is dead for good. Then nobody will stop me from claiming our ancestral property, Sheesh Mahal.

Kal uss ASR ka aakhri din hoga iss duniya mein.

(Tomorrow will be the last day of ASR in this world).

ASR POV

As my guest of honour arrived in AR roses were showered upon her from every direction. Dressed in a white anarkali she appeared to be an angel. I could not help but feel my heart stutter as she prowled in my direction.

Hey zu hmm

hmm hmm hmm

Hey hey hey

hey hey hey

Ab mujhe raat din

tumhara hi khayal hain

Ab mujhe raat din

tumhara hi khayal hain

Kya kahu pyaar mein

deewano jaisa haal hain

The rest of the staff faded in the background as she came to stand in such proximity to me. Any other person would have shied away from our private moment. Her jasmine fragrance indulged my senses leaving my mind too handicapped to think much. 

Ho ho aa ha ha ha

la la la la la la

Ab mujhe raat din

tumhara hi khayal hain

Kya kahu pyaar mein deewano

jaisa haal hain

As our breaths touch each other I moved my lips to touch her baby-soft cheek. In front of my eyes, it turned into a dark shade of red. Khushi's eyes fluttered close as she whimpered my name softly. A strange emotion bubbled within me as she uttered my name.

Tum ko dekhe beena

chain milta nahi

Dil pe ab to koi

zor chalta nahi

Jaadu hain kaisa

dil ki lagi mein

Dub gaya hu is

bekhudi mein

Smiling at her I lifted her hand and kept twirling her in circles. Nothing mattered anymore. I was happy in our small little world. In the midst of the dance, I caught something twinkling on Khushi's finger. I halted our movements.

Ho ho aa ha ha ha

la la la la la la

Ab mujhe raat din

tumhara hi khayal hai

Kya kahu pyaar mein

deewano jaisa haal hain

I am so happy that we are engaged Arnavji. We are meant to be together.

Without wasting any moment she wrapped me in her embrace. Surrounded by Khushi, knowing that now nothing will break us away I folded the woman in my chest. This is how we should be. Together. Always and forever.

I love you Arnavji!

With a gasp, I woke up only to see myself sitting on the bed. The sunlight was playing peek a boo from the drapes across the room. Damn it. Ughh. I wish this was more than just a dream. With a sweeping glance, I noticed the time. Oh crap. I am supposed to be at the office by now. What if Khushi arrives early?

I will do everything within my power to make this dream come true. Khushi will have to agree to be mine. I will make sure of it.

.

.

.

.

Precap: Arnav proposes to Khushi in AR, Shyam attacks ASR, Dhruv tries to bring Khushi and Arnav closer.