chapter 46

Chapter 46

Enjoying the sensation of her in his arms, he fell into a blissful slumber thinking “What a day? What a memorable day!” 

The cold breeze blowing from the ocean gently brushed over him, waking him from his sweet slumber. As he lazily opened his eyes, bright rays of light forced them shut briefly. Squinting he tried adjusting to the light and realized that the sun was completely out literally glaring at them. His gaze shifting to the side, he was welcomed to the blissful sight of the love of his life sleeping peacefully in his embrace with her head resting on his shoulder right next to his heart. 

Recollecting everything she shared the previous night he muttered, “I am sorry you had to go through all that pain Khushi. But I promise I will make sure they suffer for every single thing they did to you.” Gently moving the hair strand that was dancing on her face to the tunes of the wind, he kissed tenderly on her forehead and whispered “I love you, Khushi.” 

Intending to get up as he started to slowly slide away from her, she instinctively pulled him close and hugged him tighter. A content smile creeping onto his face, he paused and kept staring at her affectionately while caressing her cheeks every now and then. “I can get used to waking up to such a beautiful sight. I can’t wait for my every morning to start like this with you in my arms. And I will make sure it happens soon.” he whispered, gazing at her, losing his sense of time.

The heat from the blazing sun knocking him back to reality, he finally checked his watch which flashed at 10:00 am. Looking at her, he contemplated, “It will only get hotter here. She can’t stay here. I need to get her in.” 

Making up his mind, very cautiously loosening her grip on him, he silently stood up and lifting her delicately into his arms took soft strides towards the bedroom. Placing her on the bed, he carefully freed his collar from her grip and tucking her in, quietly left. Once in the hall, he first checked his schedule and grabbing his phone said, “Yes, Aman! Cancel all my meetings for today.”

“All of them!?” he questioned, surprised. The ASR who was deemed a workaholic by the world, the boss who gave nightmares to everyone under him with an unimaginable workload is asking him to cancel everything for the day? And what is even more shocking was this is the second consecutive day he has ordered Aman to do this.

“Yes, everything. I know some are important but not today, it can wait. Also, there is something else I want you to do. I want you to get me all the details on Gupta Corporations.”

His earlier surprise now replaced with confusion he replied, “Sure.” while wondering why the sudden interest in that company. 

“Get it ASAP.”, he ordered and the phone went dead.

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Slipping out of her slumber, Khushi sleepily rolled on the bed with her eyes still closed when it suddenly dawned on her as to where she was. Sitting up swiftly, she looked around wide-eyed only to find herself alone in the bedroom. Perplexed, she pondered, “Last I remember, I was outside talking to him. Then how am I here? What happened? Did I fall asleep? Did he get me inside? Where is ..” A sudden creak sound startling her, brought an abrupt stop to her thoughts. Reflexively her gaze shifting to the source of it, her chocolate orbs instantly popped out in disbelief and she slammed back on the bed at the speed of light while pulling the blanket over her face in a rush to hide. 

Trying to calm her thumping heart, she stayed completely still for a few seconds, clutching the blanket tightly. But, curiosity getting the better of her, swallowing hard she slid the cover from her face a little and peeped slowly at the person who just walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. Her caramels, landing on the water drops which were busily dripping from his wet hair, she pursued them as they first landed on his shoulder and trailed down his biceps and chest. Forgetting her shyness, she couldn’t help but scan through his chiseled body, admiring it. Her face flushed with embarrassment, she tried hard to look away but her eyes grew a mind of their own. Irrespective of which side she turned her head, her eyes remained glued only on him. Her behavior feeling alien to her, she gave herself a mental smack reprimanding herself, “Khushi! What are you doing? Don’t you have any shame? Stop staring at him.” This is the first time she ever felt this way or did anything like this. It reminded her of how she used to think Lavanya and others are crazy when they called someone hot or swooned over them. But little did she know then that she would also do the same thing one day. That she would turn crazy. Crazy in love. Crazy for him.

The sudden smell of the perfume shifting her attention back on him, she observed as he leisurely got ready, taking his sweet time which she absolutely didn’t mind. Putting on the shirt he lazily buttoned it and reached for his pant. At that very instant, comprehending what was coming next Khushi shut her eyes tight as her hands readily covered her face with the blanket. “What am I thinking? Why am I doing this? What is wrong with me?..” she kept questioning shocked at her actions and intentions. 

Waiting a few moments, getting restless she cautiously pulled the sheet down with her eyes shut. “He must be done by now, right? Maybe it is fine for me to see now.” she reasoned as she hesitantly peeped through an eye. Almost immediately popping her other eye, opening them wide, she gaped at the sight before her in shock.    

Standing right next to the bed was Arnav with his lips twisted into a lopsided smile on seeing her adorable stunned face. “Khushi and her antics! She always keeps things interesting.” he thought looking at her amused as she fluttered her eyes with the mouth wide open. Leaning on to bed he huskily said, “Hi! Good Morning.” and casually closed her mouth.

Suddenly finding her throat too dry she barely managed a whisper, “Good Morning!” while escaping his gaze.

“What were you doing?” he asked in a direct tone.

“Me!? What… What am I doing? Nothing.” she stuttered hastily, still not meeting his gaze. 

Bending a little closer, his face only a few inches from hers he teased, “Are you sure?”

Sensing the proximity at once she reflexively gasped and decided to run away only to realize she can’t since she was lying down. Stuck by nervousness she shot her gaze up, her eyes staring directly into his, and innocently questioned, “I.. I don’t understand what you are saying?” as she held onto the duvet firmly, pulling it close to her mouth.  

“Oh Really! Were you not gawking at me just now?” he asked with a straight face.

“You knew!?” she blurted out, speaking her mind without a filter. 

As Arnav raised his eyebrows both amazed and delighted at her reaction, quickly recognizing what she just uttered, she struggled to whitewash her words. “I … I mean. What are you talking about?” 

“What the? Seriously, Khushi! Ok fine. I will tell you exactly what I am talking about. I am talking about how you pretended to be asleep when I walked out of the bathroom. About how you were peeping at me as I got ready. About how you watched me as I put my shirt on. And how you hid under the blanket when I was about to.” Her face turning red in embarrassment, unable to hear him go on, her hand swiftly landed on his mouth stopping him from saying anything further.

Grasping that he was completely aware of her actions from the very beginning, she cursed herself for being an idiot to think she was hiding well. Then came the eye-opener moment like a shock and she absentmindedly complained, “So, you knew I was seeing you all this time? You knew and you deliberately got ready slowly, right? You were teasing me again!?”

With a naughty smirk, he huskily replied, “I teased you? When? I was only trying to help you. I didn’t want you to be disappointed early in the morning.”

Involuntarily biting her lower lip, she fluttered her eyes anxiously and clearing her throat stammered, “About that.. That... I…” Out of the blue, pulling down her duvet he closed in on her making her forget what she was saying. Staring at him wide-eyed she promptly pulled her lips inward trying to protect them from what was coming. 

Chuckling quietly at her expression, pausing for a second savoring the sight, he reached forward and placed a loving peck on her forehead. And right after, tilting his head slightly to the side he whispered into her ear, “I hope your morning was entertaining. Now, freshen up and come out.” Saying that calmly getting up, he walked out with a wide blissful smile plastered on his face leaving a stupified Khushi behind.

On the verge of suffocating herself, she involuntarily let out her breath in a gush finally realizing that she was subconsciously holding the air in all this time. Sitting up, still attempting to control her thumping heart and twisted thoughts, she got out of bed and walked into the restroom in a haze.

Standing before the mirror she got lost in her face which turned completely red like a cherry. Animatedly raising her hand, she touched the spot where he had kissed earlier. Even now she could feel the skin warm under her fingers. Recalling the scenes from a few moments back she smiled shyly and grabbed the new toothbrush that was lying there thinking, “Why did I do that? What is happening to me? How could I?”

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Stepping out of the bedroom, Khushi looked around her eyes searching for him. No luck finding him, she took a few steps into the hall and for the first time observed the hotel room or should say suite. It was no less than a house with a living room, work area, a mini kitchen, dining area, and a powder room. But the best part was the glass walls that ran all around the room giving a spectacular view of the city and the ocean. “Why did I not notice it last night?” she thought looking through one of the glass panes admiring the panorama when she heard his voice distantly. As she involuntarily walked in that direction his words started to become much clearer.

“I don’t want that picture published anywhere. Do you get that, Aman? Do whatever it takes.” 

“.............…”

“No! Talk to the editor. I want all the originals and copies returned to me. I don’t care how much, just buy the editor or even better, promise him an exclusive. I am sure there will be something he desires. Find it. Also, make certain it doesn’t change hands. Actually, to be safe inform all the reporters close to us about it. Ask them to keep an eye out and immediately contact us if they see or hear about this anywhere. And don’t forget to reward the reporter who tipped us.” Spotting Khushi standing near the door he ended the call instructing, “Get it done quickly. Keep me posted.”

Noticing his unsettled face, she questioned as soon as he was free, “Is something wrong?”

Contemplating for a moment, he replied with a reassuring smile, “No. Nothing I can’t handle. How are you feeling? Are your legs still hurting?”

“Not much. I am fine. But I can see you are not. Something is definitely bothering you. I told you I can figure out when you are lying. So, you better tell me what happened.” she demanded looking at him worried.

Approaching her, he took her hands in his and looking intently at her, spoke cautiously, “Khushi! Yesterday night when you lost consciousness in the lobby, I carried you to the suite.” He paused, knowing well what he is about to say next will certainly upset her.

Khushi stared at him confused, unable to make out what the problem was.

“At that time, it seems a reporter was present there waiting to get a few clicks of some celebrity staying in the hotel. He happened to accidentally see me holding you and took our picture. But there is nothing to worry about. I made sure the pictures don’t see the light of day.” he guaranteed.

As the information sunk in, her eyes grew restless and she spoke agitated, “I shouldn’t have stayed back. No, no, no. I need to go home. I need to go now. They can’t know. They should not find out I am not there.” With that, she turned to the door.

“Khushi! Khushi, listen to me.” he quickly spoke, cutting her path and standing before her. Cupping her face fondly, he made sure her gaze met his and spoke with confidence, “Khushi! Nothing will happen. One of the reporters we know informed Aman before the pictures went viral. Aman is handling the editor. I have everything under control. And I am sure that guy took the picture because of me and has no idea about you. There is no reason to stress.”

Placing her hand on his, she pressed it against her cheek gently and said, “I believe you, Arnavji. I know you will take care of everything but even so, I need to go home. I am scared of what they might do if they discover that I am missing. I made a mistake. I should have returned last night itself.”

“Khushi, but why do you think they didn’t by now? You were missing the whole night and this morning. How can they not know already?” he questioned releasing her, confused.

“That... That’s because I am supposed to be locked in my room for 2 days for being disobedient at the party the other day. So, till tomorrow no one will enter my room or try to interact with me.” she clarified, fidgeting and shifting her gaze to the floor.

Making a fist, he clenched it tight digging his nails into his palms to control his anger, and asked puzzled, “But then, how did you come here? I mean you just said you were confined.”

Khushi then explained how her phone was confiscated, how she borrowed the cook's phone, panicked seeing the news, jumped off her room, the traffic, rain, everything with a sense of pride in her adventure and rebellious accomplishment.

Unfortunately, Arnav didn’t share the same feeling. He silently waited till she was done talking and swiftly moving closer, hugged her tight, enough to break her bones. Swallowing hard he whispered disturbed, “I am so sorry, Khushi. I am sorry you had to go through all that. Never ever do anything like that. You understand!? Whatever may be the reason. How could you jump off the 2nd floor like that? What were you thinking? Promise me you will never act recklessly again.”

“But I was worried for you.” she softly said, disappointed by his reaction and justifying her actions.

“Then don’t. I can take care of myself.” he snapped, losing his cool momentarily.

For which she promptly responded, “I can’t do that. I already lost my parents. I can’t lose you too. No. Not at any cost. I don’t have the strength to survive losing someone I love again.” she broke, her voice brittle as she grabbed his shirt tight, holding onto him with her life.

Lightly breaking the hug, he looked into her now moist eyes and shaking his head in disapproval, affectionately said, “The same goes to me, Khushi. Do you know how devastated I felt when I saw you in that state yesterday? Seeing you lay there motionless was the worst kind of feeling. Don’t ever do that to me. I can’t take anything happening to you. I want to take away all your pain. I want to keep you safe. I want you to be happy. ”

“Since the day I met you, you have always kept me safe, Arnavji. And I am happiest when I am with you.”, she said lovingly, caressing his cheek trying to ease his uneasiness. The sincerity in her voice along with the affection reflecting in her eyes enchanted him. 

Khushi too was lost in him, gazing at him endearingly when she noticed a sudden spark in his eyes and him leaning closer. Heartbeat starting to skip, her breath hitched, she waited in anticipation for what is to come next. And she didn’t have to wait long for his warm lips to conquer hers, sucking on them slowly but steadily while his one hand snaked around her waist pulling her closer, the other held her face preciously. His proximity always unnerved her. Made her lose her senses. But right now, Khushi didn’t want that. She did not want to play into his hand. “No, Khushi. You can’t let him tease you again like earlier.” She kept repeating trying to stay focused when she sensed him move past her lips towards the crook of her neck. Before she could react, she felt his lips touch the curve of her neck and gasped for breath. Her body burning like hot sun, she realized she was about to lose the battle and unwittingly muttered under her breath, “No.”  

Halting for a second, he asked sotto voce, “What?”

“Please! Not there.”, she murmured trying to find her voice amid his sweet torture.

Stopping again, this time he raised his head, and looking directly at her inquired with a mischievous smile, “Then where?”

“I… I meant... Not like that.” she stuttered, stealing her eyes from his.

“Ok! Then how do you want me to kiss you?” he asked, lifting his eyebrows rather intrigued.

“N...no, no. I meant not to go there. It.. it… ” she trailed off, unable to complete while her eyes continued to play hide and seek with him.

Smirking, he questioned amused, “Well, where should I go?”

Catching his smile from the corner of her eye, it struck her that he was having his way with her again. Annoyed, she punched him on his chest and turning aside with a pout said, “I am not talking to you anymore.” 

And he replied smiling broadly, “Perfect! I am not in the mood to talk either.”

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- Hope

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