Chapter 10

Hey everyone! This is the last update of this story. I know some of you wanted Khushi to be in this story, but as I had already mentioned, this story is about Arnav's journey to becoming a Raizada. This journey ends at the fashion show at Lucknow, where he first met Khushi. The rest of IPKKND is the journey beyond that point.

I want to thank everyone who read this story. All comments made me feel incredibly special, each like made me smile a bit wider than before..

So, with that in mind, I would like to dedicate this final chapter and this story to my friends (you know who you are) who've been with me so far..

*Please ignore typos and such*

P.S. : there's a time jump of 3 years

P.P.S.: italics = flashbacks

bold = thoughts

He stretched his tired arms, trying to get rid of some of the kinks that had developed. He saw Akash literally panting in front of him, his glasses at the very tip of his nose, sweat pouring down the side of his face.

"Haaa.. haaa Bhaaai.. haa. bas.. I am tired now. You win!" Akash panted.

"Oh c'mon Akash! Show some fighting spirit! And what has happened to your stamina? I am able to beat you so easily!! Get up!"

"Haaa.. huuummm haaa Bhai.. You won the.. haaa.. the university tennis rounds, didn't you? I couldn't!"

Arnav smirked, slightly. Akash hadn't changed. He remembered the 8 year old tailing him and constantly praising, "You are the best bhai! No one can beat you!"

"Okay. That's it for today, then. But I expect a better game from you tomorrow."

Akash's eyes widened, "TOMORROW? But.. bhai.. I.. I.."

Arnav had already returned his tennis racket to its kit, and was holding a towel to his face. Lavanya walked up to him and gestured him to sit in the shade. "ASR, let me help you! I'll massage out the knots in your shoulder.. I have magical hands!"

Arnav grimaced internally. Why on earth am I still with her?

3 years back, he had met Lavanya during his flight from London to Delhi. He had forgotten all about her once he had started his own company- apparently, she hadn't.

2 years later, she had walked in to give an interview. For the post of his secretary, of all things. Arnav had been surprised. He had assumed she would want to model for their collection, but she had shown spirit when she angrily refuted his allegations.

What allegations?

Well, for one, he said that she was trying to use the connection she had with him to get a job. And he also happened to mention something about her failed modeling assignments.

Lavanya had been mad. She knew how to play it well, though.

In no time, she was working at the magnificent AR offices, with the man himself. ASR. Every woman's dream man.

While she had faced some resistance initially, she had easily overcome it with her wit and smartness.

A few months later, the inevitable happened. Arnav was dating her. He was still ASR to her. But she scored the most important point in her life, one which opened various doors for her.

She didn't realise when she changed from being a smart girl to a vicious woman- one that demanded all that she wanted. She lost her concern for friends and family, slowly. And slowly, they dropped out of her life.

Well, all she needed to do to ensure she would be happy for the rest of her life was to keep ASR happy.

Arnav had been attracted to the feisty woman who had initially seemed so sweet. After looking at her for a few months, he decided to go out with her. He knew his family didn't like her a lot, but he thought he deserved to be with anyone he wanted. After all, he had done a lot for them. Couldn't they just give him a break?

And so, partly out of his own attraction, and partly to spite his family, he asked her out. Their first few weeks had been happy and perfect. Lavanya had to go and ruin that. She became the stereotypical girlfriend- nagging, demanding, holding on to him.. whatnot!

They were photographed at different parties together. She made it a point to let the world know ASR was hers. It was as if she was telling all interested women- Back off, that's my man!

That did not stop other females from trying their tricks on him. He had seen it all- from innocent slips to frank stumbles, from over the top dresses to modest eyelash-batting. And frankly, he was tired.

So when Lavanya had come and offered her massage- he refused. No explanations.

He just picked up his kit and walked to his car. Akash would be following in his own one and Lavanya already had her own vehicle. He was least bothered.

As he moved out of the club, he noticed how many skimpily clad women turned to look at him, some flashing smiles, while others flashed.. something else..

he ignored them and strode to his pride. His one big weakness. His car. The white SUV was brand new. And no one was allowed to drive it. Not even Akash.

-----------------

"Hari Prakash ji! Can you please make some black coffee for Arnav? He'll be coming home soon."

Anjali smiled sweetly at their house-help. Hari Prakash and Om Prakash- two brothers, were from the village near Nani's ancestral home. Their mother had requested Devyani to give them some work. For the past two years they had been working at the Raizada mansion. They had not seen the older house. The Raizadas had shifted into the new mansion by the time they had started working.

Anjali walked slowly towards the small temple inside the house. She was thinking of getting a small idol of Krishna- Bal Gopal- placed there. While she was musing, her husband of two years came up behind her and locked his arms at her waist.

"Rani Sahiba! How do you manage to look as lovely as you did when we first met?"

Anjali blushed and said, "Aap bhi na! Aapko bas badi badi baatein banani aati hai. Let me go. I am upset with you."

Shyam Jha was a shrewd man. He understood that his wife was upset because of his sudden 'case-related field trip' and would need some pacifying.

He sighed dramatically. "I know I am not able to keep you happy. And who would be happy like this? I mean, look at us! Look at me! We are living in your brother's house, living off on his income.. I am such a failure for a husband!"

Anjali whipped her head around and came to his side, "Why do you say that? You are the best husband in the world! And you know it was Chhote who had practically blackmailed us into staying with him! Its not as if you didn't want to support me on your own.. but you know how he is- h won't take no for an answer!"

They both hugged each other. While Anjali's eyes showed pain, her husband's glittered maliciously.

"I thought you were over that fact.. but if it gives you so much pain, I will talk to my brother today itself and we will go elsewhere to live. I will restart my job and then we can support each other like this for life, and you won't have to feel embarrassed!"

Shyam hurried to do some damage control, "No, no, my dear! I mean, think of how hurt saale sahab will be if he comes to know about this! He might think he failed as a brother. I don't wish to stand between the love you two share. Don't mind me, please. I will bear all the pain in the world to see you both happy!" And I wouldn't want my careful planning to go waste, now, would I?

Arnav had been pretty easy to manipulate once he had caught on to his weakness.

---------------

"Aman! Are the files ready? You know bhai, I mean ASR, will be mad if he finds we were unprepared for the meeting."

Aman Mathur, their faithful Manager for the past three years, assistant to Arnav (thought that was not included in his job-description) nodded before giving Akash a polite smile.

Ah, what the hell! Does this guy speak at all? I mean, other than business? Three years, and I still don't know anything about his personal life! Akash mused as he made his way to ASR's cabin.

He knocked and waited for the faint "ENTER" before pushing the door open and entering the office. He didn't wish to intrude on his brother's privacy, or interrupt any special moment. He had almost caught bhai and Lavanya in a compromising situation some time back and he was weary of doing that again. Better knock as if I am just another employee, than stride in to find them.. ugh!

"The files are ready and the clients are on their way. I've also kept the copies of the designs ready, just in case they want some urgently." Akash followed his brother out of the cabin, while Lavanya stayed back to collect something.

They entered the conference hall and prepared for the meeting.

Arnav had long since gotten used to the grind of presentations, meetings, ramp shows, and all that fluff. He designed even today, but only for special occasions or people. Like his Di. Like his mami or nani.

He relied heavily on Akash and Aman's talent to scout upcoming designers and ingrain them into AR.

He was thankful for the day they had hired Aman. He was indispensable. He was also the only employee who could look into his eyes and refuse to do something that would be potentially harmful to the company. While other employees scampered around to please him, Arnav knew he had an honest man in his hands.

Akash's pure business intellect had helped them convert initial losses to profits. They had set up new boutiques in many cities and were now considered a force to be reckoned with. Akash had completed his MBA and returned to India a year back. They had progressed from that point in leaps and bounds.

Of course, where there's progress, there are enemies. Arnav had been unsure of how to handle them. But his Jijaji's skills as a lawyer and contacts with many people had helped them.

After some time, though, Arnav had developed his own contacts and forged relations with the who's who of Delhi and around. Slowly, he had developed his own network.

Arnav Singh Raizada had learnt never to rely on anyone but himself.

------------

"Com check! Am I audible?"

"What is that light doing on the stage! Take it off!"

"Where is that model!! She should have been here sooner!"

"MAKE-UP! I need MAKE-UP!"

"Aman get those damn fools to organize themselves!"

"Yes, ASR!"

Arnav was not someone who sweat easily in the face of a crisis. But when he found that the show-stopper of his show had not yet appeared, he sweat. Yes, he did. Various scenarios ranging from conspiracy to accidents, raced through his brain.

There was no time, though.

He went on to the make shift stage in the grounds. He could hear the buzz of the guests gathered for his show. They were excited. And why shouldn't they be?

Hadn't he, ASR, advertised that this was his biggest show so far?

They didn't know the reason behind the choice of venue, though. Sheesh Mahal.

Earlier in the morning, he had personally thrown out his good for nothing uncle. When that man recognized who he was dealing with, he quickly rushed to fall on his feet, begging for forgiveness, begging in the name of family. Arnav had simply put on his shades and walked away, smirking.

Karma is a bit**. Right?

Well, ASR is the devil.

-----------

"Ladies and gentlemen! I am honored to be able to conduct this show here, in Lucknow. This show and my success, is dedicated to the most important woman in my life- my sister, my Di. Please welcome her on the stage!"

Arnav looked towards his side to find Anjali struggling to maintain her balance as she stepped into the light. He quickly went by her side and held her hand and shoulders to steady her. She smiled a sweet smile and cupped his cheek lovingly. "I am so proud of you, chhote!"

Arnav smiled and turned to look at the audience once again. "I am pleased to announce the launch of my new collection, coming from the very heart and soul of AR! Please enjoy the show!"

He guided Anjali to the two empty seats in the first row to the side of the stage. They sat down and at that very moment, the lights dimmed.

Arnav was seething, but managed to hide it behind his regular mask of arrogance.

The music blared, the lights changed, the models walked, the audience ooh-ed and ah-ed.

It was time for the final dress of the vening.

Arnav looked up at the stage. A lone spotlight shone on the green dress. Yes! She's here! Finally!

But his exhilaration was cut short as he noticed that the dress was not one of his designs. The girl was trembling and refused to walk- constantly looking behind herself and saying something.

ASR was fuming with anger. He wanted to get up on the stage and pull the girl to the front, but his models did that for him.

One on each side, they grabbed her arms and walked her to the front as if nothing was wrong, while she kept saying, "Chhodiye humein! Jaane dijiye! Aap galat soch rahe hain! Hum woh nahi hain jise aap.. chhodiye humein!"

Arnav wanted to throttle someone. No doubt, this was a trick one of his rivals had pulled off, trying to ruin the show.

The girl lost her balance as the models turned. She was falling off the stage.

And before ASR could think, the Arnav in him took over and caught her. A pure instinctive decision.

He looked at the face of the woman in his arms, oblivious to the cameras flashing away. He was mesmerized for a moment. Her doe like eyes opened to reveal they were light brown in color- their beauty eclipsed by the fear they radiated. Her lips trembled. Her cheeks were flushed, but naturally so. He could recognize the lack of make-up on her face. Her body fit in his arms perfectly.

Arnav was lost in a trance-like state.. Who was this woman?

And then.. ASR took over.

------------ Fin------------

Yup, leaving it at that. We all know what happens after this 😉

Thank you for reading this story!

I hope you liked the end, and I hope I could tie up loose ends.

-Chibi