Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Arnav had followed Khushi back into the hall, where he bumped into a visibly bewildered Sumer and asked, "Hey Sumer, what's up? Why do you look so lost?" Sumer cleared his thoughts and forced a smile on his face while replying, "Ohh nothing buddy... was just thinking of something random. Come... let's get this party rocking! By the way, where is Khushi? " Arnav stared at his best friend for a few seconds noticing the worry lines on his forehead. It was a rare sight to see a worried Sumer, who was usually so cheerful and spreading happiness around. He was jerked out of his thoughts when Sumer snapped his fingers in front of his face and pulled him along to where Khushi stood chatting with his Nani. Arnav made a mental note to speak to Sumer about what was bothering him.

A giggling Khushi, whom Nani was introducing to some of her satsang' friends, diverted his attention. It made a beautiful picture - Khushi in his home, mingling comfortably with his family. He felt warm at this thought and saw Sumer prying Khushi away from the gathered group of oldies and tagging her along to his gang of friends. Arnav noticed her nervousness at being introduced to his group of friends and was by her side instantly. He held her hand, to comfort her, knowing very well that she would be uncomfortable meeting so many new people. However, he did not really know the extent of Khushi's awkwardness and feeling of inferiority at meeting them... people who were so different from her.

She felt uncomfortable, hugging them while getting introduced. It wasn't her upbringing, how much ever she tried to fit into this party. The only comfort was that of Arnav's hand holding hers. The warmth emanating from it soothed her frazzled nerves. She looked up at him to notice that he had been looking at her for a while now. He smiled... an encouraging smile, as she relaxed a little, trying to chat comfortably with his friends. With Sumer around, it did not feel like a difficult feat, as he effortlessly eased her into conversations regarding books, writers and movies. Arnav, being the host of the party, had to leave her often and chat with various people. She understood his responsibility and also secretly reveled in his reluctance at leaving her.

Khushi looked around the grand hall that was now overflowing with people. The laughter, the chatter, the gossip... echoed throughout the hall. She noticed Akash and Payal huddled in a corner, deep in conversation. She did not fail to notice their sullen faces and suddenly felt guilty for leaving them alone. Was she drifting away from her friends, on finding the company of Arnav? She could not even imagine living without them, and so she politely excused herself from Sumer and his friends and walked quietly towards her childhood friends. However, she had barely managed to take a couple of steps ahead, when Arnav pulled her by her waist, against his hard form... his eyes boring into her stunned face. She pushed him slightly, noticing the curious glances that people were throwing at them. The last thing she wanted was to be the 'talk of the town.'

"Arnav, what are you doing? Everyone is looking at us," she tried reasoning with him, when he did not let her go. "I don't care Khushi. Let them see how Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta is driving Arnav Singh Raizada crazy." She struggled a bit more and he unwillingly let her go. Noticing her frown, Arnav continued, "Ok... ok... I just want to introduce you to a few of my cousins. They are very much interested in the Ashadaan project and one of them even suggested to help out by organizing a charity auction. I wanted them to meet you, so you can directly get in touch with them, to take this thing forward." Khushi relaxed, as Arnav held her hand and led her through the crowd. Anything related to Ashadaan always cheered her up and she would possibly do anything, for the betterment of her home. As the introductions were done, Ananya and Ajay Raizada joined in the conversation, guiding Khushi on how to take things forward. Khushi felt overwhelmed, with the amount of support she was getting from the Raizadas. They were talking about spreading Ashadaan to a national level, giving opportunities to orphans and street children across the country... a dream that Khushi had always envisioned.

Arnav was more than happy to see Khushi mingle with his family. He knew that the only way to make her comfortable amidst them was by bringing up the topic of Ashadaan. It would serve as a great icebreaker, after which, she would relax around them, and easily spend time with them. The mind of a businessman would always strategize... be it business or love. He watched her beautiful face... a myriad of emotions flitting across it every minute... her nose scrunching up when disliking an idea, her eyes twinkling with excitement at something that she approved of. Even when he was dragged away to meet a few business associates, his eyes never left her face... he just could not look away. For the first time since the party had begun, he noticed the song that was playing in the background.

Jaadu hai nasha hai madhoshiyan hai
Tujhko bhulake aab jaao kahan
Jaadu hai nasha hai madhoshiyan hai
Tujhko bhulake aab jaao kahan
Dekhti hai jis tarah se teri nazrein mujhe
Main khud ko chupaao kahan

At that exact moment, Khushi looked into his eyes... the world disappearing around them. He walked through the crowd, throwing fake smiles at anyone who would greet him... not once breaking the eye contact with Khushi. He rejoiced in the red blush that was accentuating her soft cheeks. He knew how he affected her and was going to make sure that she did not have any option but to accept him, into her life.

Yeh pal hai apna to is pal ko jee le
Shwalo ki tarha zarah chal ke jee le
Pal jhapakte kho na jana
Chuke karlo yakin na jane yeh pal paaye kahan
Jaadu hai nasha hai madhoshiyan hai
Tujhko bhulake aab jaao kahan

Khushi was flustered beyond reason... as his scorching gaze singed her from within. She realized that he very well knew the effect he had on her. She could not concentrate any more on what was happening around her. As the song drifted across the hall, the words reminded her of the mirage, that this man was creating around her. Was this for real? Did she actually deserve so much happiness? Did she belong in his world... so grand, so beautiful? Innumerable doubts assailed her already anxious mind and then she noticed his worried expression. Had she been so transparent, that her inner turmoil was reflected on her face? She straightened and smiled brightly at him, trying to do some damage control. However, it was too late, as she saw Arnav taking long strides towards her... his face full of questions. He was by her side in a minute, holding her hand gently in his own. Both of them were unaware of Nani's mischievous eyes, noticing the tension between them.

Arnav had seen Khushi's beautiful face change colour... from sunny smiles to the dark colours of worry and uncertainty. He wondered what was suddenly bothering her, in a matter of minutes. He had to know, what the silly girl was thinking. He had realized her hesitation to come to this party... her reluctance to hold his hand... her worry about meeting his family and be seen with him publicly. He would resolve all her issues soon... but she needed to give him some time. How could she doubt what was budding between them, when he was trying so hard to woo her? Did she not trust him? He really needed to talk to her soon, and so he had walked to her wanting to know the reason for her worry. However, before he could even begin his round of questions, a girl jumped onto him... hugging him tightly... making him take a couple of steps behind... resulting in him being yanked away from Khushi. The loss of her cold, clammy hand made him uncomfortable... but what was to follow, was even worse.

Aalia, Arnav's childhood friend who was just back from London, could not contain her happiness at finally seeing Arnav after eight long years. She ran ahead and hugged him tightly, and pecked him on the cheek while drawing back to look at his shocked face. "Oye Nanav! What's wrong with you? Don't look so shocked... Ananya aunty invited me for the party because as usual... you forgot to invite your old girlfriend." She stuck out her tongue and hugged Ananya and Ajay. Arnav was shocked beyond words and really happy to see his childhood friend. As he overcame his initial surprise, he pulled her by her ears and said, "I am not the one to forget you Al... you have not been reachable for years. You left me... you cut off all contacts and now you come back and blame me..." He paused for a while and continued, "... and you are not my girlfriend. Sumer can vouch for it." The entire family laughed, seemingly oblivious to one very hurt and uncomfortable person... Khushi.

Khushi took a couple of steps behind, to put a distance between the private family conversation. She did not know what to feel...or think, as she had just seen a girl hugging and kissing Arnav. Not only that, she was his childhood friend... most probably his girlfriend at some stage in life. It hurt to see the man she loved, behave so lovingly and affectionately with another girl... a girl, who looked good standing with him. Her short dress, accentuating her perfect figure, her expensive jewellery and her impeccable hairdo... everything screamed "elegance". Now that she noticed this girl... Al', she realized how perfectly she fit into his family. She noticed how warmly Arnav's mother hugged her, how his father chatted with her.

A sinking feeling settled in her heart... to see Arnav laughing at her jokes. She felt bereft... the loss of his warm hand, his attention and his family's care. Nani's voice brought her out from her thoughts, "Khushi bitiya, that is Aalia, Arnav's childhood friend. Hasn't he told you about her before? They had been inseparable since childhood, with Sumer tagging along as a disturbance. She has shifted to London with her family, but as they are close friends of Ananya and Ajay, we invited them too. Come... let me introduce you to her." No! Khushi could not face Aalia at the moment. She had to find some excuse and get away from there. The tears almost choking her, would never let her speak. She needed some fresh air, and so she mumbled some excuse to walk away from the laughing group, as fast as possible.

It was probably only a few minutes later, that Arnav noticed Khushi's absence. Meeting Aalia after ages... had brought back wonderful, crazy memories of his childhood. But now that he did not see Khushi anywhere around, he was reminded of her worried and anxious face. Damn! How would she have interpreted Aalia's hug and kiss? Had she misunderstood his friendship? Dammit!! He had to find her. Nani broke his reverie and asked, "What happened Arnav bitwa? Are you looking for Khushi bitiya?" As he nodded carelessly, more in a hurry to rush away and look for Khushi, Nani added, "I think she walked towards the poolside. She seemed a little upset. I wonder what happened suddenly." Arnav panicked at these words and without even glancing back once to thank his Nani... he dashed towards the poolside. A smiling Nani got back to the group that was busy in conversation... discussing Aalia's impending wedding.

Arnav was distraught at what Nani had told him. Was Khushi really upset? First, he had forced her to attend this party and now Al!! He had to clear a lot of misunderstandings and there was a lot of damage control to be done. He rushed towards the poolside, avoiding anyone who tried to speak to him. Thankfully, the main pool was hidden from the hall, which would give him some much-needed privacy with Khushi. With his heart thudding dangerously in his chest, he walked across to the open pool. All sounds ceased to exist as the most stunning woman he had ever seen, came into his view. Khushi stood gazing at the stars... just like the last time she had stood near the pool in his room. He knew how much the waters calmed her and hoped that she was feeling slightly better. He walked closer to notice her body stiffen. She knew he was behind her. He slowly turned her around, to face him. He did not like her head bowed down and so he whispered, "Khushi..."

Arnav pushed aside the curtain of long, lustrous hair that was annoying him at the moment, as it hid her beautiful face. However, one look into those hazel depths pierced his heart. Why was she crying? Her luminous eyes were brimming with unshed tears. The beautiful poolside suddenly lost its charm and he tried to make her look at him. Holding her chin tenderly he asked, "Kya hua, Khushi? Why are you crying?" As she turned away once again without replying, he completely lost his cool. He held her by the shoulders and turned her around roughly. "Main tumse kuch pooch raha hoon, Khushi. Answer me dammit!" Khushi pushed him hard on his chest and took a few steps away from him. She did not want to show him her vulnerable side... her insecurities, and especially not these tears, which just would not stop. She wiped her cheeks in frustration and looked up... into his always-mesmerizing eyes.

Arnav could not bear to see the hurt and pain in her hazel eyes that had been dancing with excitement a few minutes back. What had changed so much between them in mere minutes? He could not help but ask her pleadingly, "Kya hua hai tumhe, Khushi? Please batao mujhe. Main hoon tumhare saath." She nodded her head in refusal, as he held her hands in his own... finally finding some relief, as she did not draw back. Khushi took in a deep breath before baring her soul to him. He needed to know what she thought... about them... about their differences and about not fitting into his world. "Arnav..." She paused, causing Arnav's heart to speed up at a maniacal rate. After thinking things through her head, Khushi fumbled to find the right words to express herself and said, "Arnav, this is just not right... you and me. I do not know what you feel about us, where you think our friendship is heading, but I am not cut out for casual dating. I don't fit into this grand world, where people behave in a completely different way."

"But Khus..." Arnav tried to interrupt her ramble, when she stopped him from doing so. "Wait Arnav... let me say, what I have been holding in until now. Look around you... look at your world, where everything is so beautiful. And look at me... I have to borrow an outfit to try and fit into this glamorous, almost-perfect world of yours. You have a wonderful family and I have no one to call my own... you are one of the most eligible bachelors in the country and I am known to none. You have a successful career ahead of you and I am struggling to even get my articles approved. This can't work out Arnav... you and me just can't..." She sighed heavily, out of breath due to her long monologue... tired of everything that had suddenly gone wrong. Arnav tried to understand her emotions, her feelings and her insecurities. He was shocked by her words... at how this silly little girl thought, that she did not deserve him. And here he was, anxious about her feelings towards him. He wanted to get angry with her, for even having such foolish thoughts, however, both of them losing their temper would only worsen the situation. He realized the sensitivity and gravity of the issue and took a deep breath to calm himself, before speaking to her.

"Khushi, please look at me. I need you to look into my eyes, when I am talking to you. I need you to see the truth behind everything that I am going to say right now... I hadn't planned on it, but seeing you in this state is breaking my heart, Khushi... I cannot believe that you have been thinking all of this, for so long and I did not even realize it. Have I ever made you feel uncomfortable or unwanted... during our dates, the times you came home, the times we spent discussing Ashadaan? Khushi... all these differences that you mentioned have never mattered to me... I don't believe in right or wrong... in black or white. What matters to me is the blend that two people can create... that we can create... and I have never felt as attached to any person as I have felt to you." Arnav stopped talking to see a storm brewing in Khushi's eyes and wondered... now what was this girl's mind up to?

And Arnav was not wrong in his guess, as Khushi spoke again, although a lot calmer than before, yet the hurt in her voice was still evident. "Look at Aalia, she is so perfect, Arnav... perfect for you. You have known each other for years. Your family adores her... she is beautiful, modern, accomplished and comfortable with your friends. And, if not her, then this party is full of stunning girls who are smitten by you and..." Khushi fumbled with words as she saw the way Arnav was staring at her... his eyes dropping to her lips. Arnav had finally understood what hurt Khushi the most. Aalia! She thought he was dating her? He laughed mentally, at how little Khushi understood about herself. She observed all the girls ogling him, but not once, had she noticed the admiring, even lustful looks that most of the men at the party, were throwing her way. Why did she think, that he had been following her around all this while? Marking his territory came instinctively to every man, and he was doing just that. He understood what she was feeling however, as he had felt the same possessiveness and jealousy, when he had seen Akash hold Khushi's hand.

Arnav looked at the beautiful eyes that spoke to him much more than those tempting, trembling lips were doing at the moment. He could not stop himself from moving forward towards her... her delicious lips enchanting him... calling him to taste them. He thought it to be the best way to silence this cute little woman who had stolen his heart, without even realizing what she did to him. It was time she understood the power she had over him, and he swooped down to claim her soft lips... lightly at first, taking in her surprised gasp. He then felt her relaxing into him, as his one hand snaked around her slim waist. He understood her innocence and held her face gently with the other, tilting it slightly to get more access to her plump lips. It was everything he had imagined and much more. The kiss was chaste and innocent... gently nipping on her bottom lip - he probed further for her to open up to him and as she did... he was immediately assaulted by her sweet taste.

It was Khushi's first kiss... a kiss possibly she had dreamed of one day... but not today! He had surprised her, silencing her completely. Being inexperienced in this department, she tried going along with his guidance. She trembled in his arms, as his hand tugged at the dori of her kurti. It wasn't fair the way he made her feel... but it was delicious. His warm hand roaming over her bare back, the onslaught of his lips on hers and the fresh, aquatic fragrance of his cologne making her feel heady. She clutched onto the lapels of his suit, pulling him close... or getting closer to him... whatever it took to reduce the distance between them. This kiss was everything that she knew bliss would feel like... a sense of reaching home... of belonging to someone. After a really, really long time she pushed at him gently, in a desperate need to breathe. She looked at him through desire-laden eyes, and gulped at seeing the fire in his caramel ones. She could be undone by just that look'.

Arnav gasped for air too, the mist of passion finally dissolving around them. He did not let go off her waist... anticipating the worst kind of reaction from her. He had not planned their first kiss to be like this... but what the...!!!!! What was he supposed to do, if those delectable lips would not shut up? He did not regret it however, as he looked at her disheveled form. Her hair a ruffled mess, her lips slightly swollen... her heaving chest, causing the fire within him to rage anew... He rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes... silently listening to her soft breathing, feeling her pulse beating under his hand, which now rested against her neck. Heaven only knew, after how long...finally, he tied the dori of her kurti firmly and pulled away from her. He hoped that she would not regret this kiss and rejoiced when she looked up at him shyly. A rosy blush spread across her face, her eyes glinting with so much tenderness that it could unman anyone. Arnav was a complete goner ... and he had realized that today. He held her hand gently and spoke to her... putting into words, those exact emotions that his actions had just shown her.

"Khushi... I hope I have made my preferences clear? Let me say it loud and clear... that no woman has ever held my heart in my life, until now... until I met you. You are special, Khushi... what we have is special. Al is getting married next month... she and Sumer were a couple, not she and I. Yes... we have been friends but I haven't spoken to her in a while now... so I was just happy to see her. But you..." He tugged at her hand, pulling her closer, threading his fingers through her long, silken tresses, straightening them and continued, "You have the power to drive me insane... literally! Promise me, that you will never ever cry the way you did today, Khushi, because I can't bear to see you cry." She nodded at him shyly and he let her go. "Now, go back to the party, Khushi, before my fans... I mean those greedy women, come to find me," he winked at her, as she ran towards the exit, only to be stopped by him again. "Hey Khushi... don't forget to use the restroom... to apply some of your lipstick. I seem to have licked off most of it." All he heard was - Khushi yelling across the distance "Laad Governor kahiinke!" He took a couple of minutes to reign in his excitement, intoxicated in her sweet fragrance that still lingered around him and contentedly walked towards the hall. Finally life seemed to have gotten on the right track... at least for one couple. The rest seemed a little more complicated.

Chapter 16

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Thank you guys for all your wonderful comments. I hope you enjoyed the update. The next update will also be at the party, as I have some more matters to settle between the other couples as well. 😳

This update is dedicated to chitrajay... who has silently been helping me with the updates. I am an extremely lazy person to go through what I write. So, it is her... who edits the stories and is my auto-correct. Thanks C... for being my Google!! 🤗

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Vandy and C... I am now going to make a logo for you'll and insert an image for every update. I am at loss of innovative ideas to thank you'll. And I am sure the rest of the readers must think that I am either obsessed with you'll... or I am totally crazy. ☺️

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