Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Akash stood silently, observing the grandeur of the party. Payal had just gone off to take another of her office calls, and there was absolutely no trace of Khushi. He looked across the hall to see cheerful faces all around, chatting, laughing and having a good time. However, amidst this swarm of people, he felt all-alone... completely distraught at the fact that the woman he loved, was in love with someone else. However, there was nothing he could do about it. All he wanted was Khushi's happiness and nothing more. He knew that Khushi had started noticing something amiss in his behavior, and he would soon have to start controlling his emotions better, around her. Rather than have an awkward conversation with her that would ruin their friendship, he would have to put up a faade for some time; atleast until he got over these feelings... still he was not sure if he would ever be able to...
At that exact moment, he saw Khushi walk out from a corner, her face flushed, eyes downcast with shyness. She moved quickly across the hall and it wasn't difficult to understand what really had happened. As if to confirm Akash's doubts, Arnav walked out of the same corner, a couple of minutes later... following Khushi. That was all Akash could take for the day. He had accepted the fact that Khushi was attracted to Arnav... but to actually witness something like this, hurt! Hurt like hell!! He could not hang around anymore and had to leave immediately. He was sure Payal would understand his situation and hence, he quickly made his way towards the exit. So lost in his thoughts was he, that he did not notice a beautiful girl coming his way and bang right into him.
Anjali Singh Raizada was extremely happy and excited, meeting so many of her friends... cousins and relatives, all together. She could not conceal her excitement and had been flitting from one group to another, since the party had begun. She had always been pampered, being the youngest in the family, and although her friends consisted of mostly girls, many boys had tried to hit on her regularly. After all, she was the daughter of one of the richest businessmen in Delhi. Anjali had experienced a couple of crushes so far, but her upbringing would not allow her to go any further. The freedom and trust that her parents and bhai had in her; there was no way that she would misuse it. She knew how protective they were towards her, and she would never take advantage of the freedom they had given her. She walked across the hall hurriedly, straightening her dress... not really noticing where she was headed, when she clashed into a hard form.
Instinctively, Anjali clutched onto the first thing she could get her hands on... and coincidentally, they were the broad shoulders of Akash Roy. He held her firmly by her waist, looking at her shocked, almost fearful face. He had been stunned himself at the collision and had automatically wound his hands around the girl's waist, to save her from falling. He had been too lost in his thoughts to notice the girl intently staring back at him. The moment Anjali got over her shock, she noticed the glassy pair of eyes that were peering at her through thick-rimmed glasses. He was a handsome stranger, his rugged face making him look mysterious and striking. His warm hands holding her tiny waist were scorching her skin through the thin material of her dress. She wondered if she had ever met him... she had the strangest feeling that she had known him forever. Anjali was brought out of her thoughts, as he cleared his throat and straightened up. She immediately felt the loss of his warmth... of his touch and looked back into his eyes.
The first thing she he noticed was that there was a lot of pain in those deep-set eyes. Why was he hurting? And why was it bothering her so much? She had just met him and had no clue who he was, yet, she felt a strange connection to him. The flurry of emotions, seemed to be restricted to her own heart, however. He seemed to be lost in his own world, looking right through her... possibly at someone behind her. Anjali turned around, to notice a beautiful girl walking towards them, and wondered if this man was already engaged... or married! And that was not all-- somehow, suddenly there were too many people around them... while the girl asked, "Akash, do you want to leave? I have some urgent work to be dealt with." Simultaneously, Sumer stood beside Anjali, questioning her... "Anjie... you okay? How did you trip?" Everyone looked at each other... a multitude of emotions, mental conversations, self-accusations and confusion flashing across their faces.
To add to this khichadi of relationships, Arnav and Khushi joined the silent group, who were still staring at each other. "Hey guys, what happened? Why is everyone so quiet?" Silence... there was still silence, as Khushi and Arnav looked at each other with concern, as he continued "Snap out of it guys. Okay, let me formally introduce Akash and Payal to my little sister, Anjie... I mean Anjali. And, these are Khushi's friends, Anjie." Probably the commanding voice of Arnav got everyone back to their normal selves, as they politely smiled at the introductions. When Akash and Payal insisted on leaving... Arnav and Sumer both spoke at the same time, "No! Please have dinner and go." The group laughed nervously and at a little insistence from Khushi, all of them headed to the buffet area. Anjali could not keep from looking at Akash... his face still marred with worry and hurt. Why was this handsome guy so upset? The nagging at Anjali's heart grew stronger, as she tried to get into a comfortable conversation with Khushi.
Arnav filled up a plate for Khushi while Sumer watched Payal and Akash chatting comfortably. Something tugged at his heart, and he wondered how he was going to find out what Shyam had done to Payal. There was no way he could speak to that brute about it, and Payal would not even speak to him... forget about baring her innermost secrets. Khushi! Maybe, she knew something. He would just have to orchestrate a few group outings... convince Arnav to go out for dinner or a movie with the whole gang. That was the only solution to finding out more without being too obvious. Sumer, Anjali and Arnav, like good hosts, gave company to the other three, throughout dinner.
Arnav wanted to speak to Khushi privately, but it seemed unlikely... at least, tonight. After a quick dinner, Arnav asked Khushi if she could stay at the party, for some more time... but the adamant girl wanted to leave along with Payal and Akash. He had tried to sweet-talk her into staying and also promised her that he would drop her home soon. However, Khushi knew very well that Arnav was not going to be able to leave the party until late in the night. Hence, she had stuck to her decision. She could see how uncomfortable Akash and Payal were at the party and was glad that they had at least accompanied her. In this party, she had taken one more step towards Arnav... just like Payal had wanted her to. Even though Arnav and she had not verbally admitted to their feelings yet... she knew they would... soon. She blushed slightly at the thought and felt Arnav nudge her slightly, asking her the reason for it. She had nodded shyly, and Arnav had managed to sneak a quick peck on her cheek without anyone noticing.
However, someone had noticed, and smiled inwardly. Nani had noticed the currents between her grandson and Khushi. She really liked Khushi, as she was very different from all the girls, who usually hovered around Arnav all the time. She was cultured, soft-spoken, confident and talented. She seemed to have made a way to her grandson's heart too... and if things fell into place, she would soon be preparing for a wedding in their family. However, there were too many If's and but's' and she wanted to help in this grand scheme of Devi Maiyya, in every way she could.
As Arnav walked Khushi to the door, he held her hand and said, "I shall call you once the party is over... okay?" She nodded, as he tenderly put a strand of hair behind her ear and continued, "And Angel, if you feel tired, message me before you fall asleep, okay?" She smiled and said, "Angel? When did this happen Mr. Devil? And stop talking to me as if I am a child." He laughed heartily, and her heart soared with happiness at seeing him laugh so freely... because of her. "You have been my Angel, since the time I laid my eyes on you... at a traffic signal, fighting with some random bloke." She quirked her eyebrow in question, when he continued... "Will tell you about it some other time... and as far as talking to you like a child is concerned... well, by now you must know what I think about you... or do you need another reminder?" He winked at her as he leaned in to kiss her, but Khushi was too quick for him, as she shoved him lightly and made a run towards the car.
Akash and Payal were already seated as Arnav, Sumer and Anjali waved to the departing trio. There were four confused hearts, while two remained temporarily unsatisfied. Khushi sat back in the car, trying to revel in the beautiful and overwhelming moments she had spent with Arnav at the party. She was now introduced to most of his family and friends and had slowly started feeling like a part of them... a part of a family... his family... her family! A beautiful dream that had been shattered, when she was eight... a dream that she had always wanted to live. She smiled contentedly, oblivious to the emotional chaos, that her friends were experiencing currently. Akash drove quietly, switching on the music in the car, silencing any conversation that could have happened. Unfortunately as always, Akash's music system consisted of Khushi's favourite songs, twisting his heart a little more.
Immediately after Khushi and Payal were dropped home, the girls showered and changed into their nightclothes. A cup of garam chai lay in front of them, as the girls sat in front of the TV watching their favourite cartoon channel. Khushi was lost in her wonderful present and Payal... in her upsetting past. Khushi took a sip from her teacup, warming up her insides and refreshing her senses. She noticed a somber Payal, shifted a little towards her and asked, "Payalia... what is wrong? Kya baat hai? Yeh dukhi shakal kyon banake rakkhi hai?" Payal smiled brightly, trying to push away those horrible memories of the past, and replied, "Kuch nahi Khush... just tired of work pressure. Worried if we can meet the client's deadline." At the mention of work, Khushi straightened up and asked Payal something that she had forgotten in this excitement of the party, "Payal...Arnav offered you a job at AR? You did not tell me about it and now, I come to know about my best friend's life, from him?" She pretended to be angry, as Payal, forgot her worries, for a moment. She had indeed forgotten to mention the offer to Khushi... and it would soon be payback time.
"Khush... meri pyaari Khush... you know na, that I have been so busy lately. Work has been hectic and also I had to convince you and AR to go for the party. Tum dono saare kaam mujhse karvate ho! Don't be upset, Khushi." Payal knew that truthfully, Khushi had a reason to be upset... it was her fault and as always, there would be a penalty to pay. As if to confirm her fears, Khushi laughed in a mock-wicked manner... "Heheheahahaha!!! Ab aaya na uut pahad ke neeche... You know our pact very well, Payal... If you don't or forget to tell me something very important... you will have to cook for the rest of the week. How many times have you made me cook, you meanie?? Finally!! I get the opportunity to corner Payal Sharma... Hehehahahaha!!" Khushi could not contain her excitement, as for the first time in years, Payal had not told her something vital. Khushi being her absent-minded self, had always forgotten to pass on a message or missed out on revealing an experience. She had been asked to cook for months together... unknown to the fact, that if Payal ever told Khushi her biggest secret, Khushi would get to eat, food prepared by Payal for an entire lifetime.
Payal finally relaxed, as the girls washed their teacups. They lay in their bed... lost in the thoughts of two men... who were thinking about their respective ladies too. Arnav had been occupied, attending to the guests when Khushi had messaged him. It was a tiny message, yet he could not help grinning at his crazy angel. It read... Goodnight Arnav :-*'... the tiny kiss' emoticon took him back to a few hours ago... all the emotions rising rapidly within him once again. His heart exploded at her acceptance of him... into her life. He could not wait to officially propose to her... a special plan was already shaping up in his head. He wanted to make the moment very special for Khushi... and also knew for the fact, that he would have to do it soon enough. Their chemistry was explosive and their first kiss had happened without any verbal commitment. Arnav was sure that he wanted to lay down his heart in front of Khushi, before getting close to her again. He did not want her to think that he was only just physically attracted to her.
Arnav walked around the almost empty hall, giving instructions to the workers to pull down all the decorations. It had been past midnight, when all the guests had left. He had made sure that his parents, Nani and Anjie had retired to bed immediately. He knew how tiring this party had been for them. He had Sumer with him to take care of the work. However, he soon realized that Sumer was just not with him... he had been lost in another world, during the party and had never really come back. He looked at his best friend, now lounging on the sofa... still lost in that world. Arnav slowly walked towards the sofa and sat down beside him and asked casually, "Blurt it out, dude. This long... unending silence does not suit your personality. Tell me what is bothering you." Sumer was a little surprised at this sudden question... and yet, all along had known, that it would come up soon. Arnav and he were more like brothers and Arnav probably knew him better than he knew himself. It was possibly the right time to tell Arnav what had been bothering him, and the first word that left his mouth was... "Payal."
If Arnav was surprised, he did not let it reflect on his face, and urged Sumer to continue. "Payal thinks I am like Shyam, Arnav. You know me for years now... am I like him in any way? I know I flirt a lot with girls... but I never mean any harm to anyone, dude... you know it!!!" Sumer's strained voice troubled Arnav and he laid a comforting arm around his shoulder and said, "Sumer, we both know that it is not true. Shyam is a beast and do not even compare yourself to him. As far as Payal is concerned, she barely knows you... why are you bothered by her opinion? As long as I have known you, no girl affects you in such a manner. So...what's really going on here?" Arnav quirked an eyebrow teasing Sumer slightly, trying to get his friend out of this depressing mood, and it worked! Sumer laughed loudly... trying hard to hide the emotions that were bursting to break free... He did not want Arnav to know this...thing... something, which he himself wasn't sure of. Why Payal's behavior bothered him to such an extent was a mystery to him as well!
So, Sumer did the thing that he did best... hid the pain behind a mask of jest and humour and said, "Dude, there is nothing brewing between Ms. Payal Sharma and me... It's just that I hate seeing pretty girls upset, you know. And she has been annoyed with me for months now! Finally, last night, she blurted out the reason... saying that I am just like Shyam! I wonder, what gave her that idea! Looks like I will have a hard time convincing her otherwise, because Shyam is a really bad species to be compared with." Sumer sighed, exhaustion taking over him finally. Arnav saw his friend struggling to put up the merry faade that he normally wore, while hiding something painful, and said comfortingly, "Its ok, Sumer. Don't worry... we shall try and figure out what can be done. Maybe, a few outings in a group and spending some time with her, could clear this misunderstanding? Till then, at least try not to flirt with girls around her, okay?" Sumer smiled at his best friend, aware that he was the only one, who knew how to cheer him up. This family was his solace... away from the chaos back home. Both friends waited till the last bit of decorations had been pulled off, and the hall was once again spotlessly clean... and only then, did they retire to bed.
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Khushi woke up to a beautiful morning. She had forgotten where her dreams ended and reality began. Everything around her just seemed so wonderful and surreal. She was in Love'... with a man who reciprocated her feelings. Even though they had not spelt it out loud... their first kiss... her first kiss, last night had left a lingering mark on her soul. She moved around in a trance, getting ready for work. Payal had already left to visit a fabric dealer's boutique, so the solitude added to the romanticism in the air. Jolting her dhanno to a kick-start, Khushi sped through the streets of old Delhi... breathing in the fresh morning air... enjoying the feeling of being in Love.
PRECAP:
Arnav rushed down the staircase of AR Designs, not bothering to look at the shocked faces of his employees. His phone tightly clutched in his hand, his breath coming in short gasps, panic written all over his being. Arnav got into his Ferrari and sped through the streets of Delhi. The tears in his eyes were blurring his vision and the fear that engulfed his heart made it difficult for it to beat... beat for the woman he loved... his angel... his Khushi.
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Hey guys,
I am extremely sorry for the slight delay in updating and thank you so much for your lovely comments. I am glad all of you'll are enjoying this light-hearted romantic story and hope you'll enjoyed this update too. I am also sorry for not being able to respond to any comments but will try to do so next week. 😳
This update is dedicated to our dearest Uthra (Viji). It's her birthday tomorrow and this is the best gift that I can give her. HAPPY BIRTHDAY U!! Have a brilliant year ahead!! 🥳
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