Chapter 22

Finally, the day of the event dawned with Payal being extremely worked up since the previous night. This was her big break in the world of fashion. Her first solo fashion show, that would mark her entrance into the big league of fashion designers. Since the time she had landed in Mumbai, she had been thrilled to work along with the topmost models in India, meeting renowned fashion designers and addressing a very proficient team. The last few days had gone by in a blur of activity, excitement and fun. To add to this happiness, was Sumer. The man, who had infuriated her with his flirtatious nature in the past, was now making her laugh until her stomach hurt. He would keep flitting around the designing room, cracking jokes, making witty comments and cleverly avoiding the flirty advances from models and Payal's colleagues. For the first time, she had noticed a visibly uncomfortable Sumer, trying to dodge those pretty social butterflies, and wondered whether she had anything to do with it.

It was good to see Sumer in a different perspective, free from the prejudices of her scarred past. Life couldn't have been better for her, both professionally and in her personal life - a new benchmark in her career and she had gained a new confidante. She had enjoyed the last few days, making new acquaintances, working hard to perfect her designs and most of all, those hilarious and stress-free dinners with Sumer. He had pulled her away from all the chaos, and had taken her to various restaurants across Mumbai, to eat their specialties. She had relished the delicious food and also his comfortable company. On the other hand, she was thrilled at the knowledge that Arnav was surprising Khushi, by getting her to visit Mumbai. She knew how thrilled Khushi was going to be... it was her dream destination after all. And plus, both the best friends would be together on this important day in their lives. She was happy for her friend, who had truly found her Prince Charming. He had booked the best suites in the hotel, for the four of them. So lost was she in her thoughts, that she noticed Sumer standing beside her, only when he spoke a little too loudly in her ear, "Oye, Payal... Arnav and Khushi are here. They are waiting for us in the lobby. Come, let's meet them quickly and get back to work... It's your big day, ma'am..." He winked at her and dragged her towards the exit, even before she could think of a coherent reply.

For Khushi, everything seemed like a dream come true. The journey from the airport to the hotel was silent, with her looking out of the window... enjoying the beautiful landscape of Mumbai. It was a city that she had seen in innumerable movies, a city that brought alive the dreams of crores of people and a city, where her hero' Shahrukh Khan lived. The thought itself made her jump in excitement. However, if she stopped to think about it, the man sitting beside her was even better... her personal hero. As the car stopped outside the main entrance of the grand hotel, Khushi wondered for the umpteenth time, if she should ask Arnav about the money he was spending. She wanted to be able to share the expenses, however high they might be. She had tried to speak to him about it, but he had only glared at her in irritation. Why were money matters always difficult to discuss, she wondered.

The two friends met like they were meeting after years of separation. Hugging each other, screaming excitedly and completely ignoring the men who stood looking at them admiringly. "Come, let me take you to our room, Khush. You are going to love it and you can thank your boyfriend for it. This whole plan was his idea... you lucky girl," Payal kept chattering, as she dragged her towards the lift. Khushi looked over at Arnav and blushed under his smoldering gaze, the predatory look in his eyes telling her, what exactly he had in mind. As Payal unlocked the door of their room on the twelfth floor, Arnav informed her that Sumer and he would be staying in the suite, across theirs. At that moment though, the four of them walked into the girls' suite, to eat a quick lunch together.

As soon as Khushi entered the room, she gasped in surprise at the simplicity and beauty of it. However, what took her breath away was the view from the balcony. She almost ran towards it, mesmerized by the huge water body that sparkled in the afternoon sunlight. Arnav walked over to her and hugged her from behind, his hands slowly enveloping her slim waist. He rested his chin on her shoulder, breathing in her sweet fragrance and causing her heartbeats to accelerate. "Arnav... I am finally looking at the vast ocean. It is so beauuutiful... And all this is, because of you. Are you by any chance, my fairy Godmother?" she laughed at her own absurd idea, only to be silenced by a moist kiss and a nip on the tender skin of her neck. She gasped in surprise at this shameless gesture of Arnav, especially with Payal and Sumer, being in the same room. "You better watch before you speak Khushi... I am no fairy Godmother. I am the prince, who turns into a beast, every time you tease me," Arnav drawled huskily. She elbowed him in the stomach and sprinted towards where Payal and Sumer stood, engrossed in a completely different conversation.

The four of them, quickly had their lunch in the balcony of the room, overlooking the ocean, which Khushi could just not get over. After a while, the boys retired to their room to get dressed for the event. Arnav had to meet a few acquaintances before the actual show begun. When Khushi and Payal were finally left alone in the room, Khushi plonked herself down on the bed with a thud, and sighed in happiness. "I still can't believe this, Payalia. We are in Mumbai... It's your fashion show and we are here, together. Hayye!! I just cannot believe that all this is really happening. The evening is going to be so beautiful, with models wearing your designs, and so many designers and celebrities are going to be here. Hey Devi Maiyya!! I completely forgot. I don't have anything nice to wear Payalia... What am I going to do? Arnav should have atleast given me a hint before whisking me to Mumbai. Laad governor kahin ka!"

By the end of this monologue, Khushi had jumped out of the bed and was walking across the length of the room anxiously. Payal laughed at her friend's crazy antics and said calmly, "Relax Khush, it's all sorted. Your boyfriend is a thorough strategist and he has planned this surprise down to the minutest detail. However, he still underestimates the power of a woman. And so, I have this brilliant plan to surprise him instead... that is, only if you agree with it." Khushi looked at her apprehensively, as Payal's plans would surely land her in trouble, like they always did. As expected, it really shocked Khushi who did not really have an option, but to agree with Payal. There was a little bit of hesitation, but a lot of excitement too. What would Arnav think of her little surprise, she wondered.

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It had been four hours since Arnav had last seen Khushi. He had made his way to the venue of the fashion show, only to meet a few friends and competitors. He got busy chatting with the models and many other people, whom he knew from the fashion industry. Payal seemed to be working in her suite and Sumer had gotten busy in setting up his photography equipment. Arnav had messaged Khushi whether he could come over to spend some time with her before the actual show started, but she had quickly responded saying, that she was helping Payal with some work, and that she would come along with Payal to the main event. Arnav had clearly been disappointed, but had given her the space she needed. Anything to make her happy, he thought mentally. He hoped that Payal had kept a beautiful salwar-suit ready for Khushi, as he had requested her.

Going back to his suite for a quick shower, Arnav got dressed in his dapper clothes. He checked himself out in the mirror, thinking about Khushi every passing second ... had she gotten ready yet? Was she comfortable in the room? Did she need anything? Not being by her side, made him restless. He was on the verge of losing his patience. However, the only thing that prevented him from barging into her suite was that Payal was with Khushi... and she was the only one he could rely on, after himself. The best option would be to head back downstairs to the banquet hall, where the event was going to take place, he thought. If his mind remained occupied, then he would not be having these wayward thoughts.

The ramp was illuminated brilliantly, with bottom lit by LED lights. It gave one a feel of walking on a waterbed. Arnav was thoroughly impressed with the preparations and execution of this event. He went ahead and met Payal's boss, congratulating him on this successful venture. The two men got busy discussing the hottest fashion trends, the latest couture that was in vogue across the world, and the new set of models that would set the stage on fire. Arnav noticed, that people had started flooding the place, taking their allotted seats. Arnav had made sure to get two seats in the front row for Khushi and himself. Sumer would be at work and Payal would definitely be backstage. Excusing himself from the group of designers, he quickly made his way towards the lobby and dialed Khushi's number. "Khushi? Where have you been? Are you ready? I am waiting for you in the lobby... so come soon," Arnav could not curb his excitement, and questioned her without actually waiting for her response. However, the reply came from somewhere behind him, instead of the phone. "Just turn around, Arnav." And when he did, his heart stilled at the sight in front of him.

Khushi looked breathtaking in a lovely aqua blue dress. And it wasn't Indian, like he had expected. This was the first time he was seeing her in a western outfit. A one-shoulder dress, that fit snugly to her curves till the waist and then flared at the bottom. The soft rustling material swished and danced around her knees, as she walked closer to him. He could not stop staring at her delicious body, and then he looked into her hazel eyes. Her eyes twinkled with so many emotions at a time... excitement, happiness, shyness and apprehension. He noticed the slight blush that was highlighting her cheeks, under his scorching gaze. Her long silky tresses flew around her shoulder, hiding the creamy slender neck that was enticing him to be touched. If Arnav had thought that he would surprise Khushi by planning to gift her a new dress designed by Payal for her, the two girls had definitely stumped him today, at his own game.

He walked towards her quickly, closing the distance between them. His one hand spontaneously went around her waist to hold her closer, while he raised his other hand to brush across her soft cheek. "You look beauuutiful, Angel. Actually, too delicious for your own good." She giggled at his open-admiration and said, "You don't look too bad yourself, laad governor. The blue tie matches perfectly with my dress. Payal really has thought through this whole thing." That's when Arnav realized why Payal had insisted him on wearing the blue tie, she had gifted him this afternoon. "Your friend is extremely talented and resourceful, I must say, Khushi. She has planned everything to make us look like a perfect couple. Come, let's go inside and enjoy the show that Payal has been preparing for," Arnav said happily and guided her towards the hall, only to be stopped by her.

"Arnav, do I really look fine? I have never worn something like this before. Payal had a hard time convincing me to wear this and even I thought, maybe I should try wearing some of these clothes... you know... ummm... because most of your friends and girls that work in your office, wear such stuff. I wanted to seem like a part of this fashion world... your world." Arnav was a little shocked and hurt by what she had been thinking... did she really think him to be so shallow? He said in a disappointed tone, "Khushi, why would you even think like that? Have I ever given you the idea, that I prefer those modern girls over you? Have I ever judged your dressing? I love you the way you are Angel. I would be more than happy to see you wear something that you are comfortable in, rather than just to show the world, that my girlfriend wears modern designer clothes. They really don't matter to me Khushi... but you do!"

She cringed at the hurt she had caused him, but this niggling feeling of not fitting into his world, kept creeping in, every now and then. Especially at times, when she would see the kind of people, he interacted with. Khushi knew Arnav loved her no matter what, and realized that she had really hurt him today. She quickly tried to amend her mistake and said truthfully, "Arnav... I am so sorry. Really, really sorry. I did not mean to hurt you Arnav, it's just that... these kind of lavish parties and places, overwhelm me. They make me feel, out of place. I know there is no reason to feel insecure... but I can't stop my foolish heart from feeling like this. It will take a little time for me to get used to all of this... okay?" He simply nodded, not being able to respond to her insecurities at the moment, but could not stop himself from telling her, "Khushi... I love you, for you'. Don't ever change sweetheart... especially, never for me." She smiled at him lovingly, looped her arm through his, and walked into the venue feeling much lighter.

The show had begun, the grandeur and ambience taking Khushi by surprise. Arnav and she were seated in the front row, amidst the top honchos of the fashion world. Even though she did not know most of them, Arnav introduced her to quite a few of his associates and friends. She could feel the prying eyes of the people gathered, wondering who this girl with Jr. Raizada was. Thankfully the event began on time, and the loud music marked the beginning of one of the most extravagant shows, Khushi had ever seen. Three new fashion designers were showcasing their talent this evening and Payal was the last of the lot. Khushi could not wait to see Payal on stage, and jumped in her seat, with excitement. Arnav looked at the woman beside him, to see genuine happiness reflecting on her face.

Finally, the first two designers had finished with their shows. The lights dimmed for a few moments, only to be illuminated by small fireworks at the front of the stage. Khushi clapped in glee, as the first model walked onto the ramp. "Arnav, this one is my favourite outfits of the whole collection that Payal has designed," Khushi whispered into Arnav's ear, while Arnav was busy admiring the beautiful designs that had now come alive on the stage. He marveled at Payal's talent and knew immediately, that Payal was definitely going to be one of the most sought after designers very soon. She had brilliant designing talent, a keen sense in colour harmony and the courage to innovate... that set her apart from the rest. The crowd applauded after each design, whereas Payal's greatest fan... Khushi smiled and clapped with such zest, that Arnav could not help laughing at her childlike excitement.

As Payal walked in with the showstopper, Arnav looked at Khushi yet again to notice her moist eyes. Even through the tears, there was a proud and content smile, that took his breath away. The lights finally came on, blinding them for a few moments. Khushi wiped away her tears quickly and spoke in a trance; "This has been Payal's dream, since she was a young girl. We have dreaming about this moment, day and night. I know the amount of hard work and sacrifice Payal has put in, to reach this stage in life. Today I feel like I have realized my own dream... I am just so ecstatic, Arnav." He held her hand and pressed it softly, not being able to hold her close as much as he wanted to. There were paparazzi around, and he did not want their relationship, to be on display in any situation. The only thing that could cheer his girl up, was food and so he said, "Go and meet Payal, Khushi and then we can go and eat... It's already ten, and I am sure you are starving."

Khushi went and met Payal backstage, hugging her best friend, and congratulating her for such a brilliant show. "Khush, I am so thrilled today... It feels like I am on top of the world. By the way, there is a success party, after dinner, at a nightclub in town. Do you want to come along or do you want to spend some time with Arnav? You decide and let me know ok?" Khushi thought over it for a few minutes and bid a quick goodbye to her friend, before sprinting back to the dining area... where Arnav was waiting for her. Khushi was in no mood to adhere to his plans and promptly dragged him out of the hall, into the lobby and then finally, out of the hotel. "Khushi, where are we going? Aren't you hungry? Do you want to go somewhere?? Wait, let me call for the car Khushi..." Arnav waited for her reply, but she was already dragging him to the main road. Only when a group of boys looked at her lustfully, did her steps falter.

She was suddenly conscious of what she was wearing and smacked herself mentally, at having completely forgotten, how uncomfortable it made her. However, Arnav was quicker than her, as she felt a jacket being placed on her bare arms. He whispered in her ear huskily, "Better?" She shivered, as his warm breath fanned her cheek and simply nodded. She quickly hailed an auto-rikshaw, and both of them were on their way to the Juhu beach... a place that Khushi had been dying to visit, ever since she had landed in Mumbai. Arnav could only laugh at his crazy girlfriend and her antics. Before he could comprehend what she had in mind, both of them were sitting on a small bench opposite the food stalls at Juhu beach... relishing the delicious, buttery Pav Bhaji. He looked at the content face of Khushi, who was busy licking her fingers and marveled again at how such small things could give her so much happiness. She was delighted by simplicity, which was how she lived her life... unlike the way he was brought up... yet, here they were, sharing a bench and a plate of delicious Pav Bhaji. Their life was a perfect blend of all things nice.

PRECAP:

Khushi snuggled into him, finding comfort in his strong arms. She had never imagined, that her life could be so beautiful. The dark ocean spread in front of her, the reflection of the moon shimmering on the windy waves. She felt a feather-light kiss being placed on her forehead, as his hold on her became firmer. She looked up, to gaze into his stormy desirous eyes, the intensity of which, singed her soul. "I am so much in love with you, Khushi... I feel like my whole being is consumed by this strong emotion. It scares the hell out of me sometimes... but most of the time, I feel like this is how it is meant to be... just you and me."

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Thank you for all your lovely comments on the last chapter. Hope you enjoyed this one as well.

This chapter is dedicated to A_BA and TwilightStar_JP. Thank you so much Aami for your always encouraging and beautiful comments... written just like a brilliant writer that you are. And thank you TwilightStar_JP, for your lovely comments on my stories. This journey as a writer has been most special to me, because of all your love. 🤗

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