Chapter 26

Chapter 26

"The book is in its second phase of editing. All of the people, to whom we have distributed the book for test reading, have absolutely loved it. The cover-page design has been finalized. There is a positive buzz surrounding this book and everyone at our publication house is hopeful and happy about its release. You are soon going to be a popular writer, Khushi... get ready to be thronged for autographs," Vandy smiled pleasantly at Khushi, who seemed thrilled and confident, for the first time, since she began writing the book. She looked over at Arnav who was busy typing something on his phone. As if sensing her eyes on him, he looked up... his eyes melting her heart like always. His smile always excited her and gave her a comfort that no one else could ever provide.

Vandy broke her reverie, as a tiny piece of paper was placed in her hands. "Khushi, as promised in the contract, this is your first installment. And trust me when I say, that this is just the beginning. The rest will follow as a 15% cut for each copy of the book that is published." Khushi stared at the cheque, gasping at the amount written over it. She had never seen so much money at one time, maybe a whole year of hard work would give her this amount, but... She looked up at Arnav, his eyes smiling with pride at her, as he leaned in to place a kiss on her cheek. "Congrats angel... its definitely time for a party and don't forget to give me my commission for introducing Vandy to you... I expect it in kind," he whispered the last part, only for her ears and pulled back to wink at her. Khushi blinked back the happy tears and thanked Vandy profusely for actually making her dream come true.

After an hour of discussing the future plans and the possible dates for the book launch, Vandy took her leave, as she headed straight to the airport to catch a flight back to Mumbai. Arnav moved along with his chair close to Khushi and held her hand tenderly. "Are you happy, sweetheart? Finally, your first book is about to release and you already have signed a three-book contract with Vandy. That definitely, is some achievement." Khushi felt happier than ever, and she knew she had Arnav to thank completely for this. "Thank you, Arnav... I don't know what I would have done without you. It feels surreal... my life seems like a fairytale... having made the Prince Charming fall for a poor little Cinderella." Arnav nodded in denial and said, "Khushi, this is all because of your talent... believe in yourself, atleast now, when so many people are raving about your writing skills. I was a mere instrument' for you to meet Vandy... you were always destined for great things and I am glad to play my part in it. Anyways, I will accept the compliment of being a Prince Charming and will promise to give you our 'Happily ever after.'"

Khushi smiled at him and leaned in to place a swift kiss on his cheek. However, Arnav was not in a mood to compromise, as he moved his head in a way that the kiss landed on his lips. He grabbed the opportunity and deepened the kiss, both momentarily forgetting their surroundings. He pulled back and grinned at her shamelessly, earning a smack on his arm. "Not my fault, angel... you always look too tempting for your own good," he added with a smirk. Khushi blushed like always. Even after so many months of being together and their physical comfort with each other, Khushi felt the same effects that he had had on her, the first time they met. Arnav settled the bill, as they walked out of the caf hand-in-hand. Khushi could not wait to go home and show the cheque to Payal. She knew that her best friend was going to be thrilled for her. An added advantage was that Akash was coming home for dinner after ages. She felt like the same old days were back once again, with a happiness that did not cease to overwhelm her.

Arnav dropped her home and went to meet up with Sumer for a while. Their new collection was about to be launched and the men had yet to finalize the catalogue concept. Khushi bounced in and was surprised to see Payal already at home. Her earlier plan was to surprise Payal, by cooking her favourite dishes and then show her the cheque. However, seeing Payal standing by the window, facing away from her, gave her another idea. She sneaked into the room quietly and tickled Payal. It really did surprise her, as her phone slipped out of her hands, thankfully, landing on a table nearby. Payal quickly picked up the phone; mock glaring at her, but Khushi had already seen the name on the display... Sumer! As soon as Payal had put down the phone, Khushi teased, "Ooo... what is cooking up between the two of you, Payalia?? And don't even try to lie... I saw it was Sumer on the phone. I have noticed how happy you seem these days; you laugh more freely and keep having dinners away from home. Toh, kaunsi khichadi pak rahi hai?" Khushi raised her eyebrows in question and Payal knew she would have to tell her best friend the latest developments.

The two lovely ladies spent the next two hours, discussing their love lives with each other. Payal told her everything about how Sumer had been asking her out on a date and finally, she had relented a week ago. Since then, they had been in a comfortable place, enjoying each other's company. The love' word had not yet crept into their relationship; however, she definitely was falling for him. Payal stated how Sumer managed to bring a smile on her face in the toughest of situations and took care of her every need. Khushi was thrilled with all this information, thinking about how their lives had been interwoven... two best friends, falling in love with another set of best friends. She smiled at that thought and then showed Payal her first draft of money that she had earned from her dream book.

"Khush ki bacchi! For the past two hours, you have been interrogating me about my life and been hiding this splendid news? This is totally awesome 'writer sahiba.' I am so happy for you. I guess I have to take an autograph now itself. Who knows? Later, you may act too pricey with me!" Payal hugged Khushi, thrilled at the news and the two girls again slipped into a comfortable conversation, while cooking their dinner. Two girls who had grown up together dreaming of their own Prince Charming, aspiring to be successful in their careers, to create their own identity in this society... were finally realizing their every wish. The excitement, happiness and thrill of achievement did not allow them to sleep till late in the night. It was only when their respective boyfriends called up, that they split up and sneaked to different corners of the house.

Akash Roy had once again cancelled dinner plans with his two best friends. In the last two months, he had completely submerged himself into work, so that it gave him no extra time to dwell on Khushi. He had tried to maintain a distance, to get over his feelings towards her, thinking that time and distance would heal his broken heart. However, he had been so wrong. He did not pursue Khushi like he did earlier, yet it was tough to face her and forget the feelings that he had hoarded in his heart for years. He wondered if he would ever be able to look past this phase and move on in his life. Dating someone else might just help under the circumstances, and he had made up his mind to try his level best to distract himself. As he sat back on the sofa, surfing through channels, he made a promise to himself... to try a little harder. He would definitely go over to Khush's place for dinner on the coming Friday. It would mark the beginning of a new phase in his life. He smiled ruefully at this most unfair thing called... life.

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Chookar mere mann ko,kiya tuney kya ishara

Badla yeh mausamlagey pyaara jag saara

Chookar mere mann ko,kiya tuney kya ishara

Tu jo kahe jeevan bhartere liye main gaaoon

Geet tere bolon pelikhta chala jaaoon

Mere geeton meintujhe dhoonde jag saara

Chookar mere man kokiya tuney kya ishara

Life had never been more perfect for Arnav. He stood at the poolside, gazing at the calm water, listening to the melodious song, thinking about how wonderful things were at the moment. AR Designs was at its peak, with new tie-ups and takeovers that had kept him extremely busy. His father had mostly pulled away from the business, handing over the entire responsibility to him. Thankfully he had a strong, capable team to work under him and they would not bother him, unless extremely necessary. His relationship with Khushi was flourishing into something that he had never imagined. He smiled at the thought of her... her expressive eyes, her tempting lips and her fascinating chatter that filled his heart with love and warmth. How could one person become the center of his universe? How could she become his driving force and be the sole focus of his thoughts... whether awake or asleep?

Arnav lay on his recliner, thinking about the time in Mumbai, when he had been about to propose to her. He was convinced of his strong feelings and wanted to take their relationship to the next level. He knew that his parents and family would welcome her with open arms. His mother and Nani were already fond of her; and Anjali regarded her as a dear friend. However, he had felt her hesitance and realized that she wasn't yet ready to take things forward. Hence, had decided to wait for some more time. He was glad that her book was getting released, which would definitely help in boosting her self-esteem. He did not want her to think of herself as "inferior" in any way, in comparison to him... because in his eyes, she was perfect - he had indeed placed her on a very high pedestal. All she had to do was believe in herself, and the way things were going... that day wouldn't be far away.

He recollected his conversation with Sumer from last night. His best friend had finally fallen in love... though; he may not use that four-letter word yet. Arnav was thrilled with the progress of Sumer and Payal's story and he was truly happy for his friend. His buddy deserved at least someone's unconditional love. With parents who never even spoke pleasantly to him, he knew how hungry Sumer was for love and attention. He also knew for a fact that Payal would shower all her love on him and yet, keep him grounded. She definitely was the saner one in their relationship. As expected, Khushi had been thrilled with the news and she could not stop gushing about both of them. It was nice to see Khushi and Sumer bond so well together. In temperament, nature and their love for food... they seemed like a brother-sister duo. It was a happy place to be in and Arnav had no reason to sleep without a smile on his face.

His phone beeped with an incoming message and he quickly checked, expecting it to be from Khushi. He was surprised to see a message from Vandy and immediately opened it, which simply read... 'Book release date finalized - 23^rd September.' Arnav was ecstatic with this information and he quickly dialed Khushi's number to congratulate her. However, he immediately cut the call. It was best that he surprises her the next morning and wishes her in person. The added benefits of that would be to kiss her and celebrate. Three more weeks and then he could bare his soul to his soul-mate and make sure that he could keep her with him... always. Also, the coming weekend was going to keep them busy with the Ashadaan picnic. His mother and Khushi had planned a lot of things for the day and he could not wait to spend time with all his favourite people in the world. With pleasant thoughts of a giggling Khushi brightening up his life, Arnav went into a deep sleep, full of beautiful dreams.

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Friday was finally here, leaving Khushi to run around Ashadaan, finalizing a lot of things that needed to be finished by that night. The bus would leave from Ashadaan to go to one of the Raizada's biggest farmhouses near Gurgaon. It was a huge property, with a lawn, a garden with various activities, a mini basketball court and a huge swimming pool. They had finalized this venue, after considering the security measures around the property and also the required privacy, so that the entire Raizada family could accompany the children. The cooks and caretakers had already set off to begin the preparations. Khushi was looking into the various activities that they could involve the children in. She also had promised Payal that she would return home early, as Akash had confirmed about coming that evening to spend some time with the girls. It was planned earlier, that both Payal and Akash would tag along on this trip.

As Khushi walked into their home after distributing chocolates amongst the kids from the neighborhood, the delicious aroma of food engulfed her senses. Akash was sprawled on the sofa, glancing through a magazine and he immediately looked up, smiling brightly at her. "Hey Khush, how are you busy woman?" he said teasingly, as he hugged her close. She moved away looking at him pouting in a very adorable way and said, "Hawww! Ulta chor kotwal ko daante? You are the one who has been busy and has completely ignored me in the last few months. You don't care for me anymore AR... tum selfish ho gaye ho!" Akash winced at her words and realized how true they were. He truly had become selfish and completely ignored how happy Khushi had been in these past months... happier than he had ever seen her. He tried changing the topic from dangerous territories and asked cheerfully, "So, when is your book releasing? Do you have a date yet? I want to tell everyone I know, about it."

Khushi looked at her friend, who was definitely trying to hide something from her for a while now and replied, "Yes! I just got to know this week... it's the 23^rd of September. The book launch will happen at a small conference in Mumbai, followed by a party and you are accompanying me to Mumbai for two days. No excuses and that's final!" He mock saluted her, agreeing to her every demand. "Khushi... tu aa gayi? Chal, go freshen up, until then, I shall lay down our dinner." Khushi quickly sprinted inside, while Akash helped Payal to set up the table. Akash had as usual bought Khushi's favourite jalebis, while on the way here. When Khushi arrived at the table, she squealed in delight looking at her favourite dishes, but then suddenly turned to Payal and asked, "Payalia... I see that you have prepared all my favourite dishes today. Are you trying to butter me up for some reason?" Payal looked away guiltily and said, "Khush... I tried... but... hmm... I can't make it tomorrow for the picnic. I have to go to work, Khushi. I am so sorry."

For a moment, Khushi did not know how to react, but before she could lash out at Payal, Akash almost yelled, "What? You can't do this to us, Payal. You are the one who convinced me to come along for this whole trip... and now, you are backing out? What am I going to do... all alone?" Both Khushi and Payal looked at Akash like he had grown two horns. They could not believe that the quiet, docile Akash they knew for the last so many years, could actually get angry. Khushi gathered herself and decided to solve one issue at a time. She turned to Payal and asked, "Payalia, are you sure that there is no way that you can come along with us?" When Payal told her the problem of the huge order that they had to deliver over the weekend, Khushi understood her friend's difficulty and turned her attention to her other friend, who seemed to be sulking. "AR, atleast you don't back out now... please. I need all your help to manage things, which we have planned for the children. It will be a nice change for you too. Please... please... please AR... for me?"

Looking at Khushi's adorable face, no one would have the heart to refuse her... let alone Akash Roy. He nodded in agreement, as the three friends settled down for delicious dinner, discussing random things. Khushi looked at both her friends and smiled. How lucky she had been to have friends that were more like family to her. Now that Payal had found her happiness in Sumer, she hoped for Akash to find someone who would love him the way he deserved. How can a heart that was so in love, not hope for love to find its way to everyone around. It was very late in the night when Akash finally left. Payal cleared the kitchen and Khushi finished some last minute packing that was required for the next day. As she lay down in bed, she could not help messaging Arnav... 'Can't wait to see you tomorrow. Love you.'

She was not really expecting a reply so late in the night, when her phone beeped. She quickly checked it to see a message from her laad governor, 'I can't wait to sleep so that I can see you in my dreams. Goodnight angel. Love you... more.' Khushi smiled at the way he had added the last word, more.' Tomorrow she would show him whose love was greater'. The thought of what she had planned, suddenly made her nervous, fidgety, anxious and terribly scared. This was going to be a huge step for her. Her main concern was, how would Arnav react? What was he going to say? What would he think? She steeled herself, against whatever the outcome would be. The one thing she knew for sure was that she wanted to do this... for him... for them... because she was truly, madly, deeply in love with Arnav Singh Raizada.

Chapter 27

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