Chapter 35

33 (A)

Arnav frowned unwittingly as he stared at Khushi smiling at her boss. Abhishek was serving her some curry from the chafing dish. He seemed to have been glued to her ever since they had entered the restaurant for lunch. Abhishek not only had sat at the same table with her but was also following her like a puppy every time she had gone to check the buffet counter.

Arnav gritted his teeth watching them talking animatedly as they were walking back to their table. He was this close to leaving the restaurant and going back to AR to find out someone or something to unleash his anger. He never attended lunch outside. Today he made an exception and only for Khushi. And not only did he not get to spend time with her, but also he had to helplessly witness another man indulging Khushi with all kind of attention possible.

His fingers tightened around the glass in his hand. He probably was about to crush it, when Khushi's eyes found him. She smiled at him - little apologetically, little lovingly and Arnav felt his frustration mellowing down a bit. She knew he was not happy. Then why the f**k was she allowing Abhishek to pamper her so much?

When Arnav had decided to get her to Delhi for the meeting, he had been all excited about their reunion. But it never had crossed his mind that getting her all to himself was not going to be easy when they were meeting professionally. If he were whimsical, he would have announced to the world right here, right now that she belonged to him only. Too bad he was a man of reasons. Now he could do nothing but wait for the evening. Arnav had promised to give her a tour of Delhi tonight and he also had agreed to treat her with lots and lots of street food. His mood lightened a bit more as he remembered them snuggling close last night and making plans for today and tomorrow.

Last night had been .. worth the wait. If he had believed in heaven, he would have compared it with being in her arms. The feel of her skin against his was simply peaceful once the desire had subsided. It was not only s*x. Not anymore. He knew it and he wanted her to know. Or at least understand. But for that he had to get hold of her first, he thought severely frustrated.

Arnav could hardly eat as his eyes and mind were rather busy in surveillance. He knew he was being childish but he felt like keeping Khushi in front of him all the time, especially when that Abhishek was around. As Aman came back with food and sat at the table, Arnav could not stop himself from enquiring about Abhishek.

"I think you told me you know Abhishek for a long time."

Aman had been working for Arnav for three years now and he was well aware of the differences of his tone. He could easily tell his boss was bothered.

"Yes. We went to school together." Aman replied cautiously, trying to figure out if Arnav was riled with Abhishek for some reason.

"Hmm." Arnav paused, his eyes fixed on the duo. "Is he married?"

Aman was a bit taken aback by Arnav's question. This was the kind of question Arnav would ask before going into the deal with a new party. Was he reconsidering the deal?

"No, sir."

Aman realized his boss was not quite satisfied with the answer. What was bothering him? Was he possibly considering Abhi's maturity in business? He decided to give him a little bit more of harmless information.

"Well, Abhi was telling me that his parents were looking for a bride for him. He probably will settle soon. They were waiting for him to first finish his MBA and to settle in the business."

Arnav's frown only deepened. Aman wished he could read Arnav's mind. It was true Abhi was his friend. Also as a loyal AR employee, he did not see any issue in this backward linkage arrangement. S&S had established reputation for both quality and professionalism. He was confused what had concerned Arnav so much. He wanted to ask but he knew better that he should not.

The group left the restaurant together. Arnav engaged himself in conversation with Abhishek, taking place between him and Khushi in the process. Though he refrained himself from glancing at her, he could feel her walking beside him. He could smell her, the air around him was hot and moist with her touch. He could hear the light tinkle of her payal that reminded him of her almost bare legs chained by the silver jewelry only - and the way it chimed as they indulged in blissful madness. His heart lurched and missed a beat. Few more hours. They would not have to pretend not caring anymore.

Arnav excused himself from the group reaching office and went straight to his cabin. The meeting was to resume in 15 minutes and he wanted to utilize the time by reviewing an important memo. The words on the pages were hardly getting through his brain as he tried his best to focus. Abhishek was looking for a bride. Dammit. Why everything came down to marriage? Even he had no doubt that Khushi was perfect marriage material. She was everything. Beautiful. Nice. Traditional. Educated. Independent. Well-mannered. And Arnav was well aware that Abhishek's father, Mr. Sharma was quite affectionate towards her. Could it be ..

The buzzing of his phone broke through the disturbing thoughts. Di calling.

"Yes, Di?"

"Chhotey! I am not talking to you."

Arnav raised his eyebrows.

"You are not? Then how come I am listening to you talk?"

"Don't play smart." Anjali snapped from the other end. "I really don't want to talk to you."

Arnav sighed.

"What did I do now?"

"Why didn't you tell me that Khushi is in Delhi?"

"Oh .. what is there to tell?"

"Chhotey! This is not fair, ok? Nani is also very upset with you."

"Di! She has come only yesterday and .. also I did not think you would want to know .."

"I really should not talk to you." Arnav could tell his sister was pouting. "Anyways, I only called to tell you to bring her home tonight. Nani's order."

"What? Why? But we have .. I mean .. I don't know if she has any other plan.."

"I don't want to hear anything. Just bring her home. Else I am telling Akash."

"Akash?"

"Haan. Akash. Thank God he told us. You were not going to tell us about it and Khushi would have left without meeting us."

"Akash told you? But .. he .. why .."

"Chhotey. Are you bringing her along or shall I call Akash?"

"No. It's ok. I will .. talk to her."

"Good boy. See you in the evening then. We will be waiting. And don't have any plans for dinner. Both of you. Ok?"

"Ok, Di. Bye."

"Bye! Come soon."

Arnav sighed staring at the phone screen. Now what was this new fuss? He had spent time with Khushi in a much better manner during her last trip when they had nothing planned. Nothing was going right this time. He had planned to take her to his apartment tonight after a drive around Delhi. He was waiting to get her back to the balcony, to hold her in his arms and to have some alone time with her under the sky. And he had something to show her as well. It seemed he better quickly get habituated to the process of waiting. The more he was feeling he needed her, the tougher it was getting to have her with him.

Arnav sighed again as he started typing a message.

Di called. She wants us to have dinner at home.'

Reply came instantly.

Great! Can't wait!'

Arnav frowned at the reply. Was she not even disappointed?

His phone buzzed again.

Don't be too happy thinking you are spared! I am not going back without you treating me gol gappe!'

Arnav chuckled. Now that was his girl.

As you say, Madam.'

As he walked back into the meeting room, Arnav could not but let his face permanently etched with a scowl. Abhishek was sitting beside Khushi and the chairs seemed obscenely close. Arnav clenched his fist and took a deep breath in attempt to calm down. He was starting to get angry at himself now. He knew what it was and he probably was overreacting a bit but he could not just help it. The thought of someone else trying to shower her with attention was making him feel highly unsettled. He was not even aware he had territorial instincts and he was starting to feel bizarre now. Damn. Am I jealous?

The meeting went well otherwise. Delivery schedules and other necessary details were locked. Both the companies wrapped up the session satisfied and decided to collaborate further online as and when required. Arnav silently concluded that he would have to increase frequency of his Lucknow trips going forward. Getting Khushi to Delhi was not going to be easy anymore.

"Khushi, you are sure you don't want me to drop you?" Arnav stiffened as he heard Abhishek approaching Khushi.

"No, Abhi. Thanks." Khushi smiled but her voice was determined.

"Alright." Abhishek shrugged. "I will see you in Lucknow then. Day after tomorrow. I would have stayed for tomorrow's session but I can't afford."

Arnav followed them to the exit with his ears alert. Abhishek gave her various instructions and asked her to call him for any help required. Khushi seemed quite comfortable around him and it irritated Arnav to his core. Why couldn't she just ignore him?

By the time Abhishek and Mahesh left, Arnav had made up his mind.

"Aman, I am leaving too. I will drop Ms. Gupta on the way." He turned towards her. "Is that ok?"

Khushi was startled at the blatant offer. She could feel his restlessness since morning and she had noticed his grim expression only deepening as hours had passed by. What was he so disturbed with? That they could not behave normally around each other? She quickly scanned Aman's face but he seemed indifferent.

"Yes, that would be fine." She paused. "But you don't have to .."

Arnav cocked his eyebrows. Really?

Khushi rolled her eyes. Precaution against potential suspicion!

She saw the hint of a smirk around his sexy mouth and she felt relieved. Also, her thoughts went wanton for a while thinking of the maddening things that mouth did to her .. had done to her last night as well. Not now! Behave, Khushi.

Khushi swallowed quickly and followed Arnav as he dismissed the chauffeured car waiting for her. When they reached the back of the building, Arnav suddenly held her hand. She, totally surprised, turned her face to see him but he was looking straight, his face completely unreadable. She felt his hold only tightening around her palm and in response, she too wrapped her fingers around his. A warm feeling spread across her as they walked towards Arnav's SUV parked in his private spot, hand in hand. From last night, she had been feeling that something was a little different about Arnav this time. There was same passion, same desire. But there was also something more .. something soft, subtle and also somewhat possessive. And it made her feel good. She did not know if he loved her but something was telling her it was not only a fling for him, it was not only about the delighting cyclone their bodies created.

When Khushi tried to latch her seatbelt, Arnav stopped her.

"Let me." He murmured and leaned towards her from the driving seat.

With his right hand, he started pulling the seatbelt. He leaned forward even more as he pulled down the seatbelt till her midriff and she could feel his breath tickling her left ear. He latched the belt. He rubbed her cheek with his at the same time. His stubble prickled her soft skin and she shuddered. She felt his hand slightly brushing against her waist and then she felt his lips on her left cheek.

"I had no idea I can miss someone so much even when she is just in front of my eyes."

The open admission accompanied by the chaste kiss startled Khushi. Did Arnav just say he was missing her?

Arnav moved away and stared at her dazed eyes. And then he smiled. Shyly. Khushi's heart missed a beat. A shy Arnav Singh Raizada. Who would have thought? Her heart moistened with affection. And at the same time she felt like ravaging him as her eyes greedily savored his otherwise arrogant face mellowed with little shyness right now.. Damn he was hot! All the way.

"Sorry for the change of plan. Di is very difficult to argue with." Arnav said as his SUV hit the main road.

"Why should you argue? I also wanted to meet them. And you will be there too. So .."

"And our plan?"

"We will do that some other time. Tomorrow. Or the next time I am here. I hope it is not the last time I am in Delhi."

Arnav suddenly felt a tug at his heart. He had almost forgotten Khushi was not here to stay. Also she definitely could not make frequent trips to Delhi. She had no apparent reasons. But this possibly could not be her last time in Delhi, right? As long as this project was on, he would find some way or another to meet her. But could he arrange to bring her to Delhi again? In Lucknow, they could not possibly find enough time or privacy for each other. He needed to meet her. And he needed her here. In Delhi. In his world.

"Oye! Where are you lost? What are you thinking?"

Arnav snapped himself out of his thoughts.

"Mystery of life." He replied in a serious tone.

Khushi stared at him wide eyed for some time and then realized he was joking.

"Very funny." She slapped him on his arms. "Ouch!"

"What happened?" Arnav asked, concerned.

"What are you made of?" Khushi asked frowning as she rubbed her hands together. Her palm was still burning.

"I thought you already had that figured." He smirked naughtily.

Khushi slapped on his arm again but lightly this time. The rest of the way they chatted on their plan for the next day. Arnav decided he was overreacting to Abhishek and so he did not bring out the topic. As long as Khushi was with him, he did not need to bother.

Khushi was hijacked from Arnav by the Raizada ladies the moment they walked into Shantivan. Arnav had not expected anything else and so he took the stairs to his room letting the women catch up.

"Khushi ji, I am really angry with you. Why didn't you call me?"

"Khushi bitiya, how is everyone at Lucknow?"

"Hello, hi, bye, bye! Why is Akash bitwa not home yet?"

Arnav shook his head smiling as the voices of the Raizada ladies reached him. They were really fond of Khushi. She was a girl impossible not to love. Arnav smiled. I love her. Was he supposed to tell her that now? Would she believe if he said? But how could he tell her something like that? How .. how corny it would sound!

Arnav took shower and changed into a pair of khaki accompanied by a baby blue cotton shirt. He checked and replied some mails and also finished reviewing the memo he had left incomplete at work. An hour had already passed when he finally decided he had given the women enough time to gossip and chatter. He put on his black slippers and set out to find Khushi.