Chapter 28

Arnav just came back from his outdoor meeting; he went to meet few of his important clients and also to invite them to his Spring Collection Launch. He didn't mention anything about the magazine. He wanted it to be the surprise element. Working in the media and Fashion industry for past 8 years he knows that surprise elements hold much worth than the actual event as they give the media an opportunity to dig more or to find more. And the surprise element always manages to be in the news for more days.

He was walking towards the stairs when he saw Khushi and NK coming out of Caf laughing together, well he didn't mind that but what does he mind was the closeness they both were showing. And No man, he didn't like that. Khushi close to someone else other than him … not happening … simply not happening man. He has to do something of this NK guy. Now he was moving close to Khushi he doesn't want anyone to come in between, he want whole focus of Khushi on him, only him.

They came face to face; Khushi saw Arnav and immediately got nervous. NK on the other hand was startled at first but then said with a smile, "Hey ASR" greeting Arnav. Arnav look at NK then at Khushi .. "hmm.." that all he could say and move past them …"wooosh angry man", whisper NK that only Khushi could hear. They move but stopped by Arnav .. "NK ..?", he called NK. NK turn around and look at Arnav, "yeah?" .. "Meet me when you done with your work … want to discuss something", he said and give a look to Khushi … Khushi who was looking at Arnav quickly avert her gaze and look down. "umm yeah sure ..", said NK. Arnav move up the stair towards the cabin … he had an idea about what he could do with NK.

Khushi on the other hand was thinking that what could possibly be Arnav want from NK. They all got busy in their work. There was a lot of work to do as the Spring Collection Launch was schedule on coming Saturday and everything has to be perfect. Khushi was busy calling AR clients and associates to invite them to the event … Arnav's cabin door open and a happy NK comes out. Khushi saw him and wonder what it could be. NK came to Khushi and lean back to the table.

"What happened", asked Khushi.

"Well I got an offer .. more like an order I guess", said NK

"what offer?", she asked.

"ASR wants me to handle the Management Department of the Pune Branch; an event is to be organized for a very important client of AR, next month in Pune. So he asked me to go and lead the Management team." said NK happily.

"Oh kuku … I am so happy it would be the next big step in my career … I will be handling the whole department ... I mean I will be the head … you know what I mean right", said NK excitedly … Khushi was happy too for her friend … but the thought of him leaving made her sad … it was just few days with him and he is already going away.

"I am so happy for you NK", said Khushi giving a smile but NK notice the sadness too. "Don't worry kuku, it is for a month only … I will be back when the event finishes." Said NK.

"All the best buddy", said Khushi … well she can't come in between her friend success, of course he deserve it.

"you know ASR said it is an opportunity for me to prove my abilities and if I succeed then he will give me better and big opportunities in future", explain NK, as he don't want Khushi to be sad, as he knows she will feel lonely …on second thought why would she when ASR is here, he thought and smiled.

"So when will you have to go", asked Khushi .. "umm after the Spring Launch … I guess I will leave on Sunday .. I had to present in Monday meeting in Pune", said NK … Khushi nods her head.

"well I should go … I have to visit the venue with Akash to finalize it.", said NK standing and he ruffles Khushi hair. "Ok see you", said Khushi to NK. It's very nice of Arnav that he offer NK such a thing, she thought. Little did she know actually for what reason he had done it?

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The next days passes in the hustle bustle around the office and the event Venue. The event was schedule on coming Saturday follow by the after party held at AR. In these days Arnav didn't miss the chance to tease Khushi whenever he get the chance, let it be holding her hand few sec longer then require when she give him file or report to check or be it brushing his body with hers when they go to inspect the Venue hall for preparations. Or whether trapping her in her own words and trying to extract emotions out of her. He like that in some way she is just like him, stubborn, challenging and never to back out to prove herself.

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3rd March - Saturday – Morning @ Venue Hall

Arnav was standing with Akash near the short runway stage in the hall, discussing with him about different things to be done. There was a huge black screen on the left side of stage which will probably showcase the shoot of the spring collection and also AR magazine. AR workers were running here and there doing last minute finishing.

Lavanya was in the Room behind the stage with models preparing them for the rehearsal. Khushi was with her helping her arranging the models in different cue like who will go first and who will follow.

"Khushi where is Lisa?", said Lavanaya looking here and there in the room if shcould find her.

"She was here a minute ago", said Khushi while she adjust the dress to one of the model.

"Well she is not here … can you please go out and find where she is … I have to tell her on which cue she had to do her entry and also she haven't wear her dress", said Lavanya. Khushi quickly finish the adjusting and went out of the room and walk around the stage to the front.

Khushi saw Lisa standing with Arnav and Aman, Arnav was talking with Aman who was holding a open file in his hand and Lisa was just giving seductive looks to him twirling her hair with her index finger. The sight surely makes the green monster in Khushi rise above the surface. She quickly march towards them. Aman just left from there and then Lisa ask Arnav, "how I am looking ASR?". Arnav who was about to excuse himself from her but then his eyes fell on Khushi who was just few feets away coming towards them. He smirked and said, "You look HOT Lisa".

"Reallyy …" Lisa said with joy, she was wearing an off shoulder sexy summer dress.

"Yeah you know it's not everybody's cup of tea to look Hot and sexy", said Arnav looking at Khushi's direction when Khushi was close to them and surely she had heard that.

Lisa too follows his gaze and saw Khushi standing with angry expression on her face. Khushi quickly mask her expression and said to Lisa, "Lisa Lavanyaji is asking for you".

"oh ok … see you later ASR", with that Lisa give a peck on Arnav's cheek and went from there.

Khushi look at Arnav for few second and turn back, huffing in anger … Arnav smirk at her retreating back.

"huh … not everybody's cup of tea … well I will show you Arnav Singh Raizada … how Hot and sexy I can be", said Khushi to herself and went in the room.

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Evening – around 6.30 pm @ Launch Venue

The event was about to start, on left side of the stage include family and friends, the right side was filled with AR clients, associates and other important people from the Fashion Industry and in the middle direct in front of the stage were media people and photographer. Khushi was at backstage helping Lavanya in sorting out the models. Arnav went on the stage to the podium and started his speech by welcoming all the people.

"Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to the AR spring Collection Launch … Now the theme of the collection is floral but … this time we have added layers to it … the collection you are about to see is the mixture of polka dots, crests, medallions, butterfly pattern and flowers all blend with the hues of different bright colors. The dresses are for every age group from teens to adult age … and can be use as cocktail dress for party purposes as well. So let it begin …!!!"

The lights of the hall got dim, and the ramp got illuminated with white light with little of dark blue mixture on stage and the slow rhythmic music start.

The first cue consist 4 models wearing short dresses.

Second Cue includes 3 models wearing beautiful knee length summer dresses. The models came and pose for the cameras infront. The audience claps loud.

"Now we present you the male collection … the first line is of simple casual cloths with dark blazers", said Arnav from the background. And 5, 6 male models come on stage … stopping for few second posing for the cameras.

"Now the second line is in contrast with the female line … contrasting colors with the blend of different patterns". Said Arnav. And 4 male models came on stage one by one.

The applause on this collection was great.

"Now in the last I would like to present the blendation of layers which I talked about." At this the music got a bit fast and then one by one 4 models appear wearing maxi. Lisa was the first one to appear.

Audience applause loud and cameras clicked. The models went back and then all male models appear together on the stage. The lights in the hall got back to normal. The male models stop infront of audience for 2 minutes and then slowly got back. Then all the female models appear together on the stage, stopping for 2 minutes and then went back. Arnav came back on the stage and thanked the audience.

"Now for the surprise element. Many of you might know what day is today, but those who don't know I will tell you that on this day 4 years ago AR conduct its very first fashion show which was a hit that season. And to celebrate this day I would like to present you this season AR Fashion Magazine."

The lights got dim again and the black screen that was on the left side of the stage got illuminated and there it shows the cover page of MAGAZINE with Arnav's shirtless picture. There were loud gasp and murmurs among the audience seeing ASR picture and that too after 2 years. The picture change and now show the inside pages of the magazine which include images of different models with different type of dresses.

"This magazine includes todays spring collection as well as all AR's spring collection from past 4 years. Also you can read the views of different world famous designers and about the fashion meet."

The light were back on, people applause loud. The media was going impatient to ask many questions. The podium was move to the front of the ramp and Arnav came for the question/answer session. One by one Arnav answer the question of different news reporters. The media was strictly told that there will be no personal questions but sometimes they forget what they have told.

A young man ask, "ASR last week was your wife's death anniversary (Arnav got still at this , Aman who was standing few feet away from Arnav got alarmed at this and quickly move to security) and now we see you on the front cover of magazine … after 2 years you model … is it some kind of tribute to your wife" just as the reporter finished his question he was yanked up from his chair by the security.

"Well I guess you can have your answer by saying goodbye to your license", said ASR in a very dangerous tone. "and yes your channel will be hearing from my lawyer tomorrow". The report was push towards the exit … he was apologizing on the way but no use.

"Anyone else want to cancel his/her license?", Arnav asked looking towards the stunned media people. But they were all silence. "Good … now please you can have a look at the collection", said Arnav and move from stage. With that workers brought many mannequins on both side of stage. Male dresses were on right side and female dresses were on left side. Its for the people who want to buy the dresses right there.

Arnav was among his business associates who were congratulating him on his amazing spring line.

Khushi was happy too she wanted to congratulate Arnav herself. She went in direction of Arnav and saw him busy with clients. Khushi stood few steps away waiting for Arnav to get free just then she heared someone say "hey beautiful", behind her. She turns and saw a good looking man in black coat pant with white shirt staring at her. She didn't like the look in his eyes, she didn't answer and take step to move from there when that man come in front of her and extend his hand. "Hello .. I am Shyam Manhor Jha … owner of Jha Fashion House (JFH)"

Khushi was surprise JFH was AR's rival company then what its owner doing here. Nevertheless Khushi didn't want to be rude so she shake hands with him saying a simple "Hello" and take her hand back but Shyam didn't let go, "Your name beautiful?", he said with a smile.

"Please leave my hand", said Khushi bit sternly not liking his ways at all. And jerk her hand back.

"Shyam …?", Khushi heard Arnav's voice from behind and turn to see Arnav looking at Shyam with stern expression and tight jaws. He saw Shyam holding Khushi's hand, his blood boiled … If he was not surrounded by media people and his clients … he would have grab his throat.

"ASR … how are you? … Nice collection by the way", said Shyam with a sneer. Arnav clenched his one hand in a fist controlling his anger and said, "Thanks", with a slight nod of his head.

"I was just talking to this beautiful lady over here … didn't get her name though", said Shyam pointing towards Khushi.

"Khushi …", Khushi quickly said with a smile. "Nice to meet you .. excuse me", with that Khushi move from there. She didn't know why but she felt the atmosphere got tensed between the two and she didn't feel like standing there. Shyam watched her go ... Arnav saw him looking at Khushi, he was having a hard time controlling his anger. He was sure it would snap any moment.

"you like the collection", asked Arnav. Shyam looked back at Arnav and said, "yeah its nice". Arnav was about to move when Shyam asked, "Did you see JFH spring collection", with proud smile.

"Nope … not my time's worth", Arnav said casually … Shyam smile faded.

"And I don't need to as I know AR collection will hit the chart this season too (pause) as always", said Arnav looking straight into Shyam eyes and move from there. Shyam fist his hand and look angrily at the retreating back of Arnav.

Soon the event was over making it a success. Arnav and his family move towards AR for the party. Arnav had invited his clients and business associated to celebrate the 4 years of AR. Khushi asked NK to drop her home as she want to freshen up and change. NK said that why she needs to change as she was looking pretty in simple pink Anarkali. But Khushi said she wanted to try something different for the party. So Nk drop Khushi to her apartment and went to his own to change as he was wearing a formal dress, he wanted to change into casuals too.

After an hour NK was waiting for Khushi outside her apartment. He was talking on phone to Akash, telling him that they are just leaving for the party. He finishes the call and turn around to see Khushi coming towards him. His jaw drops and eyes got wide seeing Khushi. Khushi came infront of him and giggled seeing his expression; it means she had succeeded what she wanted to do. She put her finger under his chin and closed his mouth. "Fly will go in …", said Khushi. Gosh Khushi was looking HOT, thought NK. He had never seen Khushi wear something like this.

"you .. you look so .. I mean ..", NK said in a lost voice. "I know I am looking sexy,", said Khushi in a whisper. "Some people think that I can't be Hot so tonight they will see" with that Khushi turn around NK to go car. People will see her like this, with this thought NK came back to his senses, "What .. I mean what in the name of GOD you are wearing", said NK getting angry a bit.

"What .. it's a saree … achi hai na ( its pretty right), said Khushi and open the car door but NK pushed the door closing it.

"A very revealing sari … go and change", said NK now angry.

"What … NO … I love it .. and I am wearing it tonight", said Khushi opening the car door again.

"You want people to give dirty looks to you", NK asked grab the car open car door with his hand.

"No I want to enjoy myself tonight", said Khushi with smile and sit in the car. NK didn't move from there but stare at her.

Khushi roll down the window and said, "Come on we are getting late". NK give her an angry glare and move to the driving seat. The ride was silent NK couldn't help but look towards Khushi few times, he couldn't believe Khushi who always taunt girls who wear short dresses, now herself wearing a very revealing sari.

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@ AR party hall – around 10.00 pm

Khushi and NK about to enter the hall when NK take his jacket off and extend it to Khushi .. atleast wear this.

"Oh come one NK … don't be spoil sport … your are saying as if you never see a woman wear clothes like this before", said Khushi pushing the jacket away.

"Well you are my friend and I don't want people to oogle at your … (he pointed towards her bare midriff) umm your (he stammered feeling shy and annoyed)… your body", he said and quickly look away.

Khushi just love his concern towards her, she was uncomfortable too thinking that but she wanted to show Arnav that she in no less than a model herself. "Ok I will wear it after sometime", said Khushi as he didn't want Nk to be upset about her. NK sigh and nodded, he knew Khushi can be stubborn when she want to.

They both enter the party, and clearly men were staring at her. Even the girls were admiring her looks and some getting jealous at her flawless skin. Khushi fidgeted with her net pallu, aware of all the gaze, well NK is right it was bad idea to wear it, she thought. Nk spot and Akash with Aman and went to him, he had become very good friends with Akash is very short time.

Akash and Aman looked at Khushi and got shocked seeing her, "Khushiji .. you look .. I .. mean .. you (he was lost at words) "pretty", finally Aman manage to say. Khushi smile at that "thanks". Khushi look here and there to see Arnav. Just then they heared a little shriek, "Oh my god Khushi", it was Lavanya standing few feets away looking surprised at Khushi, "you are looking so HOT", said Lavanya coming to her. "really", asked Khushi getting nervous. "yeah .. wow … see I knew it you will look fab if you wear something else other than your Anarkalis and long skirts", said Lavanya waving a hand.

"come on .. now you have to dance as well", said Lavanya grabing her hand. "No Lavanya ji .. I don't want to", said Khushi while Lavanya drag her. "oh come I want you to meet Niraj as well", said Lavanya.

They came close to dance floor, "Niraj.." , Lavanya stop at tall handsome looking man. "Meet Khushi".

Niraj saw Khushi and stare at her bare midriff and down. Khushi didn't like that she try to drag her pallu but couldn't has she had pinned it like a sash. "Hi ..", said Niraj extending a hand. "Hello", said Khushi nervously. "Come on lets dance", said Lavanya gesturing Khushi.

"No Lavanya ji I don't feel like", said Khushi and look here and there. Just then she spotted Anjali with Rahul. "um Lavanya ji .. I will go and meet Anjaliji", said Khushi and move from there. Aman was right, that Niraj doesn't look like a good guys, thought Khushi as he was constantly staring at her.

Khushi move across the people and went to Anjali, he saw Arnav standing there talking to someone. She stops for a minute, take a huge breath and move towards them.

"Hello Anjali ji", said Khushi. "Khushi …", said Anjali looking at her surprised. Arnav turn around hearing her name and saw Khushi standing in a beautiful and much revealing black sari. His mouth open slightly, this sight of her literally stunned him. She was wearing a Black Sari with golden thread work, a minimal blouse exposing her midriff, slender arms and swan neck. Her pallu was of net going up on her shoulder like a sash not doing much to cover her bare midriff and chest. Arnav throat got dry and he try to wet it with his saliva but couldn't. Khushi looked at Arnav and saw him gaping at her, her heart started to beat fast looking the handsome man suited in shear metallic shined 3 piece suit presenting a dominating personality.

"wow Khushi you look stunning", said Anjali. "thanks … you too .. look very beautiful", said Khushi compsing herself. Anjali was wearing a pretty dark blue knee length cocktail dress.

"Hello Rahulji .. How are you?", Khushi then asked Rahul. "I am fine … you", asked Rahul. "me .. great", said Khushi with a smile.

Then Khushi look at Arnav …. "Hello Arnav sir", she said. Arnav's was still lost in her beauty, "huh ..?"

"Bingo", thought Khushi … she had stunned Arnav Singh Raizada. Just then they heard DJ make the volume louder and announced for the couple to join dance floor. Lavanya came there and asked Anjali and Rahul to join her on the dance floor.

"Lavanyaji you dance very well", said Khushi appreciating her.

"oh thanks dear … its not much but I just love dancing … it ease you up", said Lavanya.

"Yeah but still … its not everybody's (she looked at Arnav) cup of tea to dance", said Khushi repeating his dialogues to him. Arnav raised his eyebrow looking at her as if asking, are you challenging me?. In return Khushi tilt her head as id replying, if you think so. Lavanya miss the silent conversation and asked Khushi to join her too. Khushi smile and went with Lavanya to the dance floor.

Soon they were join by NK, Aman and Akash as well. Anjali was dancing with Rahul, Lavanya was dancing with Niraj and Khushi was just pushing her foot to front and back slowly not having the heart to dance. Sameer who had been watching Khushi since the time she entered got the chance and went to her standing at her back. He grabs her hand and turns her around; Khushi got angry seeing him and push him but he again catch her hand.

"Come on babe … why so rude … it doesn't suit a sexy like you", said Sameer. Khushi wriggle her hand out of his and said in angry tone, "telling you last time Sameer stay away from me", said Khushi.

"Why .. I know you want it too … drop your act of ignorance, you got my attention now", said Sameer coming close to Khushi. Khushi look disgustingly at him, "Not everyone is cheap like you", said Khushi

Sameer gritted his teeth … but he could say something … they heard Aman.

"Is everything alright", said Aman coming close to Khushi and saw her looking at Sameer with anger.

"yeah .. we were just talking", said Sameer … as he don't want to create any problem for himself messing with Aman, as he knows that Aman is ASR's right hand. Sameer gave a sly glance to Khushi and left from there. "Khushi .. you alright? . Did Sameer said something?", asked Aman looking concerned at Khushi.

"yeah I am fine … I was just leaving", said Khushi and walk to Lavanya to tols her that she is leaving from there.

Well Aman won't believe that now as he saw from his own eyes Sameer and Khushi's conversation. He never liked Sameer, he had seen him behave inappropriate with ladies but he never took action because he didn't have proof and second he was a good designer for AR. But Aman had his doubts on him since the incident of leaking of designs. He someway had a hunch that Sameer is behind this. But he was not sure. Their suspicion had come down to 4 names, Vijay, Sameer, Prachi and Khushi. And he was damn sure that it was not Prachi because she was very nave in these kind of things and Khushi, he trust her as he had seen her hard work and her enthusiasm for AR. Now Vijay, he can do it but he had never come under any suspicious behavior and he had been working with AR since 3 years, while Sameer had join AR some 8 months back and his behavior seems suspicious to Aman. He decided that he had to put a close watch on him. Aman went away from on the dance floor making a call.

When Khushi reached Lavanya the music had stopped and people were slowly leaving the dance floor. Khushi saw Lavanya already leaving the dance floor with Niraj so she spotted NK with Akash who were standing a small distance away from the dance floor her. So she made her way towards them, as she taken a step down from dance floor whole hall became black. Khushi's gasped in fear as she was afraid of dark. "Khushi …" he heard NK calling her as he knew that she was afraid of dark. "I am here", Khushi said out loud.

After few secs she felt someone grab her hand and take her forward and after taking few steps they stop. Then the lights came on focusing on her and the person holding her hand. Rest of the hall lit with dim blue light. She could see silhouettes of people and then she saw the person holding her hand standing 2 feet away from her. Her breath caught in her throat seeing the person infront of her, she thought it would be NK but instead she found herself stareby the deep intense BROWN EYES.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

NOTE : the reason i update early is that from 20 August i wont be able to update this FF as i will be shifting to another city. i will not be here for a month. As i will be busy adjusting my new home with family, which is not an easy task. I will be back at the end of september or the first week of october depending when i will get the net connection there. So before i go i want to give you updates so there will be 2-3 more updates from my side ... because soon we will disconnect our phone line so no net then. i hope you guys understand and dont feel disappointed. i WILL SURELY be back to update this FF.

please do comment about this update ... 😊 next update will be tomorow night if i get many many comments.😉