Chapter 36

Hey guys ... sorry i wasn't able to reply your comments this time but i have read each and every comment ... thank you very much ... i am happy to read ur views and liking. Asi didnt got the time to reply many things it comment i thought to sum it up here.

So ... Few things to clear first:

First thing first - please do not compare characters of my story with that of show, especially Khushi and Arnav. They are different here, I have use some scenes and dialogues only to keep the essence of IPK but situations in my story are different ...

Second thing - In my story Khushi is a strong girl, who tries to find positivity in everything life throws at her. So people who think that she should shown hurt or crying because Arnav taunts her ... then sorry ... my Khushi is not like that. She doesn't take ASR words to her heart because she knows he is a arrogant rich man and knows very well how to deal with such people.

Third - those who hates Arnav for yelling on her always then let me remind you Khushi did answer him back, when she give flowers Arnav yell at her she answer back, when he yell on her in conference room , she shout back ... when she injured her foot and Arnav taunt her .. She taunt back about not having humanity or feelings in him. You guys remember that he yells on her then please remember this also that she did answer him back.

Then why she didn't shout back when he again taunts her ... it's because she was shocked as she was expecting him to be nice with her after their first kiss she didn't thought after that he would taunt her again ...

Fourth - Please do not bring self respect into this, it is a story so please take it as a fiction, things are different here than real life in terms of emotions and feelings. Plus when Khushi don't care what Arnav taunts her then how can her self respect gets affected??. Yes his taunts do hurt her initially but then she shrugs it off.

Fifth - those who thinks that Khushi should not be affected by Arnav when she had seen him with models or when Arnav approach her she should remember his taunts ... then desire or passion or attraction to that person tends to make you forget everything else expect for that person for whom you feel. It DOES NOT make you shameless ... it makes you mature enough to explore things ... taking risk in life... I have told this in the beginning that Khushi is bold and today's girl.

Sixth - those who hates Arnav for hurting Khushi everytime ... then it is the ASR in him ... it tells that how much damage he is ... his anger is his worst enemy here ... but later he do repents ... don't forget how he care for her in lift or when she injured her foot ... his ASR ego just don't let him bow down ... so you love him or hate him its upto you.

Seventh - those who think Khushi should give cold shoulder to Arnav or remind him about his taunts ... then its not gona happen ... Arnav will repent ... but Khushi will make him see positivity in life and trust in people ... she will handle him in her own way ... not like the show that she will taunt him for his taunts.

Eighth - those who want Arnav to confess his feeling now - Sorry but its not going to happen soon ... I have already told this before ... their confession is not happening soon ...

Ninth - who wants to see Intimates moment between them - I just cannot show them being intimate without growing their relationship or understanding each other... Their moments will come as their relation progresses ... If u cant wait for it ... then I am sorry I cannot help with you that.

Tenth - this story does not focus on Arshi only - other character have their own part in this - remember as I said this story is about relationships - this story has a long way to go - I won't rush things to Arshi confession or love - I will take it as I planned - before love trusts develop, understanding grows - if u don't like it then I am again sorry I cant help you with it. I cannot force anyone to read it, if u don't like the things going then don't read it.

Last thing - I respect each and every reader's views and thinking and I don't intend to offend anybody - its just to clear things about my story and characters and how I thought it to be - and I completely understand that its not necessary that you will like every chapter - I am not professional, my story will have flaws but then again I am working hard for it - and Again please take it as fiction - do not compare it with real life or show.

Now to the next chapter (sorry for little delay) ... 😊

CHAPTER 29:

A week has passed since the incident ... Khushi has started going to office from Monday. Lavanya had updated her about IFCW, her group and her assigned tasks. She wasn't happy about having Sameer in her group but then it's her job ... she has to do it professionally. And this event will be a big learning experience for her.

Khushi didn't want to stay in RM as she doesn't want to give Arnav any excuse to insult her again, but on Anjali's constant apologies on behalf of her brother, her friendly emotional blackmail and later Nani's insistence she agreed to spend weekends with them. Also to her astonishment she was getting more attached to Arush. She really misses him when she came back from office and spends her time alone in her apartment. Not only Arush, she sometimes misses everyone at RM.

Nani was very happy when Anjali told her Arnav's decision to get married, she didn't have any objection waiting till the completion of his London project. It was already enough for her that her grandson agreed to marry in the first place. Just like Anjali, Nani was also praying for the girl to be Khushi as they just adore her very much and consider her perfect for their Chottey.

Arnav didn't let Anjali forget his condition, so preparations for Anjali and Rahul's wedding had also started. Pandit ji had given them the date in first week of May.

Khushi was keeping her distance from Arnav but she couldn't help but miss him ... to her annoyance she sometime stole glances of him when he is busy talking with someone. Even at RM she uses to wait for Arnav's appearance at breakfast, lunch or dinner and when he didn't show up she didn't enjoy her food either. She was getting angry on herself that she should be angry or hurt on Arnav for insulting her but to her surprise she isn't.

--------------------------------

Another week passed ... Khushi was observing Arnav more these days, he seems to engrossed himself in work ... she hardly see him at weekends too. According to Anjali he is taking this event too serious that he is not taking proper care for his meals and health. Though Khushi didn't talk to him but whenever she went to sleep his brown eyes came in her mind and that painful look she had seen disturb her more.

After every 2 days, designers meeting were held in which Arnav will ask each designer his/her progress. But he never asked Khushi, and Khushi noticed this. He was also not meeting her eye, whenever their gaze meet Arnav avert his eyes. And when Khushi would herself ask his opinion on her design or any other question, he replies her in one or two words. Khushi was getting irritated at this, because others were also noticing this and before they start to gossip about it she had to do something about it. Why is he ignoring her? She should be the one to ignore him. And why Arnav don't look her in the eye? What happened to the ASR she know ... Is he guilty on his actions? Then why don't he just apologize and get over it ... why this attitude? Well it does not settle with Khushi Gupta ... No it doesn't.

On the other hand, Arnav was very much aware of Khushi's presence. Whenever he saw her he wants to grab her, to say sorry for hurting her, to take her insults away. But he knows he couldn't. He never said Sorry to anyone except his Di ... those emotional words never came to him that easily. It was so hard for him to keep distance from her, but he knows this way is better ... then he won't be able to hurt her more. He had yelled on her before but she had always back answer him but this time he had seen her in tears and this had made him restless and disturb. And he came to know the fact that her tears do affect him ... he don't like her to see in tears.

After so long he had felt some belonging towards someone. The possessiveness, the attraction and not to forget the strong desire which he never felt in his life before. He somewhere realizes this that he always ends up hurting those people whom he considers close to him with his anger. That's why he had kept his distance from his son and then Khushi. He resisted his desire for her so much that it becomes unbearable for him. And when he takes the next step he end up hurting her.

He may not talking to her or trying to ignore her but he end up noticing everything about her in these two weeks. What color she wore today to office? Tops with long skirts in office and Kurta Churidar at home. Her different hair style ... sometimes open, sometimes, in curls and sometimes in ponytail. Her warming smile when she talks to Aman and Lavanya, her non-stop chatter with her colleagues. The sweet sound of her giggle, how her eyes twinkle when she teases someone. The way she becomes a kid while playing with Arush, how much happy Nani and his Di becomes when Khushi comes to RM. How she looks so peaceful so innocent like a baby when she is sleeping ... yes he also steal glances of her late night when she is sleeping, he would stood near her bed staring at her beautiful face to his heart contents at weekends.

He had never notice someone with that much intensity in his life with which he notices Khushi ... everything about her is embedded in his mind and heart. He just wish that he could take a step towards her ... he just wished so much that he could enter in her life ... deep down in his heart he wanted to feel to be loved... most probably ... by her.

--------- 2^nd April - Monday @ AR - Around 10.00 am - Arnav's Cabin

Arnav was looking at the designs which Aman had brought from the ACE team. ACE team consists of 4 best and amazingly creative fashion designers. 1st from Germany, 2^nd from Australia, 3^rd from America and last one from France. Arnav had made this team a year ago after searching for the top fashion designers around the globe. It wasn't an easy task; it took him a year to find them. AR was giving them a very high amount because they are very quick and simply flawless in their work.

Only Aman and Arnav knows about his team, Akash do have an idea about it but he doesn't knows the details of it.

"These are perfect ...", said Arnav after a while, "Take them to the factory and start the process of their making", Arnav handle the file back to Aman. Aman nods his head and takes the file.

"What about the other thing I ask them to do", inquire Arnav. Aman give him the another red file, "yes they did ... here (giving Arnav the file) ... do you think it will work?", said Aman.

"yes ... Shyam is very desperate to make big at the IFCW after his spring launch didn't do that well as he had expected it even after stealing our designs for it ...(Arnav pause) ... well thanks to our spring collection that hit the chart this year as well ...", said Arnav with proud voice.

"I am not sure ... he might find similarities in the designs", said Aman.

"hmm he might ... but that's the risk we have to take Aman", said Arnav, "although make sure that he won't ... tell Beta team to handle it".

Aman nods his head and then says, "well Sameer is taking the bait very well ... he is trying to charm Mr. Sushant".

Arnav looked up at Aman with stern gaze, "that's good ... (he handed the red file back to Aman) ... you know what to do next". Aman nods his head and takes the file.

"And what about his phone records?", asked Arnav.

"Well Alpha team is trying their best ... we just need to have his phone for 3 minutes to trace his number ... we are looking for a chance to get our hands on his mobile", said Aman.

"Do It fast Aman ... we don't have much time ... if we are not getting any chance then ask some model to divert his mind and take his cell ... you know how flirty he is", said Arnav.

"I still don't understand how we end up hiring him", said Aman

"He is a good designer ... he is just not using his brains ... the thirst of money can make you do anything Aman", said Arnav.

There was a knock on door and Akash came in, "Bhai ... you free?", asked Akash coming in the cabin. "yeah ...", answered Arnav.

"Bhai I am going to Mumbai tonight ... got meeting with the IFCW board ... needs your sign here", said Akash handing him a file.

"Akash can you do me favor?", said Arnav while signing and hand him back the file.

"yeah sure bhai", said Akash taking the file from him.

"Make sure that JHF got the last turn at the last day of IFCW", said Arnav looking at Akash.

"Ok ... but why you want that?",asked Akash surprise at his favor looking at Arnav and Aman both.

"Because I want to expose Shyam in front of the whole fashion world ... I want to destroy him for messing up with me" said Arnav with gritted teeth and stand up.

"You got evidence against him??", asked Akash. Aman looked at Arnav and he nods his head in return.

"well its Sameer who stole the designs and sell it to Shyam", said Aman.

"what ...?? Then what he is still doing here ... why haven't you handed him over to police?", said Akash getting shocked.

"Because we don't have hard evidence against him ... but don't worry we are working on it", said Aman.

"Akash ... just don't worry yourself about it ... me and Aman will handle the matters here ... You just go to Mumbai and handles things there ... just use your contacts and do what I asked", said Arnav and Akash nod his head and left the cabin.

------------- - Around 1.00 pm - Meeting Room

Arnav was in meeting room with Lavanya and he was finalizing the designs of each category. The next run was of Khushi's group. She enters with her group mates, Arnav saw her coming ... for moments their gaze meet but Arnav quickly avert it, Khushi frown at that. Arnav started seeing their designs. Every group includes 5 designers and each of them had to design 2 outfits of the particular category. Khushi's group had to design traditional saris.

Arnav eyed Sameer designs with rage, it clearly shows that he doesn't make any effort and he had copied some parts of his designs from the previous of AR sari collection. He must be a fool to do it but how can ASR sharp eyes miss that. But he didn't say anything and final the design. Gladly he had asked the ACE team to design 5 extra outfits for each category in case of emergencies. He will use 2 of their design instead of Sameer's.

Khushi's turn was last ... she confidently went to Arnav and shows him her designs. Arnav had never doubted her talent. He had liked the designs in first draft itself.

"its final ...", said Arnav curtly and hand her back the file.

"Are you sure Sir?? You haven't told me to do any changes in it since the start?", said Khushi failing at hiding her anger at him.

Arnav looked up at her ... he can see her green eyes blazing with anger ... "not needed", said Arnav keeping the conversation as short as possible

"I guess you haven't look at them closely ... see (Khushi open the file again and bring it in front of his eyes) ... I guess we can change the color of this border to orange or minimize it don't you think?" said Khushi trying to provoke him to say something to her other then monosyllables.

Is she insane or what? The sari was looking excellent with gold color as base and white color as border ... giving it orange color make it look stupid, thought Arnav.

"No its fine ...", said Arnav shortly ... trying to suppress his anger.

"No sir ... I think we should change the color ... (Khushi closes the file) I will do it now", said Khushi and take a step back. Lavanya and other designers were surprise cum shock at Khushi's boldness ... how can she go against ASR's decision ... surely she will get a scolding from ASR now. Anger rose in Arnav ... how dare she made the decision to change when he ASR had final the design ...

"Khushiii ...", Arnav said in a bit loud angry voice ... Khushi looked up at him with confident eyes ... Arnav open his mouth to give her his piece of mind but then he remember what had happen last time when he yelled on her ... he closes his mouth , fisted his hand ... Control his anger for the very first time in his life and said, "When I said its final ... (he pause and release his breath) ... then its final Miss Gupta", with slow tone.

"Give all your designs to Aman today ... Now dismiss", said Arnav looking at rest of the designer present there. They went out of the room and the next group enters.

"Khushi ... are you out of your mind ... why you argue with ASR when he finalize the designs?, said Prachi who was in her group.

"I didn't argue ... I was just discussing my thoughts with him ... he didn't even tell me any changes to do", said Khushi nonchalantly.

"You are lucky he didn't scold you ... or else i was thinking that any moment he's gona yell at you", said Prachi and move towards caf.

Khushi stopped and ponder over her words ... yeah .. why didn't he scold me ... he was sure angry ... then why? ... thought Khushi while following her to caf.

--------------- Next Day - Tuesday @AR - lunch time

Aman and Sushant were standing at the bottom of the stair, outside caf waiting for Sameer to come out so that they can play their next move. And after waiting for 10 mins they saw Sameer coming out with Pam and Sim.

"Well Mr. Sushant ... AR just loved the design you have made ... it never happen that ASR praises someone so much", said Aman a bit loudly so that Sameer can hear it.

"well he has to like them ... they are unique and let me tell you they will hit the charts this year ... I have consult my team from New York as well and they also think the same", said Sushant handing Aman the file.

"I am sure they will ... And I heard a big international fashion house is attending the IFCW this year", said Aman. ... this had surely got Sameer's attention.

"yeah ... and my sources tell me that they will be selecting one fashion house from India to work their winter fashion show", said Sushant ... "and these design which you are holding ... I have shown 2 of them to their consultant and he said that if we showcase this design then the contract is ours", finished Sushant in a secretive voice and they started to move towards Akash's cabin. They were talking about the profits and opportunities of IFCW.

Though Sameer slowly walked towards his cubicle but he slightly turned and saw Aman and Sushant going in Akash's cabin. He was curious as why they are going to Akash's cabin as he had already went to Mumbai. He walk towards the cabin peeking here and there pretending that he was busy on cell. He leaned on wall and look here and there ... not many people were present in the hall as lunch time was still on. So he peeked in through the glass wall and saw Aman putting the file in Akash's cabinet. Then after 5 mins he saw them coming out. So Sushant moved from there. Aman saw Sameer going towards his cubicle and a man from their Alpha team was also standing near his cubicle waiting for his chance.

Aman and Sushant started walking towards Aman's cabin.

"Aman ... I need someone from the design team ... I want to recommend him or her to my NewYork team", said Sushant while they move past Sameer's cubicle. And Sameer's ear caught this.

"wow ... it will be great someone for AR will work with you", said Aman.

"yes its a big opportunity ... a very high amount and accommodation too ... well I like that Sameer guy ... he is good", said Sushant while they reached Aman's cabin.

Sameer heard the last sentence and this made him excited, so he move towards them to work his charms just then the man from the Alpha team bump into him in a way that his cell slip from his hand and fell on floor. Before Sameer could bend down, the guy pick his cell in right hand and take other cell of same model and company from his back pocket and hand it to Sameer saying sorry.

Sameer found Sushant alone going out of office, he quickly went to Sushant and started to talk to him that if he get the chance to work with him he will be obliged. On the other hand the Alpha team guy plug the device into Sameer mobile and device started to break its security code. He was looking back at Sameer, he just need 3 mins for it. The device was connected to ARID computer and some numbers were running on their computer.

Sushant for a moment looked at the Alpha team guy and kept Sameer engager into his conversation that he will recommend him to his team. Sameer was so happy. 3 mins past and finally the code had break and they got his cell private number. Alpha team guy quickly unplugged the device and went to Sameer.

"Excuse me ... Sameer?", the guy said. "Yeah", Sameer look at him ... he knows him from the management team.

"I guess our fone exchanged ... its yours I guess", said the guy showing him the fone.

The worried expression came on his face but he masked and take out the other fone ... he checked it .. it was not his fone... he quickly grab it from his hand ... and hand him back the other fone.

"yeah I guess ... sorry", said Sameer quickly. Sameer was so happy by the news that Sushant will recommend him that he didn't pay attention to his cell security code is unlock. He locked it again thinking that he might forget it earlier ... and also what can anyone do in just 2 or 3 mins. Little did he know that his days are getting over soon.

The Alpha team guy went towards ARID to work further on his cell number. They send his number to ITA and asked them to send all records and phone conversation particularly made to JHF or Shyam. ITA responded back that they will get the records in 2 day time. The ARID head send the email to Arnav and Aman respectively of the progress.

--------------------- Next Day - Wednesday @AR

"when are you going to give me those designs ... I don't have much time ... I have to make them into clothes too", Shyam gritted on fone.

"Listen ... I am trying ok ... they just didn't put the file in usual place ... its in another cabin ... I am not getting the clear field ... also I need to unlock the cabinet too", said Sameer with some irritation.

"then unlock it ... you have stole the designs before ... its not so hard for you to do it again", said Shyam

"I will do it today .. if I get the clear field ... ok", said Sameer.

"I don't know ... I need the designs tonight at any cost ... I am giving you double amount for it ... dammit ", said Shyam angrily and cut the fone.

Sameer run a hand through his hair thinking of the way to get into Akash's cabin and get the file. He doesn't care about designs or Shyam ... he just needed the money ... this money would be enough to get him out of this country ... incase if Shyam gets caught ... he won't be in trouble ... because he knew ASR won't sit quite and he will surely do something to get his revenge.

His conversation with Shyam had been heard by the ARID as they were tapping his fone. The ARID head inform Aman and his Alpha team to make sure the coast is clear for Sameer to make the move. So during the lunch time, Aman and Alpha team engage the entire department in cafeteria ... Aman was giving some speech about IFCW ... as they have thought Sameer took this time as an opportunity and went out of caf. He closely look if someone was coming or not. He went to Akash's room and towards the cabinet. He take a small wire and paper clip and start to work his hand on the cabinet lock. After working on it for 10 mins he finally able to unlock the cabinet ... he retrieves the file and took the designs papers from it and replace it with some other design which he had got from net. He went to the door and looked outside to see if someone is there, luckily no. So he went out and towards his cubicle. He places the design papers in his laptop bag and went to cafeteria. All his moves were seen by the Alpha team guy. He send a msg to his head that it is done.

An hour later ... Arnav came out of ARID with a satisfy smile on his face ... phase one was done ... now he will wait for the second phase of his plan. He was thinking of his next move and went to the stairs ... Just then Khushi came out of caf with her coffee and once again she bumped into Arnav ... spilling her coffee on him ... Arnav just stare at her with firing eyes ... Khushi's mouth opened at the sight. Arnav take a step towards her in anger ... Khushi quickly take a step back and close her eyes thinking that any minute she will hear his booming voice ... but after few seconds when she heard nothing she open her eyes to see Arnav still standing there.

"Sorry ...i ..was", Khushi said but her voice came out squeaky.

Arnav just wipe his hands and went up to his cabin, Khushi saw his retreating back thinking that once again he didn't yell on her.

------------- @ Findle Bar -- Around 11pm -- Night

Aman was waiting for Shyam or any other guy to come and meet Sameer who was sitting few chairs away from him. Aman had come with a guy from beta team to capture Sameer's pictures so that they can present them as evidence. As luck was in their favor now a days ... Shyam himself came to meet Sameer.

Sameer give him the file and Shyam opens it to expect the designs.

Aman gesture the Beta team guy and he went near them taking his camera ... he stand in the dark place and captures their picture from different angles which clearly shows the designs and AR logo on top of them. Then Shyam started to talk to him. The beta team guy went back to Aman and waited to see what they do next. Shyam then give Sameer his check and went away after having a drink. Aman and the beta tam guy waited for few minutes and then they to move to exit.

Just when Aman was about to exit ... his eyes fell on the couple who were going towards the private section of the bar with their arms around each other intimately. Anger rose in Aman seeing the man ... he told the beta team guy to go and do his work ... he will come after a while. The beta team guy left and Aman went to the private section following the man.

------------- Next day -- Thursday - @ AR - Around 10 am

Khushi didn't got much work to do ... after few days she will going to Mumbai for IFCW. So she decided to go Aman or Lavanya to have some chat or coffee ... both were not present in their cabin so she asked Lavanya's assistant and he told her that Lavanya went to the meeting room for some work. Khushi went to the meeting room but stop seeing Aman and Lavanya arguing with each other.

"For God sakes Lavanya ... I am telling you the truth ... why are you so blinded by him", said Aman with anger filled voice.

"You just misunderstood the situation Aman ... he told me that you saw him with the girl ... she was just his friend", said Lavanya in equal anger.

"Friends just don't eat each other lips up by kissing ... Samjhii", said Aman taking a step towards her ... "they were about to undress each other", Aman put her hands up.

"Aman please you are exaggerating the whole thing", said Lavanya irritated now.

"God Lavanya ... why are you not understanding ... he is cheating with you", said Aman equally irritated. "I trust him Aman", said Lavanya with finality.

"And you don't trust me ...??", asked Aman grabbing her shoulders. Lavanya looked into his eyes, she saw the hurt and longing in them ... the same emotion which use to reflects in her eyes 2 years ago.

"you are just being jealous Aman", said Lavanya remembering her hurt.

"Jealous? JEALOUS ... Of what?", Aman shouted.

"That he got me and you don't ... when you see that now I am perfectly moving in my life", Lavanya shouted back.

Aman left her and ran his hand through his hair ... "you seriously think that ...Lavanya I care for you god dammit ... I ... I (Aman pause) ... you just don't understand", Said Aman taking a step back and moves towards the door. He saw Khushi standing there with startled expression ... he gives her a look and went out.

"Lavanya ji?", said Khushi and move in the room, "what happened ... everything alright".

"Aman just been ridiculous ... that's what happened ... he saw Niraj with some girl and thinks that he is cheating me with her", said Lavanya. Khushi remember how Niraj was staring at her in bad way at the party.

"Lavanya ji ... may be you should think over it", said Khushi ... "what? You think Aman is right and Niraj is wrong", said Lavanya now angry on Khushi.

"No ... I am just saying ... think from both the perspective ... just don't neglect the fact that may be Aman is right ... after all you know him for years Lavanya ji", said Khushi.

"I just don't know Khushi ..."said Lavanya and went out. Khushi sighed and went to Aman's cabin.

He was resting his head back on his chair eyes closed. He opens his eyes when he saw Khushi coming in his cabin. She quietly sit down infront of him and waiting for him to say. After few minutes Aman exhaled a breath and said, "I was going to tell her that I love her ... but she would probably take it in a wrong way".

"She will understand ... if you try", said Khushi.

"I went for some work yesterday night at bar and there I saw Niraj kissing another girl and he went to private section ... I followed him ... they were practically on each other undressing ... probably going towards sex when I found him. I was so angry that I shouted on him for cheating Lavanya ... and that bas***d .. (Aman punch the table) just laughed and said Lavanya is no different for him ... he was just using her for fun and Lavanya is not capable for moving ahead in relationship ... I punched him (Aman sigh) and he said he will get me back and will ruin the very thing i cared about ... Lavanya ... I don't know what thing he had feed Lavanya that she is not seeing the reality", Aman finished.

Khushi thought over it and then said after w while, "What if we make her see it with her own eyes?", said Khushi thoughfully.

"What you mean?", asked Aman .. and Khushi told him her idea.

"That's too filmy Khushi ... not to forget risky ... What if it backfired", said Aman shaking his head.

"Well if you got any better idea then I am all ears Aman Mathur", said Khushi leaning back in chair and give him a stern look. Aman thought for while ... pondering over different scenarios ... his brain was not working right now ... he was just so worried for Lavanya. Aman sighed ... "ok we do whatever you say".

"yesss ", Khushi slap her hand on table with excitement ... and they discuss their plan to expose Niraj in front of Lavanya.

------------- Next day -- Firday @ Mumbai - Around 2.00 pm

"shahid ... tell me again where is the meeting?", Akash asked his P.A while they were driving towards their destination.

"Sir its at Paradise Hotel", answered his P.A ... after 15 mins more drive they reached the hotel but the traffic was jammed a bit.

"Why so much traffic?", asked Akash looking at his watch ... only half hour left in his meeting and he don't want to be late.

"Sir its because of Beacon High School that's is just opposite the hotel... its off time so traffic mostly get jammed here due to students vans", replied the driver.

Akash looked at his watch again ... "well lets go then ... its not far we can walk up to the hotel ... you park the car some place safe ok", said Akash to his assistant and driver.

Akash went out of the car into traffic and walk up to the hotel with his assistant ... just he reach the door he got call from Aman ... Akash gesture his assistant to go in he will come after attending the call. After 5 mins Akash turn to move towards Hotel door and something soft bumped into him.

"Sorry ..", said Akash quickly taking a step back.

"its ok ...", he heard a soft sweet voice and came face to a beautiful girl who was now bend on the side walk road picking her files and books. Akash went down on knees and help her in getting the papers back in file.

Just then a soft wind blew and the girl's dupatta flitter across his face. Akash catch it with his hand and his eyes fell on her face.

Beautiful ... he thought. The girl has a humble looking round face, with big black eyes. She was wearing a simple light blue kurta shalwar and her long black hair was in loose pony tail. Akash was still at this moment taking in girl's appearance. The girl grab the file from his hand and stood up, Akash came out of his trance and stood up.

"thanks ..", the girl said with a small smile looking up at him. Akash just stood there ... she walk past him and went away. Akash take a step but felt something under his feet ... he looked down and picked up a silver ornamental Payal. That must be hers ... the thought came in his mind. He turns back and said ...

"wait ... Payal ..." Akash said but stopped because the girl had gone.

--------------------------------

Payal enter into her house and look for her mother ... She went to kitchen and fine her mother cooking the rotis. "Amma ...", said Payal and hug her mother from behind.

"tu agayi bitya ... (you have come Bitya)", said Garima while putting the roti into hot pot.

"Haan .. jaldi Khana de do .. bhut bhook lagi hai (yes ... please give the food soon ... i am very hungry)", said payal making an innocent face.

"Acha ja ... ja ker kaptrey badal le .. main khana lagati hun ... tere baba bhi atey hi hungey (ok fine ... go and change your clothes ... I will serve the lunch ... your father might be coming as well)", said Garima patting payal's head.

"Acha" . .. said Payal leave from kitchen while grabbing her files and books which she had dump on the dining table and went to her room.

She arrange the books and file separately on her table, just then her eyes fell on the green file which didn't have her school logo like the other files. She opens the file and got surprise to see the Paradise hotel logo ...

"Oh no ... I must have gotten that man's file by mistake", said Payal worriedly ... "he might need it" as she can see it's a file which includes the details of suppliers for decorating materials. Payal decided to go to the hotel and see if she can find the person there and return his file.

-------------------- Saturday - Around 5 pm @ RM

Khushi was sitting on floor playing with Arush in living room. Nani was resting in her room and Anjali and Mamiji was looking at different wedding cards ... discussing which one to select. Just then Arnav enter the house and went towards his room.

Anjali saw him and said, "Chottey?"."Yeah Di", said Arnav stopping near the stairs.

"Come here na ... see which card will be best for my wedding", said Anjali with twinkling eyes. Arnav give a small smile and went to his Di and sat beside her.

Khushi make Arush stand near the opposite Sofa and went back few steps ... Arush seeing Khushi backing away ... exclaimed loudly .. "Maammaaa" and with one hand he gesture towards Khushi.

Khushi and Anjali looked at Arnav ... He looked at Arush and then Khushi.

"Maammaa", Arush shout in his baby voice gesturing towards Khushi.

Khushi looks at Arnav nervously trying to gauge his mood and expression and to her astonishment he simply nods his head ... like saying its ok with him. A huge smile played on Anjali lips and she looked at Khushi giving her same huge smile which Khushi returned.

Khushi sit on the floor and tap her thigh, "come on baby ... come to mama", said Khushi excitingly. Arnav jerk his head toward Khushi not believing she just said that. Arush was passing her his toothy smiles. He left the sofa and take a step towards Khushi.

"yeah that's it ... come on baby", said Khushi gesturing Arush to walk towards her. Arush takes two more steps and fall on the ground. "Hmmm", said Khushi eyeing Arush while placing hands on her hips.

Arnav was peeking glances of Khushi while looking at the cards and this didn't go unnoticed by Anjali... but she kept quite as Rahul had advice her to leave this matter for few days.

Arush giving his huge smile started to crawl towards Khushi. Khushi extends her hand towards him. But Arush stop 3 feets away from her and sat on the ground because just then his eyes fell on Arnav.

"ahhh", Arush exclaimed happily and crawled towards Arnav. Arnav who saw that sit straight in sofa looking at Arush with funny confuse expression. Arush crawl upto him and stand up holding Arnav's pant. He taps Arnav's knee and shout "Papppaa"... Khushi giggled slightly seeing Arnav's expression and Anjali, Mami waited for Arnav's response.

"Paappaa"... Arush said Again.

"Arnav ji .. he wants you to carry him", said Khushi with a smile.

"umm .. No .. Di .. will you", said Arnav while looking at her sister and Anjali just shook her head. Khushi stand up from floor and went to Arush, she picks him up. Arnav sighed with relief but the next moment shocked him when Khushi place Arush in his lap.

"tat a taa .. ann", Arush made baby voice and tap Arnav's cheek with full force.

"what the", said Arnav ... Anjali, Khushi and Mami laughed lightly seeing Arnav's startled expression.

Arush started to jump in his lap.

"looks like he wants to play with his papa ... hain na babay", said Anjali teasingly caressing Arush's hair. And Arush give a big smile in return. Arnav was holding Arush a distance away from him and Khushi wanted to laugh at his weird expressions. The great business tycoon, whom many people feared is actually afraid of a baby ... she thought.

"Di ...", said Arnav irritated with their continuous giggles. "I need to go ... will you just take him".

Khushi step forward and pick Arush from Arnav's lap .. putting him out of his discomfort. Arnav quickly stands up and move towards stairs.

"Come on baby ... lets play ... papa ko janey do abhi (let papa go now)", said Khushi and she raise him in air and blew air on his stomach which made Arush laugh loudly. Khushi sat on floor with Arush in her lap and she started to play with him with different toys.

Arnav went on the stair, when he was about to turn he looked back at Khushi. Smile played on his lips seeing Khushi's different amusing expression which she was making while playing with Arush. He wonder how in that less time his son had become so fond of Khushi and vice versa. Khushi felt his gaze on her and she looked up at him and see his smile. She smiled back and that breaks Arnav's trance. He slowly looked down and went to his room.

Khushi giggled again remembering Arnav's expression when she put Arush in his lap ... that scene she would remember forever.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

fiiissshhh ... thats a long one ... isnt it?? 😉 ... i hope you enjoyed it ... finally those who asked for Payash ... gets their glimpses...

Dont forget to press like and comment ...

i also hope things are much clear now to you guys. 😊

Bubbles762013-11-06 05:22:54