Chapter 40

-------------- 20^th April - Saturday - IFCW Award Ceremony

"Ladies and gentlemen this year's IFCW has come to an end with this Award ceremony. We have seen very beautiful designs and we praise each designer for his/her efforts. But unfortunately we could only choose 1 design for the award. And would like the CEO of IFCW to come and announce the winner.", said the host.

The CEO comes to the stage and host hand him the envelope ... he opens the envelope and read the name. He then takes the mike and say, "the DESIGN OF YEAR AWARD goes to ... AR DESIGNZ for its bridal line show stopper dress".

The hall fill with clapping, Arnav who was sitting with Anjali, Akash and his Mamaji stood up. Anjali hug him tight and Akash tap his back. The AR team who was sitting few rows back stood up and hoots loudly, Khushi was among them hugging her fellow designers. She then looks towards the stage and saw Arnav going to the stage and receives the trophy from the CEO and shakes hands. Then he come to the podium, there were flash of cameras.

Arnav saw here and there in the audience as if he was searching someone ... Khushi saw this and she just knew in her heart that he is searching for her and just then his eyes clash with Khushi's who smile at him, her heart fluttering and a strange sensation flow through her body as Arnav stare at her for few seconds and once again she saw ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA in his professional glory, and agree why he called ASR, Buisness Tycoon of the Fashion World as when he begun to speak the next 10 minutes belongs to him. He kept the audience the reports glued as he gave his thank you speech and announce AR's next Fashion Show will be after few months and its going to be the biggest Fashion show of this year .. the reporters asked further to reveal but he said it is a surprise for all. When he done and move from podium only appreciation and applauses could be heard.

Then next 15 minutes Arnav got busy in shaking hands and receiving congratulations from different people and owners of Fashion Houses. Then he went to Anjali, who hug him the instant he come in range, Akash and Mamaji also hug him.

The host announces the After Party held in honor of AR for winning the award. So everyone engage in conversation with others, some went to get drinks from the bar at one end. Lavanya was also standing at the bar having a cocktail. Khushi went to get herself a water when she Lavanya, so she went to her.

"Lavanya ji ... what are you doing here ... come with us ... we all are chatting together", said Khushi while gesturing towards her team mates.

"No Khushi ... I am fine (Lavanya looks at someone then back at Khushi) ... you go and enjoy", said Lavanya and take a sip from her drink. When Khushi saw Lavanya looking in the same direction thrice she too moves her eyes and saw Aman standing with some Buisness People talking.

"um ... Lavanya ji ... I wanted to tell you something", said Khushi and Lavanya look at her.

"I and Aman are just friends", said Khushi and Lavanya smile. "Its ok Khushi ... you don't need to explain", said Lavanya.

"No ... Lavanya ji ... what you saw was just a friendly gesture ... its nothing ...", said Khushi getting worried thinking that Lavanya is still thinking wrong but Lavanya cut her.

"Chill Khushi ...I know that ... I was just a little surprise to see your guys so friendly with each other ... but hey that's Aman ... he always like that ... making friends easily", said Lavanya looking at Aman's direction.

"yeah ... Aman is really nice and a good friend too", said Khushi with a smile.

"you know when I came to AR I was instantly charmed by ASR ... all the girls do", said Lavanya and Khushi's smile fade from the face, she don't know why but annoyance take place.

"I also try to impress him but then I realize he is not like this, he kept himself so busy with work ... then he got married so it just remained a crush ... but I still admire him for what he is", said Lavanya and Khushi sigh a little thinking ... everyone does that.

"you know Aman took my interview for the job ... my first impression was ohh how cute he is", said Lavanya by giggling and Khushi too chuckled.

"I really liked him ... he was very friendly ... he always made new employees comfortable. Then gradually when time pass we get comfortable with each other ... I use to tease him a lot and he always gets irritated ... so I left doing that ... somewhere I started to feel for him (Khushi looked at Lavanya stunned as she was expressing her feelings) ... but whenever I tried to get close he always shied away so I reduce my interactions with him, didn't want him to feel uncomfortable. Then I busy myself in my carrier too then later I met Niraj and rest you know the drill", said Lavanya completing her drink.

"Lavanya ji ... do you ..", Khushi wanted to ask if she still like Aman. Lavanya look at her in question.

"I mean do you still .. you know like him", said Khushi looking at Lavanya with not so sure expression. After few seconds Lavanya nods. Khushi instantly smiles, "So are you going to tell him".

"I don't know Khushi ... what happened with Niraj ... don't know what Aman will think of me If I tell him that ... I guess I should wait for it", said Lavanya.

Wait ... haww wait kion (ohh why wait), thought Khushi ... Aman toh kuch kare ga nahi aur na Lavanya ji ... mujey hi kuch kerna patrey ga (Aman wont do anything nor Lavanya ji ... i guess now i have to do something). Khushi went to NK who was standing with Naina.

"We need to get Aman and Lavanya ji together", said Khushi the instant she reach NK's side.

"huh .. what?", said NK "Aman and Lavanya Mam?". Khushi rolled her eyes.

"you dumbo ... both like each other ... we have to do something to bring them together", said Khushi.

"tujhe batra shok hai na cupid bananey ka ... hur ik ko sath lane ki sochti rehti ho (you like to become cupid very much ... always thinking to bring people together)", mock NK.

"Haan ager na sochti na toh is waqt tum Naina k sath na hotey ... samjhey (Yes ... if not then you wont be with Naina today .. understand)", Khushi mock back and Naina giggle at that.

"She is right you know", said Naina.

"Acha ... tel me kia kerna hai (Ok ... tell me what to do)", said NK.

"Naina Ko Aman k sath dance kerna hai wo bhi romantic wala (Naina has to dance with Aman and that too a romantic one)", said Khushi.

"What .. no way", said Nk grabing Naina's hand.

"Oh NK leave me ... I am still here ...", said Naina taking her hand back.

"Oh chill yaar ... just pretend kerna hai ... aur tum Lavanya ji k sath dance karo ( oh Chill dear ... she just have to pretend ... and you will dance with Lavanya ji)", said Khushi.

"what ... pagal hai kia?" (What ... are you crazy?), said NK getting muffed.

"Nahi ... intelligent hun .. unlike you (No ... intelligent .. unlike you)", said Khushi with a smile.

"yeah right ,,, you think yeh jealousy idea kaam karey ga (yeah right .. do you think this jealousy idea will work?)", said NK.

"yes of course ... jealousy idea always work ... didn't it work on you", said Khushi eyeing him.

"Come on NK... try kerne mein kia hai (Come on NK ... whats the harm in trying?)", said Naina.

"Acha ... thek hai ... but mein Lavanya Mam k sath dance nahi karun ga (ok .. fine ... but i wont dance with Lavanya Mam)... Aman knows I have a girlfriend", said NK after few seconds.

"then apne kisi dost ko bolo na (then tell one of your friends)", said Khushi. "what ,,,?", said NK a bit loud.

"yes ... koi toh dost hoga na tumhara ... jao usko bolo(yes ... atleaat someone from your friends will be here ... go tell him)", said Khushi pushing NK to go.

"Jar aha hun ... marwaye gi kisi din muje (ok i am going ... you will get me killed someday)", said NK and Khushi just show her tongue to him

"You ready?", said Khushi... "yeah ... but you should tell Aman ... or else he will get shock when I go to him", said Naina and Khushi nods her head while texting Aman on cell.

After 10 minutes Naina went to Aman, who had already got a message from Khushi ... he was surprise but then he agree to do.

Naina and Aman started to dance as the slow music play, few other people were dancing too.

"Do you think it will work?", asked Aman who was holding Naina by waist. "Don't know .. but Khushi was sure", said Naina who was holding Aman's shoulder. Then after few seconds they got more close.

"Oye hath hata (oyee remove your hand)", said Nk with gritted teeth as he watched Aman and Naina dancing closely from distance.

"shhhshh NK ... kuch nahi ho raha donu k bech (nothing is happening between the two)... don't be such a possessive puppy ok", said Khushi slappinghis shoulder.

"Where is your friend and Lavanya ji?", asked Khushi and NK point in one direction. Khushi saw some distance away dance floor a guy talking to Lavanya holding her by waist.

"Wah batra fast ha tera dost (Wow your friend is going very fast)", said Khushi.

"ager kuch ulta hua na sara blame tum per daal dunga (if something goes wrong i will put all the blame on you)", said NK looking in Aman and Naina's direction.

"kuch nahi hota (nothing will happen)", said Khushi crossing her fingers behind her back.

"arey is it Lavanya ji's new boyfriend?", said Naina pretending to be surprised.

"whaaat?", said Aman getting surprise.

"yeah look...", said Naina and turn so that now Lavanya was in Aman's vision. Aman saw Lavanya in arms of a guy who was practically drooling over her. Aman eyes flash with anger and then widened when he saw the guy kiss Lavanya on cheek who in return give shock and shy look.

"oyee kiss kerne ko nahi bola tha ... dance kerne ko bola tha (oyee i didnt ask to kiss ... i ask to dance)", said Khushi getting worried.

"mein ne toh usko yehi bola tha ... kiss ka to nahi (i told him the same ... not about kiss)", said NK scratching his head.

Aman left Naina and went in Lavanya's direction who had her hands around guys neck when Aman reach her ... he takes Lavanya's hand and drag her to opposite direction.

"Aman .. what ... wait", said Lavanya but Aman didn't stop and went to the deserted spot far from people.

"hain yeh kia ... Lavanya ne jealous nahi hona tha? Aman ne hona tha?" (Oh whats this ... Didnt Lavanya suppose to get jealous? Or is it Aman?), asked NK.

"arey koi bhi ho jaye jealous ... bus jealous hona chahiye tha ... aur Aman ho gaya (arey whoever gets jealous but the point was to get jealous and Aman did)", said Khushi clapping her hands together.

"ager kuch garber hui na toh ... (if anything goes wrong then ...)", said Nk but Khushi cut her.

"Chill yaar ... chalo dance with me ... mood acha kerti hun tumhara (chill dear ... come dance with me ... i will brighten up your mood)", said Khushi and take NK to dance floor. Khushi put her one hand on his shoulder and other hand in his hand. NK hold her by waist with one hand and started to slow dance.

"Arey mood thek ker naa ... wo daikh tumhari Naina (oh come on make your mood ok now ... look there your Naina)", said Khushi while gesturing with eyes. NK look at his left and saw Naina standing few feets away from them, she waved a hand at them. NK smiled.

"Do you remember when we last danced like this?", asked Khushi and NK nods ... "yeah in college's farewell", said NK with a smile and both converse about their college days while they dance.

"what were you doing?", said Aman a little bit angry leaving Lavanya'a hand when they are at deserted area.

"what was I doing?", asked Lavanya rubbing her wirst.

"with that guy ... over there", said Aman point in that direction.

"tum ko kia ... (What do you care?)", said Lavanya. "muje hai ...(i do ...)", said Aman instantly.

"Kion ... mein kuch bhi karun ...(why? ... whatever i do)", said Lavanya shrugging her shoulders.

"bus mujey nahi acha lagta tum kisi aur k sath is terha behave karo (i dont like when you behave like this with someone)", said Aman in anger

"kion ... tum ker sakhte ho toh mein nahi ker sakhti kia (Why ... if you can do this then why cant i?)", said Lavanya in anger too.

"What ...? Mein ne kis k sath behave kia aisa?" (with whom i behave like this?), said Aman.

"Acha abhi ju tum dance ker rahey thy wo kia tha (oh right ... then what about the dance you were doing just now)", said Lavanya.

"she is just a friend ... ok", said Aman.

"A friend ... lug toh nahi raha tha (it doesn't seem that way)", said Lavanya ... "aur is se pehle kitni thi?"(how many are there before that?).

"What ... koi nahi thi ... samjhi (what ... no one .. understand)", said Aman taking a step towards Lavanya.

"I don't believe you ... I am sure you had girlfriends before", said Lavanya mocking him.

"I said na ... there was no one", said Aman getting angry at her accusation.

"Why are you lieing haan ... chupa ker kia karo gey (what will you get by hiding?)... tel me ...2, 4, ya 7", said Lavanya ... "office mein bhi hai koi .. tabhi raat ko late ruktey ho .. hai na ... aur tum donu phir sath mein ...(is there someone in office as well ... thats why you stay late night at office ... then you both together ...)", Lavanya was saying but Aman cut her.

"there is no one dammit ... because I LOVE YOU .. then how can I even look at some one else ...", said Aman a bit loud angrily grabbing her arms. Lavanya was startled hearing this from him ... she had doubht when Aman stop her from seeing Niraj so she purposely poked him to reveal his feelings. She also knew that Aman was dancing with a girl to make her jealous so when a guy comes to her she asks him to pretend with her.

"what did you just say?", asked Lavanya in low voice.

Aman realize what he had said in anger, but now he had said it so it was no denying back.

"that I love you ... and its always been you", said Aman in a soft voice. Lavanya smile at that and peck his lips. Aman gets shocked at the gesture.

"you stupid ... dumboo ... I love you too", said Lavanya and hug Aman. Who got surprise at that, "really?", asked Aman who still wasn't sure. Lavanya break the hug and nods her head. Aman smiles and capture her lips for a kiss.

Arnav who was tired of conversing move towards the bar for a drink ... he picks the glass and move to some empty space to relax for some time. His eyes move in the hall and then he saw Khushi dancing with NK and smiling.

He started to think about this particular strange woman who always cause sensation inside him every time he sees her. He accepted the fact that he is attractive to her long back. He tried to stay away, keep his mind off her but he had failed. Now this was becoming dangerous, his body and mind scream for her ... he was not sure what he want or what he was looking forward too ... a relationship or not .. a commitment ... might be? Why couldn't he just claim her? why couldn't he just ask her out? Why she matter to him that much? Everytime he see her ... he wanted to touch her ... to hold her close ... why the f**k he just couldn't take his mind off her.

He knows she is attracted to him too ... or may be feel the same desire too that he feels ... may be they could just start with being friends and see where this leads ... yes this can be done ... atleast it will be something instead of getting frustrated ... yeah he will talk to her or may be just start being friendly with her ... yes he can start from this, decided Arnav while looking at Khushi ... then he sips the drink and move away.

-------------- Same night @ Delhi

An old man with a ragged beard came out of the train and stepped into the station, smelling the air.

"Ahh ... freedom ... nothing compares that", said the man with a huge growl. He walks out of the terminal towards the exit.

"Sahab Ji ... ", a man with skinny body and bony features came ahead when he sees the old man coming out of terminal.

"raghu..", the old man came and tap his back.

"Its very good to see you here ... with us", said Raghu taking a small duffle bag from the old man.

"yes .. it is ... finally I am here ..."said the old man moving towards the parking with Raghu.

"Where is Lala?", the old man ask Raghu. "He is back home ... waiting for you", replied Raghu. The old man and Raghu got into an old high roof van and drove towards their destination.

After nearly an hour they entered into an area where mostly crime and low value people lived. They came to an old house. It was big but dusty, mostly cemented ... there was alcohol and heroine smell in the air. The old man twist his mouth when he came out of the van ... face clearly showing his disgust about the area. Raghu take the old man into the house, it was furnished with second hand things.

"Baba ...", a man in his twenties hug the old man tightly, who in return hug him back tapping his back.

"My son", the old man said in soft voice, eyes filling with tears ... to be near his son after so many years.

"I was just waiting for this day Baba ... when you come back and we can take down that Malik", said Lala breaking the hug.

"Lala ... we will do that son ... but we won't do something in hurry ... it always ruins things ... wait for few more days son", said the old man putting his hand on his son's shoulder but his son push his hand away.

"wait ?? .. more wait??", said Lala taking a step back. "I have been waiting for past 8 years Baba", shout Lala.

"not only me .. you also ... why we wait any longer ... I want to ruined that bas***d for ruining our lives ... i have lived on streets ... struggle for food ... look around Baba ... what place we got to live in ... this SHIT HOLE ...", said Lala loudly taking his frustration out. "While that Malik live in palace ... wear rich clothes .. live in luxury while we rot in SHIT like this ... No .. I won't wait any longer ... I tried once to kill him ... I will try again", said Lala in rage.

"Wait ... what you did?", said the old getting surprised. "I told you not to do anything ... Tell me what you did?", shout the old man grabbing his son arms. Lala told him how he managed to get into his office and cut the light rope but some stupid girl saved him in time.

"you stupid ... killing him won't solve the problem ... I told you to wait for me .. do nothing ... what if he saw you ... haan ...?", said the old man in anger.

"Oh come on Baba ... he won't even recognize me if he saw me ... this crime world had change me so much", said his son waving a hand.

"Don't be stupid ... I already lost 8 years of my life in jail .. I don't want my son to do the same", said the old man getting irritated.

"So what should I do then haan ... sit back and see him play in luxury while I spend my days among goons and drug dealers ... playing with bullets all my life ... Trying not to get caught by police?? Haan baba", said Lala and turn away ... raking his hand through his hair.

"What you think .. if you kill him you will get rich?", said the old man turning his son back to him "We won't get a penny if we kill him ... we have to make him give his wealth to us ... after that we can kill him if you want son.", said the old man while grabbing his son. He cupped his cheek, "I promise you son ... we will get what we want ... we will make him suffer like we did ... he will lose", said the old man cupping his son's cheek.

"How Baba ... how?", said his son. "Leave that on me son ... I am here now ... I have only one mission left in my life ... is to ruin that Arnav Malik", said the old man with determination. "we will have our old life back ... with all the luxury ... all those things he had .. will be ours", said the old man hugging his son.

Arnav Malik ... now I am here ... you will see how I ruin you, thought the old man.

-------------- Sunday @ Gupta House - Around Lunch time

"Jiji ... tum ne humare pink jhumke daikhe hain kahin? (jiji ... have you seen my pink earrings?)", asked a worried Khushi looking hurriedly in her dressing table drawers.

Payal shakes her head and went to her study table where Khushi had kept the earrings an hour back.

"yeh lo (here)", said Payal while giving the earrings to Khushi. "Shukeriya jiji... (thank you jiji ...)", said Khushi taking the earring and putting in her ear.

"Khushi tum toh aisey react ker rahi ho jaisey wo log lunch per nahi bulkey tumhara rishta mangne arahey hoon (Khushi you are reacting as if they are coming to ask for your hand not on lunch)", Payal teases Khushi.

Khushi hand stopped near her ear, her heart thud at the thought and instant wish escape her heart, "kash aisa ho (wish it could happen)". Few second later she composes herself trying to be annoyed.

"uff ho jiji abhi chero nahi ... bhut kaam hain (oh jiji please .. dont tease now .. have lots of work to do)", saying that Khushi hurriedly brush her hair and went out of room. But her changed expression didn't go miss by Payal. She stood there thinking something and then move out of the room.

Khushi wanted everything to be perfect as it's the first time the Raizadas are coming to her house. In the Award Ceremony party Khushi had asked Anjali to come to her place for lunch. Anjali was happy to obliged. Khushi had ask them to bring everyone. Soon the door bell ring and Khushi run to the front door shouting back to her mother who came out of kitchen. "Hum daikhty hein Amma (i will see it Amma)", shout Khushi and open the door with a jerk.

Arnav's hand was in the air to press the bell again when the door open and he saw Khushi, excited and panting. Arnav looked at her face and then down, she was wearing a simple half sleeve pink Anarkali with white dupatta adorned with pink flowers. Khushi too was looking at Arnav taking in his appearance, who was wearing a charcoal 3 piece suits. It's like after so long, she is seeing Arnav so close to her. Both were looking at each other saying nothing, admiring.

Arnav went to the front door first as Akash was helping Nani out of car and Anjali was taking Arush and his stuff from the car.

"Chottey under nahi jana kia?"(chottey you dont want to go inside?), said Anjali hiding her smile while stepping the stair with Arush in her arms behind Arnav.

"uh ... ji Anjali ji ... Arnav ji ... aye na (please come)", said Khushi breaking her trance and step back. Anjali and Arnav enter the house followed by Akash and Nani. Mama ji and Mamiji could not come as Mamaji has taken her wife for shopping.

Khushi take them to living room. They all sat and Khushi went to tell her Amma and Jiji that they have come. Soon Khushi's parents come and greet the Raizadas. Khushi done the necessary introduction, she had already told her parents about Arush and his mother. Garima started to talk with Nani and Anjali, while Shashi talks with Akash and Arnav. Khushi had Arush in her lap and she was playing with him. Akash's eyes were looking for Payal, he wanted to see her. Arnav was too peeking glances towards Khushi who was busy with Arush.

"Taaa ..aann Maaamm", Arush exclaimed loudly with a huge grin but before he could complete the word Mama Khushi put her hand on his mouth. Anjali, Nani and Garima look at them when Arush made an irritating voice.

"Kia hua bitya?(What happen dear?)", asked Nani.

"Nani lagta hai usko pani chahiye .. mein (Khushi stood up) isko pani pila deti hun (Nani i guess he needs water ... i will make him drink water)", said Khushi.

"Arey iski bottle hai na bag mein" (oh his water bottle is in the bag), said Anjali and move towards the back.

"Ah Anjali lagta hai iska pamper bhi change kerna hoga (Ah Anjali ji i guess we have to change his pamper as well)",said Khushi while picking Arush's bag from other hand.

"Lakin mein to throtri dair pehle ... (but i just a while ago ... )", Anjali was about to day but Khushi cut in.

"Aye na Anjali ji .. hum ap ko apna room bhi dekhate hein (Anjali ji come ... i will show you my room as well)", said Khushi a bit loud and gesture her head for Anjali to move. Anjali got confuse but she stood up and went with Khushi to her room.

"Ek baat kahin ...(May i say one thing?)", Nani turned to Garima. "Ji zaroor (yeah sure)", said Garima.

"Ap ki bitya bhut hi achi hai ... such mein sub ka bhut hi khayal rakhat hain"(Your daughter is very nice ... really she take care of everyone very well), said Nani praising Khushi. And Garima smile in response.

"Wo to hai ... humari donu hi bitya bhut achi hai (yes it is ... my both daughters are very nice)", said Garima proudly.

Speaking of second daughter, Payal came with juice and place them on table and she handed them one by one. While handing Akash she didn't meet his eyes which disappoint Akash. Payal purposely did that, she was feeling guilty for misunderstanding him and somehow could not get the courage to apologize. So she left saying that she will put lunch on the table now.

When Khushi introduce her to Anjali, she got schocked seeing the same man standing behind her whose file she had took. When Khushi introduce him as Akash Singh Raizada ,,, this had shock her even more. On the other hand Akash was shocked to find out the girl of whom he thinks about is Khushi's sister. Uh ho the things gets complicated now.

Mean while in Khushi's room ... Khushi explain Anjali that If her parents hear Arush call her mama they will mind and more her mother most probably will scold her.

"But Khushi abh Arush toh chota hai ... usko kaisey mana karain (But Khushi Arush is very small how could we stop him)", said Anjali.

"Wohi na Anjali ji isko toh kuch keh nahi sakhtey bus yeh dehan rekhna hai k yeh mama na boley mujey Amma k samney ... wo thotri puraney khayal ki hai ... unko acha nahi lage ga (right Anjali ji we cant say anything to him but we have to be careful that he wont say me Mama in front of Amma ... she is a bit old thinking ... so she wont like it)", said Khushi worriedly.

"Hum samajhtey hein ... phir kia karain?(i understand but what should we do then?)", said Anajli.

"Isko na sula daitey hein(we will make him sleep)", said Khushi as an idea came in her mind. Anjali laughed a little.

"Yeh so hi na jaye ... daikh nahi rahi kitna excited hain tumse mil ker ... Raat ko bhi Mama mama kiye jar aha tha .. batri mushkil se sulaya mein usko (he wont sleep, dont you see how much excited he is after meeting you ... yesterday night as well he was chanting Mama Mama ... i make him sleep with great difficulty)", said Anjali smiling.

"Awhh mera baby ...", said Khushi while touching Arush's cheek, who in return smile at her and then got busy with his toys sitting beside Khushi on bed.

Shashi was feeling kind of awkward as he was trying to talk with the two men but they seem lost some where. But still he converse with them till the lunch starts. Arnav didn't want to come here in the first place. Yes he did want to talk to Khushi but he knew he would not get the chance with so many people here. He will talk to her when they get back to Dehli. But still he come here, as he will get to see her but now he was getting bore. He thought he should leave so he excuses himself and went in the direction where Anjali and Khushi went.

"Di ...", said Arnav loudly.

"Hum yahan hein Chottey (i am here Chottey)", replied Anjali and Arnav come near the door of room.

"Di .. I am going ... I got some work", said Arnav looking at Khushi who was busy with Arush but look up at him when he said he is going.

"Kion? (Why?)", said Khushi instantly. Anjali and Arnav look at her and Khushi compose herself and said again,

"Khana bus lagne laga hai ... kha ker jaye ga ... please humein acha lagey ga (Lunch is about to start ... please have it before you go ... we will be glad)", said Khushi emphasizing on the word "humein". She wanted Arnav to stay back, Arnav look at her in the eye. Anjali was looking both of them surpressing her smile.

"wo Amma Baba ko bura lagey ga ager ap kahye bagair chaley gaye ... rukh jaye na (Amma and Baba will feel sad if you leave without eating lunch) ... (after a pause) please", said Khushi and Arnav nods his head.

"Shukeriya", said Khushi giving a smile.

"Wha Chottey Khushi ne kaha toh forum maan gaye ... mein jub bolti hun kahin rukhne k liye toh mante hi nahi ho (Wow Chottey you agree in an instant when Khushi said ... when i asked you to stay somewhere you never agree)", tease Anjali.

"Di ... please .. I am hungry also", said Arnav in no nonsense tone and went out. And Anjali just roll her eyes. Like she didn't know why he agreed.

Soon they had lunch together. Nani and Anjali praise the food as they had eaten pure luckhnawi food after many days. Khushi and Arnav steal glances while Akash was looking at Payal but she looked at him once and when she find that he was looking at her so she avoided looking in his direction for the rest of the lunch. Luckily Arush didn't utter the word Mama as he was already in Khushi's lap, happy eating food from her hand.

After lunch they went to the living room, after talking for few minutes Raizadas was ready to leave. Arnav felt the urge to use washroom so he asked for washroom, Khushi who had Arush in her lap stood up to show him the way when Payal interrupt.

"tum ruko ... hum dekha daitey hein Khushi (you stay ... i will show him Khushi)", said Payal gesturing Khushi to sit down.

"Aye Arnav ji", said Payal and move to Khushi and her room. She showed him the washroom and move away. Arnav went into the washroom and Payal stood at the door thinking something, then she move to the study table and move something in the shelf and move out. But she stayed outside the door as she wanted to see something.

After few minutes Arnav came out and was drying his hand with his handkerchief while moving towards the door. Just then his eyes fell on something, he stopped and looked closely. He got surprise seeing his picture, he move ahead and takes the magazine out from shelf. It was a business magazine with his photo on cover.

"Whats business magazine doing in Khushi's things?", thought Arnav and then he move his eyes to the shelf and got surprise to see another magazine with his picture. When he take other magazine from the shelf few paper clippings also fell down, he looked at them and got shocked as all clippings was related to him. News about him, his interviews ... His photo clipping. He was shocked ... did Khushi do all this? The question ringing in his mind. Payal who was standing at the door look closely at Arnav's expression and she find them astonishing.

"She really admires you Arnavji", said Payal after few second. Arnav who was lost got startled hearing her voice.

"uhhh", Arnav didn't know what to say to this.

"we had always wondered why she change her subject from management to fashion in college ... but I guess now I know the reason", said Payal moving her eyes toward the newspaper clippings which fell on the study table and turn to move but stopped.

"you might want to look in the left drawer ... (Payal turn) just like that", saying that she went out but still stayed outside the door and peek in.

Arnav had open the drawer and was shocked beyond measure in finding a shiny piece of black cloth ... when he pick up the cloth he find something else which had shocked him even more. He find the same black and white pencil drawn eyes staring back at him but this time its complete with the face, his mouth open in shock when he took out the sketch paper. In one hand he held the black piece of cloth and in the second hand he was holding the paper, looking at both of them. "What is this doing here with Khushi ... how did she find it?" the question came in his mind. That means she was there when he was searching her then ... she took it ... just like he took that.

An involuntary smile played on his lips and he chuckled a little at the irony. Payal saw that and she turn ... she had seen what she wanted to see and also got the answer for her question. She went away from there.

Arnav put the black piece of cloth back in the drawer and folded the sketch paper and put in his coat pocket. He slowly went out of the room ...

Khushi Gupta your are one hell of a mystery that I would like to solve ... abh toh baat kerni hi patrey gi (now i have to talk to you)" .. Thought Arnav and went to his family who then left bidding goodbye to Guptas.

TO BE CONTINUED ... (next update will be after 4, 5 days)

- why payal told Arnav to look in the drawer and what he find in it ... will be revealed way later in the story ...

- Please do leave the comments.