Chapter 97

Next Day Sunday - @ Grand Hyatt Hotel - Lunch time.

"wow, its so amazing na", said Divya as she looked around the lawn and poolside of hotel. It was her first time coming here, to a five star hotel.

"Yeah it is, and its charges are amazing too", said Aashima in cheeky voice.

"Khushi where is ASR?", asked Poonam as she saw Khushi with her cell phone.

"He just messaged that he is coming here", replied Khushi looking up at Poonam.

"Khushi you should have worn the dress that Aashima had gifted you", said Divya as she looked around and saw ladies with classy dresses.

Khushi rolled her eyes in response. Aashima, Poonam and Divya were wearing pretty summer dresses and Khushi was in her usual long floral skirt with black tank top with her hair open and slightly curled.

(Khushi's attire)

Her friends have done makeup and got ready keeping in mind that they will be dinning with a fashion icon and asked Khushi to do the same but she replied them that she won't as Arnav likes her the way she is.

"Yeah Khushi your fianc is ASR, he is considered as a fashion king", said Poonam.

Khushi didn't pay heed to the conversation, she loves to dress for him but only when they were two of them only. Her friends were over excited for this lunch treat.

"Oh look there he is", Poonam pointed in a direction.

"Oh gosh he is look so dashing", said Divya as she saw Arnav coming to their direction as he was busy typing on his cellphone, he looked up at them and then again at his cell phone.

(Arnav's attire)

When he came close, he put the cell phone is his pocket and went near Khushi. He side hugs her and give a peck on her forehead.

"Hi ...", said Arnav in his low husky voice.

"Hi", said Khushi as she smiles up at him.

"Hello", said Arnav looking at her friends, who smile brightly at him.

"Hi Jiju", said Aashima cheekily.

"Jiju?", said Arnav surprised.

"Yes, now that you are engaged to our Khushi and soon marrying her so that make you .. our Jiju", said Aashima.

"Ah ok", said Arnav and look at Khushi who shrugs.

"Come on then", said Arnav as he gestures them to the dinning are near poolside.

The manager came as he saw ASR and greeted him. Aashima, Divya and Poonam was in awe of the special treatment as they were directed to the table which overlooked the vast lawn and poolside. Soon they were given the menus. Arnav told them not to hesitate and order whatever they want to eat. This made the girls squealed as they wanted to try many different things. Khushi tried to warn them with her looks but Arnav caught her hand under the table and gesture through his eyes to let go. Soon they place their orders and started to talk.

Khushi's friends were still finding it hard to believe that they are sitting here with ASR, the person whom they have seen only in news and on TV. They ask him different things to which Arnav politely answered.

When his next show will be, can they come to watch it? Can they have a dress from his personal collection? etc... Arnav told them that their next show will be in collaboration with VF again in November, it Italy, he will try to give them the passes and about the dress, he will think about it making the girls plead for it.

"So Jiju, tell us ... what you like about Khushi the most?", asked Poonam.

"Yeah, what attracted you to her?", asked Divya.

"Divya, Poonam ... its enough now", said Khushi as she gives them warning looks.

"Oh hush Khushi, we are asking Jiju and he doesn't mind. Right?", said Aashima looking at Arnav.

"Not at all", replied Arnav and starts to think, "Um I can't pin point one thing that I like about her, for me its everything", said Arnav as he look at Khushi, who was sitting beside her. Aashima, Divya and Poonam were sitting in opposite direction.

"Her childishness, fierceness wrapped in innocence, selfless nature, caring side, sensitive, emotional, dramatic, crazy (Arnav chuckles as Khushi opens her mouth in small O), sometimes mature and yeah not to forget the romantic side (Khushi blush a little at this). She is everything, a complete package for me", said Arnav, making the other 3 girls wish that they could find someone like him for themselves.

"And for what attracted, I guess it was her eyes. I love them, they are like a window to her soul and can express many different emotions", said Arnav as he looked into her eyes and Khushi couldn't look way, "And I love yours", said Khushi in a trance.

"Aye haye, lock eye haan", said Aashima in teasing tone.

"You both look adorable together", said Divya as she put her chin on hand, elbow probed up on table.

Thankfully their lunched arrived and they dig into it. The conversation flow from fashion shows to dresses, to college, to friends, to wedding. Arnav was mostly listening and to his surprise he was enjoying it as well.

He hadn't done this since long ... sitting with friends, chatting away. He used to do this with Yuvraj and Rohan and other university classmates in his Harvard days. Their topic mostly covered politics, sports, career and girls. When he started AR, he got busy in work. Even his free time would be spend in searching and making plans to grow. Tania use to drag him out, for lunches or dinner whenever she could, which was only few times. But those were nice times.

His mood got off, body got stiff and expression got serious as memories from that time flash in his mind and he stood up. Everyone got quite and looked at him.

"Arnavji?", Khushi looked at him in confusion.

"I ... I need to make a call, you guys order dessert", said Arnav as he took out his cell phone, "Don't order for me", said Arnav looking at Khushi and move from there.

Khushi eyes follow to him going towards poolside. She saw him putting the phone at ear and then after a minute he hangs up. He walk ahead few steps and stopped, he fiddled with his cell phone but didn't make a call. Khushi knew it wasn't something work related as she had seen him working and know his work calls are not that short.

Arnav came after few minutes and smile at them, but Khushi knew he is disturbed. She didn't want to ask in front of her friends.

Khushi's friends thanked Arnav again and again for the fabulous and delicious lunch. As they move out of hotel Khushi told Aashima that they can go ahead for shopping which they had planned earlier, she want to go with Arnav some where else.

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"Khushi ... stop, don't go further", shouted Arnav as he saw Khushi going further into the sea.

"Arnavji, its no fun standing there ... Come here na", said Khushi gesturing with her hand. The sea waves were touching just below her knees.

"Khushi, I am telling you to come back here", shouted Arnav, this time in anger. He was worried what if she slipped or something bit her. When Khushi didn't listen and take few steps futher Arnav shouted again, "Ok fine go ahead, I am going back", with that he turns and walk on the sand.

Khushi didn't think that he would actually do that. She made him come here with her because she wanted to lift up his mood. She tried asking him on their way to beach but he said that he is thinking of work and there is nothing else. But now Khushi knows how his mood works. So she bring him here to lift his mood up as this very place do the same for her when she is disturb or feeling low.

"Arnavji ... Arnavji .. wait, I am coming", shouted Khushi as she move back. Arnav stopped and watch her coming to him and he too move towards her.

Now both were standing just before the sea as waves crashes with their toes.

"Arnavji seriously, you don't know how to enjoy these little things. It feels ticklish as the water touches your legs and sands slips from under your feet, it feels like you are going forward and backwards", said Khushi excitedly.

"Khushi I spend nearly 3 years in US and I have had my trips to beaches, I have done all this ok", said Arnav little irritated as the winds blows and he run his hand in hair.

"Ok, but I am sure you havent done this", said Khushi as she started to stomp her feet in playful manner, doing chap chap in water.

"Or this", said Khushi as she bend down taking the water in her palm and throw at Arnav.

"Khushi", said Arnav in warning tone, "Stop it", as Khushi throw water at him again.

When she again bends down Arnav took a step towards her, "Don't ... or else I will throw you in water".

Khushi stick out her tongue and again throw water at him and squeal as Arnav lunge towards her, she move back and started to run with Arnav following her. Khushi giggles as Arnav came closer and then she exclaimed in excitement and nervousness as Arnav grab her from behind and pick up in his arm, going inside water.

"Arnavji, no .. no ... please", said Khushi as she tried to get down from his arms but his grip was tight. The waves were coming upto his shins, "Tell me Khushi, should I drop you now", said Arnav in serious voice and Khushi instantly shakes her head, "No, no please ... ok I am sorry, see", said Khushi as she held her ear, with a pout. Arnav smile at her cute expression and move backwards.

"Arnavji, careful ... you will slip", said Khushi worried as Arnav was moving backwards.

"I won't", said Arnav as he kept on moving until they were out of waters and put Khushi down.

"You are no fun", said Khushi making a face as she turn away and looks at the setting sun.

Arnav came behind her and poke a finger to her side, which he knows, was very ticklish. Khushi turn and look at him annoyed as he grabs her waist and starts to tickle her.

"Arnavji, stop ... stop", said Khushi in between her giggles.

"Don't say that again then", said Arnav and Khushi move close to him, "I know, you are fun ... but a different kind of", said Khushi as she wound his arms around his neck and Arnav places his hand on both side of her waist and pull her close.

"like?", asked Arnav as his eyes travel down to her lips.

"umm", said Khushi as she glides her hands down on his chest and then grab his hand and move away towards the rocks on the other side away from people.

"Khushi what are you doing?", asked Arnav.

"its one of my fantasies when I was in university. I didn't have a boyfriend then, but now I have you so I want to fulfill it", said Khushi as she remembered her fantasy looking at the setting sun.

"What fantasy?", asked Arnav intruige.

"Wait, you will know soon", said Khushi.

After 2-3 minutes they were away from people, although there are 3-4 people around in groups but they were at a distance. Khushi take Arnav into the water.

"Khushi, no", said Arnav as he tug on her hand.

"I am not going further, just little bit", said Khushi as she move ahead.

She stop when water reached few inches below her knees, she turn to him and give a quick look around.

"Khushi what?", asked Arnav looking at her confuse.

"This", said Khushi as she grabs his shirt, pull him close and kiss him full on mouth. Arnav was startled at first, because it was not in Khushi's nature to be intimate in public places. He groaned when he felt Khushi biting his lower lip. He opens up giving entry to her. Khushi tastes his mouth and deepened the kiss. After few seconds they broke apart.

"I always had this wish to kiss my boyfriend, standing in sea with sun setting in background", said Khushi as their forehead touched each other.

"umm, nice ... so what other fantasies you got?", asked Arnav in his husky voice as he rubs his hand on her back. Khushi looked up at him, biting her lower lip and lean in. Arnav was anticipating another kiss or may be a seductive whisper but instead he got a push from her.

Khushi run away shouting, "Its for you to find out".

Arnav give a short laugh and run after her as she picked up speed. The sun set in the background as Arnav caught her from behind and twirl her, making her laugh. Khushi was again successful in lifting up his mood and created another cherishable memory for him.

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Monday evening Arnav went to Goa. He did meetings with Sharma's who were the partners in his resort plus boutique hotel project. The structure was build and exterior was almost done. Now they will have to work on the interiors. Arnav had some plans in his mind and share with the Sharma's if they are ok with it. He wanted an entire floor to himself and his family and suggested that Sharma's can have another entire floor to themselves, if they want. They didn't have any problem as Arnav was investing 65% of money in this project. He had a meeting with the construction manager and told him the changes plus additions he wanted to do for the topmost floor. They discuss and finalized various things over the next 3 days and then on Friday night Arnav came back to Dehli.

He called Mr. Ashok and asked him to go ahead with the renovations. Anjali was happy to know that he was doing changes to his room, which shows that how much interested he is in starting his new life. Anjali wanted to probe him to know what changes he is doing but she controlled herself. Arnav forbid her not to tell Khushi and shifted his things to the guest room, which was used by Khushi when she stayed here.

Khushi spend the week with her family. Much to her irritation and Payal's amusement Garima made Khushi sort out her entire room, wardrobe and other things. According to her mother, after marriage her Sasural will be her actual home and she needs to be careful in selecting and taking her things there. She put aside her books, clothes and other accessories which she won't need any more or will buy new one and will donate her that stuff to orphanage in which she use to do part time job.

Anjali and Lavanya had decided on which themes they want to go with each function and shared it with Payal and NK. Anjali strictly told them not to tell Khushi and let it be a surprise for her. Anjali give details to Payal about colors and what type of dresses to buy so that she can pass it on to Khushi's friends.

Khushi tried various tactics to make Payal spill out about her wedding preparation but Payal didn't speak up. It made Khushi irritated and she promise that she will do the same on Payal's wedding in future and won't tell her a single word about.

Buaji came to Mumbai to help them in the preparations; there were various trips to the market for shopping and other many things.

Same was the case in Dehli, the preparations were going on full swing. Arnav clearly told everyone that he had no intention of making trips to shopping mall every other day. Poor Akash had to make trips to shopping with the ladies and had to do other stuff as well.

Arnav wanted to focus on work, to complete it soon. Mamiji, Anjali and Lavanya teased him about it that he needs no disturbance after his wedding and want to spend most of his time with Khushi. Arnav being Arnav didn't give them chance to tease him further and openly agree to it and said that there is much more he is planning about it, making everyone shut their mouth.

In all this Arnav and Khushi missed each other a lot. Regular messages and calls become a daily routine for them. Sometimes Khushi would get emotional and sometime Arnav would get angry. They both long for each other and then console each other as well when other feels low about it. Both wanted for 28^th September to come soon so that they can be together forever and eternity.

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After cleaning things in kitchen and telling Hari Prakash what needs to be done further Anjali started to make coffee. One black, bitter tasteless, for her brother and other creamy, chocolaty for herself. She places the cups in tray and went upstairs to guest room.

This past week she was busy with wedding preparations and Arnav as usual with his work. She didn't get the time to sit and talk with her brother which she usually does around evening tea, when he comes back from office. She wanted to spend some time with him and also talk to him about NOT going to office anymore, because only 2 weeks and 3 days are left in the wedding, she mentally calculated the days as she climbs the stairs. She wanted him to relax himself not stressed due to work and enjoy his wedding, which in his case looks little impossible.

Anjali sighed as she watched Arnav typing on his laptop with a frown on his face, sitting on bed. She came in and smiled as Arnav looked up at her. "Di?", his eyes travels to the tray.

"Coffee, Chottey", said Anjali as she sit opposite to him on the bed, "Wanted to share a cup of coffee with you, if you're not busy Mr. CEO".

"Di, you know I am never busy for you", said Arnav giving a look to Anjali who returned the same, "Really Chottey? You're saying this".

"Ok, not too much busy for you", said Arnav with a smirk. Anjali swat his thigh, "You work too much Chottey, don't you get tired?".

Arnav took the cup from her, "It has become a habit now Di, when I have less work and don't have much to do I feel strange and then my mind starts to look for something to get busy".

Anjali roll her eyes, "Mr. Busy, it was in the past but now you have to give sometime to yourself and your life. After marriage, there will be another person attached to it".

"I know Di, that's why I am trying to get over with work as much as I can", said Arnav quickly.

"Ahaan, so enthusiastic to spend romantic time with Khushi", said Anjali in teasing tone.

"Yeah I am but I know it won't be easy as you people will be there to disturb us, one can't get privacy in this house", said Arnav and smile at her sister's open mouth.

"Chottey, we disturb you haan", said Anjali as she smack his thigh, "Who is the one, who order us not to disturb him when he is working", she smack his thigh again.

"Ouch Di, it hurts", said Arnav as he rubs that area, "What have you been eating, your hand is heavy".

"Heavy? Did you say heavy to me", said Anjali feigning shock and then again smack his thigh and arm. Arnav chuckles at her reaction.

Anjali smile seeing him smiling, "It's good to see you like this, you look handsome when you smile".

"Yeah Khushi says the same", said Arnav, "She said I need to smile very often".

"She's right, but I am sure after she comes here we will see you smiling very often", said Anjali.

Arnav give her his lopsided smile. They talk for some more minutes as they finished their coffee. Anjali put the cups in tray and stood up to leave when she remembered something.

"Listen Chottey, when you go to Mumbai coming weekend, remember to take your wedding cards from me and give them to Garima aunty ok", said Anjali.

"Why will I go to Mumbai? I don't have any work at office there", said Arnav in confusion.

"It's Khushi's birthday next Monday, I thought you knew and would want to go there to celebrate it, as it will be her first birthday with you", said Anjali.

Arnav was surprise to know this, how can he not remember this. He quickly opens up the calendar on his laptop and look at the dates. His Di was right, today is 10 September which soon will turn into 11 September and Khushi's birthday is on 17^th.

"See that's why I tell you not to work too much, you will forget important things like this", said Anjali.

"I knew her birthday was in September but the date slipped my mind, thanks for reminding me Di", said Arnav.

"Your welcome, do you want some ideas, I can help with it", said Anjali

"No di, I can handle it", said Arnav, "I think you should go and sleep and let me plan for next week".

"Haww Chottey, now you got fianc and you will ask your Di to leave. Only this has left for me to see", said Anjali in dramatic tone.

Arnav rolled his eyes, "Seriously Di, quite your drama and now go", said Arnav as he stood up and take Anjali to the door.

"Remember this Chottey, you're taking me out of your room, your own Di, next time I will do the same with you", said Anjali as she move away.

"Good night Di", Arnav said a bit loudly and close the door. He went to bed taking laptop in his lap and opened internet browser. He has a birthday to plan.

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Anjali came out of washroom and went towards bed. She was about to lay down when her cell vibrated. She looked at the time, it was 11.23pm. She picked up her cell and saw an unknown number calling her.

"Hello?", said Anjali picking up the call.

"Hello Anjali Di, its me Rohan", came voice from other end.

"Oh Rohan, how are you?", said Anjali as she sat down on bed.

"I am fine Di, how are you?", asked Rohan.

"I am good", said Anjali and then remember something, "Wait ... are you in India? I saw the number, its a local one".

"Yes Di, I am in Dehli. Dad is also with me. We will be staying here now, that's why I called you as soon as we reach Hotel. Dad was insisting for it. I am sorry if I disturbed you", said Rohan

"No its ok Rohan, you want to come here?", asked Anjali treading the answer.

"Yeah Di, Dad wants to meet Arush and me too", said Rohan, "He has not been keeping well and thinks that he don't have much time left and ..."

"Oh what happened to uncle? Why didn't you tell me before?", asked Anjali.

"Di, he is fine, just getting old. I tried to make him understand but he thinks that he may not have much time and wants to spend time with Arush now. You know Di he is the only remembrance of our Tania", said Rohan in sad voice.

"Yes I understand Rohan, but wo .. um ...", Anjali didn't know how to say about Arnav.

"I know Di, that's why called you now so that you can talk to Arnav. We can come there after a day or two", said Rohan in little annoyed voice.

"Thanks Rohan and I am sorry about it but you know Chottey right, his anger", said Anjali.

"I know Di, you take care, I will call you tomorrow ok", said Rohan.

Anjali bid him goodbye and was about to dial Rahul's number but then stopped thinking that he will ask her to sleep and will say that they will think about it tomorrow. But how can she sleep now, its not that she didn't want Rohan and his father to come here. They are more than welcome to their house. But its Arnav that is worrying her. Last time when they came face to face they both literally punched each other. She didn't want this to happen again, now as the wedding is coming close.

Anjali bit her lips thinking what to do or whom to talk, just then a person came in her mind. Only she can handle this situation or more probably Arnav, thought Anjali and dials a number.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

Ok guys now i want everyone of you to comment.

Part A and Part B both were on 29 pages of Ms Word with normal font size.

It really saddens me to see that here i spend so many hours writing looong updates and only few number of people comments.

By comments i mean actually comment, not words like, "nice update", "amazing update", "superb update" or "lovly update".

i will really appreciate it if you guys write more than just those words.

if you don't have anything else to say other than those usual words, then please refrain from commenting and just press like. it will do the job.

it really bothers me to see those usual words again and again.

i hope i don't get disappoint this time 😳

Bubbles762015-09-30 14:13:03