Chapter 27
Arnav waited in the empty dining hall for Khushi to come down. In the meanwhile, Nani’s words swirled in his head.
“I want you to give me your word that you will not go back to Lucknow”
He shook his head and his mind wandered back to his conversation with Khushi’s father.
As soon as he had called and said Namaste, Shashi Gupta had known it was him calling.
His direct question had been whether Khushi was with him or not. He said yes. Then Shashi Gupta had asked if Akash was with him at the moment. He had said no. The third question had been if Khushi was coming back with Akash.
Somehow, Shashi Gupta had already anticipated that Khushi might not come back with Akash. Arnav had been surprised by the question, but he answered, nonetheless, saying no.
“Is Akash coming back alone then?” Shashi Gupta had asked.
“Yes” Arnav had said.
Shashi had waited a second before asking.
“Did you leave because of what your father and Doctor..”
“No, that’s not the reason, uncle” He had said.
“So, you’re okay with that?”
“Yes” Arnav had said, voice slow.
It was then he had decided to step out of the room and talk. He knew the next words from Shashi Gupta would be direct and daring.
“I am glad that is not the reason. Had it been, I would have considered you a lesser man than I do at the moment” Arnav had remained quiet, letting the words hit him. And they had hit, hard.
Still, he was grateful that Shashi Gupta was being honest about what he thought of him.
“I understand, uncle” He had said, voice guilty.
“No, you don’t, Arnav! You do not understand what it felt like seeing my daughter breaking. Seeing her beautiful, exuberant soul wither from inside! Seeing the hopelessness and hurt slowly eating her. Every single day that you avoided her phone calls, her messages, she shattered a little. She was in absolute misery for no fault of her own. I haven’t seen her fall apart like this since Garima passed away. And the worst part of it? That I was absolutely helpless! I could do nothing but watch. She thought I didn’t see her fake smiles, her attempt to be brave. But, I am her father. I saw everything and that was the only reason I even considered allowing her to come to Delhi. But, before that, I needed to meet your father and find out what was going on. I couldn’t send her to you without knowing if she might end up being more hurt. So, when Malik Saheb told me the truth about himself and what happened between Khushi and you, I thought you deserved a chance” Shashi Gupta spoke endlessly and Arnav listened despite the fact that each word felt like a knife twisting in his gut.
He deserved this. He hadn’t thought how this might have hurt Khushi so much. She hadn’t described it in so much detail.
“I do love her, Uncle” He said at last.
“That’s what Akash said. That’s what your father repeatedly assured me of! He vouched for you. “I have made tones of mistakes in my life, Shashi ji, but Arnav is definitely not one of them. Despite all the pain he has suffered, he still has a pure and loving heart. He will keep Khushi happy”. That’s what your father said. Doctor Kumar said the same thing. In fact, before you up and left breaking my Khushi’s heart in the process, I considered you a good man too. I liked you, Arnav. So, you have this final chance to make things right. You have hurt my daughter and when you bring her back, I want her to see her happy. Can you manage that?”
Arnav looked briefly at Khushi through the glass doors. She was looking at him with a concerned face.
Yes, he will do it. He will give her the world. She deserves nothing less.
“Yes, Uncle! I have let you down but not any more. I am going to make sure Khushi comes back as happy as you have ever seen her” He spoke, struggling against the painful lump in his throat.
“That’s what I wanted to hear. Within a week, you bring her home. Then we will sit and talk. This conversation is not over” Shashi Gupta said.
“Ji, Uncle. I will see you soon” He had said and disconnected.
When he had walked back inside the room, to Khushi, he had simply looked at her. She was here. Despite all the pain he had put her through, she had chosen to be here. For him!
“No?” She had asked, reading the heaviness on his face and in his eyes.
He had nodded.
While answering her questions and seeing her bright smile upon learning that she could stay, Arnav had failed to stop himself from hugging her.
He had needed to feel that she was around.
He was lucky to have her.
But for how long?
His Nani wanted him to promise that he will not go back to Lucknow. That was her condition for accepting Khushi. For even considering her as a part of his life!
Who will he let down? Who can he afford to disobey?
Khushi’s Babuji wanted him in Lucknow. Nani wanted him here. Arnav could see himself stuck between two contrasting places.
He will have to decide, he will have to figure out a way soon!
When his thoughts came to a standstill, he noticed Khushi standing not very far from him.
Arms crossed against her chest, she was looking at him with narrow, scrutinizing eyes.
“What’s going on in your mind?” She asked.
“Nothing” Arnav flashed the smile before her. The one he knew dazzled her. It definitely worked for she stared at him unblinkingly for three long seconds.
“You’re handsome” She said.
Arnav couldn't help the small laugh that escaped his lips.
“Am I now?” He asked, as he wound an arm around her and got her moving.
“Yes. You are” She admitted. Arnav could see she was trying her best not to look embarrassed.
“When did you realize it first?” He continued, knowing well she would be reluctant to answer.
He could tell her that he thought her beautiful since the moment he had first laid eyes on her. Not the physical beauty but the beauty of her heart! It had taken him to notice her physical appearance only after he had arrived here. The very first day when she had crashed into him as he was entering the Mahal!
As if that too had been a signal. That his coming back to the Mahal would also mean him coming back into her life! In the very first meeting, he had been struck stupid by her face, her eyes, and the light inside them.
He had known instantly that all the feelings he had harboured for her over a decade were going to make his stay very very difficult.
Coming back to the present, he noticed Khushi’s silence.
They had reached the porch outside and his car was already there.
He opened the door for her and she got in.
Once he was inside too, he turned towards her again.
“Well?” He asked.
“Well what?” She asked, fitting the seatbelt.
“You didn’t answer my question. When did you begin to think that I am handsome?”
“You’re so stubborn! What does it matter?” She asked him, looking at him, cheeks flaming.
“If it doesn’t matter then why are you being so dodgy about it?” Arnav was amused by her reluctance.
“Fine! It was a few years ago!” Khushi said, looking at the road ahead as Arnav drove.
“Really?” The surprise was evident in Arnav’s tone and Khushi tried her best not to wince.
“Yes” she replied.
“When?” He asked, looking at the road and then at her.
“Well..! Akash came back from Delhi with so many photographs! I think two years ago? When you two had been to Goa?”
“Three years” Arnav said, eyes glinting at the memory. Akash had practically dragged him there, demanding that he take some days off from the office.
“So, it was a picture. You were on the beach, standing in knee-deep water and looking at the camera. The sun rays fell perfectly on your face and illuminated your..umm your body. I found that picture very…hot” Khushi shifted uncomfortably in her seat while Arnav tried his best to hold in his laughter at her discomfort.
He knew she would be mortified if he laughed. So, he schooled his features and nodded.
“Yes, yes! A lot of other people have told me that” He replied.
“I am sure! All your ex-girlfriends!” Khushi’s tone was accusatory now.
Arnav hid the smile and nodded.
“Yes! My ex-girlfriends and some men too” He said. Khushi’s eyes turned wide and her lips became the perfect ‘O’.
“You’re serious?” She asked.
“One hundred percent!” He replied and watched when Khushi broke into laughter too.
It felt good to hear her laughing. She should laugh more.
“So what is it that you want to show me?” She asked him once the laughter died down.
“You’ll see when you get there” Arnav answered.
Khushi narrowed her eyes at him but then eased up. She looked out the window for a while, watching the slow-moving traffic.
It was now when her phone began ringing.
“It’s Akash” She said aloud and received it.
“Hello! Did you reach safely? Accha! How is Malik Uncle? And Doctor Uncle? Oh, why not?” She said, face brightening.
Arnav found out the reason soon enough.
“Hello, Malik Uncle” She said, a smile affixed on her face.
Arnav wanted to ignore the conversation yet found himself listening.
“I am doing well, uncle. Ji! Yes. He did” Khushi said, her face turning shy.
Arnav had a good guess that she was talking about him now.
“I am happy, Malik uncle” Khushi’s words were soft. Arnav could see she was trying to keep her emotions in check.
“No, uncle! Please don’t say things like that. I will not speak to you if you talk like a morose, old man” She said.
Arnav shook his head. Only Khushi would call a sick man morose.
“That’s not true! There are so many things for you to look forward to! Your life is not over”
Arnav kept driving while Khushi talked some more.
His ears perked again when Khushi’s voice turned soft, and she shifted towards the windows. Apparently, she didn’t want him to hear.
“Yes, Uncle. He is with me”
Arnav maintained his neutral face despite hearing her words.
“He is good, uncle” Khushi said, finally looking his way. Arnav looked at her too and saw the question in her eyes.
Do you want to speak to him?
He shook his head and looked away.
What would he say if he even agrees to speak? After he had learned the truth from him, he had been adamant to hold his grudges, to not forgive and forget. But, after he had seen his father making efforts, to do whatever little he can, Arnav didn’t know what he wanted to do.
At times, being hateful and angry seemed too much of an effort, like there was nothing to gain from it. The man he hated was now a different man, or so it appeared.
Was it wrong of him to carry so much bitterness in his heart? He wasn’t ready to look for the answer.
So, he simply stared ahead as Khushi said the words.
“I will let him know, Malik uncle. You please take care. I’ll see you soon. Bye”
Khushi put the phone away and stared out the window.
She didn’t make any move that suggested she was going to ‘let him know’ whatever his father had just said.
He wasn’t going to ask.
“We’re almost here” He said after a while.
Khushi looked out and noticed the skyscraper towering ahead.
“THIS is your office?” She asked, clearly staggered by the sheer height and sleekness of the building.
Arnav couldn’t help but feel a tinge of pride. He had worked years to get here. It was nice to see someone he cared about to be impressed by his achievements.
“It is” He answered as he pulled into the rather spacious foyer.
“Which floor?” She asked.
“All of it” He replied.
“ALL? That must cost a lot of rent” Khushi exclaimed as she closed the door of the car.
“No, it doesn’t! I own the building” Arnav replied, amused by her reaction.
“Come on, now” He said, taking her hand as she stood still, admiring the building.
“Yeah” She said, wrapping her fingers around his rather tightly.
“Are you okay?” He asked as they made it through the gates, where the guards smiled at him and nodded.
“Un huh!” She said and walked beside him.
“What is it?” He asked her again, guiding her towards the elevators.
“I feel so ill-dressed and out of place. Everyone is wearing skirts and pants and blazers”
“And still you look the most beautiful” Arnav replied, pulling her a bit closer to himself.
“That’s not true! You’re just saying it to make me fee..” Khushi said as they stepped into the elevator.
She gasped as Arnav pulled her into him and caught her lips into his. Words that were left unsaid evaporated from her mind and replaced with instantaneous giddiness.
She couldn’t think anything while his mouth roamed upon her lips, his lips urgent and ravenous. She clutched onto him for support, one hand on his shoulder and the other fisting his jacket.
Her knees buckled as his tongue left a hot trail on her lips, burning her from within. She could feel his passion crackling out and feeding into her senses.
She was still trying to reel her head and hold herself from moaning when he pulled away. Khushi was struck by the intensity in his eyes, the heat that promised so much more.
It made her feel exhilarated.
“You’re the most beautiful woman for me. No matter where we are and what you are wearing, Khushi” He said, voice raspy.
She didn’t even have the time to respond as the doors of the elevator opened, revealing them to a bunch of people.
She was glad he had pulled away in time. Her cheeks became red as she looked at the waiting crowd.
Thankfully, all of them were looking at him, wishing him good morning.
He nodded and stepped out of the elevator, holding her hand all the while.
“That was close” she said once they were walking down a gallery.
“I was trying to make a point” He said, smirking.
“That you did” Khushi answered, looking around as they walked into a huge hall which was filled with nothing but rows and rows of clothes. She could see wardrobes and several almirah lining the walls of the hall.
“Wow” Khushi exclaimed as she took in the various colours and designs.
“This is our ‘design-and-display’ room. All the new designs of the season are stocked here before we release them as a collection. The non-selected designs are then sold in flash sales” Arnav explained.
“Yes! I have heard about the AR Flash Sale fest. Even your sale prices are too high to afford” Khushi commented, making Arnav raise an eyebrow.
“What? I read gossip magazines” She replied.
“Well, we certainly prefer quality to affordability” Arnav remarked, making Khushi shake her head.
“You could do both, you know? It might not be so hard” She said, exploring the rows.
“I know! But, we are coveted because we are catering to a particular section only. A lot of our collections are directly supplied to production houses”
“Yeah! I remember reading that too” Khushi exclaimed, as she observed a rather fanciful sequinned gown.
“You never told me you used to read about my company”
“I didn’t use to actively look for content on your company. But, every once in a while there’d be a mention of your company or you” Khushi said, making Arnav nodded his head slowly.
“What?” She turned to look at him when he didn’t respond.
“The other things that you might have read about me and…”
“do not matter any more, Arnav! I know you have had some girlfriends! But, all that was before you and I got to know each other. So, it doesn’t bother me” Khushi said, looking at his face that calmed upon hearing her words. His eyes shone with reverence and it made her heart flutter.
When would he stop believing that he is not good enough for her? Maybe eventually!
She told herself.
“Come with me” He finally said.
“Where?” She asked.
“I told you I have something to show you, right? It’s through here!” He said, once again holding her hand in his and directing her towards the end of the hall where Khushi finally noticed a door.
“What’s in here?” She asked.
“My office” He replied and unlocked the door with a key card.
“Here? Deep inside this sea of clothes?” She asked as she followed him in.
“It’s quiet and calm here! Helps me focus and think. And this is my secondary office. I have another one on the twentieth floor. I come here only when I feel like sitting down and doing some designing myself” He explained.
“You’re right! It’s so quiet and….” Khushi’s voice trailed, and she became silent as her eyes fell on the picture hanging on one of the walls of the small but quaint office-room.
The room had a wooden table with a thick, glass surface. There was a leather chair which was in matching shade with the wood of the table. Then, there were stacks and rolls of chart papers lying around the room as if someone had been working and left it midway.
On the left wall from the working table, was a large picture with a dark wooden frame. Khushi stepped towards it and noticed that it was a collage of numerous small photographs. Her pictures! From when she was ten-year-old to the recent ones! The newest one was from her farewell party at the college.
“W..Whhat? H..Ho..How?” Khushi sputtered the words, beyond surprised.
Arnav looked sheepish, even a bit embarrassed.
“I told you, Akash used to send me a lot of pictures! Normally, they would be of him, some of you two, and there will be somewhere it will be just you! You know? Trips and picnics? Birthdays? He used to send and I indirectly used to encourage. That’s how I got so many”
Khushi was still shaking her head.
“This particular collage, however, I got it made for you! The year your mother..you know? I wanted to send something, to say that I was here, thinking of you. But, when it was ready, I looked at it and I knew it would be too much. And I didn’t know how I would explain it to Akash, to you, and even myself! So, I let it sit in my drawer for a long time. And when this office was renovated, I think the decorator found the picture in the drawer and decided to hang it here. Once I saw it on the wall, I couldn’t take it down. It’s been here since then!” Arnav said.
“I hope you don’t mind! I know it sounds a little creepy and I thought so many times of taking it down…but I just couldn’t” Arnav said when he noticed Khushi’s extended silence.
“If you don’t like it, I can take it down” He said again.
“I like it” She finally spoke, eyes misted.
“Then what is it?” He asked, taking a step to her and looking into her eyes.
“Nothing!” She answered, smiling and shaking her head.
“It’s not nothing. It’s something” Arnav probed.
“Just when I think I finally know how much you love me, you go ahead and prove me wrong by doing something like this! I feel like I have so much catching up to do. You have loved me far longer than I have loved you! It’s not fair” Khushi replied, hugging him.
She felt his chest rise and fall as he laughed heartily.
She loved the sound of his laughter. He definitely should laugh more.
“I might have loved you longer than you have loved me yet somehow you’re the one who anchors us! I would have already lost you twice if not for your level-headedness and maturity, Khushi” Arnav said, pulling back and looking into her eyes again.
“So, you’re admitting that you’re not level-headed?” Khushi asked.
Arnav noticed the mirth in her eyes and smiled.
“Not when it comes to you” He replied sincerely.
Khushi saw that and she leaned into him.
“I love you” She said and placed her lips on his cheek.
“I love you” Arnav said and captured her lips into another kiss, a slower and passionate one.
~~**~~
Khushi felt she was on cloud nine by the time she and Arnav returned to Raizada Mansion. They had spent another hour in the office where Arnav had given her a tour of his main office and introduced her to his manager Aman Mathur. Khushi had been confused by seeing Aman’s over-enthusiasm upon meeting her. Apparently, he was happy that Arnav was no longer in a foul mood.
After that, Arnav had taken Khushi out for sightseeing as it was her first time in Delhi. She had insisted that she wanted to see the Red fort and the Qutub Minar. Arnav had not been too excited at the prospect of visiting the places he deemed ‘dull’ and ‘overcrowded’. But, somehow, he had ended up having fun.
In fact, he had even promised to take her to Chandni Chowk the next day.
After visiting both the places, which were quite far from each other, Khushi had been happy to enjoy the long drive to Connaught Place where Arnav had taken her to an ice-cream parlour. It had reminded her of their ice-cream parlour visit in Lucknow.
As the day finally waned and evening fell, Khushi walked back into the house with Arnav. To Arnav’s displeasure, she ditched him in the hall and went straight to Nani ji’s room.
“Come in” Devyani said when Khushi knocked at the door.
“Hello, Nani ji!” Khushi walked in and found the woman knitting.
“Hello” Devyani Raizada said and continued her work.
“We brought ice-cream for you, Nani ji” Khushi said.
Devyani Raizada stopped knitting and looked at Khushi.
“I didn’t ask you to” She said.
“I know! Arnav said you do not eat ice-cream. But, I tried this new flavour and it was really good. I thought I should bring it for you to taste. If you don’t like it, I can eat it” Khushi said.
Devyani Raizada stared at Khushi for another ten seconds before she resumed her knitting.
“Arnav took me to the Red fort and Qutub Minar, Nani ji. It was really beautiful. Especially the fort! It was so peaceful and calm inside” Khushi continued and then went ahead to narrate the rest of her day.
“He said we’ll go to the market tomorrow. I want to buy something for everyone. You know, Nani ji? When I was a small kid, I used to think about coming to Delhi all the time. Now that I am here, I want to explo…”
“Do you love my grandson?” Khushi’s words were stopped dead by the blunt question.
Devyani Raizada, however, continued looking at Khushi with her piercing gaze.
“He told me he loves you the day you came here. And I saw that he meant it. It was why I told him I will give you a chance. Now, answer my question. Do you love him?”
Khushi took only a moment to answer.
“Ji Nani ji!”
Devyani Raizada nodded.
“Good! Remember that. There might come a time when you will have to prove what you just said”
Khushi could only blink. Prove how? She didn’t ask.
“I will see you at dinner” Devyani Raizada said.
Khushi took that as a sign of dismissal and smiled weakly.
“See you, Nani ji” she said and walked out of the room.
The words of Devyani Raizada still played in her head.
There might come a time when you will have to prove what you just said.
She will, she told herself. If that was what she needed to do to gain Nani ji’s approval, she will do it.
_________
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Comments (29)
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Param @pup03
+ 4
4 years ago
Nani is dangerous for ArShi's love.. while both the father's are happy for their children don't know what is nani up to?? hope Arnav is able to strike a balance between his all relations and give everyone their due respect and time instead to succumbing to one.. loved reading this amazing update.. Thanks for pm
Lily30 @Lily30
4 years ago
Loved the chapter. Arnav and Khushi falling deeper and Arnav is right, Khushi is mature. Blunt conversation between Shashi and Arnav. Devyani is not going to relent, one stubborn woman. Eager for the next part.
Pdrover @Pdrover
+ 2
4 years ago
What a lovely update. Arnav has been loving Khushi for so long , loving their time spending with each other.Why is Nani so stubborn and so rude with Khushi, her condition is not going to help anyone Shashi-Arnav conversation was good
Tv ki deewani @Shividhadkndilk
+ 3
4 years ago
My first thought after coming across this story was that people still are writing FF of Arshi it made me overwhelmed and surprised but then again Arshi craziness we all know and it can't be explained.Your story is one amazing blend of emotions and feelings which makes us feel them too can't stop myself untill I came up to date and I started reading in the morning itself.There are soo many things In the story that touched me and surprised me as well so thought to give a thorough and long reply becoz I just can't stop myself I loved the Akash Arnav bond how it shows the love the had from the start but at then the behaviour of Akash confused me if he loved Khushi why he denied to Arnav and when Khushi told Arnav about seeing Akash box with letters he doesn't seemed surprised as if he knew about it.You know the most touching thing what I felt that Sujata used a child and such thinking of people makes me feel sick why people think that a child could be able to solve problems between couples it not only worsen the situation but destroy an innocent life too who have no fault at all and your Arnav potray it too well Nani here seems so complicated to me I couldn't understand her and thanks a ton for sharing such a wonderful story of yours with us. Will be waiting for the next part
SirenMitra @SirenMitra
+ 2
4 years ago
What a beautiful update!!Loved the conversation between Sashi and Arnav.. He is worried about Khushi and I like it when he quote Birender... Their first date was really good.. And collage was a surprise.. Nani is a trouble for both.. She has some twisted mind.. I wish Arnav will decide something for both otherwise she will put Khushi in great jeopardy....
Palak_12 @Palak_12 4 years ago What is going on in Nani's head?🤔 I am sure it might be something by which Arnav and Khushi, both will be in the lurch. Just hope Nanj ji's heart melt soon for their love. I was waiting for so long for the revelation of the collage which was mentioned in the earlier chapters when Arnav was going Lucknow for the first time after leaving. The conversation between Khushi's father and Arnav is very good. The update is Please, update soon.....
ajeetha @abivicky86
+ 2
4 years ago
A superb update. Now when all the dark clouds were disappearing and Arnav was going to get happiness in life. Destiny has put him again on the crossroads of life he has two paths before him and has to choose one. He has to choose either Shashi or Devyani. If he chooses Shashi he will lose Devyani and if he chooses Shashi he may even tend to lose Kushi .Nani is a shrewd woman she is definitely going to ask kushi to make a huge sacrifice . Waiting to see how Arnav and kushi pass Nani’s test.
Tabs @hatelove2012
+ 5
4 years ago
Wonderful update. Cannot wait to see how Arnav and Khushi are going to sail this boat. I don’t like Nani’s attitude.
Vandie @Vandie
4 years ago
Wonderful update as usualWaiting for moreLoveVandie
saschades @saschades
4 years ago
lovely updatepoor Arnav caught up between two ppl!thanks for pm x