Chapter 4
Khushi sat at her desk speaking softly to her Goddess over the dull hum of the office staff. It was a part of her daily routine which calmed her normally hyper and impulsive mind. The murmurs died and Khushi looked up to find Arnav enter his well-built empire like the king he was. He truly was born at the wrong time, Khushi found herself wondering. He would fulfill all the qualities of a haughty ruler of a kingdom, He would win all the battles raging ruthlessly to conquer the world. Truly for him being the conquerer of the Indian fashion industry must be a setback. As Khushi sat lost in her thoughts which involved Arnav as the King and her a poor slave of his, she was rudely interrupted by Lavanya.
'Chamkili!'
'Huh!? Yeah!' Khushi responded perched on the edge of her seat nervously, as the last of her daydreaming ended.
'Miss Kashyap' interrupted a calm clear voice which Khushi was well familiar with, she could swear that she would be able to single out his voice among the chatter of many. It belonged to none other than Arnav Singh Raizada.
'ASR' Lavanya began.
'I think i said something about the code of conduct in my office'
'code of-' Lavanya to murmured to herself confused.
'No nicknames' Arnav replied coldly.
'Oh yes Ofcoz ASR' Lavanya smiled. Arnav cocked an eyebrow at her looking quite exasperated 'That includes me as well' he pointed 'I am your Boss call me Sir'
Lavanya gaped while Arnav ignored her and turned to Khushi.
Khushi's heart skipped a beat as she met his cold yet calm gaze. Gathering her charred insides she gathered herself for whatever was coming her way, she was hundred percent sure it would be something unpleasant.
'Miss Gupta, collect files from Miss Kashyap regarding our compay's planned winter designs. Read, Revise and prepare yourself for the presentation you have to make infront of our clients. Today sharp 3:00 pm, i reckon you inform your family as we will be going out of town'
'What?' Khushi stood up shocked, dazed and confused.One- It was too much information to remember; Second- Why was she going to be a part of the meeting, the last time she checked it was Lavanya's Job; and Three- Even if he had given her the work, being out of town for hours together with only Arnav Singh Raizada as Company! Oh No! Surely Not that. Her plan had included turning the cold and harsh Arnav into lil more soft and light hearted person but that certainly didnt include them spending hours together.
'You heard me' Arnav said firmly, turning to leave.
'Why me?' Khushi sighed weakly, to her surprise Arnav heard that.
'Because you-' he paused deliberately looking for the right words 'will do a much better job than others' He glanced at Lavanya to imply his meaning and headed towards his cabin.
Khushi gaped resembling a goldfish, as expected Lavanya rounded on her seething in anger 'youuu!! youuu Arghhh!!' she screeched in frustration and headed back to her cabin huffing in annoyance.
Khushi took her seat pondering over Arnav's words, he was surely lying. Yeah he was plainly mocking, it wasnt a compliment, it-couldn't-be. Khushi set to work at once, the last time she had given a presentation was in her tenth grade and not to mention she had done a hideous Job. A blurred hazy outlook would include water spilled everywhere, running down her coat, onto the teacher's files and ending with her tripping over her scarf while heading back to her desk. She was a disaster in true words, again her thoughts stopped at Arnav's words, repeating over and over again in her mind. Did he really mean that she was better than the experienced Lavanya Kashyap. Maybe he wasnt lying, maybe he really meant she was better than the rest of his staff, afterall she had succeeded in doing all the tasks assigned. Her heart fluttered at the possibility and she suddenly felt her day turn lighter and better.
Khushi collected the files and documents from Lavanya's cabin and was happy to find that there really wasnt much to do, with Lavanya ordering her around with the excuse of her being an assistant, things were getting a bit heated. Khushi had maintained her calm everytime she had been called trying her best to focus on the presentation. Despite Lavanya's efforts to ruin it for Khushi, she got the presentation set up right and crammed up all the information in her mind. She had been kidding herself thinking that Arnav had actually appreciated her work so far. Now it seemed so simple and easy to her, he simply wanted to get rid of both of them. In other words Kill two birds with a single stone. Using her as a medium to shower insults on Lavanya and then giving her the tough task which included tolerating him, Lavanya and the presentation. Too bad she wasnt going to give up, Not now that she felt suffocated to the extent that she would burst any second with the guilt of her miserable past. She had to lessen the burden to live in peace for the rest of her life and only Arnav could help her with that.
Khushi sat at the backseat of an expensive Mercedes Benz waiting for Arnav, It was 11:08 and for some reason he was late. Her heart quickened it's pace as she spotted him making his way towards the car, towards her.
'Relax Khushi, he's not going to eat you, Di knows you are going on a short trip with him for the meeting, he would be sued and locked in prison if he dared to abandon you or attempt murder'
The driver eyed her in surprise clearly wierded out, Khushi sighed and braced herself once again as the door of the car opened and Arnav entered. He didnt bother to acknowledge her presence and merely asked the driver to start the car. Khushi fumed in anger attacking him in her mind at his ignorant attitude as she stared out of the window Rude Mean Obnoxious self-conceited Jerk!
Khushi huffed in annoyance and took out the idol of her Goddess from the depths of her bag. Arnav shifted but merely grabbed his computer to pass off his sudden movement.
Another 30 minutes passed and Khushi felt she would explode if she didnt speak. She had never stayed this quiet before. Her stomach grumbled demanding her attention, she stared at arnav who seemed to be very busy on his computer, then turned to the man driving mutely. Both of them didnt seem welcoming, her stomach gave another groan making her clench her fingers. She rummaged through her bag and found some berries in her metallic lunch box. Grinning wide she popped one in her mouth. The juicy sweet and sour flavour pleased her. Satosfied she licked her lips to enjoy the last of her meal, and that's when she felt his gaze on her, putting her lunch box away she peered at him out of the corner of her eye, he was still staring! Didnt he know its rude to stare? Yes he did, he is always rude did it matter anyway? Did he want some of the berries? Definitely Not, Was he annoyed? she checked again- Uh-huh not that as well. Giving up she looked at him full in the face and demanded 'What?'
Arnav shook his head and turned back to his laptop, just then his cell phone rang. And for the first time he spoke in the car. 'Hello' Khushi sighed as she noticed the husky texture of his voice, it was a first, as most of the time either Arnav yelled at her, or she was so caught up in fiery eyes that yelled 'I Hate You'
For the last 15 minutes Khushi had sat mutely while Arnav sweetly talked to his Di and reassured her as to how he had kept his medicines, set reminders and made arrangements for a surprise which she would have to wait for. Khushi was puzzled witnessing this side of him, many times he said 'Di' in a pleading, requesting and exaggerating tone. Arnav Singh Raizada was capable of all three, what a pleasant surprise! Khushi heaved a sigh realising that this was the Arnav she wished him to be, the one he already was to his Di. Arnav ended the call and turned to Khushi prodding her eyes daring her to speak, but Khushi Kumari Gupta overlooked the warning and burst into speech.
'Anjali Di-' she began, Arnav looked away frustrated.
'What!?' Khushi defended herself 'I havent spoken a word, and you dont expect me to remain quiet through out this trip!'
'my fault, I expected just That' Arnav muttered.
'How do u remain so quiet?' she asked incredulously 'Dont u just get the feeling, the urge to burst into speech? Dont u feel-'
'that's the point Miss Gupta, I dont feel, I think' Arnav pointed.
Khushi chuckled 'That's not possible! We Feel, we dont think 24*7 through each n everything we do'
'Each n everything you do Ms Gupta, We' he pointed at her and then at himself to emphasize his words 'are not the same' he said now enjoying the conversation he never wanted to have.
'I know we are not the same and thank God for that' she rolled her eyes and jumped to her point 'I meant we are humans!'
'I thought i was the demon' Arnav smirked as Khushi stared at him gone dumb at his comeback.
'You k-know-?' she stammered.
'Ofcoz' Arnav shrugged 'I know what goes on in my office Ms Gupta, I know everything' he added in a proud tone.
'Oh you are so proud' she spoke in a feverish tone 'What about me then?-' she asked shattering his innerself, he gazed at her stumped.
'You didnt' know, you blamed me for ruining your fashion show, for being a secret agent or something and oh lets leave the minors, what about the collapsing building, you said you didnt know abt that-' She trailed off realising that she had touched on the tender subject. It was an Unspoken thing, like it had never happened. She met his gaze expecting Anger but Arnav had frozen at his spot, his eyes were blank and he looked like a finely incarnated sculpture, for a second she considered shaking him to see if he was fine but the next moment he blinked.
'I am, I just..I dont-' Khushi mumbled her heart pacing million times faster. She had done it, he was going to kick her out of his car, in the middle of wherever they were, hopefully not a forest! She peered at the window, she could see buildings.Thank God!
She turned back to Arnav only to find him resting his head on the seat his eyes shut, he looked exhausted. Okayy so he wasnt angry! phew That explained the change in his behaviour, oh yes he does feel guilty about everything, she was right!
'Arn- Sir' she called correcting herself. He didnt respond.
'Sir?' she called again.
'What?' he asked clenching his teeth, his eyes still shut.
'I didnt mean to-to- err'
'You didnt-mean-to- What! Khushi?!' he asked looking at her.
Khushi gulped why poke the sleeping lion Khushi! 'Nothing Nothing!' she squeaked. That seemed to have calmed him she kept gazing at him as he rested his head once again and closed his eyes, pondering over his reaction, but got easily distracted by his fine Jaw line and his sleek neckbone.
'Dont you know it's rude to stare?' Arnav asked in an offhand tone looking through half-closed lids.
Khushi blushed profusely 'Look who's talking' she retorted and got back to gazing out of the window.
'Miss Gupta!' Someone was calling her name, which truly bothered her. She turned away shutting her ears, just then that someone yanked her hand away and yelled in her ear 'Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta!!'
Ouch! She rubbed her ear, Oh! the pain it was a surprise that her eardrums didnt burst. She squinted through the sunrays that blinded her vision, the dark silhoutte of a man bent forward peering inside the car at her through the open door came in her view. Khushi's mind registered fast to the situation as Arnav called her once again.
She hurried out of the car trying to remember as to when she had fallen asleep. Arnav towered over her strong and confident, he gazed at her with a certain amusement evident in his eyes.
Khushi clenched her bag and fussed with her dupatta.
'Come to the meeting like this, and the first thing i do is make sure you are fired' Arnav sneered and turned away, signing her to follow him.
She turned immediately and glanced at the car's rearview mirror. Her hand automatically reach the top of her head to spot her bangs falling freely on her shoulders undone. She tucked them behind her ears and rushed to catch up with Arnav. How on earth did her hair get so messed up, to start with she was sleeping in a Car!
All thoughts left Khushi once inside, her eyes danced in the lights that dazzled and illuminated the Lounge area.
Together they headed to the reception area, Khushi still lost in the beauty of the place bumped into Arnav. He placed his hands on her shoulder to steady her and turned back to the receptionist who was nearly hyperventilating just coz the handsome filthy rich Arnav Singh Raizada had asked her for the keys to their rooms. Khushi rolled her eyes honestly he wasnt that good-looking, she bit her bottom lip once again as she recalled her embaressing moment in the car, she gazed at his perfect face once again, Oh well he was...perfect.
They headed towards their respective rooms through the corridor. Khushi sighed relieved at the idea of finally being alone, she needed to check her presentation once again. Her stomach dropped at the thought, she turned to Arnav feeling she would collapse any second. 'What's t-the t-time?' her voice stammered as she enquired. She was going to choke, there was no air in her, she couldnt breathe, she gulped hard and tried to steady herself. You are Not going to have an anxiety attack on your first meeting Khushi! she told herself and took some deep breaths.
Arnav stared at her befuddled by her behaviour. 'It's 1:00 pm, Why?'
'Nothing' Khushi squeaked. Meeting was at 3:00 she still had time to revise, Easy Now.
'Are you okay?' he asked staring at her in the face. Khushi nodded.
'You must be hungry, if you want-' Arnav began
She sighed as pangs of hunger shot in her stomach at the mention on Foood..Oh yes she was hungry, but work came first.
'No' she replied.
Arnav shrugged and handed her a card 'room no. 317, mine 316' he replied pointing at the doors.
She stared at the card confused as Arnav made his way to his room, he turned to gaze at her.
'Um-' Khushi began knowing now was the tme to speak up, or she would be spending the rest of the afternoon in the corridor embaressing herself. 'I have never been in a lavish Hotel like this, and i have no idea, what this card...means?'
Arnav eyed her, she met his gaze, he pointed at the card and slid it in the lock, his door opened.
He signed her to do the same. Khushi slid the card, but the red light blinked. She turned to Arnav and chuckled nervously which died then and there, she could swear she saw Arnav smile! and he was still smiling just a little more subtle one, looking quite amused as he stepped towards her.
Khushi flushed in embarassment, if he would just take his eyes off her and focus on the door, she groaned inwardly as he refused to look away but rather scanned her from the tip of her hair to the tip of her toe with that same darned amused smile!
Once he reached her Khushi held the card infront of his face to get her message across. Stop Staring like that!
He slid the card, the green light blinked and the door opened.
Khushi entered without a word and turned to shut the door, but Arnav held It. She met his gaze and he seemed surprised as well as he stared at his hand, but it was gone and she couldnt be sure as to what she had just witnessed.
'I am going to have lunch in a while, you sure you dont want some?' Arnav said sounding quite annoyed 'you look pale' he added barely moving his lips.
'Yeah I am- I dont' Khushi fumbled not being able to speak properly, she cleared her throat and lied 'I am not hungry'
'At 3:00 then' He nodded clenching his hand into a fist and left. Khushi shut the door looking around, the room was spacious and lovely, thinking she would have time to look around later she rummaged through the files and sat at the centre of the bed cross-legged all set to revise.
Meanwhile Arnav stood at the balcony of his room, feeling the harsh Sun and the biting cruel heat waves that drenched him in sweat, the trees swayed left n right as they were smacked by the harshness of the wind. Arnav blinked and heaved a sigh wondering as to how the tree promised a good and cold shelter to the strangers outside, and found himself dearly wishing if he could Be Like them. Be One of them.
How he wished he was at home with his plants right now. He felt terrible, terrible! He closed his eyes reeling through what had passed between him and Khushi in the car.
'How do u remain so quiet?'
If only she knew what his silence cost him, With each silence he carried the hurt of being unable to share, to connect, to be Loved, to be a part of all that was happening around him. He didnt want to Love, didnt want to be a part of any relation yet it hurt, but he knew better. Being a part and then being thwarted would hurt lot more than what he was going through daily. Now all he wanted was to be left alone. He had chosen the right path. He had always been right. he pondered over his own words, True he had always been right. Eversince Khushi had entered his Life, things had changed.
Dont u just get the feeling the urge to burst into speech? Dont u feel-'
He could feel, eventhough he didnt want to, but it didnt matter because he refused to acknowledge it. He wasnt one of those fools who would carry their heart in their hands. Heart was a precious thing, delicate and fragile. It's supposed to be locked away, for it is the cause of weakness. The mind was to be explored, tested and presented, and everything that went in the heart was supposed to pass through his mind, Like a scan analysed and prodded and Not the other way round.
'I meant we are humans!'
But he was the demon, the beast. He didnt want to Feel.
'But You Do' sneered a voice inside him.
If i could, i wouldnt he growled back. Khushi's face swam in front of his eyes, pale and anxious, he shunned it away focusing on the trees below, the scorching heat becoming unbearable.
'You care for her' said the same voice.
No, he replied roughly.
'Oh No, you entered the collapsing building for a nice little adventure' mocked his innerself.
Fine I do Feel, I am a human i have a heart he muttered sarcastically.
Arnav turned back to enter the cold room but the voice in his head didnt leave him.
Why bother? Why even think about her? Whyy stop her from closing the door? Why care?
Arnav ignored the questions his conscience kept asking him, He didnt have a reply, he was plainly as always going to ignore them and then they would fall silent. Truly he didnt have the answers to those questions, and he didnt want to find them either.
I sense fear said the voice and then it was gone. He sighed and stood facing the mirror, he looked tired, exhausted and sweaty, definitely in need of a shower, before getting to that he ordered some continental food for himself and an indian dish.
Around 2:00, someone knocked at Khushi's door, surprised she attended to it, a pencil tucked behind her ear, and the bed a mess of papers and files. A waiter beamed at her holding a tray in his hand.
'Your lunch maam' he smiled.
'But i didnt order-'
'Oh Sir at Room 316 did for you, there's a note' he said pointing his gaze at the tray that held a small envelope.
'Okie come in' she murmured confused waiting for the man to leave. Once he did Khushi rushed forward and picked the envelope and extracted a small piece of paper from within that said.
'Eat!' Khushi huffed in fake annoyance. She found the gesture very sweet, but the way he had done it! Ordering her to eat. She chuckled to herself and checked as to what he had ordered for her.
The aroma of Indian Rajma wafted towards her, not able to ignore her groaning stomach anymore she made herself comfortable. 'Thank You' she smiled and tucked in, savouring the dish with every bite.
Her heart swelled with joy, she was succeeding without actually trying. Arnav was changing. She wondered how did the miracle happen? Her intial thought to the trip was being subject to brutal treatment i.e. Arnav's wrath but what happened had been the complete opposite. The day's event's were astonishing, and now when she pondered over them she realised that Arnav had been kind the previous day as well. Had the incident at the construction site changed him? Khushi's thoughts drifted away as she found herself lost in Arnav's smile. His amused eyes, lips curved upwards forming the most adorable smile, she had ever witnessed.
Meanwhile Shyaam entered Buaji's place hoping to spend some quality time with Khushi. To his dismay Buaji greeted him and then held him for next half an hour questioning him about his trip and her pension work.
Finally Buaji had his attention by mentioning about Khushi and Payal's parents surprise visit. Shyaam expressed his dismay on having missed the opportunity to meet them winning Buaji's heart once again with his flattering words.
'Khushi Ji kahin dikh nahin rahi'(Where's Khushi? havent seen her around..) Shyam asked looking around for any signs of her.
'Arrey Kahan se dikhat hai babua, u to office gaye hai' (oh u wont get to see her either, she has gone to her office)
'Office?' Shyaam asked surprised.
'Kya bataye, u title to bas apni mann ki karti hai' (What can i say, she does what she wishes to do) Buaji sighed.
'lekin aise kaise Buaji, Woh us aadmi ke yahaan phir se kyun gaye? Hum abhi unhen phone karte hain, hum unhen wahaan kaam nahin karne dengey. Us din jo hua uske baad to bilkul bhi nahin'
(What's all this Buaji, why did she go to work for that man? I will call her right away and tell her to come back, she cant work there, i wont let her! particularly after what happened that night.)
Buaji smiled and stopped Shyaam 'Babua tumse ek baat puche rahe ka soche' (Son, i wanted to ask something)
'Haan bilkul, kya baat hai?' (Yes, what is it?) Shyaam asked.
'Tumhe hamari bitiya Khushi ka itne khayal rehta hai, tumhe u pasand hai na?' (U care a lot for my dear Khushi, u like her dont you?)
'Ab aapse kya chhupana' Shyam smiled as Buaji observed him closely, he looked away and then nodded politely.
Buaji grinned with delight and gave him her support, as the two of them got into a deep conversation regarding Khushi, buaji found it apt to tell him about Khushi's past and present decision. Something that took the living daylights out of him.
'Tumhe koi pareshani to nahin hai na?' (You dont have any problem, do you?) Buaji asked.
'Nahin Buaji, yeh sab jaanke to hamare main main jo unke liye izzat hai woh aur bhi badh gayi' (No Buaji, I respect her even more now) Shyam smiled in an assuring manner.
With that he bid her Goodbye and informed of his stay only till dinner as he had some important work, that very night.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
6