Khushi looked out of the window of the car the pleasure of Arnav being beside her, and the beautiful scenery of the far country side outside over whelming her. She tried to remember the last time he was near her and her heart beat had learned to stay normal. Oh, that was never. Even when they were at hate terms, his presence always made her feel weak at her knees, shiver at the thought of him near, and leap in joy when he touched her. But those days of hatred, were over, long over, that very day it all happened, putting a giant full stop to those days in which she cursed him for being part of her life.
It was like no other day yet it felt special, awaiting her with a bundle of surprises. Her instincts told her that today was going to be a BIG day for her, a life-changer. She had been thoroughly convinced that something was going to happen, and had tried to mend her ways, trying to do everything perfect, not giving a chance for anything to spoil her day. But luck was luck, and Khushi Kumari Gupta was unlucky since the day she was born.
La: Chamkeli! Go get me some black coffee. Now!
The thundering voice of Lavanya Kashyap, broke Khushi out of her 'lost in my world' mode. She made a face as she got up towards the coffee maker grumbling to herself. That lazy ogress, why doesn't she go makes coffee for herself? I am Arnav's secretary for one, and secondly I am NOT her servant. She knew that she could easily, tell her off, and tell Lavanya that she wouldn't get the coffee for her, but today was special, as her instincts told her and she , she didn't want to spoil it just because of some lazy, dumb bimboo.
She came back with the mug of coffee in her hand, still grumbling to herself, and handed the cup to Lavanya. But Alas! That clumsy lady she couldn't manage anything and intentionally led the handle of the cup slip from her hand. Khushi heard herself cursing Lavanya, desperately trying to shoo off her anger. How dare she! Stupid creature she is! Who the hell made her Arnav's P.A? And and more importantly how come he accepted her as his girlfriend?
And then it clicked to her. Yeah. Yeah. She was still HIS girlfriend and yesterday he had proposed HER? Wha.was he being a two-timer? No. No. She brushed the thought out of her mind, avoiding her heart from breaking. This cannot be. I saw it in his eyes. Love for me. No he loves me and that is FINAL.
As if appointed for the task, Lavanya once again broke Khushi's train of thoughts.
La: Chamkeli! You clumsy idiot! Can you not even hold something properly? Stupid.
Oh please, you, Shut up! I am in the middle of sorting out some important stuff here. Khushi thought to herself thoroughly annoyed with Lavanya now.
Lavanya stared in disgust at Khushi's face. What the f**k! This middle class lady is ignoring me? Not answering me? How dare she?
La: You chamkeli! Don't look at me with that cheeky look. If ASR comes to know about it he's going to break your face.
How about he break yours? Khushi mentally wanted to challenge Lavanya. He loves me more than you, like does he even love you? So please. Close your mouth. She was about to open her mouth in reply when she heard heavy foot steps come beside her.
As she turned, she saw Arnav descending the stairs walking towards the scene where the quorse now took place.
Ar: (in his husky voice) What is going on here?
Khushi felt a sense of joy in her. He's here to save me. Yayy! "Angry young man comes to save the day". Khushi could clearly see that headline imprinted on her dreamy newspaper 'Khushi time'
Arnav momentarily looked at her, meeting her eyes and quickly looked away not wanting to let her know what he planned to do further. Flashback's of what happened the other day, came to his mind making him angry, but he kicked it off his mind, reminding himself of what he had to say to her, MARRIAGE. That insult would DEFINETLY be dealt with her later, in his own ruthless way.
La: Actually ASR..this..
Ar: (interrupting her) Sir.
Lavanya gave him a surprised expression. He never minded her calling him ASR. Then what with today?
La: (retracting her words) Erm..actually this chamkeli..
Ar: (interrupting again) She's got a name call her with that.
Khushi felt her heart beat at least for the time being come back to normal. So he cares. Paka wala, I am the girl in his heart, she assured her confused mind and heart.
La: (even more surprised) Okay.Okay. Sir this chamkeli..I mean Khushi Kumari Gupta..
Ar: (interrupting for the third time a row now) Khushi Singh Raizada. *pause*
The entire office stood thunderstruck. Their feet kept glued to the ground unable to even flinch. 'Mrs.Raizada', 'Khushi'. Were their ears ringing or something? Lavanya was in a state to faint. ASR had told her to call him SIR. Accepted. He told her to call that chamkeli with her NAME. Accepted. He told her to call Khushi Kumari Gupta as Khushi Singh Raizada. Not Accepted. Wha..Wh..what the hell is going on here? She looked at him with confused eyes, but his expressions said it all. He was clear about what he had said. Lavanya slumped into a nearby chair, almost losing conscious. This was not happening she kept telling herself, but even on continuous pinches she failed to accept the fact that it was all VERY VERY REAL.
Khushi on the other hand couldn't believe her ears. She just stared at him in a complete daze. Okay so he was going to propose her, but like this? Like this? She tried to think if it resembled any movie. No it didn't. Did he think that up himself? Oh, when did he turn so smart? Smart. No he's not smart. This is ridiculous. Arnav Singh Raizada just declared openly in front of his entire staff that she was 'Mrs.Raziada'. The sound of 'Mrs.Raizada' made her sigh in triumph. Grand name. Grand me.
She continued staring at him, but all she got in reply was his eyes shining, clearly conveying what words wouldn't say. Khushi tried to comprehend, however she felt worse than the Dyslexic patients. Nothing made sense. I need a EXPLANATION she decided.
Arnav instantly broke eye contact, and moved his eyes around to look at the stunned expression of his employees. A amused look spread over his face.
Ar: *pause* Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada.
This was enough for Lavanya to lose conscious on permanent basis. Seeing that Kim and Sam rushed over to her aid. Khushi felt an urge to help her, but was so badly rooted to her spot that none of her body parts were cooperating enough to let her move. She just shot him another questioning glance which he just answered with a shot back that said 'wait'.
Arnav turned to go back towards his cabin however seeing his staff standing stupefied. He stooped in his tracks and craned his neck backwards.
Ar: Get back to work! Now! *pause* Mrs. Raizada follow me.
Everybody went out of their trance getting back to their work fidgeting with their things, while Khushi followed Arnav behind him, totally dumbfounded, waiting for an explanation from him.
Arnav opened the door letting her in and closed the door behind her.
Ar: (growling) This time you aren't going anywhere before you answer me.
Khushi could feel her self getting nervous. So Payal Di was right. He wouldn't let her go this time. On second thought even I was right. I knew he wouldn't let me go, thank God I came prepared. In her mind silently she began to prepare a answer when he proposed her. Do I use formal language or informal? She decided on formal for the time being. One word is going to sum up my answer, so no more blabbering Khushi. One word, one hug, and its over.
Arnav walked up closer to her, closing the distance between them. Khushi just stood on her spot rooted to the ground staring straight into his eyes, trying to find something in them that would calm her down. But before she had begun her 'deciphering your eyes mission' Arnav pulled her closer to himself, almost knocking the breathe out of her lungs.
Khushi tried to maintain the eye contact which flinched. His touch, made her quiver but there was something inside her, that told her to hold on for all the life she had in her.
The expression on Arnav's face softened his eyes grew tender looking straight into Khushi's confused yet happy eyes.
Ar: (softly) Khushi.
Khushi just stared deeper into his eyes, not knowing what to reply.
Ar: You left the last time (making a face) I proposed you. *pause* But today, I'll hold on you until I hear your yes.
Khushi mentally decided that she was going to take forever to say 'yes'. If that is what made him hold on to her, for as long as he could, she was ready to do it.
Ar: Khushi. I know you didn't expect this. (Wrong. I did. Khushi mentally answered him) You didn't leave me with an option. My craving for you was much more intense than my hatred towards marriage. (a smile appeared on Khushi's face) I am not sure if you are the girl for me, but this dead heart of mine, tells me that you are. (her smile widened) and since I have decided to listen to it for once then. I ask you..Will you marry him?
Khushi felt the ground under her slide. Those words of his almost let her lose her balance. For stability, she dug her fingers into his heavy set shoulders tighter bringing a faint smile to his face. She looked into his eyes, finding her eyes going moist, blurring her vision.
Slowly Arnav wiped the tears away from her face, using his own fingers and retreated them back to their original position at her waist.
As if losing control over herself Khushi slowly paced her arms around his neck, bringing him even closer to herself. The faint smile on his face was beginning to grow with every tempting action of hers.
Almost as if in a trance the single three lettered words escaped her lips.
Kh: (smiling) Yes.
Arnav looked at her smiling wider than ever. She was amazed at how handsome he looked with that cute smile on his face. Only if he would smile more often, she thought to herself. But now was the moment not to think of exceptions. She was in his arms, he was smiling, he had just proposed her and most importantly she had said YES.
Arnav looked happier than he had ever been in his life, and unable to control the flow of emotions in him that had been trapped for years in his heart, which had been un weaved by Khushi herself he pulled her closer to himself and hugged her tightly. Khushi hugged him with as much passion as he had shown, feeling like the luckiest person on earth. Could this get any better? Her mind instantly replied. No. This already IS beyond even best. She felt her hands digging in his thick brown hair, finding the comfort that she had longed for years now.
Gradually they pulled away from each other, tenderly smiling at each other, both lost into each other. But suddenly it dawned upon her. Downstairs, on her chair lay unconscious HIS girlfriend. I need a explanation for that she reminded herself.
As if he had read her mind he answered her.
Ar: Don't worry about Lavanaya. She's going to understand.
Kh: (worriedly) She must be heart broken.
Ar: No she woudn't. You don't know these Delhi girls. They have several boy friends on one time.
Kh: Still. She is a girl. She must be sad.
Ar: Khushi dear. Stop worrying about others. She is going to be fine. I'll talk to her about it. *pause* and about our families than
Kh and Ar: (together) Di is going to sort it out!
Both laughed at their co incidental dialogue.
Kh: You told Anjali Di everything?
Ar: You told Payal everything?
Both nodded their heads together.
Kh: By the way, who's idea was it to propose me in the SRK manner last time?
Ar: Di.
Kh: I should have understood. You don't have the brains to think like that.
Ar: (annoyed) Khushi! Zyaada Hogaya.
Khushi smiled at him naughtily. His anger and disgust about the happenings of the other day vanished into thin air, seeing that smile on her face. She looked at her wrist watch. 7:30! Oh my God! Time had completely flown by. She had been in his office for a estimated of two hours now, and not even realized that.
Kh: Erm Sir, I need to go home. It's getting late.
Arnav gave her a disappointed look. He didn't want this to end so soon.
Ar: Don't worry I'll drop you home.
Kh: No, no I'll go.
Ar: (commanding) I said I am going to drop you home.
Khushi nodded, a bit scared by the change of tone in his voice. Arnav calmed noticing the scared expression on her face.
Ar: Sorry.*pause* You are too stubborn.
Look who's talking. Khushi told herself. But anyway she relaxed, seeing him cool again.
Ar: (a smirk on his face) And by the way you can call me 'Arnav' from now.
Khushi blushed a rosy red upon being given the permission of calling him with his first name.
Arnav smiled at her and walked towards his desk picked up the car keys and beckoned Khushi to come along. As she was following him outside. He stopped midway, until she was standing right beside him and slowly with his hands he picked up her hand, and slid it between his own. Giving a gentle men's lady impression. Khushi smiled at his gesture and without a moments hesitation walked the rest of the way like that, catching people's attention as they passed.
_______________________________
Ar: Khushi? Where are you lost?
Khushi came back to reality as she heard Arnav's voice. She gave him a embarrassed smile, upon noticing that he had noticed her lost in her thoughts.
Ar: (his eyes shining, a smirk on his face) You are thinking about the time I proposed you, Right?
Kh: (surprised) How do you know?
Ar: You always have that dazed expression when you are thinking about that.
Khushi blushed pink upon hearing that. They rode in silence again until Arnav took a sharp turn towards the street that led to the five star restaurants.
Kh: (puzzled) Where are we going?
Ar: For Lunch.
Kh: Now?
Ar: Yeah. Of course.
Kh: Arnav! Please drop me home immediately!
Arnav stopped the car to a halt abruptly.
Ar: What's with the hurry thing?
Kh: There is so much work at home! Amma's going to get infuriated if I don't reach home quick!
Ar: You are going to work? Brides don't work!
Kh: Not in my case. Jiji and Me are both working. We aren't as rich as you to have servants hovering at our feet.
Khushi mentally banged the head to the window, immediately regretting what she had accidently said. She turned to look at Arnav's expression. Puzzled she looked away. It had suddenly gone expressionless.
She noticed him taking a U-turn and turning his car around towards Gupta residence.
_____________________
Garima stood in the kitchen preparing food. The house was a perfect mess. Everything seemed hap hazard. Fine, it was a marriage house but it didn't have to be in such a terrible condition she thought to herself and all the credit goes to Khushi. She was the one responsible for all the rash arrangements. Payal was getting married, oh well she had stuff prepared for her but Khushi she hadn't even planned and abruptly broke out the news of getting married, a month and a week before Payal-Aakash marriage was due.
She stood at the door of the house waiting for Madumati Jiji to come with her shopping bag. It was like she was taking forever. Moving her eyes around she saw a SUV stop at the gate of their house. Being a little inside, she wasn't visible to anyone looking into the house from outside. Taking full advantage of her position she inched forwards trying to look who was inside the car. Two figures stepped out of the car. A girl and a boy.
The girl was Khushi, and as she saw the boy becoming visible to her eyes she nearly gasped, it was Arnav. She stood their wide eyed. Arnav came towards Khushi and lovingly bid her goodbye planting a soft kiss on her cheek. Khushi, was seen blushing, bid goodbye, too planted a hesitant kiss on Arnav's cheek and hurriedly sped up the stairs inside the house.
Garima found her blood boiling. What is that insane girl doing? Out on the streets, with him? Her Jiji's brother in law? Garima's straightened herself and stiffened as Khushi came to the door of the house to get in. She smiled at Garima, and suddenly noticing the anger on her face looked at her surprised.
Kh: Amma? Why are you standing at the door?
Ga: Khushi! What was going on outside?
Kh: (confused) Outside?
Ga: (angrily) Don't act like you don't know anything. What were you doing with that Arnav Singh Raizada?
The colour from Khushi's face drained out. She hadn't imagined the news to be broken like that. So Amma, had seen everything. Shit! This was the most unfortunate thing ever.
Garima took hold of Khushi wrist and dragged her inside angrily, literally pulling her off her feet. Khushi stumbling in her steps moved inside almost falling off. Garima let go of her hand rashly as soon as they were in the main hall. Buaji and Payal hurried out as they saw the furious expression on Garima's face, and a scared look on Khushi's.
Kh: (hesitantly) Amma. I can explain. Actually..
Ga: (furious) What can you explain! That you were kissing that boy outside for some reason? Khushi do you have any self respect! He is your Jiji's brother in law and your boss!
Buaji clasped her hand to her mouth dropping the shopping bag from her hand in shock. Payal looked stunned but had a fair idea that this was going to happen. The volcano was yet to erupt now.
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P.S: Another pro flashback update. Sorry, I did promise that the next update woudnt be much of flashbacks, but trust me I couldn't help it, the drama forward had to be built up. You may not say it but I know without any drama or excitement my FF's totally a waste of time to read.
Anyways, enough of my blabber do comment and don't forget to hit the like button to appreciate.
Love,
Batool😳
CID
193