SS: Breathless (Updated Part 11 & 12, 11/20) - Page 9

Khushi called her friend Neel to help her with this new venture. Neel was a shrewd businessman and son of Business tycoon, Mr. Samrat Oberai . She had met him thru La and he has advised her last few years regarding her business, especially how to expand her business. They became very good friend, though Neel loved her. He proposed her last year but she told him that she is not prepared for a relationship and she needed to focus on her business. Despite that they remained best of friends. Khushi had learned from her past experience that it is not anyone's fault if they fall in love. She respected him for taking her rejection so graciously. Neel hoped that maybe someday she will reciprocate back. He could not attend La's wedding because of a very important meeting in Paris.

Neel and Khushi were in her office discussing how should they plan her expansion. This was her biggest deal and it was very important for her to succeed. It was also important that her efforts don't get over shadowed by AR the brand. Arnav came to meet Khushi in her office and was stunned to see Neel Oberoi. What is he doing here with Khushi?

Khushi thinking that they both didn't know each other introduced Neel to Arnav as her good friend. She also informed him that he is helping her with legalities and planning the expansion. Both greeted each other and acknowledging the fact that they have met each other in couple of social and business gatherings. Arnav was hurt to know that Khushi approached Neel for help with legalities instead of asking him. He has a legal department and he could have asked his best people to help her. Khushi feeling a little awkward due to Arnav's over concern, Neel interrupted and lightens the tension in the room by jokingly saying that she needed someone non AR who will think of her interest and there is nothing personnel here, just business. He politely reminded Arnav that he notoriously famous in overtaking companies and so Khushi's fear is logical.

Arnav felt jealous of the whole situation, Neel being Khushi's confidant and he the other guy. Jealousy was a new feeling and definitely not a pleasant one.

The rest of meeting went by Arnav replying to Neel's question in mono syllables. Khushi knew Arnav is angry and decided to talk to him later to explain the situation. She for some strange reason still felt obligated to explain him her actions though she logically did not see a reason for any explanation. She thought to herself that maybe in her effort of showing indifference she is being too insensitive.

Later that evening, La called Khushi and they discussing about her honeymoon. Then La asked something Khushi didn't want to hear but she knew that was coming after she met Arnav.

La: So how's everything with your Lord Governor?

Khushi: Fine and he is not mine. I have to work with him. (in a sad tone)

La: Girl whom are you fooling? Are you really that sad? If you didn't want this you would have figured out a way to come out of this situation. Let's face it darling, you still love him and ASR is the reason why you said no to Neel. I think he loves you.

Khushi: What? NO!!!! I once misjudged him, I thought last time that I meant something more than… but he made it very clear that I am no body to him. Arnav Singh Raizada cannot love anyone. One needs a heart to fall in love and god forgot to give him that.

La: Let's see! He is not all that bad and we both know that. Let him make the first move this time and my gut tells me he will. Very soon I'll be calling you on your honeymoon sweatheart.

Khushi: WHAT RUBBISH! I guess too much love making is making you feel dizzy. Go back to your hubby… because right now you are not making any sense.

La: Let's see, darling. If he makes the first move what will you give me?

Khushi: Bye..I have to get back to work. I have a meeting tomorrow with Lard Governor regarding the new designs…

La: Lord Governor not Lard..

Khushi: I know but it sounds better as Lard..

After hanging up Khushi wondered if La was right and Arnav really loved her. Maybe he was not all that bad but then she hit herself mentally to think like that. He is Arnav Singh Raizada and love is not a word in his dictionary.

Khushi & payal went for their evening jog. they were discussing usual mundane stuff and then they saw Akash standing outside his house as if waiting for someone.

Khushi: (looking surprised) Akashji since when did you start jogging?

Akash: (flustered) I thought …you know fresh air.. oh! You guys also go for jogging? It's good for health..

Anjali was looking at her hopeless brother from garden and realized she needed to jump in and help him.

Anjali: Arre Khushiji and Payalji … do you guys go for evening jog every evening?

Khushi: Yes since last 4 yrs.

Anjali: Oh! You both must need a drink. Why don't you come in? I'll make fresh juice for you both.

Khushi at first refused but when Anjali told them Arnav is not home she agreed.

Arnav stepped into his home and was surprised to hear everyone laughing…he could smell pakora. He followed the sound and aroma & entered kitchen. He was pleasantly surprised to see Khushi. She was talking to everyone animatedly and she did not see Arnav enter. Arnav was finally glad to see glimpse of old Khushi in this new Khushi. She stopped blabbering when she felt Arnav was somewhere nearby.

Noticing the obvious discomfort between the two, Anjali broke the silence and looking surprised asked him what is he doing in kitchen.

Arnav: (Looking at Khushi and in a teasing tone and with a smirk on his face) Woh Di I have not heard so much noise in a while so I wasn't sure what was happening.

Amjali was glad to finally see her brother happy. She informed him that she invited Khushi and Payal for drink when they were returning from evening jog and that is when Khushi suggested that they should make pakaroa's and ginger tea instead of drinking juice. She invited Arnav to join them.

Arnav: (surprised) Evening Jog? I'll go change and join you guys for tea.

Khushi wanted to disappear as soon as she heard Arnav will be joing them but Anjali and Nani insisted her to stay. She became conscious and serious around Arnav and both Nani & Anjali observed this. Anjali realized that she is trying very hard to keep a tough faade in front of Arnav and this way it will take ages before anything happened. When Arnav was not around Khushi was her normal self just a little more polished and sophisticated but still as vivacious as before. She has to think something and throw these two into situations where they will be forced to face their feelings. These two headstrong people just need a little push and she will give them that push.

Arnav was pissed at Khushi since morning and he could not stop thinking about Khushi & Neel. All he was thinking was that what if Khushi has actually moved on and now she loves Neel. It didn't take much time for Arnav to find out that Neel loved Khushi. Everyone knew about them. This made Arnav angry and jealous. Not knowing how to react,

Arnav: So Ms.Gupta did you and Neel Oberoi figure out the details on legalities of our business settings?

Anjali sensed jealousy in his question and she smiled at her love smitten brother who can't even hide the fact that he is jealous of this "new" guy in picture. Khushi sensed anger and maybe jealousy.

Khushi: Yes we have pretty much finalized our plan, Mr.Raizada

Anjali: Will you both leave work outside when you meet at home. Mr.Raizada...Miss.Gupta(she rolled her eyes)..comeon guys. Enjoy pakora's, tea and London rain.

Khushi complained that she use to like rain in India but she does not enjoy London weather. It is very gloomy. Anjali smiled and innocently looking at her and then Arnav replied that maybe it's not London, it is her. She has such a hectic life like Chote and it must get taxing and boring sometimes. After all who doesn't like to sometimes sit back, laze and just enjoy the stars, moon..

Khushi: Anjaliji you still look as stars? I thought… that's so cool. I also talk to stars, share with them all my joys and pain.

Khushi got up to leave and Arnav followed her. He needed to talk to her about …Neel! Arnav in his baritone voice said, "Khushi". Hearing her name from his mouth always felt special. Gathering all her courage turned and looked at Arnav waiting for him to complete his sentence.

Arnav: If you needed help on something why didn't you ask me? Why did you need to involve Neel? He is also very shrewd. Are you sure that the choice you are making is the correct one.

Khushi not realizing the double meaning in Arnav's question, Anjali realized what Arnav was asking Khushi. Anjali was staning behind them but their view was blocked by pillar. So neither ofg them realized that Anjali could listen to everything.

Khushi explained him that Neel has been there for her the last 4 years and he has always supported her in all her endeavors. So it is obvious that she trusts him more than anyone but she does realize that maybe she should have informed him about Neel before. Arnav could not stop himself from asking her whether Neel was just a friend or someone more than just a business consultant and friend. Khushi was deeply hurt with this question. How could he ask me that…does this mean he has moved on and thinks everything that we shared was not special and anyone can replace…

Anjali stepped in and interrupted before the two in their effort of showing indifference hurt each other more.

Anjali sadly sitting on their couch in living room gazed at eternity. Were they ever going to find happiness and with Arnav behaving like foolish she feared they were going to looses Khushi. Nani asked her why was she so unhappy and that's when she told her about yesterday night. That's when Nani suggested that she should talk some sense into her brother. Nani had also heard that Neel Oberoi's family was very interested in his and Khushi's alliance. If they waited for Arnav it might be just too late.

Arnav returned late and was surprised to see Anjali still awake waiting for him.

Anjali: Chote how was your day? I need to talk to you.

Arnav: Di I am really tired.

Anjali: (with tears in her eyes) Please Chote I must talk to you. I am very scared for you.

Arnav held her hand, "Why are you crying and what happened? I am fine Di"

Anjali: "I have seen how your eyes light when you are around Khushi. Once already you let her go and I have seen what that has done to you. Why are you letting her go now for life? Payalji was telling me that even Khushi's parents are very interested in Neel Oberoi and her alliance. So far she is the only reason why they have not got engaged. Don't push her so hard that she may just say yes to him. I saw how you were talking to her yesterday. Why is it that difficult to confess that you love her? We need to move on and be happy. How long will be live in shadows? Mom is dead and what she did was also wrong Chote. No matter how hard it was she should not have killed herself. What Shyam did was wrong and we made a mistake. Why are you punishing yourself and Khushi for what happened that was not either of your mistakes?" She started crying while saying all this.

Arnav hugged her and said, "Di what mom did I can never forget and yes that incident had a huge impact on me but I was starting to feel something again and then Shyam happened. Di maybe I am not meant to be happy. Why are you trying so hard? Khushi is a very nice girl and why do you want to make her life hell. I am not good for anyone. (with a heavy voice) and I have only hurt her Di."

Anjali: "Don't you love her? Please don't lie to me because I know the answer, just the way Lav knows and everyone in this family know."

Arnav: (With a deep sigh, softly) "Yes Di I love Khushi and probably loved her for a long time but I cannot forgive myself for the pain I have caused her. I am the reason she is who she is today. I have snatched her innocence from her. I am very happy for all her success but I miss that innocent, bubbly, clumsy Khushi. She doesn't even trust me…'

Anjali interrupting him, "Chote I think you are being too hard on yourself. It is true that she is here because of you but on the brighter side just look at her. You both are alike, very smart, competent and extremes. That is why you both are perfect for each other. You need to take initiative and break the ice..I know Chote she loves you. I am a woman and I can feel it. Just promise me that you will do as I say and you will try earnestly. Let her make the final call if she also thinks that living with you will be hell or not. "

Arnav sighed and gave in to his sister's request. He has never forgiven himself for how he treated her and that is why he has been punishing himself for the last 5 years. He was convinced that he deserved this pain and hurt and Khushi deserves someone better than him. But he then wondered that why the thought of Neel with Khushi disturbed him so much. Any promise that he made to his sister he always kept and this was also one that he was planning to keep.

They both have been working round the clock. Everyone had left and they both were still working, clock ticked 11pm. Arnav entered her office with two cups of coffee,

Arnav: Don't you need some break? You seem to be working like me(with a smile). Coffee?

Khushi: Thanks!(continuing working ) I am really not sure if I am yet ready for launch of this new line. So many things need to be changed and improvised and so little time.

Arnav: Why don't you take 10mins break and drink coffee and then get back to work? Your designs are really good and very refreshingly fresh. You are very talented and good. Don't be so nervous.

All this praise coming from Arnav meant a lot to her. She hid her happiness, looked up at him and smiled. She joined him on their couch and both staring outside sat quietly for some time.

Arnav: I work so hard to run away from all pain and immerse myself in work so that I don't have time to think. Why do you work so hard (with a pained face, hoping she may say something)?

Khushi: (plastering a fake smile) I work so hard because I want to be as rich and powerful as you so that …..(took a deep breath) Jokes apart…I really want to be known for my work, I want to be famous and I also am running from a fact that I can never face.

Arnav: I am very rich, powerful and famous. I probably have all materialistic possessions that anyone can imagine but I still cannot buy happiness. I use to think once upon a time that I can buy anything but life also taught me that I am as helpless as anyone with no money when it comes to happiness. So never want to be me because I am a demon with too much pain and darkness. Live upto your name. One does not need to be boorish to be successful. Your good friend Neel is a nice guy, unlike me.

Khushi: (with a raised eyebrow and shock look on her face) Did you just say that Neel is better than you? Interesting! Well you both are different. I won't say one is better than the other but yes he is much more sensitive to people around him, not only his family members. That way he is nicer but as people you both are very different. I don't think you are a demon; you just adorn pain and darkness. You never try to come out of it because you are too scared of the unknown.

Arnav: (Gulped and looking straight into her eyes) I am scared of the unknown also because I don't have that special person who can be with me when I tread into this uncertain new land. Do you think someone like you will ever love a guy like me and hold my hand when I try to ….

The intensity in his eyes was making Khushi loose her calm, tough faade she has put up but she knew that this time she had to be strong. This man is damn charming and can sweep any girl off her feet. Though she tried hard, her feelings finally were pasted all over her face just like his. They were vulnerable and could feel each other's fears and hesitance. It was just a matter of choice of what they decide to do with it.

Khushi : (with a composed tone) You know the answer to that question Mr.Arnav Sing..

Before she says something that she will repent later Arnav interrupted her knowing where she was going and he could feel that she is again going back to her shell.

Arnav: (with a smile) Don't…don't… I'll leave for tonight and get back to work. Sometimes people make mistakes and even the realization of that mistake is damaging enough to stop them from trying to improve the situation. Some people are bad with dealing with situations but that does not mean that they are bad. Maybe we can start by becoming friends?

Khushi: (looked at him, feared of what she was getting into reluctantly said) Friends, why not. That will be interesting because…(she stopped herself before she again said something really bad).

Arnav: I really bring the worst out in you.

Khushi: you also bring the best out in me. It's not all that bad you know.

They both left and Khushi lay on her bed wondered if Arnav really loved her. She was tired of putting up this tough face in front of the world. But her thoughts were interrupted by how Arnav treated her last time. Arnav lay on his bed with closed eyes wondered if he can penetrate though this tough faade that Khushi has put up. Today he felt that she still loved him but she was fighting her emotions the way he did last time. He needs to tread slowly and delicately.