FF Arhi: Himalayan Magic - Part 8 Updated Page 21 - Page 10

Khushi's eyes flew open. She had been dreaming!

Any lingering sleepiness that was existing in her, fell away as she saw Arnav staring back at her only inches away from her. She realized she was flush against him with one of her hands on his chest, the other entangled in his hair. She quickly snatched her hand away from his hair.

'Ouch!' she tried getting up but realized that part of her long hair was stuck under his arm on which her head was resting.

'Arnavji!' she shrieked in panic, when she found his other arm wrapped around her waist.

'Stop moving, Khushi,' he said harshly, 'We are entangled in the blankets.'

God! Arnav thought, she was going to kill him if she continued to move against him this way! He managed to detangle himself from the blanket and then slowly removed his arm from under her head taking care not to pull on her hair. He then leaned across to help her.

'Ouch!' their foreheads banged against each other, as Khushi also sat up on the bed at the same time. Khushi then held him by his neck and banged her head against him one more time. She was about to explain her action when she saw Arnav's eyes had moved lower. She looked down in horror to see that her lacy bra was exposed and immediately grabbed the blanket up to cover herself. She lowered her eyes from his face to look at his bare chest. It was not a good idea. Her breathing increased.

Why did she have to look this way first thing in the morning? Arnav gazed upon Khushi's quivering body bathed in the first rays of the sun that had filtered through the small window of the hut. She looked ethereal. Her face looked angelic on her long slender neck, her gentle shoulders, her collar bone jutting out, the swell of her breasts over the blanket that she had clutched against herself. He had caught a glimpse of more before she had covered herself and it was all he could do to keep himself from''

'What?...How? '..Where?' Khushi's confusion broke into his reverie, 'Where are my clothes? What happened?!'

'Relax! Don't you remember anything?' he asked, her shrill voice still ringing in his ears.

'I remember coming into the hut, eating maggi and then you gave me that horrible liquid to drink. After that I don't remember much of anything.' she said her voice taking on an accusing tone.

'I said relax! Nothing happened. You were very tired and went to sleep' he said, not quiet looking in her eyes.

'But here?...Like this?' she said looking at the bed, unable to form the words clearly.

'We would have fallen sick if we had slept with our wet clothes on us,' he explained calmly, 'I had moved the bed close to the fire which was our only source of warmth.

Khushi looked at him with suspicion in her eyes.

'I should have just let you sleep on the floor since you____ KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! Someone was at the door!

'I think it is the owner of this hut,' said Arnav urgently, getting up from the bed. 'Damn!' his exclamation came out loud when he realized that his towel was lost and he found himself in his boxers. Forget it! he walked across to where his clothes were drying.

'I'll go out and explain our situation,' he said to Khushi, pulling on his jeans. 'I think you should get dressed as well.' Khushi had her back to him.

'Great! She thinks it is alright to show off her back!' he muttered to himself as he hauled his t-shirt over his head.

Khushi got up from the bed when she heard the door. She found her clothes on a chair and dressed herself. What had happened yesterday night? Her mind was too hazy. How had she undressed? Did he '.? Why couldn't she remember? She looked around to see the remnants of the ashes in the fireplace. Suddenly there was a flash of a memory ''.Had it happened or was it a dream? She closed her eyes trying to remember. It was all still very hazy.

She looked around the place hoping her memory would come back and spotted a small mirror on the wall. She walked up to it to see her reflection. She straightened her hair and saw that her eyes looked very tired. Then she looked down at her lips. She brought her fingers up to touch them. They were swollen and felt bruised. Oh my God! she said to herself as her memory came back to her''

Khushi was lost in thought on the way back from Binsar. They had managed to hitch a ride from the hut to the resort on Binsar. There, Arnav had called Akash from the hotel's landline and found out that Akash and Payal were safe and back at the hotel the previous night. After a visit to Binsar, Akash and Payak had decided to visit Ranikhet on their way back, the reason why they had missed each other. Arnav had then asked the resort manager to drop them off at the spot where he had left the bike last evening. Luckily, they had found it intact and in working condition.

Now sitting behind Arnav, her thoughts went back to the events of the previous night. What had come over her? Why had she behaved so wantonly? Arnav had behaved like a gentleman. He had given her the blanket to cover herself. She had practically thrown herself at him. First, by asking him such a leading question about the kiss and then later by literally falling over him! Even after that, he had given her an opportunity to back off but no, she had offered herself over to him like a shameless hussy. What would he be thinking about her? Her thoughts came to a jerking halt when she heard Arnav calling her name.

'Khushi, will you please get off the bike?'

'Why?' she asked still a little disoriented.

'Yesterday you wanted to visit this mandir so badly. And today you ask me why?' he was being sarcastic.

Khushi realized that he had brought her to the Kasar devi temple which was very close to Almora. She looked at him in surprize.

'Now, hurry up, will you?' his tone was brusque, 'I don't have all day long'

While he waited for Khushi outside the temple, Arnav sat on the bike thinking. Thankfully he had come to his senses on time this morning. He hadn't been able to resist kissing her delectable throat. It was becoming more and more difficult to keep his hands off her. It was his guilt that had made him bring her to the temple, wasnt it? a tiny voice inside him asked the question. Whatever it was, there was one thing certain that things could not go back to the way they were before.

The rest of the journey was uneventful and they were back to the hotel by lunch time. Arnav had showered and rushed off immediately to join Akash at work. Khushi and Payal were at the restaurant eating lunch. After lunch, Payal had wanted to take a nap as Akash was going to come back early and take her to Naini lake. In the evening Khushi had refused their offer to take her along making an excuse. To be honest, she was feeling a little tired due to the previous day's ordeal.

Khushi was in a wistful mood. Arnav had been so nice to her after all that she had put him through. It was childish of her to run off to watch the sun set, hence putting their lives in danger. He had practically carried her in the storm and saved her life. Even in the hut he had made sure she was alright, by taking good care of her. He had made maggi for her! And then, this morning he had taken her to the temple to fulfil her wish. I will have to make it up to him somehow!

'What will be you be having tonight Mrs. Raizada?' the waiter's question sliced through her thoughts.

'Just some roti and dal please' she was not in the mood to eat tonight. She wished she was back at the hut eating maggi with Arnav. Akash had told her that he would be working late tonight.

'Would you be Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada, by any chance?' asked a deep voice next to her.

'Y..Yes,' Khushi looked up to see a tall, good looking man in a business suit standing next to her table.

'Let me introduce myself. I am Karan. Karan Khurana. I am Arnav's friend from college.'

Khushi did not realize how the time had passed. Karan had related so many incidents and anecdotes about Arnav's past that she couldn't tire listening to. One particular incident about a prank they had played on a teacher had her in splits. He had shown her photos of Arnav with friends that he scanned and stored in his lap top. She felt that she could have sat there all night listening to the stories, except that they could not as the restaurant was closing. They had decided to surprise Arnav together by meeting up for breakfast the next day.

Unbeknownst to them, was a pair of smouldering eyes, watching them from a distance. Arnav had come into the hotel hoping to grab something to eat before the restaurant closing time. What he saw there had killed his appetite. He had seen Khushi laughing heartily, eating dinner with a man whose face he could not see. He had walked away from there seething in rage. He entered the room wanting to break something. He saw the shawl he had clutched in his hand. He had bought it for her on the way back from work, to replace the one she had lost at sun set point. He threw the beautifully woven cloth across the room like a piece of rag.

Khushi came back to the room, to see that Arnav was back and was fast asleep on his side of the bed. She tried not to make any noise while she changed for bed. She was disappointed that she had missed his arrival. Nevertheless, she couldn't control her delight when she remembered the surprise that was awaiting him at breakfast. She was sure he would be happy to relive his college days along with his friend Karan.

The next morning, Khushi woke with a smile on her lips. She turned around to see Arnav's side of the bed empty. There was no sign of him or his laptop bag anywhere in the room. She rushed into the wash room to find that empty as well. Why had he left so early this morning? As she sat at the table having her morning tea she spotted the shawl on the floor. It was a beautiful shawl. Had Arnav bought this shawl? Was it for her? She smiled gleefully as she hugged the shawl to her chest.

She showered quickly and went up to Payal and Akash's room.

'Khushiji, our client Mr Chopra, will be signing the deal with us today,' Akash told Khushi, 'he wants to meet with us at dinner along with our families. '

Akash informed Khushi that Arnav had gone in to work a little early today as they had to wind up everything, today being the their last day in Nainital. On Khushi's enquiry Akash had also informed her that their client had lived in America for a long time before he came back here to start his own business. Khushi came back to the room, a little worried about the dinner. She had called Karan and rescheduled their meeting post dinner. She rummaged through her suit case to find something suitable when her eyes fell on the cover that Anjali Di had given her just before they had left for Nainital. She has said that it would help her with all the apprehensions that she had about Arnav. When she saw what was in the cover she understood.

Arnav came back to the room to dress for dinner. There was no sign of Khushi. Where was she? Their client would be here anytime. Could she be out cavorting with that useless sob he had seen her with yesterday night? If she was, then God help her! He was furiously buttoning his shirt when his cell phone rang.

'Yes?' he barked into the phone.

It was Akash. He had called to ask him if he could be excused from attending the dinner. He wanted to take Payal for a special candle light dinner at a lake view restaurant. He also informed him that Khushi would be joining him for dinner as she had some work to attend to before that.

Arnav came down to the restaurant seething with anger. Work! What work would she have in Nainital? He was sure she was making excuses to hide her dalliances. He looked at his watch and turned around to the entrance, looking for Khushi. He turned back, it was a woman dressed in a red gown''..looking strangely familiar''

Arnav turned back again. It was Khushi! She was wearing a AR creation. It was an evening gown in red chiffon. He could not take his eyes off her. Her hair left loose, moved in tandem to the sway in her hips. His mouth went dry as his eyes moved down to the creamy skin of her long slender neck, her gently rounded shoulders and swell of her breasts exposed by the strapless design. The gown had gatherings that hugged her rounded breasts and her tiny waist was accented by a beaded floral detail. The skirt then fell down in a pleated flow from waist to floor showing a glimpse of black strappy high heeled sandals.

She looked like a goddess! If she was trying to make a dramatic statement with that gown, she had succeeded completely. Unconscious to the number of heads that turned her way, Khushi made her way up to Arnav. When she finally stood in front of him, he was speechless. Who was this sensuous beauty standing in front of him? Mine! A strange possessiveness took over him. He wanted to take her away and hide her from eyes of the world.

Before he could react, a waiter came up to them informing them of Mr Chopra's arrival.

After the initial introductions were made, they were seated at a round table. Arnav caught the appreciative gleam in Mr Chopra's eyes when he looked at Khushi. What the _____! thought Arnav, the man's daughter was close to Khushi's age! Arnav was livid at Khushi . What was she thinking dressing up like that? Who was she trying to impress tonight?

'Arnav?' Mr Chopra interrupted his thoughts,'as I mentioned to you earlier, my daughter Ria has just completed her course in fashion design from a prestigious university in the USA. She would like to come to India to work. I would like you to consider her for an apprentice position in your company'

'Of course, Mr Chopra, that should not be a problem,' said Arnav smoothly, 'If she can come to the office in a few days and I will have Akash set her up.'

'Thank you so much Mr Raizada,' said Ria in a low throaty voice, 'I was so looking forward to working with you. I have heard so much about AR fashions'

Khushi looked at Ria a little more closely. She was dressed in a hot pink, short spaghetti strapped, figure hugging dress. The purpose of the skimpy dress was meant to show off a lot of skin and it was successful in its intent. The girl had a lot of make up on her face to make her look sexy and she was using it to full advantage sitting right next to Arnav. Khushi did not like the way Ria was looking at Arnav. She was flirting with him!

'You are most welcome Ria,' said Arnav giving her his most charming smile, 'I am looking forward to seeing all your talents as well. And please call me Arnav.' Was he flirting right back?

All through dinner Arnav was engaged in conversation with Ria, talking to her about fashion design. Khushi was stuck between Mr and Mrs Chopra who incessantly bored her in turns talking about expensive cars and designer jewellery. Khushi looked at Arnav trying to get his attention to no avail. She realized he was pointedly ignoring her. She knew this deal was important for Arnav, but this whole dinner was beginning to get on her nerves. By the time the dinner came to an end she was positively fuming. Just when she thought she could escape from this entire farce, they were ushered to a lounge for post dinner drinks. Hey Devi Maiyya! Have you no mercy? she sent up a silent prayer.

'Mrs Khushi? Can I steal your husband for a dance?' Ria asked Khushi smiling at her.

No you bimbo! I don't think you can steal my husband for anything, was what Khushi wanted to say, but no words came out of her mouth.

'Of course she doesn't mind Ria,' Arnav was covering up her blunder, 'Let's go'

Arnav took Ria to the dance floor and took her in his arms. She knew he was holding her decently but seeing them together like this was too much for Khushi. She made an excuse to go to the wash room and started to walk away as fast as her legs could take her. In her hurry she blindly bumped into someone who immediately steadied her. It was Karan.

'Hey Khushi! Where are you running? Weren't we supposed to meet after dinner tonight?'

'Karanji! I am so glad to see you. I am sorry, Arnavji's client is still here and I am not sure when they will leave'

'In that case why don't we _____'

'I believe this dance is mine!' Arnav's voice interrupted Karan's sentence.

Without so much as a glance at Karan, Arnav took Khushi's hand and dragged her to the dance floor.

'Arnavji! What are you doing?' asked indignant at Arnav's caveman tactics.

'No Khushi. What are you doing?' he asked her in a clipped tone, his eyes smouldering.

Suddenly the music started and Arnav stood there looking at Khushi, anger emanating from him in waves. The dance started off being similar to the previous times they had danced, except that as it progressed it was getting a little more aggressive. His hands were all over her body and there was something different about his touch and the way he was looking at her. Khushi could not understand the reason for his behavior ''

It was a public display of strength and dominance and by the time the dance ended, they were both out of breath. Everyone was staring at them and Khushi felt humiliated. She ran blindly out of the restaurant, tears streaming down her eyes.

Khushi shrugged away his arms in anger. The movement caused her purse to fall on the floor spilling all the contents. As she was putting them back into her purse, Arnav picked up some photos that had scattered on the floor. It was a photograph of him in his college days along with a few of his friends.

Next:

Just you wait Mr. Raizada, Just you wait.

The doggone girl is mine!

Arhi:Himalayan Magic ' Part 4

Thanks for your comment. Yes. Arnav's feelings are getting stronger by the day. How can he fight it living with Khushi day and night? After all he is a man ...and he is in love! The whole idea of Nainital was to create that effect for Arnav as well as Khushi. And about the PDA... when Arnav is angry he doesn't think much. Don't we all know that about him by now?