His Desire-The Blessing&The Curse-Linkto#2PG1 - Page 14

Originally posted by: aaaziiz

Sorry for the slight delay guys, but it truly is a long chapter. Atleast comparatively. I fell asleep while writing it. Hope it's good enough to make up for the hold up😉

Chapter 6

The city of Nawabs, the land of music and poetry, fine cuisine and beautiful garden's -Khushi Kumari Gupta's home.Living in Delhi had become virtually impossible for her. Trying to find a home, or even a measly job was a disappointing experience. Of course, it was a result of some underhanded tactics and influence that had aided to Khushi's distress. No longer was Mumbai University an option, her scholarship offer was annulled and it destroyed the last piece of hope that Khushi had of a bright future.Fortunately, India was a vast country with many cities and towns to escape to. Arnav Singh Raizada could not reach or affect her life everywhere. Lucknow seemed like the ideal option. It was close to Delhi , where she had been born and bred, had decent job opportunities, a growing economy and Akaash would love it there. So Khushi Gupta had packed her packed her bags, managed to gather her mother's jewels as well as her own, and fled the Raizada Mansion as fast as she could. All was done in one night. She had fretfully informed Akaash of her decision, and after it was accepted with graciousness, Khushi shifted herself to one of the poorer districts in Delhi as a paying guest. She had moved herself to Lucknow after her many failed attempts at finding a permanent residence & employment.

Khushi Kumari Gupta never saw Arnav Singh Raizada after that fateful night. It had been seven years. Her life had drastically changed in a matter of one day. Gone were the days when she was surrounded by India's elite,received the best education India had to offer, and her brother had lived a life of comfort. Khushi's lives savings, combined with the wealth her mother had left behind was being used to treat Akaash medically. Her job as an editorial assistant at a fashion house kept both of them afloat. Khushi hated seeing Akaash struggle to adjust to their new lifestyle, yet Akaash never complained and tried to be stronger for his 'DI'. He understood that even though their new life had it's disadvantages, it was for the greater good. His 'Di' was no longer in a forced relationship and finally had the freedom that money could not buy. Instead of having to conform to the sophisticated and understated society of Delhi's elite, his 'DI' could now roam around ,socialize freely, make friends with anyone and everyone without the judgmental eyes that only saw her as the illegitimate child of a prostitute. In Lucknow no one new about the sibling's past, unlike in Delhi where people only withheld their caustic and hurtful remarks out of fear of the Raizada influence.

Akaash Gupta also knew that his sister was perfectly content in her new life. Yet, there was something missing. Even though Khushi was friendlier and livelier that ever before, there was this previous spark in her eyes that was missing. His 'DI' may never figure it out, or even admit it to herself but she did love Arnav Singh Raizada. He had his own small space in her heart, and that could never go away. His 'Di' was the most confused individual he had ever known. She could never make up her mind, feeling guilty about not loving Arnav at times, only to resent his forceful relationship the next second. Perhap's if Arnav had set her free, she would have loved him without her self-respect holding her back. Akaash could not deny it ,Khushi's love for Arnav was there lying dormant in her essence. He was embedded in her being, and nothing would change that. Not even his selfish and black heart, or his 'DI's vehement denials. She was only half herself without him. He was her best friend, her protector, who had remained by her side through thick and thin-her soulmate. Without him she was nothing.

Akaash had watched her cry for days ,endlessly, after her disastrous last meeting with Arnav. She may claim to never want to see him again, but he knew that there lay a picture of Arnav in the deep end of her closet. It was a picture of Arnav looking completely astounding in a classic black tuxedo. It was incredible how he smiled, bewitching those witnessing it. He was grinning from ear to ear, seemingly at the camera, but Akaash new that the twinkle in his eye was caused by his 'Di' who was in a lovely red Anarkali suit gifted by him. No one could look away from her that day, but she was on Arnav's proud arm that night.They had walked hand in hand, all around, at Arnav's graduation party. He knew that his 'DI' relived that day over and over whenever she secretly , reluctantly took out his image to gaze at fondly. Her tears were concealed as immediately as they began to cloud her vision. The vivid portrait of a happy,smiling Arnav was then carefully put away in a little corner of her cabinet, much like the rest of her belongings.

Khushi Kumari Gupta missed Arnav more than she imagined she ever would. She saw him everywhere, in the sky, on the cold hard ground, his picture a constant presence on the vacant white walls of her office. His husky drawls, and melodious words, echoed in her mind over and over again. Many times she had picked up the phone resolved to dial his old number just to hear his voice, but the harsh reminder of his betrayal caused her to pause and think , bringing back her hardened demeanor with a vengeance. If only he had not done what he did, then it would not have been impossible for them to be together...Alas, he had committed a grave sin and now she had to learn to live independently. She would never ever depend on anyone for her happiness, she had decided to control her own destiny. Little did she know that she was merely a puppet controlled by fates strings , no whatever what she did or how much she ran the two souls would always find their way towards one another, neither of them could live in peace without each other. It was their blessing and their curse.

Jaswant Rathode was a genius businessman with an immense talent for fashion designing to boast of. He had grown up as the only son of a middle-class father who worked day and night to make ends meet. Jaswant Rathode failed to respect his provider, who's integrity and honesty did not allow him to earn his keep by unlawful means despite numerous opportunities that were presented to him. Thus Jaswant Rathdore had set out of his home at the young age of eighteen to start his own production line. He started of small, stealing money from numerous passer-by's to invest into creating a line of clothing for the women living in the area. Little by little, Jaswant's clever brain allowed him to expand his small business into a large empire. Now he was the proud founder of Rathode designs.He employed thousands of worker, each one of them was carefully interviewed to gauge their real potential. Jaswant saw beyond the surface that allowed to him to fine comb diamonds out of coals. Therefore , even when Khushi Kumari Gupta had walked in through the doors of his office, without a college degree to her name, he had hired her on the spot. She was very astute , very intelligent, and he had plans for her future, but for now she would continue to do the entry level job as his editorial assistant. First she would have to gain experience ,learn exactly how the fashion industry works, and then rest would be history.

However, those plans were never meant to be. Jaswant Rathode passed away before time, thrusting the responsibility of his million dollar empire onto his useless son. Vivek Rathode may be intelligent, but he did not possess that business savvy brain. His interest's lay in the physical sciences and he would rather explore nature's wonders ,as opposed to adorning himself in a three piece suit. He had to grow up before age and since he was the only child, he was the one responsible for carrying on his families legacy. Dying a little bit on the inside, he made his way to his father's old cabin, the one in which he would work in from now.

Khushi Kumari Gupta was summoned into her new employer's office. She prayed that he would be as easy going and kind as her previous boss. She had admired Jaswant's work and didn't think anyone could fill his shiny shoes.Though she had to do her job, it didn't matter what it was like as long as it paid the bills. So she walked into Vivek's cabin ready to do her job only to be shocked when her new boss gave out an excited cry and randomly hugged her.

'Oh My God, Khushi it's you, what a coincidence,' Vivek exclaimed excitedly.

A scandalized Khushi timidly asked ' Umm, I'm sorry sir? Do I know you?'

' Forgot me so easily,huh? We DID kiss after the third date if I remember correctly, I even got into a pulp only to be left behind bleeding on the marble floor of our school as that Raizada whisked you away,' Vivek said lightly, though his mood had instantly soured at the memory of it.

' Shit, Vivek Rathode! It's you? I didn't recognize you, you've changed so much.. heard you went to London after the... incident.' Khushi had begun her sentence excitedly, only to sheepishly end her speech as the conversation moved on to a trickier subject.

'Anyway... what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be some sort of fancy lawyer by now? Why are you here, working as some...assistant ? Never imagine that he would let you work somewhere he would consider lowly and inappropriate. Figured you would be working in the Raizada's law firm, earning what you worked so hard for...' Vivek Rathdore was astonished when he saw Khushi's condition. She was not dressed in one of those expensive clothes that she had pranced around in during their youth. Khushi looked tired, gaunt and that trace of twinkle in her eyes was absent. Her body was devoid of any kind of jewelry, and the only resemblance that she had to her younger self was the prim and proper look she managed to maintain. Like before, not even a single strand of her hair was out of place, she looked like the epitome of neat and clean. She just looked...impoverished. He wondered why.

' We.. aren't together anymore Vivek' Khushi told him, desperately wanting to change the subject.

'WHAT? Are you serious? I remember everyone in school betting when you guys would get married. Mostly everyone stated that it would be right out of high school, figured Arnav would want you to rightfully be his as soon as possible.That boy... if it were up to him he would be living inside you. Everyone wondered as to why he was so obsessed with you, I swear everyone in Delhi knew exactly how much he loved you,'

' Well you know, things happen, for now I think we should talk about how you would like your letter's to be typed out and about your upcoming interview with Vogue magazine,' Khushi tactfully avoided the sensitive topic. Vivek wanted to know more, ask exactly what happened but knew that something major could have only caused them to part, so he smartly let Khushi bring the topic onto business after his shocked outburst.

Month's past by and Khushi fell into her old routine that existed before Jaswant Rathdore passed away. Vivek was a fair and just boss, and was easy to deal with. Khushi was an efficient employ and Vivek worked rigorously to manage the company that his father had started and cherished. Khushi and Vivek had even formed a friendship, discussing their sorrows and tragedies over 'chai' and syrupy jalebi's. It was not long before Khushi narrated the whole incident that caused her to leave Arnav and never look back. After knowing the whole story, Vivek's old hatred for Arnav resurfaced, and he despised Arnav using his wealth and power for his own means.

Just like the time he got away with reducing him to a bleeding mess...he would suffer, He thought bitterly.

Lavanya Kashap was the people's princess. She was kind, fashionable and possessed that naive charm that never failed to attract males to her like moth to flames. She was the pampered porcelain doll, the 'ladli' and was brought up with infinite care and concern. 'La' was blessed, she belonged to a renowned family that was a member of India's elite. Her parents simply doted on their lovely daughter, and everyone had aided the couple in protecting the comfortable bubble that Lavanya lived it. Lavanya had yet to experience the cruelty, the malicious, gloomy side of life. The only thing missing in Lavanya's life was her price charming, one who would center her around his world,who would protect her, someone who would love her immensely and selflessly. So since the Kashap heir was at that precise age where women set out to find themselves a life partner, her wards as well as her numerous well-wishers were seeking for the immaculate suitor. Someone debonair , aristocratic with an impressionable character to match.. Lavanya Kashap deserved nothing less. After all she was Delhi societies darling, and with her divine looks she could ensnare any man with a single, barely noticeable glance. Such was her allure. Now it was time that it was put to use.

The infamous Kashap's entered yet another party hosted amongst Delhi's nobility. The decor was similar to many other gatterings hosted by the upper class of Delhi, though today the festival had that distinctive air to it. The lights were slightly dimmer, the music unusually loud and there was this romantic aura being discharged from the large expanse.It was Valentine's day. The party had it's uniqueness due to it. Even the drinks served were slightly lightly than usual. Bottles of vodka, whiskey and rum were replaced by those of ale, red wine and champagne. The established stiffness between conversation had vanished, and suddenly everyone was best friends with anyone. The ambience was set to being enjoyed.

'Did you know Arnav Singh Raizada would be coming today? It's been so long'' Padma Malik, another one of India's nobility, gossiped. Hearing the Raizada's name, Lavanya's ear's perked up and she suddenly became interested in the lady's conversation.

'Yes I heard, no one thought that he would ever make it. He barely even visit's Delhi, of course he has all the money in the world that allows him to travel the world. He has no one residence, the Raizada's are constantly globe-trotting. I don't get them why can't they stay in ONE place, what is so wrong with plain old living?' Another woman joined in the conversation.

' Apparently he never likes a place enough to be held their indefinitely, though Delhi IS the place he visit's most frequently, after all he grew up here..'

'Oh we all know it wasn't Delhi itself that fascinated him..' Padma delivered her last sentence with a meaningful smirk ,though, suddenly everyone clammed up at her word's. She was hushed and reprimanded by her fellow companions with suggestive looks and furious expressions.

Lavanya Kashap, the suave sophisticated women of Delhi's society always transformed herself into a sixteen year old with a crush, whenever Arnav Singh Raizada was mentioned. He was so mysterious, so magnetic. She had noticed him at several parties that she had been too, and had hounded him persistently. Though he had shrugged her off way too many times to count. She was sure that she was becoming nuisance, yet she was not a Kashap for nothing. She was determined to snag him. She could deal with his flaws, after all she had an extremely generous heart.Sometime's, in fairytales, the princess has to battle for her prince.She would do it, no matter what it costed her.

The mindless chatter, the activities at the lavish affair suddenly halted. Arnav Singh Raizada had arrived. The rumors, the hushed whispers, the curious speculation never did him justice. He wasn't simply 'good looking' , he was brilliant, magnificent, stunning. Even those word's failed to justify his God like looks. His grandness was perceived by all. Even with the stern scowl alway's present on his dazzling face, he managed to be the center of scrutiny, leaving those looking on in awe. After all, he was one of the richest men in India, had the most formidable personality and was famed for his mystifying personality that left much to imagination. Everyone rushed toward's him, ready to welcome his presence. Yet whosoever tried to draw him into a long conversation was caste aside. No, Arnav Singh Raizada was not rude, he was the epitome of gracefulness, his demeanor was always seemingly polite. His brush of's were carefully executed in a very subtle fashion. One had to applaud the Raizada's careful maneuvering throw the crowd, his manipulative under-handed tattics. After all he had an image to maintain. It all was done so cleverly, that no one even noticed as Arnav Singh Raizada made his way towards the open bar of the grand ball. Be as that may, nothing escaped Lavanya's sharp , observing eyes, those huge attractive orbs that automatically flitted toward's 'ASR' whenever he was in he vicinity. It was time for her to imprison the clever, sly wolf. Her supposed knight in shining armor.

Lavanya made her away toward's Arnav, where he was seated at the bar.

'ASR, how lovely is it to see you come to this party, have to say I'm surprised.' Lavanya had uttered those word's in her most delicious voice. Her greeting was bound to lure him, she was sure of it.It had to.Though to her mortification the Raizada simply overlooked her, completely ignoring her presence. No one had ever done that, even before when she had nagged him for his focus he had been unconditionally polite turning her down gently but firmly.

'Arnav, care to have a drink with me? Champagne would do, very light you see.' Lavanya persistently tried to extract a reply from the notorious Raizada,he would answer her. His manner's were so firmly implanted in him, that it had become a part of his nature. Though, perhaps she had exhausted his patience with her repeated advances.

'Scotch. Neat.' Arnav Singh Raizada demanded completely disregarding the female in his company. A hint of annoyance could be detected from his tone.

'I see you like it strong, perhaps a dance then, what do you say?' Lavanya Kashap was not one to give up, she was determined to bound him in a relationship with her. She maintained her chirpiness, sullenness would not be deemed attractive. Ultimately, he was the man of her dreams, it was as if he had literally stepped out from one of the movies she so diligently followed and watched. He was her's...he could never be..

Finally giving into the tenaciousness of the society's darling he said, ' I've got a better idea.How about a long drive.The dance floor seem's pretty crowded.Be at the parking lot in five minutes. Avoid the limelight, you know I prefer my privacy.'

As Arnav Singh Raizada uttered his sentence, Lavanya Kashap literally palpated. Her pulsed quickened, her generous , soft heart anticipated the romantic drive she was about to go on with the city's most eligible bachelor.

After the longest five mnutes possible ,Lavanya Kashap eagerly made her way toward's Arnav's car, literally skipping the whole way through. Her enthusiasm could not be contained.She could not even manage to tell her beloved parents about exactly where she was going, immediately rushing off after thrusting her burdening cell-phone in her mother's hands. She was over the moon when she found Arnav's much loved Aston Martin. The black sleek look of the car suited Arnav's dark brooding character.As Arnav was already seated in the car, with the engine revved up, Lavanya did not wait for a moment before jumping into the classy vehicle.

'Arnav where are we - ' Lavanya began only to be startled as the car lurched forward, sharply, out of the blue racing toward's the exit. He had not even given her the time to put her seatbelt on!

Lavanya Kashap was in for the ride of her life.. Arnav Singh Raizada drove like a maniac. A lunatic drunk.The car swerved, darting left and right in mindless directions, narrowly missing other cars.The speedometer crossed a hundred and seventy miles. It never slowed down, it did not matter how many other transport means it had to cross.Being on that drive was a death sentence and that began to terrify Lanvanya. She desperately wanted to get of the atrocious car.

'ARNAV STOPPED, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?' Lavanya screeched to divert Arnav's attentions toward's her and to make him just STOP. Yet Arnav continued with the 'long drive'. Way to soon, Lavanya Kashap began to bawl her eyes out, her panic knew no bounds. Her frustrated sobs filled the silence in the car due to a certain Raizada.

'Please stop, PLEASE, why are you doing this, ARE YOU INSANE?' Lavanya begged, she pleaded in despair. Her relentless begging caused Arnav to halt the car. Lavanya sighed out in relief, her loud cries became quite, contained whimpers. Though to her alarm, the Raizada got out his car, towards her door. He simply grabbed her arm and gently but firmly made her come out of his precious auto-mobile.

'You're not her. Hope you learned your lesson, don't ever bother me again.' Saying this he seated himself inside his car and began to drive on , marooning a delicate girl on a lonely road. A dark , empty road with no one around for miles. Without a cell-phone.

Is he really just going to leave me here, no he wouldn't do that, who does that? Lavanya thought.

ASR paused after reversing his wheels,and stationed himself next to a horrified, shivering Lavanya.The window's were rolled down. The Kashap heir looked like an utter mess. Her impeccable clothes in a disarray, her hair a complete mess, and her lovely eyes were bloodshot and watery. They were pleading him , frantically pleading him to take her in. To make her return to her precious world, a place where everything was airy and light. A colorful existence. One where he was the charming prince, instead of the wicked, evil monster he seemed to be. Hecould make or break her. Her soulful distraught expression softened his hardened projection. That was only for a minute second,his eyes soon returned to it's former shade of steel, and then he delivered his last blow.

' Had fun?' Arnav Singh Raizada taunted with a devious smirk just before racing of toward's the Raizada Mansion.

It was so insensitive, so callous of him...

Innocence was lost.