Hello, Neighbour (ARHI SS) Note - Page 39

Chapter 1: And so it begins

It was a crisp and sunny Monday morning that dawned on Shantivan Apartments. As the early notes of bird songs floated into the air, the residents inside the bricked walls slowly found their way to consciousness, moving sluggishly as their bodies strove to complete their routine tasks of the morning against their still-slumbering muscles. This inertia was not new. As brackets of alarms and yawns went off, the outside world slowly gained momentum in its activity.

By the time breakfast was made and the occupants were dressed, a buzz of activity arose from the streets. Traffic began to build, cries from rickshaw walas and street vendors peddling their wares soon pierced the silence that even the birds were quieted and watched. In less than 2 hours since dawn break, Delhi had sprung to life, the flow of the traffic much like a bloodstream bringing life as it made its way to the heart of the city.

Of course on such mornings chaos was to be expected. Missing buttons, missing files, missing phones. This was rarely the case for one particular Shantivan resident, Arnav Singh Raizada. The epitome of efficacy, Arnav had nary a hair out of place, a shirt unpressed, and a suitcase unpacked. His penthouse was always stocked with more supplies than he needed, which were always restocked when they fell below a certain number. His meals were prepared the day before, and his clothes pre-planned for the week. Arnav liked routine. Arnav liked control.

Something he found he had none of this morning.

"NK, we need to get a move on. Now."

"Alright, alright Nannav. Keep your pants on." NK emerged from his room with his tie hung loosely around his neck, his files under his arm, his suitcase in one hand and a comb between his teeth.

Arnav's eyebrows rose to the heavens.

"NK'" he growled.

"Yes, yes. Don't worry. I'll be done in 2 minutes."

Arnav sipped his Arabian black coffee for the want of something to do, trying to abate the discomfort and slight hysterical panic that was climbing from the pit of his stomach. Today was the day of the Saxena deal. This deal was major turning stone for the company. It would be the difference between being AR Corp and AR Industries. That is, if they cinched the deal.

NK, his Chief Operations Officer, had moved from Mumbai to the Delhi branch to work directly on the expansion of their business. It had been decided that Delhi would be the main base of operations. That meant NK had to uproot and move. All of which he did within a week of the decision, which brings us to the present. Arnav had offered his place to stay. There had been no time to look for alternative living arrangements and he had a room to spare. That and...

"Nannav, mere bhai? Have you seen my socks?"

...the fact that NK was family.

Can't pick family as they say, scowled Arnav as he shook his head at his cousin in reply. Amidst the cries of "I found it! No worries!" in the background, Arnav made his way to the front door, his patience tried and worn thin.

"I'm going to fetch the car. See you in 5 minutes."

The last thing he heard from NK as he shut the door was a holler of "Won't be more than 3!"

~*~

The bright morning sunshine streamed through the clear arched windows as he exited the penthouse. Raising his hands to shield his eyes, Arnav slowly made his way to the 4^th floor, his speed hampered by the direct glare of the sun. As he reached the 2^nd landing, he heard little huffs and puffs echo up from the staircase.

Am I still disoriented from the sun, he wondered absently. For the past 2 years of his occupancy, he knew his neighbours' habits off by heart. All of them should have left their homes by now.

Curious, Arnav walked down the stairs and peered around the stairwell, something he needn't have done for at that exact same moment a head full of shiny, jet black hair came into view. A slender young woman, dressed in a causal shirt and jeans had her back facing him as she dragged her suitcase up the stairs. Muttering under her breath, he could hear her whispered complaints about 'Devi Maaiyas', the lack of basic facilities such as lifts and travel-friendly buildings.

Arnav, despite being your perpetual grumpy young man was also a consummate gentleman. So it was no surprise that in seconds of sighting the struggling woman that he stepped forward to help.

"Here, let me help", he said in a way of introduction and stepped in to take her luggage from her.

The shiny-haired lady startled in surprise, lost was she in her own mutterings that she had not noticed the presence of another person behind her.

"I..thank you."

"Which floor are you at?" he asked without glancing up, taking the handle of her luggage bag that looked fit to burst open any moment.

"The third, just one more flight of stairs to go."

"No problem", he bit out as he heaved the bag up the stairs. Damn it's heavy, he thought as he walked up, what the hell did she put in there?

"So, you're visiting or moving in?"

"Moving in"

"That's nice. Where were you originally staying?"

"I'm from Lucknow. I moved here to pursue my university education."

"I see. That's exciting."

"It is", he could hear the smile in her voice. They had reached the 3^rd floor when he asked her which apartment number she was at.

"Oh, don't worry I can take it from here", her voice slightly hesitant.

"It's a heavy bag, I don't mind walking a few extra steps", he faced her, and that was when he had his first proper look at her face. Suddenly time seemed to stand still. A small breeze picked up in the vicinity and his air whooshed out of his lungs like a rug pulled under his feet. He was standing in front of a miniature goddess, his brain supplied. Her hair glistened in the sunlight making her radiant with ethereal beauty, her features soft and delicate, but what really got him were those huge brown orbs. Orbs that were wide with pleasant surprise and reflected the same astonishment that he felt.

A few seconds, days, years later, the goddess impersonator realised that there was a question to be answered. She reluctantly pulled her eyes away from his handsome visage and looked at the apartment number behind him.

"That's not necessary, we're here." She smiled.

Arnav, who was already struggling to be in the present before, did not stand a chance when she smiled. He vaguely understood that she had said something important but his brain was having a hard time trying to work it out under these conditions.

Not necessary? Here? Oh! Her apartment. Right, he mentally facepalmed himself. His inner conscience was waving desperately in his face, asking him to get a grip before he made an embarrassment of himself.

Deep breath, in, and out.

"Thank you for your help. That was really kind of you", said the glowing goddess.

"Not at all, my pleasure", breathed Arnav. He waved his hand in the direction of the corridor.

"Next time you may want to try the lifts instead."

Her face dropped.

"KYA??? Lifts? We have lifts???"

"Yeah, they come from the main entrance. Can't miss them."

"You mean this isn't the main entrance? Uffo! Buaji is right. I am a real Sanka Devi'", she spoke in exasperation, thinking of the strain she could have spared her muscles.

"Well, it is the closest entrance to your apartment though", Arnav added helpfully, amused by her exclamations more and more by the minute.

She shook her head self-deprecatingly. "It's my first time coming here. I saw this entrance from the bus stop and thought it must be the main entrance. And if carrying my stuff up the stairs wasn't bad enough, I made you carry it too!" she scoffed at herself. "Sorry for all the trouble!"

"Please. Not at all. It was no trouble at all. And if I recall correctly, I offered help. You didn't ask me." He smiled at her. So she's not only gorgeous but funny and down-to-earth too, his inner conscience quipped, making waggling eyebrows at an already-struggling Arnav. Shut up, was Arnav's terse reply.

"Well, thank you once again. My name is Khushi, nice to meet you." She stretched her hand towards him.

"Hi Khushi, I am Ar-"

"ARNIIIEEE! See I told you I wouldn't take more than 3 minutes!" came NK's bellow from above, accompanied with hurried steps down the stairs. As he tumbled forth, NK walked straight into Arnav causing him to lose his balance for a while. Acting on instinct (and self-perservation), Arnav quickly grabbed NK's shoulders and held him close, managing to keep the two of them in balance.

He stared in disbelief at his idiotic cousin. Can't he walk down the stairs like any other human being? He growled. NK on the other hand, seemed oblivious to the interruption he had caused and looked at Arnav with immense relief on his face.

"Whew! That was a close one!" He wrapped his arm and patted Arnav's shoulder good naturedly. "Arnie, my man!".

The two men had not realised the effect this had on their silent witness to the scene who had watched all of it with quiet bemusement. NK soon realised they weren't alone, noticed the beautiful woman in front of him and jumped straight into an introduction.

"Hi, I'm Nandkishore, but you can call me NK." He chirped, shaking her outstretched hand.

"I'm Khushi, nice to meet you too." Khushi beamed, liking NK's friendly persona immediately.

Well, Arnav didn't.

"Khushi is going to be our new neighbour NK. She's moving in today." He interjected, not pleased at the turn of the events.

"Oh really? That's wonderful. We almost never get new neighbours around here. I just moved here myself. I'm living with Arnav upstairs." NK said.

"I see".

"Well we have to get a move on now. We're running late. NK?" Arnav glared at his cousin, hoping he would get the hint.

NK got it alright. "Khushi, it has been a pleasure. I'll see you around, perhaps?"

"Of course NK, I'll see you around", smiling at NK's retreating back as he made his way down the stairs.

"Khushi".

Khushi started, realising that the handsome stranger was still there.

"If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask us. We're neighbours now, alright?"

"Thank you, likewise as well. Thanks for all the help today", she gestured towards her overstuffed turquoise bag.

"Don't mention it. I'll see you around." He offered her a rare smile, and made to leave.

Just as he was about to descend down the stairs, he turned back.

"Oh Khushi? It's Arnav by the way. Arnav Singh Raizada."

----

SOOO! How do you guys like it? First SS, and second go at writing a fanfic on IF. Let me know if it's a concept you'd like reading more about. I'm not gonna give too much away in terms of the plot now, it's better to keep you guessing, though I'm sure most of you know what's gonna happen next!

Let me hear your thoughts!

- Li

PS: Chapter 2 is below.

PS: If you would like to receive PMs, please 'buddy' me and like the first post (https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3495147&PID=78670731&#78670731) on this thread (right on the tippy-top!). I'll just PM whoever is on that post. It makes it easier for me to keep track. Otherwise, I'm happy for you to stalk :)

PSS: I don't actually have some of you on my buddy list. So if you would like me to send you PMs, please make sure to buddy me as well as like the first post (link provided above). Makes sending PMs much easier for me.

Chapter 2: Where have all the good men gone?

"If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask us. We're neighbours now, alright?"

"Thank you, likewise as well. Thanks for all the help today", she gestured towards her overstuffed turquoise bag.

"Don't mention it. I'll see you around." He offered her a rare smile, and made to leave.

Just as he was about to descend down the stairs, he turned back.

"Oh Khushi? It's Arnav by the way. Arnav Singh Raizada."

~*~

"Arnav Singh Raizada, India's youngest entrepreneur has made it to the top headlines. In less than 3 years of establishing his textile firm, AR Corporations, Mr. Raizada has managed to secure the support and involvement of India's 3 largest players in the textile industry; Raj Mettal Inc, Indian Sea Trades and Co., and last but not the least word has it he's recently gotten Saxena Threads Pte Ltd on board on the deal. A representative of the company has informed the media that a press conference will be held in less than half an hour's time. We've invited a couple of market analysts and insiders of the fashion industry on their take on how this unprecedented move will affect the markets. Stay tuned as we bring the details to you live, shortly."

Khushi stopped munching on her channa a long while ago. As the advertisements rolled out, she glanced at the neglected notepad and pen on her lap giving it up as a bad job.

Lavanya Shah, daughter of real estate magnate Ravin Shah, was a budding interior designer and currently enrolled in the illustrious Delhi Arts Academy*. She was also Khushi's dear friend. The two of them were classmates back in high school before Lavanya moved to Delhi and have been in constant contact ever since. When Khushi told her she was moving to Delhi, Lavanya had insisted, no, demanded that they live together. However, Khushi only agreed so long as they agreed to share the rent and expenses. Lavanya had taken their decision to heart, seeing the whole move-in as a symbolism of independence. And so, she decided to pay rent from her savings, much to Uncle Ravin's displeasure.

"What did Uncle say? Did he agree?" asked Khushi, a month ago.

"He said the money was for me to spend, and that I shouldn't be paying to stay on his property. I told him that was precisely what I was doing. I have chosen to spend my allowance on making myself more responsible and independent, and that I'd be happy for it. Papa couldn't argue with me after that." Lavanya divulged over the phone.

"That's great Lavanya. You're really something. We should discuss getting an additional housemate soon though'"

"Don't worry Chamkili! We have plenty of time. I'll be arriving 2 weeks after you do. My lease at the hostel is ending soon and I'll be over to help you out. We can start discussing it as and when before then."

Hence the notepad and pen. For an inspiring PR, you really suck don't you? Khushi chided herself as she stared at the blank page contemplatively. How do I advertise for a housemate? What to write? What to write???

And that was when the news was broadcasted, and her attention was shot to hell.

"We've just been told that Arnav Singh Raizada is going to give his statement in a few minutes. Let's bring you live to the press room, where you can see media outlets from every state, some international coverage here as well. Undoubtedly with an interest on how this venture is going to affect consumers and investors overseas I'm certain. Karan, what do you think?"

The other news anchor chipped in. "Too right you are Priya, and I think they are about to start. Here we have AR's acting managing director and public relation's officer Aman Malhotra taking centre stage. We can see Mr. Raizada and his COO, Nandkishore Sinha on the side stage awaiting introductions. The announcement is about to start."

Khushi's handphone sprang into life. She quickly tore her eyes off the screen and answered her phone.

"Hello?"

"Khushi! It's Lavs, how are you settling in? Did you get the keys off Bhaiya alright?"

"Hey Lavs, all is well. I met Shyam bhaiya later on today. He left the keys in the mailbox for me this morning so I got in alright."

"I see, so he made sure you were alright?"

"Yes Lavanya, he showed me where the fuse box was, the gym and bins were kept. He was very helpful."

"Good! Don't worry about rent in the meantime. We'll sort all of those out when I arrive."

"Okay. By the way, did you do the interior designing for this place? It looks very cozy!"

Lavanya's huff of frustration could be heard on the phone. "No. Bhaiya had contracted another interior designing company to do the designing. Those apartments haven't been redesigned for more than 2 years now. When I come, I'm going to give our place a makeover!"

"Oh Lavs, it's not that bad'" someone could be heard calling Lavanya over the phone. "You busy?"

"Wait yaar! Oh no Khushi, it's nothing. I need to be off soon to finish off my group project. Actually I should go now. They are calling me. Talk to you tomorrow?"

"Okay, will do. Don't stress yourself too much yaar? It's just a group project. You'll do great."

"Hope so. It's my last year. I want to make it count."

"You will'"

"Okay, okay Sheetal I'm coming yaar! Ok Khushi I have to go now. Bye!"

"Alright! Bye!" and she hung up.

Staring at the phone, she wondered absently whether there was something she was forgetting to do when her stomach grumbled. Jumping off the couch, she made her way to the fridge to make herself a simple sandwhich.

I have to thank Shyam bhaiya soon. If he hadn't come along with some basic groceries, I wonder how I would have managed. Khushi knew how absent-minded she could be. She was so busy unpacking when she realised she didn't have anything to eat. Shyam came over just then, with a bag of food, knowing how hectic her move-in would be and took it as his responsibility to see that she was as comfortable as possible.

Such lovely siblings, the two of them, Khushi thought, blessed to have such good friends in her life. Knowing the ads will soon be over and the telecast will continue, she hastily put her sandwich together and sat in front of the television screen.

~*~

The roads were quiet and deserted on their drive back. NK was finishing up a call on the phone.

"So when will you arrive back to India? A month later? Surely the old geezer isn't senile at the moment? Why is he being so difficult? Well he's just being pedantic isn't he? If you need those details, I'll have Aman send them over to you. Yes, he's been doing a great job so far filling in for you during your absence. The conference went off without a hitch."

Arnav's mouth curved into a small smile as the call ended. What a milestone they've achieved today. He ran his business with an iron fist, but he knew the reason they had done so well was due to the fact he had reliable, hard-working men on his team.

"How's Akash doing in London?" he asked.

"Old Benson has been giving him grief. He's going through the contract with a fine tooth comb when he has no need to. He's been doing business with us for the past year, he knows who we are. It's been giving Akash a headache."

Arnav chuckled. "Mr. Benson is a sharp, wily businessman. He wouldn't be running a successful fashion line if it weren't for his business acumen."

NK smirked in reply. "You can tell that to Akash."

They pulled into the car park, hulling their battle-worn bodies out of Arnav's white SUV. Giving each other a tired glance, they chuckled.

"You did it Arnie boy! You did it!" NK enveloped Arnav in a bone-crushing hug and several affectionate claps on his back. He knew how important this development was to Arnav. For a man whose life was his work, who'd painstakingly put his whole energy into growing his company, this moment had no doubt been historic for him.

Arnav ignored NK's predilection for weird nicknames and accepted the gesture at face value. As annoying as he found his cousin at times, NK had been there from the beginning since AR's inception. Both Akash, NK, and later on Aman had known the obstacles he had to hurdle through, and the loops he had to leap to get to where he was today. They never mocked at his single-minded tenacity to live, breathe business over the past 6 years they had been working for him. Instead, they had supported and worked alongside him; something he deeply appreciated.

"Thanks", he said simply with a return clap on NK's back. "Celebratory dinner on me when Akash is back."

"Will we be holding a function for the celebration with the other 3 companies too?"

"I'll get Aman on it. We should hold it in a month's time to give our collaborators ample of time to sort out their obligations". They both made their way into the building, unaware of the pair of eyes that had been watching them all this while.

~*~

"Haan Amma, I'm alright." She paused. "Hello? Amma?"

Khushi made her way to the balcony to see if she could receive better reception. Her Amma and Babuji had stayed back in Lucknow to continue their Halwai business. They had wanted Khushi to stay with her Buaji but since this apartment was closer to her university, they had agreed to let her live with Lavanya.

After getting the details of Buaji's address off her mother with a promise to visit her as soon as she was sorted out, she ended the call. She was about to leave when she noticed a white SUV enter the premises. When she saw Arnav and NK climb out, she smiled to herself.

Arnav and NK, my new, friendly neighbours, she thought merrily, recalling the events earlier that morning. Successful and ambitious too, she added as an afterthought, remembering what she saw on TV. Not wanting to be a nosy parker, she turned to glance away when she caught Arnav and NK in a tight embrace. Khushi felt bad witnessing what was clearly an intimate moment as the hug prolonged. Thank goodness I can't hear anything otherwise I'd be labelled as an eavesdropper too! She admonished herself, and turned away as the men decided to walk in.

Khushi didn't know what to think. She was sure they shared a moment when she was staring into that handsome stranger's eyes.

Arnav! Her brain interrupted. His name is Arnav Singh Raizada! And then proceeded to laugh itself silly at the James Bond comparison. Khushi ignored it and continued to reflect. Was it just her overactive imagination? Was it just her who detected the beginnings of attraction?

To be honest, she hadn't really given the encounter much thought. She had been so busy throughout the day that the only time she remembered the incident was when she turned on the telly and the news came on. The authoritative way he announced his name to her left no room for doubt that he was the same person they were featuring on the news.

Unsure if it was a good idea to know more about her neighbours from the news, Khushi opted to distract herself by writing her own advert for the apartment. Not that it went very far.

Look Khushi, don't worry. You are doing nothing wrong. People watch the news all the time. Just congratulate them when you see them, she assured herself then as the telecast was on. Now after the scene at the car park, she wondered how she could have worried over the ethics before then.

Beginnings of attraction? What attraction? Did you not notice how close they are to each other? Her brain-self stared owlishly over its oversized glasses, waiting for her to cotton on. What do you mean? She implored, failing to make the connection. Her conscience gave a rude cough and looked at her with pity. Honey, the cute fall and catch hug in the morning and the private moment in the car park...do I have to spell it out for you? Her consciousness sighed.

Khushi's eyes rounded and her jaw dropped as she made the inference. How could she have missed it before? She had been so taken away with those hazel eyes that she missed the signs. Feeling silly, she shook her head at herself. Of course, with Arnav so good-looking, it was natural to think there was more, she reasoned. That was a perfectly normal reaction for a 20 year old woman. Now that she knew better, she would have to deal with the situation sensitively. Living in such a conservative society, he wouldn't want anyone to know. She wouldn't have known better if she hadn't been 'spying' on them in the car park, she chided herself. And now that she knew, she couldn't betray that knowledge. If they wanted to keep it a secret, she wouldn't let them down.

Little did she know, just a few floors above her, the very same man she was thinking about was pondering on what a pair of beautiful eyes could do for a face.

*fictional institution

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A/N: Long chapter! Hoped you guys liked it! Scene pics below.

PS: If you would like to receive PMs, please 'buddy' me and like the first post (https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3495147&PID=78670731&#78670731) on this thread (right on the tippy-top!). I'll just PM whoever is on that post. It makes it easier for me to keep track. Otherwise, I'm happy for you to stalk :)

PSS: I don't actually have some of you on my buddy list. So if you would like me to send you PMs, please make sure to buddy me as well as like the first post (link provided above). Makes sending PMs much easier for me.