IIT meets DU - Removed * Note on Page 105 * - Page 37

" Chocolate or vanilla ? "

" Dracula "

" Ok Dracula..." Aman started scrolling through the listed flavours.

" Wait , Dracula isn't a flavour "

" Genius ! "

" Arnav quit being funny and HELP ME " Aman said in an exasperated tone. Maintaining a girlfriend is tough, very tough.

" Last I checked my girlfriend's name was Reese not Michelle " Arnav answered in an equally exasperated tone. First Aman arm twists him to volunteer helping him in Michelle's surprise birthday party, then he drags him to the blasted bakery to place an order for the cake and now asks to choose the flavour. What a wonderful day !

" Still what do girl's prefer ? They are all the same. Any clues ? " he was genuinely confused.

" Where are we going ? " Khushi's shrill voice rang through his ears covered by the helmet as they drove through the relatively deserted Delhi roads on a Sunday morning.

Arnav being the obtuse creature that he was refused to reply to her question for the tenth time. He had asked her to meet him outside the hostel at 6:00 in the morning. All through the 40 minutes ride she had prodded him but in vain.

Before the heat raises temperature and tempers the city offers Zen like serenity to the early - bird commuters. She gave up on him and instead concentrated on the view offered by the bike ride. These bikes rides had become a common place in their relationship.

The rickshaw-wallahs and auto -wallahs were gearing up for the day , some cleaning their vehicles with a greased cloth while others prayed to the small idol or photos for a prosperous earning through the day. Tea stalls were being setup as little boys rushed through taking orders from the stall owners . Cows sat idly on the divider between the roads , chewing the little grass that grew on the poorly maintained dividers, just in front of a high street fashion store which still had its shutters down. The city was gearing up to welcome yet another day.

" Careful Arnav !" she shrieked as he brought the bike to an abrupt halt which yanked her flush towards him. He turned back and smiled cheekily in response. They got off the bike and Arnav ordered parantha's from the roadside stall for both of them.

" We came here to eat parantha's ? " she asked incredulously as they were handed two plates of buttered paranthas and pickle by a little boy.

Arnav rolled his eyes " Ofcourse not. I thought you should have something before we go for the heritage walk, as it is you have missed the breakfast " he shrugged.

" Heritage walk ? Where ? " she asked amused and surprised.

" Mehrauli Archaeological park . You like it ? " he asked.

" I love it, you know I wanted to go so badly. But I don't have a camera, you should have told me earlier " she complained tearing a long bite from the hot piping parantha.

Khushi had expressed the desire to go on a heritage walk which were very common among the intellectual elite's of Delhi University. She had even planned to go there once but was stalled at the last moment and had mentioned this to him on one of their meetings earlier. Though she was not a history student but nevertheless wanted to see as much as the city had to offer.

" Tada. Magic !!" he waved his hands, producing a digital camera for her from his pocket. Khushi's happiness grew no bounds and had it not been for the parantha plate in her hand and their sitting position she would have definitely kissed the hell out of him.

" Thank you Arnav, thank you so much" she squealed with joy.

They finished their breakfast quickly and whizzed towards the meeting point for the walk.

" This is Balban's tomb. Ghiyas ud din Balban was a Turkic ruler of the Delhi Sultanate of the Slave Dynasty. It is the first example of use of true arch and dome in Indian subcontinent " the young tour guide started the tour enthusiastically , pointing to a gateway topped with a canonical roof. The group had around 20 other morning birds who had the courage to wake up early Sunday morning and the enthusiasm to reach there on time.He had caught the wistful tone in her voice when she had mentioned her missed chance for the damned walk. So, here he was , walking with her and 20 other fanatics , spoiling his Sunday morning to fulfill her wish.

Khushi zoomed the digital camera to take a close shot of plaster work with calligraphy on the wall. " You can easily find an even better photo on the internet " he suggested breaking her concentration.

" That's not the point. We can find even better photos and historical information on the internet but the feeling when we see it with our own eyes and take our own snaps is just out of the world " she answered looking at him expectantly but gave up seeing the ' Have you lost it ? ' expression.

The tour travelled through Jamali Kamali tomb , Meltcafe's canopy, Tomb of Quli Khan and Rajon ki Baoli for the next three hours . " This is Rajon ki Baoli . As you can see it is a three storey stepwell . It was built by Daulat Khan during the reign of Sikander Lodhi "

" Why the name - Rajon ki Baoli ? " Khushi interrupted drawing the attention of the whole group.

" Baoli means step well and Raj means mason. It is named so because it was used by masons to draw water " the guide answered her query and concluded the tour as some people went down the steps of the well while other's took snaps from various angles.

" You didn't like it , right ? " she asked grinning ear to ear. Khushi had gained a lot in terms of knowledge and some fantastic pictures in the camera. And Arnav had lost a few calories due to the long marathon.

" Dislike is not the right word , I downright hated it " he scowled but couldn't help smiling seeing her enthusiasm.

They strode leisurely with their hands entwined and swinging in rhythm. It was almost 11:00 and the sun was shining in all its glory. The city which was yawning and stretching to get out of its sleep earlier, was now fully awake, fit and fighting.

" I am hungry lets have something " she dragged him to the nearby small bakery shop.

" I will have chocolate pastery , you my genie ? "

" Chocolate is the safe option ". How different can friends be !

While Aman was busy deciding the design Arnav slipped away from his side and wandered into the other shops in the mall. 2 weeks had passed since their meeting outside GVF Building - the run in the rain , walking on Aman and Michelle making out and the coffee. Though he had cleverly deduced that Khushi was the heiress of Xenflox Media Networks but had not tried to contact her or anything else. Impulsive he might be but he was not insensitive, atleast not towards her. She was still affected by him , it was damn obvious. He didn't love her but didn't wish to hurt her either. Period.

" Oh Shut up ! I hate brooding love " Devi Maiyya scowled, wiping the mayonnaise from the corner of her mouth. These burgers were so damn tasty.

" Sir , please fill this form. You stand to win a gift hamper from the lucky draw " an overenthusiastic saleswoman thrust a blue form and a pen in his hand.

He mechanically filled the form and handed back the form to her. Ofcourse nothing came out of these stupid forms. After 30 minutes of senseless wandering through the mall he came back to the bakery and found Aman making the advance payment.

" Done ? " he glared. He need not be a businessman to give that famous ASR look. It was genetically encoded in his system.

" Yes. Just have to make one call "

***************

" Yes Aman I am on my way. I will be there in 30 minutes... I have called Tracey... and Mike too. Relax , it will be fine. You just take her out for the movie, I will manage the rest...Ofcourse Michelle will love it... Bye " Khushi walked towards the parking with her phone sandwiched between her ear and shoulder and her hands filled with files and laptop bag.

Today was Michelle's birthday and she had collaborated with Aman to plan her surprise birthday party which was more of a dinner than a full fledged party , at Aman's apartment. Though she was not fond of his one particular friend but decided to ignore him for Michelle's sake. She owed her this. Had it not been Michelle, Garima and she would have faced hell lot of trouble in New York. She had not faced him till now but it was just postponing the inevitable - he would be there, after all he shared the apartment with Aman.

Jerry took the files from her hand and opened the car door for her. She smiled thankfully at him and was about to get seated when a raspy voice stalled her.

" Ms Gupta "

My good luck !

She turned around , putting on the fakest smile ever possible.

" Mr Raizada " she acknowledged.

Aarav's eyes flared momentarily in surprise which was quickly replaced by the ever - so - practised clinical impassive expression. This about turn was due to the guidance lecture by Shashi, to reign in her temper.

" Beta you have to learn to manipulate. Your face and actions are a dead giveaway. It doesn't work like this here. Keep your cards close to your heart." he had advised. And Khushi knew that he was right.

" I wanted to discuss about the official press conference about the joint venture next week. I am afraid it has to be postponed "

" May I know the reason ? "

" I will tell you everything in detail. It will be in the benefit of both the companies if we delay the official announcement. We should discuss it tomorrow afternoon " he asked , thrusting his hands in his pockets.

" I will check my schedule and inform you accordingly. Though I must say it is entirely unprofessional to discuss matters of such grave importance by stalling me in the parking lot. I have to take your leave for now " she answered and got into the car without listening to his reply.

Aarav's face contorted into an amused arrogant smile as he strode towards his SUV.

There was a limit till which she could tolerate him. His tone was almost ordering , as if he owned the ground he walked on. More than his arrogance his face had begun to affect him. It was like a clock - larm of Arnav.

She leaned back on the headrest. If she had to once more do this Ms Gupta - Mr Raizada nonsense, she will definitely end up killing either him or herself. For the last three days Aarav had daily visited Xenflox Media Networks on the pretext of one thing or the other. He was taking way too much interest in the deal which was worrying her to no extent. Is he planning to plant another mole or there is something else up his sleeve ? The information about the joint venture was still under wraps and an official press conference was scheduled for the next week , but he suddenly wanted to postpone it. Strange !

Whatever ! Xenflox won't go bankrupt if she forgot everything and enjoyed herself for one evening. And that is what she was going to do.

Damn the twin brothers !

Damn the joint venture !

And damn the whole world !

**************

Arnav was arranging the dinner plates when the door bell rang. He kept back the dinner plate carefully on the table lest the dainty thing broke. He knew who was there without opening the door. After all he was expecting her any moment.

The plan was simple - Aman would distract Mish by taking her out for a movie followed by a surprise dinner party at his apartment. Khushi and Arnav were to arrange everything. Though Reese was also supposed to help them but had cancelled it , two days before as she was away visiting her ailing grandfather in California. This news had been a breather for Arnav who didn't want his rubric's cube to meet his new discovery so soon. Give a man a break !

" Hi "

" Hi " Khushi stood outside the door with cake package in her hand , a small handbag slung on her shoulders with a small smile playing on her lips. Her little black dress completely contrasted the small diamond studs in her ears.

So warm and beautiful, not distant and cold she stared in his gray orbs. She couldn't help comparing the two brother's. So similar , yet so different. Everything about Arnav was warm , friendly and approachable whereas Aarav was just the opposite - cold , distant and indecipherable.

" Come back honey , mother earth beckons " he clicked his fingers, bringing back the lost in thoughts damsel back to the real world. She ignored his jibe and entered the apartment leaving him to close the door.

Just for Mish , it is just for her.

Good going till now. Act indifferent and it will be all fine.

" I will take care about the sofa's , you can handle the dinner arrangements" he offered.

The next hour was spent with Arnav shifting the furniture to make space for the temporary dance floor while Khushi handled the arrangements for the kitchen. In the meanwhile the guests started pouring in and the apartment was slowly filling up. She was familiar with only a few of them as the majority of them were Michelle's colleagues from office. On the other hand Arnav slipped into an easy conversation with most.

" So Miss heiress, how many companies have you taken over, how many mergers and acquisitions have you helmed ? " he startled Khushi who checking the speakers. Though he had earlier decided to forget the little fact but couldn't control prodding now. How he loved riling her up purposely just to listen to her sharp retort.

" Xenflox subdued Raizada Corporations and it has gone bankrupt. Don't you keep yourself updated, it is all over the news " she answered deadpan.

" You wish " he chuckled " Arjun Singh Raizada and his dearest son are too wicked to be trapped "

" Your animosity towards your own blood surprises me "

" Me too. You want a drink ? " he offered a glass of orange juice. " Rest assured , it is not spiked " he added. Khushi rolled her eyes and shook her head. He was really impossible.

" You sauntered wearing Audemars Piguet and driving an Audi A8 and then claim to be a trainee. The next time you mistake me for an idiot, remember I got an AIR 212 in IIT entrance " he declared taking a large sip of his drink.

" Pompous ass "

" Birdbrain "

" Blame the arrogance inherited in the DNA darling , now can he fight his genes ? " Devi mused while increasing the speed of the treadmill. She really needed to lose weight. Damn the burgers !!

Arnav's phone rang and he went away to answer it and Khushi meanwhile interacted with other guests. She was really enjoying the evening. Things had gone smoothly. She welcomed the lazy and carefree evening and most importantly the awkwardness she was expecting was not present. Infact it was very normal, as if they nothing had ever happened. She couldn't be more happy.

Arnav had disappeared for quite some time which surprised her a little. Her phone chimed indicating a new text message. Aman had messaged saying that he and Mish were coming back to the apartment. She smiled and hopped to the kitchen where Arnav was standing with his back facing her.

" I think we should take out the cake " she chirped , entering the kitchen.

" We can wait, there are still 30 minutes for Michelle to come " he turned back to face her. Shit ! What she saw in his eyes bewildered her - they were fathomless gray pools. It was anguish , frustration , concern or anger...she couldn't decide . His hands were clenched tight and his whole stance was stiff like a stone. For the first time in 10 months of their acquaintance, she was intimidated.

" I will go and check the arrangements outside " she turned, only to be held back by him. She tried to twist her wrist and free herself but to no avail, his grip was too strong for her.

" Leave my hand " she tried to sound stern. In one smooth movement he twisted her wrist so that she was flush against him and her hand was held behind her back.

" When were you going to tell me about Aarav ? "

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