The Photographer # 2: New thread Link Pg 142 - Page 30

Will be updating soon. Hopefully by tonight but if not then definitely tomorrow.

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Chapter 13:What connects us goes beyond what is

Khushi set down her Nikon on the side table and leaned back against the chair. She reminded herself over and over that what would occur from this moment on would likely be for the best. It was wrong of her to control the strings of the past and aim to build hope over something that might not even be there. Of course, she wanted to find her mother but it was not necessarily right on her part to expect that her mother may want to meet her also. Therefore, Khushi decided right then that if it came down to that, she would happily walk away and forget everything. There would be no regrets.

Picking up her cell phone, Khushi scrolled through the messages looking at the address once again. She wanted to go and find out the truth right away but it was not possible. She needed to be rational. There was no way she could not let Arnav down. Personal differences aside, she was elated to be working for AR Designs.

The door flew open and the last person she expected to see walked in. Coincidentally, she had been thinking about him also. He gave her an easy flowing smile that turned everything inside of her to a slick pool of puddle. His brows rose in an inquisitive manner as if amused to see her. However his countenance told her otherwise.

'' So, you are stalking me now?'' Khushi asked with a satirical smile.

Walking inside the small cabin, Arnav closed the door. He strode over towards his desk and set down the file he held in his hand. '' You make it sound so diabolical. Besides,if you managed to read the name on the door it clearly says '' Arnav Singh Raizada''.

'' Lavanya said I could rest in here for a while. They are still setting up things outside.'' Khushi explained a little embarrassed. Her big mouth always got her into trouble with the wrong person. '' I will leave.'' She got up from the chair but found herself being obstructed by a tenacious Arnav.

'' You can stay here. But...''

''But, what ?'' Khushi questioned arching her neck to look at Arnav. He looked utterly too content with himself. She desperately wanted to wipe off that irksome smirk. It also served as a reminder to Khushi that she had not yet been acquainted with the disconcerted side of him as of yet. She wished she knew what ticked him. The playing field had to be leveled in some way.

'' You have to tell me what is bothering you?''

'' Nothing is bothering me.'' Khushi said with a noncommittal shrug. It was her best effort to appear candid in spite of what she felt within.

She was lying. He knew it even before she spoke. The lack of emotions in her voice told him she was trying her best to be aloof. She tried to appear unpretentious but her eyes protested and shone brightly with hostility.

'' The stand you are taking is hopeless because I will not step back until you tell me the truth?''

Khushi yielded and sat down on the chair again. '' You want the truth. You are bothering me. There I said it. You with your high morale and snobbish glances. I just need some space.''

Arnav took what she gave him. Even though he was cognizant that she was using him as a pretext to alter the conversation at hand. He seized the opportunity she presented him with, since he was a man who knew how to use his resources astutely. '' Last night you were very sure of everything. What was it that you said, you can't be the one to lose?''

'' I still am. Whatever you started, it cannot work. You should stop wasting your time.''

'' I have a bit to spare. I don't know why you are under the impression, I am asking you to enter into a relationship with me. I have given it some thought but I haven't asked you as of yet. All I did was kiss you.'' Arnav said with a hint of pride.

'' Exactly you need to stop kissing me. And you are forgetting an important part of that relationship is me! I don't want to be in a relationship. '' Khushi said exaggerating on the latter. '' You are sending all these mixed signals and I am very sure I don't want to get tangled up.''

'' I am afraid you already are. And, what exactly is your problem? I didn't exactly see you pushing me away when I did kiss you.''

'' I was just taken by surprise!'' She said trying to defend her stance but it was a pathetic attempt.

Khushi shook her head and hoisted up from the chair. She refused to accept his words. It helped that she was a firm believer in that rules were created to be followed. Her decision to stay away from a man like Arnav was a rule she hoped to abide by rigorously. But, damn him. Why did he have to be right every time? He always seemed like he had it all figured out. Like a man with a plan. She was a colossal mess in comparison to him.

'' I have to go. I am going to be late. '' Khushi said immediately stepping astride him. Before she could reach the door, she found herself being dragged back by a superior force. She collided against his firm chest barely missing her footing. He pinned her against the wall placing his arms at both sides ensnaring her. He found that minuscule show of nerves very gratifying. Like a stroke to his ego.

''We still have some time. You are not leaving before we figure out what exactly is between us! '' His tone was mild and entirely too firm. Khushi preferred his passive nature, she wasn't prepared for the certainty in his eyes.

Khushi drew in a deep breath and decided to give him an answer. '' Rivalry. Staunch Egos. Vanity. These are a few to begin with. ''

Impervious to the cynicism, Arnav refused to let her words enrage him. Instead he grinned with a hidden agenda. '' Do you think you are what I want? You are anything but. Yet, I find myself drawn to you. You have to understand someone of my nature rarely lets his feelings take a lead. If I've made up my mind about something, it is impossible to change my opinion. I don't succumb to the pressures of the wind, I might wear out but that's in our nature. I don't know what it is about you. Now that I know what it's like to be with you...you are impossible to shake off. I don't know if it's that sharp mouth of yours but I can't let go. And, I want to that too very desperately ''

She didn't know whether he aimed to be spiteful or he was just being very straightforward. Either way, Khushi felt the low burn of desire in her belly as he with subsequently gave words to the depths of his heart. It seemed strangely odd that a person as closed off as Arnav could hold onto such strong feelings. She wanted to lean in and soothe away his anguish. Comfort him from what caused him misery. Ironically, it was she who was the cause of all of his problems. Maybe that was the key to all her answer. Sympathy dissipated and was replaced by obstinacy.

'' You know what your problem is? You just need someone to fool around with. Arnav Singh Raizada is bored so why not whet your appetite with whatever is available. ''

'' Be careful...Khushi.'' He muttered very quietly. If Arnav Singh Raizada hardly got angry it did not mean there wasn't a streak of maddening fury hidden behind that exquisite exterior because there was. Khushi finally saw a glimpse of it and it destabilized her. She nearly retreated watching those pools of brown darken with such ferocity that she recalled his words from their meet and greet at the airport. He would never kneel before anyone. It had been like a warning telling her to steer clear of his way. But, she had all but forced herself into his life.

'' I am only saying the truth. I am sure your luck ran dry with that model and you came back to see if I was still willing. I am sorry I am not interested. ''

Frustration took over and rationality lost to the overwhelming need to break something. The rage he wasn't aware a woman was capable of stirring racked his entire body. His hand wound around her neck and he leaned in diminishing the distance between them. '' I guess you are saying the truth.'' His grip strained around her throat while the other hand lost itself in her long tresses. '' Why don't we have another test run right now?''

''This is not a game Arnav'' Khushi tried to push him away but it was hopeless. She did however turn her face away to avoid meeting his lips. If they kissed, she would not be able to stop herself. '' Let me go.''

'' Hasn't anyone ever told you if you're going to rouse a lion that don't be afraid when it strikes back.''

'' You can't do this...'' Khushi said incoherently when she felt his thumb swipe across her lower lip. Her knees turned to water and she felt herself flinch at his touch. Why was it that her mind and heart seemed to be at opposite ends when it came to Arnav.'' You don't want to do this Arnav.''

She was right, he could not do this to her. No matter how irrational he may have become he knew he couldn't hurt her. Arnav remembered her grief stricken face which would always lament him for even thinking about causing her any discomfort. Plus if he did kiss her now, he would only be proving her right. '' You are right I can't do this. Contrary to what you think, I don't use woman. If a woman wakes up beside me, it is because that is she wanted.'' He said releasing her. His eyes still dark and stormy as before. Without looking back at her, he turned around and strode out of the room closing the door behind with a great force.

Khushi exhaled a deep breath and held onto to the wall for support fearing her knees might give in. She didn't know whether to feel grateful or accursed. All she knew was she wanted that man still as badly as the first time she had set her eyes on him. He did not just top her list, he was the entire list.

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Arnav shouldn't have felt bad because it was entirely her fault. It was imperative to remember that Khushi was the one who made him angry by acting so obnoxiously. All he had wanted was a simple answer from her. After their talk from last night, he felt as if things had been left tacit. But now he could be sure there was nothing left to be said. There was a part of him that was penitent because he did not keep a restraint on his emotions. However, the blind rage had managed to knock some sense into him. He was better off keeping himself away from her. But, god, he wanted her. Still.

Flipping through the pages of the organizer Lavanya had handed him, Arnav tried to distract himself. He concentrated on the content of the pages but it was a futile effort. He almost threw away the clipboard but stopped himself. It was a waste of time to repent, he decided irresolutely. Walking towards the workers that were setting up the stage, he inquired the whereabouts of Lavanya.

'' She went to check up on the models'', replied one of the workers.

Deciding against visiting Lavanya, Arnav headed towards the backstage. Deliberately he chose the stairs on the left since he was aware of Khushi still being present in the room on the right. He didn't want to cross paths with her. His anger had now wretchedly turned into an awful ache. It stunned him that his feelings could take such a turn so rapidly.

'' Arnav?''

'' Hi, Sania.'' Sania stood at the top of the stairs in an elegant form fitting black dress. She looked paler than before forcing Arnav to rush to her aid. He held off her arm before she could fall. '' Hey, what's wrong?'' His smile was replaced with a genuine concern when he saw her struggle to stand straight.

'' I am not feeling well. '' She admitted holding onto him. '' I thought it was a small migraine but I am not sure anymore. My head is spinning and I feel like I am floating.'' Her weight descended onto Arnav as her body buckled. When his hand brushed against her arm, he felt her skin and swore. She was burning high with a fever.

Sweeping her into his arms, he sighed ruefully. '' Well you are definitely not floating.''

'' Did you take any medicine?''

'' I did. I took some Panadol. Why?''

''How many? ''

''I think 2 or 3.''

'' Do you have a death wish? Those pills aren't drops of candy.'' He mumbled because she had already passed out. Women! As if he didn't have enough things to deal with already now his show-stopper was unconscious in his arms. What was he going to do now? To find a replacement at such a short notice was close to impossible. He turned towards her dressing room. Opening the door, he waddled through the streams of clothes that sat strewn across the marble floor. Pulling out his blackberry, he dialed Lavanya's number.

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'' Why don't you say something to him? I don't like him keeping that woman around our children. Tell your brother to keep her away from this house. Think of the society.''

''Sarita, what can I say? This house is as much of his as mines. Our father left this house for both of us. If we want to live in harmony we will have to accept his indulging ways. ''

''But our children. You don't understand the implication of this. Chote questions me when he sees his Chachu enter her room. The servants quarter. Does he have no shame? ''

''We are bound by relations. As long he is discreet, I cannot fault him.''

'' Do you know nanhi plays with her daughter. I often try to forbid her but children are children.''

'' What do you want me to do?''

'' I want you to tell him to take her away from this house. I will not have my children strained by his lifestyle.''

'' She is only his mistress. Let him do as he pleases Sarita. Children will forget. They are after all only children.''

'' Why don't you just admit you dreaming of coveting what belongs to your brother. To send her away would mean you would be farther from her.''

'' Preposterous. I don't reckon I've ever expressed a desire to be unfaithful to you.''

''Men are unfaithful. It just takes them some time to realize it. It would be foolish of me to trust you, you and your brother share the same blood.''

''We have children for god's sake!''

'' I agree we have two beautiful children. I don't ever want to have to tell them that their father could not belong to their mother only. That is why I am telling you to send her away. ''

'' You are being unreasonable. I will not sit here and accept your baseless accusations. And, I will neither tell my brother to send that woman away. He is free to do as he pleases. If or when I feel he is becoming a threat to the name that you and I carry, I will deal with him. However for now, this discussion is over.''

'' Hey, what's wrong?'' Aman asked joining Anjali back in the waiting area. There was still an hour left before they boarded the plane. But, he had been noticing the jitteriness in Anjali ever since he had surprised her with his plans to fly to Lucknow for the fashion show. She didn't seem as thrilled as he thought she would have been.

'' Nothing. Nothing is wrong.'' Anjali reassured. She turned around to face her husband with a half smile that did not entirely reach her eyes. Her otherwise quirky personality seemed dull at the moment.

'' I thought the first rule of a marriage was no secrets?'' He said keenly observing her. Her hands though lapped over each other were fidgety. Aman softly placed his hand upon hers trying to soothe out her agitation. '' Are you going to tell me what's wrong or will I have to wait until you're ready?''

'' I haven't been to Lucknow after my parents passed away. I think there is bound to be some raw nerves.''

'' I don't know I feel as if there is more to what you are telling me.''

'' I am just being too sentimental. My emotions are all over the place.''

Aman receded but he still was sure his dear wife was hiding something from him. He hoped to find out the truth either from her or by visiting the one place she expressed no desire to visit.

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Revelations? Secrets? There is much more to come :) 😳 Hope you like the update. As always I would love to know your thoughts on the chapter.

Note : Those who are waiting for the last part of ''anyone who had a heart'' I am sorry for the wait I will be posting it soon. Hopefully by the end of this coming week.

Take care
x s

hey... update soon pls..

M scared...arnavs chachu n who was that mistress in servant quarter...was dat khushis mother????
U r jus building up more curiousity...
Talkin abt khushi she really is kind of stuck to past...she needs closure but then wid anjali too goin to lknw...is truth being revealed ther only???i at least hope so...
And arnav really is crystal clear abt his willingness to hv reltnshp...but khushi eventhough is affected by him is nt ready for this...
They wil figure out sumthn...
And wid stopstopper nt being available...is khushi goin to replcae her???it wil b awesomme then...
I must tel aman is smart man...i kinda like him...he defntly wil play a part in finding truth,wont he???
A very awesome update..waiti for the revelations

wait it seems that they might just be interconnection to one another
hmm guess once the past is out we will know for sure
but till then we will have to speculate
so was their father having an affair or was it just their mother thinking
again guess we shall have to wait
so anji is pretty jittery going back to their home town
not that i can say i blame her
the memories of that past aint so pleasant
but the what was that with arhi
arnie i know that there is something that pulls the two of you together but dont do this
and luckily he didnt
they both do want each other but it aint that simple right
first of all there is them themselves
and then here is khushi quest to know her past
now isnt the time to get personal but they wont be able to keep away for too long either
wait did his show stopper overdose man thats bad news right
cheers for pm

wow.. both r equally stobborn and none is ready to back out... uff,, this case how will they have the happily ever after:-))