ARHI FF:MASTERCLASS THREAD 9: LINK TO NEW THREAD ON PG 161 - Page 84

Anjali swallowed nervously as she watched her Chote. His silence was unnerving. She knew how he saw the world - it was either black or white - grey did not exist. Having heard both sides of the story, what would the outcome be for her, wondered Anjali as she stared at her brother who was judge, jury and executioner all rolled into one.

After what felt like eternity, Arnav turned to Anjali. 'I think we need to call Aman back in Di.'

Anjali nodded nervously. Arnav watched his sister carefully. 'Would you like to call him in?' he suggested softly.

Anjali's stood up slowly and concentrated on placing one leg in front of the other; her legs felt like jelly and her stomach was completely knotted. She managed to get to the door and opened it. A long empty corridor greeted her.

Arnav watched his sister leave the room. Certain words played through his mind.

Arnav groaned as he dragged his hands through his hair and
suddenly he had an indescribable urge to speak to Khushi. He glanced at his watch. It was just after 11.50pm.


He knew without a shadow of doubt that she would still be awake and waiting for him as he hit speed dial one. She answered on the first ring. 'Hi,' he murmured softly. 'Arnav, are you ok? Is Aman-ji...ok?' he heard her ask almost breathlessly. Arnav smiled, 'We are both alive, no blood or loss of limbs,' he said knowing full well what Khushi was indirectly asking. He heard her sigh of relief, 'Di is here too. I asked her to come,' Arnav said quietly.


Khushi immediately sensed that Arnav needed a sounding board so she listened quietly as Arnav continued. 'I heard Aman's side and then I heard Di separately. I'm trying really hard to make sense of it all and weigh up the pros and cons but I don't know Khushi,' he admitted.


Khushi waited for Arnav to continue but he didn't. She smiled to herself. 'Arnav, when you think about us, do you think about pros and cons?' she asked. Arnav shook his head. With Khushi there were only pros and challenges which he knew they could overcome. Khushi smiled, Arnav's silence told her that the minute she asked that question, her husband had stopped being a CEO and had become a man in love with a woman.


She heard him sighing deeply and pictured him dragging his hand through his hair as he always did when he was frustrated. 'Arnav why did you call me?' she asked softly? Arnav frowned, his wife knew him too well, 'because I need help Khushi. I have no idea what to do,' he confessed. Khushi took a deep breath, 'I can't give you an answer Arnav. Only you can do that. All I will say is, when you think of you Di and her happiness, can you see Aman-ji being the man that give her what she needs? Is your gut reaction a yes or a no?' Arnav groaned, 'you're horrible Khushi,' he said as he heard laugh. The sound instantly lightened his mood. 'I know Arnav, but more importantly, in your heart you know the answer. I love you,' he heard her whisper, 'I love you too Mrs Raizada,' he said softly before hanging up.

Anjali slowly walked down the long passage not taking notice of the expensive art lining the walls. She turned and came to a small lounge space.

Aman was trying to concentrate on his emails on his I-pad. He knew there was no point but he had to keep busy to try and suppress the urge to go in there and stand by Anjali. He felt the little hairs on the back of his neck rise and he looked up to see the woman who owned his every waking and sleeping moment standing a few feet away. Aman stood up slowly and walked to where Anjali stood.

Her tear stained eyes pierced his heart like a million arrows. He hated tears in her eyes. She began shivering so hard she thought she'd fall down. Wordlessly Aman pulled her into his arms and she was enveloped by all that strength and his familiar scent of him. He felt the delicacy of her bones, the softness of her bare arms as they wound themselves around his neck. He felt the wetness of her tears against his neck and he pulled her even closer.

Anjali pulled back and she finally managed to wipe her blotchy face and laugh shakily. 'I'm a complete mess.' Aman brushed damp hair away from her eyes, 'You are beautiful.' Anjali laughed again, the sound even shakier. 'You cannot mean that Aman.' Aman pulled back and cupped her face, 'don't you know by now I never lie, unless you make me,' he teased as he tried to evoke a smile from her. It worked as Anjali tilted her head to look up at him and saw the truth shining in his eyes. 'How,' she whispered, 'did I ever deserve someone like you?' Tenderly Aman continued to wipe the damp strands of her hair away from her face and then tucked them behind her ears. 'I could ask the same question, you know.' She shook her head, still incredulous, and tenderly Aman kissed her eyelids, her nose, and then her mouth. 'Are you ok?' he whispered against her lips. Anjali pulled back and nodded hesitantly. 'Chote asked me to call you back in,' she whispered. Aman watched as her eyes scrunched shut, her breathing ragged, her whole body radiating tension. He slid his arms down and took her hand in his, 'Anjali, open your eyes, I'm right here with you. Let's go,' he said softly.

Aman and Anjali walked back to the room that Arnav was in and entered quietly. They remained standing, hand in hand, as they awaited the verdict.

Arnav was silent for a long time. Anjali studied his face, trying to figure out what he was thinking. But she didn't have a clue.

Arnav closed his eyes and inhaled and exhaled deeply before opening them. He walked to where Aman and Anjali stood. Standing face to face, the two men made formidable opponents who were both an equal combination of deadly brain and brawn.

Arnav looked Aman straight in the eye, 'You lied and kept the truth from me, bad idea and you knew it from the moment you started doing it,' he said in a low voice before turning to his sister, 'You made him lie and blackmailed him from telling me the truth.' Arnav saw both flinch but neither argued. Arnav turned back to Aman, 'You should have told me about Shyam the minute it happened. You should have also come clean and told me you were seeing Di. You and Di may be in relationship but don't forget where we stand in all this. If for nothing else, you should have been honest with me for our friendship and that's what cut when I heard this news.' 'As for you Di, I understand that you wanted to protect me but this was a very risky event to start that decision with. Second, Di you need to understand that trust is hard for both of us. If we break it, we could lose everything.' he said softly as Anjali nodded, 'thank you Chote,' she said. Arnav shook his head, 'don't thank me - thank Khushi. It's because of her that I've been able to even listen to you guys. Had Khushi not been in my life, I promise you that you would have seen a very different side of me - and there wouldn't have been any sympathy for any excuses, and perhaps no acceptance of your relationship either,' he said bluntly.

Arnav turned back to Aman and took a deep breath, 'having said that, I owe you my thanks. For protecting my sister to the best of your ability despite the circumstances she put you in. And Di is probably right; I would have killed Jha the minute he came in front of me. Ignoring the circumstances for a moment, whichever way I cut this up, you've proven your love and loyalty to Di. If there is anyone I would trust my sister to - it's you.' Arnav said. Aman finally let go of the breath he was holding as a silent look of understanding mutual acknowledgement passed between the two men. Arnav took a deep breath and held out his hand, 'welcome to the family. Officially.' he said with soft smile as Aman shook his outstretched hand.

There was no measure to quantify Anjali's happiness as she launched herself as Arnav. 'Thank you,' she whispered sincerely. No other words were adequate to express her feelings.

Arnav pulled back and glanced at his watch. 'We've all had a long day and Khushi is home alone, so I think it's time to head home,' he said as he picked his jacket. Aman nodded, 'I'll see you at AR tomorrow. Arnav nodded, 'tomorrow yes, after that AR is your hands for 2 weeks,' he said. Aman paused as he tried to recall what was happening in their corporate calendar; he hadn't been away that long for him not to know about ASR's movements. Arnav smiled to himself, he'd save the reason and reveal it to Aman tomorrow he thought as he waved his goodbyes. Right now there was only one person on his mind; Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada.

Arnav tapped his fingers against his thigh as he impatiently waited for the valet to bring his car. Climbing into his sleek high end SUV, Arnav drove with the relaxed skill of a racing driver as he put the car through its paces on the road out of the city towards Shanti-Vaan. He manoeuvred the wheel with one-handed precision, his blood running as hotly as the high-powered engine slicing through the night. Five minutes later, he zipped down the palm-lined drive towards Shanti-Vaan. Killing the engine, Arnav stepped out of the car and walked briskly towards the front door. To his surprise the door opened immediately as if Khushi had been waiting for him on the other side. Arnav watched her lips move as she spoke but her words didn't register as he had the sudden overpowering urge to hold her. It was all that mattered to him at that point, that he needed her to hold him tight.

Khushi gasped Arnav's strong arms enfolded her and pulled her against his solid body. Had something happened? Khushi placed her hands against his chest to push him away slightly so that she could look into his eyes. 'Arnav?' she tried again, her heart going cold as she saw the weariness there. Khushi frowned, Arnav looked completely exhausted. Dark shadows lay under his eyes and heavy stubble emphasised the lean, hard lines of his handsome face. Arnav closed his eyes as he rested his face against her palm and he inhaled and exhaled deeply. He opened his eyes and saw the concern in Khushi's eyes and he straightened, 'I'm ok Khushi, I'm just completely finished,' he confessed wearily. Khushi nodded, 'why don't you go upstairs and I'll bring something for you to eat,' she said. Arnav nodded gratefully and trudged upstairs to their bedroom.

Khushi was just entering the bedroom with a tray laden with food as Arnav emerged from the en-suite bathroom. She placed the tray on the coffee table and began serving the food into plates as Arnav tossed the towel he was using to dry his hair on the green chaise lounge. Arnav sat down next to Khushi and took the plate she offered to him. It was only when he put a fork of the fried rice into his mouth that he realised how ravenous he was.

He turned to Khushi who was quietly eating. It had been years since anyone had waited up for him and eaten with him so late at night. Normally when Arnav came home so late, Om Prakash would leave a plate of food in the microwave for him and he would eat alone. They both finished eating quietly and Arnav helped Khushi with the dirty dishes. Hand in hand, they walked back to their bedroom.

Arnav couldn't help but sigh in ecstasy as he stretched out his exhausted body on the cold sheets. His arm automatically curled around Khushi's waist as she laid her head on his chest, enjoying the pounding of his heartbeat beneath her ear. Semi darkness surrounded them and the only sound in the room was of their steady breathing. Arnav sighed as he stared at the light reflecting from the surface of the pool as it cast pretty patterns on the ceiling.


He had no idea how but he began telling Khushi about Di's story. She listened quietly. When he finished, Arnav was overcome with a sense of relief as he exhaled deeply. 'Khushi I don't want there to be secrets between us. My secrets. Or those of my family. I guess I want you to understand why I am the way I am. Why I am so protective about those who matter to me,' he said. Khushi nodded as she felt the vibration of his deep voice rumbling through his chest under her ear. 'So you're ok with Aman-ji and Di's decision?' she asked softly. Arnav sighed as he ran one hand through her long hair, 'I still don't understand the reasoning behind their decisions. Or maybe I don't want to accept the reasons given to me. But the fact of the matter is that they're married and despite the circumstances, I can't deny that Aman is strong, honourable man. And he's right for Di,' Arnav said quietly. Khushi nodded, 'where to from here Arnav?' she asked. Khushi gasped as Arnav gripped her upper arms and pulled her above him.

His eyes glinted in the dim light, and Khushi had no doubt the heated spark in them came not from what was left of the pool light, but from a place deep inside him. 'Khushi, I've had enough of talking about other people today to last me a lifetime,' he said softly, 'I promised you something earlier this evening and I'm going to stick to that promise,' he said as his voice became low and husky, its warmth flooding through her. Khushi smiled. 'Our honeymoon,' she said in delight as Arnav pulled her into his arms and gave her a brief, soft kiss. 'Yes Khushi, our honeymoon, where no one can find us. No businesses, no family. Just you and me. All alone for a couple of weeks,' he said as his eyes locked with hers. Something in his voice gave Khushi a primitive thrill, a delicious sense of eagerness that made her toes curl in anticipation. 'But what about AR? Can they spare you for all that time?' she asked hesitantly. Arnav smiled as he stretched beside her, 'Khushi, you are and will always be the top most priority in my life. As for AR, I am the CEO. I make the rules. They'll just have to do without me, ' he said with a smirk. 'But what about you Khushi? Can Jaleebi Junction manage without its fearless leader?' he asked softly but seriously as he looked into her eyes. Khushi smiled. 'Absolutely.' She kissed him softly, reverently, and with a shuddering gasp he pulled her up into his arms, burying his head in her hair, breathing in her scent as if it were his oxygen. 'So Mrs. R where would you like to run away to?' Arnav questioned huskily, reaching up with a gentle finger to run it along the trembling fullness of her lower lip. 'Arnav, I can't think clearly when you touch me like this,' Khushi breathed the words out over his finger because he had not lifted it out of the way. She slowly moved his hand away, 'surprise me,' she whispered as she leaned up to find his lips.


Arnav chuckled; finally something was going right today.

======================

Payal Kumari Gupta felt trapped. Yes, trapped in a tin can called a luxury vehicle with an enigma of a man that she just couldn't figure out. Today he was dressed in a casual dark blue short sleeved t-shirt and a pair of faded jeans which were casual yet expensive and fitting him far too wonderfully. Payal tried very hard not to sigh; the man was definitely easy on the eye. But what was his deal? One minute he was giving her control and the next minute he was reclaiming it and making her travel under duress. Payal was watching the stunning scenery fly past when she noticed something and sat up straight.

'Hey what are you doing, the Avasaneshwar Mahadev Mandir is through that turnoff and you've missed it!' she said not realising that she had placed her hand on his arm until she felt a tight bicep muscle flex under her touch.

Akash Singh Raizada smiled to himself as he felt her hand flinch as if she had been burnt. Well, well Miss Gupta was not as cool and collected as she pretended to be was she. He turned his head and cast an expert eye over her. She wearing snug pale pink t-shirt and those infuriating tight blue jeans which emphasised her slim hips and shapely behind. Finishing off her outfit were large silver earrings and a pair of incredibly high-heeled knee length boots. Absolutely inappropriate clothing for someone visiting a Mandir - of course that's if they were going to one. Akash silently sent a prayer of apology to the Gods and Goddesses. He was tempted to tell her the truth but the annoyed expression on her face spurred him on and he couldn't help himself as he kept his eyes on the road and his right hand steady on the steering wheel.

Payal stared the man in the driving seat who was blatantly ignoring her. She waved a hand in front of his face 'hello? Are you listening? You've missed the turning. We need to turn back!'

Akash turned to face Miss Gupta. 'We aren't going to the mandir,' he said calmly.

Payal gulped. What the hell was he playing at now she wondered at she shifted nervously in her seat. Slight fear began to ripple through her but she couldn't show him that thought Payal helplessly. 'Where are we going then?' she whispered, keenly aware of the fact that she was far far away from home with a man she hardly knew. A man who was scaring her.

'Miss Gupta I gave you ample time to live up to your challenge. And you failed. That means I call the shots now,' he said calmly as he kept his eyes trained on the road ahead.

'Where are we going Mr Raizada?' Payal bit out through clenched teeth.

Akash slid off the black Ray Bans covering his eyes. 'On our first date, of course. We need somewhere that we can be completely alone and undisturbed.' His voice was a soft purr. 'Like last time, I've found another place where you and I will have the privacy to really get to know each other better Miss Gupta.'

There was no mistaking the suggested implication behind his words and it was similar to waving a red flag in front of a bull as Payal turned to Akash, an angry flush on her cheeks. 'Why? Is your current girlfriend busy?' she bit out curtly.

Akash couldn't help but throw his head back and laugh. 'That's an extremely childish comment Miss Gupta, but for the record, that position is currently vacant so let's see if you have what it takes to be considered for it,' he said silkily knowing that the nuclear bomb that was Miss Payal Kumari Gupta was certain to detonate now.

Payal pulled herself up in her seat, her eyes narrowing response to the sound of that casual challenge. She stole a sideways glance at the man next to her. He was clearly expecting her to bite back. Payal smiled to herself. Well Mr Raizada, you've made the mistake of messing around with Payal Kumari Gupta, now let's see if you can handle me, she thought to herself.

Payal folded her arms across her chest as she looked at Akash Singh Raizada. 'You have a ridiculously high opinion of yourself,' she said hotly.

A faint smile touched the corners of Akash's mouth, as he turned to face her, 'Why not? It's the truth.'

Irritation raced through her but Payal struggled to keep her voice neutral. 'Well, much as I hate to dent your ego, Mr Raizada, but you should know that you do absolutely nothing for me. I prefer my men gentle. Arrogance doesn't turn me on,' she said bluntly.

Akash slowed down and pulled the car to a stop on edge of the road. He turned to her, 'Tell me Miss Gupta,' his voice was a deep drawl as he began leaning towards a rapidly retreating Payal, his mouth hovering tantalisingly close to hers. His thick dark lashes lowered slightly, and the expression in his eyes was impossible to read. 'You're not at all turned on?'

Heart racing, Payal met Akash's gaze head on and gave an unladylike snort, 'not in the least,' she lied as she tried to ignore the sudden heat that raced through her body. 'You do nothing for me Mr Raizada.'

Liar thought Akash as his eyes slid to her mouth, lingered there for a torturous moment, and then he smiled and leaned back against his seat. 'I have no idea what sort of boys you've gone out with, but after today, you'll finally know the difference between boys and a real man and I promise you that you will retract that lie you've just told.'

Payal's heart was racing as she tried desperately to hide her reactions from him, 'whatever Mr Raizada, I can't be bothered arguing with you,' Payal murmured as she glared at him.

'Yes, whatever Miss Gupta, because you know the answer to that as well as I do,' murmured Akash, his voice thickening as his eyes lowered to the sensual beauty of her mouth. 'Actually Miss Gupta either you are immune to this attraction I feel between us, or you don't care what I do?'

Payal could only stare at him mutely. She had never been more aware of any man, of his heat and his magnetism, of the aura of masculinity and strength that emanated from him. Payal closed her eyes momentarily as she acknowledged dismally that she was trapped by and utterly captivated by his raw masculinity. He was the most potent man she had ever met and Payal could not tear her eyes from his sensual mouth and when he lowered his head slowly towards her, she ceased thinking, almost stopped breathing, her heart hammering with frantic excitement when it seemed that he was going to kiss her.

To her intense disappointment, he did not. Instead, Akash straightened up abruptly and moved away from her. Payal watched as Akash Singh Raizada smirked. Actually it was more of a tilt of the lips and a deepening in the colour of his eyes. But in that expression she saw arrogance, confidence, and purpose. Damn it. What was she going to do now, thought Payal to herself helplessly as she winced in silence.

Akash smiled to himself as watched her fighting to regain her composure. It was time to for both of them to cut the bullshit he thought as he put a finger under her chin and tilted her face up to his. 'Open your eyes,' he ordered calmly. Payal had no choice but to comply. 'Stop fighting me Payal. And stop pretending to be someone I know you are not,' Akash took a deep breath, 'either you relax and stop behaving as if you're being forced to do something you don't want to or we turn back - the choice is yours. What do you want?' he asked softly as his brown eyes burnt into hers. Akash saw some of that fake bravado slip and shatter as he caught a glimpse of the real, slightly shy and perhaps vulnerable woman that was Payal Kumari Gupta.

Payal closed her eyes again.

'Don't take me back yet,' she whispered.

'Are you sure?'

'Yes.'

Akash moved back slowly, 'Ok then, let's go.'


Bumper chapter with all three couples, but more importantly your darling Arnav Khushi and Akash Payal are back my darlings.

Are we happy? I'm hoping the answer is yes.