Author's Note: Many readers stated that they were confused between flashback and present...I request you to read each word as there are going to be many leaps and may be few flashbacks. For your convenience, going forward, if there is leap (like 3 months later) in this chapter, I will underline and increase the font for you to identify easily. .
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Its been 24hrs since Arnav landed in New York. He remained silent and locked himself in his room. Once in a while Arnav would come out to drink water, and when he did this time, Akash peeked into his room and noticed freshly sketched designs scattered on Arnav's bed. The duo patiently waited for Arnav to speak out something. They have never seen him so silent in their total life of their friendship. Akash finally lost it and when he was about to confront him, Arnav asked if he could talk to him for few mins.
Akash, Payal, and Arnav sat on his bed. Arnav had his head lowered looking at the designs.
Akash, would you like to partner me in the new venture I am planning to start by end of our course?
What? It didnt made sense to Akash. And it took him some time to understand what his friend is asking.
All I have is 30K dollars. I need a partner for an year to support me financially. If you are willing to step in, I promise to pay you 50% of the profit.
Arnie thats great idea yaar. But the world is tough out there and we are very young. I dont think we will survive in the business and I am sure we will be kicked out in days.
Do you really think I have any option here? I lost the luxury of making a choice for my life. And I have to get that back by hook or crook.
Payal immediately took her checkbook and wrote a check to Arnav Singh Raizada, amount 1001 dollars. The men watched her silently.
Arnie, here is my share; not as partner but as your buddy, I am giving you shagun to start whatever you want to do. She tore the check leaf from the book and held it in the air infront of Arnav. She continued further with welled up eyes, I would have given you if I had more, but thats all I have Arnie. I know this is peanuts but you know I am not that rich to invest...Arnav stopped her further saying, pulled her into side hug and kissed her on her forehead.
Thank you, this is alot. But for now, I want you keep it with you. When I design a beautiful dress for you, then I will take this money.
But Arnie?
I am not starting the company tomorrow Fatty. Its going to take time. When I do start it, your dress is going to be my first order and this is going to be my first payment. I promise.
Akash watched them silently and felt guilty to doubt his friend's ability. He also learnt something that moment from Payal. The immense trust she has on her buddy. He made few calls and returned back to Arnav with his check.
Arnie, here is my share 30K dollars. Lets rock it baby. Akash said it in his casanova style.
Arnav took a deep breath closing his eyes. He looked at Akash with blank face.
Now what? Akash asked with confused expression on his face. We need more?
Arnav nodded No. I dont know if you heard me properly, I want you to be my investing partner and that too only for a year. All decisions will be solely taken by me.
Why..
Let me finish. Arnav continued interrupting Akash. We will share profits equally. But I will take the responsibility for all losses. I wont shove them on you. If you want, you can work in some other company or start your own venture. I really dont want your participation other than the investment.
But why cant I join Arnie. I wanna help you out buddy.
Akash, Payal, I dont have anyone else other than you two. And I certainly dont wanna lose you guys over money. Believe me, I contemplated alot before asking you to help.
Akash understood Arnav's reasons behind his decisions. Any man who is deceived by his own family for money would definitely do the same as Arnav did. He didnt mind his conditions. He instantly agreed to everything Arnav asked.
When Akash and Payal were about to leave him alone, Akash turned to him and asked if he is OK.
Arnav nodded Yes. Ever since Akash and Payal picked him up at the airport, Arnav remained silent, unshaken, didnt let a tear out his eyes. They started to get worried as they are not used to his silence.
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Khushi is out of town to receive NK in Boston. NK was supposed to come 2 weeks later but he preponed his trip to spend sometime with Khushi. Khushi was very excited to spend few days with NK and she was in the outskirts of Boston on her way to meet NK when she heard news about Arnav's return. She immediately took exit to gas station and sat there for few mins thinking if she needs to get back to Arnav or go ahead to NK. She felt sorry for Arnav and her heart wept silently for him. He became integral part of her life. Its been just 3 weeks since they met but they became close like they knew each other from childhood.
After much thought, she decided to continue her way to NK and may be spend few hrs and return back to Arnav, as she didnt wanna hurt NK either.
The first impression of 23 year old NK is medium built chocolate boy, who looked extremely cute just like she found him in photographs. When she first spotted him in the airport, he ran towards her and hugged her tightly, which she didnt appreciate much for no reason in particular, may be she thought its too soon for them or maybe her mind is pre-occupied with Arnav and his vulnerable state.
After few hours of spending time together, she insisted she needed to get back to NY, to which NK proposed that he will join her along. Khushi genuinely felt happy and excited to show her boy friend to the group.
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Khushi and NK reached NewYork and she introduced him to Payal and Akash. When Khushi asked Payal of her opinion about NK, Payal blatantly said, You already have a father, you dont need another. Payal didnt talk in favor of NK partly because she knew how Arnav strongly feels for Khushi and She thought NK is acting more like Khushi's daddy than her boyfriend, probably due to age difference of 4 yrs.
Khushi didnt understand Payal's remark but Khushi liked the way NK cared for her. She never felt he is going overboard. Love is blind after all, until reality kicks in, which is going to happen sooner or later, better be sooner.
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NK, I will be back in few mins. I have to meet Arnav.
Can I come with you. NK asked for her permission like a gentleman.
Ah actually, can I meet him alone. You know, he is..he may not be comfortable around you, since he doesnt know...
Sure I understand. You carry on. I will join you with Akash in few mins.
Khushi, if wanted, could have taken NK along with her. He is her boy friend and he has every right to deny her request. But thats the time to have a friend to friend conversation. And Arnav might need her but not NK. Moreover, she wanted to spend some lone time with Arnav, share his pain and comfort him.
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Khushi ringed the bell of Arnav's apartment. He didnt answer but she noticed the door was left opened.
She walked in and she saw him sitting under dim light working on his laptop. He was totally immersed in what he was doing so much that he didnt even notice her presence. He wore one week stubble, messy hair, crumpled tee and faded shorts. She was surprised to see him in that physical state. He always dressed well and to the occasion. Her heart ached to see him in that state.
Arnie? She called him softly.
He chinned up and greeted her passively, Hi Cookie. He stood and walked to the wardrobe in pretense of searching something, hiding his sorrow.
I..I am sor...
Please dont be. I am fine now. He stated sternly without waiting for her to complete nor facing her. He then walked over to a table, pretending he is busy. As a matter of fact, he is avoiding her. He has been avoiding her in his thoughts ever since this mishap happened. And he is doing pretty good hiding his vulnerable condition because he realized he will break down any moment to her voice, touch or presence. She is his last hope at the moment, hope of she becoming his. He didnt know why he felt he needed her but he felt at peace with the hope of she becoming his.
She walked towards him. She took his left hand in her right hand and entwined her fingers with his. She stroked the back of his palm with her left hand.
It will all be OK Arnie. Trust and Hold yourself strong.
As soon as she finished her statement, in a swift movement, he turned around and hugged her as tight as he could, finding solace in her arms.
His touch, his grip, his embrace shuddered her stable emotions. She sensed his pain, grief and loneliness through every inch of his skin and shivering frame. She shivered along with him because thats the first time they held hands and hugged each other. She closed her eyes feeling perturbed with his touch and pain. She didnt hug him in return but her hand remained clasped in his.
I dont know where to start and how to start. I am losing myself KHUSHI. He confessed exposing his hidden tears, wetting her bare shoulder.
Her eyes popped open hearing her name on his lips. She didnt know if she is more shocked to hear her name on his lips or to hear his unbalanced feeble state of mind... Before she could ask him, they heard a knock on the door and she immediately pulled herself away from him while Arnav turned around and wiped his tears.
Akash entered with NK and Payal. Ready? Shall we go out to dinner? Akash asked.
You guys carry on. I have some work. Arnav said looking questioningly at NK.
Akash understood his glance and said, Oh sorry, I didnt introduce you guys. NK meet Arnie. Arnie, this is NK, Cookie's boyfriend.
Arnav felt huge blow on his heart hearing that man as her boyfriend. Yet another time, he felt as if people snatched his possession beneath his feet.
When Akash announced NK as her boyfriend, Khushi looked at NK and blushed. But soon after when she met Arnav's gaze, she was frightened to see his piercing reddened eyes. She felt uncomfortable unable to understand his feelings that point. She lowered her eyes naturally without her knowledge as if she committed a huge mistake of having a boy friend.
Arnav nodded Hi, fisted his palms and turned around avoiding everyone's gaze. Khushi noticed every move and expression of his. The more she observed him, the more she became flustered and perturbed about his unexplained expressions and body language.
Akash, I am busy right now. I will talk you later. He indirectly asked them to leave him alone.
Khushi followed the group and turned back once to look at him. He had his back facing her and he remained unmoved.
She soon came back within mins to pick up her forgotten handbag. She noticed him still standing in that same position, extremely rigid.
Arnie, I forgot...
Please Get Out!!!Before she could complete her statement, he warned her.
She is surprised, stunned and shocked to hear his threatening voice. He never spoke to her in that tone, no matter how many times she gave him tit-for-tat. She is confused but understood his situation. She held off tears in her eyes and didnt bother him anymore. She silently picked her bag and when she was about to exit, he said, Arnav, Arnav Singh Raizada is my name. I didnt give permission to you to call me as Arnie.
Arn..
Get the hell outta here! '.Now! He yelled at her.
Khushi ran outside the apartment, confused, scared and teary eyed. And that was the last they both spoke to each other.
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3 months passed...
Many times Payal insisted Khushi to come over to boys apartment but she always denied. Arnav too never showed up at Payal's apartment but he expected Khushi to show up at least once to check on him. Khushi was no different, she expected him to apologize to her. Whenever they came face to face, Arnav ignored her outright while she tried to steal his glance. One thing that constantly bothered her every min is the way he took her name and the reason he shooed her the next moment. She didnt understand his contrasting personality. There was so much pain and a sense of belonging and oneness in the way he called her. These days she thought more about him than NK. Much to his annoyance, there were times she called NK as Arnav.
Arnav started working odd jobs to accumulate more money and to pay for his living expenses. His typical day would start at 6. He assisted his professor from 7-3, attended classes from 5-10, worked in Motel frontdesk from 11 - 3.
A man who used to sleep 10 hrs a day started sleeping 3hrs a day.
A man who never repeated same breakfast in 2 weeks, ended up eating single bread toast every day and afternoon.
Without his knowledge, Khushi used to prepare special items and send through Payal for dinner. She had no idea why she did, but she suffered seeing him in pain. Payal and Akash never understood the tiff between Arnav and Khushi but they witnessed Khushi's genuine concern for Arnav.
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A man dressed in suit, in his early 50s, entered Fashion Designing department and enquired about Arnav Singh Raizada. After enquiring many students, the old man ended up meeting Akash. Akash asked him to wait in the visitors room until 3PM which is when Arnav will be free. The old man did as he was told.
Sharp at 3PM, as the old man was told and to his surprise, Arnav entered the visitors room and enquired, Excuse me, are you looking for me.
On dot just like your dad. The old man spoke with grin on his face.
Excuse me? Do I know you? Arnav asked with little irritated to hear about his dad from stranger.
I guess you forgot me Son..I am..
Look Mr. You are not my father to call me Son. Get to the point, I dont have much time for this. Arnav looked annoyed.
My name is Shashi Gupta. Your father's childhood friend. Does it ring any bell? Shashi asked with his brows raised.
Shashi Gupta? Aap? Arnav then remembered the familiar face and recollected him seeing at the funeral.
Yeah thats me.
What brings you here Mr. Gupta? Arnav baffled for a min, regrouped and asked with straight face.
My promise to my friend, your dad.
What do you need?
Shashi admired young man's confidence. Here he is standing infront of Raizada to help him and in turn he is asked what he needs.
It took me 3 months to track you down to see if you need any help and you are asking if I need anything from you. What do you have to offer me?Without giving chance to Arnav, Shashi continued, I am here to help you if you need anything.
Arnav without thinking much, he asked, I need someone with experience to work under me for marketing, sales and advertising.
That was quick. That would be tough for a single person to manage all three.
If you cant help me, I guess our discussion ends here. Arnav turned to exit.
Wait. I will be your marketing, sales, and advertising manager.
Arnav was surprised and little shocked to hear him volunteer. He wasnt expecting the old man to go down easily.
Your salary is commission based. 5% per order. Works? Before Shashi could respond, Arnav made it clear with authoritative voice, Better work if you really need to help me.
Shashi smiled at the young man and he couldnt stop admiring the Raizada. He has taken up after you Aran. He mentally spoke.
Arnav exchanged contact information and when he was about to leave, he turned to him and asked Shashi, What are you gaining doing this?
A Son, Shashi replied smilingly.
Arnav looked at him with blank face without any emotion and walked out the room.
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Pre-cap: Khushi quits college.
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