ARHI FF: Strings of Illusion:T5|LINK 2 T6 - PG 1** - Page 23

Don't forget now...you can live even after death!" Akash shouted in a sing-song way as the freshers looked at him weirdly...it was 'Give something Back' day at uni and all the students were busy with a lot of different charities and help organizations that were participating for the event.

Akash looked around and spotted Payal coming towards them and nudged his friend to start with their practiced speech...he looked sideways to see Amandeep busy staring at a cute freshmen who was checking out the fliers at their table...he rolled his eyes and stepped on his feet only to hear him yell loudly

"Dude! What the..." Amandeep said as Akash gestured towards Payal who was just a few feet away...Amandeep nodded and started speaking in a really loud voice "Yaar Akash! Not everyone is as noble as you, you know...giving away your eyes...and plus you are also thinking about organ donation?...tu iss dharti ka hi nahi hai [Your out of this world]" Amandeep said with a deep sigh as payal stopped right in front of their table

"Chal yaar...aisa nahi sochte [c'mon dude...you shouldn't think like that..]" Akash said as he pretended to have spotted payal just then "Payal...how are you? Would you like to see some brochures?" he said in a soft polite voice as payal gave him a small smile and picked up a leaflet, making akash hi-fi in his head

"Uh...you have donated your eyes?" she asked him, impressed with the nobel act that akash seemed to have done...being a biology student and having an interest in medicine, Payal respected people who were selfless enough to do something for others after their death...she smiled at Akash as he seemed to be uncomfortable about her question

"I understand Akash...very few people are like you who do such generous acts and then keep mum about it...its something to be proud about" she said giving him a genuine smile as Amandeep came right in front of her "Haan Payalji...Akash has donated his eyes! And thats not all...he will be going for organ donation as well..." he said as payal looked on with interest.

"And by 'organ' donation, i mean everything...every part of his body...even his...you know...I mean why should such a huge asset go to waste after his death na...his legend will remain...Aaahhh..." Amandeep shouted as he felt Akash crushing his feet with his heavy duty timberlands

"What Amandeep means to say is that, every part of my body should be used to give a new life to someone else...wouldn't it be wonderful if some part of yourself remains alive even after your pass away...and help in making someone else's life beautiful" he asked with such heartfelt emotions that payal slowly nodded and squeezed his hand

"Its a wonderful thought Akash...and people should take your example and follow you...I have myself opted for eye donation and will definitely go for organ donation too..." she said with a dimpled smile as Akash felt his heart melting...he did feel guilty somewhere inside...but looking at the gorgeous woman in front of him made him sigh and forget about his guilt for a second

"Thats great Payal...we need more people like you" he said as took his phone out and held it out to her "Do feed in your number, i'll let you know who to contact for organ donation, if you like that is" he said as payal looked on uncertainly for a minute before taking it from him and punching in her number...she gave it back to him and said a quick goodbye before leaving them looking at her retreating back

"Bhai! Bhabi is too good!" Amandeep said with a huge smile as Akash kept a hand on his heart and sighed "Yep...that she is" he said as he kept on looking till she vanished from his sight...he then quickly saved her number before calling another number "Haan...we are done...come and handle your stall now..." he said as he put his hand around Amandeep's shoulder "Good thing i came to know about her donating her eyes man!" he said as Amandeep looked on

"But how did you know?" he asked him as Akash shrugged "I have my spies...arre...I'm a Raizada man...I got the student office peon to check out her application...I had to get my facts right na bacchu...so that's where i found out about it...yaar, you need to fill out these things...and voila! We got the perfect opp today!" he said as Amandeep saluted him "Your'e the boss bhai!" he said as Akash slapped him on his back and walked towards his car, whistling away.

...

"Sir, Detective Prabhakar Naik is here to meet you?" Shashi looked up as his PA walked inside his cabin with a confused look..."Yes, do send him in...I forgot to tell you about him...I don't have any meeting till 4 right?" he asked as his PA shook his head "No sir...none till 4...Do you want to meet him here or one of the meeting.." he started asking when Shashi shook his head "No, i'll meet him here only" he said as his PA nodded and went outside to get the detective

Shashi closed down his laptop and thought about the phone call he had recieved on the way to his office...Detective Naik had called him to meet him up for the Arun Mehra murder...he said it was standard procedure to get everyone connected to Arun Mehra for the case...when Shashi had asked him how he would be connected, the detective had simply told him that he was bought in for Arun's role in Gupta Mills...so his statement too is imperative.

His thoughts were broken by the loud knock on his cabin door...he sat up straight as the detective walked in and shook hands with Shashi "Mr Dinkaran...thank you for meeting me at such short notice..." the detective said as Shashi shook his head "No please, anything I can do to help out...please, have a seat" he said gesturing towards the chairs at his table

"Thanks...so you must be wondering why I am here and why I need your statement" Detective Naik said as Shashi nodded "You see Mr Dinkaran...when Arun Mehra was removed from Gupta Mills on charges of fraud, he had confided in his wife Monica that Mrs Gupta had always wanted to remove him and bring you on board...since quite some time actually..." he said and waited for Shashi to react but continued as Shashi looked on blankly

"He had also told her that Mrs Gupta had had some meetings with you and had approached you for this role...and that the fraud he was accused of was planned by them to bring you on" he said as Shashi sat back and contemplated his words "So, I need to know from you about how much of this is true" he said as Shashi sighed

"Detective...I have known Mrs Gupta since a while now...I will be very honest with you that she had met me personally before officially calling me on for this role post Arun's dismissal...but she had never approached me for the job while he was on it...I was only asked to consider this role, a few days after Arun left...now if they were planning on getting me from before that is a mystery to me too...I only got their call later" he said as detective Naik nodded

"Ok...fair enough...but had you ever met Arun Mehra before?" he asked Shashi who shook his head "Not personally, no...I knew about him...but nothing on a personal level...I have never met him" he said in a serious tone as the detective jotted something down... "Ok, how about any of the other family members? His daughter? Ex-wife, Wife?..." he asked as he observed Shashi who pursed his lips

"Look detective...why don't you come to the point...what do you want to ask me? No, I had not met anyone of them except Mrs Shalini Gupta...that's it..." he said as the detective leaned forwards "Mr Dinkaran, please don't take my questioning the wrong way...I'm just asking standard questions..." he said as Shashi nodded and sighed

"You are right...please, continue" he said as the detective smiled "Just one more question...how close are you to the family now? The Gupta's I mean.." he asked as Shashi narrowed his eyes "What are you implying detective?" he asked in a calm voice as the detective shrugged "I only ask this question since you are staying with them at present..." he said as Shashi leaned forward

"In their guest house, till my permanent accommodation is sorted out...and I'm living there with my family...Shaliniji was generous enough to offer me their guesthouse...are your questions answered now?" he asked him as the detective nodded "Yes...more or less...for now, this is all i needed...I'll let you know if I need to meet you again" he said as Shashi nodded stiffly and got up to see the detective out...something did not feel right with his questioning...he felt it was necessary that he speak to Shalini Gupta about this.

...

"It was such a pleasure to meet and discuss this with you Mr d'Blanc, i'm sure GR and Matrion will do great things together" Khushi said pleasantly as the old patriarch of the well known French designer brand enveloped her in a hug and kissed her on her hand "Pleasure is all mine, ma cherie...and please, call me Armand...just like Arnav over here" he said winking at Arnav who stood stiffly looking at the old man flirting with Khushi

"Off course Armand...we look forward to visiting you in Paris soon" she said as Armand smiled jovially "I will look forward to it my dear...do ask your people to send in your travel details, I will have everything arranged for you" he said as he turned to Arnav and shook his hand "I expect great things from both of you Arnav...till we meet again" he said as he waved at them and left

"I can't believe the nerve of that guy...you can be his grand daughter! And why the hell was he comparing my name with his !" Arnav said in an irritated tone as Khushi hit him lightly on his arm "Seriously Arnav...shame on you...he wasn't flirting with me...he's French! They all are like that" she said as Arnav scowled at her making her smile

"Ok leave it now...lets get going, We need to brief the team" she said picking up her purse when Arnav's hand stopped her "Sit for a few minutes Khushi...we hardly get to spend anytime to together" he said as khushi smiled warmly at him and placed her palm over him, it had been three days since the mini-theatre incident and they had not got even a minute to spend together "I know...but think what this deal will mean for us Arnav!" she said as arnav grinned at her excitement

"Yes, it will be a defining moment for GR...but lets take small steps ok, I'll ask Lavanya to start planning for our Paris trip" he said as Khushi slapped her head "Dammit!" she said as Arnav looked up "What?" he asked her in concern as she pursed her lips "We can't leave the country Arnav...not till the investigation is still on" she said as Arnav cursed under his breath

"Don't worry about it...i'll see what I can do..." he said as he started dialing a number when a very familiar but unwelcome voice interrupted them "Fancy meeting you both here!" Shyam said as he strolled towards them, his voice sounding too loud in the quite restaurant

"Shyam..." Arnav said as he got up and stood in front of Khushi who was looking on in disdain towards the approaching man "Arnav...listen man , I'm very sorry about the other day...I know I went overboard with everything and..." he said as he walked around arnav and faced Khushi who was looking anywhere but at him

"And i'd like to apologize for it...to both of you...but especially you Khushi, I am really very sorry" he said as Khushi slowly got up and picked up her purse "I don't care for your apology Shyam because what you said that day did not make a difference to me...now if you don't mind we are leaving" she said as she stepped towards arnav who held her by her waist

But was stopped short by Shyam who came and stood in front of the two "Come on guys...these things happen...we work together...I can't have you upset with me Khushi and you too Arnav" he said as Arnav's hand held on tighter to khushi "I believe Khushi has already answered you...now please move" he said with barely controlled anger as Shyam stepped away

"I just hope that this will not be awkward at the Fashion Week...I mean we will be in the same room a lot of the times...you are planning on attending the events right?" Shyam asked as Arnav and Khushi continued walking away from him and towards the exit...making Shyam grin behind them "See you soon guys" he said in a soft whisper before going back to his table with a skip in his step.

...

It has been fifteen minutes since they had left the restaurant and Khushi had hardly spoken a word to Arnav...deciding to leave her alone for a bit, he had made his calls and had spoken to the commissioner to arrange for their temporary permission to visit out of the country.

Once he had got the assurance that it will be arranged on diplomatic grounds and that it wouldn't be a problem if their visit is for less than a week, did Arnav take a breath of relief. He immediately called Lavanya and got her to check on clearance for his private jet; since it was only a week before their planned meeting with D'Blanc in Paris...He wondered if they could squeeze in a day or two to south of France...but he would have to get that cleared with Khushi first.

He glanced at Khushi who seemed to be in a world of her own...she had not admitted it, but what Shyam had said and insinuated that day had really hurt her a lot...if only he could get that Slimeball alone, he would teach him a lesson and make sure he never approaches Khushi again...the possessive and protective feelings she aroused in him surprised him as he still did not know what to name this thing between them..if only Khushi will let him.

"Khushi?" Arnav said softly, only to have her say a "Hmm..." while still staring outside "Are you ok? Do you want to go home?" he asked her as she turned towards him with a confused look "Why would I go home? Its only 4...we need to brief the teams first...and now that you have got us permission, we really need to work round the clock to get our side of the proposal up" she said as Arnav nodded, intrigued that she seemed to have followed his one-sided conversation,

"Yes, I know...but you just seemed a bit tired and..." he said as Khushi gave him a small smile and squeezed his hand "I'm fine Arnav...I know what you are thinking but trust me, i'm ok..." she said as Arnav squeezed her hand back and pulled her closer to him...Khushi sighed as Arnav's arm's enveloped her small body providing the warmth she desperately needed

She had missed being with him...and these three days after what they had shared at her house,was making it difficult for both of them to be apart...but work and this new project had left them exhausted and overworked making it impossible for them to be together...she leaned more into him as he held on tighter, his lips caressing the gentle curve of her neck as she smiled

"Arnav...stop...we are approaching the office building" she said as she closed her eyes at the exquisite feelings his kisses were creating in her body "Khushi...its been so long...I haven't even kissed you properly" he said as she turned her face and kissed him chastely on his lips "I know...but soon...ok" she said as she pulled away from him and smiled at him warmly as the car rolled into the imposing R&S building making Arnav groan at his unfulfilled desire.

...

"Great! So, I guess we are all on the right path...lets get this thing rolling..." Khushi said enthusiastically as she moved away from the presentation board as Arnav took her place "I think Ms Gupta has given you all a very good understanding for what we are in for...so I expect great things from you guys...starting tomorrow, prioritize your work and make sure you give your 100% to this project...this literally is make or break for GR" he said as everyone nodded and got up

"See you all tomorrow guys" Khushi said as she gave a look towards Arnav before stepping out of the conference room with Aman...she went straight to her cabin and started gathering her stuff when she got a text from Arnav 'Don't go yet...its still early...come up to the PH'....she felt her heart thudding loudly at the possibility of finally being alone with him...she quickly got everything ready and texted a quick 'K, c u there' and walked out of her cabin with a smile

She pressed the button and swiped the card to the Pent house and waited till the lift reached the top floor...she got out and walked towards the huge door with her key when the door opened...she smiled as Arnav took her hand and pulled her in, immediately wrapping his arms around her from the back making her sigh in pleasure

"Now this is more like it" he said as she leaned back further into him and wrapped her arms around his...she turned her head to take in his handsome features as her heart thudded in anticipation...she twisted in his arms to face him as her hands trailed along his shoulders to reach his neck...she closed her eyes as she waited for arnav to kiss her...but as she felt his breath close to her lips...she heard a loud 'Ping' from the kitchen making her jump in fright

"Thats the oven" Arnav said as he kissed her quickly on her forehead before rushing off into the kitchen... "Make yourself comfortable khushi...i've chilled some wine...help yourself" he said as Khushi looked on suspiciously at him rustling about in the kitchen "Are you cooking Arnav?" she asked him as she kicked off her heels and took off her jacket...she padded towards the wine chiller and poured two glasses of wine

She picked up the glasses and walked to the kitchen to see various pots and pans covered and laid out on the table...while arnav was busy with removing something from the oven "Lasagna...and no, I did not make it...I asked my cook to prepare everything and keep it ready...wanted to surprise you" he said as Khushi laughed in excitement and helped him set the table

"This is so sweet Arnav..thank you" she said as she wrapped her hands around him and laid a kiss on his jumper covered back "You needed this Khushi...and you need to leave me now unless you want me to make a meal out of you" he said teasingly as she quickly left him and sat at the table while giving him a shy smile

Once they finished the food...Khushi helped in cleaning up before both of them took some coffee and walked to the beautiful balcony overlooking the city of Mumbai...the calm breezy evening felt wonderful and the peaceful atmosphere made the setting very romantic...Arnav sat down on the large lounger and pulled khushi over to him...she snuggled into his warmth as both stared at the late evening lights on the skyline

"Khushi?" arnav asked her as she turned to him and smiled softly "How are you?" he asked as she she looked on quizzically...of all the questions he could ask...he asked the most absurd one "Huh? What do you mean? I'm fine..." she said as arnav sighed "No Khushi...you are not..." he said burying his nose in her fragrant hair which she had let loose from the tight bun

"I know you are keeping too many things to yourself...and then this added stress of work...i really want to know...how are you?" he asked as she shuddered in his arms...he tightened his hold on her as she wrapped her arms around his and leaned back...a lone tear falling from her eye... "I'm not fine Arnav...i'm scared" she said as he tilted her face towards him and rubbed his thumb across her cheek...wiping off the tear stain

"I know you are...and I promise everything will be ok..." he said as she nodded and cupped his cheek "I know arnav...I am scared...as if all of this is an illusion, everything that is happening around me seems to surrel...but when i'm with you, its all real...very real" she said as Arnav pulled her face closer to kiss her tenderly.

He sucked leisurely on her plump bottom lip as she shifted to sit comfortably in his lap...she held onto him fiercely as his tongue urged her lips to open, deepening the mind-drugging kiss...she moaned in as he sucked on her tongue making her press herself firmly against him, her body moulded to his.

The tender slow kiss had turned into a passionate duel between their tongues as each sought the solace they found in the other's arms..they continued to duel with want as their bodies heated up with pent up desires...when they pulled away a few minutes later, both were short of breath but the blatant desire in their eyes matched...making them lunge once again for each other.

Arnav's hand traveled beneath her shirt as he caressed her soft belly, making her quiver in need...she plunged her hands in his hair, twisting her fingers in the silky strands as he shifted his mouth to her neck, biting and licking her soft spots... "I want you soo much Khushi..." Arnav said in a hoarse voice as Khushi cupped his cheek and pulled him in for another kiss "Me too..." she said as Arnav laid her down on the lounger, his body pressing her's down over the soft cushioned seat while they continued to kiss

"Arnav..." Khushi said as she realized that if they did not stop now, there was no going back...Arnav seemed to understand her hesitation as he gentled his kisses before reluctantly getting up...he pulled her up gently and kissed her on her forehead as she hugged him tightly...not wanting to let go "We...this..." Khushi said as Arnav smiled in her hair

"I know...its ok...you need to go home..." he said as she pulled back from the hug and caressed his stubbled cheek "You know I want this too right? But...I haven't told anyone at home...and its late...things will get awkward..." she said as he laid a finger on her lips "You don't need to explain Khushi...its ok...I want our first time to be special...and though I can't wait to be with you...in every way, we'll wait till the time is right..." he said as she kissed him lovingly on his cheek

"I have to go now..." she said as she got up but arnav pulled her back making her gasp as she landed back on his lap "Stay for a bit...its not thaat late" he said as he nuzzled in her hair "I promise, i'll be a good boy" he said as she giggled...settling herself comfortably between his legs, she closed her eyes as he held her against his beating heart...finding peace and calm amongst all the chaos in her life.