ARHI FF: Strings of Illusion:T5|LINK 2 T6 - PG 1** - Page 31

"So you will meet me there?" Arnav asked as he adjusted the phone in his hands while his other hand went to hold the elevator doors which were rapidly closing...he had just gotten back to office after a very difficult meeting with some of their raw material suppliers, the same one who would be working with them for the D'Blanc account...the samples for Paris were nearly ready, but the entire week had been grueling with too many loose ends to cover.

Today was the main event for R&S, where the new line with Drita was going to be launched at the IFW; he knew he should have been at the venue ages ago, but this meeting had cropped up at the last minute...Thank God for Lavanya who had managed to get everything in order...the rest of the team was already at the venue, waiting for Arnav to reach and give his final approval for the show.

"Yes Arnav...in fact i'm on my way now, it will take me an hour at least to reach there but don't worry I'll reach well before the show" Khushi spoke on the phone as a visibly relaxed arnav leaned back against the cool chrome of the lift "Ok babe...your voice is cutting off...in the lift, call me when you get there" he said as Khushi's voice got completely cut off

He smiled as he shut his phone off and waited for the elevator to reach his penthouse apartment. The event was being held in the suburbs and he thought it best to get ready here to avoid the traffic which he would face if he went all the way to his house in town. He reached his floor and walked into his apartment, too engrossed to realize that the lights were on inside.

As he walked to his room...he felt her scent along the way...he has got to stop hallucinating...this last week had been torturous as both he and khushi had hardly got any time together...the show and the impending meeting with D'Blanc in three days had taken up all their time not letting them spend even a second with each other alone...he could see the longing in Khushi's eyes as well, making him want to tear his hair off in frustration.

He sighed as he started taking off his coat and vest before attacking his tie...there wasn't much time and a quick shower was the only respite he had from the tiring day...he smiled as he thought of the upcoming trip where he and Khushi would finally get some time on their own...his fingers went to his first button when he felt someone's footsteps outside his room.

He quickly turned around the see the knob to his door turning...his reflexes kicked in as he lunged towards the door and opened it at once, making the person behind it stumble right into his arms... "Arnav!" khushi said as he held her in his arms...his eyes shocked to find her there, in his room "Khushi?" he said as joy and elation spread through his body on finding her there.

"Yes, me...Khushi! Here I thought I will surprise you..and..." she said as arnav pulled her closer to him and smashed his lips on hers hungrily...her shocked yelp was swallowed by him as he thrust his tongue along her lips making her open them with a surrendering moan...she held him by his shoulders as his hand travelled over her back...her bare back he realized as he suddenly stopped kissing her and took a step away to look at her...making her groan in protest

"Wow!" he said as she blushed under his gaze... "Khushi...you...look..." he said as she twirled for him, a heady happy feeling humming in her blood as she reveled under his smoldering gaze...he came towards her and turned her around to admire her back...his breath hitched as he ran his knuckles over the smooth silky skin...left bare from neck to lower back...the modest looking dress from the front, a cover-up for the daring bareness at the back [see pic below]

"I so wish we didn't have to go right now..." he said as he wound his hands around her waist and pulled her back to him...he rested his chin on her shoulder as he left small kisses along her long neck "Arnav...you need to get ready...we need to leave in fifteen minutes tops!" she said as her body trembled "If you wanted me to leave in fifteen minutes, then you should not have come her...especially wearing that!" he said as he huffed and tightened his hold on her

"I wanted to be with you today Arnav...I know how stressful these few days have been..." she said as he smiled and kissed her lingeringly on the centre of her back before leaving her...she turned around in his arms and started undoing his buttons "Thanks khushi...you do know how much this mean to me right?" he said tucking a wayward strand behind her ear as she continued to unbutton his shirt

"I know...that's why i'm here...now please, go and shower...I can't keep undressing you like this...otherwise..." she said as he leaned towards her touching her nose with his "otherwise?" he asked huskily as she smiled and looked up "Otherwise we really will miss out on the show...now go!" she said as he chuckled and nodded...he turned to walk towards his bathroom as she picked up his discarded clothes...the scene making him yearn for her more.

"Oh and Arnav..." she called out, as he looked at her from the bathroom door "I...I don't have to go home tonight...It might get late...so...I have informed them about my staying back at the hotel, just in case" she said as arnav felt himself grinning from ear to ear...he nodded at her once before walking eagerly into his bathroom...Khushi felt herself go red all over at the way he looked and smirked at her before going inside...making her shiver at what his eyes promised.

...

"Garima?" Shashi said as he caught up with her outside the mansion...she had just returned from school as it was their annual day today...she was tired and exhausted from the entire days activity and smiling at sponsors...plus the fact that her personal life was in such a turmoil had made her more forlorn and by the end of the day her perfectly fine composure had fallen apart in her car on the way back, with a slight headache throbbing at her left temple.

But the sight of him walking towards her had undone her some more as she felt her heart beat increase...what was it about him that attracted her to him? It was a similar feeling she had experienced with Arun at the start of their relationship...but then all that had ended quite suddenly once his charms had fallen away...but Shashi was the only other man who had made her want to explore those feelings again...but such fanciful thought were only for fools.

She steeled herself as he came and stood in front of her, his graying locks swaying in the evening breeze as his kind warm eyes sought hers...the beautiful black depths of which spoke volumes to her...but she was afraid to mis-interpret them again "Hello Shashi...good to see you" she said with a warm smile as he nodded at her and took a deep breath

He sighed as he saw her standing there in a soft peach chiffon sari...the pale fabric winded lovingly over her curves while some of her hair had come out of her loose bun framing her heart shaped face...she looked ethereal and utterly lovely as her eyes sparkled with curious questions while her skin glowed under the young moon light...the small diamonds in her ears, the only jewelry enhancing her beauty.

It had been more than a week since he had seen her...their last conversation being the unfortunate one they had when he had come to pick up payal...he had tried to meet her many times after that, but work and an innate fear of what he would see in her eyes had made him stop every single time...but now standing in front of her, he had made up his mind...he liked her...more than that in fact; she had slowly made a place in his thoughts and mind...and he knew that if he gave it a chance, she would reach his heart too...he had to try.

"Good to see you too...its...uh...been long" he said trying to find words that would justify why he had waited so long to talk to her... "I wanted to talk to you actually...do you...have a few minutes?" he asked her as she looked on apprehensively at her house before looking back at him "I...I have some work actually...can we..." she said as Shashi looked on with pleading eyes "It will just take a minute" he said as she sighed and nodded

She walked along side him to the seating area in the garden, her soft heels clicking along the stone pathway which led towards a low seating area near the rose bushes "Can we sit here?" he asked as she nodded and sat down...with him sitting next to her, albeit at a respectable distance. She looked down as he twiddled his fingers together...his feet tapping against the hard floor.

"Garima...I...actually that day" he started saying as she looked up suddenly "Shashi, its ok...I told you that you need not explain.." she said as he interrupted her "No...I need to tell you this...please" he said as she nodded and looked down again "Garima...my wife and I had an arranged marriage...we were both from the same community and our fathers were acquaintances at work...they had fixed our marriage and a decision was made on our behalf " he said as Garima looked up slightly to see Shashi look away

"It was difficult at first...what with both of us being virtual strangers...but things got better and we became friends...it took us time, but we finally accepted each other after nearly three years of being married...she was my best friend and confidante...and I think sometimes she knew me better than myself.." he said as he smiled slightly.

"Over the years we had payal then eventually ritwik...we had settled into a blissful family life, where it seemed like all our dreams had come true...but we both knew that what we had between us was the best of friendships...I can't say that there was no love between us..there was...but it wasn't the kind of love one craves for...it was a love based on lifelong relationship of trust and mutual understanding" he said as Garima finally saw him...he was still looking away as he spoke about his wife

"One day it all came to an abrupt end...she left all of us...broken and shattered...my kids had lost their mother and I, my best friend" he said as Garima placed her hand over his, entwining her fingers with his...he looked at their hands before slowly looking up to see her eyes glistening with tears...he gave her a small smile and squeezed her hand back

"If it wasn't for my children, I don't think it would have been easy for me to get out of the betrayal i felt at being left alone...how dare she leave us..." he said as he closed his eyes "I became my kids father and mother...and I think I have done a pretty good job...though sometimes I wish that Sharada was there to guide payal...somethings a girl can only share with her mother I guess" he said as Garima smiled softly

"What i'm trying to say is...Gosh, i know i said it will take a minute...but" he said as Garima shook her head "Its allright Shashi...i'm listening" she said as he nodded and continued "Garima, that day when i saw you...cleaning the guesthouse...I...I don't know what i felt...but I have never felt like that about any other woman before...it was like...as if all i wanted to do was look at you the whole day...you got me curious to these feelings i had never felt before" he said as Garima left his hand...she looked away as his piercing gaze made her shiver

"Don't pull away from me Garima...I am only telling you this because I cannot keep it inside me anymore..." he said as she looked back at him...her heart thundering in her ears as he spoke "At that point I did not know anything about you...and maybe i was afraid to find out...I thought that you worked here at the mansion and was satisfied with that...then I kept meeting you and my feelings just got stronger..." he said as she looked down shyly

"That day in the garden, I was...i don't know what i was thinking...but i knew that i wanted to make the next move...but then...I came to know that you are Garima Gupta...you are in a way, my boss" he said in a pained voice as Garima stared at him...is that why? "Yes, that was why i stepped away...not because you were Arun mehra's ex-wife or any other silly reason...I just could not find the courage to show you my feelings after knowing that I was working for you...it would not have been right...I thought you might take it wrongly..." he said as she looked on with an amused look

"Shashi...I may be Shalini Gupta's daughter and Khushi Gupta's mother...but I have my own identity...i'm Garima...thats it...I don't have big dreams or huge ambitions...I am happy teaching and tending to my gardens...that's who I am..." she said as Shashi took her hand in his and held on...his eyes wandering on her face as she blushed under his gaze

"I know that now Garima...I was stupid and...I don't know what I was thinking...what i feel for you is much more than just 'like' and...and I want to know you better...I know you feel something for me too...I can see it in your eyes..." he said as she looked down, but did not pull her hand away "So all i'm asking is...can we...uh...can I take you out to dinner sometime?like a...like a date" he asked as she looked up from under her eyelashes...the gesture making her look like a young girl

"Uh..yes" she said finally as Shashi realized he was holding his breath...he shifted closer to her as she sighed and looked into his eyes "I...Shashi...its been so long..." she said as he held her hand with both of his and bought it to his lips...he kissed her softly on her knuckles as she looked away, embarrassed and shy "Its been too long for me too...and I haven't really been on any date till now...so, please forgive me if I completely goof up or something" he said as she giggled and looked at him

"I am sure, you won't goof up mr Dinkaran..." she said as she gently pulled her hand out of his with Shashi reluctantly letting it go "I have to go now...I'll...uh...wait for your call? Text?" she asked as he burst out laughing "I guess this date will be a success...what what both of us, not knowing the heads or tails of it!" he said as she chuckled along "Hmm...maybe...I look forward to it" she said as she got up

She looked on at Shashi who looked contentedly at her...he showed her his phone and raised his eyebrows as she smiled at him "Just so you know, I like Mughlai food..." she said as he smiled at her boyishly before nodding his head...Garima gave him one last look and turned away with a beautiful smile etched on her face...the pesky headache, long gone...leaving a blissful feeling instead.

...

Arnav felt elated as he saw the beautiful woman sitting in the front row smiling and clapping for him...the show had been a huge success with Drita's designs and Arnav's workmanship taking the entire Fashion aficionado's by surprise...the vibrant beautiful colors with indian motifs and intricate works in European inspired designs had won the audience over, leaving them salivating for more.

Khushi smiled brightly as she saw Arnav walk hand in hand with the show stopper and Drita on either side, he had a small smile on his face and a look of satisfaction as he sauntered down the runway with the two beautiful ladies in tow...Khushi had an urge to whistle at the sexy man in front of her but held it in as he looked straight at her, giving her a full blown smile, making her blush profusely under his gaze.

They soon turned around waving at the crowd who were giving them a standing ovation now as the beautiful models stood proudly wearing their R&S Creations...as the lights finally came on after the last model left, the emcee took to the stage and started announcing the names of all the designers and design houses that had showcased their designs today.

The audience once again stood up and clapped loudly as the various people behind the breathtaking show came on the stage and waved at them...the last one to enter was Arnav, whose entry had all the people scream loudly and the media go mad with flashbulbs going off at once...she felt a small flutter in the bottom of her stomach as she watched arnav's eyes flit over the people before stopping at her...her heart beats started running rapidly as he smirked at her once again before dispersing along with the rest of the crowd.

She stood rooted to the carpeted floor as he made his way towards her...but unfortunately the media got to him first...she waited patiently as he gave his bytes and then started walking towards her...they met midways as khushi could not stop herself from being close to him...she threw her hands around him and hugged him tightly as he held her close to him "That was amazing Arnav...well done!" she said breathlessly as she quickly pulled away before the hug got more personal

"What? That's it! Don't i get a kiss at least?" he said with a wink as khushi giggled "You'll get much more...but later...now come, you must be famished" she said as she pointed towards the adjoining room where the drinks and food were being served...they met a few more people on the way to the refreshment room, before they finally walked into the room...only to get surrounded by many more

"This will be going on all night Khushi...lets just leave" Arnav said, annoyed at the fact that here too he was not getting to spend any time with her...though he was excited about the promise and desire he had seen in her eyes and could not wait to get her alone "Arnav...it will only be for a while...you can't just leave,..you still have to meet the media with Drita" she said with a soft smile as Arnav groaned

"You know a lot about my schedule huh?" he said as Khushi rolled her eyes... "Lavanya told me before she skittered off to check up on her kids...poor thing, I wonder how she manages to take care of two kids and work for a maniac like you!" Khushi said as Arnav raised his eyebrows "Maniac huh? Well you'll get to see what kind of a maniac I am soon..." he said as she hit him playfully on his arm "Speaking of which...here she comes!" Arnav said as khushi quickly created some distance between them, making arnav look at her amusement

"ASR! Amazing show...sorry, I had to call and ask about my elder one...he's gone for a birthday party and needed to be picked up...Aman is going there now" she said breathlessly as she hailed a waiter and took a glass of water...she failed to notice both Arnav and Khushi's eyebrows raised as she took aman's name... "What?" she asked them as both cleared their throat

"Aman?" Khushi asked curiously to which Lavanya smiled "yeah, he just shifted into the apartment below mine...since he was free, I asked him to pick my son up...its one two blocks away...mom is busy with my younger one..he's got a runny nose, so I did not want her to take him along in the cool weather..." she said as Khushi smirked at her "Aman moved into your building? But what about his parents?" she asked as Lavanya rolled her eyes

"His parents re-located back to Kanpur na...you didn't know mam?" she asked as Khushi shook her head...she had hardly had time to have a personal chat with Aman recently and though he shared a lot of things with her, he had failed to mention this little detail "Anyways...he was looking for a smaller place to move in and somewhere near the office...and the apartment below mine was perfect! So now, he helps me out with some stuff...God only know how much help i need!"she said oblivious to the look that passed between Arnav and Khushi

"Hmm..anyways, ASR! Lets go...you need to finish off the interview...I'll ask Aalim to get Drita as well...Khushi mam, you can come too" she said as Khushi shook her head... "No, its ok Lavanya...I'll stay here...there are a few people I wanted to meet " she said as she turned towards Arnav "I'll see you in a bit" she said to him with a small smile as he nodded and smiled back, making his way to the media room with Lavanya

Khushi sighed as she picked up a glass of champagne and started walking towards the other side of the room...she met a couple of key people who they were doing business with and some who she knew from before...but as she turned to adjust the hem of her dress, one of the Journo's came towards her "Ms Gupta, I'm Aastha rao from Allure...such an honor to meet you...I've been trying to set a meeting with you since a while, but your PR people have kept a ban on media since a few days...would you mind if we talk for a bit?" she asked her as Khushi smiled politely

"I'm afraid i have some prior engagement...why don't you talk to my team again, I'll make sure they set up a meeting soon...excuse me" she said as Aastha's voice stilled her "Oh don't worry...I won't be talking about how everyone suspects you killed your father" she said snidely making khushi turn around in anger "What did you say?" she asked as Aastha smirked at her

"I'm only voicing what everyone is saying out there...anyways, I only wanted to meet you to discuss the latest trends of fabric DNA...the new age..." she started saying when Khushi interrupted her "Who is saying this?" Khushi asked as Aastha looked on "I beg your pardon?" she asked as Khushi clutched her champagne glass tightly "I said, who is saying all this..about...about my father" she said as Aastha said smugly "Why are you so bothered? Its not like you did it right?...or did you?" she asked as Khushi opened her mouth to respond when a gentle hand on her shoulder stopped her

"Khushi mam...we need you in the media room" Lavanya said softly as Khushi looked over her shoulder to find Lavanya looking at her with concern...her eyes warned her not to say anything to Aastha who was now waiting patiently for Khushi to react...she sighed as she relaxed and turned to Aastha "Excuse me...I need to go...it was nice talking to you...Not!" khushi said as Lavanya hid a smile and linked her hand with hers...they walked for a bit till they came near the end of the ballroom near the media room

"I am sorry...I just made up that excuse...actually I had come to inform Aalim, that Drita was asking for him...but then I saw you in a heated argument...i heard the tail end of your convo and..." she said as khushi squeezed her hand, realizing the damage that could have happened if she had responded to Aastha "Thanks Lavanya...you truly are a gem you know...and please, I always wanted to tell you this...stop calling me mam...your'e more like a friend than an employee to me...i'd like it, if you'd call me Khushi" she said as Lavanya blushed in happiness

"Thanks mam...I mean, Khushi..." she said as she smiled...but then suddenly straightened up as she saw Arnav walking towards them "Lavanya...I was looking for you...you can leave if you want...not much to do here now anyways" he said as she smiled gratefully and waved a quick good bye and good night to both of them...as soon as she left arnav took Khushi's hand and pulled her towards the exit

"As for us, I can't stay here longer...i'm done with all the formalities...can we go please!" he said as Khushi smiled at him...but something about her smile troubled him "hey...what's wrong? You look tensed.." he said as Khushi shook her head "No..nothing, just...i was missing you" she said warmly as arnav held her by her waist and leaned down "Not here Arnav..." she said as he looked at her sheepishly and took a step away

"Ok mam...as you say..but now, can we please go to the room you so lovingly booked" he said huskily as khushi shivered...though the earlier incident had left an unpleasant feeling in the pit of her stomach, Arnav's blatant appraising eyes and deep desire for her made her forget everything...she could not wait to lose herself in his arms...she smiled saucily as she started walking slowly towards the elevators before saying a soft "Suite No 1125"