Arnav & Khushi FF || Serendipity #1 || Link to Thread Two: Pg 1 - Page 49

Meena was the woman Khushi could never dream of becoming in this lifetime -- a woman exuding confidence and power. While she herself was so completely pathetic and shameful, her own husband deemed her a home wrecker. Khushi bit back the small gasp of hurt as Meena leaned to whisper something into Arnav's ear, her body pressed ludicrously against his own and her long fingers wrapping tightly around the overgrown hair at his nape. As much as the pain of proving to be a pitiful wife distressed her, she was pleased that Arnav was dancing in the arms of a woman who would make him content. He deserved to be happy once she disappeared from his life.

"May I offer this beautiful Miss company?"

Khushi jerked as the smoldering voice broke her train of thought, looking up to see a young, attractive man sipping from a narrow glass of champagne. He was extremely handsome, with wavy blonde locks, overgrown stubble and piercingly light blue eyes. He had a friendly, slightly goofy smile, one that managed to put Khushi at relative ease.

Truthfully, she did not wish to engage in conversation with this man, anxious about how Arnav would react to see her whoring around with males in his elite social circle. But as she glanced over and saw Arnav and Meena laughingly sipping their alcohol, she reluctantly agreed. Arnav was a man of great importance. Of great worth. And she was here to represent him as his wife, albeit symbolically. Khushi was petrified by the thought of angering him and proving to be an embarrassment. She did not want to shame her husband by acting like a middle class, illiterate fool. So she smilingly nodded and shifted to make room beside her for the pleasant looking man.

"Thank you Miss --?"

"Khushi"

"Koosi?"

A small giggle broke through at hearing his atrocious pronunciation of her name, the syllables stressed incorrectly and the accent deplorable.

"Khu-shi"

"Aah. Khushi. A beautiful name. My name is Bradley"

She gently held his outstretched hand and hesitantly smiled. His hands were warm and gentle, despite being firm and powerful. It was something she was not accustomed to. The only man that touched her was Arnav, his hold always unforgiving and intolerant.

"So, may I buy you a drink?"

Khushi nodded yes, but was perplexed on what to request from the gentleman. She wanted to just order a simple orange juice or soda, but the hoards of distinguished, influential women all drinking alcohol persuaded her to choose otherwise. This was expected from a wife of a businessman. She tentatively pointed at the little drinks being carried by a nearby waiter, the glasses so small, she thought it would be easier to ingest the few sips of alcohol within them. Bradley humorously lifted his brow and gave a surprised chuckle, kindly motioning for the waiter to serve them.

"I thought you to be a Cosmo or Pina Colada type of girl, Khushi. Sir, can we get two shots of that Jagermeister, please?"

The potent, distinct smell of alcohol alarmed her, but she raised the tiny glass along with Bradley's anyway. With a light clink and a smile, Bradley, no amateur to hard liquor and its consequences, titled the small glass to quickly ingest the amber beverage.

Khushi slowly followed suit, cringing and coughing as the strong, bitter liquid burned down her throat and scorched her body with heat. She did not enjoy the acidic taste, yet she tentatively nodded when Bradley asked if she would like another. The thoughts of upsetting Arnav were still present in the back of her mind and frightened her. Besides, how much harm could such little alcohol do?

And of all people, it was Bradley Fisher experiencing her invaluable companionship. Handsome, eligible and charming gentleman, Bradley Fisher of CottonMill. His competitor and rival. Bradley was known in the high class community for being "a catch". Despite being incorrigibly handsome and charismatic, Bradley Fisher had been in only two or three serious relationships. He did not pay his desperately flocking admirers even a fleeting glance, disinterested in seeking their company and unimpressed by their tenacity. Therefore, seeing the most worthy bachelor in New York City reveling in the presence of a gorgeous, elegant and equally charming woman was news that would surely give the paparazzi a field day. The shocked glances from his colleagues and friends spoke for themselves, surprised and unbelieving grins at seeing their dear buddy sharing a drink with a sophisticated lady.

Who happened to be Arnav Singh Raizada's wife.

His body shot up on its own accord, the barstool crashing to floor and his feet already trudging to get rid of the man enjoying Khushi's company. How dare that bas***d? How dare he lay eyes on her and touch her bare shoulder as he laughed? Arnav saw red cloud his vision, his fists clenching in fury and begging to collide with the handsome idiot responsible for bringing a smile to his innocent wife's face. However, before he could walk further towards her, Meena wrapped her slender fingers along his elbow and dragged him effortlessly back to the bar counter, claiming that her father had some more imperative business details to discuss with him.

Arnav reluctantly followed her back to his associate, his body shaking with rage as he glanced behind his shoulder and saw Bradley extending his hand to a lightly blushing Khushi in invitation for a dance.

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CHAPTER FOURTEEN: S U C C U M B