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My absence from this FF might be unforgivable... but I promise, it is absolutely genuine. The last update to this story was more than a month ago, hence, I thought of writing a small synopsis of the story so far. It is just a general outline of what Peek-a-boo is all about. Hoping to post regular updates henceforth, so that I never have to write a 'Story so far' ever again!! Enjoy the update!!
Story so far:
Long, long ago in a far away land... Oops sorry, sorry!! Wrong story... 😛
Peek-a-boo is a cute, romantic story of two very different people, coming together and falling in love. It is about a sweet game of hide-and-seek between their lifestyles and personalities. Arnav Singh Raizada, is a young business entrepreneur, handling the design arm, of the huge Raizada business empire. He is the son of Ajay and Ananya Singh Raizada, who are an extremely loving and traditional set of parents. Arnav has a younger sister named Anjali, whom he fondly calls Anjie and is his life. They all live in Shantivan, with their very adorable and fun Nani. Arnav's childhood friend, Sumer is almost a part of this family.
One day while driving to a function, Arnav is stunned to see a beautiful girl across the street. Later, he gets to know her. She is Khushi Kumari Gupta, orphaned young, and now, teaches children at Ashadaan, an orphanage funded by the Raizadas. She also works for a newspaper and aspires to become a writer. Khushi is a lively and fun girl, not at all upset with the harsh realities of life. She believes in living life to the fullest and in spreading happiness. She lives in Dilerganj, another part of Delhi, with her best friend Payal, whom she regards as her sister. Her other best friend, Akash Roy is secretly in love with Khushi but is heartbroken, at seeing Khushi's growing interest in Arnav. The attraction between the two is instant and mutual. Arnav and Khushi meet at Payal's fashion party, then again for an Ashadaan project and eventually Arnav asks her out on a date. He makes sure that their first date is spectacular and Khushi gets a small glimpse into the grand world of Arnav Singh Raizada. Payal on the other hand, tries to make Akash understand that his one-sided love for Khushi will only complicate things for them. Sumer and Payal have some issues to deal with too. With so much going on in this sweet game of love... let me get on with the next chapter of Peek-a-boo!
Chapter 13:
Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko
Nazar Nahin Churaana Sanam
Badalke Meri Tum Zindagaani
Kahin Badal Na Jaana Sanam
Oh, Le Liya Dil, Oh Haai Mera Dil
Haai Dil Lekar Mujhko Na Behlaana
The melodious song spread a feeling of beautiful contentment across Arnav's frazzled mind. The drive to work was not very long, but the time that he got to mull over recent happenings was a pleasant one indeed. The last 3-4 weeks had been absolutely wonderful for him and Khushi. Although, in the beginning, he had tried not to sound too desperate and had only met her every alternate day, their growing comfort had increased the frequency of their meetings eventually. They would meet up after work... for a coffee, a movie or dinner. Conversations had always been easy, and she had completely relaxed around him now. Holding hands, slight touches and small pecks on the cheek had become a regular affair. Their relationship was moving forward gradually, and he was letting her set the pace. He did not want Khushi to pull back into her shell; hence, he was making every possible effort to make her comfortable.
Sajaaoonga Lutkar Bhi Tere Badan Ki Daali Ko
Lahoo Jigar Ka Doonga Haseen Labon Ki Laali Ko
Sajaaoonga Lutkar Bhi Tere Badan Ki Daali Ko
Lahoo Jigar Ka Doonga Haseen Labon Ki Laali Ko
Hai Vafa Kya Is Jahaan Ko
Ek Din Dikhla Doonga Main Deewana
Chura Liya
Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko
Nazar Nahin Churaana Sanam
Badalke Meri Tum Zindagaani
Kahin Badal Na Jaana Sanam
He hummed along with the song, thinking of their recent meetings. At first, he had agreed to meet her at places she was comfortable with. They had met up at coffee shops and small restaurants. They had gorged on the jalebis from Chandni Chowk and the Hot Chocolate Fudge at Nirula's. Every dinner had ended with an exclusive dessert and their love for sweets had connected them in the sweetest possible way. Gradually, he had started taking her to his favourite joints, coffee shops and restaurants in the five-star hotels of Delhi. She had seemed hesitant initially, feeling awkward at meeting some of his friends, but he had ensured that he always stayed by her side. Even though their lifestyles were poles apart, he had to make her comfortable... after all their future depended on it. He smiled as that thought crossed his mind.
Arnav sat patiently in his car, as the Delhi traffic seemed to have come to a standstill. He had a huge job list for the day. There were meetings and contracts to be signed, as well as a party to be planned. It was his parents' wedding anniversary this weekend and he was in charge of all the preparations. Anjali and Sumer were definitely helping him out, but what he was more interested in, was Khushi's presence at the party. He wanted her around, with his family and close friends. She had certainly become an important part of his life... and maybe more.
Arnav had realized that in Khushi's life, there were three people who meant the world to her... her darling friend Payal, AR aka Akash Roy and the adorable Kriya. Arnav knew that he would somehow manage to win over Payal and AR... but winning Kriya's heart was going to be tough. He had been to Ashadaan a few times, along with Khushi. Their project was shaping up brilliantly and the first leg of the plan had been executed. The children loved the new library and playhouse. It had been like a chocolate factory to them... indulging themselves in the joys that were so rare. And that is when he had met Khushi Didi's, Kriya. She was a girl of six, mischievous, talkative and extremely adorable. She reminded him, of how Khushi might have been in her childhood. There were so many similarities between the two... both were orphans from Ashadaan, beautiful at heart, innocent and absolutely loved food. However, Kriya was very possessive about Khushi, and she did not like Arnav's closeness to her. Arnav had tried a few times to befriend her, enticing her with chocolates and new toys... but the little devil had understood his game plan and refused to budge. Khushi had a great time laughing at these two bickering kids. Yes! Kid'... that is what she had called him then.
Kriya was his Maa's favourite too, and why would she not be!! She was an angel... very similar to his angel. He had an idea in his head, and if things fell into place accordingly, he would soon put his plan into action. As the day moved on smoothly, Arnav tried to wrap up his work early. He was to take Khushi out for dinner to Out of the Box, in Hauz Khas Village... his favourite area in Delhi, which almost seemed like some place out of India. The contemporary shops, quirky stuff that one could buy from there and the rooftop cafes all around... were a beautiful sight. Arnav had messaged Khushi that he would pick her up from her office at 6 o'clock, so that they could head to the restaurant together. He had also made sure, that her darling dhanno' would be conveniently parked outside her house, so that she did not have any excuse to travel alone. He hated that scooter, only because Khushi loved it so much. She was always ready to leave him alone to ride that old Vespa. Arnav Singh Raizada was changing... he was getting affected by things like an old Vespa and a six year old, Kriya...and it was all because of one beautiful woman... Khushi.
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Khushi was scampering around her office, trying to get her article approved. It was 6.15 pm and Arnav had called her up twice, already. Today was just not her day. She had been struggling to finish the article, and now it still remained unapproved. It was entirely his fault! Over the last few weeks, the closeness and bond that had developed between them had made her forget everything else. For a person deprived of love and affection all her life, his concern and care for her, were making her mind go fuzzy. She was losing perspective rapidly, and was unable to concentrate on her work anymore...especially after the conversation, they had had a couple of days ago. They had met at a caf and he had asked her if she really enjoyed this job. She had revealed to him, her aspirations... her dream of becoming a fiction writer. She had shown him a rough draft of a couple of stories she had in mind, and he had been completely blown away. She knew he would not appreciate her work just for the sake of it, as he was a thorough businessman. He had excitedly offered to speak to a few publication houses to show them these drafts, so she could concentrate on developing one of these ideas for her book.
That had been his only fault; to try and convert her dream into reality. She had been nervous as hell, and was going crazy at the rapid changes, that were happening in her rather "peaceful" life. The apprehension of being rejected and of her dreams being shattered was not letting her agree to his offer. She had asked for some time to think and had gone ahead with her daily routine. Alas, the work at office had suffered. Her mind was in complete chaos and there was a whirlwind of questions, about the future... her career and her future with him. Their closeness was affecting her to a great extent. She had tried to fit into his world, his friends and his lifestyle... yet there was some hesitation... certain reluctance from her end. She had tried hard to think, what exactly was pulling her back, and yet she had not really found the answer. AR had been finding excuses to not meet her, and she had no clue why! Payal had been extremely busy at work, with her new show coming up and Khushi was not selfish to bog her down with her baggage of worries, as well. She was unsure where all this was heading... as everything around her, seemed to be blurred.
'I am waiting Khushi. If you do not come down in the next five minutes, I am coming up.' Another message beeped on her phone, as she sat across her editor's desk. After going through the article for the third time, the editor looked up at her and gave her a go-ahead. She snatched the paper from his hand and thanked him, quickly making a dash to her senior's desk to inform him about the approval. She rushed to collect her bag and files, and sprinted towards the old lift. Tapping her feet in irritation, she waited patiently for the lift door to open. She glanced at the watch once again and groaned in frustration. 6.40... Darn it! She was forty minutes late and she knew how impatient Arnav generally got. The door of the lift opened up to reveal a handsome Arnav Singh Raizada glaring at her. Thankfully no one was around to notice them, as he held her by the wrist and pulled her inside, close to himself... just a breath away. The close proximity was flustering her and his anger was making her anxious. What was it about this man... that how ever much she thought she was prepared to face him; his nearness would always make her nervous.
"You are late and you are going to be punished," he whispered close to her ear, leaving a lingering kiss on her cheek before letting her go. Her feet turned into jelly, as he held her by the waist steadying her. She looked up at his face, which did not even show a hint of the anger that had been there just a few moments ago. Rather than mumbling something incoherent, she thought it best to keep mum, as he led her out to the parking lot and into his mean machine. It was only when he had turned on the music in the car, did she finally begin to relax. She peeked at the gorgeous man beside her, dressed impeccably in a grey suit and whispered softly, "I am sorry for being late. I was kind of having a rough day." Immediately Arnav slowed the car and turned towards her, concern reflecting clearly on his face "I am sorry, Khushi, I know I was being very impatient..." He held her hand in one of his own, while steering the car into the narrow lanes of Hauz Khas Village and continued, "...but I have something very important to tell you...in fact... to ask you. Let us wait till we are in the restaurant. Ok?" Khushi nodded in agreement, as she was as usual, feeling extremely hungry. She had not eaten anything for hours, and that was a big thing for Khushi Kumari Gupta. Her stomach grumbled, as if to prove how hungry she was, and both Arnav and Khushi burst out laughing. This wasn't the first time it had happened, and thankfully for Khushi, he found it extremely adorable.
The restaurant was very cozy, and they decided to sit inside instead of the rooftop. The weather was quite hot outside, considering it was the beginning of June. As soon as they placed their orders, Khushi said, "Tell me... Kya poochna hain?" Arnav laughed at her impatience and asked her to come over on the weekend to Shantivan, for the party. Khushi was surprised, unsure and very hesitant about going. The food was served, and due to her continuously grumbling stomach, he forced her to eat first, saying that they had a lot of time to argue and discuss about the party. Once the dishes were cleared, Arnav asked the staff to not disturb them for a while and looked at Khushi.
"You have to come to the party, Khushi. It is my parents' wedding anniversary." Arnav tried to reason with her, but surprisingly, she was very stubborn, giving him various excuses for not attending the party. "Arnav, please try to understand... your family and you will be busy greeting all the guests. I will get bored and feel left out." Khushi tried her best to get out of attending this party. She was apprehensive and scared. Things were moving too fast for her liking, and meeting his family in a more personal capacity, at a private function, was not what she wanted... at least, right now. "Okay. If that is how you feel... I am going to invite Payal and Akash to the party too." Khushi looked at him, shocked at how quickly his mind worked, and replied, "No! You are doing no such thing. You barely know them and you haven't even met AR..." Arnav was slowly losing his patience with Khushi, and said, "That is my problem, Khushi... I know Payal well enough, by now. In fact, I spoke to her a few days ago, to offer her a job in AR Designs...and as far as Akash... I mean, your AR is concerned; I want to meet him myself. This will be a good opportunity to get to know him." Khushi was shocked with this news about Payal and further silenced by Arnav's negotiating skills. She realized that there was no getting around, attending this party... whether alone or along with Payal and AR.
By the time Arnav dropped Khushi home, he was ecstatic with her Yes' and she was a nervous wreck. He realized this from her stiff posture, as she unbuckled her seatbelt. He held her hand and said, "Khushi, I know you are a little worried about coming home... for a party, which is for family and close friends... but get this straight, you are a very, very dear friend. Your presence will mean a lot to me, Khushi... Please do come. I will invite Payal and AR myself. I promise I will not leave you alone for even a minute in the party." Khushi nodded at him in silent agreement, not really knowing why it was so important for her to attend this party. However, if he wanted her to be there... she would go. It was only a party after all and Payal and AR would be there too. She relaxed a little at that thought and smiled at him, before wishing him a quick goodnight. Arnav drove away from the lane, once he saw that Khushi had safely gotten into her house. His thoughts went towards his feelings for her. She had occupied his mind and heart, since the moment he had set his eyes on her. He was attracted to her... and after knowing her for the last few weeks; he had realized that he was slowly falling in love with her. Yes! It was love... He looked at Khushi the same way that his dad looked at his mom. It was the same feeling he had wanted to feel for years. He smiled at that thought and sped through the empty streets of Delhi. Soon... very soon, he would tell her exactly how he felt... and it would be very special. After this party was out of the way, he would take her out on a special date and bare his soul to her.
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"So, what are you wearing for the party, Khush?" Payal asked, the moment she stepped inside the house. Khushi had just freshened up and had been waiting for Payal to return. She had thought she would convince Payal to refuse Arnav's invitation to the party... but it seemed that Arnav was faster than she was. Within a span of twenty minutes, he had managed to call and invite Payal to the party. She sat dejected on the sofa, while Payal made her way to the bedroom to change. After a few minutes, she returned to the living room, with a bottle of water and settled down next to Khushi looking at her solemn face. "What?? Don't tell me, you do not want to go? Come on, Khush!! That guy is so genuine... he is inviting you home... he wants you to meet his parents and friends. He invites even me for that party... just so, that you will not refuse. Then, why are you so worried?" Khushi looked at her best friend, and blurted out her innermost fears, "I am scared, Payal. My feelings for him are getting stronger. The tension between us is increasing everyday... and I feel like I am going to combust any minute. And yet, I am scared... scared of all this being just a mirage. What if I am reading too much into his friendliness? What if he does not feel the same way about me? What if these feelings are never reciprocated?"
Payal looked at her friend, and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. She was not a master at matters of the heart, yet she knew, that what Arnav and Khushi shared... was something special. Both of them needed a chance to see where this was heading. Arnav was making a move forward, and her silly friend needed to take a few steps forward too. "Khush, you just have to take that chance. Just for the fear of losing everything, you can't give up on what you have. This is not the Khush, I have known since childhood. If you really like Arnav... go and get him. Without even trying, why are you scared of failing? And this is much more important than all your exams and interviews... This is love, darling!!" Khushi gaped with an open mouth at Payal... All she could hear was... This is love... this is love' over and over again. She was falling in love with Arnav Singh Raizada. Hey Devi Maiyya!' What was she to do now? Her fragile heart was hammering crazily. She did the only thing that she was best at... rushed to the kitchen to prepare a batch full of jalebis.
"Oh God, Khush! Snap out of it and just relax. Look at the pile of jalebis you have made. Take some to office tomorrow and distribute them. Let us take things slowly. First things first, we have to go to a party on Sunday and you have got to look gorgeous. I have just the thing in mind for you to wear and I will borrow it from my studio head tomorrow" Payal tried her best to get the situation under control. If left to Khushi, that crazy girl might just run away from Delhi to some far off land. "Payalia, what would I do without you? I am so nervous. And you know what?? Arnav is inviting AR too. I wonder why AR has been avoiding taking my calls for the last few weeks. He has not even come home to meet us. I don't think he will come for the party. Kya hua hai usse?" Khushi asked, munching onto a sugary dripping jalebi. Payal conveniently diverted the topic from one AR to the other, as now was not the time to add to Khushi's worries. The girls chatted until late in the night, discussing Arnav, his family and the upcoming party. However, the last thought of Khushi that night was only about one man. How was she going to face him now, clearly knowing what she felt about him now? Only time would tell...
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PRECAP:
"Dude, you are going to be dead today... if your Khushi is going to look like that throughout the party, then the world is going to know how you feel about her." Sumer patted Arnav's back and pointed towards the door. Arnav stood, stunned into silence. Khushi was here... Amidst the crowd of family and friends gathered, as if through a haze, all he could see was the vision in green. An emerald green flowing dress fitted perfectly to her curves, her silky hair left loose to dance around her beautiful face. The dazzling emerald earrings, added a shimmering glow to her luminous eyes. How was he going to survive this...? Green was all he could see... as a tall, geeky looking guy held her hand and brought her into the hall. Was this the AR... who Khushi always mentioned?
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