Chapter 20 : Locked hearts
Italics: Flashback
Arnav Singh Raizada was not necessarily a patient man by nature, in fact it was something he had to spend a lot of time working on. Unlike most, patience as a virtue wasn't bred into him. His underlying temper impelled him, and thwarted his professional efforts. To venture into a world where each step had to be taken with the right amount of calculations, it was imperative to free himself from his pernicious afflictions. However that did not mean, he was a pushover and willingly allowed his opponent get the best of him.
'' Explain to me again, why you are meeting this man? '' Aman questioned looking out the french-styled window of the cabin. Through the small squares, like a kaleidoscope, he could see the storm clouds gathering in the distance. Turning back to face his friend, he leaned against the wooden frame and propped his ankles together. '' I told my wife and your sister, I would try to stall whatever is brewing in that mind of yours. So, here I am. I know it might seem like I am doing a poor job of convincing you otherwise, but that's only because I want to see that poor excuse of a man get his due. However I will warn you, Khushi might not like you interfering...''
His firm fingers closed around the small paperweight as he settled back against the leather chair. '' I am not doing this for Khushi.'' Of course, he lied. '' I have some old accounts to settle with my dear Uncle. '' Arnav explained to his brother-in-law, simultaneously convincing himself of the same.
'' Whatever you say, Arnav! Just be careful. You know how to fight, but unless you know why you are fighting, you'll always come up short. Unlike you he has nothing to lose.'' Walking towards the door, Aman raised his hand when Arnav started to stand up. '' Stay. I will see myself out just as I had come inside.'' He opened the door, but before he could leave, he angled his neck and stared at the man behind the desk. Those pools of brow stared back with a renounced indifference in a fleeting attempt to hide away the tempts of his heart. '' She scares you in a good way, I know. But, that's because you are so afraid of potentially messing up, you find it easier to substitute your emotions with indifference. The safer route isn't necessarily the easiest route.'' He advised and left the room, closing the door silently.
The door opened once again, Arnav looked up expecting to find Aman, but someone else stood their occupying his previous spot. It didn't take him long to recognize that face, the greater part of his childhood had been spent envying the very man. Avinaash Singh Raizada stood before him, the hard lines of his face accentuated by the light. He exuded confidence with a simple look. Yes, there was a time, when Arnav wanted to grow up like his uncle but the past years had taught him otherwise. No matter, how cold or callous he was, he couldn't be heartless enough to betray his own and nor did he value human life as a commodity.
Standing there in a prim, three piece suit, Avinaash grinned unrepentantly. '' Surely, it hasn't been that long. Look at you all grown up, Chote. '' His voice held a strenuous bite, when he uttered the loving nickname of his nephew given by his own brother. '' How is Anjali? It is good to see you. '' He strode inside and took a seat without waiting for approval.
'' 20 years have passed. I am good as you can see. '' Arnav said, clenching his anger with a disdainful smile.
With a sudden jolt, Avniaash looked up surprised to hear such words from Arnav. '' Have I walked into the wrong office? I thought you would be happy to see your old man?''
'' Surely even you cannot say that you are pleasantly happy to be here before me. The same boy you threw out of your house without as much of a proper goodbye is now sitting behind this desk as your potential new business partner. So am I happy? Yes I am because I finally will have the satisfaction of knowing that I can destroy just like you destroyed us. Isn't that why you are here? ''
'' Arnav, you have to know whatever happened in the past wasn't personal. It was just a series of unfortunate events.'' He explained.
'' Sadly, honor is so rare these days. You mean to say stabbing your own brother in the back wasn't due to a conflicting vengeance in mind? Of course, you were thinking about him also, when you threw out his children onto the streets. I must say you have a very strange way of showing your concern. '''
Avinaash shook his head and moved forward slightly. '' I was wrong, I admit it. But, Ravi was always an emotional fool. He always allowed his emotions to get the best of him, which also became his downfall. I am an opportunist and I took the chance I was offered. If you brought me in here to question what I did in the past, I can only tell you I am a changed man. '' He was a man who knew how to strategically use his own temperaments and deploy them as his weakness. Sometimes to win big, you had to lose some. It was all part of the game.
'' I call bullshit! If you were really a changed man, you would have sought us out and apologized. Instead, you were apparently busy taking care of the estate left in my name. The same business that is down in the tatters now, I hear. ''
'' You were too young, I had to become the caretaker of it. You were expected to inherit father's assets when you turned 18, but you never showed up. The only other option was that I claim it otherwise it would be passed down to various charities. ''
Arnav mulled over the elder man's words and discreetly murmured to himself. '' I guess when you threw us out, you neglected to mention that small detail. Didn't you uncle? You were selfish and useless. This was your big chance to become rich without even lifting a finger. It's a pity really, there was a time when I would have done anything for you, you and dad were my ideals. If you had asked me, I would have gladly handed over everything to you. ''
'' I am asking you now. I came because you compelled me to walk into this office. What more do you want?'' Avinaash asked with reverence evident in his voice, but it was his eyes that called into question the sincerity of his words. They were fathomless but still his both assured and assessing.
Arnav pushed back the chair and surged onto his feet. With a shaky breath, he looked down at his uncle. The raw anger emanating from his entire body. '' I want you to understand the pain of being cut at the knees and left alone to suffer. ''
'' You don't think I suffered? '' He muttered looking down. His self-contained misery erupted and he sighed. '' I suffered all my life. I envied Ravi. He was always better than me, and loved by everyone. I was looked down at as the black sheep in the family. Our own father always differentiated between us, there was bound to be animosity. And, if you think your father was a saint, then I suggest you talk to your sister. ''
'' Anjali already told me everything. '' Arnav shot back, lividly. He stopped mid-stride, quirked an eyebrow, '' and, I didn't call you in here to play catch-up.''
Finally being granted the opportunity he was looking for, Avinaash smiled. '' I agree, the incentive? I am listening. Since you have probably heard, the firm is suffering from bad publicity these days and we have lost a lot of clients. Our stocks have faced a considerable drop during the past months. '' He responded plaintively.
'' So I've heard. I thought why not patch up the past fallout with a new beginning. I wish to buy the company from you. ''
'' Okay, but why? The pieces don't fit. ''
'' It's my company? '' That was the only appropriate answer Arnav could provide. He also knew as a businessman, the man in front of him was at his wits. His company was under a hostile take over and he would have done anything to survive.
'' Okay, I'll buy that, but I am not interested in selling. ''
A frown formed in between his brows and Arnav regarded Avinaash with a skeptical look. '' Every since your little counterfeit ploy has come forth, no one is willing to invest in a company run by a thief? Am I right so far? ''
Avinaash remained quiet but the annoyance was glittering in his eyes. The reigns of his control were slipping away like sand. The more he tried to hold on, they easier it was for the gritty stones to fall through.
'' Now I am going to reveal another one of your characteristics...tell me if I am wrong? ''
Silence baited the air and chanced upon an upcoming proposition.
'' A murderer? One can salvage being a thief but a murderer-, no would want to be associated with you. The few investors you have willingly back out. '' Arnav completed without a hesitation. It was a bluff and he was waiting to be called upon it.
'' This is nonsense. Do you have any evidence to back up your false claims? Avinaash exclaimed angrily. He shot up from his seat and paced around the room.
'' I have enough evidence to prove you are guilty. ''
Arnav was astonished to find out that Khushi knew about his meeting with Avinaash. He was relentlessly contemplating if he had done the right thing but it was too late to hide behind the guilt. After a long pause, he spoke. '' How did you know I met with him? ''
'' I have my sources. '' Khushi answered tersely, but then sighed. '' I received something from him this morning. I figured you had given him some kind of ultimatum and he was retaliating. ''
'' What did he send you ? '' He asked with curiosity.
Khushi shrugged. '' I have no idea. I threw away the package. I promised my parents that I would close the Lucknow chapter and I could not betray them by breaking their trust. '' Looking at him, she tugged her hands together. '' Why did you meet with him? I suppose I shouldn't t be asking this question. He is after all your uncle and-, well, I know relations are important and if they can be mended, they is no harm in trying. You shouldn't feel that just because of me, you cannot speak to your family member. I am no one to interfere in your family matters. ''
Arnav listened to her without an interruption or protest. He allowed her to voice every reservation she had and remained quiet. It was only when she was done, he opened his mouth to speak. '' First that man means nothing to me and second, I met him because he has some debts to repay. ''
Khushi glanced at him without a word and nodded. She had no grounds for further argument on this matter. But if she had any say in this, she was going to help him choose another path. One that would end up being less destructive for both of them.'' If I ask you to do something will you do it? ''
'' Don't ask me for something that I have no control over. ''
'' Let go. You are using your anger to justify a vendetta. You will end up getting hurt. I don't want to see you hurt.'' The concern in her voice nearly undid him. '' I firmly believe that most of life is dependent on the choices we make. It is entirely up to us to move forward or cling to the past. I am no one to be saying this, when I am also holding onto my own remorse. But, I think I am learning I have no control over what happened, but I do have a choice to make my today better. From now on, I am going to work on being satisfied with what I have and not probe the closed off doors. I came here to tell you that I can handle my life and I don't want you to fight my battles for me. Especially if it will be at the risk of loosing what I already have. I can handle everything on my own. ''
It was hard to gauge from Arnav's expression if her words had any impact on him. He shuffled to his feet and walked closer to her. '' Is that right? You can handle everything? '' He inquired, vaguely surprised by the grim finality of her words. '' If you really can handle everything, then start with this-, I think I am falling for you. Can you handle that?'' If he'd startled her, she didn't show it by so much as a flicker of expression.
'' Arnav '' Khushi said trying to conceal her own reaction to the best of her ability. But, the alarm bells were ringing loud and clear in her mind; he was dangerous and to be avoided at any cost.
'' I hate being dishonest and if I feel something-, I'd rather say it than pine for it. Ever since I have been back from Lucknow, I have been restless. I know part of that has to do with what I've learned about our past, but much more than that, you are the reason behind the strange impulses I have. Do you know how many times I dialed your number and hung up? Too many times to count. '' His expression was entirely too sincere to seem smug. His gaze swept over her face, and those molten brown eyes pierced into her.
Arnav wound an arm around her waist and pulled her close. He lowered his lips to her and pressed them together gently as possible. It was kiss to build dreams upon. Reluctantly, her lips softened and molded to the shape of his. Lightly catching on to the decadent rhythm, they lingered within each others presence.
It didn't take Khushi long to come back to her senses, she hastily pushed him away. '' Is this some kind of joke? You must be feeling light-headed! '' Khushi reached up and placed her palm against his forehead. He was slightly warm but there was no traces of a fever. '' You feel fine. '' She murmured and started to move back. Instead, he blocked her path with a graceful twist of his body. The sudden closeness once again made her feel giddy. There was an undeniable masculinity wafting through the air, and making it hard for her to stay on point.
'' I am being straightforward because I prefer to be honest rather than beat around the bush. However, I have accepted what I am starting to feel for you, and you should too. ''
She shook her head and walked towards the door. '' You are insane. You are not falling for me. I am not part of your harem. ''
'' That's low even for you. Why would say that? '' Arnav snapped at her.
'' Do you think I am a fool? Have I not seen the articles published in those magazines and newspapers? All those women wrapped around you? I must say, it surely shows how much you were pining for me, whilst in their presence. I expected you to be more crafty with your lies. '' Opening the door, she hurriedly left without sparing another glance in his direction .
His dark brown eyes were trained on her as she disappeared out of the door. The first time he was genuinely honest about his feelings, she had thrown it back at his face. Women! You couldn't understand them. But, he was going to understand this one till she relented and caved in with the weight of feelings she was carrying around in her. He figured she thought feigning disinterest would work with most men, but lucky for her he wasn't most men.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Khushi threw the small-maroon-colored- rectangular envelope on the table. '' This is the wedding card my mother has chosen for our wedding. ''
'' Congratulations? '' Shiv offered her a wry smile and shrugged in response. '' What do you want me to do about it? '' He leaned across the oak wood table, ostensibly to reach for a pitcher of cream for his coffee.
'' What do I want you to do? I want you to tell your parents that you want to marry Kajal not me. '' Khushi demanded, infuriated by his calm demeanor.
Taking a sip of his freshly brewed coffee, he smiled with glee. '' This is really good. What kind of blend is it? ''
Khushi didn't know if he was being abrasive on purpose or he was still not aware of their wedding card sitting on the table. The wedding neither of them wanted. '' If you ask me one more time, what should you do about our little ruse- I am going to do...'' Frantically looking around, she noticed the cup of coffee he placed on the table. Within a second, she snatched it away from him, '' I am going to dump this over your head. Now, what are you going to do?''
'' Put the mug down. '' He asked nicely, but then it was the amusement in his eyes, which left her disconcerted. '' I can't do anything about this, not unless you want our fathers to break their friendship. Do you know that our wedding is also an excuse for a business merger. Yes, I came to know about little revelation last night. Dad told me that our wedding will not only strengthen their year's old bond, but also be a successful professional move. Now whoever backs out, the other one will feel betrayed. ''
'' We cannot get married!'' Khushi argued briskly. '' Does Kajal know about this? This is why I told you fake engagements always cause trouble later on. Anyway, how are we going to handle this? ''
'' Elope? I will elope. ''
'' You are a duffer '' Slapping his arm, Khushi groaned. She invariably ended up laughing in response, but it was a sarcastic one, more than it being filled with delight. '' Why are men so blunt about their indiscretions? ''
'' Men? I thought we were talking about me here?''
Khushi found it hard to articulate an answer and eventually ended up gritting her teeth in the process. '' We were-, we are. I just happen to know another man who thinks that pulling a stunt would some how amuse me. He is in for a big shock if he thinks, I trust his words. Because, I don't!''
'' Why do I get the feeling, you are talking about someone else?'' Shiv mocked sternly but sobered up when she glared at him. '' Okay, definitely, talking about someone else. Perhaps, this mystery man is, Arnav Singh Raizada?''
Khushi tried to remain disinterested but her eyes revealed the anxiety simmering in them. '' Fine, the man is driving me up the wall. First he does not call me for a month, and then suddenly he confesses that he has these strong feelings for me. Now, what do I do about it? He can't possibly serious, but the way he said it, it didn't seem like he was mocking me. ''
'' Do you have feelings for him also?''
'' I suppose I do. I just can't help but think of the end. It will be terrible and to avoid the ache later, it's best to not to begin at all. ''
'' Is this the same Khushi, who opened up her own business despite everyone telling her not to? Sometimes we have to take chances, even if, we are unsure of the end. You are trying to wrap your world with bubble wrap to prevent breakage but it will only end up suffocating you. What's the harm in trying? And, if he even causes one tear to spill out of your eye, I will break his bones. ''
Khushi threw up her hands exasperatedly, '' beating someone up doesn't solve every problem. ''
'' No...but it is a start?'' Shiv winked at Khushi and then chuckled. '' We all have to start somewhere. Don't worry. I will speak to Kajal. I am sure we can come up with a solution. You won't have to carry this burden for much longer. I am sorry. ''
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arnav stared out the window, it was a full moon tonight. His most secretive and loyal companion, it would seem. Every night, he would stand before the window and reflect over his own life. He'd withdraw the curtains slightly and allowing the moonlight to stream inside the room. Walking over to the bed, he took a seat and closed his eyes for a moment.
You should have told her truth! His mind reprimanded him over and over again. The option would have been to be honest but he had already seen her wither because of the past, he could only wonder how this truth would impact her. Every time, she tried to move forth, something would hold her back from completely erasing the past.
Standing up, he turned to walk out of the room, but collided with his sister on the way out. '' Where are you going? '' Anjali asked, leading him towards the bed once again. '' I need to talk to you. You are going to have to listen to me whether you want to or not. I don't care. ''
'' Di, not right now, I am not feeling well. ''
'' Aman told me, you met with Avinaash today? ''
'' Aman has a big mouth.'' Arnav said to no one in particular and bowed his head. '' Yes, I met with him. I won't let him go that easily. ''
'' I thought you said, Khushi was not going to look back. I think you should do that same. I am afraid that until you lose something, you won't realize how wrong you were. ''
'' So, you are asking me to let him be, even if I know the truth?''
Anjali patted his hand and shook her head. '' Arnav, what you know is circumstantial. It cannot be proven in court and unless you think that somehow he will confess his crimes-, there is no way anyone can harm him. I am not saying he is right, he is wrong and will always be. But, two wrongs will never make a right. ''
'' Then, I guess he will just have to admit the truth himself. '' Arnav said determinedly looking at his sister. He grabbed his blackberry from the side-table and dialed a number promptly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope you like the update. I know I keep on adding to the mystery but it will be solved very soon. But there might be the aftereffects that might not please many. So, let's see. Anyway, I hope you like the update. I updated very quickly this time :') Excuse any mistakes!
Would love to read your views on the chapter. Do share them.
Happy Diwali to those celebrate it :) â¤ď¸
Take care
Edited by InvisibleSmile - 11 years ago
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
Anupamaa
Hindi TV Shows
Cricket
20