Arshi TS: HUM SAFAR Chapter 3 Updated (12/20) - Page 3

"But you will never meet Buaji cos we will never meet again Arnavji!"

Her eyes that had been dancing a moment ago, now seemed almost lifeless.

Kushi reached into her humongous handbag to bring out a box of jalebis. She chewed on a few imagining they were La who hung up on her or the Ogre who glared at her from behind his paper. Kushi felt as if his eyes could burn right through the paper, at her.

The sight that Arnav saw as he looked up from his papers, sent blood rushing south. She had her eyes closed, a jalebi held between her teeth. A bit of sticky syrup oozed on to her lower lip. Arnav imagined his tongue doing a slow swipe to lick the syrup off. Of course he couldn't stop there. He would clean the lower lip quite thoroughly before repeating on the upper lip.

Kushi felt someone watching her and opened her eyes to see Laad Governor staring at her like she was his next meal.

"Hey Devi Maiyaa Raksha Karna! Why is he staring at me like I look at jalebi?"

Her eyes widened as realization dawned on her.

"Jalebi. He just wants some jalebi Kushi not you. Nothing to fear!!"

Clutching the box of jalebis like it was a life line, Kushi stood up abruptly.

Arnav looked up but continued to stare at her lips. In his mind, he was gently licking an endless amount of sweet, gooey syrup off a plump lip.

"Here" She shoved the box of jalebis into his hand. "You can have all of them."

She looked at the jalebis longingly before backing away.

Arnav stood up suddenly and rushed towards her, raising his hand.

"What are you are doing? Stay away...rakshas" Kushi's voice quivered however hard she tried to steady it, the last epithet almost lost to Arnav's ears. Almost.

"The jalebis ..you can eat them all. Just leave me alone.."

"Excuse me?" Arnav stared at the beautiful face that clearly showed her nervousness. He wanted to apologize for the direction his thoughts had sent hers.

Handing the box of jalebis back to her, he came as close to an apology as he could "I didn't mean to stare. You've almost hit that coat rack twice. You make me cringe every time you stand up" indicating his hand that was splayed protectively around the back of her head.

Kushi looked a little embarrassed at her assumptions but still undecided about trusting him.

"Thanks for the jalebis. I can't eat them though, I'm diabetic"

"Diabetic? You can't eat jalebis? Or rabdi or kheer?"

Arnav watched in disbelief as beautiful hazel eyes filled with tears. Now what?! He didn't understand why he felt as if someone was squeezing his heart and he would give anything to stop her tears.

"Shh shh..What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"Because you can't eat sweets..." she sniffed loudly.

"Unbelievable!" Arnav was oddly touched that her tears were because he couldn't eat sweets.

"I live on sweets. It must so hard not to be able to eat sweets" All her fear forgotten, she held his hand giving it a light squeeze as if to comfort him. Arnav gave his handkerchief to wipe her tears.

"It's ok. I don't like sweets anyway"

"Don't like sweets?" she was incredulous "What are you made of man?"

Arnav felt a smile tugging at his lips.

"What are you made of? You go from tears to happy in seconds"

Kushi smiled as she settled back into her seat. She was surprised that she had been nervous a few minutes ago and now she was laughing with him!

"Let's eat dinner? I am starving!"

Arnav did a double take, giving her svelte figure a quick once-over. She had just eaten half a box of jalebis but was acting like she hadn't eaten in days.

"Actually I forgot to get dinner" he admitted sheepishly "You eat" he said settling back into his seat and picking up his papers.

"That's ok we'll share. I have enough"

"No, I'm fine. You eat, I promise not to stare"

Kushi sighed. "Look I can't eat knowing you haven't eaten especially after knowing you are diabetic. I have to eat now or I will faint. Then you have stop the train to get first aid, then you will be late to that meeting you are going to. Then all the people on the train will curse us. Can you please stop being a drama queen and eat?"

Arnav held his lips together to stop the smile that was threatening to break out.

"I am being a drama queen?"

"Haan! Let's make a deal! If you eat, I promise not to talk afterwards so you can work. Now will you eat? Deal?

Aranv found himself nodding at this girl who was making a deal with him. She patted her seat a little away from where she sat. "Can you sit here? It will be easier to share"

"I feel like an ogre stealing your food"

She giggled happily "How do you know I called you an ogre?" Arnav's eyes shot up at her innocent confession. "Arnavji, I never go anywhere without food. I have plenty of food"

As Kushi droned on Arnav closed his eyes enjoying the sound of his name from her lips. His name had never ever sounded sweeter. He opened his eyes to look at her open mouth that she tried to cover with her hands.

"So you know who I am!" he quirked one eyebrow.

"I...my friend recognized you on Face time" she admitted, blushing guiltily.

"And you didn't? There goes my ahem!"

"Oh don't worry! I am sure you have plenty more where that came from" she consoled him handing him a box with a generous helping of parathas and curry.

"Oh and in case you are interested, I'm KK"

"KK? Doesn't suit you!"

After dinner, as they threw away the remnants of their meal, Kushi pestered Arnav about his medicines. As they settled in her seat next to each other, Arnav was content to listen to her chatter about life in general. As their shoulders touched, she almost rested her head on his shoulder. Arnav fought the impulse to wrap his arm around her and rest her head on his chest.

"Stop talking now. I need to think"

"But I need to talk. I will die if I don't talk"

"Never ever say that" he growled holding her arm roughly.

"Geez ok Mr.Akdoo"

"Excuse me? Let me think, here read this business plan."

That earned him a small reprieve before she looked up again. Arnav sighed loudly.

"Go ahead say it, we both know you won't stop"

"I think this is a great idea but here are some parts I would change." As she detailed the changes she thought would make better sense, Arnav found that she was in line with his thoughts as well.

"I'm impressed KK. What is your educational background, career goal?"

"What are you, interviewing me for a job? Stop being patronizing Arnavji. I'm in my 1^st year MBA at DMS."

"IIT Delhi?" he whistled softly.

"Ji. Jiji finished her food sciences degree at Cornell. We are keen not to let Babuji's sweet empire decline just because he doesn't have sons to carry on his business" she added fiercely.

"Sweet empire?"

"Ji, my dad is Sashi Gupta of Gupta Mithai" Arnav texted Aman asking him for every detail on the Guptas, while continuing the conversation with Kushi.

"You parents must be proud to have raised a daughter like you."

"And Jiji" she added. "She is the best person in the world. Jiju is so lucky."

"My husband won't be that lucky" she added with glee.

"Why is that?" he asked trying not to smirk.

"Cos I'm sanki" she announced proudly. "Buaji calls me Sanka Devi and prays daily for the poor guy who I will marry."

"Should I volunteer?" he asked testing the waters.

"You? Death wish Aranvji?" He smirked "besides I don't think I want to marry someone like you."

Arnav felt like he had been slapped. Kushi noticed his face and hastened to explain.

"I don't mean to be mean Arnavji.. But I can't handle your gussa and you cannot handle my sanki"

"Wait! You not only rejected me but calling me names? Oh my poor broken heart!" he dramatically laid a hand on his heart.

"All the pretty models will console your broken heart and more Arnavji" Kushi laughed teasingly.

Arnav had the inexplicable urge to clear his reputation.

"Those models are just dates for industry events. If I don't bring a date, rumors start flying especially given the industry that I am in."

Her brow furrowed not catching on, until he say the eyes widen and Kushi burst out laughing "You mean they hint that you are gay? Oh that is hilarious."

After a short silence she asked hesitantly, chewing her lower lip

"so you don't really, you know.."

Arnav looked at the poor lip, wishing he could rescue it "don't sleep around like the gossip columns hint? My Di would throttle me!"

"I like your Di" she announced with a huge smile.

"Her name is Anjali. She would like you too."

As they sat in companionable silence, Arnav was reminded of another train journey - a heartbroken family travelling to Haridwar to immerse ashes in the Ganges, the kindness of a family of strangers, a devastated 16 year old who had refused to eat for two days, a man who had treated him like a man instead of a child and talked about his losses over the years and how he needed to be strong for his family's sake, an 11 year old ray of sunshine, who starved for 2 hours and made such a ruckus about how hungry she was yet wouldn't eat until he gave up and ate just so she would eat.

Over the years, Nani had lamented multiple times for not asking more than their names that day.

That memory was his special solace over the years, held onto lovingly like a child holds onto a tattered doll. However difficult the day, he had never failed to smile every time he thought of the hungama and her zidd, nor would he forget the name of his personal angel. Kushi.

On a whim he asked "KK, what is your full name?"

"Kushi.. Kushi Kumaarii Guptaa" she said with a laugh, stretching out the As

Arnav didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the happiness that Providence had handed him. He closed eyes that threatened to flood as emotions overpowered him. A second chance! Arnav Singh Raizada was nothing if he didn't grab a chance. He had not risen to the top so quickly by standing on the side lines, calculating risk. He took the chance when it came and then mitigated the risks as best he could. In the blink of an eye his mind or maybe his heart had decided what he needed. He needed her!

"Kushi" her name came out in sexy, husky drawl that sent goose bumps racing up her skin. Before she could react, Kushi's phone rang interrupting them.

"Hi Avi! I promise I will be there soon" Arnav watched Kushi's face as she spoke with child-like abandon "Don't worry, we'll practice well, it's going to be awesome. See you soon baby."

"Who's Avi?"

"Avinaash is Jiji's devar to-be. For Jiji's engagement, we are going to dance to "Desi Girl' and for the sangeet to Didi tera Devaar dewaana'"

Arnav rolled his eyes "Could it get more cliche?"

"Whateva Laad Governor!!" Whipping out her phone she asked "Do you want to see a cool pic of both of us? He's adorable"

Arnav shook his head as his gut twisted in hereto unfamiliar emotion.

"Are the families aware of this .. umm adoration?"

"Hmm"

"So the families are in approval?" he pressed on.

"Approval for what?" She looked up from her phone frowning quizzically.

"Never mind it's not my business anyway. You made me eat too much food, now I have to take a nap!"

"Ye Lo!! Laad governor aagaye!" she muttered under her breath

Arnav kicked off his shoes and stretched out on the wide berth. Kushi glared at his relaxed posture.

"I should call you Ahemji instead of Arnavji"

"Shut up Kushi!"

She stuck her tongue out at him. He opened one eye and quirked one eyebrow "Juvenile"

"Old Man!"

Arnav turned away from her to hide the smile that broke out.

Both settled down, supposedly to take a nap but each was lost in their own world. Arnav needed to think about what destiny had once again given him and what he would do to secure the future. Kushi on the other hand was astonished at how quickly she had bonded with him. Though a friendly person, few bad experiences had taught her to be wary of men and their motives. Why then did she feel like she could trust him with her life?

Kushi looked at the sleeping man across from her. A lock of hair fell on his wide forehead. It took all her willpower not to brush it away and kiss that forehead, that chiseled jaw, those big brown eyes, the one eyebrow that shot up.. the list seemed endless.

Kiss Kushi? You want to kiss the Laad Governor ? Hey Devi Maiyaa where had that come from?' That man was dangerous! When he was awake, his twinkling caramel eyes were temptation enough. Now, asleep he made her want to baby him!!

Against her better judgment, she took a shawl from her bag and draped it over him, before settling in her berth.

Both fell asleep lost in dreams of the other, only to be woken by the announcement that the train was nearing Delhi.

"Arnavji"

"Mmm?"

"I can't go home dressed like this with the house full of relatives. Buaji would take her belan to me. Would you mind stepping outside for 5 mts so I can change.. please? "

"Now, why would I do that?"

"Cos you are a nice man?" she offered

"Nice? So who is the rakshas you were asking Devi Maiyya to save you from?" A lone eyebrow quirked

"You heard?" she blurted "Sorry.. please?"

"Is it sorry or please?"

"Arnavji!" She admonished in a lilting tone

Arnav closed his eyes and drew a deep breath, savoring his name from her mouth; wishing he could hear it every day of his life.

"Ok, your five minutes start now!" He turned to step away before turning around to gruffly say "Draw the blinds over the windows & lock the door Kushi"

She nodded, looking up at him with large eyes.

Arnav stepped out and went to stand by the door to the compartment to stand outside feeling the wind on his face. He was amazed at himself. How was the man who never said much even to family indulging in nok-jok with this stranger. Where did the fierce protectiveness and insane jealousy come from? What would he do about Avinaash?

Arnav was lost in his thoughts when Kushi stuck out her head to call him with a sweet "Arnavji".

Arnav walked back to the coupe with a quickening heart. What would she wear? As he stepped in, a vision stood before him.. her ombre anarkali deepened from the palest pink to the deepest crimson. Subtle crystal embroidery ran in rivulets from the waist, before pooling at the hem in soft waves. His expert eye recognized the designer and how well the cut and expensive material suited her. Delicate diamond jhumkas caught the light every time she moved her head. Hair that been in a messy up do was now a glistening river held back with a large crystal clip. Highlighted eyes and pink lips completed the effect, threatening to bring him to his knees. Her signature jasmine fragrance was now intensified and he felt himself closing his eyes to inhale a deep calming breath.

Kushi lifted shy eyes to his to ask "Do I look ok? I .. I mean there isn't a mirror here.."

Arnav said nothing, his gaze darkening as he watched her intensely. Hot eyes caressed her in blatant appraisal lingering at leisure along the way, bringing burning color to her cheeks.

Kushi turned away to hide her flushed face from him and calm the sudden breathlessness, giving him a view of the large keyhole back of her anarkali. Arnav looked at the creamy skin that beckoned seductively.

"Kushi" her name was a strangled whisper.

Arnav stepped forward and she took a step back until she her back hit the wall of the coupe. Even as she looked at him with large luminous eyes and lips that she held between her teeth to stop from quivering, he reached behind her back.

Her shocked gasp stilled his arm as he looked at her.

"Do you trust me Kushi?"

Time stood still for a heartbeat until she nodded and Arnav took out the clip, allowing her hair to fall free and cover her back.

"Ab teek hai"

She looked up at him with a question.

"Only for certain eyes" he muttered softly. Her blush intensified.

"Avi's?" she asked cheekily

The flare of anger in his eyes showed the harm he would do to Avinaash if he saw him now.

"Shut up about F*ing Avinaash Kushi"

"Haww.." her mouth and eyes resembled 3 rounds "Gandi baat!" she called with all the delight of a 5 year old. "If Buaji was here to hear you cussing, she would have washed your mouth out with soap. I would have loved to see that. "

"She sounds terrifying, I mean terrific" Arnav grinned.

"But you will never meet Buaji cos we will never meet after this Arnavji!" Eyes that had been dancing a moment ago were now almost lifeless.

Arnav felt like someone had punched him in the gut. He fought the impulse to pull her into his arms and hold her there forever. How had this child-woman he didn't know 8 hours before, cause so many feelings he never knew existed? How could he not see her again? The cabin remained silent for a few minutes.

"Do you want us to meet again Kushi?"

She met his intense gaze, before looking away. Arnav cursed himself for the hurt in her eyes.

"Your phone Kushi" he held out his palm.

She watched as he added his number and called himself so she had his.

The train pulled into the station and came to a halt.

Kushi reached for her bag with unsteady hands. Arnav took it from her and walked out of the station, her hand securely held in his.

Arnav whistled in appreciation as she stopped by a sleek little dark, blue-green Mercedes.

"Happy chacha this is Arnavji , he was on the train with me."

"Arnavji this is Happy Chacha who has driven me around for a long, long time."

"Namaste Arnav Babu" Though the greeting was polite, Arnav could feel the old man's protective scrutiny.

Mohan, Arnav's driver watched in wonder as his boss who barely acknowledged Delhi's elite greeted the old driver politely.

As she got into her car, Arnav called out "Kushi!" she turned to look at him with moist eyes.

"I'll be seeing you!"

It was a warning, a challenge, an affirmation and a promise all in one.

A brilliant smile lit up Kushi's face as she nodded happily.