Arshi FF : Merger Thrd # 2 Link to Thread #3 on Page 1 - Page 12

Awesome emotional update
Glad arnav was there for khushi and Payal

Please finish your story faassstt .. the story sounds so promising but as a rule i don't start reading stories till they are completed😛😛

Oh my! Loved this update...pls update faster...pls pls!

Payal was duped and led to that party...it was Arnav's involvement that helped her come out of that den...awesome chapter...thanks for the PM

Finally caught up with your updates. Very interesting and you left it hanging. What happened between arnav and khushi that they haven't talked?

Hello...I'm a stalker of this ff...first thing i do after logging in is to check if u have updated...please give us a time frame when u will update...pls pls...ur story is captivating...cant wait to read further...

A/n: Presenting the next update. I would like to really know how you felt at the end of it. So, here it goes...

CHAPTER 19

TWO MONTHS AFTER PAYAL'S FIASCO

It was 2 AM in the middle of the night. Arnav made his coffee with as little noise as possible and walked to his study. He stood at the window of his study and sipped on the beverage. The hot liquid warming his insides and relaxing his mind.

As had it become his habit nowadays, he turned around and leaned on the window sill, fixating his thoughts on a certain girl in the photos on the wall opposite. Not a single person in that crowd would have guessed what a struggle she was going through within herself. A storm in the heart not different from his own.

In the last 15 months he had witnessed so many facets of her. As an employee, colleague, neighbour, daughter, sister and a friend. And one common pattern was, no matter what she went through, she never held any grudge against anyone. She managed to be her charming self again.

***

Post Payal's fiasco life had gotten into a wierd hectic routine.

Every Monday he attended to Mallik Fasions and would travel that night to attend to the work of AR Corp.

AR Corp was growing in geometrical progression and he had to keep up with the affairs -customers, suppliers, new factories, investors, exports, imports, legal situations... Tons of work. His team in Delhi was progressively expanding. They needed in-house leadership. This remote management was taking a toll on its efficiency. He had sensed Aman's irritation many a times, when he had to make adjustments for silly reasons.

After dealing with a crazy schedule he would come back to one of the most welcoming smiles he had ever seen.

He returned home every Sunday evening and as he opened the door, he would find her deeply engrossed in her text books, sitting by the window in a sofa chair in his living room. And the next second she would quickly turn towards the door to see who it was. And every single time her face bloomed with happiness, eyes clearly exhibited how eagerly she was awaiting his arrival. Feeling queasy, he would always greet her back with a "hey" or "how's it going?"

Then he would freshen up, she would make coffee for him and tea for herself and Kaka. And then Kaka went to attend a satsang in a nearby temple.

And the two of them chatted on a multitude of topics. He told her how the week had been, without giving away too many specifics. She told about every incident she had come across in the office 'verbatim'. Then they steered into other topics like his study life in the USA, the life before that, his family in Delhi, their childhood, work, trend of the markets, changes in foreign and domestic laws. Khushi saw the world outside in his narrations. And Arnav learnt how spirited she was, even as a child. But in all the conversations, they consciously avoided the sad parts. No point in recalling bad moments, while having a pleasant conversation. And he had consciously avoided giving specific details about AR Corp. And she never prodded.

He had come to love those conversations. He had shared his experiences in the world over. Small nothings that he had seen at various places and she had heard them all with great intent and matching enthusiasm. It surprised him how he managed to tell her so many things. Things he had not shared with Di or his family, and neither with Aman, his close friend.

And in all this, one question plagued him time and again. Why was he so different with her? He was showing her a part of his true self, willingly. What was she to him? He could never arrive at an answer to that one question.

For example, whenever he travelled, he had this strong urge to let her know that he had reached his destination. At the time of return, he would ping her again on her IM to let her know he was boarding the flight. Why? Again no answer.

They were no longer just boss-subordinate. They had crossed that relationship a long time ago. No, there was no word that could define this 'thing' between them. And over a period of time, this no-name thing between them stopped bothering him. He liked not naming it.

However, this girl, who had certainly become a 'someone' to him had challenged and changed his perception about life.

Between the days of her father's and sister's fiasco, she had, without her own knowledge, forced him to reconsider his need for revenge and closure.

Across all these months, he had come to realize that the fight was always with our inner selves. Irrespective of what you do to the other person, it doesnt give you the closure, unless you decide to end the fight. May be Di had never begun this fight. So, she managed to have the sense of balance and tranquility within her.

And so, after many days of thought, he had finally decided to let go of his pursuit. Malik had done the damage. And no matter how hard he tried, that man wouldn't realize his crime. And what is the use of this revenge when it wouldn't change a single thing in his life. Di would care no less about it. And his parents would not return.

And so, he had finally decided to end it. And today would be the culmination of his pursuit of 13 long years.

He would resign from Mallik Fashions.

When he had finally taken that decision, he had asked himself, WHAT NOW? WHAT NEXT?

And the Khushi within him had shown him the road ahead... Now is the time to put the Volcano in the heart to sleep. Now is the time to smile. Now is the time to live.

***

His morning alarm for 5 am buzzed with a reminder flashing on his screen.

"Last Day of Quaterly Conference. Meeting with Mallik at 2 pm"

He shut the alarm and numbly went about his day's routine. First for the morning run, a long hot shower, a quick breakfast, at office by 8 am and then the last day of the conference.

He would let Mallik know of his intentions to quit after the end of the conference.

Looking back, he would definitely term this day as a pivotal day in his life. He was finally ready to make the leap and put an end to the demons of the past.

***

His team members were already working in full zest when he arrived at office. This time around, the quarterly conference was hosted by his branch. This quarter, his Regional Branch not only bagged deals for itself, but it got orders for other regions as well. So, it was no doubt that it was the star performer.

***

The conference had ended on a good note. A small party was organized at the end of it. Arnav was standing with Mallik and Lavanya in the party hall.

"Baby, what's with this saree and all? Are you sure you are comfortable in it?"

Mallik looked at his daughter skeptically. She was clad in a white outfit, which could only remotely be termed as a saree. The shoulder pallu was almost non-existant and pleated like a rope. And the skimpy blouse hardly left anything to imagination. No father can digest it when his daughter decides to dress up sensually.

"Papa, as an HR initiative, all lady employees are going to wear saree today. Tell me how am I looking? ASR, what do you think?" She gushed.

"My baby looks beautiful in anything." The father indulged in sycophancy.

Not wanting to reply her question, Arnav roamed his face away when he spotted Khushi entering the party hall. She was wearing a simple bottle green saree, with a small shimmering border.

She had let her hair loose. A light kohl in the eyes and natural lipstick were the only elements enhancing her features. But when you saw the whole thing put together, it was sheer delight to the eyes.

And true to her nature, she tried to blend into the crowd and be inconspicuous. But his eyes seemed to have that magnetic pull towards her. Her skin glowed under the soft light of the hall. Once in a while, he got a sneak at her smooth back, when she pushed her long luscious hair into place or at her thin radiant waist when she lifted her hand to drink a beverage. That back... That waist... Which he had held not so long ago...

***

"ASR you seemed to be preoccupied. What is the matter?" Mallik questioned him.

"Ummm ummm..." He fumbled for words completely forgetting the context in which he was talking.

That's when he heard that song. A song which he no longer dismissed as any other song. Without a second thought he looked at her unabashedly.

Aaj ki raat Hona hai kya...

Lavanya followed his line of sight. Khushi was stealing glances at him, sometimes under the pretext of adjusting her hair, or when she seemed to have her drink.

So, now it's official. This lowlife is shamelessly seducing ASR , that too in the middle of an office party.

She clicked her fingers in front of ASR's face.

"ASR , where are you lost?"

"Sorry, I thought I saw someone."

***

What are you doing...? What are you thinking ...? It is Khushi, for God's sake. His inner conscious chided him.

Neither am I thinking Nor doing anything. Don't accuse me of ... Ahem... Inappropriate intentions. I know it's Khushi. I was just complementing her that she is looking beautiful.

And complemtimg how exactly? By gaping shamelessly?

Shut Up. I don't need this right now. I am going back to my work conversation. Work . Work. Work. Ummm where was I?

He turned his back towards her, to save himself from any self accusatory thoughts.

***

"Shyam!" Mr. Malik raised his hand to attract his attention. But Shyam was in his own world. Moving from one group to another, he made his way towards Khushi's group.

Arnav's jaw clenched. Looked like that scum had not learnt his lesson yet. He was standing dangerously close to her. Khushi cringed and rubbed her nose. Most likely his drink was too strong. Arnav saw her step out of the conference hall almost immediately.

Lavanya did not miss to notice the tense jawline of ASR. If Shyam were to be standing near him at this moment, she would have loved to see the shape of his face. But, wait a minute, Shyam and Khushi! Ummm ... In..te..res..ting. She rolled her tongue in her mouth.

***

"ASR, you said you wanted to talk to me about something important. Can it wait till after the prize distribution ceremony? Then we can dine in a private room and discuss the matter while the rest of folks continue with the party."

"Yes Mr.Mallik. We can do that."

"Ladies and gentlemen, please gather around. We have an important announcement to make."

***

Khushi stepped out of the restroom just in time. The pallu of her saree was now broad and wrapped around her back and shoulders. Now no creep could get a sneak peek, or pass vulgar comments.

She just wished for this party to get over soon.

***

Mr. Mallik continued on the podium.

"This year we have introduced an award called the THE BEST PERFORMER OF THE YEAR. Or shall I say this young man's astounding performance has given us no option but to take notice and felicitate. So put your hands together, for this young man who has worked to procure revenue not only for his region but all over India. Mr. ... Nandkishore."

Everyone applauded. NK was surprised. He looked at ASR. He saw him smiling at him and clapping his hands. It seemed he already knew about this award.

His team members patted on his back and hugged him. "Well deserved." Many said.

He made way to the stage to accept his award.

After giving a small souvenir and a cheque for Rs. 1 lakh, Mr. Malik announced. "After his stupendous performance in the South India region, we look forward for his continued performance all over India. So, NK is also promoted. He would be heading the Sales Strategy team in the Head office, under the able leadership of our Company's Marketing Head."

Wow... This came as a shocker! He was being promoted and transferred too. NK wasn't exactly sure if he was happy receiving the promotion and this award. He was in a spotlight, so with an awkward smile, he thanked Mr. Mallik and said he would give his best shot. He got down from the stage and walked to ASR. He had to sort a few things out before he accepted the award and the promotion.

"Congratulations NK. Well done."

"ASR, did you know about this beforehand?"

"Ofcourse I knew about the award. You have earned it."

"No, not the award. About the transfer to the head office."

"Yes, I was the one who suggested to start a sales strategy team to channelize our customer contacts better. Why? Is there a problem?"

"ASR, ..." He hesitated to speak. He looked here and there to gather his thoughts. He found Khushi waving at him with a broad smile and thumbs up. She mouthed a congratulations.

Suddenly, he knew how to fix the unease in his mind.

"ASR, I nee to speak to my family before I accept the transfer."

"How does it change anything NK. Even now, you are away from your parents. Whether you are in this city or the Head Office, how does it change the situation on personal front?"

"It's not only about my parents ASR. A certain someone is concerned with this too. I can no longer take unilateral decisions, if you know what I mean..."

Arnav saw a slightly restless NK darting his looks between him and someone behind him. He looked back and saw Khushi looking at the two of them and giving her brightest smile.

Is something going on between these two? A tiny voice spoke in his head. No... No... He brushed it aside. Khushi. Would have given him some hint in the last couple of months. They practically spoke about everything happening in the office almost every weekend. And she had not once spoken about NK in a special way.

"ASR, shall we start our meeting?" Mr. Mallik interrupted them.

"Let's talk about this in the office NK. I am sorry, but I need to get into this meeting right now. Let's meet Friday evening at 6 pm."

"Ok ASR. I will try to have an answer by then."

Arnav nodded and joined Mr. Mallik who had walked ahead of him. He saw from his peripheral vision, when NK held Khushi by her wrist and walked out of the party hall. She struggled to keep pace with him.

Pushing that nagging feeling behind, Arnav entered the adjoining hall where a private lunch was arranged. He found Mallik and Shyam inside. He asked Mallik to ask Lavanya to join them.

Lavanya was in seventh heavens when she got a call from her father to join that meeting. Apparently ASR had said that Lavanya's presence was both useful and important.

As they settled down into eating, ASR began.

"Mr. Mallik. I have something to say."

"Yes ASR. That's why we are all here. Go ahead."

"I ... I would like to hand in my resignation."

"What?" Both the Malliks yelped in chorus.

Shyams eyes brightened with happiness. His sworn enemy was offering to remove himself from the battlefield. He couldn't be happier.

"Why ASR?" Mallik asked him calmly.

"Mr. Mallik, my contract was only for a year with this company. It's already 15 months. So, I believe it's about time."

"No no ASR, how can you leave at this juncture? We have the IPO coming up. And we need to replicate your ideas in the other regions as well. I have never seen the employees of this company so charged up. And I am sure you know it is because of the changes and the new vibe you have brought into the company."

Lavanya kept nodding a yes for every word that her father uttered. She hoped ASR would reconsider his decision.

Shyam rolled his eyes. His honey-waley sasurji could just not let the things be.

"No, Mr. Mallik. I have lot of other opportunities that I would like to pursue now. And it wouldn't be fair to continue with a job to which I can't do justice."

"And as far as the IPO is concerned, I really commend you. You are going to the public without tampering your books of accounts or buying off the other shareholders. This open book policy speaks a lot about your business ethics."

"But ASR, we really need you. Please don't abandon a ship in turbulent times. Give it another 6 months please. We need your expertise."

Both the Malliks persistently requested him. Finally, he gave in. After all it was his father's company. In a way, his company too.

"Ok Mr. Mallik. I will offer my services for another 6 months. If it works, I can do knowledge transfer to Lavanya. But I cannot come to office everyday. I will visit the office only once a week."

"Done ... Done... Whatever you say. As long as you are willing to invest your intellectual horsepower, I can get my entire company at your beck and call."

"Ok. Mr. Mallik. Only 6 months more." They shook hands on it.

***

Lavanya smiled looking at their clasped hands. Yes, in 6 months she would make ASR her's forever. He had already started to address her as Lavanya. And was it a slight sense of affection that she had sensed in his new demeanor towards her?

***

Phew! Shyam thought. Another 6 months of this torture. Picking up his glass of scotch he ambled to one of the windows. When he stilled... What were those two doing alone in the parking lot?

***

Arnav was emotionally drained after this conversation. There was nothing to lose in investing 6 more months on his father's company. As a son, it would be his tribute to him. And who better than Lavanya to carry on the family legacy.

He sighed deeply and stood up. He wanted to get away from them at least momentarily. He walked towards the unoccupied window and looked outside. He had to tell Khushi about his decision. She would be deeply affected. He was almost sure of that. He randomnly looked down when he spotted two people in a secluded place in the parking lot.

Wait... Is that ... Is that Khushi? And was that NK With her. And was NK sitting on one knee holding a wilted flower in his hand. And Khushi... She was crying... No she was smiling and crying...they were happy tears. And she held his hands. And both were jumping with joy holding hands.

***

Two pairs of eyes were watching them from nearby windows, but these two celebrated this joyous moment oblivious to the world.

***

"Yeh aapney theek nahi kiya Khushiji. How can you saunter from one man to another, but not spare even a single glance at me? You seem to be worse than me Khushiji. First ASR. And now NK? Tch tch. Now that ASR will be out of picture in 6 months, I think it's about time I make the right moves. Let's see how you can resist that." He gave his signature crooked smile and walked away from the window.

***

Arnav stood at the other window, wishing that the girl was not Khushi. But truth was that, yes it was. And any fool knows what it means when a man goes down on his one knee and offers a ring or a flower to a girl. And going by her reaction, she seemed to equally share the happiness.

Arnav felt something hard and heavy take it's place in the middle of his chest. His throat constricted evident from his jumping adam's apple. His nose flared when he struggled to breath. Lips pursed to hold back his emotions.

They had spent hours together talking about trivial incidents. But not once did she think he deserved to know such an important matter. May be she considered him fit only for unimportant matters. Maybe be he was an unimportant person to her. May be he was just another person to her.

The sky shown bright orange as the evening sun started its descent, reflecting a twinkle off the water at the corner of his eye.

A/n: Please COMMENT to let me know what you felt. Or hit the LIKE BUTTON. I really want to know how how you felt about this chapter. Thank you so much for being with me.

Next Update would be in about 10 days. Will finish work in AD and be right back. If I have an update sooner, I will PM you.

Wowww misunderstanding????? Loving the twist

Oh so this is the misunderstanding?

I guess NK was rehearsing with Khushi abt proposing to his gf?

So misunderstanding on Arnav's part...Shyam hasn't still learnt his lessons...