ARSHI SS: What's Cooking? - T#3|Last Chp (22) - Pg 1| Upd** 17/09/16 - Page 26

Now it was no wonder that Khushi had hardly slept a wink after the eventful night she had. Her mind had been full of all that had transpired between her and Arnav and then some! So came as a surprise, that even after being so tired and sleep deprived, she was grinning like a fool as she finished piling the afternoon service dishes in the dish washer.

"Someone's in a good mood today!" Madhu said sliding toward Khushi, as she looked up and gave a quick smile to her friend "Nothing like that..." she said going back to her work, as NK who was nearby happened to hear their conversation and joined them.

"You do look very happy...what did you do last night?" he asked her as Khushi tried to look away "Oh...nothing, just stuff..." she said being vague as Payal walked in right at that moment "Oh come on guys...cut her some slack! Can't a girl just be happy for no reason?" she asked winking at Khushi as the other two shrugged and went back to their work

"Thanks Payal..." Khushi whispered as Payal rolled her eyes "Don't be thankful yet...I will need details...from what I came to know from my dear cleaners, you and ASR were still here when the last cleaner left...apparently ASR told him that he will lock up, which I know for a fact...he never does! So whatever it is you both are cooking...I wanna know...eventually" Payal said with a naughty smile, as Khushi shook her head at her friend

"Fine, eventually...but what about what you and Akash sir are cooking? You think I didn't notice?" Khushi added with a smirk as Payal now blushed furiously "Uh..yeah, I don't...ok fine! I will tell you too, eventually!" she said as both girls burst out laughing, but were interrupted when one of the junior staff came in to call Khushi

"ASR has asked for you..." he said to Khushi, as Payal raised her eyebrows and hid her smile "Probably wants to take out his morning frustrations on you...here, take his drink along" NK said as Khushis scowled at him...why was NK being so mean to their boss?

Khushi quickly rinsed her hands and straightened her hair before picking up the lurid green juice. She took a deep breath before making her way slowly towards Arnav's cabin while remembering their fantastic make out sessions from last night...it all still felt unreal!

His telling her that he likes her and wants to be with her, her kissing him so deeply that the thought of her actions from last night still made her blush to her toes...they had continued to kiss for some more time, before both had come to their senses.

Arnav had dropped her to her house as they chatted all the way from Town to her little suburban place about a lot of things. He had told her about his plans for the Delhi restaurant and Khushi had told him her apprehensions about their personal and professional relationship.

Both had taken a decision to not go public with their affections for some time, at least till Khushi started her course. As Arnav was also planning on putting her on kitchen duty from the coming week, she felt the staff might start questioning his decision, if they come clean with their new relationship.

So even though Arnav knew that like himself, everyone understood Khushi's potential and would never question his decision, he agreed to what she wanted. He wanted her to be comfortable with this shift in their relationship and as things were very new for them, it was best to take it slow.

"Are you going to stand there like a statue all day or come inside?" Arnav's teasing voice broke her thoughts as Khushi realized she had been standing at his door for more than a few seconds now "Oh, sorry..." she said as she blushed and walked in, only for Arnav to smirk and walk inside his inner cabin "Come in here..." he called out as she looked around and followed him

As soon as Khushi got in, Arnav closed the door and took the glass from her before keeping it on his table. He held her hands gently in his and smiled at her as she tried not to blush harder "You ok Khushi? You look tired...I wanted to come and see you sooner, but didn't want to distract you" he said with a wink, as Khushi smiled at nodded " Well, you are a distraction all right...but I'm fine...just could not sleep much...you know.." she said shyly as Arnav smirked and pulled her closer to himself

"Oh I know what you mean...but why are you being so shy today? Yesterday night I saw another side of you..." he said teasingly as he wound his arms around her waist and leaned against his desk, while Khushi stood between his legs, her body trembling as his finger drew lazy circles on her lower back...she could feel the heat of his finger all through her thick apron and a layer of clothing beneath

"Are you saying you don't like me being shy or you don't like me being bold?" she asked with a naughty smile as Arnav pulled her forward, his lips nuzzling into her neck "I like you as you are...you are special Khushi and I don't know how I'll be able to keep myself in control with you around" he said kissing her softly on her neck"God I wanted to do that since the time I left you home last night" he said as Khushi closed her eyes in pleasure

"Mmm...maybe we both distract each other too much...I should leave" she whispered as his lips trailed upwards towards her jaw, while her hands stealthily climbed up his chest and looped around his neck"No...you are not leaving me" he said before his lips claimed hers hungrily, robbing her of any and all thoughts

Khushi moaned into his mouth as she opened hers to let his hot tongue stoke hers, softly at first and then with more aggression, she kissed him back with equal fervor as she twisted her fingers in his hair while his hands clutched her more tightly against his hard body, their breaths coming in short as both tried to control this barrage of desire that hit them instantly

She gasped as he gently bit her on her bottom lip, making her knees go weak, her body sagging against his as he gentled his hold slowly, trailing kisses back to her neck, before pulling her closer in a tight embrace, his arms holding on to her like he did not want her to leave ever.

The sensation of having Khushi in his arms was so overwhelming that Aranv still couldn't believe last night had happened. When he planned his elaborate plan to make her give in and admit her attraction and feelings from him, he had no idea about the depth of feelings he had for her, till she came willingly in his arms and his life

After leaving her home last night, when he got back to his empty apartment, he felt a strong melancholy surround him that he had never felt before, like he could not wait to be with Khushi again. He wanted her with himself always and it scared him how much he needed her.

She was nave and innocent, and even though she had shown a bolder self to him last night, he knew that this thing between him and Khushi had to be taken slow...he could not lose control around her so much, especially when there was so much going on in their professional life.

He was in agreement with Khushi's request of not letting anyone know, but understood her reasons behind it and it made him proud to have her as his girlfriend and hopefully a lot more. He still felt guilty at the way he had treated her all this time while she had been so patient and wonderful and had often wondered if he really did deserve her?

"What are you thinking?" Khushi asked him as she pulled back and he gently pushed back the wispy hair that had escaped her bun. He shook his head and kissed her on her nose as she smiled and snuggled closer into him, running her hands down his back

"I have to go...people will start wondering why I'm taking this long" she said as Arnav groaned and reluctantly let her go "I know...and I won't call you like this again...I promise" he said as Khushi smiled and left him. She looked over his shoulder and picked up his green juice and urged him to drink it

"Can you take a sip first...you might sweeten it for me" he said cheekily as she chuckled and held it to him "No way...and seriously, I never thought you could come up with such cheesy lines...not that I don't like them" she said winking at him as he downed the juice and gave her back the empty glass

"I guess it comes naturally around you...I'm just not the same with you Khushi...I feel I'm more like my former self...not ASR...just Arnav" he said as Khushi felt her throat clog with emotions, she held back her tears and gave him a quick peck on his cheeks "I'm glad you are...Arnav" she said as she gave him one last glance before quickly making her way back to the kitchen...God only knows what they will ask her now about her long meeting with ASR!

Part B below...

What's Cooking - Chapter 18 (B)

"So K..today are you free for a coffee? Or we'll go for some mouthwatering kabab rolls at Colaba..." NK asked Khushi as she looked up from folding her apron "Um...I'm not sure NK and it will be too late for me...I might not be able to make my last train" she said, hoping he'll give up

She did not want to be mean to him, but he had been going on about coffee or dinner or movie all day, saying he wanted things to go back to normal between them. But the way she saw it, they never did these things before as friends to start doing it now was just odd.

NK was a colleague and work friend and she wanted to keep it that way. And besides now she had Arnav to think about and even though it was her decision to go for a coffee with NK or not, she did not want to rock the boat at this point knowing what Arnav felt about her and NK.

"Maybe next week NK?" she smiled as NK Sighed "You know what...it's ok, doesn't matter. I guess you forgot that I'm leaving next week and I don't think I'll have time then...its cool K...good night" he said turning around dejectedly, making Khushi feel like a right b*tch doing this to him

"Fine, one coffee...then I have to go!" she said as NK smiled goofily "Great! Be ready in 5...I'll meet you outside" he said as Khushi nodded and picked up her bag. She had not seen Arnav after their earlier rendezvous and was kinda thankful for it. God only knows what more blunders she would have done in the kitchen in his presence.

She had been asked by everyone why she was with ASR for so long, but she had simply shrugged and told everyone that they were speaking on general things to do with her job and that ASR had told her that he will be shifting her to a new role by next week, which was met by a lot of cheer from her friends.

She quickly walked into Arnav's cabin, making sure no one sees her and found him sitting behind the desk staring at his computer. He looked up as she came in and smiled "Aren't you are sight for sore eyes...literally" he said as Khushi smiled back at him

He got up and pulled her close to him before planting a chaste kiss on her lips "Finally..." he said as Khushi giggled and pushed him away "Stop...someone might come in, besides I came to tell you that I'm going out for coffee with NK...so I'll see you tomorrow" she said as Arnav's face turned sour at her words

His eyes took on a serious look, which Khushi had not seen since quite some time "Why are you going with him? I thought we will spend some time together" he said as he ran a hand through his hair, making Khushi take a deep breath "I know and I too want that...but he's been asking me since yesterday and keeping everything aside, NK is my friend and he will be leaving next week...plus it's just a coffee na..." she said as Arnav shook his head

"How can you be so nave! It's not just a coffee...he's trying to get into your pants! Can't you see that?" Arnav said angrily, shocking Khushi with his crude words "No he is not! Why can't you see the good in people? And he likes me...so do you! But in your case, I like you back...while in NK's case, he's just a friend...not everyone wants to score...and if that is what you think about him, should I feel the same about you?" she said not realizing what she had just said

She winced as a shadow of hurt crossed Arnav's face and felt all her anger at his irrational behavior leave her "I'm sorry...I did not mean that..." Khushi said softly as she walked towards him, but Arnav put up his hand and shook his head "Let's not...we'll hurt each other more if we continue...go for your coffee...I'll see you tomorrow" he said as he turned away from her, making Khushi blink back her tears

She knew how much she meant to him and how much he meant for her, and her words must have hurt him very badly. She felt like such a tool for saying it. She looked at his stiff back and walked out from his cabin hoping she wouldn't burst out in tears. She quickly made her way to the exit where NK was waiting for her on his bike

She gave him a wobbly smile and sat behind him, while holding onto the back seat "You can hold my shoulders you know" he said as Khushi denied and held onto the seat more tightly. She looked at the restaurant as they drove away, her eyes locking with Arnav's who was watching them from the window in his cabin.

xxx

"Khushi, you look very distracted" NK said as he sipped on his latte. Khushi gave him a tight smile and shook her head as she stirred her cappuccino. Something about NK had been off...when they had set off from the restaurant, he had driven normally, but then as if he wanted to show off, he had suddenly increased the speed of his bike, forcing Khushi to hold on to him tightly...her pleas to slow down had not been heard by him over the roar of the bike and his helmet

Then he had gone and ordered for her without asking her, as if he wanted to prove that he knew the way she takes her coffee. The entire 15 minutes they had been sitting at the booth, he had not once taken his eyes off her and something in his gaze raised her hackles...had Arnav been right about him?

She was just about to ask him about his new job, when her phone pinged with a message. She smiled as she saw Arnav's name but was also worried what he had messaged her about I'm sorry for being a jerk...enjoy your evening, but tomorrow evening you spend with me' he said as Khushi felt her heart melt...she was falling fast and hard for her boss

"Who's that? Your boy friend?" Nk joked, annoying Khushi who replied back with a It's ok...m sorry too...miss you' and kept her phone inside, lest NK sees the text or the name of the sender "Just a friend" she said as he sighed and leaned back in his chair "I wish I was that friend who brings such a beautiful smile on your face" he said as Khushi started feeling a bit uneasy with his words

"NK, stop flirting with me..." she said in a soft but firm voice, but he didn't seem to get it "What is it that you look in a man Khushi? Why did you say no to me...I have everything that a woman hopes for, so why do you not like me?" he asked her making Khushi shake her head, so Arnav was right about him

"Listen NK...if you have bought me here to speak on this again, its best I leave...I thought you wanted to get back to being friends without this awkwardness" she said as NK banged his cup on the table, startling Khushi "Dammit Khushi! I can't go back to being friends...I like you too much..." he said as Khushi looked on shocked

"Stop it NK...there will never be anything more between me and you! It can't happen so please don't keep pushing me like this...I thought we could still be friends, but it doesn't look like it" she said a she got up, but was held back by NK's grip on her wrist "Who is he? You like someone else right? Tell me Khushi" he asked as Khushi shrugged her wrist away from his hold "None of your business" she said before making her way out

She hailed a taxi as NK came bounding behind her "Khushi...K...please, listen I'm sorry...I thought if I give you some more time, you'll be able to see me in a different light, but looks like you already have someone..." he said as Khushi looked up from the taxi at him "Good bye NK..." she said as he stood by while her taxi rolled out...Khushi tried to keep her tears at bay, but one small tear escaped the corner of her eye...in a split decision, she leaned forward and gave the taxi driver a new destination.

xxx

Guess guess what the new destinations is😉 Till the next update! xoxo

Today's recipe is very special...as some of you know, i'm a Goan and we love our food...i was telling my mom about this trend I have of putting up recipes and she suggested I post her recipe for the famous Goan dish,Chicken Xacuti! I have made this a million times and turns out very very yummy...enjoy!

My Mom's Chicken Xacuti!

Ingredients:

1 Large Chicken - Curry cut

2 Onions - Chopped finely

2 tomatoes

4 Tbsp coconut or any other oil

Salt

For Chicken Marinade:

3 tbsp Yogurt

Turmeric powder

Grind into paste:

Coriander leaves - handful

Ginger 1 inch

Garlic - 5-6 pods

Green chilies - 3

For Masala:

1 whole Coconut grated

4 large onions - Sliced roughly

Xacuti Masala or any good strong Garam Masala - 2 tbsp

I tbsp red chili masala

1 cup water

Preparation:

Marinate the cut chicken with paste made out of coriander, ginger, garlic and green, yogurt and turmeric powder

Let it rest for at least hour. Longer you keep the better the taste and tenderness of the chicken

Take a pan and pour a tsp of coconut oil (any other oil is also fine). Roast together the coconut and onions till they are browned. Now grind it with 1 cup water and Garam masala and red chili powder.

Make it into a fine paste and keep it aside.

Take a deep pan and heat 3 tbps oil. Add the finely chopped onions and saut till they turn translucent. Now add the tomatoes and marinated chicken and cook on high heat till the chicken is nearly cooked. At this point, there will be quite a lot of water in the pan.

Finally add the prepared masala and salt and mix well before reducing the flame and letting it cook on slow. You can also pressure cook it if you want, though slow cooking for half an hour to 45 minutes will be best. Add more water if the gravy is too thick.

Once the oil starts separating, your curry is read. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and Serve with hot rotis, dosa's or steamed rice!

Todays' Movie Recommendation : Today's Special (2009)

Synopsis: In this super-feel-good foodie comedy, young Manhattan chef Samir rediscovers his heritage and his passion for life through the enchanting art of cooking Indian food.