#1 ArHi Collaboration SS : Jalebis and Chillies [ Completed ]

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Chapter 2: T... for Treading!

The next morning,

A plate of jalebis was in front of her. The yellow swirls dripping with sugar syrup looked delicious. They were inviting her. Her mouth watered. She wanted to lose herself in those delicacies. She picked one jalebi and smiled dreamily. She moaned as the sweetness of the jalebis mingled with her saliva. She picked another one and was about to bite it when a certain husky voice stopped her from doing so. She decided to ignore the voice and continue enjoying her favourite sweet. The voice came again. This time with a greater force.

Wait. It sounded as if the voice was calling out her.

"Babloo! Babloo! Wake up, meri bachchi."

It could not have been Arnav Singh Raizada's voice. How would he know her ridiculous pet name? "Babloo." She heard again. It struck her then. Only her father calls her by that name. She woke up with a start.

Where was her plate of jalebis?

She mumbled some incoherent words. Her father could grasp only two of them- "jalebis" and "gifts".

"Khushi, were you dreaming about jalebis, again? And you already want a gift? By the way, a gift for what?" Her father asked with an amused expression.

She looked at her father with a blank expression on her face, allowing the words to sink in.

"A gift for accepting this stupid name."

"Get ready quickly, Babloo." He said stressing on the name and left the room.

Damn! Why the hell was she dreaming about gifts and Arnav Singh Raizada's voice? All this was because of the previous night's call.

She checked the time and said, "Shit! I am late again and he will give me one sound lecture, after all I did the same yesterday," and dashed into the bathroom.

**********

He was returning from his morning jog. He was about to enter his room when he decided to visit the person in the adjoining room. A small smile crept on his lips seeing the person. He saw her sleeping peacefully with her lips curved in an adorable pout. He stood beside her bed and ruffled her hair.

She shifted in her sleep and grumbled in a doused voice, "Let me sleep a few more minutes."

He stifled a smile. He knew she didn't like anyone disturbing her early morning slumber. He tugged at her duvet which exposed her body a bit. He slid his fingers and tickled her. Another fact she didn't like. Her body was extremely ticklish and she hated it.

She wiggled at the tickles and started laughing. He too joined her.

"Bhai, this is not fair. You cannot wake me up this way, you know how ticklish I am", she complained.

"I could not help it. Anyway, good morning to you too," he said pinching her cheeks.

"Good morning. But I am angry with you."

"Arrey, ab maine kya kiya?" He asked, confusion etched on his face.

"You were supposed to take me out on a dinner date two weeks ago because I had won the bet. And you don't have the time to talk with me", she pouted.

"I am so sorry, Chhutki. I completely forgot. The preparations for the launch are keeping me busy. Once this is over, I will take you to your favourite diner. Promise."

"Pakka?"

"Haan haan, pakka promise."

"Okay", she smiled gleefully and continued, "but for now you have to accept punishment for waking me up with tickles."

"Kya?"

"You have to drop me to college."

"Your wish is my command, Your Highness." He said and both broke into peel of laughter.

"By the way, Bhai, this means you are still single and not... um... uh... as I thought?" He was stunned and for a moment he did wonder why he was being struck speechless of late.

"What the! Where is this coming from?"

"Um, I had assumed you were busy with your woh."

"Woh kaun?"

"Arnav, Avni! Both of you are still here? Breakfast is going to be served in fifteen minutes. I want both of you down by then." The strict voice of Mrs. Smita Singh Raizada reached their room.

"Yes, Ma."

"Coming, Badi Ma"

Both cried in unison.

"The conversation ain't over Avni."

Well, who better than Avni knew what that meant? It exactly meant another sound dose of teasing was awaiting for her for the stunt she just pulled.

**********

The breakfast was a silent affair for the Guptas, only till the youngest member made her timely appearance at the table. Khushi Gupta was usually late for her breakfast. The only rare occurrences of her being early at the breakfast table were the days when the sun did not wish to rise, which never happened.

The sun had risen and so Khushi was the last person to start her breakfast. She was munching her breakfast as if she had all the time in the world. All three of them looked at her as if she had lost her mind.

"Khushi, time dekho." She glanced at the watch and nodded at her mother, Garima.

"It is 9:15 pagal. Aren't you supposed to be there at 9:45?" Payal shook her head in disbelief.

"Arrey engineer, don't you know that gobbling food is not good? It can make the food particles enter the wind pipe and then breathing problems and then whoosh I will die. Mujhe maarne ka irada hai kya tumhara?"

Payal rolled her eyes at yet another outstanding display of dramatics from the leading actress of the Gupta house.

"All I meant is you can get up early and avoid this."

"Uffo Jiji, not all will go to office at 7:30 when the reporting time is 9. Anyway, why are you still here? Office nahi hai kya?"

"It is Saturday."

"Hey Devi Maiyya, I am working on a Saturday" and there went another mumbling about a certain Handsome devil.

"Khushi and Payal chup karo. I will drop Babloo to office on my way", Shashi Gupta interrupted.

"Papa, please. You know I don't like that name. Khushi is a much better name. Babloo is such a boyish name", Khushi cribbed.

"Achha baba, I won't. Tell me how is your internship going?"

"Good."

She replied in a monosyllable word though she smiled inwardly. It was fun at times. She bent down and ate her food, hiding her smiling face.

A few minutes later, Khushi left with her father.

At the doorstep, Payal Gupta received a couriered letter. She opened it and a frown appeared on her face.

**********

Contrary to the Guptas, breakfast at the Raizadas was quite a noisy affair. They were a joint family. Ajay Singh Raizada and Manohar Singh Raizada were engaged in conversation regarding the launch.

"Bhai, I hope the upcoming launch becomes a huge success", Manohar said.

"Don't worry, Manohar. I have full faith on our children. They are gruelling day and night. I think we can finally retire leaving the reins of RHF in their hands."

"Not so soon, Dad", Arnav joined the conversation as he sat adjacent to his father.

"There is still a lot for us to learn from you. Moreover, you are not old." He added.

"Bhai is right, Bade Chacha. Aap ki umar hi kya hai abhi. You can still give competition to the guys of my college."

"I know, beta. That's why I want to retire and whisk your Badi Ma away from the hustle and bustle of this family and enjoy a long vacation. Your Badi Ma does not have time for me", Ajay joked earning a glare from his wife.

Avni giggled while Arnav smiled.

"Aap bhi na. Have some shame at least in front of the children." Mrs Smita Singh Raizada chided.

Avni decided to change the mood and said, "What is this Ma? Aloo Paratha? I want to have the toasts."

"Offo! This girl and her eating habits." Manorama said irritated at her daughter. Avni Singh Raizada was choosy about her food habits.

"Manorama, let her have what she likes. She is just like Arnav. They should have been born as siblings and not cousins." Devyani Singh Raizada commented about her grandchildren. "Where is Akash bitwa?"

"He has already left for office. He has a video conference, Ma", replied Manohar.

The chatter at the breakfast table increased by a notch when Arnav received a video call from his sister Anjali Jha.

"Bitiya, did you reach safely?"

"Yes, Dadi."

Before anyone could speak, Avni snatched the phone.

"Hi, Di. How are you? And how is Jeejaji?"

"Chhutki, both of us are fine. How are you? You are still at home. Don't you have college?"

"I am absolutely fine, Di. Yeah, I was about to leave. Anyway, Bhai is dropping me today. Where is Jeejaji, by the way?"

"Uh, he is in the shower. Where is your brother?"

"Akash bhai is a workaholic, Di. You know na?"

"As if Arnav is not."

"Di, why do you bring me into this?"Arnav complained.

Anjali only stuck her tongue out at that.

"Okaaay. I won't keep you away from Jeejaji. Enjoy your second honeymoon, oops, vacation." Avni winked seeing Anjali blush.

"Chhutki, shut up!"

"Okay Di, bye."

"I was worried that Anjali hadn't called." Manorama commented.

The word "call" immediately made Arnav remember the very recent call he had made.

The previous night,

Arnav closed his eyes, trying to sleep, when he remembered something. He took his cell phone and his fingers flew over the screen, searching for something. He narrowed his eyes at what he had found. He searched for her phone name from his employees list and voila, he found her smiling photo staring at him. It was finally time to call Ms. Gupta.

As she cut her call, Arnav was shocked. No one cuts ASR's call and he never calls anyone twice. Both were first of a kind. He called her again and,

"Hello"

A muffled "Hello" was returned along with the munching sound which ultimately came out as "Yeh lo".

What the?! What exactly is this girl implying? "Yeh lo?" Seriously? After what she has already presented him with.

"What should I take? I already seem to love what I have been gifted with."

As he spoke those words, he could hear her gasp and sudden release of breath and then as if someone had suddenly realised that they were standing on fire, she spoke, "Arnav Singh Raizada?"

Khushi entered the office with a lazy smile adorning her pretty face. She smiled at Arnav's Secretary who waved at her. Then, she found her friend, Tanya and waved at her. And then it was Rahul, Sumant, Shrishti... Well since the list of waves and smiles from Khushi seemed to be endless, Chilli decided to make his presence be felt. Jalebi was about to go out and greet the drivers too, for she had forgotten to greet them before and here as she turned, she collided with a very hard rock.

"Aah"

What followed after this "Aah" was a scene that was supposed to be straight from a SRK-Kajol starrer wherein the heroine loses balances and the hero catches her and an eyelock follows. But alas what happened here was the heroine lost her balance and in the most unlady like manner grabbed the hero's hand to prevent any fall. Arnav of course allowed that little grabbing of his hand and nothing more. He never promised to be a gentleman, did he?

Khushi made herself steady as Arnav left her hand and followed Arnav without any questions. This did make Arnav wonder if last night's call had helped. Damn she is silent! That is the first success. Now here is where the question of whether Arnav knew Khushi at all arises.

Khushi made faces behind Arnav. And another round of how "obnoxiously handsome man" he was followed which Arnav royally ignored. Oh how wrong he was in judging her silence. It definitely should have been something bad or flirty. Now, now Arnav did know her.

"Report?" He asked sternly. Khushi rummaged through her bag's contents to produce the very report he was asking and the very same report which had been their point of discussion the previous night.

"What should I take? I already seem to love what I have been gifted with."

"Arnav Singh Raizada?"

The rest of the jalebi dropped from her lips and the hunger was long forgotten. Gift?Her eyes rounded at the realisation.Seriously? Gift? What gift did I give him? Her mind immediately took her back into the memory lane to zero in on any moment that involved her gifting him anything.

"Uh gift?! Which one are you speaking about?"

"Oh this looks like I have received more than one. But no I am speaking about the one I got at 7:00."

"At 7:00? Uh I did not send anything to you. How did you get anything at all from me? It isn't possible."

"Clearly shows. How did I expect that you will remember that?" His sarcasm tinged voice clearly hit the warning bells in her mind.

"Report." They both spoke at the same time, one with a voice mixed with surprise and confusion while the other with a voice laced with anger and frustration. "Yeah the very same thing you call it as a report. What bloody nonsense have you mailed to me? It is so full of faults and mistakes. What were you thinking while typing it? You could have as well mailed it to your trash. I have already deleted it." Khushi's frown intensified with every word Arnav uttered.

"What the? You called me at..." She stopped to check the time which showed 11:15. "Yeah at 11:15 to tell that a report is bad. Couldn't you tell it tomorrow? I am an intern, so I am learning it. You can't blame me."

And then for the first time Arnav Singh Raizada argued with an intern regarding a report for half an hour. What was the result? Of course it was he who had cut the phone in irritation as the girl on the other end rambled on and on about her Jalebis. Seriously? Why the hell did God make her so foolish?

He skimmed through the report that was so unceremoniously thrust under his eyes. It spoke of stuff. But Khushi's behaviour spoke of laziness. He needed to set it right, he mentally decided.

"You may leave now." That's all? Yesterday he calls me at 11:00 to shout, now can't he tell me how it was. "Obnoxiously rude," she muttered under her breath, butnot loud enough for Arnav to hear, before leaving for her cabin.

**********

Smita Singh Raizada and Garima Gupta convinced a crying kid to go to his class leaving his mother. Weren't all kids this emotional to adjust to a new environment with unknown people? But no, not all were like that and Garima smiled at her thoughts."Khushi again?" Garima chuckled at that.

"Yes. The girl never leaves my thoughts. This kid made me remember about Khushi's first day at school. She was the one who ran into the school without a backward glance. No emotional crying or anything."

"Ha. She is unique. And my favorite."

"Oh you don't know what your laadli did today. She is getting too naughty. Roz naya tamasha. I don't know if she was like this before or halfway aisa hua."

"Arrey my laadli was always like this. She makes sure she is in your thoughts and she makes us laugh. Pagal hai par cute hai and very witty too."

"But she is lazy," the troubled mother put in. "Arnav hai na? He will set her right,"added Smita putting her friend out of misery with those words. "I hope so, Smita. This girl worries me the most."

"Today we will finalise the paint color for the new wing, shall we?"

"But Smita you said there is a puja in the evening and you need to leave early."

"Arrey, I forgot. What will I do without you?"

Garima laughed at that. Of course what would both do without the other? Their paths were meant to cross due to Arnav and Khushi, which had later lead to the birth of "Play and Learn" Kindergarten school. It was now headed by both of them. It has been 8 years since they have successfully run it, together.

Another crying kid soon caught their attention fishing them out of their thoughts.

**********

Ajay saw a deeply focussed Khushi who was trying to figure out something, maybe on the recent task Arnav had given to her. He then looked at Arnav who was in a video call, no doubt cracking yet another deal. Now where was Akash? He had vanished into the thin air since the morning. He decided to call him and as he took his phone out, he heard a knock. "Bade Chacha?"

"Come in Akash. Where were you?"

"At the launch location. I wanted to personally be sure of all the minute details. Arnav was too worried about the models too. So I went there to check it up."

"Oh at 7?"

The very question threw Akash off guard. He didn't see it coming. "What?"

"No, I was just wondering if all the models turned up at 7." Ajay's casual remark had its effect.

"I needed to sort certain things out."

Ajay nodded. "Just know that I have big ears to lend it to you. Don't bottle up all issues." Akash smiled faintly at him and left the cabin, while Ajay's thoughtful gaze followed him.

**********

"Coming to the launch site?" The way Arnav put it, Khushi wasn't sure how to answer it.

Was he asking or informing? I am sure he is asking. If he was telling then he wouldn't be using present continuous. It should have been an order and he would have used it like an imperative sentence. Yes, that's it he was asking. Khushi's thoughts were interrupted by Arnav's booming voice again,

"I am asking you, dammit."

Did he read her thoughts?

"How? I mean you heard me didn't you?"She asked trying to confirm her doubt.

"What the hell are you blabbering? Yes or No?"

"Yes", she accepted cheerfully.

"But no lazing around. Okay?" At Khushi's dutiful nod, Arnav's dubious mind was very perturbed. She and not lazy? After all her laziness had made them meet first.

Arnav was frustrated and agitated. He was positive the new event would be a failure, after all he has been given such a team. Being the School's Pupil Leader was a demanding task, especially if you had a lazy bunch as the team. They still had to put up the banners, check the newsletter, decorate the venue, and oh the never ending list continued. Arnav shook his head finding the team sitting on the bench and munching snacks. "Guys, if you all are done, let's get back to work. Please." They all got on their feet and scrambled out, when Avni approached him.

"Bhai how is this banner? Does it look good? Should I make some changes?"

"No this looks good. Go ahead. Are you all done with all the banners?"

"Um.. no bhai. Still three left."

"Avni can't you find more members and group them in and do the work?" As Avni shook her head and got back to work, Arnav sighed.

Just then a girl caught his attention. It did look like she was fairly new to the school and that explained why he hadn't seen her before. While the whole school was bustling with work, this girl seemed to be eating something and ignoring her friend's call to help her.

Arnav approached her, determined to make her work. "Excuse me." She looked at him with a raised eyebrow indicating him to go on. Arnav was shocked. "Which class are you in?"

"9B" she smiled cheerfully. "Why aren't you doing anything for the cultural event?"

She stuffed something that looked like a jalebi into her mouth and continued, "Because I don't want to. It is lot of work and it requires spending too much of energy and you know what. I am telling this to you, don't tell to anyone. This isn't organised. It isn't systematic. By the way, which class are you in? You are also bored like me?"

"I am the School's Pupil Leader."

"Wow! Congrats." Was she really mad? He didn't know.

"Do you realise that I am the one organising it?"

"Organising what?"

"This event."

"Oh...really?"

"Yeah really." Khushi swallowed thickly. Her big mouth will cause her death, one day.

"Um my friend is calling me."

"Oh for what?"

"For.. um... work of course."

Arnav looked at her incredulously at the brilliant escapade she had come up with, but it seemed that the world was conspiring against her, for her friend came up then."Will you at least help me with pasting these? Stop being so lazy." With a meek nod, Khushi followed her friend and did as told. Halfway through Khushi did turn around to see if he was there or not. Could she go back to her Jalebis? Bam, she found him right behind her, overlooking her work. She sighed getting back to it forcefully...

**********

Akash paced around his cabin, deep in thought. "What to do? What not to do?"His phone rang and he mechanically accepted the call.

"What? No! This won't lead us anywhere. Do you understand? I am so fed up! I have work. Will call you later, when you would have calmed down and think straight. Don't start it again. Bye."

What the hell was happening with his usually happy life? He mused.

**********

Thanks for reading. Check the note below.

Chapter 7: S... for Sugar &Spice!

"Nikhil Khuranna?" Khushi shook her head in disbelief. He was here again, after all those years. God save me, she thought as he smiled wickedly.

"What are you doing here?" She questioned him, though she already knew a part of the answer.

"Well, I am doing whatever you have been doing. But the only difference is that I will do it better and much better."

"Is it? I have murdered five and assaulted four. You plan to do that better?" She smiled sweetly, maybe a little too sweet than needed.

NK threw a haughty glance at her and continued with his work and for the first time in history, Jalebi wanted to remain quiet and get on with her work. Yes, you heard it right! She wanted to work and not talk.

"Ah! See who is here." The sarcastic voice of Chilli hit Jalebi's ears.

"May I do something for you, my Highness?"

"Hell yeah!" Khushi muttered. Arnav's gaze shifted to NK who was staring intently at the duo. Khushi followed Arnav's gaze which had landed on NK, the pest. And for once neither Jalebi nor Chilli wanted a listener and glared at him. They had something in common! Had they both realised this common factor, they would have probably refuted it. But they both were quite busy in glaring at a certain man.

"I want both of you to take an account of the recent launch and come up with the flaws as well as the high points of the launch. Be sure to leave it on my desk before 5 PM. And mind you, the meeting scheduled at 1 PM tomorrow will have inputs from both of your reports. Get that?"

NK nodded obediently at that and Khushi gave a careless nod, though her mind was urging her to do something better than the pest.

Khushi stretched in between. She was almost done with the work and it was only 3 PM. She herself didn't know why she was suddenly overworking herself. Maybe she wanted to prove her worth to Arnav in front of NK.

Arnav looked at Khushi who was immersed in her work. What is it that that made her work today? Maybe NK was the catalyst here. He was too eager to read her report and for a change maybe appreciate her. Appreciate her? Now where did that come from? He was wondering. He shook his head, realising that thinking about a certain Gupta will only mess his mind.

At 5 PM,

Khushi knocked on Arnav's door and on getting no response, peeked inside. She found his cabin empty. She left her file on the desk and admired his cabin. His cabin was tastefully done and it so reflected Arnav. The black and white interiors of the room were so Arnav. She sent a message to Arnav about the file and went back to her cubicle.

"Where was NK?" She wondered aloud. Maybe he had finished the work before her. She plopped herself on her chair and waited for Arnav.

At 6 PM,

"Come to my cabin NOW." Khushi heard Chilli's booming voice over the intercom which went dead after those five words were said. She was confused and rightly so. Nonetheless, she followed his order. Maybe she had messed the report yet again. Frowning at her thoughts, she went inside.

"I was a stupid to actually trust you to do the work assigned to you. I don't even understand what Papa saw in you to actually employ you. I feel like assigning you under NK to learn from."

Khushi's eyes widened at that. Under that pest? She looked at NK sitting in Arnav's cabin with a smug expression on his face. How she wanted to punch him at that moment.Well she had forgotten that she used to consider Arnav as a pest at one point. Bigger pest and bigger issues. Sigh!

"Um...what did I do?"

"Don't act too innocent Khushi. I had sent word through NK to be present at the conference which was at 5:15 today."

"Wait. Wasn't that conference scheduled for tomorrow?"

"It was rescheduled." Arnav answered, exasperated."And you didn't turn up, but you were rather too comfortable whiling away your time."

"Arnav..."

"No shut up. Don't give me your stupid anger management lessons. Out from here. And you know what, from tomorrow I am assigning you under Papa. Let him see for himself the work you do."

"Arnav, listen to me..."

"I said OUT."

Khushi went out silently and for the first time, Arnav noticed a lone tear make its way from her eyes. And for the first time, he didn't like it. He didn't like seeing that every cheery face go all sad and sorrowful.

**********

The previous EVENING ,

"Amma and Papa, I need to tell you all something."

"Haan bolo Payal." Shashi said calmly while Garima looked at her with anticipation.

"Haan Payaliya bol. We are waiting to hear your madhur vani."

Shashi chuckled at Khushi's comment but Garima shushed Khushi noticing the seriousness in Payal's voice and the way she was clasping and unclasping her fingers.

"Papa read this." Payal handed over the letter which was the source of her recent happy and sad days.

Shashi was confused and perplexed. He did not know what to expect out of the letter thrust into his hands. Garima was impatient at the least.

Payal bit her lips as she saw her father reading the letter. He looked up after what seemed an infinite time. He wore a blank expression. When Shashi didn't speak up, Garima spoke up.

"Kisi ladke ne diya na?"

"Oh Amma! You knew it kya? It was sent by Mr. Varun Iyer."

"Payal you are so cool about it? Kya socha hain tune? Kitne saal se ho raha hai yeh? Aur woh bhi ek Iyer ke saath. Unke ghar main koi problem nahi hai?"

"Kya? Amma why should his people have any issues? I don't get it."

"Arrey aise kaise? Woh log itne broad minded hain kya?"

"Amma! I don't even understand why you are so concerned about this Mr. Iyer and his people. I haven't met him in the first place."

"Kya? Bina dekhe pyaar? Tumhe kya lagta hai ki life koi film hai?"

Shashi burst out laughing at this exact moment. Khushi too joined her father. After all she knew what was in the letter and also knew her mother's line of thoughts.

Payal was angry and frustrated. Here she was so nervous and they are all laughing. "Khushi, Papa, why are you laughing? What is so funny? And Amma, yahan pyaar kahan se aaya?"

"Amma pehle yeh letter toh padho." Khushi, still giggling, handed over the letter to Garima who was stunned to say the least.

She looked at Payal who was almost in the verge of tears. "Congrats, meri bachchi." And she had engulfed Payal in bear hug. "Khushi kuch meetha le aana."

"Amma you are okay with this? Mera America jaana?"

"Why wouldn't I be? I want you to marry when you want to. I know how much you love your work and how much you have worked for this promotion. I will not stand in your way. But promise me one thing. Tum kisi Amreeki se shaadi nahi karogi."

Payal smiled at that and hugged her Ma. Oh she had been worrying for nothing.

Garima glanced at Shashi who smiled indicating his acceptance. He was happy with the way things had turned out. To be frank, he had been dreading Garima's reaction after all she had made plans of Payal's marriage at 24.

"You were right. Now go ahead and tell everyone there."

*Message delivered to Akash.

**********

At the office, Khushi went out of his cabin. The last words she heard were, "Good job NK".

Khushi knew this was that NK's work. He had deliberately not told her anything. And Arnav! He insulted her in front of that pest. Life was mean and so was Arnav!

Right on cue, her friend called out. "Khushi can you help me with this, please?" She was the one who never said no to her friends and so she went forward to help. But she made sure that sulk was in its place. Yes, no smile when she was angry!

After NK left the room, Arnav cleared his desk only to find a lonely blue file sitting alone in the farther end. He opened the file and the first thing he saw was, "KHUSHI KUMARI GUPTA" in big bold letters. Curious, he skimmed through the pages and he was definitely shocked. Who was he kidding? Khushi had left the report on his table and it was he who hadn't given her a chance to speak. Damn!

**********

The previous NIGHT:

*New Message from Payal.

"You were right. Now go ahead and tell everyone there."

After a long day at work, Akash's mood brightened as he saw the message sent by Payal in the evening. He had been too busy to check his mobile earlier.

Akash smiled at that. It was time to tell everyone about Pari and the dinner table sounded like the best option.

Dadi...check!

Bade Chacha...check!

Badi Ma...check!

Ma...check!

Papa...check!

Arnav...check!

Avni...check!

He took a deep breath and as he opened his mouth, a laddu was stuffed inside his mouth by Anjali di?! What the!

"Prasad hai, khalo."

"Anjali Di???"

"Surprise!"

And then there went a big round of hugging and kissing and speaking. Just when Akash thought he could continue where he was forcibly stopped, he heard the unmistakable voice of Payal?!

"Congrats, Payal. Le laddu kha le."

"Payal?"

"Hi Akash. Woh kya hain na, Smita Aunty wanted us to come here to celebrate my promotion and also because Anjali di has also returned today."

"Oh!"

"Ab toh tum bol do. See everyone is here. When are you planning to tell?"

And just before another group made an impromptu appearance, Akash spoke up. "I want to tell you all something."

Manorama who had been upset that Payal (her bahu) would be leaving abroad and still Akash hadn't announced anything, was very happy at that. Maybe the time had come.

"Haan bolo na Akash." She urged, excitement shining in her eyes.

"Ma, I am in love with someone."

After a few seconds of silence, each member started speaking at the same time.

Ajay gave a I-knew-it expression.

"Waaah Bhai! I never knew my brother was in love. Ladki toh hai na?" Avni winked at Akash, earning a glare from him.

"I knew it. Hari Prakash, aur laddu le aana. Ek Akash ke liye aur ek Payal ke liye."

If everyone were astounded by Akash's announcement, they were stunned into silence again by Manorama's statement. Manorama is so cool about the whole thing.

"Akash you had told Manu Aunty about this?"Payal questioned. Akash shook his head. "How did Ma come to know?" Akash wondered.

"Arrey, Payal start calling me Ma. Stop with this aunty. Ab jab aap log pyaar karte hain, mujhe Ma bulao."

"Kya?" and now this "kya" was from Khushi and Arnav.

"Jiji?"

"Bhai?"

"Yeh kab hua?" And this was from Garima.

"OMG!" and this was from Anjali and Avni.

"Matlab tum shaadi karke America jaogi, Jiji?" Yet again this was from Jalebi.

Payal rolled her eyes in disbelief at the sudden onslaught of questions thrown unceremoniously at her. Akash closed his eyes. Seriously! His family was total madcap.

Arnav felt amusement build up as he witnessed Akash and Payal's state. He knew something was wrong and seriously. He looked at Khushi who was literally dancing with happiness. So sad, he was sure the happiness will drop when the real truth comes out. And he decided to help Akash and Payal in handling the situation.

"Choti Ma, Avni,Ddi, Khushi, Garima Aunty. Ab sab log thodi der chup rahiye."

"Arnav." Now it was Smita's turn to admonish him.

"Ma you can scold me later. But I don't think this is what Akash Bhai intended to tell."

"Thanks Arnav." And then the bomb was dropped."I love Pari and not Payal. Payal is my best friend, for God's sake." The finality in his voice showed no room for doubts.

"I have no clue from where you guys made such an assumption." Oh finally! The relief!

"Kya?" oh there went around a collective 'kya'. Payal looked at everyone with an expression that read "What? You should have allowed him to speak. All of you made your own assumptions." And just like that fuse was pulled out and the bulb oops bubble was burst, rather brutally.

"Matlab tum pyaar nahi karte ho?" Manorama asked still not believing what Akash said.

"Karta hoon, Ma. Lekin Pari se. Payal se nahi!And I am so glad you are okay with it."

"I was okay with.."

Akash cut her off with a swift hug and an "I love you Ma. I know you will support me always". And he literally ran to his room before his mother could come up with the lamest of excuse to reject Pari and to prevent another hungama. Phew! Life was so not easy!

And then, everyone had convinced Manorama to accept this "unknown and unseen Pari". Of course she had been sad at the sudden turn of events. But nonetheless, decided to meet this Pari in the weekend. "Sab mere bachche ke liye".

And the previous night had ended!

Really Guptas and Raizadas make the onlookers life difficult and maybe provide a little entertainment.

**********

At the office again,

Come on the Raizada and the Gupta have some more stuff to sort out.

By the time, Khushi had helped her friend, the office was almost deserted. She was really glad that the stupid pest had left. Yeah, he hadn't forgotten to throw an annoying bye in her way.

As she cleared her stuff, she heard someone clearing his throat. She looked up to state straight into Chilli's eyes. She ignored him with all her might and continued with her work. As she turned around to leave, he called out.

"Khushi? Uh..."

When she didn't turn to face him, he continued. "I am sorry."

Khushi sucked in a breath at that. He was apologising. For what?

"I didn't know that you had left you report. But why didn't you come to the conference? I still don't get it. You send me a message but don't turn up."

"Because Mr. Obnoxiously handsome man, I didn't not know. I had no damn idea that I should come to the conference room." With every word, Khushi moved a step closer towards Arnav and her fingers almost poked his eyes and twice at that. And at the end, Arnav was pushed against the wall with a 5 foot 6 inches Khushi towering over a 6 foot 2 inches Arnav. Oh the Phoenix had rise! Oh and the words had not stopped. Here is the rest of the conversation.

"You for once, don't care about me! At all! I too know how to work. You sent word through the stupid NK who didn't tell it to me."

At the end of her scolding, she was breathing rather too rapidly.

"I am sorry. I really am. Your report was good. It was really good. Maybe I really deserved that anger management classes. Huh?"

This managed to bring about a little smile on Jalebi's face.

"Trust me you need it more than you realise."

And then for the first time, yet again, they had a conversation. No nok and no joke or jhok.

"Come I will drop you."

Just in a day, Raizada became friendly?! And so, Gupta agreed. And just in a day, Gupta became agreeable?! Well, well, who said miracles don't happen!

The vehicle roared into life as Arnav observed Khushi. She was silent but she wasn't angry, he could tell that. Maybe this was the right time to ask.

"Khushi..." he called out softly getting her attention.

"When you can do things so well, then why aren't you really showing interest in work?"

She stiffened at that. This had been her secret for so long. Could she trust him to keep it that way? She wondered. She was not sure.

Arnav saw her contemplating. So, there was a reason!

"Let's have the heavy talk for some other day, Arnav."

The subject was closed for that night but not forgotten.

**********

Thanks for reading. Check the note below.

Chapter 5: F... for Fishy!

Flashbacks in Blue

Arnav came home late in the night to find Avni sleeping on the couch and a bandage on her ankle. What happened to her? He wondered. But he was sure it was not serious, as otherwise his very dramatic sister would have called him. Wait! Did he actually check his phone after coming out of the meeting? Oh yes, except to shout at Khushi. He hadn't checked whom those five missed calls were from. Right on cue, Avni's phone rang. Not wanting to disturb his sister, who was pouting in her sleep at the sudden intrusion, he picked up the call from an unknown number.

"Hello Avni? This is Khushi and before you ask, I am calling from Papa's mobile and you don't have Papa's work number. So save this number too. And yeah I called to check if you are okay now. You took the medicines Aman prescribed, right? And yeah, I forgot, you have left your library card with me. Remember, when I came to pick you up after you called, you had thrust the card into my hand while balancing yourself. Hello? Avni? Are you on the line? Ek hello toh bol na... oii? Are you able to hear me? Uff! Hello?"

And the line went dead, leaving Chilli slightly confused. Khushi picked Avni up? When and why? Why the hell did Avni call Khushi? Why didn't Avni call him? Or wait, did she actually call him? As he checked his log, he saw that there were four calls from Avni and one call was attended. Now all that was left was connecting two and two.

"Ma, who picked Avni from her college?"He called out to his mother, who was passing by after checking on Avni.

"Khushi ne kiya."

Arnav was gobsmacked now. The events had turned and twisted totally. He hadn't expected this. But seriously, why the hell did Khushi not tell that she was with Avni? Instead she had given him lectures on anger management! Seriously, who does that? Maybe he should have at least listened to what she had been saying? They could have saved all this if he had heard...

**********

"Or if I had told him directly without giving into insane talks?" Khushi bit her lip as her folly hit her hard. She buried her face in her palms. Now how would she tell her parents that she was fired? She took in a deep breath to calm herself and decided to sleep and forget about the rest.

Cancelling her alarm as it was Sunday the next day, she lay on her bed. After a few seconds, she sprang up again as a sudden realisation dawned upon her. She needn't work, she needn't get up early, she could keep on eating and most importantly she needn't face that obnoxiously handsome rude fellow.

Hallelujah! She did a mental jig at that. Wasn't this that she had been wanting and waiting for? Arnav to fire her? Yes, this had been her sole motto since Day one of her joining RHF. Since if she had resigned, she would have been forced to rejoin office by her Amma. She had been planning since long and today unknowingly, she had finally achieved that feat. This was indeed for the best! Now all she needed to think was a way to put up a convincing drama in front of her parents so that they believe her story. Moreover, she wasn't entirely at fault, was she?

"Well I will explain this matter on Monday when Amma asks me why I am sleeping. And of course I will skip those points when I had given him lessons on how to control his anger."

Yeah and so our Jalebi had come up with a brainstorming idea to reveal the truth and enjoy her "no work" days!!!

**********

Should I apologize? Or should I not? Well even if Arnav had never promised to be a gentleman, he had never been a ruthless fellow at that. Maybe he would do that tomorrow. "Sorry" and nothing more, he decided. But did that Gupta really deserve a sorry? Was she even a tiny bit sad that she was fired? He could bet on his life that she wouldn't be. Well in his defence he had some solid proof from the past.

"Khushi Kumaariii Guptaaa..." As the mocking voice of Nikhil Khurrana, hit our Jalebi's ears, she grabbed the paint bottle and threw it straight and square on him. Nikhil Khuranna alias NK, the arch nemesis of Khushi found it pleasurable to tease Khushi with her second name, "Kumaari".And his popular question was "What will you do with the "Kumaari" part after marriage?" Today, Khushi was already vexed with over work load thrust on her and NK did no good by pushing her further.

Now the black paint had created a beautiful handwork on NK's face, which had formed a big O, as well as on the pristine white shirt that NK was carrying. The very white shirt, the School Pupil Leader was supposed to wear in an hour. And fortunately or unfortunately for Khushi, Chilly had witnessed the whole scene.

"Khushi Gupta." Well, Khushi sighed. How much more will this Arnav make her work?!"Haan, aur kya karna hain sahaab?"

"Oh you please tie both your hands and remain in that very corner and dare you come and help here."

"Sachi? As you say!" And with a slight half bow, Khushi had sprinted towards the very corner he had pointed.

"What the..."

"Don't say the F word! It is bad to swear."She turned back and called out.

"I wasn't about to swear, okay?"

With a thoughtful nod, Khushi sat down, not caring about the half incomplete work she had left behind. But, of course she did wonder why Arnav was suddenly very concerned that she sit down. But she didn't dare ask Arnav that. She had always learnt to accept good things and not question them, only to spoil it with her over curious mind.

If Arnav was right, Khushi would be celebrating by now. Though a tiny bit of him felt angry at his own self for not letting Khushi speak, he decided to check for any sign of remorse and then apologize to her, if at all needed! He had of course decided to ask her to continue interning in RHF.

**********

Payal looked at the letter for the umpteenth time. She clutched it closer to herself. This was supposed to be a happy news, but she was doubting it now, considering the timing of its arrival. She skimmed through the contents of the letter again. She vowed to show it to her Amma and Papa, but she had to first show it Khushi. She would kill her, if she came to know about this, the last. She will first speak to Akash tomorrow at the launch and then tell Khushi and her parents, she decided.

**********

Akash sat gazing at the stars, his rigid facade revealing nothing. Why these sudden cracks in his relation with his angel? But what was a relation without fights? He decided to mend it and soon. He was now determined to see her after the launch. Yeah that would do him some good. After all her face had been his stress reliever and cure for a long time now.

The day before the launch itself was proving to be a hurdle for the Raizadas and Guptas in equal measures!

*********

Arnav overlooked the decorations for one last time and decided to go home to get ready. And his chocolate brown orbs had already noticed that a certain Ms. Gupta was missing and that she hadn't even come there to collect her termination letter.

"Arnav?" Ajay's voice interrupted Arnav's thoughts pulling him out of his reverie.

"Haan Papa?"

"Khushi kahan hai? Is she in the office? What is she doing in the office while all of them are here?"

"She is on leave Papa. I think she was rambling something about being tired and needing some rest."

"Hmm... I will call her now then."

Well, if Chilli had thought that he could get away by lying, then he was wrong, for Ajay Singh Raizada had already caught the lie. Now if his son is calm at the fact that Khushi is on leave, then there is more to the story than what meets the eye. Ajay could clearly see something flicker in Arnav's eyes, before he masked it with that good for nothing Ray Ban glasses.

"Hello Khushi beta. How are you? Tabiyat ab theek hai na?"

"Uncle what even happened to my health? Avni kaisi hai?"

"If you are fine, then why aren't you here?"

"Woh uncle, Arnav ne..."

"Yeah, I know Arnav told me you needed some rest and you were tired."

All thanks to the phonic conversation, Ajay couldn't see a fuming Khushi on the other end and right on cue, a cough erupted from Arnav. Ha, what a drama! Ajay mused.

"Is it? When did he tell this to you?"

"Just now. Kyun?"

"Didn't he tell that he was the one who had so graciously offered me holidays for my whole lifetime?"

"Kya?"

"Woh Uncle, Arnav has asked me to take a three day off. He mentioned something about being impressed with my work. Didn't he tell that? And he had asked me to come with Amma, Papa and Jiji at 5pm today."

"Achha... Glad to hear that." If someone were to go by Ajay's voice, they would bet on their whole wealth that Ajay hadn't believed a word of what Khushi had uttered. Arnav's expectant face made it difficult for Ajay to conceal his laughter.

"Ghar chalein?"

Arnav's crisp nod clearly indicated that he was pissed off that Ajay didn't volunteer information. "Good that you have given her three days off. So unlike you. But good to know." Ajay remarked casually, suppressing his grin and walked ahead, leaving behind an extremely shocked Arnav.

And then, a "What the!" was also muttered, but in vain.

**********

Bonus Part :

If Arnav, Khushi, Akash and Payal had lost their sleep, a certain Other Raizada... the youngest of the lot, had some unpleasant dreams. (according to her alone!!!)! Well well, it was not because of her sprained ankle, but because of a certain Mathur, the doctor.

"Aman Mathur?!"

"Avni Singh Raizada?!"

"You here?"

"Main yahan, hoon yahan..."
"Oh god! Didn't Khushi get a better doctor?"

"Touch! you wound my heart lady."

"You don't have a heart in the first place Mathur!"

"Aman, not Mathur."

"Mathur, the doctor."

Before the nok jhok could proceed, Khushi came back, rather sullenly. This effectively put an end to the banter...

**********

Thanks for reading. Check the note below.

Thank you for this lovely banner Rish_Rubles🤗

Chapter 4: F... for Fun Begins!

Flashback in Blue.

Akash paced around his cabin, deep in thought. "What to do? What not to do?"His phone rang and he mechanically accepted the call.

"What? No! This won't lead us anywhere. Do you understand? I am so fed up! I have work. Will call you later, when you would have calmed down and think straight. Don't start it again. Bye."

What the hell was happening with his usually happy life? He mused.

He rested his forehead on his palms trying to calm himself down. He needed to clear his head. His life was a mess right now.

He heard a knock at his cabin door. "Come in", he replied.

"Bhai? Is everything okay?"

Akash lifted his eyes to meet a concerned Arnav. He composed himself immediately and smilingly said, "Yeah! I am alright. Do you need anything?"

"Uh.. No. I came to inform you that I am leaving for the launch site. Are you joining me?"

"Um.. no. You leave for the site. I will go there later."

"Okay, see you later then."

As soon as Arnav left his cabin, he received a text. The frown deepened. He immediately dialled the number, after all that number topped his favorites.

The person at the other side received it at the first ring.

"Look, I am sorry", Akash started, "I admit I was rude. I should not have shouted at you. It is just that there is so much pressure at the moment with the new launch. And you are being so persistent. Moreover, Bade Chacha is already suspecting something."

"..."

"Arrey, you are getting it all wrong. I never said that you are not important. It is just that I need some more time."

"..."

"Please stop crying, baby. I know you are upset. Can we please discuss this when we meet next?"

He was getting another official call and so he quickly wrapped up the present call.

**********

Khushi slumped on the chair releasing a heavy sigh. Finally, our Jalebi got few moments of relaxation. From the time she had entered the launch site, Chilli had made sure that she never got a single moment to rest. She had enthusiastically said "Hi" to the models and was about to start a conversation as if they were her long lost friends but Arnav had barked orders at her to note down everything he was instructing. Hence, she had been following him like an obedient pupil until now.

She had never worked this much in her entire life. She thought. The more she worked, the more her stomach demanded food.

"Sheena, do you have something to eat. My stomach is rumbling." She said pouting.

"I have a cheese sandwich and a half-eaten apple", Sheena replied.

"Sandwich will do," Khushi said and grabbing it, stuffed it in her mouth. She moaned after taking a bite and said, "This is yummy. You are a sweetheart, Sheena but please don't tell Arnav about it, okay. Nahi toh he will shout at me."

Sheena chuckled at her statement.

Khushi looked around to find Arnav busy with his conference call and sighed. Work and Arnav are synonyms, she thought. This made her remember yet another instance from school.

Khushi looked at the chocolate bar in her hand admiringly. I can taste you finally. She thought. She took a large bite and closed her eyes savouring the taste. She was so lost in the chocolaty world that she had failed to notice or hear her friend who was screaming her lungs out in order to get her attention

"Khushi, can you pass me the banners? I need to put these up immediately. Khushi? KHUSHI", her friend shouted.

But the words fell on her deaf ears and she missed another pair of eyes which were witnessing this incident.

She felt a tap on her shoulders and heard a booming voice, "Enjoying the chocolate?"

She snapped her eyes open and found the School's Pupil Leader standing in front of her with his hands folded across his chest. She gulped and flashed her dazzling smile.

"Yeah, the chocolate is delicious. Do you want one?" She said forwarding another chocolate bar in front him.

What was this girl? He thought. A nerve on his forehead throbbed as he tried to control his anger.

"Your friend is screaming at the top of her voice and here you are enjoying your chocolate! Unbelievable!"

Khushi looked at her friend who shrugged her shoulders frightened by Arnav's anger.

"Errm... I did not hear her", she said.

"Oh, yeah! I can see that. Everyone is working and madam thinks that a party is going on here that she is busy enjoying herself. She does not even bother to help anyone." He said with a sarcastic jib in his voice.

"I was working too. See, I just finished making two banners." She said pointing to the banners lying there.

"Just two banners?" Arnav asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, and why are you behind me always? See, Kabir and his friends are also not doing anything. They are just laughing. Why are you not telling him anything?" She said looking in the direction of a group of boys.

Just as Arnav turned to look at them, Khushi fled. She hid behind a pillar and peeked to see what Arnav was doing. When she saw that Arnav had stopped looking for her and had instead started concentrating on other students, she heaved a sigh of relief. "Phew!" She said trying to normalise her ragged breathing due to running.

"That was a narrow escape."

Khushi jumped at the voice. She saw a girl standing there with a lot of articles in her hand.

"Escaping from under Arnav Bhai's nose is quite a task you see", she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"Yeah it is! Don't even tell me. But I am trying to become a master at that. I will tell you some, if you want."

"Well I can't afford to run away from my own brother!" Avni smirked at Khushi's gobsmacked expression.

"He is your brother?!" Khushi asked pointing at Arnav.

"Yeah, Arnav Singh Raizada is my brother and I am Avni Singh Raizada."

"Hello, Avni. I am Khushi Gupta. Are you going to tell your brother that I am here?" She asked sheepishly.

"No," she said, "I know Bhai can be too difficult sometimes."

"Oh, thank you so much Avni. You are really sweet and no doubt better than your brother", Khushi said cheerfully. Avni chuckled.

"You seem to be new here."

"Yes. I joined this year. Which class are you in, by the way?"

"Class 8A", Avni said and their conversation continued for some time, that is of course until Chilli found them.

Khushi was brought back to present by the sound of a ringtone. Arnav's phone had been ringing incessantly. She found Arnav still busy with the conference call with the foreign clients. The caller ID made her pick up the call.

She heard Avni's voice from the other side.

"Hello, Bhai, can you please send a car to my college? My friends have already left and I had stayed back in the library."

"Avni, it's me Khushi. Your Bhai is busy at the moment."

"Khushi, can you pass the information to Bhai? I have a problem here."

"Yeah, okay but are you fine?"

"Woh actually, I tripped on the stairs while walking in a hurry and I have got a sprain or ligament tear, I am not sure."

"What? You should have said that before. Okay, you wait there, I will inform Arnav."

**********

An hour later, Avni and Khushi were heading towards the hospital.

"Are you sure there won't be any problem there, Khushi?" Avni asked concerned.

"Don't worry, Avni. I will explain everything to your beloved brother. I don't think he will be angry knowing that you are hurt. At this moment, your treatment is more important than anything else and so ditch all your worries and relax."

Khushi smiled inwardly at having escaped from work yet again. Seeing Arnav busy, she had decided to pick up Avni from college. She had informed Sheena about her departure.

As they entered the hospital premises, from the ward boys to the nurses to the receptionist, everyone greeted Khushi. Well, who can escape the charms of our Jalebi! She made Avni sit while she went to the receptionist and said, "Hey, Kusum. Do you know where Papa is?"

"Let me check, Ma'am", the receptionist replied politely.

"Hi, Khushi. Long time no see? Kabhi kabhi hum hospital-walon ko bhi miss kiya karo. We missed you, hai na Kusum?"

"Aww! I missed you too." Khushi said as she engulfed the man, clad in white Doctor's coat, in a warm hug.

"So, what brings you here today? Did you fall again, you clumsy girl?"

"Oh, hello! I am not clumsy,okay."

"Yeah, I know I know", he said laughing.

"Ma'am Dr. Gupta is in the OT", interrupted the receptionist.

"Oh God! Aman, yaar, I need your help. My friend here has sprained her ankle."

"Why fear when Dr. Aman Mathur is here? Where is she?"

They walked to where Avni was sitting. "Here she is." Before Khushi could complete the introductions, she got a call. She motioned Aman to take care of her as she attended the call.

A ghost of a smile appeared on Aman's face as she looked at the girl in front of her.

"Avni Singh Raizada!"

"Aman Mathur?!"

Both exclaimed together, but we definitely do not know what their expressions held as one defiantly contradicted the other!

**********

"Where the hell are you Khushi?"

Khushi removed the phone from her ear as she heard Arnav yelling from the other side.

"Will you please stop yelling, Arnav? My ears are fine and I don't want them to get damaged because of your yelling."

"Shut up and tell me where you are."

"First you decide what you want me to do: Shut up or speak? Both are contradicting. And please calm down." Khushi replied calmly. She could feel his anger rise again.

"I don't have the time to listen to your crap. So, wherever you are just come to the site immediately."

"I can't." She replied coolly.

"What do you mean by you can't? Khushi, I am already stressed. Don't test me."

"See, I told you that you have some serious anger management issues. I have a suggestion. Take deep breaths, that is, breathe in lungful of air and then breathe out. Repeat the process for a couple of times. You will feel better."

"Khushi, stop it. Do you even realise how important tomorrow is for RHF?"

"Yeah, I know Arnav. Tomorrow RHF is going to launch the new clothing line but I cannot go to the site right now because..."

"You are not coming, are you?" Arnav cut Khushi before she could finish.

"No..."

"Fine. Then collect your termination letter on Monday. You are fired."

"What? But why? Arnav, you cannot just fire me."

"Oh yes. I can very well fire you, Ms. Gupta, because you work under me and you are just an intern, so I owe you no explanations."

"But Arnav you haven't even listened to me."

"Oh, I don't want to listen to your stupid excuses."

"But..."

The call had already been cut. She stared at the phone or a few seconds before uttering, "What the hell just happened!"

**********

Shashi and Garima Gupta looked at both her daughter. The elder one was just stirring the curry with the spoon lost in some deep thoughts while the other one was gorging down her food. Something was definitely wrong with them.

Khushi was quiet since the time she returned from office that too with a sullen face.

"I heard that you had gone to the hospital, Khushi", Shashi said.

"Yes. Avni had sprained her ankle. Aman was there. She is fine now. I dropped her home." Khushi replied in short sentences. The ever chirpy Jalebi was gone.

"I am done", Payal said as she rose from her seat, her plate was almost untouched.

Khushi too left the dining table after a few minutes.

"What happened to these two? Khushi rarely remains this quiet." Shashi thought aloud.

"May be Arnav has made her work more. You know how much she hates when someone forces her to work. But I am worried about Payal. I think she had been crying before I returned. We should talk to her, Shashi."

Garima's words made Shashi thoughtful.

*********

Thanks for reading. Check the note below.

Chapter 6: S... for Secret Revelations!

The launch of the new clothing line of RHF was going on smoothly. Arnav thought as he watched the models walk the ramp. His thoughts went to Jalebi. She had been ecstatic when she had entered the venue and had immediately gone back stage to wish luck to all the models.

Of course she was cheerful! After all, she had managed to get three days of leave and after those three days she would be back to destroy his peace of mind. Well she was smart, hands down, mostly because she had very cleverly used the whole situation to her advantage. He thought seeing Khushi smiling gleefully and even showing some of the models a thumbs-up sign.

"Pagal", he muttered.

"Did you say something, Arnav?" Ajay asked with a hint of amusement in his eyes. He had been observing his son. He had found Arnav's eyes often sneaking glances at Khushi.

"No, Dad." Arnav said and concentrated on the show again. His father really had very big ears. He thought.

**********

"It has been a long time since we met each other." She remarked casually.

"It appears so." He told her. He forwarded her favourite mocktail. She accepted it gratefully, noticing that he still remembered her preferences. Lack of meeting had not changed what they shared. She smiled at that and glanced around. The launch was a grand success and it was now followed by the after party which was in full swing.

However, two persons were far from soaking in the enjoyment. Akash Singh Raizada and Payal Gupta had one thing in common though, their distress.

"I have something to tell you.""I need to tell you something." Both said in unison.

"Okay. Lady goes first", said Akash.

"Ermm... I got the appointment letter yesterday. I got a job as a senior research analyst."

Akash narrowed his eyes at her and released the breath he was holding. Okay, so she was not in a problem.

"Wow! Congratulations Payaliya!" He said as he engulfed Payal in a big bear hug. But why was she still frowning.

"Thanks, Akash." And the frown refused to leave her face.

"I don't sense a problem here. Isn't this supposed to be a celebration time? Am I seeing a frown there? This is your dream job, Payaliya."

"Yeah, but it is not in Delhi."

"So?"

"Akash! You know Amma. She will not let me leave the country."

"One minute. This means you did not tell Uncle and Aunty that you had applied for this job?"

Payal shook her head indicating that she hadn't. "But now that you have got the job, you should tell them. I don't think Garima Aunty will have any problem knowing that her daughter is doing so well. You haven't told Khushi too?"

"No, I haven't. I wanted to tell you first." She muttered softly.

Akash smiled at that. Nothing had changed over years. This is how their friendship has always been.

"Do one thing. Tell Khushi first. And please remove this frown of your face. It doesn't suit you."

That brought an instant smile to her face.

"You said you wanted to say something too, right?"

"Yeah, it is about Pari."

"What about her? Don't say that you have messed up again."

Akash gave her a sheepish look.

"God! Akash! Ab tumne kya kiya? And don't give me that look. I know it is your fault like always or you would not have come to me asking for solutions for problems in your love life. I know how sneaky you are about this whole thing."

"Hey, it is not my fault every time okay. And this time the problem is serious. Pari's parents are searching for a groom. They might go ahead with the first good rishta they get. Moreover, I think Bade Chacha is suspecting that I am hiding something from everyone."

When Payal did not say anything for some good two minutes, he looked at her and said, "What? Why are you giving me that mocking look, Payaliya?"

"Seriously, Akash! This is your serious problem? Yeh toh chutki mein solve ho jayega."

"Really? Then why don't you solve it for me?" He said rolling his eyes at her.

"You just tell your family that you love Pari and want to marry her. I know, your family will love Pari. She is such a sweet person, yaar. And then your family will talk to Pari's family and fix your marriage with her. Then both of you marry and live happily ever after. See, it is simple."

"It is not that simple. Ma will freak out if she comes to know that I have a girlfriend."

"No, she will not. If you are so scared to break the news to Manorama Aunty, then talk to Ajay Uncle. He is a very cool person and he will definitely guide you."

"Payaliya, you are not understanding. The main problem is that I don't want to get married now and Pari's family is not ready to wait."

Silence prevailed for a few seconds. "Oh!"

"Oh? Is that all you got to tell?"

"Um...are you planning to marry in future and have you decided who to marry, if you do it at all?"

Akash was gobsmacked for a moment or two. "Of course it will be Pari for me."

"Akash, do you realise you still haven't told me if you want to marry in future. Just think. The issue is not if you will marry now, but it is if you will marry at all. I suggest you talk to Ajay Uncle."

And with that, both decided to break the most important news of their lives to their respective families.

**********

Khushi was enjoying her dessert when she heard Chilli's voice from behind her. "So, Ms. Gupta is celebrating her new found vacation with an ice-cream."

Khushi flashed her white teeth triumphantly and said, "Oh yes. Want some?" She forwarded her spoon filled with chocolate ice-cream and retreated immediately saying, "Oops! You cannot eat that, right? You have diabetes", and then licked the spoon clean. Did Jalebi look a little bit remorseful at that? No, not at all!

Arnav gritted his teeth. "You should have told me about Avni, yesterday."

"When should I have told you? When you were shouting at me?"

"No, when you were giving me stupid lessons on anger management issues."

"Oh, please! Don't tell me that it was my mistake. You do not have any patience to listen to what the other person has to say. You come to your own conclusions", she said nonchalantly, "and I think you should follow my advice and take anger management classes."

"You think you are too smart?" Arnav hissed.

"I don't have to think. I know I am smart." Khushi said and started walking.

"So, are you joining office from Wednesday, after your so called unnecessary 'three-days leave'?"

She stopped at her tracks looked behind her shoulder and said, "Why? Are you going to miss me? And yeah by the way, your secret is safe with me."

At his perplexed expression, she continued, "The very secret you hid from Ajay uncle, something about firing me."

She gave a saucy smile and winked at him. She then sashayed to where Smita and Garima were chatting, leaving a stupefied Chilli behind.

Did she just flirt with him and also wink at him?

**********

Manorama looked at her three children and missed Anjali's presence. She then found Payal and Akash immersed in a deep conversation. A secretive smile broke out on her face. She could not wait for the day when Akash would formally introduce her as his girlfriend. This was all because of Khushi and Arnav. Their strange friendship or rather enmity had made both Smita and Garima to meet each other which in turn resulted in them opening a school together. And now Shashi bhaisaab was their family doctor too. This only aided in the growth of the relation between the two families. She was now impatiently waiting for this relation to turn into something more and she hoped that it happened soon. She was one impatient mother, after all.

**********

Avni's phone pinged, informing the arrival of a message.

How are you, wakil sahiba?

I am fine now and stop calling me by that name, Mathur. Avni typed back.

Arrey, why not, why not? Just a few more months and then you will be a lawyer. You threatened me yesterday telling that if I did not treat your sprained ankle properly, you will sue me in court.

What the! When did I say that? :O

Ah! Now you are speaking like a perfect Raizada daughter!

That was neither funny nor rhyming. -_- Wait till I tell this to Bhai.

Wakil sahiba, mujhe murder karne ka iraada hai kya? Kitni mushkil se toh tumhare Bhai ke gusse se chhutkara mila hai.

Excuse me. I thought you were Bhai's best friend.

Yes, we are chaddi buddies. Both had same coloured chaddies :D

Erm.. TMI, Mathur.

Okay, sorry. Anyway you are coming day after tomorrow for the check up right?

Yes, Doctor.

"What is his name?"

Avni jerked upon hearing Arnav's voice. "Huh?"

"I asked what your boyfriend's name is."

"Oh please, Bhai. I don't have a boyfriend."

Arnav narrowed his eyebrows and said, "Don't lie, Chhutki."

"I am not lying, Bhai. You will be the first one to know if I ever date someone."

"I know, I was just kidding."

"By the way, why are you still single, Bhai? Both my brothers are useless. I mean you both are smart and handsome. Then why don't you get yourself girlfriends. Take some advice from Bade Chacha who is still romancing with Badi Ma."

"You talk too much, Chhutki."

"Kya karein, I am bored with you all. Akash Bhai ka toh kuchh nahi ho sakta, at least you get married soon and bring my bhabhi home. At least, I will get someone new to talk to."

"Don't you have to study?"

"Huh. You always change the topic when I talk about your marriage." Avni sulked.

"You are such a drama queen."

**********

Three days later, when Khushi entered RHF, she felt like some celebrity when from the guard to the peon to the employees asked her why she was absent. She faked some health issues and answered another round of questions about how she was feeling now.

She dropped her bag on her work table and slumped on the chair when a loud voice made her jump again.

"Hellooo! Khushi Kumaaarriii Guptaaa!"

She looked at the person sitting at the other end of the room, her jaws tightening. There sat her arch nemesis from school with a thousand watt smile plastered on his face and a wicked glint in his eye.

"What are you doing here, Nikhil Khurana?"

**********

Thanks for reading. Check the note below.

Chapter 8: E... for Euphoria!

Flashbacks are in blue.

This chapter is dedicated to mints23😃

"Virat, please," she sniffed, "Don't do this to me. Please."

"Listen, babe. It is not that you are not beautiful, you are beautiful but..."

"But what Virat? You said just now that I am beautiful. Then why can't I be your girlfriend?" she said a little too dramatically.

"You.. you are beautiful but just not my type."

"Not your type! I am not your type?" She wailed loudly. Virat looked uncomfortably at the weird and accusing looks that he was receiving from the people sitting around him. He placed his hand on hers and said, trying to be as gentle as possible with the stupidly annoying girl in front of him, "Stop crying, okay. People are looking at us."

She looked up and said, "So you are bothered about what people will think about you and not about my feelings at all. Fine then, if I cannot be yours then I am going to be nobody's." She said painfully.

"What do you mean?" Virat asked confused and just before she could reply, he continued, "If you excuse me, I will go to the restroom."

"Is it that urgent? Can't you wait for few minutes. I will leave you permanently. I will end my life." She wiped her tears.

"WHAT!?" He said aghast. "Woman, you are crazy. Enough of your drama", he said, his voice rising due to anger.

"Virat, I am serious", she said, "when you do not value my life, what is the use of living." And just like that, she ran to the lounge and stood a little too close to the edge of the railing. "Come on, you can do it," she muttered.

She looked at Virat from the corner of her eyes and found him standing near the entrance with shock and a slight fear written all over his face. She smirked inwardly. She drew a long breath and leaned more and said a little too loudly for the people to hear, "I had loved you Virat, with all my heart. I cannot bear your rejection. I will die with all the happy memories that I have had with you."

After her sweet little suicidal speech had hit the heart of the people present at The Floatel, quite a few incidents occurred almost simultaneously. The manager along with two security guards rushed to her to save her. If the media got even a whiff of an attempted suicide, the owner of this beautiful restaurant cum lounge designed like a boat, would not be very happy. She continued with her act of crying and fake resentment while the guards tried to bring her down from the railing. Through the corner of her eyes she saw Virat Patel being surrounded by men and guards. He tried explaining them that she was mad and needed treatment, but in vain. Someone punched him hard on his face and then asked the guards to take him away.

"Ouch! That might have hurt. That jerk a**h*le deserved it", she thought and then stopped struggling and quietly got down.

It was then that she heard the voice. "Tum theek ho?" The warmth in the voice and those three words sent shivers down her spine.

"Yes", she said, words barely coming out from her mouth.

The guards had left her. He held her arms gently and then led her to a nearby table. Pulling a chair out for her, he made her sit and then sat opposite to her. He asked the manager to bring a glass of juice for her.

The juice arrived immediately. She took small sips from her glass. They have been sitting in complete silence for five minutes. What just happened in these ten minutes? Her heart was beating like a maniac. She looked up a little only to find his intense gaze on her. She shivered. He did not look like he was going to leave anytime soon. After all, she had attempted suicide. "How do I get out of this mess?" She thought.

Then she heard his voice again. "You know you would not have died even if you had jumped from there. Maybe a few scratches." She raised her eyes up immediately. There was amusement in his eyes. Her little act had been caught. She decided to remain quiet.

"But I must admit you are a damn good actress. You had almost fooled me and also everyone that you were trying to committing suicide. It was not until I saw you smiling when a guard punched that poor chap that I understood that you were acting all this time."

"He is anything but a poor chap and he deserved that punch." She snapped.

"Okay. So what did he exactly do that he deserved the punch? What was all this drama about?"

"It is none of your business, Mister."

"Of course, it is my business. You had managed to create quite a ruckus here. My business meet got interrupted because of you. So you surely got some explaining to do, Miss."

There was a tone of finality in his words that almost intimidated her. She sighed and started explaining.

"Virat Patel is an a**h*le. Forgive my language. He was two-timing my friends. So Rita came up with this plan of publicly humiliating him by showing how he was dumping the ablaa-naari. The suicidal act was an impromptu one improvised by me at the last moment since he was acting all nice and I had to show somehow that he was a jerk so that people will beat him."

She saw him sitting with a straight expressionless face. God! Why do you do such stupid things?

"Look, I am really sorry if I caused you trouble." She said apologetically.

"You have caused me enough trouble to get punishment." He paused for a moment. Her heart-beat raised at that. And then he said, "Go on a date with me."

"Kya?"

"I said go on a date with me. That is your punishment." She saw his lips curving into a smile.

"You have ruined my business deal. So it is only fair that you compensate my loss. What better than spending a beautiful evening with a gorgeous lady, Miss?"

The colour on her cheeks rose at the blatant praise showered on her, and unknown to her, she said, "Pari. Pari Jaiswal."

"Ah! Pari! Angel! What a beautiful name. Think over it Pari", he said and left the table not without leaving his card.

She read the name.

Akash Singh Raizada.

Pari was still holding the card in her hand. Two years had passed since that incident. Of course she had agreed to go on a date with Akash, which was followed by many others. He was quite a charmer but there was the gentle caring nature to his seemingly tough exterior that had attracted her most. Eventually she had fallen in love with him. Akash, on the other hand had taken a few more months to realise his love for her. However, there was one thing that was gnawing her heart. Akash was not yet ready to get married and so their relationship was a well-kept secret except for his best friend, Payal.

Last night's message from Akash had solved it. He had told his family about her and they were coming to her house with her rishta soon. So her little act that her parents were looking for a groom for her had paid off! Although it was not easy for her to confess to her parents about her relationship, she had finally convinced them to meet the Raizadas. Mr. Jaiswal was quite the disciplinarian but the call from the Raizadas had removed quite a few doubts from his mind.

"They seem to be nice people", Mr. Jaiswal had said to his wife after his talk with the Raizadas.

Pari had heaved a sigh of relief. Everything was going to be fine.

**********

"NIKHIL KHURANNA! Can't you see where you are going?" Khushi yelled at NK.

NK put a finger in his left ear and said casually, "Gupta, you should speak a little softer. I am not deaf you know."

"How dare you spill coffee on the papers?" She said angrily.

"I did not do it intentionally", he shrugged.

"Unintentional, my foot!" She yelled again and stormed towards Arnav's cabin.

She saw him busy typing in his laptop.

"Arnav, see what NK has done!"

Arnav looked up. He saw Khushi shoving sheets of paper in front of him stained with some liquid. Behind her was NK. Not again. He groaned inwardly. Ever since their first civil conversation two days ago, Khushi had been quite the complaining child, hurling accuses at NK every now and then. It was another such occasion.

"What?" He asked patiently.

"He deliberately spilled coffee on my reports to spoil them so that I have to work more." She huffed.

"I did not", protested NK.

"Oh really? There is so much space in the cabin and yet you decide to walk past my desk and spill coffee."

Arnav rubbed his temple trying to curb down the anger. Yes, Chilli had decided to follow Jalebi's advice.

"NK, Khushi. Give it a break, will you? What are you, five? Kids in the Kindergarten? I am fed up with your complaints. NK, just apologise to Khushi."

"But I..."

"I don't want to know if you had done it deliberately or not, just apologise to her and get back to work." He said curtly.

"Sorry", said NK meekly and left the cabin. Khushi smiled at that and watched NK leave the cabin.

"Why are you still standing here? Get back to work, Khushi?"

"Erm... Arnav I was thinking that we should leave early", said Khushi, her voice saccharine sweet.

"Why?" He asked raising an eyebrow.

"Today, everyone is going to Pari's house with rishta and I need to be there."

"And may I know why? Are you going to be the one taking the rishta? And will the rishta get cancelled if you aren't present? So, pray tell me why the hell do you want to leave early?" Chilli asked.

"Offo! Don't you want to meet your would-be Bhabhi? So you should leave early. And so should I. What will I do staying here when you won't be here?"

"Ms. Gupta, you do not have to worry about my meeting with my Bhabhi. Your excuses for not working are not going to work. So better get back to work."

"Hmph! Spoil sport!" she stomped her foot and went back to work.

Arnav shook his head in amusement. "Pagal", he said and concentrated on the mail.

**********

To say that Akash was nervous would be an understatement. He sat between his father and uncle and felt the scrutinizing gaze of Mr. Jaiswal on him, who was talking with Ajay.

He could feel her presence near him and looked at the kitchen door and saw his angel. She was wearing a canary yellow sari with that smile on her face which made his heart melt. She touched the feet of the elders. She looked at him shyly. Though his mother had asked like a typical mother-in-law if she could cook (for which she was highly reprimanded by Smita), Pari had passed that test with flying colours since she was an excellent cook apart from being HR at a multinational company. Her smart replies definitely impressed the Raizadas.

It was her smart mouth that had attracted him. He smiled remembering their first meet. There was a cunning mind behind that sweet innocent face and he loved that about her.

To his immense satisfaction, both the families loved the other one. It was decided that Akash and Pari's engagement will be done after two weeks while the marriage will have to wait for a few more months since Avni had her final exams coming up.

He bit the sweet that Mrs. Jaiswal fed him and saw Pari smile, her eyes twinkling with happiness. Everything is fine now.

**********

"Wakil Sahiba, congrats. I heard that the rishta is fixed."

"Uh? Aren't you supposed to wish Akash bhai? :P"

"Yeah whatever. Are you free now?"

"Hmm :D"

And her phone rang announcing the call of Aman.

"Yes Mathur?"

"Hello to you too."

"Yeah yeah tell."

"Typical brother and sister. Are you sure you and Arnav aren't real bro and sis but cousins?"

"Mathur?"

"Yep."

"Have you called me to clarify this? Maybe you can call bhai and clarify your doubts."

"Fine. Fine. Come to Starbucks tomorrow at say 3?"

"3 AM?"

"Yeah have you been on a date at 3 am? No right?"

"Haha very funny."

"I am glad I could amuse you Wakil Sahiba."

"Okay wait, you told this is a date?!"

Aman felt the nervousness he had so skilfully hidden came back with vengeance.

"Yeah uh.. Avni."

"Ask me the right way Mathur!"

"What?"

"The right way."

"Will you do the honour of being my date?"

"Nah."

"What the hell! Be there at 3PM! Bye." And the line went dead.

**********

Arnav Singh Raizada looked at the incoming message from Avni.

Rishta pakka ho gaya! I am so excited! Get home soon, Bhai. :D

He smiled. It was quite late and time to wrap up for the day.

As he walked towards the elevator, he saw the light still turned on in Khushi's cabin.

What was Khushi doing? He knew NK had left long ago.

He stopped near her cabin door. A smile tugged at his lips at the sight in front of him.

Khushi Gupta was sitting on the chair with her jean-clad legs stretched, feet resting on the desk. There was slight furrow in between her eye-brows. She was concentrating on the sheet of paper in front of her scribbling something with utmost concentration. A few tendrils had loose from her pony tail and caressed her face.

She is cute! He thought. He cleared his throat to get her attention. She did not respond.

"What is it that has gotten so much attention of Ms. Khushi Gupta?"

She looked up at him startled. She saw him coming towards her desk. With his loosened tie, jacket in his hands and sleeves rolled up to the elbows, he painted quite a delicious picture. Khushi sat straight in her chair and shoved the papers in her bag as quickly as possible.

"What are you hiding Khushi?" He asked.

"It is nothing." She smiled nervously, having been caught off guard.

"So, why are you here still?" he repeated his question amused at how clumsy she becomes sometimes.

"Erm.. I had some work."

"Work? Really? From when did you start paying attention to work?" He threw the questions with his signature raised eye-brow. "Or were you waiting for this "obnoxiously handsome man" to finish his work so that you could drive home with him?"

Her mouth fell open. Did Arnav Singh Raizada just flirt with her?

Arnav smirked at her expression. His finger reached her chin and closed her mouth. "Close your mouth, Khushi."

Was his voice this husky always or has it become huskier?

There was something about the way he spoke about closing her mouth that made Khushi blush. She was still sitting quietly when he said, "Pack your stuff, Khushi. You are coming with me to the Raizada Mansion. Bhai's marriage has been fixed and it is time to celebrate." Saying this he walked to the door.

He turned back and said in taht same husky voice, "There is something on your face, Khushi."

She ran her palms all over her face. Not finding anything, she said, "What?"

He walked up to her. "Tumhari naak", he said, "it is red", and flicking her nose once he strode out of the cabin.

Khushi touched her nose and exclaimed, "What the hell just happened?"

*********

Thanks for reading. Check the note below.

Chapter 9: N... for Nautanki!

Flashbacks are in blue.

Khushi was sitting in the office happily munching away her jalebis. It was lunch time after all. Her favourite part of the day always. She saw Arnav crossing her cabin and going to his cabin when a certain incident from the past flashed in front of her.

Avni sat down next to her Bhai during the lunch hours in the canteen. It was a tradition that was strictly followed by the Raizada siblings, as instructed by their Badi Ma or Ma. Anjali, Akash, Arnav and Avni this is the order in which they always sat down. Being the youngest, Arnav and Avni were extremely close to each other, while Akash and Anjali were closely bonded. Only one friend per person was allowed to join their gang, as a rule which was put forth by Anjali Di and so, Akash had brought his best friend Payal, while the rest sat there without their friends. But this tradition had continued only till Anjali and Akash were in the school. But of course, Arnav and Avni continued sitting together for lunch. They were the famous bro-sis duo.

Why so much introduction for nothing? Well, the infamous meeting between the only A and A of the story is yet to happen and you are about to witness the historic meet.

"Avni?"

"Haan Bhai."

"Avni?"

"Mmm."

"Avni for heaven's sake, look up from your food. You so remind me of that exasperating chocolate girl."

"Chocolate girl? Uh, Bhai her name is KKG!"

"Whatever, too much of kilogram but lack of some in her brains."

"Bhai, it two K and one G."

"Erm if you guys are done with your heavy discussion."

"Uh! Avni, this is Aman."

"Bhai, I know you for the past 13 years and he has been your friend for the past 17 years. So why this introduction today?" Avni asked royally ignoring a certain Mathur.

"Well Aman suddenly realised that he was never formally introduced to you. So this introduction."

"OH MY GOD Mathur! It is so nice meeting you!"Avni replied her voice dripping or rather loaded with sarcasm.

"Stop being sarcastic Avni. You are perfectly suitable to become a Wakil. Wakil Sahiba Avni, how fitting!"

"Shut up Mathur! When you were pulling my plaits and irritating me to the core, didn't you realise we weren't formally introduced?"

"Erm...this is to close old books and open new ones." Aman raised a glass in the air.

"Mathur, put your glass of champagne down, see the Principal is coming. You are so gone."

"Shit man she is looking at you."

As soon as the words reached his ears, Aman almost made a mad dash to his class, when he realised he had no champagne. Heck, he had no glass in the first place.

Avni and Arnav burst out laughing at that. "Scared are we, Mathur?"

"So much for new books." Aman muttered as he caught Arnav still laughing and Avni smirking.

But his eyes did not miss a certain KKG passing by."Will serve Arnav right for joining with Avni." He thought.

"Hey Khushi." He waved at her, distracting the duo."Hey Aman."

And then, Jalebi's eyes landed on Avni, seeing whom a big grin spread on her face. But but when her eyes moved to Chilli, the grin became a smile which transformed into a forced stretching of few muscles and lastly it ended in a big frown.

"What's up Aman?"

"Khushi, Arnav and Avni here were rather too interested in debating about your initials. Arnav here thought it was KG?"

"What? KG? Are you deaf Raizada? You should be. It is KKG!"

At that, she shot one angry glance at Arnav. "No, I was just wondering about the lack of kilograms in your brain."

"Hawww..." A multitude of expressions followed on Jalebi's face - shocked, to anger, to glare, to pout."Why am I even talking to you?"

Just, we mean Just, literally just as Jalebi turned around huffing, a rude voice interrupted her walking. Yeah, you read it right, walking.

"Khushiii KKumaaarriii Gupta, for how long will you remain a Kumaaari?"

"Shut up, you good for nothing Khurrana." Was what Jalebi would have told. But sadly those words were never heard for it never made its way out of her mouth, because she was rudely interrupted by none other than her nemesis number 2. Yeah, the first spot was bagged by NK, fondly addressed as a pest.

"NK, remain quiet or else forget getting into the football team ever." This had rendered NK speechless.

And for the second time, Khushi had the same O on her face, but this was out of good shock. Raizada helped me? Ah maybe, he thinks it is only his birth right to tease me. It doesn't add up otherwise.

A lost in thought Khushi meant danger and Arnav knew better than to allow such catastrophes to occur."Don't put pressure on that pea-sized brain of yours, Khushi. Not worth it."

And this time, Khushi really stormed away. Too much of insults while Chilli just smirked at having successfully prevented her from thinking. Chilli, himself did not know why he had jumped to help her from that exasperating NK. Yeah he was exasperating for him too!

"Arnav what was that?"

"What was what?"

"Wahi jo ab hua, Bhai."

"Stop translating whatever I say, Avni. I know you find whatever I say interesting and I think your Bhai understands English."

"Stupid..."

While these two were busy fighting, no one noticed Chilli slowly slipping away from the canteen.

A sudden knock on the door put an end to her daydreams. She was surprised to find the man of her dreams.. oops... thoughts... err... that did not come out right.. the man of her whatever stand in front of her."Uh Arnav?"

"Your Ma and my Ma have been trying to call you, what happened to your phone? And I have been trying to get you through the intercom too. Lost in dreams, are we?"

She checked her phone and found 15 missed calls. Shit! Shit! The stupid Raizada made her lose herself in the past. She dialed her mother's number only to receive a sound lashing.

"Achcha achcha I am sorry Amma. Oh Smita Aunty wanted to speak to me? Oh Hi aunty. You are with Amma now?..."

Arnav totally zoned out of the conversation until he heard these words, "When I am free? Yeah next Monday works fine. What time? I will be there in the morning itself, so that I can help you. No, no I am free aunty. Don't worry..." And the phone was rudely snatched from her hand.

"Ma, you want me to be present or her? Yeah, so if you want me to be present, then the work in the office will be done by her only."

Khushi was shocked. She had been into her la-la land of how she would get three consecutive days off- Saturday, Sunday and Monday, when Arnav had harshly thrown all her plans away. No, she could not allow that to happen. He was smirking, which means he was planning something. What was it? Her question was answered too soon.

"Haan Aunty." Aunty? Okay it is my Amma then. "It should be enough if Khushi left by 4. This will give her time to get ready, I suppose?" No, no I want more time. "Yeah she can compensate by coming early. Maybe at 8?" Why isn't anyone asking me that? "Now that is fixed. Here..." The phone was now kept on her hands. Her pouting face did not go unnoticed by Arnav, though.

"Hello Amma", she literally scowled into the phone."You very wonderfully fixed everything. So why ask me now and waste time? Bye."

"So someone else needs anger management classes too?"

"What? Why are you still here?" She bit out.

"Take a deep breath, Khushi. So much anger ain't good for health. Good now count 1-10. Should I help?"

"Shut up. Allow me to eat."

"Ah eat? The last time I checked it is 1:05 PM and the lunch break gets over by 1 PM." The sentence got over with him raising that one single eyebrow to perfection. Stupid Greek God! What does he think? Always make people forget what they are trying to tell.

As Khushi stood their fuming, Arnav came a little too close. "I can see smoke come out from your ears. It so makes you look like a cooking pot."

Her jaw hung open and she backed away in anger only to trip and fall down. She closed her eyes imagining yet another downfall in front of her mellowed down nemesis. "Why do you make me fall down in front of him always God?" She cursed her own fate. The fall did not come. "How come it is taking so long for such a small fall to occur?"Jalebi, of course tried falling back but something prevented her from doing so. She slowly peeked to find a face looming in front. As she opened her eyes, she found herself encased in Chilli's arms.

"My breathing has become rapid and fast. Rapid and fast-Don't they both mean the same?" Shaking herself out of her wayward thoughts, as she was about to open her mouth, she had a sudden doubt. Did she tell those words aloud? She knew she had that crazy habit.

Chilli, on the other hand was waiting rather too patiently for Khushi to get up. But looking at Khushi, he decided she was never going to get up. Okay was he really complaining that she wasn't getting up? Well no. This was the first time he was observing her this close. Large expressive eyes, little pink plump cheeks, sharp nose with that nose pin glittering every now and then and finally lush pink lips. Crap! What is he thinking and where did they come from?

"Khushi, I swear in the name of God, I will drop you, if you keep testing my strength."

She immediately shot up and literally ran out of his grasp and she glared at him. What?!

"Who are you glaring at?"

"No one. If you are done messing my day up, then leave."

He had almost gone, making Khushi heave a sigh of relief, when he made a comeback.

"About whom were you dreaming, when I walked in?" Getting no response from a for-a-change-tongue-tied-Khushi, he continued, "Ha the blush says it all baby." And with that he had walked out."Baabyy? Blush? Oh my God!" And one could see a flustered Jalebi become soggy.

**********

Arnav glanced at Aman who was immersed in his musings. It was Saturday, a day to catch up for both Arnav and Aman. But it seemed to Arnav that Aman was lost and totally at that. The man in question though seemed to be thoroughly unaware. He was lost in his past and with whom.

"Arnav, dekho Aman aaya hain. Jaldi aao." Smita called out to Arnav who was spending all the time with his 5-year old sister Avni. Manohar and Manorama had recently shifted from Mumbai to Delhi after their successful expansion of RHF there.

Arnav and Anjali had been ecstatic to know that Akash and Avni are back to stay with them permanently.

"Haan Ma. Avni mere saath neeche aao."

"Arnav chalo we will go and play."

"Arnav Bhai, aap mereko akele chodke jaayenge kya aur woh bhi iske saath?" Avni faked few tears for good measure.

9-year old Aman was offended at that. That small girl insulting him?! No way. "Yeah Hello kaun ho tum crybaby? Main iska friend hoon. Best friend."

"Main iski behen hoon. Best behen." Avni had retorted.

"Anjali Di is his behen. Tu nahi. She is so sweet."

"Arrey yaar. Shut up. Aman and Avni."

"And that is exactly how we had met." Arnav felt like hitting Aman. After a prolonged silence for an hour, he suddenly speaks some nonsense about meeting for the first time. Arnav felt like a perfect fool to have agreed to meet him in the Golf club.

"Aman for the last time, whom did you meet?"

"Avni, of course." A dreamy Aman replied without thinking about the consequences, of course.

"Aman, this girl happens to be my sister."

"I know. Imagine me being your brother-in-law?"Another dreamy question.

"Yeah, imagine you being the ghar-jamaai."

"Kya?!" And the dreamy bubble was finally broken.

"Didn't Avni tell you?"

"Tell what?"

"She wants to marry only ghar-jammai. So you will be the future jhoru-ka-ghulaam. Congrats bro. I was so worried Avni wouldn't get a match for her." With this statement, Arnav left the club leaving Aman to ponder and suffer.

**********

"Finally! He worked some courage to ask me out and what a fine evening it was." This girl was none other than, (no points for guessing), Avni Singh Raizada. And she was rewinding the date in her mind. A date with Dr. Aman Mathur!

Avni looked around trying to spot Mathur. It was 3:30 PM. She herself was late. Had Mathur already left? Just then, Aman walked in.

"Speak of punctuality." She commented rather too dryly.

"Sorry Wakil Sahiba, had an emergency. Really sorry."

"That's okay Mathur. I am way too magnanimous."

"Well you ought to be when you yourself come at 3:29 PM."

"Erm. Who told you that I came here at 3:29 PM? I was here by 3:28 PM."

"Ah! Speak of punctuality."

"Have you asked me out to taunt me?"

"You started."

"No, you only started it."

"Sir, madam order?" The waiter interrupted them and thankfully that topic was abandoned at that.

"Avni, you know what I thought when I saw you at the hospital that day? I thought you did not remember me. It has been so long! Some eight years, I guess."

"Well for the record, you were never forgotten to be remembered. Not a forgettable specimen."

"Look who is speaking about specimen. Now now allow me to speak woman! Dil ki baath kehna hain. Well where was I?"

"Mathur who even made you pass your exams? Your patients are at risk. What if you forget and do lung operation for a heart patient?"

Aman had had enough. "Shut up or I will make you. So, yeah I had assumed you had forgotten me until I found out that you had chosen Law."

"It has nothing to do with your suggestion."

"I never mentioned about me suggesting it." And a very slow red hue spread adding a glow to her already pretty face. Aman literally whistled at that. "For the first time, I am making a woman blush." As he patted himself, he should have known it was too soon.

"WHAT? This means during my absence you had tried to hit on someone else?" Before Avni could utter a word, Aman pecked her lips lightly. To hell with public place!

As Avni was leading everyone to the most awaited part of the date, a phone call cut her off, making everyone sigh.

"Hi Mathur."

"What are you doing?"

"Thinking about our date."

This very effectively distracted Aman for a few minutes as he allowed himself to be treated with those life changing moments. Their first kiss in Aman's car, of course the peck did not count.

"So?"

"Um so? I have to go home now. Thanks for dropping me, Mathur."

"Anytime and anything for you Wakil Sahiba."

"I had a wonderful evening Aman." She replied earnestly. Her calling him Aman made him happy.

"I am glad Avni." He called me Avni! And this made her heart to flutter and soar in joy. He squeezed her hands gently and placed a soft kiss atop her knuckles, sending shivers down her spine. The car seemed hot even though the AC was in full blast. Aman traced an invisible pattern on her hand as if to comfort her and himself. She could not take it anymore. So, throwing the cautions to the wind, she kissed him. She was a novice. She had only read about lips meeting and tongue fighting. He could sense her apprehension. It was her first kiss, after all. That thought made him giddy. He nipped her upper lip slowly seeking access to her mouth. She tasted of chocolate and vanilla.

Avni heard herself moaning as he slowly introduced her to what people call lip-lock. She gasped as he pulled her closer, the moment giving him enough time to delve into her mouth. She mimicked his actions. He was teaching and she was learning. His warm breath on her lips made her dizzy. Her hands clutched the lapels of his shirt even tighter, if that was even possible.

"Mathur? Are you there? Hello?"

So, yet again this A and A couple keep stopping each other from giving into the full details, as always.

"Yeah. Yeah. You never told me about your wish. I can never be like that."

"Like what?"

"Uh Like what your Bhai told."

"Mathur tell me clearly, will you?"

"I can never be a ghar-jamaai."

**********

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