(T1) Unknown Events - Arshi FF [Completed] - Page 25

A flash of panic overcame Arnav as he realized she was leaving. His business mind analyzed the fact that she wasn't too pushy and desperate to get his approval. The other part of his mind urged him to do something before she left.

For good.

He called out just as she was about to leave.

"Wait"

Khushi paused, turning to look at him. At her questioning look, he stood up and walked over to her. "Won't you need my signature on your contract form?" His nearness and husky voice sent a chill down her spine. A soft gasp escaped her mouth as she realized what he'd just said.

"You mean, you wish to participate with us?" She inquired, making sure to hide the nervousness in her voice. He looked at her, her wide brown eyes shining with anticipation for his answer. His gaze moved down to her full lips and darkened as her lower lip trembled.

Swallowing hard, he looked back into her eyes just as her long lashes fell and her rosy cheeks flushed. He smirked. Knowing that his presence affected her just like she affected him sent a rush of pride through him. It was refreshing to see such innocence in a woman in this day and age.

"Yes. Happy?" His husky voice was driving her crazy. She didn't notice, but he was taking small steps to get closer to her. Trapped by his intense gaze, all she could do was nod and smile, captivated by his eyes that seemed to burn into hers.

The smile faded away when he snaked an arm around her waist. Her heart stopped for a second and then burst forth with hundred beats per minute. Warmth filled her at having his hand back on her waist just like before. Before she could ask him what he was doing, he quickly explained.

"I noticed you were limping. So let me help you down" He started to move but she stopped him.

"It..It's not a problem, really" She desperately tried to wriggle out of his hold but he just stepped closer until his front touched her side from top to bottom. She froze, never having been held so close to any man before. He sensed her discomfort and though her enjoyed being close to her, he decided to cut her some slack. After all, she appeared to be frozen on the spot and looked a little pale even.

On the other hand, he did like the feeling of holding her so close..

His hold around her waist tightened. "You either let me help you down," he murmured close to her ear, "Or I'll lift you and carry you down. Your choice" His words sent a shiver down her spine. He didn't know what had prompted him to be so forward and say such things to a woman he met five seconds ago.

Khushi felt goosebumps as his grip on her tightened. At her gasp and startled expression, he chuckled, his chest vibrating as a rumble of laughter threatened to escape him. She looked so cute! Cute? No, she wasn't a small kid.

She was a woman.

A fine woman, who was currently staring at him with beautiful wide eyes that radiated nothing but innocence and purity. How could any woman look like that, he wondered as he stared deep into her eyes, searching for the unknown.

She finally looked away, unable to bear the way he made her feel, the way he looked at her. He almost made her feel like she was the only woman for him.. It was exhilarating. And scary. How could she have such strong feelings for a man she'd just met?

He was dangerous, her naive mind concluded. It would be wise to stay away from him. Be as far as possible.

However, right now that didn't seem possible, seeing as how he had stationed himself right beside her, unwilling to move even an inch away from her. Anyone could walk into his cabin and see them like this. What would they think?

She tried to take a small step back, but he covered the distance by taking one forward. He was invading her space, and she couldn't draw the strength to tell him so. It seemed she had lost the ability to speak.

She looked longingly at the door, just a few steps away from her. How she wished to run away. She looked down at her ankle. Did you find only today to be sprained?

Still looking away from him, she spoke. Or tried to. "That.. that's very um, " she cleared her throat "kind of you" she sneaked a glance at him and gulped. He was staring at her, his hand still around her waist, as if he owned it.

Owned her..

"Arnav" he mumbled. She tried to focus on him instead of his hand on her body.

"Ji?" she questioned, trembling against his bigger frame.

"The name is Arnav. Call me Arnav." He couldn't explain his need to hear her sweet mouth calling out his name.

She swallowed. Staring at the knot of his tie, she was vaguely aware of the blood that rushed to her cheeks, causing her to flush. Arnav resisted stroking her soft, blushing cheeks. His eyes moved down to her quivering lips, waiting to hear her sweet voice.

"Ar-arnav...ji" she managed to choke out while still staring at his tie. A slow smiled formed on his face, satisfied at hearing her call him by his name rather than Sir. Sir was too formal. Arnav, even though with the ji, was more personal.

Not personal enough.. he coughed to clear his wayward thoughts.

"Good" he commented, dragging his eyes away from her full lips. Khushi looked down at her feet, her hands by her side. She felt so small, so consumed by him at the moment. If he came any closer, they would morph into one.

"Shall we?" he decided to end the torture. If he could have his way, he would tease her and hold her this close for the next whole hour. This much for today would have to suffice.

For now.

"Ji.." She trailed off.

Arnav grabbed her right hand with his, his left snaking more firmly around her slim waist. It took everything he had to not lift her and carry her off to a private island.

Khushi's heart fluttered. She would manage walking on her own, but who would make this stubborn man understand? Well, maybe having him help her wasn't so bad either..

Slowly, making sure she was comfortable, he led her down the stairs from his cabin. He held her securely against him, almost lifting her by the waist, wanting her to put little pressure on her sprained ankle.

Ignoring the gaped, shocked and disbelief looks plastered on the faces of his staff, he focused on the woman in his arms.

Khushi wanted to die of embarrassment. She kept her head low, not wanting to give in and look at the sea of faces staring at them as they descended the stairs. Did he have to hold her so close? He was carrying half her weight judging by the way he was making her lean against him. She stared down at their feet as they climbed down, her hair shielding some of her face.

"How'd you sprain it?" he indicated looking at her limp.

She froze for a second. Did Khuraishaji mention that Khushi had sprained her ankle? That she'd fallen while wearing heels? Granted he didn't know she was Khushi, but would he make the connection? No, don't think too much, she comforted herself.

As she sensed his keen gaze on her, she glanced slightly at him, she whispered "Fell down while practicing to walk in heels" She prayed he couldn't spot the blush on her cheeks.

The next moment, she felt his chest shake with silent laughter and she pursed her lips.

Mindful of his staff who were still in shock seeing their boss being so kind to an unknown lady, he made sure to wipe any traces of smile away from his face as he snapped his head to them.

"All that work isn't gonna get done by itself." It was a statement, a quiet one, but it made its point.

Almost immediately, as if someone had pressed the play button after pausing, people rushed and scattered to their own places and murmurs began filling the air as they did their work. It was almost amusing, except Khushi was busy staring up at him as he spoke to his staff. Authoritative, strict and even a little angry, but through it all his hold on her remained gentle.

Was it okay that she enjoyed being so close to this stranger?

Sensing her curious gaze on him, he turned to look at her face and his breath got stuck somewhere. Up close, with his office lights falling on her face, he found it difficult to believe that any person could be this beautiful. He could detect very little make up on her. Of course, it's not like she needed it anyway.

She looked away, bringing up a hand to brush away a lock of hair. Sadness gripped her, knowing that he was leading her out of his office. Away from him.

He forced himself to look away as well, though internally glad that his presence affected her.

So this, whatever it was, wasn't one sided..

So focused was she at staring down at their feet that she didn't realize where he'd brought her. Instead of escorting her off the premises as she thought he would, he'd instead brought her to one of the conference rooms. She looked at him questioningly.

Clearing his throat, he led her to one of the chairs. "AR has a fine selection of beverages and snacks. What would you like to have?" He was surprised by his own tone and kindness. If any of his staff saw him at that moment, his reputation as ASR would be tarnished forever.

"Ji, it's okay, I'll be on my way.." Khushi was unsure why he was being so nice to her. He sure wasn't this nice over the phone. When he stared at her grimly, she gave in and sat down, relief spreading through her ankle, but despair filling her heart at the loss of his warmth as he moved to make a call.

Reluctance filled him at having to leave her. "I'm in conference room C, bring some snacks, black coffee and.." He looked at her. Pursing her lips at his stubbornness, she looked down to her lap.

"Tea, please." She provided.

Smirking, her relayed the information and hung up. He moved to sit opposite her. She was still looking down, unwilling to let the excitement of spending some more time with him show on her face.

"Since our companies will be working together closely," strange eagerness filled him at the last two words, "I thought it would be good for us to get to know each other a little better."

As she looked up at him in wonder, he rephrased. "I mean, get to know each other, our companies and work style."

How could he explain to her that all he wanted was to know more about her? He frowned slightly, not liking the hold she had on him. He never allowed anyone to make him feel this way, so why her? He should have escorted her out, not bring her here to chat.

But how could he let her leave just yet?

"Ji" She nodded in understanding. Of course he wanted to talk about business; she scolded herself for even thinking that this would be a more personal talk. "What would you like to know?" She looked at his handsome profile.

Leaning forward on the mahogany table, he placed his elbows on them. "The ankle. You sprained it while practicing to walk in heels?" He tilted his head, voice radiating humor but his face was blank. Khushi was relieved as she deduced that Khuraisha probably didn't mention Khushi's fall.

She smiled a small smile, not pointing out that this had nothing to do with business. Still, she replied. "Ji. If you must know, I was doing well. That is, until the heel broke and I fell. And also, it's not as easy as it seems." She laid out her defense.

He was amused. Before he could reply, there was a knock on the door. "Come in" he called out.

After laying the beverages and snacks on the table, the peon left.

She watched him swallow his black coffee, his adam's apple moving. Realizing he was watching her over the rim of his cup, she blurted out the first thing.

"Black coffee? Isn't that too bitter?" She had never tried it, but then again the color was enough to put her off. She reached out to take a cream biscuit.

He put down the cup. "I'm diabetic."

She gasped and looked down to her cream biscuit.

"Hey Devi Maiyya, aapko shakkar ki bimaari hai? So you don't take anything sweet?" She put the cream biscuit back in its place and looked at him with concern.

A warm feeling pooled in his chest. Did she realize how child-like she came across sometimes? He noticed her putting back the biscuit as if she was the one who couldn't eat it. Adorable.

"Well, I can have a little bit. Just enough to keep my level balanced. Go ahead and have that biscuit." He looked at her amused.

She frowned, feeling bad for him.

"How can I sit in front of a diabetic and enjoy sweet? Poor thing." She mumbled, not realizing she'd spoken out loud.

"I won't feel bad. " He offered.

At her sad face, he took the chance. "Maybe you can make it up to me."

Her face lit up. "Ji, ji, Arnavji. I will. I make good sweets. I will make sugar free ones for you. " She promised happily.

He brushed off her offer. "I can have those anytime. You should do something else for me." He leaned back casually in his chair.

He had a point. She tilted her head, curiosity on her face.

"What?"

"I'll let you know" He hungrily looked at her lips.

Missing his meaning, she accepted his wish, shrugged, and reached out to sip her tea.

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