ArHi FF #1: Best Kept Secret: Chapter 7 up!

Chapter 1:

'That is it Aman. We will call it quits for the day.' came an exhausted voice after going through numerous women who were claiming to be the one he was looking for. Alas! All were 'imposters' was the conclusion that Arnav Singh Raizada had come up with.

'ASR,' Aman Mathur walked across the room toward the desk. 'There is one interesting lady waiting for you and she insists that it is very urgent and refuses to give the reason of her visit, says its something personal that she cannot disclose it to anyone.'

Arnav raised an eyebrow mocking at the tactic used by the lady to trap him. But his experience in last 8 months had taught him not to fall for any such bait.

'No Aman. We are heading home. No more interviews and no more lies.' Arnav stood up from his chair and hooked his jacket in two fingers, throwing it carelessly over his shoulder.

'But ASR she is here since 3 days but refuses to disclose her reasons to see you. Just one last try. She seems different.' Aman sighed.

'Alright. Last one. After that we are flying back to India this very evening.' As Aman walked out of the room Arnav turned towards the floor to ceiling windows to look at the street below. The busy traffic, noiseless, for he was watching it, confined in his temporary air-conditioned office at the twelfth floor of St. Lords, reminding him that life had thrown up a challenge at him and that time was running fast.

He had been a mere spectator for all the events that had taken place in and around his life. A sardonic smile crossed his lips thinking at the way his life had taken a different turn in the past year. He had made a successful life for himself. But happy? He was yet to make it.

Akash. The name of his beloved late brother brought a pang of pain and guilt in his heart. Pain for he couldn't save his brother and guilt that he was yet to fulfill a promise that he had made to him on his death bed.

'Bhai, promise me that you will find her and my child and take good care of them. I want them both safe and only you can assure me of that. Please bhai.' Akash had pleaded to him as he was being wheeled toward the operation theater. To the brother whom he had always idolized and had been confident that he would protect his family.

Family. How was he to find that family whom he had never seen. Even the names were unknown. He never knew till the day of Akash's accident that his brother was even married let alone having a child. Fu*k. Akash had not even mentioned if the child was a girl or a boy. But blessing in disguise it seemed to him as he had used that as a trick to identify his brother's widow. All the women who'd come up to meet him as his brother's potential widows, along with a child claiming to be the heir of the enormous wealth, were cross examined to contradict the sex of the baby. And all of them had failed in the very examination.

Arnav had begun a search for his brother's family, secretly. After going around so many places and relatives and friends he had still not come up with any success of finding his brother's lost family. He had credited his brother to have hidden so well from him for 4 years and now his brother's wife had surpassed that even. Why was it that people seem to make an appearance in his life and then hide away. Even in this technological age where tracing people was like a child's play he had not been able to find either of them.

And he had never been able to find her. A distant memory from another life, another age crossed his mind. Those hazel eyes with a hint of green. That innocent face with that rich color. The way she had walked up to him and then turned away... and then as he had tried to meet her again she had...

The knock on the door brought him out of his memories. Memories that he would cherish for all his life.

'Come in' was a rude and loud reply that he could manage. As he heard a soft 'Good afternoon Dr. Raizada' he turned to look in the direction of the voice. The instant he turned he thought he was again hallucinating as he had been doing the last six years. Same things but with a tinge of difference. He froze.

Hazel eyes. But hollow.

Rich skin. But pale.

Had he not heard her clearing her throat he would have still stuck in examining her. Clad in a pale blue shirt and jeans as she walked two steps towards him, Arnav prayed to whoever was listening above 'Oh...please let her not be her...not his brother's wife...'

Wrapping his coat on his arm he walked around his desk and perched himself at the corner of his desk to ensure that his feet stayed firm as she introduced herself 'Khushi Gupta'.

'Dr. Raizada'

'Of course that is why I am here.'

'I am sorry I don't think I follow you.' Confusion all evident on his face.

'Is that the way you treat whoever comes to you?' Her stern but weak voice riled him up.

'Bottom line Ms Gupta' Arnav lifted his chin, hands fisted under the shelter of his coat. I don't have all day'.

'Dr. Raizada, am I to believe the rumours about you having forgotten your oath about serving the needy? That you have grown so much...'

'ENOUGH!' his voice came across sharp and curt. Stunned into silence the room spun around her and before she even realized everything went dark. But before she made it to the ground his coat went flying in some random direction and all she heard was her name being called out in panic-laden voice. 'Khushi..!' and then strong arms gripped her fragile body.

------

Khushi opened her eyes to see only white everywhere. Her eyes strained with the bright color in the room and she closed them again. 'Khushi..?... Tum theek ho..?... Dammit open your eyes...' were the random words she was hearing time to time. Slowly she again tried to open them and this time she was successful. She tried to sit, look around and found Arnav sitting beside her, his face only inches away from her and her wrist in his hand. She realized he was checking her pulse. She tried shifting in the day bed.

'Stay!' a clear order. Arnav spoke again after a minute. 'How long have you starved?'

'Hu..?' eyes wide open, Khushi felt her words all dried up in her throat. She tried again to reply and heard a knock on the door. Shifting slightly she moved her head in the direction of the door to see the same man who had let her in wheel-in a trolley.

'Thank you Aman.' Arnav nodded in is direction and moved to bring the tray. 'Eat' another clear order and he pushed the plate toward Khushi.

Not wanting to argue she quietly accepted the plate and dug into it. As she became busy in clearing the plate she realized a pair of honey-brown eyes gazing at her. Slowly she lifted her eyes and found Arnav looking at her. Even with a frown on his forehead he looked too handsome for his own good. Khushi's heart skipped a beat again as it had that night...six years ago. Scared that he might see that in her eyes she dug into her sandwich again.

Arnav wondered what was the mystery that surrounded her. He had wondered the same that night...six years ago.

------

Arnav handed her a glass of juice as she finished all the food in her plate. 'When was the last time you ate?'

'Lunch yesterday...and then...'

'Aman told me you are here since three days? What is so important that you insisted on meeting me directly and not anyone else first? Surely you know what process has been going on here. All women who are here are to meet my Assistant first and then me. But you refused that.' Arnav spoke as he took the plate off her hand and put it at the coffee table.

'I am not one of them Dr. Raizada...I am here for a consultation.' Khushi spoke directly. 'I was told that you have been refusing to see any patients even back in India since a year now and luckily I found you here in London and could not stop myself from seeking you out.'

'You are here for a consultation?' Arnav's heart made a small happy dance when he heard that she was seeking out to meet him, throwing the reason for her visit away at the back of his mind. Fear gripped his heart a mini second later as he recalled her words. Is she ill? 'What happened to you?'.

'Not me. The patient is someone else.' came Khushi's reply.

'Who?'

'My s-son'

Khushi's hesitant reply this time was like a shard of glass across his heart.

Of course it has to be. The last time he had seen her she was happily engaged to be married soon.

That night six years ago Arnav was attending a charity fashion show in London, the funds of which were going for the welfare of Cancer Research. He had just finished his masters in medical oncology and was in the process of setting up his own NGO Aradhana' in India which would support treatment for cancer for the poor. It was his dream to build a multi-specialty hospital in his mother's name and the NGO was the first step toward it. He'd been helpless when he had seen his mother lose her battle against leukemia and that day as a boy of only twelve he had decided that he would contribute as much to fight the monster 'cancer'. It was his second biggest enemy in his life.

Thus when his Professor at University's King's College, London had offered him to visit the charity he had grabbed the opportunity with both hands. The visit which he never ever regretted because that is where and how he had happened to see her. She had walked the ramp for one of the designers that evening. He still remembered how the aqua color gown had fit her perfectly highlighting those hazel eyes. When she'd walked the ramp his heart had skipped a beat at her freshness and at the aura around her. He'd noticed her gaze stay a little longer on him amongst the entire audience. He had felt proud that he had grabbed her attention a little extra and that had given him the confidence to seek her at the after event cocktails.

She had looked so happy when he had seen her walk into the party. As he'd approached to talk to her he had seen her walk to some man and embrace him. He had also over heard some congratulating her on her impending engagement. That is when he had backed off. But the entire evening he had not been able to keep his eyes off her.

'Dr. Raizada...I wanted to seek...' Khushi began to speak again.

'Arnav...just Arnav is enough...and I hope you don't mind me addressing you Khushi..?' Getting a positive nod from her he continued. 'Where is your son? And what happened to him?'

'Aarush suffers from some rare kind of blood disorder. I am not sure if I understand all the medical terminologies related but the doctors whom I have consulted have assured me it is not a cancer yet though.' Khushi rummaged through her sling bag and brought out a file that contained reports and treatments suggested for a two year old.

As Arnav went through the reports he could not help but imagine how the toddler must be. Was he having the same eyes as his mother who was now curiously watching him...a thousand expressions crossing her eyes in a matter of seconds? Does he have the same tinkling laughter as her? Surely he must have inherited somethings from his father as well. This thought again gripped his heart in pain as he imagined the happy and sweet family that Khushi must be having. Had he been a fool, to have waited this long in life for her, to not be ready to move on. Who was he fooling? The truth was he had tried to forget her and he had failed badly. So badly that he had not even been interested to properly date any girl and had clearly focused all his energy and time in his NGO and hospital which was now in the final stages.

'I would like to see the patient as well. Where is the boy?' Somehow Arnav was not comfortable to address the boy with his name and he even felt it inconsiderate to have to call the toddler a patient. A mistake he did once and saw Khushi's face reduce to a low and she turned paler than she had been when she had walked in.

Arnav mentally kicked himself for that and tried to cheer her up. 'Khushi, there are still no symptoms of cancer which is a very positive side. I think there will absolutely be no requirement of any radiation or chemotherapy.'

Khushi's eyes lightened a little and she relaxed for the first time since afternoon. 'Aarush is in India. He couldn't travel with me. I was hoping if you could see him there. I will get him to your clinic.'

'He is in India? With whom?' As the words left Arnav's mouth he realized that the boy must be with his father. I am sorry I din't mean to...anyways I am heading back to India today and I will see you with your son there. It would have been nice if I had seen him here at his place only.'

'We are living in India for time being. It will not be a problem on our part to meet you there. Hope it is the same with you.' Khushi hands were clampy as she said that in a low tone.

'How long are you here? We will fix your appointment for the meeting.'

'I am here only to see you.' That honest reply again took him by surprise. Had she meant what she had told? Of course he was not to read anything between the lines. Khushi quickly corrected what mistake she committed. 'I meant my work here is done as well and soon I will be returning back to India.'

Arnav was not one to lose an opportunity to spend some more time with the one woman who had not only managed to grab his attention six years ago but had successfully kept it intact. 'I am flying in my private jet tonight. Why don't you join me? It will save your time and you can reach home faster. I mean only if you have no problem travelling with me.'

Khushi started to refuse but finally gave up only on the prospect of seeing Aarush sooner. She shut the mental voice which enlightened her of spending time with the man who had so much meaning in her life.

------

As Khushi relaxed in her ultra-comfort seat, she woke up from the nap that she had taken and looked below at the mushroom like clouds through her window, she could not stop but think about how her life was taking a turn again. She wondered if it was a good decision that she had taken. She turned to look at the man who had arranged so much in such a short time, from booking her a seat along with him in his private jet or be it a meeting for consulting her son.

A ghost of smile crossed her lips as she watched him. At the start of their journey back to India Arnav had perched himself at the rear seat in the jet and had immersed himself completely into studying the reports and treatments being given to Aarush. But somewhere in the middle of journey he must have come up to her and was now fast asleep beside her, his mouth slightly open.

Wasn't it a hard and fast rule that something you remembered as huge and impressive from the past was inevitably small and unexceptional when you see it again?

Well whoever had said so was wrong because he might have clearly never met the enigma called Arnav Singh Raizada. For Khushi realized that the impact this man had had on her six years ago had never become less. She had often thought that seeing him again after such a long time surely will not carry the same restlessness or anxiety. But she had been wrong. So very wrong. Infact the restlessness of her heart, the eagerness to run into his arms and bury her face in the hollow of his neck only increased with each passing minute.

Khushi turned a little more in her seat toward Arnav and could not resist her hand from moving up to his forehead to slightly massage the frown on it, taking care not to wake him up. No doubt he looked tired with such a heavy schedule but he still had a boyish charm on his face as he slept like that. All of 32 years old but he still looked no more than some college student dressed in a simple baby blue t-shirt and nude cargos teamed up with trainers. Her fingers itched to run in that heavy mass of wavy curls thinking about how even her son liked doing that to him. She pulled her hand back as she remembered what she had been thinking. Arnav Singh Raizada was a no way entry and she could not afford to forget that. Straightening up she walked over to the washroom.

But her entire act and that flushed face was not missed by a set of deep black eyes. It was time to become more curious about what this whole thing was. Aman Mathur frowned and went back to reading his Economic Times.

------

That night Khushi lay wide awake in her bed in her small rented apartment in Mumbai thinking about her meeting with Arnav tomorrow. She had been a little curious about how he would react at seeing Aarush. She prayed to her God that he never sees in Aarush what was very evident and was growing more the more she looked at her son every day.

Her son. She sighed and turned to Aarush who was fast asleep beside her. She had missed him so much the last week when she was in London. She had been to consult different doctors for his case and had learn't that Arnav was visiting St. Lords Hospital for consultation on special request for a few days. She had struggled to come to a decision if or not to seek his help. But life had thrown a challenge at her and time was running fast. She had battled her emotions in order to save her son.

Her son. She sighed again thinking about the struggle she was going through to keep him close to herself. He was all she was left with. Khushi eyed the brown file on her night stand and ran her fingers in his thick wavy locks as Aarush squirmed in his sleep. He smiled in his sleep and so did she.

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That night Arnav lay wide awake in a strange bed in a hotel room in Mumbai thinking about his meeting with Khushi tomorrow. He had been a little confused about how he was going to react to seeing her son. How will he face to see the toddler playing in his mother's arms or maybe being carried in by his father? Why was life being so difficult for him?

Her son. For the first time since he decided to check on her son he wondered if he would be able to do it. If he would be able to forget his past and be reasonable enough to carry out the responsibility of being a doctor and fulfill his promise to serve the needy.

Her son. He wondered what made him fly directly to Mumbai to see him instead of going back to his home town -- Delhi. Why had he insisted to see her son first thing tomorrow and not wait for the appointment to be scheduled in his hospital the coming week?

He eyed the two files on his night stand and sighed. Aarush's reports and a report on the last few days of Akash. Surely his own problems could wait a little more. He decided he would deal first with Khushi's son. The toddler was his first priority for time being. After all it was not as if he loathed her son, so what if his mother did not return the same feelings as him.

He took out his wallet and looked at the old black and white photo of his mother that he always carried. He moved the photo aside to reveal another photo taken long time ago...maybe in a different life...

Arnav ran his fingers along the photo. He'd been so mesmerised when he had seen Khushi enter the after event party. Clad in a shimmering greyish silver cocktail dress she had looked absolutely bewitching. Not that he had never seen anyone as beautiful as her, he'd even dated a handful of them in his university days; but there was something enchanting about her poise, something sinful about the way she had gazed at him as she had walked the ramp. Feeling like a harmonal teenager his eyes had followed her all night. He'd even stolen a picture of her from the event co-ordinator. A corner of his mouth quirked up in a smile as he recalled that beautiful memory which was so special to him. And but then he took out his phone to drink in another image.

He'd taken this one from far away while she was asleep rounded up against the plush seat onboard today, looking so serene, so child-like. Damn he was 32 but again he had felt like he was a teenager doing so. Every night he had wanted to kiss her photograph goodnight but had never done so. Damn he did not have the right to do so and he could never help it.

It was a very long time later that he slept so peacefully, with a smile lingering on his face, only after he'd stared and finally for the first time kissed her sleeping image a goodnight.

------

TBC

IMP: IF is throwing tantrums. I am not able to add the second photo. So have given you all a link to that picture. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Note: Kindly let me know what you think about the update. Am I living up to your expectations?

New readers can buddy me for PMs but also please comment so that I will know that you are really interested in reading my work.

lolllzzz "Praise shames me but I secretly beg for it..!"

Love ARUSHI

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Chapter 2:

DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS

Chapter 3:

'Aarush! Don't trouble Mamma. Have your soup.'

Arnav's trance broke as he heard the boy refuse his meals. They'd finished their tests at the hospital and Khushi and Aarush were waiting for Lavanya to pick them when Arnav had offered to drop them home. After a lot of no's and hesitation Khushi had finally relented and accepted. But then was surprised when Arnav had stopped at one of the malls nearby so that the toddler be fed and had little fun as he did been very cranky after the tests. Arnav sighed as he recalled the poor child going through so much. But he still had to go a long way to recovery. And so he prayed, for the second time in 48 hours, to who-ever was listening above for the welfare of the boy.

So here they were after spending a good hour at the kid's fun place in the mall where Aarush's mood had kicked up and he'd thoroughly enjoyed himself and refused to part from the play section when Khushi had tried to pick him up so that he could be fed something.

'Khushi, let me try. Meanwhile you finish your juice.' Arnav had surprised himself for the second time today having offered to feed the boy. He never baby-sited any babies let alone feed them. Even his Di's twins were a far-off vision only to be enjoyed. But here he no longer understood his own gestures and the way he behaved around the toddler. But he could not let himself worry about it as he saw the baby frown first then smile and then squirm in his seat to be moved to him. He felt happy that her son was bonding well with him. Happy? Wait! Where did that come from?

Khushi passed a faint smile as she moved Aarush towards Arnav and then passed his soup. She'd been very reluctant first to accept his offer of dropping them home. Lavanya had been still stuck in the garage with her car's service. And her taking a taxi had been royally refused by Arnav. His high-handedness had irked her but the way he'd added the soft please' at the end was her undoing. Of course he was only being a gentleman to offer a lift to home. She dare not read between the lines.

Arnav had surprised her the second time in the last 48 hours when he had driven them to the mall. But she'd been so touched when he cited the reason that maybe it will be a change of mood for her son after a tough day at the examination in hospital. She reminded herself again that she dare not read between the lines.

-----

'Please excuse me I have to take this call.'

Anrav and Khushi exchanged understanding smiles, as he passed the now-almost empty bowl of soup back to Khushi. He excused himself from the table at the eatery in the mall to attend to his phone call. It was from his NGO office and he never rejected any call from that place as it had become his prime focus in his life.

He moved to the corner of the restaurant to receive proper signal and finish his talk. As he ended the call he felt someone tap his back.

'Hello Dr. Raizada.' Arnav turned around to find one of his fellow classmate from medical school.

'Dr. Mehta!'

'It is so good to see you here in Mumbai. I saw you walk from the table here and followed to check if it's actually you.' Both friends exchanged pleasantries and a quick run at their respective carriers when suddenly Arnav was shocked at what his friend said next.

'You have a lovely family. I wish I could stop a while and said hello to your family. Sorry I am in hurry. But hopefully I will catch you soon at the reunion next month. Will meet your wife then.'

Arnav barely felt his friend pat his arm as he took his leave. His mind was struck at the mention of Khushi and Aarush as his family. His family. It was not technically correct. But he was stupefied at why he had not attempted to correct his friend. Why had the mere mention of Khushi and Aarush as his family sounded just so right that his heart had cart wheeled. With joy.

Arnav then realized that he had more than once glanced back to check upon the mother-son duo while he was talking to his friend. His friend must have noticed it. And anybody who must have seen him sitting at the table with a woman and feeding a baby would think in the same way. He hoped not beyond hope. It was too good to be true. He'd learn't his lessons in life the hard way.

As Arnav started to walk back to the table he glanced at his phone to notice the last call he'd attended. 'NGO-Aaradhana.' A flash of hope crossed his heart. He realized that he wanted to hope again in life. Just this one time.

With a new found happiness he walked back to where he felt he should be.

-----

As Khushi put her son to sleep that night she recalled the events of the day. So far so good. Aarush's treatment would soon be getting an expert advice and he did been very co-operative. Arnav had been a through professional when he'd dealt with the examinations and had supported her like a friend. She'd never even in her slightest imaginations felt that someday she would be standing alongside that one man--whose eyes had haunted her every single moment of life for the past six years--sharing her life's most precious and most difficult decision. Her son's treatment.

Then she recalled about how their conversation at the hospital cafe had begun and had progressed about Aarush's paternity. And in the heat of the moment she'd confessed to him about her broken engagement.

'But don't mind me asking I do remember you had been engaged before.'

Khushi nodded her head thinking about fate. Arnav had thought that her engagement had broken due to differences in opinion. She wondered how did Arnav even know about her being engaged? Had he heard her friends congratulating her at the party? Surely it had to be so because she was damn sure that that night had been the only time she'd seen Arnav. Never before and certainly never after. Because she would never have missed those caramel eyes even in a crowd of millions. That she'd been sure as she'd been captivated then. And was even now.

Had he actually noticed her that night? Had his eyes really followed her the entire evening? She was not sure because she'd always felt that it was only her figment of imagination. But now as she thought of it she recalled something more from that night.

'Come on dumbo! The way you both have been looking at each other not even a blind man can miss the spark between the both of you.'

This was what she'd heard from him. Her fiance. It'd been such a long time ago that she'd been engaged.

Engaged. Six years ago. To a man who was her best friend. Who knew her so well that he'd guessed something which even she had not been sure of. Who'd sacrificed his feelings and had paved freeway for hers to blossom.

'Khushi I think we should wait for some time.'

'Hu? Wait sometime? For what?' Khushi was surprised as she'd felt a slight jab of shoulder over her own. But she'd been even more surprised at the next set of words.

'Yeah maybe this life? Until the next birth and if I am lucky. But this time I think the handsome doctor beat me square.'

'NK.. I.. I don't know what you mean by that..' Her stutter hadn't gone unnoticed by her childhood friend.

'Come on dumbo! The way you both have been looking at each other not even a blind man can miss the spark between the both of you.'

Khushi had been rendered speechless at the casual mention of her vibes toward another man by her fiance.

'Wow! Just wow! I have left the great Khushi Gupta--always a winner at any given debate, who chatters nineteen to a dozen--at loss of words!'

Khushi had simply stood still, not actually following what had passed between the friends. NK had winked at her and she had been annoyed as usual at his emphasis of his charm.

'NandKishore Malhotra...you are simply...'

'Smart? I know that since birth. Now stop ogling at me and go and approach that man. Go dumbo.'

NK had almost pushed her away from him. When she'd turned behind to take a glance at her friend she'd noticed a lost look in his eyes. And when she'd silently mouthed love you' at him he'd simply smiled and fisted his hand over his heart as if to relieve it from pain.

NK. As she recalled her friend she laughed at the way fate had mocked at her.

Khushi had just finished her college and was on vacation to London. NK had proposed to her and her aunt had been exquisite about the news. She was on her way to get married to her best friend when life had taken a hair-pin bend on the journey in the form of that evening.

She sighed. Had she not walked the ramp she would never have seen Arnav. What would have happened then? How would have been her life? She had asked this question to herself several times. But now she wanted to ask what would have happened if she'd not accidently bumped into another man spilling drinks on him and had actually approached Arnav that night? How would have been her life if she'd not received that phone call that night?

Khushi did not realize how and when she had fallen asleep. But there was only a calmness in her posture and a beautiful smile on that tired face.

Lavanya's heart was happy for her friend as she'd watched Khushi, and had witnessed smile instead of frown lines. She closed the door slowly making sure of not disturbing whatever her friend might have dreaming.

-----

Message sent.

As Arnav sent his last of e-mails and closed his laptop computer, he glanced at his phone again. Not because he was to receive any important call or message. He was simply contemplating to see her picture again.

Her picture.

Khushi's picture.

Arnav had dropped Khushi off at her home and had assured her of bringing the results of the tests tomorrow. They were supposed to meet in the evening to discuss further course of treatment. Tomorrow could never come faster.

As he thought about the day that had passed a smile spread across his face. His mother had always called him names regarding his guarded nature. That he never knew how to smile let alone laugh. He wished if she was with him today then he would have proven her wrong. Ever since his friend at the mall had mentioned Khushi and Aarush as his family he'd been grinning like an idiot. Even Khushi had thrown a weird expression when she'd caught him staring and smiling at her. But of course he had successfully dodged her doubt. When he'd walked out of the shower he'd failed to recognize himself in the mirror with a goofy grin. He had to walk very carefully from here. But that doesn't necessarily mean that...

As he thought of the years spent alone frustration charred his blood as realization swamped him of what he'd wasted when he hadn't pursued her then. Had he even at least followed up on her, he would have found out that she hadn't married that person. In the name of hell he had walked away because he'd believed she would marry that person.

What a waste of six years!

Now that life had given him a silver lining he wanted to bask in the entire sunshine. Indeed tomorrow could never come faster.

-----

The next morning came. Both Arnav and Khushi were nervous. For their own reasons. Khushi for her son and the Arnav for Khushi's belief that he was the right man for her son.

As Khushi walked into Arnav's cabin in the hospital and waited for him to make an appearance she remembered Arnav's text message that he was ready with his opinion about the course of treatment. She prayed.

Two deep baritones broke her trance. One she could recognize anywhere without even having to look at his face.

Arnav and Aman walked into the cabin carrying some papers. Arnav was happy to see her right on time and smiled. Aman only gave a slight nod of acknowledgement at her presence.

'Sorry Khushi I kept you waiting,' Arnav eyed Khushi as he placed his stack of papers on his desk and turned toward Aman, 'was a little stuck somewhere.'

Khushi's eyes twinkled and she returned a smile as if saying she din't mind.

Arnav sighed. Eyes like this, influence like this, should be outlawed. He'd tell her that. Soon.

Aman cleared his throat. 'Hello Miss. Gupta. We have never had a proper introduction. I am Aman Mathur. ASR's personal assistant.'

Khushi shook hands with Aman. 'Pleasure to meet you Mr. Mathur.'

As Arnav took in the situation he noticed the question and hope still in his eyes as Aman turned back to him.

Earlier in the day Aman had voiced his doubts about Khushi and had wanted a background check on her. But Arnav had convinced him or rather had ordered that it was not required.

Arnav gave a slight headshake letting him know she wasn't the woman they'd been looking for.

But she was the woman he'd been longing for.

-----

'Aarush is a very strong boy. I am sure he will come through.'

Arnav had explained the course of treatment for her son which included on keeping him on medicines and checkups for at least three weeks. Monitoring his progress Arnav was then to decide if or when the boy would need a bone marrow transplant. Untill then they even had time to look for possible donors.

'Where is he today by the way?' Arnav pushed the reports into Khushi's hands.

'At home. With Lavanya.' Khushi wondered what new trouble the aunt-nephew team was creating right now.

'He likes Lavanya a lot I guess.' Arnav wanted to have a casual chat with Khushi to buy some more time being with her.

'Hmm...I din't think he would ask you for a ride yesterday. He never does that to anybody. Especially in the first meet. He doesn't like to be held much, even by me. Too independent.'

Just like his mother, Arnav thought.

'I am sorry about that.' Khushi spoke again.

Arnav frowned. She thought his hesitation meant he dint want to hold Aarush? She din't realize that he was actually paralyzed? Everything inside him wanted to reach back to the boy, but the urge was so strong and so unknown that it had overwhelmed him. And he had only stared at the boy for a long time to try to analyze the pull. He had to correct her assumption. He couldn't bear that she thought that she'd imposed her son on him.

'Well in that case I am honored. I am honored that he thinks I am worthy of being his ride. He probably fancies me.'

A chuckle came out of her mouth. 'Well Aarush is a genius and he knows a good proposition when he gets one.'

'I am honored again.'

Khushi's mind flew back to that moment yesterday. When Arnav had held out his arms to take Aarush, her heart had revved out at what'd flared in her eyes. Momentary belief had her dumbfound that his arms were inviting her into their depths. And how she'd stifled the urge to rush into them only her God knew it.

A car honk brought her out of her reverie and she realized that they were already out of the hospital and into the parking area.

'Khushi I think you should get your son to Delhi. Look I can't stay here. But you could get him to me to my hospital. We even have a list of donors with us. Hopefully we will get a match soon if needed.'

'I will...think about it.' Khushi's hesitance troubled him.

'Don't mind but you don't have to worry about the expenses. Our NGO takes care of the surgery cost involved. You are only entitled to pay for the medicines.'

'It is not about the money. I have nobody there who could lend me a support to live for a long period. No relatives, not even friends.'

'You just make up your mind. You can stay in my apartment. It is the closest to the hospital and hence you are not far away from Aarush. You can even get Lavanya with you.'

'I don't want to trouble you. And besides if I stay at your place what about your family? What will they think?'

'My family includes only my maternal grandmother who lives in her palatial home, and a sister who is abroad, happily married.'

'And if any of your..urm..friends object? I mean maybe your girlfriend?' Khushi was knew there was no wife in the picture but she was dying to know if he had any special woman in his life. She did not realize why but only knew she wanted to know.

'There is absolutely no one who will object. I only use that place when I am to stay back late for work.' Arnav smiled as at Khushi's hesitance to pry out information about him.

Arnav explained to her about how Aarush needed to be monitored regularly and he would be taken into complete care in his hospital under his scrutiny. Khushi promised him that she would think about it and let him know.

Easier said than done.

-----

To Be Continued

So what do you think? Any special moment that stood out? Would like to hear more from you all. Sorry for the delay in the update. But I request everyone to drop a comment regarding whatever you feel and plz don't PM me for that. I don't mind even the negative reviews...gives me an insight for improvements. So feel free to write your heart out.

I have tried to reply almost everybody's comment. If anyone's left out then SORRY KAAN PAKADKE SORRY. Do poke me that I neglected u. lolllzzz. Next time will surely do.

Some have got double replies also. do check. 😆

Replies from Page 17 onwards

I don't mind silent readers. But if you have liked the story so far then at least like the update.

Untill next time CHAIO

ARUSHI

[THIS IS A MEMBERS POST ONLY]

DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS

This FF is dedicated to TINA! my dearest friend without whom it would not have been possible.. ❤️ u loads...

From TINA!:

Aww lovely chapter, this story is shaping up really well and I like that it has a set storyline that is moving smoothly and steadily. The moment between arhi in the kitchen was really sweet and domesticated❤️ The ending was great too, just the right amount of intrigue😉 Nothing was confusing from a reader's perspective though the apostrophes were missing at the beginning of all quotes. But i could still follow along. I don't know when IF will fix that glitch😕 Catch u soon!

These words mean the world to me 😊

Ab bakwaas band aur update shuru 😉

Chapter 4:

'I am so sorry Babes that I can't accompany you to Delhi. I have got my rehearsals for the upcoming play.'

Khushi smiled as she recalled her childhood friend's apology for the umpteenth time. Lavanya was not accompanying her to Delhi for Aarush's treatment. But Khushi had not felt bad about it. She knew her friend had her own ghosts to fight with and the name of the city itself had scared the life out of her. But what worried her was that Lavanya was still stuck in her past. It worried her that she had failed as a friend to help her overcome her tragedy.

Delhi was not a new city for both Khushi and Lavanya. In fact it was the city where they grew up. But then life had taken a very tragic turn for Lavanya and she had sworn that she would never return to that place again. Khushi sighed thinking if only she'd have paid a little attention to her friend's need and had been there for her then.

Khushi had made up her mind that she would go to Delhi for her son. But she had been reluctant to ask Lavanya to come along. Lavanya was on a break from her threatre and she had no plays lined up for at least a month. But when Khushi had announced her decision Lavanya had simply backed off giving plain reason. The ever cheerful Lav had turned pale hearing the name of the city. She knew that her friend would never abandon her son in time of need as Lavanya loved Aarush as her own. But Khushi also knew very well what troubled Lavanya so much that even after a decade of that incident she still hurt.

Lavanya had helped Khushi pack and had cuddled the boy an entire evening as she would be missing him for over a month.

Thus two days later only the mother-son duo was on a plane to Delhi.

------

'Welcome to Delhi Ms. Gupta.' Aman greeted as he picked up Khushi's luggage from her cart at the airport, settling into the boot of his car, and added as an afterthought as he sensed Khushi's eyes desperately searching somebody, ASR is quite busy today and he said he will meet you in the evening.'

'Mr. Mathur, I am thankful to you for picking us up.' Khushi returned her greetings rather a little disappointed. But then she composed and reminded herself again that Arnav was not entitled to all this. He was just being a good gentleman and a doctor more precisely trying to help her out.

'Where are we heading to? It is not the way to Shantivan.' Khushi could not help but ask and mentally kicked herself for the slip of tongue. She had noticed that they were not entering the city but had taken highway outskirts and had been driving more than twenty minutes. She was expecting to go to Arnav's home first to settle down, but she knew that this was the way to Arnav's hospital.

Too much information and caution is also dangerous sometimes.

'I believe ASR has asked me to put you up at his apartment.' Aman did not fail to notice the crimson shade rise on her face due to embarrassment. He did not even miss that Ms. Gupta knew that this was not the way to Raizada Residence. Interesting. Very Interesting.

Earlier in the day Aman had practically forced his help on ASR offering to pick Khushi from the airport and he had not missed the expression on his boss' face either. A mixture of anxiety and disappointment. Anxiety to see her again and disappointment to wait till evening.

Aman was curious to dig what was between the two of them that they were always aware of. They were aware of the instant attraction but then always were in denial. To themselves.

Thus he had sought this opportunity to pry out some information from Khushi on the pretext of picking her. And the first slip of guard on her behalf on recognition of the way did help his curiosity serving the first step towards his search.

------

The walls were painted a lighter combination shade of mystic green and grey. Grey curtains covering the floor to ceiling windows, leading to an attached half terrace that also served as a garden. The wall opposite to the dresser was covered with random photographs of various places and times. All in all the room was tastefully decorated and she suspected it to be Arnav's bedroom. But why was she given his bedroom for stay? It looked like this was his permanent stay. But he'd said that he only stayed back in this apartment when he was stuck up late at the hospital since it was very close. Which was rightfully correct. The apartment was a duplex pent house right at the top of the building which was not only his hospital but also his NGO office.

As the rest of the journey had been very quiet and peaceful, with Aarush busy sleeping in her lap, Khushi had faintly noticed the car pull up into the back entrance of a tall building. She'd been lead to what she'd recognized as a private elevator leading her several stories up in the air to a beautiful pent house.

As she'd stepped into the hallway Aman had taken her excuse and the househelp had led her into this room for her stay. Tired from her journey she'd completely missed out on the photographs hung on the hall's wall above the fire place.

Khushi scanned the room thoroughly and sighed. This was too much. She was grateful for Arnav's help but she would not let any inconvenience caused to him due to her stay in his room. She decided that she would speak to him regarding shifting to a guestroom the first chance she crossed.

------

The night had fallen and Khushi squirmed in her bed trying to sleep. The last few days she'd had good sleep but it was not the case today. She had not been able to see Arnav let alone talk to him as he was busy in his office. He'd not even come for dinner.

After some struggle she gave and walked to the lounger to read for a while. As she picked a book from the shelf sudden darkness engulfed.

Power failure. Goodness gracious. Somethings never change. Khushi remembered her school days having fun during power failures, as they used be a blessing in disguise for Lavanya and her.

Lavanya. She'd missed her friend so much. Khushi having no courage to speak to her about her heart's content here, so had texted her as soon as she'd settled. Even Lavanya had only replied through a text message only. She wished if only Lav had gotten over her past and was here now.

Khushi took one last glance at Aarush making sure he was neatly tucked between the pillows she walked out of the room for some air.

------

Tightening the string on her robe Khushi slowly tip-toed onto the half terrace. Admiring the small garden with a variety of potted plants, skimming her fingers along the leaves when she heard a light commotion. She turned toward the direction of the noise. Fear gripped her suddenly as she recalled a similar incident a long time ago when she'd been on the hunt.

This cannot be true. She tried to reassure herself. She'd only arrived here today. Only a few hours ago. It was no way that she would have been traced so easily. She had tried to remain so out of focus and had been successful till now. If only her son's treatment was not so important.

Khushi knew how severe was Aarush's case. She had consulted many doctors in the past six months and most of them had advised her the same. A possibility of bone marrow transplant.

She had come this far and had remained discreet. Just a slip of tongue in the afternoon and she knew she would have been in deep trouble had it not been Aman who knew nothing about her. She had to be more careful now. She cannot be caught now. She could not risk her son's health because of her stupidity.

More noise from the direction and Khushi inched forwards. A faint shadow crossed the opposite wall and she panicked. Gulping slowly she picked a vase from the nearest table and was about to attack the black-clad figure when she was suddenly twirled around and got locked in strong arms. Gathering up all strength she elbowed into his stomach and made a run across the corridor, down the hall when she bumped into a hard something. Someone.

Her hands on a hard male chest. Even across the fabric of his shirt she could feel his muscles tense and then she heard a deep groan and a string of swears.

'Arnav' only a slow gasp made out of her mouth.

------

Arnav was dead tired by the time he'd finished with his patients and his meeting with the architect regarding his hospital's new wing for children and his NGO offices, had stretched for too long. He'd been so eager to see Khushi again that he was hoping to reach home by dinner time and he was practically running out of his office when he was paged for a sudden emergency case demanded his attention. Slumping his shoulders he took the elevator downwards from his office to the hospital instead of heading upstairs.

Since he had skipped his dinner he had missed out on his chance to see Khushi. Returning home he'd picked a bottle of water from the refrigerator and had straight away gone to his room to see them both and assure himself that they were settled properly. But he realized that the door was locked from inside. So he'd used the balcony of the adjacent room to sneak onto the terrace.

Recognising Khushi in the darkness on the other end of terrace in a panic mode in the midnight, he realized it was so inappropriate to have barged into her privacy like this. Slowly he had retrieved his steps and had slipped back into balcony and had almost moved out of her sight when he felt being attacked with a vase. And when he had successfully avoided the aim of vase over his head he'd been elbowed in his stomach.

He saw Khushi running away from him towards the hall trying different door locks to reach the hall. But he had been quicker and had reached the hall before through the passage when she'd bumped into him head-on.

What followed was more than he could take. Her hands on his chest and her face almost tucked into his neck. Her long and shallow breaths around his adam's apple were creating a strange sensation making goose bumps erupt on his skin.

He did held her arms to steady her but all his attention was to keep himself steady and try to keep his knees firm lest he collapsed in the intimacy of this closeness.

------

Khushi instantly recognized even in darkness that it was Arnav she had collided into. He smelled divine. A mixture of hospital atmosphere and soap. And something different. Just him. It was Arnav exclusive. All male and masculine. Maybe he'd just returned for his hands on her the fabric of her robe smelled something like freshly scrubbed.

------

'Tum theek ho?' he could not help but ask her as he slowly eased her out of his hold.

She only nodded.

'There is a power failure since morning and our generator must have drained off. Sorry about that.' He tried to make her comfortable as Khushi kept staring only at her feet and did not once try to look up. 'I will look for the candles.'

Holding out a candle for her he wished her good night and dropped her to her door. A couple of minutes later he again found her behind him near the kitchen door.

'Do you need something?' Arnav walked two steps toward her.

'Water.' Khushi slowly managed hoping she did no squeak.

He handed her a bottle and moved to look for some left overs in the kitchen to feed himself.

'Are you hungry?' This time her voice surprised him. He simply pursed his lips to hide his grin and nodded.

'Should I make something for you?' She offered him her help as she had seen only a minute ago that he was not a man to know his way around the kitchen.

'Only if it does not bother you.' Arnav waved a hand gesturing her that the area was all hers now.

He sat at the small kitchen table and watched her move about hesitantly across the kitchen and pull some things after a brief search. She picked some tomatoes, spinach and cheese from the cabinet and some slices of bread. Making him a couple of plain vegetable sandwiches she poured him a glass of hot milk and placed it on the table.

Arnav smiled at her saying a low thank you. Satisfied that he would eat now and not to go to bed hungry she started to move out when he held her wrist lightly.

'Stay?' It was a doubtful question and he wondered if she would mind this unreasonable request. She must have been tired from the journey and all but had still offered to make him a late supper. And here he was instead of being thankful and letting her go, was demanding more of her time.

When he raised his eyes to her face he saw a tiny smile adorn her lips and a replica of the same formed on his too.

Amidst a number of candles they both settled down on the small kitchen table. Arnav with his late supper and Khushi with a cup of coffee.

------

Through his supper and her coffee they had both had a conversation of their respective day. He asked her about her flight and Aarush's health and in turn had apologized to have not made it to see her home for dinner at least if not welcome her.

'Are you and Aarush settled comfortably?'

'You need not have taken up the trouble to lend us your room. We would do fine in the guestroom.' Khushi had been meaning to broach this topic and at the same time did not want to sound rude either.

'That is not a problem at all. I will move to any other room if required.'

'But why? Why give up our room?'

'Khushi...it is no big deal. I don't come here often.'

Liar. Both knew it.

'But...'

'And besides it has an attached study which I am sure Aarush will love.' His voice stressing at the end that it was end of discussion. He began again changing the topic. 'For a small and petite girl, you have got a strong defense Khushi. My stomach still hurts.' He teased.

Khushi blushed at the thought of how she had hit him in his stomach. But then what was he doing at the terrace?

'What were you doing at the terrace?' Obviously he'd not come to check up on her. Of course he'd cared but not like what she thought. She was not that lucky.

If only she knew the truth.

Arnav was tongue-tied at her question. Before his mind would run into any excuse, as if on cue and to his rescue power resumed and he left out a sigh of relief.

'Power.' They both called out in unison. A minute of tense silence and looking at each other, they both busted into laughter.

'Arnav baba?' They both turned towards the kitchen door to see a stunned Hariprakash looking at his master with his jaw literally dropping till the floor.

Arnav raised an eyebrow to know what was so stunning. HP quickly recovered himself and asked if needed anything more to eat eyeing at the almost empty plate and glass he'd guessed who must have cooked for him.

Arnav and Khushi walked out of the kitchen with Khushi wishing HP good night and Arnav patted his shoulder to let him know he didn't want anything. As he reached the door he turned around and wished HP a good night and quietly walked away, stunning him the second time in a span of five minutes.

But he was a wise man and knew that the changes in his master's life for the past few days can be correlated with this one as well. He welcomed these new changes and his new master and prayed that whatever the reason be his master deserved happiness that he was sensing since his return from London and wished it remained this time with him forever.

------

Both souls rested in different beds on different floors.

Arnav still thinking about how her soft body had felt against his as he'd held her then and later the light brush of her knuckles against his when he'd escorted her later back to the his room. Correction. Her room.

Khushi was still thinking about the little adventure in the dark and how strong his muscles had felt against her palms.

There had been no skin to skin touch. But still it had thrummed into their heads for a long time. Both thinking about their light talk at the table which had felt so domestic. The moment so surreal. But one knew it was too early to hope that and the other knew it was only a moment that will never turn to truth of the future.

Arnav drifted into sleep thinking about Khushi with a smile on his face. And Khushi drifted into sleep thinking about how Arnav had shown concern not only for her and Aarush but Lavanya as well as he'd asked about her while he'd walked her back to her room. Correction. His room.

Lavanya. What would she be doing right now? Certainly not sleeping. Must be with her book, pretending to be reading and not crying.

------

A thousand miles away from them a lonely figure had curled up in her bed clutching the book tightly to herself and shedding silent tears remembering what it contained. Not having the courage to open the book and look into it she had cried herself to sleep only in the wee hours of morning.

And just in the adjacent apartment of theirs a lonely figure tossed on bed and tried to sleep after giving up on to joining all the dots from day 1 in London till today. Something was amiss. Sleep only came to him in the wee hours of morning.

------

To be continued...

Would love to read what you feel...Any special moment that stood out? Sorry for the delay in the update. But I request everyone to drop a comment regarding whatever you feel and plz don't PM me for that. I don't mind even the negative reviews...gives me an insight for improvements. So feel free to write your heart out.

This time I tried to reply almost all... If anyone's left out then SORRY KAAN PAKADKE SORRY. Do poke me that I neglected u. lolllzzz. Next time will surely do.

Some have got double replies also. do check. 😆

Replies from Page 23 onwards.. ⭐️

I don't mind silent readers. But if you have liked the story so far then at least like the update.

Untill next time CHAIO

ARUSHI

[THIS IS A MEMBERS POST ONLY]

DO NOT COPY THIS POST AS THIS IS EXCLUSIVE TO INDIA FORUMS

Hello all you beautiful people out there...😃 Hope all is well in your side of the world

I know I have been away big time.. But I was dealing with my asli duniya and some back to back tragedies which had pushed me into depression... But I am back now and hopefully will be regular...

As always my special and biggg thanx to TINA! for her support personally and in this FF. Here is what she had to say about the story below

Arushi,

Your writing is lovely as always hun, I love the description you always put in, the small way they gaze at each other and details like that. I'm not at the best at giving reviews, but I love, love this story especially how Arnav and Khushi have their own careers and identies. keep it up and I'm interested to know how things move forward in Chapter 6.

ps. the opening quote mark was missing--IF's usual glitch so that made it a little hard to follow but I managed. just make sure they show up in the chapter when u actually post it.😳😉

muah🤗

Enough of ranting here... Hope you enjoy the next installment...

A quick review of the story for those who have forgotten the line 😆

Khushi met Arnav in London to get an opinion on her son's medical condition. They both have a shared but brief history of chance meeting in a charity event six years ago. Sparks fly but both'd backed off due to their own reasons and some. Now on Arnav's insistence now she is in Delhi for Aarush's treatment. Continued below...

Chapter 5:

Khushi stared at the photos on the wall above the fire place; a blank expression on her face as she looked at the two portraits. Photographs of a woman and a man each. The woman was an epitome of poise and the boyish charm in another photograph was very hard to miss. The people in the pictures looked so serene and calm. Very unlike the storm within her. She walked a step ahead to look at the woman closely.

A number of questions were running in her mind. Had she made a mistake coming here and accepting Arnav's help? What'd she even been thinking feeling at home here last night?

Last night had been magical. More like a dream. So sure was she that when she'd woken up this morning she'd looked at her surroundings stupefied which in turn confirmed her that she was in Delhi; at Arnav's place and it was not a dream.

'That is my mother.' Arnav's voice came to her ears from across the great hall. She turned to see him standing at the bottom of the stairs looking at her looking at his mother's photo.

Khushi's heart skipped a beat when she noticed him all rugged. His hair ruffled. His clothes, crumpled, were the same that he'd worn last night. But he looked as fresh as a daisy. So lost was she in her thoughts that she only realized what she said after she saw his reflex.

'I know.'

Arnav raised his brow in amusement. And that is when Khushi realized what she'd said. She quickly corrected her slip of tongue. 'I guessed it must be your mother. You both have the same eyes.'

Arnav walked toward her in awe. The expressions in her eyes were of emotions reserved only for closest of the close and some. The woman before him was an enigma. What was it about her that makes him reach out to her? What was she hiding? And people called him an enigma. Surely they must have never seen Khushi.

'Many have told me that I have inherited her looks. Not to mention her eyes.' Arnav whispered as he neared her. He wanted to touch her. His fingers wanted to free her hair from that hair-tie, run themselves in along and feel the softness that was her hair. But he quietly shut those thoughts down and tucked his hands into his pants pockets.

'I am sure it is a matter of pride to have the same looks of your parents and cherish them. Not everyone is that lucky.' Having noticed how Arnav had caught her off-guard Khushi carefully guarded her eyes this time when she spoke.

Arnav's silent query was answered before he could even think of the words and voice them. 'My parents died when I was only four. I don't even remember their faces. Don't have any picture.'

'I am sorry I dint mean to...'

Khushi cut him mid-sentence. 'Don't be. I am not. I may have lost them but I was blessed with amazing people around who loved me more like family. I was raised by my Bua. She was the most amazing woman...and so much...' Khushi realized what she was doing. She was rendering so much of her life. She never did that. Not even in extreme pressure from her friends at school. And here Arnav had not even spoken a word and she was all blurting out. 'I am sorry I got a little carried away. What on earth am I doing, boring you with my life story.'

'I am not bored.' He smiled and she thought again how very handsome he was. 'Not one bit'

'That's very sweet of you to say so, but I'd much rather talk about you.' Khushi tried to induce humour to change the subject. And she succeeded as she saw his eyes twinkle.

'Now, that would be really boring.' Arnav tilted his head slightly and crossed his arm.

'I beg to differ. I have seen your photos on your bedroom wall and believe me none of that looks boring. Looks like you have travelled a lot.'

'I have. Adventures and thrills are my thing. Be it back-packing across Europe or trekking the Himalayas or snorkeling in Maldives. I have enjoyed every bit.'

'The photos do speak.'

Arnav felt Khushi drift away from the conversation as if she was remembering something. 'So what's your thing?' He tried to bring her back.

'Oh, nothing so fancy. Though I tried to paint once. Not anymore now.'

'I felt good that you shared.' Arnav chipped in. He did not just feel good. He felt mighty great and wanted her to open up more. But her sigh at the end told him that it must have held some painful memories to her. It was too early to dig into all that he decided and did not push his luck.

He fully intended to use the opportunity when his phone battery played a spoil sport; beeping, indicating it was running out of charge.

'Please attend to your phone.' Khushi got the much needed distraction and she held on to it.

'I will go pick up the charger from the study.' Arnav had to answer so, but he did not want to go away from her. When he still stood the ground Khushi cleared her throat.

'It's just not right that you stay at the guest room. I can see that you are still in same clothes as last night. All your things are clearly in the master bedroom.' When Arnav did not get the message Khushi continued. 'I insist you please go ahead and freshen up in your room and I will shift my things upstairs by evening. It will not be a trouble as I haven't unpacked yet and I do not want to bother you more.'

'Hey, no. You staying here is completely fine by me. I will have my required things moved. It is convenient for Aarush to stay down.' Khushi lifted her gaze to Arnav and thanked him silently to have foreseen. Arnav felt slightly uncomfortable for he was not used to company at home like this. Not that he was complaining. He was just beginning to cherish it. 'Where is the champ today?'

When Khushi did not reply and just stared at him he cleared his throat and repeated his question. 'Khushi? Is Aarush still asleep?'

'Oh... Aarush was up a long while go. He is an early morning guy. Playing in the park with Lavanya is his morning routine.'

'He must be missing her!'

'Er ya...not much. Hariprakashji is keeping him engaged in the study. He is with the new toys.' Khushi smiled recalling how delighted her boy had become after an early morning cry to see the new toys and tiny tricycle. HP had mentioned that he'd been shocked to receive the toys at home when they were couriered two days ago. He'd even asked the delivery boy if they had the wrong address. But now he knew why and was happy. 'Thanks though for arranging them for Aarush.'

'Oh please don't mention it. Besides they are my sister's children's stuff. I just got them out of the store room for Aarush.'

'Yeah right. I must say that Hariprakashji is a good help. He has neatly maintained the price tags of some toys even.'

Arnav's face flushed at having his bluff caught. Khushi's smirk was no help either. And to his rescue came his best man who had just walked into the house.

'Good morning ASR. Miss Gupta.' Aman passed a polite nod to Khushi--who returned a smile, and turned back to look at Arnav.

Aman's expression indicated that he was stunned to see Arnav still in last evening's clothes. 'Oh please excuse me Aman. I will join you in a while. Till then ask HP to prepare breakfast.'

At the same time HP came out of the study with a bawling Aarush in his arms. 'Khushi Didi...Baba must be hungry.'

Arnav stopped mid-way. He drew two fingers on the boy's cheek caressing it and later walked into his room to freshen up. And while HP was not surprised to his master's changing approach, Aman was curious. He had rarely seen Arnav smile let alone laugh and chat like he was doing a few minutes ago with Khushi. He had not eves-dropped their conversation for he was a man always mindful of his boundaries. Had only interrupted when he'd seen Arnav's embarrassment at being caught.

'Give him to me. I will feed him breakfast and you please prepare the table.' Saying so Khushi excused herself from Aman's scrutinizing gaze and took Aarush to kitchen. Silently thanking and eyeing the other photo, one that Arnav did not get a chance to mention about.

------

'Thank you for the breakfast HP. It was different and wonderful.' Arnav happily thanked HP and chuckled when he noticed his help's expression.

'It was Khushi didi who made the breakfast Arnav baba. You should thank her.' HP came back a minute later.

Embarrassed at the compliment she was about to receive from Arnav, Khushi busied her hands into tucking Aarush's shirt neatly who was gurgling happily in his high seat.

'Thank you. But you need not have bothered yourself. HP works fine. Well, most of the days atleast.' Arnav fixed Hariprakash a glare and the poor man's confusion increased more.

'Did you not like it?' Khushi's heart dropped to her stomach. Maybe he did not like the food. But he did compliment Hariprakash a minute ago. What did this mean? Did he want her to mind her own business and not interfere?

'It was wonderful like I said. But you should not have taken up all the extra work.' Arnav wanted her to be comfortable here and not feel obliged to help because he was helping.

'It was no trouble. There was nothing for me to pass the time and I like cooking. Please endure it while I am here. I do want to help.' Khushi pleaded and Arnav gave in.

'Go ahead. But only because you want to. Not because you have to.' Arnav picked up his jacket and waited for Aman to finish his breakfast. His shoulders slumped when he saw Aman's plate still half full. 'I will see you in your office in an hour Aman regarding the designing of the children's ward. And Khushi, you can come down to the hospital whenever you want to. We shall discuss Aarush's potential treatment in detail.'

Khushi only nodded. After politely excusing herself she picked Aarush up walked back to her room.

Aman was a sharp man. There were very few things that ever missed his eyes. He did not miss Khushi's discomfiture and the way her gaze had suspiciously escaped the wall while she walked away. He did not even miss how less she spoke when he was around. The little camaraderie between the two at the table. He'd noticed pride in her eyes when her culinary skills were appreciated and also the slight disappointment after what followed. He'd been surprised to see Khushi walk into ASR's room. And even more so when he'd learnt from HP that ASR had given up his room for her.

Any blind man could see the attraction and tension between them. Attraction from both sides and tension merely from her. There was something more here than what met the eye.

------

'Hey, baby boy! Did you miss your Maasi today?' Lavanya's voice sounded low and her eyes looked puffy. No doubt from all that crying at night, thought Khushi when she studied her friend's face while she baby-talked to Aarush on a video-call. No make-up could mask her childhood friend from her.

'Lavanya, did you sleep well?' Khushi talked from the back adjusting the screen of her ipad so Lavanya could see them both.

'Of course babe. Now why do you ask that?' Before Khushi could open her mouth Lavanya beat her to it. 'Don't bother to answer that. My eyes are not puffy. It's the camera that is not clear and my nose is red because I think I am going to catch flu.'

Khushi did not push her because she knew there was no flu here.

'Oh I forgot to ask. How is the hotie Dr. doing? Did you make progress?'

'Lavanya! I am not answering that. What have you been even thinking? He is my son's doctor.' Khushi huffed.

Hmm...my son's doctor... But she did not deny her attraction toward him. Lavanya had noticed during that short period in the hospital at Mumbai how aware both Khushi and Arnav were of each other. The slightest moments or be the silent messages that passed between them. She felt maybe this was what destiny had planned for her friend. Khushi had seen enough grief in her life and finally it was looking like there was a light at the end of this tunnel.

Lavanya felt the need to not just nudge but push Khushi toward that light. For Khushi was too ignorant of her own happiness and thus she decided that she would do it. For her friend.

Unaware of what was running in her friend's mind Khushi updated Lavanya about her stay and Aarush's treatment that was to begin soon. 'I will be going to the hospital now.'

'Best of luck. God knows you need more of it.' Lavanya felt helpless. She wanted to be there for her friend and even more for Aarush, but she also did not want to visit that city of all places. Ghosts of her past felt still fresh even after a decade.

------

Aman walked toward his white and cleaned it once again. Nothing was making sense here. He had gone again and again in his mind's eye to recall all the events since their London trip, their impromptu return to India, but not Delhi.

ASR--Khushi

Khushi--Aarush

Khushi--Shantivan

Khushi--Aaradhana's Aunty's portrait

Aman scribbled again on his white board. Something he always did since his school days. He always tried to find logic, and reasoning was his forte. That was why he was an ace in mathematics. Nobody could beat him. Even Arnav was no competition when it came to logic. Although the 3A's--as Devyani Raizada fondly addressed her grandchildren--where a team to reckon with. Arnav, Aman and Akash. Aman was not a Raizada. He was Arnav and Akash's paternal cousin. Though Arnav was always her favourite but he'd never felt left out. Nani had loved him equally and he'd respected her immensely. It was a long time since he'd paid Devyani Nani a visit. He decided to meet up with her soon.

His cousins--Anjali Di, ASR and Akash. Aman was never close to any of the three when they were in Lucknow. But after a tragedy had struck and all had moved to Delhi to their Nani, he'd missed them.

His uncle, Arnav's father, Arjun Malik was a well known and influential politician. And while none of his children were remotely interested to continue the family's established political party, Aman had followed suit. And when his parents had tried to manipulate him to follow his uncle, to further their political dreams, he'd decided to study abroad and had run away to the States. And on return he had settled with the Raizada's, his bonding with the Raizada family even better than with his own parents. When had he last visited his folks was not even in his plain memory.

Aman was lost in his memories of his childhood when a knock on the door disturbed him. He cleaned his white board immediately as the door opened. Arnav walked in with a folder to discuss the designing and interiors of the ward and soon they got into their business mode.

------

Khushi had contemplated a lot for over an hour to meet Arnav. He'd told her to come over to the hospital for discussion and finally she was standing in front of his cabin and eyed his name.

Dr. Arnav Singh Raizada, followed by his degrees and his specialization. She smiled as she read and re-read. But could not follow what the acronyms stood for. She'd never been that interested in biology at school. And hence had opted for technical course in college.

She was about to knock on the door when she heard two hushed voices. A sort of argument. She turned to look in the direction of the voices and found Aman and Arnav rushing down the corridor toward the latter's cabin.

'Khushi?' Arnav had completely forgotten her purpose of visit.

'Am I disturbing you? I see that you are in the middle of something.' Khushi shifted from one foot to another in nervousness.

'No, no it's nothing. Please come in.' Arnav moved into his cabin and shrugged out of his jacket. He waved a hand asking her to sit and gestured Aman to bring the plan. 'I will join you in a while Khushi. Need to wrap this up.'

Khushi waited at the corner in the cabin and what she overheard was clear to her that they were facing some tantrums from a certain architect.

'But ASR he is quoting a lot for the materials. And it is just not wise to oblige.' Aman tried to make his point again.

'But we don't have a choice here Aman.' Arnav loosened his tie and looked at the plan of the section spread out on his table.

'I suggest we wait and look for another one and also his plans sound good only on paper... and then we have...' Aman was still talking when a feminine hand came over the blue print. Both Arnav and Aman shot up to look at Khushi who had moved from her earlier position and was now looking at the print.

'Mr. Mathur is right. The plan looks good on paper. But I see some glitches here.' Khushi was surprised at her own intervention and more surprised were the two men in the room.

'How can you be so sure Miss Gupta?' Aman's tone was clipped. He added a split second later, 'Although I find it good that you have mentioned.'

'Oh I am an architect myself. I work freelance.' If Khushi was certain about anything in her life these days it was her qualification and her work experience.

'That's good.' Khushi saw more appreciation in Arnav's smile than his words.

'Could you please give the specifics? So we can follow through.' Aman suggested.

'I will need a little time. To read the plan and arrive at a conclusion. Can I sleep over and come back tomorrow?'

Aman started to accept the offer when Arnav interfered. 'No Khushi. It's okay. We will hire somebody for the work.'

'Dr. Raizada believe me. I am a certified architect.' Khushi tried to humour him. She knew he did not mean what he said.

An embarrassed Arnav came back quick. 'You are here for a reason and we don't want to keep you busy with our necessities.'

'Dr. Raizada please. It will not be a problem. I will work over.' Khushi genuinely wanted to help and felt proud that she could add at least a thing or two to his dream.

Before Arnav could make up his mind Aman chipped in. 'Miss Gupta, the pleasure will all be ours for the help.'

Khushi beamed a full happy smile and Arnav could no more put resistance. He nodded. 'Now that you both have made up your minds, go ahead. And Khushi regarding Aarush's treatment we will have to wait another day or two to start. The reports are still being discussed here. Hope that is okay with you?'

'It is not a problem. He is all yours to care for.' Khushi's shoulders slumped and it did not go unnoticed by the other two.

'I think I will take Miss. Gupta to discuss and handover the necessary documents.'

'Please Mr. Mathur.' Khushi turned to Arnav. 'If you will excuse me now, may we discuss other things over dinner today?'

As Aman and Khushi walked out of his cabin Arnav relaxed into his chair thinking about Khushi. She was a mystery to him. She had more than once addressed him Dr. Raizada when last night in a moment of vulnerability she had for the first time called him by his name. It had sounded so--what could he say?--Right? Husky?--from her mouth. Her soft hands on his chest when she had run into him. When he'd walked into his room this morning to freshen up he'd found his room intact with little things of hers added giving a very domestic feeling. All that was still fresh in his mind. And now she had averted back to being formal. He wanted to learn more about her. She was throwing surprises one after the other. A strong woman, an even stronger mother. An exceptional cook--if he would count today's breakfast and now an architect.

Yes, he definitely wanted to learn more about her. And he would. Firming his resolve he clicked on his computer to check for new mails and to look for bone marrow donors who might be required if Aarush had to undergo a transplant.

------

TBC.

Note [boring I know... but as always I want to say something]:

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ARUSHI

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