Lets not try to boil the ocean. Take things one at a time but aggressively. I am just a call away if you need me. Offering last min instructions, Arnav rolled his sleeves up before strolling his bags into the airport alongside Aman, Anjali, and Nani, who came to see him off.
I am going to add you in the client meetings. Join whenever you can. Aman stopped at the visitors area handing over the laptop bag.
You will find me in every meeting! Arnav said with studious face earning content smile from Aman.
Turning to Nani & Anjali, Arnav drew them into a silent hug while the ladies broke into tears on his chest already missing him. I will be OK. Stop crying if you want me to visit you again. Arnav said sternly not wanting to make the airport another emotional field after a round of it at home. That did the trick as hiccups stopped and the ladies regrouped themselves not to make it big issue knowing he will be fine. Arnav broke himself away from the ladies addressing Aman, Take care of them!
Arnav bidding bye at once turned his feet to the security check as his heart started weighing down for totally different reasons. Its been 3 weeks since he had seen Khushi and after the day he asked her to get out from AR, She had never once showed up nor crossed his path. The frenzy and unrest of his own life brought the worst out of him as he walked the last few mins to leave the Mumbai city she now lives. A complete mayhem broke in his already hostile mind, wondering why the hell she showed herself out of no where as he tried to think of all possibilities behind her new motives & her sudden presence.
Collecting his belongings from the screening belt, he stopped in his tracks before he could go out of sight to the airport entrance completely. His eyes demanded him not to look back. His mind chided him for being insensitive to have hopes. And before he knew his stubborn feet turned around searching for one woman.
The air around him constricted in agony, the world seemed to be moving at faster pace than usual as he stood watching his hopes washed away. There was no sight of her.
His eyes dropped to the floor squeezing to shut. The moment of weakness turned to burning rage, locking his knees, sighing in disapproval of her sudden ins and outs of his life, he turned around and walked away briskly to his flight gate.
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Nahi nahi Bhai Bhai, please...Please give once, Let me look...
Seated in the first class cabin, chewing an ice cube, Arnav looked across his seat at the source of rants and giggles. What caught his attention from the strangers was the word Bhai that he got used to in last 3 years. A simple word but whenever Anjali murmured, it was nothing less than an heartfelt endearment.
It wasnt difficult for him to understand the care and love hidden in the small word, some of the worldly emotions he learnt in the brief relationship with his wife.
F*ck the profession. I am here to stay with you..
Leaning back to his seat, Arnav spread his lips into a thin smile remembering the day Anjali barged into his life giving up her prestigious profession and there was no looking back in their relation from then. They needed no words to let each other know when to involve and when not to although he maintained safe distance from emotions. It was her who always spread her hands into forcible hugs, and caring forehead kisses, things he is going to miss as he steps into his home seas away.
But behind those smiles, giggles, and playful hugs, was hidden a longing Anjali who missed her sweetheart Aman. Though Arnav never acknowledged it, he always found himself sitting next to her to comfort her silently, waiting for an opportunity to make her understand her priorities.
Arnav took deep breath of contentment as today he succeeded in what he wanted to do for long time, to gift his friend what he deserved and to give her hand to someone who could love her more than she could handle.
And above all it made heartbroken Nani happier than ever. No matter how much she could portray herself as modern and free spirited woman, many times Arnav found her cocooning herself into shell worrying about Anjali. There were many times, he found tears escaping corners of her closed eyes. Reasons might be many and more than one, him including the biggest, but he couldnt overlook her another daughter suffering because of him. But how long can someone hide the pain. Like never before, when Nani brusquely spoke about the bickered relations, Arnav knew it was about time he bend some knees and he was glad he did it. With her health deteriorating, Arnav knew she is safe and better if she is put up with Aman who could make her laugh and play their silly boy friend and girl friend skits.
That thought curved his lips in satisfaction remembering how happy Nani looked in last 3 weeks, more than 3 years she spent with him. Living along with Aman and Anjali in their newly purchased bungalow in Juhu, She is one happy woman with less things to worry about.
The smiles of 3 lives echoed in his ears as he closed his eyes feeling relieved. But his mind had different plans as it flashed the face of the lady his heart had been thinking.
Remembering her mellifluous giggles, and breathtaking shyaways, his lips curled in disdain. The moments of joy he felt few mins ago instantly washed away with the pain he had given himself over the years, distancing from everything he once had.
There hadn't been a single day gone by in these 3 weeks without thinking why had she come to see him again after all those years? As much as he was curious to know the answer, his stubbornness kept him under check not to overreact, constantly reminding him that She screwed it all up, leaving nothing to mend.
He bit down the mind numbing ice cube to stop the tear that could have born into the world.
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Next day ...San Pedro...
Peppering a plate of egg whites, Arnav settled down in his 6 chair dining table, ready to attack his not-so-delicious-single-man's breakfast. Forking through the egg, he looked around the empty dining room that used to chime in Anjali's whines and Nani's rants.
Quietly, brushing thoughts away from his mind, he lowered his head and dug through the plate getting ready to his restaurant. Finishing up the food, he dialed his head chef in the restaurant to inform that he will be few mins late.
Unsure why he did that, Arnav grabbed a bottle of cold water and sat down in the front balcony overlooking the street traffic, his mind totally shadowed by one woman's thoughts.
More he allowed himself to think, more unrest he became, and thus he decided to visit the restaurant against his earlier decision.
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Everybody, Boss changed his decision. He is going to be here few mins earlier than he said, spring up your feet. Head Chef Hicks screamed at his sous chefs and their assistants.
First Order came through guys ... Good luck everyone. Here we go...2 order Basil Bisques, 1 order Crab cakes...Chop chop chop everyone...Pans on fire..Spatula in hand...Faster, move your ass*es faster...
Hicks came to standstill hearing the roaring engine sound that could put lion's roar to shame.
He is here!!!, everybody make sure your workstations are clean and tidy. Pointing to one of the trainee who recently joined, You need to put those bread crumbs away right NOW...
Yes..Yes...I am on it...slender feet hurtled towards the spice rack, freshly washed fingers tried to close the canister with its lid, head swiftly turned around hearing Hicks scream..WATCH OUT...
The next moment barrelling into the taut chest, skinny frame landed flat on spine staring at the revolving world.
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Stopping the vrooming engine of his Ducati, Arnav swung his leg and kicked the stand out of its shell, parking his bike under the shade behind his restaurant.
Punching the number code on the back door, he opened it and walked straight to his office to keep his keys and laptop that he brought along in case he is needed by Aman to attend any meeting.
Hearing the hustle and bustle in the Kitchen as diners started coming in, Arnav locked his belongings in his cabinet and strode towards the kitchen. Swinging the 2 way Kitchen door, his eyes on his phone putting it to vibrate, He jumped back as a sylphlike frame cannoned into his chest and landed at his feet soaked in bread crumbs...Japanese bread crumbs!!! He noted from the color of it.
Dikhai nahi deta kya? The subject on the floor screamed angrily clearing off the crumbs from her face and her body.
While the whole kitchen came to abrupt halt and as the curtain of crumbs veiled down her face, his narrowed eyes widened in shock screaming What the FFF? Wha...
Khushi sat up straight, her eyes widened in fright as she frantically dusted her clothes off the crumbs. Khushi gleed waving her hand almost throwing him into coma. Hi!
As his eyes bore into hers, confusion flickering in his eyes, Khushi gathered her wits and extended her hand seeking his help..Haath do mujhe...
Excuse me? Arnav coming to terms with reality, barked taking a step closer.
Giving up, Khushi stood up adjusting her clothes while Hicks stepped in and informed, Sir, this is our new Sous Chef I informed you 2 we..
Before Hicks could complete, Arnav raised his hand gesturing him to stop and sooner than she thought, his eyes turned from shocked to smouldered. He tried to grab her hand but she immediately jerked away for instant reflex action she developed against touch these years.
Arnav forcibly grabbing her elbow, he dragged her out of the back door, not caring her writhing movements.
What is this bloody drama you are playing here? Arnav yelled at her as she took a step back in panic.
I would have explained better had you let me grab my bag which has my appointment let...
SHUT UP! He strode closer to her and questioned losing his patience, Tell me what business do you have in my restaurant?
This is MINE too...
He cocked his brow threatening her to watch her words.
I mean I work here. As an employee its my ethics to consider this as my own business.
Employee? Which asshole hired you?
Didnt you hear what Hicks was saying..Ofcourse not, why would you? You were so busy dragging m...
She was abruptly cut off with the powerful step he took towards her, and then she blurted, Mr. Hicks hired me. I am assisting him as his sous chef. She sputtered in a breath.
ASR, Cory couldnt handle the pressure. So I hired few interns to test them in his place. I will test them for a week and select one among them...
Arnav eyes were dropped to the floor in thoughts as he remembered about the open position Hicks mentioned few weeks ago.
As he was engrossed in his own calculative thoughts, Khushi took a step backward and folded her hands into namaste introducing herself, I guess I havent been introduced properly and since you have not met me before, This is Khushi Singh Rai...
Dont you dare call yourself with that name. Arnav threatened crouching towards her.
This is KHUSHI ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA ... Her tone as stubborn as she could get, she sternly stated looking into his eyes fearlessly.
It took a moment for him to understand that she is still the same old Mrs. Raizada and his feet stepped backwards in their own volition. Ever since he spotted sindoor on her maang on Anjali's engagement day, a part of him wandered restless wondering what brought such changes in her life that she didnt care in the past. A moment of joy flickered in his eyes with the revelation but soon wariness filled his whole berating him for hoping. He opened the door for her and spoke brusquely, Take your things and out of my sight!
Khushi without raising a question, walked inside, and got her handbag. Stepping out the door he still held for her, Sir, Thank you for giving me time to go for shopping. I will see you tomorrow at 10.
Excuse Me? He looked baffled at her reply while he expected her to react any other way than she just did.
Tomorrow sharp 10AM. You will find me here. She swung her bag and walked away with her chin up, because she knew he is hurting more than her in every word he speaks against her. But this is the only way she could get close to him fighting him, for him. Its time to wear a thick skin for him!
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Why the hell did you appoint her? Arnav barked at his head chef, Hicks.
What is the problem ASR?
Problem is the stupid decisions people around me make and I just have to listen to everyone but myself.
I am..I am sorry. I have always hired kitchen staff. I didnt know you were going to have problem with this lady.
Well you do know right now. Hire someone else.
ASR, She has been working with us for past 2 weeks and I am very pleased to have her. She will be great help in the kitchen. I think you should gi...
WHAT? She's been here for 2 weeks? and You didnt feel the need to tell me.
I told you I was going to hire. You never really bothered whom I hired as long as they performed well.
Arnav pressed his fingers to his temples in frustration with sudden twists and turns in his life.
But you are right. I should have told you one thing. Hicks pressed his knuckles nervously.
Please tell me she didnt twist your brains. Arnav strided to Hicks anxiously well aware of her shrewd mind.
Well not entirely. She asked me to add a clause to our New-Hire contract that in case we decide to weed her out, she needs detailed explanation of where she went wrong and what skills she lacked in fulfilling her responsibilities.
Contract? Arnav looked bewildered as he remembered his own words.
And make sure you bind the final candidate by contract. I hate these people gaining popularity through my restaurant and leave us without any notice.
Realizing that his own command bit his head off, he questioned, You must be fuc*ng kidding me to say that you signed it?
Hicks gave a nervous shrug lowering his head.
Un-freaking-believable, are you employing her or was she employing you? Arnav exasperated throwing his hands in the air.
But ASR, I must say she is very diligent. Though she is going through training, she has got great palette to international food. She is extremely quick on her fingers.
She is quite quick on her toes too. It wont take her a min to dump all these and to move on in her life like nothing existed. His sharp words spewed out into the air reaching her ears as she returned from nowhere while Hicks stood too perplexed to understand what his boss meant.
Arnav scowled at her while she stood unflinched grasping his every word. She dropped her lashes saying, I forgot my phone.
She picked her phone and turned her feet to the exit while he stood watching her. Opening the door, she turned to him and said, Good Night Hicks, Good Night Sir! and she left but not before locking her eyes with his for a moment.
He looked away turning his back to her forcing her to leave in a heated silence.
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You didnt tell me what business he owns.
Patience Bhabhi, you need to check yourself. Did driver come on time? Did he drive you safely?
Yes he did. Right now he is bringing my bags upstairs. As soon as he is done, will go check out his office.
Great! Do you like the house?
Yes it will fit more people than we all of us are.
He always has a thing for bigger the better houses. He came up with the entire design and when I showed interest to buy a vacation home, he surprised me with the twin house, the portion you are staying in. If you want to live closer to him there is no better option than my house.
Khushi chuckled saying, No, I am not complaining. Its just its too big for me to get used to. Khushi hadnt stayed alone that too in such a huge house of 6000Sq.ft after she separated from Arnav, and hence she started to feel a bit eerie.
Just 2 weeks Bhabhi, he will be there in no time. And I am sure, he is going to keep an eye on you upon his return.
Khushi standing in her balcony looked to the other unit where Arnav lives as she heard Aman on the other end. I know he will! Khushi knew that fact even before Aman could tell and the wait and anticipation to his return will let her survive the lone nights in an unfamiliar country.
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Khushi was about to get down the cab when her eyes caught Arnav's restaurant name. Paying the driver, Khushi absentmindedly stepped down the car astonished at the name of the restaurant. She took huge swallow as the life of Arnav Singh Raizada started to make sense. It evidently screamed to her eyes from the way her initial is incorporated into the name, making her understand where she stands in his today's life.
Khushi realized how profoundly he altered the business he once destroyed, into something most precious that he could pride all his life. Her guts wrenched imagining the ache he had gone through and she held her breath to control her rapid break down as she took few more steps inside the restaurant.
Welcomed royally into the humongous antique wooden doors, Khushi waited to be seated. Her eyes scattered around trying to grab as many details as possible, quite frantically unsure where her heart is taking them. Interiors screamed full of color, very unlike of Arnav, very different from her black&white taste. But she needed no explanation of why colors were chosen in place of hell shades.
Her lips curled into quivering smile learning the intensity of this man's love. She knew he had always came across as this fierce lover yet keeping sensible mind on his shoulders. But she didn't know until that moment that his fervent love for her only grew exponentially over the years.
Khushi was greeted by the head chef Hicks who is covering for Anjali's absence. Pulling the chair out for her, the man in late 40s made her feel comfortable handing over the menu. Hicks left her saying waitress will be here in a moment to take her order.
Khushi flipped the single page menu front to back and vice versa to find that it has very fewer options but very exquisite to even just read. Lot less complicated than him, of course! She realized for the first time its classy fine-dining restaurant he had made. Her eyes caught on his name written all the way at the bottom of the card with his thank you statement. The storm she held inside her from the moment she arrived, broke loose, and a lone tear escaped soaking his name on the menu card. She brushed her fingers on the card wiping her salty tears off his name and she smiled in content and proud of the world he created himself this time without any helping hand, unlike his earlier empire.
She took deep sigh of relief as everything she experience so far gave her immense strength and high hopes for the battle of her life.
Nahi Bua, he hasnt come home yet. Anjali said he comes home late.
...
Ji..dont worry...I will manage everything..
...
I already miss them...
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Never a day went by without him wondering how terribly he failed to suck his emotions as dusk shows its colors, while he successfully evaded the same feelings the moment dawn breaks into the world. Like the blue silver line of sky blankets the worries of the earth, the faded black thread that once she tied around his neck manages to make him forget the facade of ruthlessness he is living in, every single night at least few hours, singing lullaby to his unshed teary eyes.
Every step he took slapping against the frothy waves reminded the jingling music her anklets used to make. And he stepped away from the waters instantly punishing his heart from remembering her soft taps on the ground.
The more he tried to walk away, closer her memories tried to reach him. From the very moment of their separation, all he had been doing is fighting himself to forget her and he had been successful every single day until dusk. Dusk is the time he shuts himself even more wanting to be alone away from the world, and these waves he visits every single day reminds him of her endless chitter-chatter by Mumbai beaches, resting against his heart.
The cool and calm breezes reminded him her silken tendrils dancing against his stubble cheeks each morning, the soft sand below his feet reminded him her tender toes fighting against his under the blanket each night, and once in a while flashing light from the lighthouse reminded the kisses she used to steal in the midnights as they laid in each other embrace.
He loved her, loved her beyond any rational reasoning, so deeply madly and truly that it started to hurt him, reminding him their every moments, and her everything. The beautiful memories turned even more painful each passing day and he was stuck, stuck to where Khushi left him, stuck to the moment he hugged her last on that day.
But today everything seemed to be out of norm, out of routine his heart followed for these 3 years, with her sudden intrusion into his personal and professional space. But then of course there was no doubt that his heart skipped a beat when she possessively told who she is in the evening. And he was well aware of THAT MOMENT.
Lying on his back, resting head on his one arm, staring at the dark sky void of stars, tenderly caressing his heart with the other palm, he realized that he failed to hate her all these years.
I guess I haven't been introduced properly...This is Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada...
As her words surreptitiously echoed in his ears, he uttered hoping the silent breeze carries his anger and anguish to the ears on the other part of the island,
Why did you come back, Khushi?
Khushi...He chastised himself by not taking that name all these years but today it seemed impossible to stop himself and disregard her as her words continuously echoed in his ears.
As the strong wave of foam quenched his feet, Arnav panicked worrying where she is staying and how she is managing in this unfamiliar country. And the next moment, he zoomed off in his bike to seek answers.
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