Arshi FF: Fighting Fate (TVK 2) Thread 3 - COMPLETED - Page 61

Fighting Fate

CHAPTER 11

I am clothed in strength and I laugh without fear. So let your anger go because its not helping me love you less.

ASR hurled through the narrow way of backside entrance and reached the Kitchen in flash. Sliding one of the temples of his shades behind the front placket of his shirt, and shoving his hands into pockets of his slim slacks, he looked around for the person that mattered most, well to start the game of worth.

Reading time on his wrist watch that clocked 7.30, Hicks rushed to his boss, ASR, you are early today?

Is that a problem? Do I need permission to enter early?

No, No, tha...

Where is the female assistant of yours? Arnav enquired gruffly not caring for Hick's stuttered responses.

Who? Khushi?

Unless you have converted rest of your male assistants into women, Yes I am damn well sure I am asking about her!

Embarrassed Hicks shifted in his position uncomfortably and replied, Her shift starts only at 9. Is there anything I could help you with?

Arnav cocked his one brow up and frowned at Hicks...

Hicks stepped back apologetically, remembering the limits his boss had set in the past.

I want to see her in my office in 30mins. Also, get her employment papers with copy of contract. Saying that Arnav walked away as nervous sweat beads broke out on Hick's forehead..

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August 1, 2014.

You asked me many questions whose answers were difficult to put into words. You shook me to wreck as I realized the storm you held within all these years. Tell me B&W, do I need to be happy that you vented out or sad that I was compared to one person you loathed the most, or do I even have a choice here?

"Whatever it is you are thinking, I am with you...I just want you to be happy" these were the words you said on the day I left...I dont know if you remember but I do, the way you pulled me holding my elbows gripping firmly, and I knew you meant every letter of it. An unforgettable moment and much needed pillar of words that kept me going whenever I looked back at the decision I made...

I was confident, even though everybody pointed their fingers at me as being inconsiderate and uncaring to leave you, including my Bua, I was sure that YOU would understand, like you always did with my unspoken words..But I guess sometimes we do need words to speak our hearts, especially to break the wall you built around it...

And I will BW..One day, one step at a time, I am going to melt that wall and let myself in. That day you wont be able to stop me...

...and I promise I will not shed a tear until you are ready to wipe it...

Khushi smiled closing the pen, a grit determination shining in her eyes...As she closed the diary, she remembered something and quickly reopened it in pensive state...

PS: Be sure you are ready, Can you be ASAP? because its becoming difficult to hold the pain all to myself...

Khushi content with the conversation with her best friend, she grabbed her Coffee mug when her phone rang. Hicks? She uttered creasing her forehead in confusion checking the time of the hour.

Now?

...

30mins?

...

No, its not possible. How will I? How could he? Hicks..Hicks...

The call ended before she could buy sometime. The message came through loud and clear that the game has started.

One day he is going to be death of me!

She threw the phone into her bag, skipped her breakfast, missed her bath, and hurriedly grabbed the first dress that came into her hands. She sprang her feet out to the street and was fortunate enough to find golf cart ride. Will she make it on time? She didnt know but time was running out faster than she would have liked.

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In the midst of the conference call with Aman and AR Executive Heads, his mind having eyes of its own focused on Khushi's contract reading every word when Khushi barged in clutching onto her stomach gasping and breathing erratically in need of oxygen.

Arnav shot his head back to the door that broke open with a loud thud. Deep lines of angry frown instantly turned into shocked expression as he swiveled in his chair and took in her disheveled state. Wearing absolutely no make-up, her hair pulled into high ponytail, perspiration running down her temples, she looked disoriented with rapid heartbeats, and stood supporting her straining frame with one wrist on the door knob. Arnav Singh Raizada looked worried! And it didnt take that long to melt his anger albeit momentarily.

He trailed his gaze from her straining wrist to her pallid face and found her smiling slyly at him. The famous frown re-appeared on his face as soon as he realized that she caught the forlorn worry lines creasing on his forehead which he failed to mask in a moment of concern.

Hicks mentioned that you needed to see me urgently. There was a note of mischief in her voice, that disturbed Arnav.

She is supposed to be sad, angry or at least shouting back at him but she behaved like nothing happened between them last evening. Arnav wondered, flustered with this new Khushi and it only brought worst out of him.

Dont you know how to knock on the door? He snapped instantly while his mind tried to deduce the new enigma called KHUSHI in his life. Nevertheless, before she could gather her wits to reply mighty ASR, he twisted his wrist to check the time giving her stern look with his brows raised.

Understanding his silent yet unmufflered rebukes, She admitted, I didnt make it on time. She gave a little shrug on her shoulders but he found no remorse in her stature.

Muting his bluetooth, His lips twitched devilishly not leaving a chance to challenge her...Congratulations for the outstanding realization, You are 10mins late Ms...

Mrs. Raizada..Mrs. ASR is even better. She cut him off, prepared for the battle every way.

Giving her a black look, Arnav stood up from his chair, and walked towards her in slow and calculative strides, his intense orbs boring into hers. Khushi rattled wandering her eyes on the floor as he closed the gap in no time. I do not entertain anybody who lacks corporate etiquettes..Ms. Whatever!

Khushi shot her head up hearing the way he addressed her. I am not Ms...

Do I look like I care?

Khushi replied his question with a dazzling smile, and Arnav Singh Raizada couldn't help but give a roll and squeeze to his eyes, his nerves ashen with anger.

I was told you needed to see me urgently. Were you missing m... She was about to say ME absolutely stifling her smile when he cut her off...

OUT!

Khushi flinched at his brusque words and tried her best to maintain her composure with pleasant face. She turned her feet to exit obliging to his command when he stopped her.

Shoving his hands into his trouser pockets, standing with feet slightly apart, his voice sounded cold and cruel. While you wait for my further instruction, work on respecting time, knocking on the door, & most importantly keeping mouth shut when your boss is speaking.

Khushi swiftly turned around not appreciating the tone and scowled at him. As his hands reached the door to close on her, her eyes fell on the water jug that kept within arm's reach. Ignoring his threatening move to close the door on her face, she walked past him and gulped down the water feeling thirsty due to the hustle & bustle of efforts she took to make it on time to reach him.

You may also wanna add "Take permission before sh*tting in the premises" etiquette to the list...And Yes, while I wait I will work on that as well...She said loudly in mocking tone closing his door with a bang...

F*cking attitude! He swore throwing the empty water jug on the floor! Yes, I am here! He resumed his conference call.

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I have no idea why he called you Khushi. Hicks sincerely replied prepping for the lunch menu.

Khushi looked worried wondering what's cooking in that unmatchable astute brain of ASR.

Now that you are already here, give us a hand, will you? Hicks broke her line of thoughts when a waitress approached and informed that ASR had called them both into his office.

Both dropped the tasks & thoughts abruptly and hurtled their feet to meet their boss. While Khushi took a step back, Hicks knocked on the door and both entered as they heard a stern command "Come In".

With one thigh crossed over the other in black slacks, feet swaying tick-tock to the chime of every second, chest breathing rudely in and out of the 2 button-down black shirt, ASR looked menacing and a man of volcano who is ready to erupt at any moment from the way his narrowed eyes followed the trail of the signatures he signed before them.

While they stood in nervous silence, ASR enveloped signed papers and outstretched his hand to Hicks, gesturing him to read.

Hicks hesitantly opened the envelope and his eyes balled into shock mumbling FIRED? Khushi looked at him perturbed and watched the papers needling the floor.

While Hicks looked lost and shook his head in denial, Khushi picked the papers that read,

Mr. Hicks,

According to our employee-hiring services agreement under head chef qualifications, the DeleKtable Morsel can require removal of an employee who, in my sole discretion, is deemed unsuitable to perform the hiring services.

This is to inform you that your employment with the DeleKtable Morsel will be terminated effective immediately. It is my opinion that you did not serve as required taking matters into your hands in my absence.

Turn in your keys and badge immediately. Any personal items will be packed and delivered to you in the next few days.

Khushi snapped her head at Arnav questioningly and fumed as he stared back at her in triumph. Khushi was about to advance to question when he lifted his index finger browbeating her and shutting her abruptly.

Fixing his sleeves before shoving them into his pockets, ASR stood up into a powerful stance stating the obvious to Hicks, One mistake costed your job. And that one mistake of yours is standing right next to you! He pointed to Khushi and it all made sense to Hicks and Khushi that it is about the contract.

Hicks without arguing a word dropped his keys and badge on the table standing adjacent to him and left the room not before giving nasty stare at Khushi, who returned an apologetic glance.

How could you do this? He h..

Do I need to remind you who the boss is? Arnav took a step forward evincing her grimly.

We both know who is the boss but this is not the way to de..

YOU?.. are going to teach me how to do business? His voice cold in savage temper.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Khushi ran out of the room to get hold of Hicks but before she could reach outside the back entrance, he flew away in his car. She stood in deep commiseration watching the car fade away into the streets.

She always came across Hicks as the compassionate boss who had high opinion about ASR. There hadn't been a single day passed without him praising and thanking the man, his boss who had tremendous hand in his success, transforming him from street cajun shrimp chef to a head chef.

Khushi twitched in anger perplexed how the shrewd businessman in her husband can make and break a life in split-seconds. What was he trying to prove? She needed to know and so she rushed back to his room loaded with ire.

She strode towards his office, uncaring to follow the custom of knocking his door, one of the rules he preached an hour ago. Plunging inside the room, she closed the door and locked it finding him standing by the window reading a file in his hand.

What the hell is wrong with you? It was my conditions I asked him to add. He assumed you would have no problem with it. And I am sure...

Assumptions are the mother of all f*ck ups. Someone stated it years ago! He snapped the file to close and threw a challenging glance at her.

You very well know that he is innocent in all of this. She said pleadingly trying to make him see through things.

Then that narrows it down to YOU. Is it your mistake changing the standard contract? If yes, take this paper, put it in writing that its all your fault, resign your job and go away. He handed her the paper but a moment of hesitation in his voice, she didnt fail to notice.

Tearing the blank sheet of paper, It will not take a moment for me to question if you really want me to stay away. But I dont want to put you through the dilemma of thorns between your mind and what you actually want.

How kind of you? Thinking about me, flaunting that you worry about me after all these years...What an irony? Sarcasm at his best needled her intentions brutally as he turned around to mask his own hurt his words are giving him.

A moment passed before Khushi walked past and stood before him, looking into eyes in grit determination, I apologize if hoping the best for you is the biggest mistake of my life. But should you ask me, if would I have led us in any other way at that time, My answer would be NO.

Arnav stood stunned and raged for her callous indifference to what he had gone through as she continued, Because all I wanted was not to break you along with me.

The frown on his forehead smoothened for a split second before it shot up in anger once again as he heard her further.

I am not sorry for the decision I took, but I am sorry to hope that you will move on. You throw any number of challenges at me Black&White, this time I am not backing down without a fight. And this is Mrs. ASR's promise to break your resolve.

A corner of his lips angled into a sly smirk as he handed her an envelope accepting the challenge...

Surprised and perturbed, Khushi opened the letter to read...

After reviewing your capabilities, I am impressed with your passion to work, commendable confidence, and energetic attitude, just about what we need in the Kitchens of DeleKtable Morsel.

I found you capable of handling complicated situations very effectively, all alone and by yourself. I see you as a candidate suitable to run the show behind the scenes. I offer you to take up the new role as Head Chef.

Should you have any questions, you know where and how to find me. Arnav interrupted her reciting the last few words of the appointment letter with a hint of threat in his tone.

Khushi's heart fluttered in terror as she stared at him, because she knew exactly what her capabilities and he is leaving no stone to point it out.

Dont do this B&..

ASR! I am your boss. Get yourself familiarized with the word.

What are you doing? She snapped angrily. You do know that I am not capable of preparing a single dish in that menu from the start to finish let alone running the show. You worked hard to build this up. Why are you letting it doom, the one thing that matters to you most?

Assumptions! Again assumptions! Get a life lady. And if I were you, I would be running to Kitchen after all you are the new in-charge. He moved past her checking his phone for any messages as she stood and stared at him.

Moments passed as he stood nonchalant to her. Then heard a question in her feeble voice, this restaurant means nothing to you?

You heard me. He answered without turning back to her.

Then why did you name it as DeleKtable Morsel, with my initial K in it?

Her question numbed him for a moment as he recalled how he caught himself in the web of emotions when he named the restaurant with her initial in it, when all he wanted was to run away from her memories only to make him feel her much closer than ever.

Arnav swiftly turned and crouched pointing finger at her, If you are thinking that I am desperately waiting to fall in your arms. Then FORGET IT! He yelled at her deploring at her unbidden curiosity.

Khushi startled took a step backward and for many moments wandered her eyes on the floor frightened. She felt like her life had been crumbled into pieces once again. She looked up at him in extreme distress and questioned in feeble tone, Why are you being so rude to me?

Her question threw him off balance and he instantly turned away feeling his heart heavy in his ribs. Her question and the moment was painful to pass, to explain, so was her question screaming her defeat to him.

Get back to work! Thats all he managed to say hiding the bloody moistness in his eyes.

Giving up at the moment, she walked to the door but only to stop and turn to look into his eyes.

As she walked past him towards the door, he couldnt stop himself to check on her...his heart demanding the assurance of her condition that he failed to give in words.

An intense and agonizing pain exchanged between them furtively as their eyes found each other. A wisp of relief seemed to be impossible as every hope is thwarted by the crippling afflictions and needling tribulations.

Looking into his eyes meaningfully, she spoke softly and lovingly, I may not have anything to back my words at this time, but you mean and worth much more than a fight...I understand it must be very hard for you to trust me but I hope one day you will believe me when I say I never considered you less than a worthy man nor took you for granted.

Arnav followed her hand as she leaned forward to the table and signed papers, And coming to this new position you have given me, if you think you can sit and watch me struggle and act all indifferent like I dont matter to you, you need a reality check on yourself and our relation.

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Its been 4 weeks since Khushi walked away from his life deserting him. Life completely turned upside down in a blink to Arnav Singh Raizada though he was well aware and scared at one point that this would be her ultimate decision to distance from him after knowing the truth; which is why he put all his life in those months to hide it from her. He knew her so well that she will eventually consider her life as burden and nothing else but also someone who will never give up on life because she is not coward, she is just a struggler to get through things, just like him.

Their past had been similar, their struggles had been incomparable, and their strengths were unmatchable. But there is only one difference, while he breathed reputation every second, her pride had been the reason of her survival.

Dangling his feet from the parapet of his penthouse into the bustling world below, he couldnt help think how she is coping up with her life, as he looked blankly into the unknown horizon of the city limits. He believed her every word because he knew every word she wrote is true and came from her heart.

Down in the blues, feeling hollow, he tried to keep his head high but he died each moment reading how much she loved him to move away from him. Many times, he found himself picking up the phone to dial her but always ended up crashing the handset to the floor helplessly, hands tied. As days passed his helplessness only aggravated him, her final words of the letter successfully fueling his pent-up emotions.

Unable to concentrate on the company, losing interest on relationships, he tried his best to stay away from her thoughts and as a first step, he discarded everything that reminded of her in their home, her clothes, her belongings, every single thing she owned except the coffee mugs and filter she left behind. He didnt had heart to throw just that, as those plain ceramic mugs bonded them in timeless conversations heart to heart, limitless smiles soul to soul, and priceless hugs skin to skin.

As much as he tried to understand her tribulation, and the great affliction she suffered at the time she left, he wished she included him in her life. He wished he was THE ONE & ONLY ONE to heal her wounds, to wipe her tears, and to love her each moment.

A wish among many in his life, that will remain unfulfilled.

If his life is turned into treacherous, he was sure she as well wouldnt be sleeping on bed of roses...Swinging his feet into the balcony floor, a decision was made to be away from everything that screamed of her. The house, the place, everything leaving behind to her, because Arnav in Arnav Singh Raizada knew that she had to come back and when she does he was sure he will not let her in without making her fight for him and for what they shared between them.

Neatly tucking the letter into his wallet, he walked in deadly silence towards his bedroom. Made few phone calls and sat on the bed picking up a piece of paper to leave a note for her.

Arnav with his feet outstretched over his desk, observed Khushi running through the kitchen giving instructions. While his mind tried to match her speedy actions, his heart was stuck to her words...

You mean and worth much more than a fight...

I never considered you less than a worthy man nor took you for granted.

Leaning back to his chair, he closed his eyes as a fleeting trace of relief washed over the stressed lines on his face after years.

But the shrewd and sane part of him questioned how could she be all his when she has huge responsibility in her life. Her Son! An emotionally disturbing realization snapped his eyes open and he found himself sitting straight feeling distressed and troubled.

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