Arshi FF: Fighting Fate (TVK 2) Thread 3 - COMPLETED - Page 81

Fighting Fate

CHAPTER 12

Dont mess with a woman who has a mind crazier than yours and knows how to use it

Everyone! Arnav walked into the center of the kitchen, his bossy demeanor screaming everyone's attention. He wiggled his fingers and gestured Khushi to come closer, which she didnt appreciate the way he did. But he is in the boss mode, so She shut up and quietly walked over to stand next to him.

News for you all. Chef Hicks will no longer be serving us. Effective immediately Ms. Khushi is our new head chef.

The small pack of team broke into murmurs, shock, and looked at each other in disbelief.

Shifting his feet to face Khushi, Welcome aboard Ms. Khushi, we cant wait to shine in your expertise. His voice cold and sly. Remember three words: Taste, Quality, and Presentation, I wont compromise with any of these! With that he walked away giving her a dare.

Wont you wish me luck? She called out in mischief but he left ignoring her.

She turned around to face her new staff, some are lost, petrified while very few didnt seem to like the decision since there are better experienced Sous Chefs and know in and out about the whole process.

I understand its too sudden to digest this news. Mr. Hicks is a great boss and an amazing human being. We all are going to miss him. But nothing should stop the show. Everyone who is present here are more experienced than me and I am not ashamed to acknowledge that. I am not interested in Head Chef/Sous Chef relation, rather a healthy team work. I want each one of you to carry on the tasks the way you have been doing. No changes as of now. We will see how it goes from here and then we will make changes accordingly. Everyone with me so far?

Arnav who was around the corner on his way to check on the frontside, stopped in his tracks and heard her little pep talk. There was a bit of accent in her english which he never seemed to notice earlier in their years. Or was this change anew? He wondered. And he didnt miss the ultimate finality in her tone, not too bossy like him but he could see she put everyone at ease instantly. If they were ever to partnership in a business, he was sure He will be called cruel cop while she will bag the Coolest Boss. Another Aman Verma!!! He sighed and walked away not willing to be caught, as her senses to mock him seems to be working overactive these days.

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Its been 30mins since the floor has been opened for the guests. Eventually, order tickets poured in one by one. Khushi hurriedly shoving the bread trays into the oven, couldnt help think the way Arnav walked into kitchen 5mins before they opened the restaurant.

5mins to open...absolutely no mistakes...

There was no doubt that she knew him in and out. But the man who appeared in those 5mins was the epitome of a boss who will not entertain a mistake; and clearly second chance doesnt even exists in his dictionary. Her calm and composure took detour that very moment and everything around her seemed to fall apart.

A tray of bread burnt, a batch of ceviche thinned into runny, a pack of souffle turned grainer...Khushi had never been in such a mess and that too in a kitchen...The stress in the air was too much that it choked her brain and she couldn't think straight. She hurtled her feet outside the backside door to take a moment break to calm her nerves. She wanted to rush to Arnav to tell that she is incapable but that will only make him either fire her or make her quit the job. She cant risk of going to him. Think Khushi..Think...She mumbled to herself as she paced the door like a watchdog. And before she could come up with anything sensible, a loud shriek came from the kitchen, calling her name. She knew she is screwed sprinting to the familiar voice.

Swinging the kitchen doors, she stopped her feet into screeching halt about to collide into the man who is seething fire. Her boss, ASR holding the plate of Mango Lobster Salad.

Done with touch-ups? He questioned between gritted teeth.

No..I wasnt doing make-up...I wa

What is this? His tone cold and prickling to tear apart anything in contact.

Woh..woh..

English!

Its Lobst...Mango Lobster Salad.

Really? What happened to the mangoes in it. The plate was about to leave kitchen when he entered to keep a check and thus found something not right with the way the dish is plated.

They should be there. Khushi stepped forward to show him proof but found none as he watched her with tightened jaw...I dont know, I am sure it must be there underneath.

Are you sure Lobsters didnt eat away all mangoes before it was put on the plate? He questioned sardonically.

Yeah it might be possi...Khushi was about to reply absentmindedly, lost in her own silent prayers to keep her job.

SHUT UP!

Khushi jerked in horror.

What the hell were you about to serve? He threw the plate into the trash and yelled bringing the whole kitchen to abrupt halt.

This is all too sudden for me to get adjusted, I am not liking it...She mumbled in choked voice.

Taking a stride closer to her, Dont you think you should have thought all that before poking your nose into something unfamiliar? You wanted to stay close to me? So, this is the closest you can get. Get used to it!

Khushi snapped her head up and smiled at him as he took a step backward to his position.

WHAAAT? He barked, flustered unable to understand the reason behind her smile, when she should be fuming or sulking at his taunts.

Rewarding him a pelting of nods, she pursed her lips suppressing her smile.

One complaint from guest, I assure you, will cost you your job. He stormed out of the kitchen throwing a dangerous warning glare at her as everyone else stared at her in pity. Khushi smiled even more, in freedom. If it were anyone else, they would have surely missed to read between the lines he uttered.

She wondered if he even realized that he asked her to get used to things rather than threatening her to leave. A huge step crossed, and a huge leap in their relation, if every word he spoke is to be believed.

Khushi gleed at everyone, shrugging her shoulders like everything is fine. All of you, please make sure everything is going onto plates by standards.

Stan, another intern who joined along with her weeks ago, approached her to apologize for the mistake of not plating the salad rightly. Dont worry about it! Things happen, Just make sure we dont repeat it. I hate to see another plate going into trash. Buckle up guys, I will be back in a min.

Need to teach someone a lesson..She strode out of the kitchen in grit determination.

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Arnav was going rounds greeting guests when he heard the known voice clapping for attention. Scrunching his nose, he turned around to the voice filled with smiles...not ordinary but very infectious...Out of blue, the first time he saw her smiling on the day of their wedding flashed in his mind. He had to blink away to shrug the memories as he tried to concentrate what is happening before his eyes.

Holding the mic in hand, Khushi walked over to the center of the seating area, where Arnav stood; ofcourse he didnt miss the sly smile and mischievous glint shining in her eyes. He looked worried for different reasons and he was sure she is coming up with some disaster.

Arnav strode towards her to hold her elbow and to take her off the floor but she was too quick to shift her feet to go around a table away from him.

Swearing under his breath, he stood still unable to do anything as many eyes watched the silly playfulness this woman has played. His fisted palms loosened up as she greeted everyone over mic.

Hearty warm welcome to each one of you on behalf of DeleKtable Morsel. My name is Khushi and I am the newly appointed Head Chef. Before I start my first day, I have a request to you all.

What the hell is she saying? Arnav thought and shifted uncomfortably as she continued.

Since it is my first day leading the kitchen, there are going to be some errors, few delays but I promise once we pick up the speed and routine, you will not be disappointed.

Astounded! would be an understatement to define the expression on ASR face. She literally blew his brains. He acknowledged it covertly. He was amazed, shocked, and more than that greatly surprised. A deep breath of pride was taken and a corner crease of lips were crimped. Arnav Singh Raizada absently simpered at the lady in-charge of the moment, brimming with confidence.

But that didnt last long and his smile faltered as he watched her taking more into her hands than he would have appreciated.

That is not all. My boss has very exciting news to share and he would like me to be the one to do the honors. She said as she stole a glance at him and earned a well-defined deathly glare from him. She knew she is crossing limits but she didnt care after all with whom did he mess.

In the celebration of new start and new team, My boss has decided that, the drinks are served on house.

What the Fff? He made an exasperated advance at her but were soon stopped by cheers from all the guests.

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The next 4 hours, Khushi and her Kitchen worked around the clock with a constant smile on her lips. The fact that the pouring guests are made aware of the first day nervousness from time and again, the staff became more relaxed and worked better with calm nerves. There were delays but Khushi was happy that no plate returned to kitchen asking them to fix. Not because they did exceptionally well, the small town guests were considerate of the staff and knew the the quality of the food and taste this restaurant is known for. Once again the moment has given a reason to Khushi Singh Raizada to feel proud of her husband for what he earned from these unknown strangers.

Khushi eventually by the end of the hours fell into the groove. For the first time being Head Chef, She quite effectively managed the orders, and had staff under control, but she still has no idea about what goes into each dish. She has a pile of homework to do. She sighed as she noticed him entering through swinging doors.

Last Order Honey Cream...Arnav entered, and left instantly faster than he screamed the order.

On its way SIIIR! Khushi screamed back teasingly and earned a backward glance from him scowling at her.

ASR and his anger! How should I break this fevicol bond? Khushi sniggered until her eyes moistened. This man never failed to amaze her, making her smile even in anger...She fell in love with his anger yet another time... A larger than life smile spread on her lips from ear to ear after many years...She is at peace, She is where she always belonged.

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Khushi was wrapping up Tomato Bisque that she started preparing after hours, after everyone left. Alas, a bit tangy it turned out, she wasn't satisfied. She went inside the vegetable room to grab another batch of ingredients to prepare the second round. She searched every carton and no tomatoes were found..absolutely none!

What kind of restaurant is this without tomatoes? She smarted scratching her hair with the back of the pen.

Excuse me? came a very familiar bark from behind...

She startled, almost about to fall, but before he could reach her she fell against the wall balancing herself.

Woh..wo..

What are you doing here? He asked louder than he intended.

Not appreciating his patronizing tone, I am the head chef of this restaurant, remember? I can roam anywhere I want. Who are you to...

A threatening glare thrown at her cocking an end of the brow...

Wo..woh I am looking for Bisque to make tomatoes...She blabbered, her eyes following his anger being buried in the fisted palms.

Did you serve your brain to guests instead of fish? He said mocking at the jumble of her words.

Yea..I think...KYAAA? She let out over exaggerated frown at his snide remark.

Who gave you permission to offer drinks on house? He questioned menacingly in a steel tone.

Who gave you permission to scold your wife in front of others?

My Wife? He chortled into mocking laugh. I dont think I ever came across the meaning of that word.

She stared at him for the longest moment but there was no flicker of any emotions on his face other than anger, that she was very much used to. Then, I am sorry I was under the false impression that you know its meaning, watching you smile at me few hours ago. She suppressed her smile, adding as an afterthought "IN PRIDE".

ASR so wished that moment either he could smack his face to distort or blindfold her eyes for the rest of her life. She is reading him too closely and he is not liking that any bit. Was she always been like that? Something he needed to think but for later.

I have every reason to smile Ms. Khushi. He handed over an envelope smirking in triumph.

Khushi turned cold, and all tensed worrying if this is second fire in the day. While he stood in a feets distance with his hands in his pockets in all majesty, She quickly read through the papers and gawked at him sadly.

No Salary for 5months?

He nodded, pursing his lips in mock pity.

Kyuuun? She drawled into a pout, drawing his attention to her lips; an untimely distraction he didnt appreciate nor could have cared to ignore.

Lifting his eyes to her rounded eyes, Someone has to pay for the generous offer you made on the drinks today. So you being my best employee, will be doing the honors. Lashing out a devilish smirk, he slipped on the shades and turned his feet to leave but only to be stopped by her shriek.

Before he could turn around to check, she hurtled her feet to face him.

Since you are so pleased with my performance and called me Best, I am going to make another generous offer tomorrow.

Excuse Me?

Haan..I am sure I have nothing more to lose...Khushi giggled swaying playfully..

But for a reason, those words pricked his heart, and it suffered much more than he could bear at that moment. Buried wounds freshly opened! Dont you ever dare say those words again!

Khushi looked stunned, baffled and she didnt understand why he said that. But she realized one thing, there was no anger, no pain, no hurt...If there was anything she felt in those words, his determination, his fight to something she is unknown to...

Meine kya..

NEVER! He cut her off brusquely and made a move to exit while she looked perplexed.

As he was about to exit, she realized that she didnt say what she intended to tell at first place. Wait, wait, wait...She ran once again and stood before him as he rolled his eyes in ire.

I am giving you counteroffer. She gave the envelope back to him while he stared at her perplexed. You can change 5months to 1 year or many more years if you wish...Because I am going to get quite generous and my husband is there to take care of me financially. I could care less for your peanut salary... She literally shoved the envelope in his palms and walked through the door but not before saying...Make sure there are enough tomatoes tomorrow...I need to practice the damn bisque...

Arnav Singh Raizada fumed in dilemma wondering if he is being referred as a boss, husband or a vegetable seller...

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Dishes loaded in the washer, lights switched off auto-turning ON the puddle lights on the floor. Following the dimmed floor lights, Arnav settled on his bed. Leaning against the headboard, he outstretched his hand to grab the magazine of the week "The Art of Eating" which is all about the food and wine. While wine had never been the choice, and food always took back stage in his life, The restaurateur in Arnav Singh Raizada forced him over the years to develop passion towards the exotic dishes that always had a touch of Indian spices.

But there was another driving force behind the impetuous passion, the woman who was, and still is ruling his heart and her cooking that never made him feel that he is diabetic nor restricted to delicacies. It was as though new recipes were invented for him and only for him, keeping his taste and his health in mind...Unforgettable memories! His heart sighed sheepishly remembering them. As his fingers flipped the fascinating food tales of the world that are displayed eloquently on the satiny pages, his mind turned the images of the lady who exercised ultimate authority on this day of his life, just like the very first time they met.

A corner of his lips dropped down into a faint smirk remembering the stunt she pulled this morning to save her job. He wished he could have come up with more rules and little bit more prepared but then his silly mind chided that he would have missed the mountain of confidence he had seen in her today. Closing the book and rolling his head back to the frame, he couldnt help but acknowledge that there is an ocean of difference between this Khushi and the Khushi he had known and was used to.

While the Khushi 3 years ago rolled her life in confidence filled with anger and impulse, the Khushi he is seeing now is fighting her life in confidence with lot more calm and composure. And ASR is not a mindless fool not to understand that it is easy to break someone who is angry than a person who keeps their head steady and calm..

He stepped down the bed and took a little walk within the room, his mind stuck to the constant smile she wore today. Comparing it to the tears she shed on the day she left, He sighed in relief thinking she has crossed the most treacherous phase of her life, must be all by herself, he wondered. But then the relief short lived as he worried How could she be alone here, without him, the little one? His feet paced restlessly while his mind wandered aimlessly wondering if she left everything for him. He grabbed his phone to call Aman to find out the same but as the rings started, he hung up abruptly as a thought snapped.

Why am I doing it? It is Her Son! Yes ONLY her son. His mind chided him. Wasnt she the one who said its only her responsibility and not his. He clenched his fists angrily for being berated of the responsibilities he once accepted with all his heart. He truly considered him as his own. If she was the one who admonished him from fathering, she will be the one who will bring him back into his life. He infuriated throwing the phone to the bed.

But on the other thought, his heart niggled that its time for them, and only for them, rest all can wait and should wait. Does a third person need to involve in their life at the moment, until they sort it out? Will he be able to handle any intrusion at the crucial turn of their lives? He knows she is here to win him back but the wounds are too deep to heal and he wasnt ready to allow anyone but her...For now, he wants all of her...all of her attention only for him.

The sacrifice he made, the possessiveness he buried all these years erupted at once and told him its ok to be selfish for once.

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With laptop before her, bluetooth hooked to her ear, dinner plate in her hands, Khushi settled herself on the bed ready to decide matters of the new branch of her company BW.

I checked all the resumes for the branch director..I didnt like anything...Khushi spoke downing her food in lazy swallow.

Everyone is 6-7 years experienced, I dont understand why you dont feel them as fit.

We need aggressive and active people. Not someone who flaunts their experience. Try to find 1-2 years experience and train them.

I have someone in mind.

Who?

How about Deena? She has been with you for quite a while and she knows the business. What do you say? NK suggested.

Not a best fit. She is too soft and not proactive.

Khushi, we need somebody in the new branch right away...

I am not handing it over to people who cant handle. PERIOD.

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Arnav popping his diabetic pill, turned off the lights to hit the bed, sleep miles away being early at home after years. The reason...well he didnt want to ponder. As he was pulling the duvet from the tail of the bed, a bright light lit his room making him scrunch his nose instantly.

Leaning himself on his wrists, he craned his head to find Khushi opening the drapes of her window, wandering her eyes towards his room. And he knew she couldnt see him as his room was completely darkened by night.

And somewhere, his mind started niggling him to sit back and enjoy the pleasure of watching certain someone he longed to watch all these years. Before he knew, his eyes softened, his feet pushed him to scoot back and lean against the headframe.

She leaned her torso out the window way beyond safe threshold and a smile on her face told him that she knew he is home spotting the bike in the porch. His eyes dropped to his lap, his thumbs circling around each other, and he knew that moment, how she must have waited for him all those years back..which explained why her face used to lit brighter than the silvermoon seeing him every night upon his return. He knew she used to miss him but he never got lucky to witness to what extent she did until this moment.

Lifting his eyes, he watched her sitting on the bed with food, phone and laptop. He narrowed his eyes wondering whom is she talking to. But from her expressions, he could tell that she was distressed, arguing over something and yet he didnt fail to notice that she ate nothing but a morsel of food.

Hours passed, she was still on the phone, but she repeatedly walked out of the room with plate and came back immediately. Looks like she warmed her food more number of times than the morsels she had eaten. A frown couldnt help shaping up on his forehead.

Once again, battle between his mind to ignore and his heart to care started. Swearing under his breath, he tossed on the bed trying to get some sleep but the light in her room is still ON, bright and young.

Stomping his feet, he walked over to the windows, and closed them blocking the light. A sharp glass noise wasnt missed by Khushi. And then rained the smiles to torture the mighty Raizada.

Arnav twisted to reach for his phone that vibrated on the sidetable. Creasing his brows he opened it to read,

Hope you are not awake thinking about me? <wink>

Rolling his eyes, he threw the phone on bed recklessly but..but...only to be disturbed the next moment.

No..no..you got me wrong...Thinking as in not that thinking...I know you dont miss me...

Are you sketching now to throw me out. Is that why you are not replying to me...I have loads of ideas...If you want I can share now...<smiley> Its not healthy to heat your brain all the time.

The constant noise of vibrations near his ear irked him and at once decided to put an end to the torture in the language she understands.

YOU ARE FIRED! will be my reply if I dont see you at restaurant by sharp 6 tomorrow morning.

Aww...How will I come that early?

Your problem! and SHUT UP, one more word I will relieve you from job effective immediately...and turn that freaking light off.

He ordered unaware what darkness brings in her life every night. While he slept in unknown relief, ghastly thoughts closed in as night got deeper and deeper and she struggled to close her eyes feeling a pair of hands assaulting her...Yet another night she had to survive...

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Originally posted by: arnavini

dhik cjika dhink chika 3 hours .. Ke baad we have update.
Nw my soul can rest coz.. We gt to knw wen our breathes are going to rise up..
Chalo three hours .. Vry less tym..

Should prep ourselves with tissues ...and water to control my crying hiccups...

Awesome update as always.. First of all a big applause for ur regular updates and timings..

The conversation between them in the hotel for the lobsters eating away the mangoes was v.hilarious. Also the words fevicol bond between ASR and his anger. I don't know how do u come up with certain dialogues. I remember seeing fevicol ad when I was a kid.. After starting to read ur story u sure bring back so much of memories from our childhood which I really miss now..

Arnav is one possessive man. He wants khushi all to himself, doesn't want to share her with her son too.. all of her attention only for him. that is so cute..

And the last para brought tears. Khushi suffering from nightmares. Hope they settle down together soon.."sigh"

You dont have to say thank you for ur stalkers. We shld be thankful to u for this wonderful story deepthi. 😊

Hurray...Finally I have completed reading the update before the next one came out 😊. After a longtime simple, light hearted with a touch of emotional update. I enjoyed reading Arnav & Kushi verbal spat and sarcasm. "...I am sure I have nothing more to lose.." pricked his old wounds and scratched them raw shows he still very deeply cares for her :)

LOL..."...my husband is there to take care of me financially. I could care less for your peanut salary...". Very true. "...he wants all of her...all of her attention only for him..." Don't worry Arnav you have Kushi's complete attention and enjoy all her focus on you 😆.

I am waiting for their bike ride together 😉. When can we have that ride?

Originally posted by: deepthiya

Dont say sorry yaar...I love my stalkers and "When will you Update" or "When is Mon/Thurs coming" are my favorite questions...So keep them coming and never hesitate..I just love when people crave for my updates...😆😆😆

Update is ready. Out to drop my kid at day care. Will update in 3 hours.