Ashi FF#4 THE SEED OF PASSION, Chapters 24 to 33 - Page 24

I know why

"Khushi! "Arnav murmured against her lips, as he broke the kiss and came up for breath.

He realized his hands were still on her full mounds.

Her nipples were harder than before...

Arnav gulped...he dropped his hands to his side and stepped back. ooked at her upturned face

Her eyes were half closed,her mouth swollen from the ministrations of his lips.

Khushi shivered against him devoid of his intimate warmth

"Arnav!" her eyes flew wide in protest, her voice a moan.

Arnav looked at her in wonder. She really wanted him like he wanted her!

He knew women found him very attractive and he could easily arouse them, but with Khushi it felt different. He was not sure why but he wanted her in his life forever.

Yes he wanted to arouse her...all woman to his pulsating manhood...to make her admit she wanted him and him alone

But he did not want to rush her for he wanted her more...but in a different manner...beyond skin and flesh...

If someone had told him even few months back that he would be reduced to this he would never have believed him...

What the! This girl drive me nuts!

He snaked his arms round her waist and jerked her to him in a tight embrace and slammed his lips on hers again, kissing her with such passion and hunger that left Khushi giddy in its aftermath.

" Arnav?" Khushi questioned him breathlessly. Something was the matter with him today. She searched his face for an answer.

"Its my birthday, I am born anew..." he said simply, his brown eyes limpid

"Oh yes I can see that..."she snorted and stopped midway clamping her hand to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock!

His birthday!

Hey Devi Maiyya, how could she have forgotton, it was his birthday today!

She had been so engrossed in her own pain, it had been so imperative for her to find out if Arnav was serious about Lavanya, that his birthday had completely slipped her mind!

She was reminded of the past when Ratna aunty used to celebrate her son's birthday with such grandeur and grace. Ratna aunty not only invited the cream of society but each and every ordinary person associated with Arnav's life, the servants, the maids, the driver etc. along with their families.

Guilty tears stung her eyes.

Arnav observed the shocked look in Khushi's eyes turn into a moist silent apology.

"Its okay Khushi,"he said softly, cupping her face, "I don't like people wishing me on my birthday because I don't want to be reminded... " His voiced trailed off.

Khushi tried hard to fight her tears. She knew why it was difficult for him...the past memories must be painful, he really must be missing his mother so much on this day.

Her heart went out to him.

"I am really really very sorry Arnav, I will make up to you I promise..."she said earnestly, putting both her hands on his.

Arnav hated to see tears in her eyes. They distressed him terribly.

Trying to lighten the atmosphere he smirked teasingly, "Really? Remember you have already made such a promise and you are yet to come good on it!"

He bit her earlobe playfully, sending her nerves tingling.

A red colour suffused Khushi's cheeks as she remembered how he had extracted that promise from her. He had followed her after Lavanya snatched away his locket from her had refused to release her from his kiss at the risk of Anjali discovering them.

She jutted her chin at him,

"So when did I refuse you?"

Arnavs eyes glinted mischievously.

"Your I owe you's are piling up Khushi, Arnav whispered into her ear huskily.

His hand moved up lazily, following the pattern of the buttons of her blouse, resting lightly at the topmost one., challenging her.

The devil! The Rakshas! Khushi grinned.

He was well aware of the affect he was having on her and was especially taking advantage of the fact that she had forgotten his birthday.

And the surprising part was that she still found him irresistible! His touch made her happy! How shocking!

Khushi's thoughts drifted to the girls in her hostel in Simla.

Often after the hostel matron had switched off the lights at night, they would whisper and giggle in the dark, exchanging notes on hot men, some from hearsay and some from personal experience.

Someimes they afffectionately dragged Khushi into these discussions insisting that knowledge of such stuff would hold her prudish self in goid stead in future.

Left with little choice she used to listen to them her eyes as big as saucers, her mouth a gaping 'O' muttering Devi maiyya's name all the time!

Thank Devi Maiyya Buaji had no inkling of such going ons or her two month holiday from her interior designing course would have turned into a permanent holiday from studies and the hostel.

If anyone had told Khushi a month ago that she would have allowed a man to kiss her, to touch her so intimately she would have died of shock or laughed her head off!

But then Arnav was not just any man...she had always felt close to him since childhood.

He had no doubt grown up to be insufferable she grimaced but the more she saw him the more she felt she could open up to him, maybe even more than Jiji...and not just be herself but discover more of herself with him.

Now as he played with the buttons on the back of her blouse, smirking, teasing her about her 'I owe yous' Khushi felt this sudden urge to hug him, to lay her head on his broad shoulders, to...

Instead she pushed him away and glowered at him, "I can keep my promises Mr.Rakshas Raizada, though of course I would want to know what you would force me to do!"

Arnavs eyes narrowed and he jerked her back to him

"I would never force you..." his voice was hoarse, his grip painful.

Khushi knew she had hurt him

"I know..." she whispered putting her palm on the stubble on his cheek, trying to soften the flashes in his eyes.

Arnav turned his face and kissed her palm, his eyes closed.

A lump built up in her throat as Khushi watched him, her heart welled...

"Lets go down," he said softly, opening his eyes and taking her small soft palm in his big rough one.

Khushi smiled and nodded her head in affirmation, not trusting herself to speak...No words were needed as they walked hand in hand out of his room, down the stairs...stealing looks at each other, their hearts filled with a strange contentment...

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"What is taking Chhotey and Khushi so long," Anjali whispered at Payal while welcoming the guests.

"Khushi will bring Arnav for the pooja, dont worry Anjali ji, "Payal assured her, "Meanwhile do you need anything else for the pooja? Can I help you?" Payal smiled sweetly at Anjali.

Anjali touched Payals cheek lightly, smiling back. "Both you and Khushi are so helpful and affectionate. The house you go to after your marriage will be so lucky to have you as daughters in law. "

Payal bowed her head shyly.

Anjali continued, "Okay if you want to help me will you see why is it takig so long for Hari Prakash to prepare the pooja thaal?

Payal nodded her head and quickly made her way to the kitchen.

Anjali's phone rang.

"Hello!" she said absent mindedly.

"Di there is no need to save this number because I am calling from a public booth. I called to say I am leaving for Calcutta today...Aakash's voice floated in.

"Aakash!" Anjali exclaimed, "Are you okay?" she whispered into the phone, walking away from the guests.

"I am fine Di and would have liked to meet you but Nani is scared for me and wants me to return immediately."

"Yes, yes I understand," Anjali sighed. "I wish everything had gone well and you had been here, today being Chottey's birthday..."

"Yes I know Di. Nani had sent something for bhai on his birthday. Now I don't know how to give it to you."

"I will come and meet you at your hotel Aakash" Anjali said.

"But Di..."Aakash started.

"Aakash you came all the way for me, I am sure I can come to your hotel. Once the pooja is over I shall come. And don't worry I will ensure no one is following me."

"Okay Di, but does Arnav bhai know..."Aakash asked her anxiously.

"After the scare he got last night he will never let me meet you. Things have got more complicated. " Anjali's eyes were full of tears. How could she tell her brothers she was suspicious of her own husband.

"Di maybe its better to keep in touch through the social media at present. I had told Nani the same but she wouldn't listen to me and see what happened."

"I understand Aakash but let me meet my long lost brother just once..." Tears trickled down her cheek.

"Okay," Aakash said resignedly.

He checked the time. He would be leaving for the airport in three hours time.

"But Di I don't like the idea of you coming alone. Isn't there someone trustworthy you can bring along with you? Bhai would never forgive me if something happened to you. The Malliks are not to be trusted. Nani was absolutely correct."

At that moment Payal emerged from the kitchen with a beautifully decorated pooja thaal in her hand.

An idea struck Anjali.

"Don't worry Aakash, I think I have found someone..."

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The buzz of voices rose to meet them as a hall full of people came up in sight. Khushi had not realized that Anjalidi had invited so many people to the pooja, but she could understand why. Anjali di obviously wanted to continue the birthday tradition started by Ratna aunty.

Khushi blinked at all the ladies staring at them. They realized that she and Arnav were still holding hands, and tried to jerk her hand away.

But Arnav only tightened his grip on her.

"Arnav!" Khushi whispered fiercely, glaring at him sideways, "let go off my hand, people are staring at us!"

"Let them," he shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, giving her a lopsided smile.

"Arnav!" Khushi hissed angrily and stamped his expensive Hermes shoes with her Laxminagar brand of sandals as she saw Anjali di and jiji approaching them through the crowd of people.

"What the!" he exclaimed in mock anger. "Now I will never let you go unless you agree to another 'I owe you', he winked at her entwining his fingers in hers more firmly.

"Oh no!" Khushi groaned.

"Okay!" she said resigning herself to her fate.

"That's my girl," Arnav drawled releasing her hand and walking up to Anjali.

"Chhotey what took you so long!" Anjali muttered, tugging his arm, "All the guests have arrived and panditji does not want the shubh muharat for the puja pass away."

"Di," Arnav raised his eyebrows, "you know I dont believe in these things."

"Yes yes fine Chhotey..."Anjali crooned, "but if only maaa had been here today she would have been so proud of you...a company of your own at the age of 23..." tears of joy rolled down Anjali's eyes.

Khushi's eyes became moist too seeing Anjalis tears and she hugged her tightly.

"Okay enough, the two of you..." Arnav shook his head. And then holding Khushi's hand with one hand and his Di's with the other marched them towards the havan kund where panditji was sitting making the final preparations for the puja.

"Please come Payal," he smiled at Payal as he passed her.

Payal smiled back at him, and nodded her head, and followed the trio.

At the puja. Arnav insisted that Khushi sit with him and Di.

"But Arnav..." Khusi protested looking nervously at the large gathering.

"Shut up Khushi!"Armav glared at her."For a change can you stop arguing with me !"

Khushi flopped down besides him, flagging him on the other side with a scowl, muttering Laad Governor under her breath.

Anjali watched the exchange between them and smiled inwardly.

They looked so sweet together she thought and leaning towards Khushi said reassuringly, "Its alright Khushi. After all the company has your name on it!"

Khushi smiled sheepishly at Anjali.

Before starting the pooja panditji asked Anjali, "Won't your husband attend the pooja?"

Anjali stiffened at Shyam's name. She shook her head in negation. She was glad when her husband had excused himself from the celebration on the pretext of illness. She did not want to think about the future of their relationship today, she winced in pain. Today was devoted to her brothers, Arnav and Aakash.

"Di do you want me to call him personally?" Arnav said through gritted teeth.

"No, no, Chhotey. He is down with some allergy. Let him be..." Anjali murmured without making eye contact with her brother.

Changing the topic she asked Khushi, "Your buaji isnt here yet, hope she will come..."

"Oh yes Anjali di she must be on her way," Khushi said looking round the hall.

" We dont know what is taking her do long," Payal joined the conversation, a tad bit worried.

"She will be here soon Jiji, don't worry," Khushi smiled at Payal, " Though it was funny the way she insisted we go ahead, wonder why..." Khushi commented shrugging her shoulders.

Panditji lit the havankund (holy fire) and began the pooja.

Khushi looked at Arnav sideways. For someone claiming to have no interest in rituals he seemed to be very focussed...

As if reading her thoughts Arnav muttered, " Maa used to say give everything your best shot, even if you are forced to do something...do it well...,"

Khushi looked into his steady penetrating brown eyes and a strange warmth filled her.

But the very next moment her heart froze.

Buaji had just arrived...

With Pankaj in tow!

Pankaj ji! What was he doing here! Why had Buaji brought him to Arnav's house! Khushi gasped and nudged her Jiji. Payal followed her gaze and her jaw fell too.

At a distance Khushi could see Buaji introducing Pankaj ji to a group of women. A cold fear gripped her heart.

She glanced at Arnav quickly. He hadn't noticed...yet. but for how long! Hadn't he promised to hang Pankaj ji by his toes! And now he was on Arnav's own property!

She ducked her head and closed her eyes.

"Devi Maiyya raksha karna!" she prayed.

Devi Maiyya heard her because immediately after the pooja Arnav was surrounded by the erstwhile employees of AR and became busy with them.

They had resigned from their jobs to join AK. They had pledged to take AK to bigger heights than AR for their loyalty remained with Arnav Singh Raizada. They knew that AR had become a big name only through his commendable efforts eveer since he had returned from Harvard with his MBA degree.

The older employess understood that his grandfather had compete faith in him rather than son Ajit or wife Subhadra. The younger ones found him dynamic and more approachable and helpful than his draconian grandmother. The women employees were proud of their young, dashing handsome boss and the thought of working in AR under Ajit and Subhadra Mallik gave them the jitters. Every employee were sympathetic to him the way he had been victimised by the Malliks.

Khushi could see that Arnav was overwhelmed and she took chance of this opportunity to leave his side to ask Buaji what she was upto.

As she approached a group of women, she heard Buaji's booming voice, "Ee aa gayi hamri Titaliya!(Here is Titaliya!) She is Shashi babua's younger daughter. Her marriage has been fixed with Pankaj while Payal bitiya's marriage has been fixed with his elder brother. "

The women turned their scanners towards Khushi, smiling and nodding, whilst Pankaj grinned sheepishly at her, shifting from one foot to another uncomfortably.

Khushi acknowledged Pankaj with a small smile. He was looking anxious. She realized it was not his fault that he was here. Buaji must have dragged him here on some pretext. She pursed her lips and glared angrily at Buaji. What she hated was the public announcement of a marriage she was not ready for.

Arnav turned around at that moment and looked directly in her eyes. His eyes gleamed and he smiled at her across the room, his gaze holding her in a few hypnotic seconds. Khushis world rocked in that one moment and everything ceased to exist.

Khushis hand went to her heart. It was beating loudly above the din in the hall.

Dhak, dhak, dhak... She knew now why she was not ready to marry Pankaj ji.