Arshi FF : Merger Thrd # 2 Link to Thread #3 on Page 1 - Page 19

Originally posted by: amus5

Why do I feel that there are many layers to the whole setup and we through Khushi's eyes have hardly scratched the surface

thanx for the update...pls continue soon 😃

well said...👏

Originally posted by: anupama_ch

Very nice update. It shows the depth of arnav and khushi's relationship. Both are affected by each other. But you left on a very crucial moment. Please update soon and end the suspense.

yes.. both very close...

Originally posted by: jyothim78

That was a great update... Tango, Cooking..everything going great...but for the last line of the update...By the way, it is so clear that Khushi's physical proximity was affecting Arnav far more than it affected Khushi...or may be I should say not to the same extent..

Oh...please give us a teaser about whose betrayal and what consequences are you talking about...

yup.. arnav is loosing control more...😆

Lovely updates 👏👏 the pace of the story is really good😛 i like the way the story is proceeding so far...please don't make us wait more for the revelation 2 take place😃 i really hope that the situation b/w khushi and Nk is not how arnav interpreted it to be..may be NK is practising in front of khushi how to propose Sarita and khushi is glad 2 hear the news from NK?? Haha😆😆😆its just my way of consoling myself that khushi and NK are not together and i sincerely hope that it is true because just like arnav, even i don't like khushi's first proposal 2 be someone other than arnav 😛 eagerly waiting for the next update😃

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A/n: Few days late. But here is the new update.

Please do read my NOTE before this update. Just thought of giving my point of view on the events of this story. And also have tried to respond to some very valid questions raised by you.

Do let me know how you found this update. As always, would be eagerly waiting for your comments.

CHAPTER 20

FRIDAY AFTER THE CONFERENCE

NK tapped at ASR's Office. "ASR, I just wanted to update you about my decision with regard to the transfer."

"What about it NK?" NK was too happy to notice the icy tone of ASR.

"ASR, I am ok to take up the new role."

"I bet you would. Guess the family didn't turn out to be a problem then?"

"Oh ASR, it's wasn't my parents... Ummm... Rather the new family I am all set to begin... She said yes ASR... I still can't believe she agreed to marry me. I proposed to her on the day I received the award. She didn't blink an eyelid before saying yes." He was grinning ear to ear like a fool...

"NK, your love life is none of my business. Do you have anything else to talk about?"

Flustered he said a quick NO and stepped out.

It has been two full days since the conference. And she didn't have the minimum courtesy to tell him about this development.

After all the interaction we've had with each other she doesn't even think I deserve to know about it.

The slight nagging in his head which said 'what you saw might not necessarily be what you are thinking' was now put to rest. Khushi had taken a big decision in her life. And she had flicked him like a fly as if he was a nobody.

***

PRESENT DAY (2 MONTHS AFTER THE CONFERENCE)

The ring of her desk phone brought Khushi back from her thoughts.

"Hello..."

"Khushi, Sarita here. I just spoke to Anjali. And guess what, She said she will come to the engagement too. She is even getting us some outfits for the ceremony."

"That is so nice Sarita."

"And make sure you apply for the leave."

"Yep, shooting the email for the leave as we speak."

"Good. I am so excited. Only 3 weeks more. And there is so much to do. Promise me you will help me with not only the arrangements. But will also manage the two sets of parents during the ceremony. You know na? How much my parents are unhappy about this relationship?"

"Do you even have to ask me Sarita? I promise I will not leave your side even for a minute. Now just relax, over a period of time, everything will be ok."

"Thank you Khushi. I really needed this."

Khushi smiled. She was genuinely happy for her friend.

"Chalo, see you in the evening."

"Yeah...bye ."

As she kept her phone on the receiver, it rang again.

"Hello"

"Jiji?"

"Chutki?"

"One second, Amma wants to talk to you."

"Khoosi...?"

"Haan Amma! Is something wrong? Why are you calling me in the middle of the day? Are you both ok?"

"Haan..Haan khoosi. Everything is ok here. There is a good news. Tere liye ek Rishta aaya hain! The boy is very susheel. We couldnt get a better alliance than this for us. Come here this Saturday. There is so much to discuss and plan. Arey! the bill has already crossed Rs. 10/-. Hum phone rakhte hain." Garima spoke at jet speed.

"Amma...Amma... Listen to me. I am not getting married and all. And I can't come for the next 3 weeks. There is ... There is some very important work here."

"Khoosi, the bill is increasing. Don't argue. Just come here as soon as possible."

"Amma, I will call you later tonight. Be near the phone booth at 9 pm. I am in office. So even I can't talk a lot."

"Theek hain. Hum phone rakhte hain."

Khushi disconnected the call and held her head. Now what is this new problem?

Shirking her thoughts she concentrated on work. Like hell she was going to marry some unknown person.

***

ELSEWHERE AT THE SAME TIME

"Chotey! I will be coming down to visit you in 3 weeks."

"Di, there is no point traveling to that place. I myself stay there only on mondays. Why do YOU want to travel?"

"Arey nahi Chotey! It's my friend's engagement on that Monday."

"Oh!" The constricted feelings resurfaced again. It has been two bloody months. Why isn't this unease going away. Arnav, just...just...leave it.

"Chotey... Are you there?"

"Haan Di. I will get the tickets booked."

"Arey nahi, Amanji has already done it."

"Aman? Why didn't you tell me? You shouldn't be getting personal work done by Aman, Di. He is at a pretty senior position in AR Corp. He is not a personal assistant for me and my family."

Anjali bit her tongue. "Sorry Chotey. Won't happen again. Chalo bye for now."

"Bye."

Just as he cut the call two mails popped up on his Mallik Fashions phone. First was from NK. The subject line read "Engagement Party" date ( a monday 3 weeks from now). He didnt bother to open the mail. Di had already told him about it.

The second was from Khushi. She had requested to reschedule her meeting on that particular Monday, as she had to go on a leave.

Something snapped in him. Not only does she NOT INVITE him, but she thinks she can have him at her beck and call.

Before he could reign his emotions, his phone rang.

Aman Calling.

"Yes Aman"

<<Aman speaking>>

"Aman, tell the customer they can kindly go to hell... or heaven, as they choose to. We will not bend over backwards to cater to them."

"What? What are you talking about ASR?"

"You heard me right Aman. Ask the customer to go take a hike. We don't want their business."

"Are you out of your mind ASR? What is the matter with you? I don't need to remind you that you are still a startup and customers like these can change the destiny of a company."

"So, no matter what you think, I am going to cater to every whim and fancy of this customer. And YOU can take a hike." He almost yelled on the phone.

"Aman!" ASR roared. "Dont you dare..."

"What will you do if I dare? Fire me? Then go ahead and do it. In a way it that will do me some good."

"Aman..." He shouted on the phone.

"Don't 'Aman' me ASR. What is wrong with you in the past two months? Why have you become so irritable? You were fine just this morning. And now, for no apparent reason, you have become crappy again."

"Aman..."

"ASR. Take a few days off and clear your mind. You have major investors and customers you need to respond to. Don't jeopardize your career and fate due to mood swings. I am your friend first and then your business associate. Is there something bothering you? I have seen your anger, but have never ever seen you being reckless."

Arnav creased his forehead and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Aman, I will call you back." He cut the call.

He knew what had triggered this anger. Khushi...Khushi..Khushi... Why was she bothering him so much? Even when he was not interacting with her.

Just four more months Arnav. Then no more Khushi and nothing related to her. His rational side of the mind tried to convince him. But his other not-so-rational-side was feeling hurt by this eventuality. No more Khushi after four months'.

Focus Arnav... Focus. Dont let your personal feelings to get in the middle of your business deadlines. He dialled Aman's number and cut the call mid-way.

Hold on a second... Feelings? What feelings? There are no feelings. Shirking the thought away in his mind, he called Aman again to make amends.

***

THREE WEEKS LATER ON THE ENGAGEMENT DAY

Khushi and Sarita arrived at Arnav's house early on the day of engagement. Arnavji almost never visited the house now a days. He went to Mallik Fashions directly from the airport. And in the evening caught a flight back to Delhi. And today, Anjaliji would be returning later in the night. She allayed Khushi's fears that he might get upset that they are using his house as a staging area. He was returning to Delhi this evening in a different flight earlier than hers. So there was no possibility of him coming to the house.

Lugging all the things they had shopped in the last few weeks, they settled in Kaka's room.

Sipping on the tea that Kaka gave them, Anjali asked -

"Accha tell me Saritaji, how did you meet your fianc." She wriggled her eyebrows mischievously.

"Oh! You are the one who made this happen. In fact I owe you a big thank you." Anjali looked on doubtfully.

Sarita elaborated. "Do you remember the first time you visited us. And on the last day we parted at the market place and went to watch a movie."

Anjali nodded a yes. How could she forget that trip. It's when Aman had confessed his feelings for her.

"Had it not been for you, this workaholic would have never gone shopping. And she would've never come with me to watch the movie. And Nandu would have never joined her to watch the movie. And had she not run away due to some sickness, Nandu and I would have never been left alone. You know Anjali, we didn't even watch the movie that day. We sat at the steps of the theater and chatted the whole time. I cant believe there is another person in this world who has the same temperament as me."

The three girls took a moment to remember those days. Anjali blushed thinking about Aman's proposal. Sarita about her Nandu. And Khushi about her father. Atleast something good came out of that day.

"Chalo, chalo, stop day dreaming about your prince charming. There is lot of work to do. And you have a whole life time to spend with him." Khushi pinched Sarita. She didn't want to spoil the day thinking about her father.

Khushi diligently updated Anjali and finished all the packing required for the party.

Anjali showed them the ghagra-choli she had bought for them.

"Thanks so much Anjaliji."

"You call me a friend and say thanks too ? That doesn't work."

"Theek hain, then no thanks for the gift Anjaliji." They giggled .

"Chalo, chalo...we are all set now. Time to go to the party hall."

Sarita stood still, looking sad. "It's so ironic that my own parents are arriving like guests." She became teary.

"No tears today Sarita. I am sure, once Uncle and Aunty see their prospective son-in-law, they will change their minds. NK has won over the hearts of such tough CEOs. This should be a cake-walk for him." She hugged Sarita.

***

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST

LATER THAT DAY AT THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY

Sarita, Anjalii and Khushi got ready. Khushi stood at the entrance to receive the guests, when Anjali came running to her. "Khushiji, there is a big problem. I think the cover containing NK's parents clothes got left behind. We searched all the bags. Its not there anywhere."

"Don't worry Anjaliji. I will go right away to get the clothes." She quickly took the keys from Kaka and jumped into an auto.

***

AROUND THE SAME TIME, IN ARNAV'S HOUSE

Arnav turned the lock of the house, and stepped into a dark living room. No one was there waiting up for him. Without turning on the lights, he made way to his room. He had not forgotten for a second, that today was the D-Day. She was getting engaged. And she did not invite him. And he was not going to go, just because NK had invited. NK did not hold that much importance in his life.

He undressed and stepped into the shower. Standing under the hot water, he tried to wash away all to memories of the past 1.5 years. About a person who had changed him so much that he had given up his pursuit of 13 years.

***

A few minutes later, Khushi opened the house and walked straight into Kaka's room. She switched on the light of the room, but it started flickering.

"Is khambakt light ko aaj hi kharab ho na tha?" She murmured. In between the flickering lights, she located the bag in which they had kept the clothes for NK's parents. It was atop Kaka's almirah.

"How did this thing reach up there?"

She put a stool and climbed up on it. She was short by only a few inches. She looked around. A suitcase was standing in a corner. She put the suitcase flat on the floor, and put the stool on top of it. She slowly climbed up the wobbly stool, and had her fingers almost reach the bag, when she heard him.

"Khushi..."

She turned her head, looked at his face through the flickering light, everything else was dark around them, the stool gave away, she slipped on her dupatta, the dupatta tore from the pin on her shoulders. She lost balance...

"Aaah..." She flayed here hands to hold on to anything for support.

***

A FEW MINUTES AFTER KHUSHI CAME INTO HIS HOUSE

Arnav stepped out of the shower. He wiped himself dry and wrapped a towel around his torso.

He picked up another towel to wipe his hair and made his way to the bed. His phone showed 5 missed calls and 1 voice message from Di. He played the message.

"Chotey! Call me soon if you are still at office. There is something urgent to do."

He looked at the time of the calls. Almost an hour ago. He quickly dialed Anjali's number.

"Di?! Are you ok?"

"Chotey! Where are you? I called you almost an hour ago? Are you at the airport already?"

"No Di, I changed my flight. I will be going with you later tonight."

"Oh...Really? Then where are you right now?"

"At home, where else? I am waiting for you. What time will you be back?"

"Oh... all that is later Chotey? Has Khushiji reached home yet?"

"Khushi? Why would she be here?"

"She hasn't reached yet? She left almost an hour ago. She has already missed the ring exchange ceremony. And we need Sarita's in-laws clothes".

"What do you mean Di? How can it work without her?"

"Wahi toh Chotey! She missed the main event. Infact, Saritaji's in-laws's clothes are left behind at home. If I had known you are at home, I could've asked you to get them."

"And as if I would have gotten them. Are you out of your mind Di? Why would I get the clothes of in-laws of some Saritaji."

"Chotey! It is not some Saritaji. It is my friend Saritaji. I consider her and Khushiji as my close friends. And it is her engagement today. And both Khushiji and I are trying to make it perfect for her."

"WHAT?!! But I thought you had come to attend NK's and..."

"Haan Chotey! Ofcourse I have come to attend NK's and Saritaji's engagement party. Chotey! Why are you talking so much? Just call me as soon as Khushiji reaches home. And don't be the khadoos person you have become nowadays and bring Khushiji back to the party asap. I have to go now, bye." She cut the call.

What? NK and Sarita? Oh... right... Khushi's friend Sarita. Arnav immediately got his Mallik Fashions phone and opened NK's engagement invitation email. Oh... God!! It was indeed between NK and Sarita. Then what the hell was that in the parking lot.

Just then he heard some sounds outside his room. Quickly slipping into his track pants, he stepped out. One towel still hanging around his neck, on the shoulders. A light was flickering from Kaka's room. He went there quickly. And there she stood, in between flickering light, on a wobbly stool, the person who had messed with his mind since so many days.

"Khushi..." He had missed so much calling her name.

"Aaah!" Oh no, she is going to fall. He lunged foward. His shoulder towel slipping in the process.

He wrapped his long arms around her to prevent her from falling. Khushi held on to his shoulders for support and fell on his chest.

As the two bodies collided, they were both struck by one overwhelming sensation. It was as if they had both merged into one common being. As if they were inside one bubble of life, not two different ones. One was an extension of the other, not separate. As if one was meant to be with the other and not away.

The flickering light chose this moment to correct itself.

Khushi was the first to realise the position in which they were currently in. He was supporting her bearing her entire weight on his chest. His hands safely securing her from falling. And she was hanging in the air with her hands wrapped around his shoulders and neck and feet balanced on the wobbly stool.

She slowly brought one foot down after another and stood on the floor. As she slid down her soft bossom was pushed up.

Dis-entagling her hands, she placed it on his chest. His bare chest. Feeling shy and awkward, she bent her head down, only to see an ample show of her cleavage. She turned her head, to see the dupatta hanging from the stool on the suitcase.

She pushed at him slightly, indicating he should let her go. But Arnav held on to her all the more firmly. She turned her head sharply to look at him.

Again those eyes. Disturbed eyes.

"Tum theek ho?"

She knew he was not asking about the fall. He was asking if she had been ok all this while...when ...when. That's right. HE had not been talking to HER. And now he has the gall to ask her if she was ok?

Arnav jerked her to look at him again. "Tum theek ho?" He asked again. His eyes pleaded her to answer.

"Kyun? Why do you want to know? And more over I don't want to talk to you. Leave me." She pushed at him slightly but it meant nothing. It was hardly backed by any conviction.

"Bolo na. Tum theek ho?"

"Nahi Bolna hain. I am not your puppet. Jab man kiya baat kiya. Jab man kiya chod diya. Let go of me. I have to go somewhere."

"Nahi chodunga. Aur sab tumhari galati hain." He held her around the waist firmly again.

"Aaaww. Ulta chor kotwal ko daante. You are the one who stopped talking to me. How is it my fault?"

"Why didn't you tell me NK was getting engaged to your friend. And not ..."

"And not..?"

"I saw you and NK in the parking lot on the day of the conference."

"And your Harvard brain put one and one together. Didn't it?"

"He even told me that he proposed and the girl said ok."

"Did he say the name of the girl?"

"No...but... I mean... Anyone in my position would have inferred just as I did. It's not all my fault, you see."

"Aaaha. I do. I do see everything. You are a poor loser Arnavji. Admit it. It's all your fault. And you will also tell me that you didn't see Sarita's name in the engagement invitation."

"Honestly! I opened the email just a few minutes ago." He admitted sheepishly.

"Oh my God. Arnavji. Look what you have done. In all this, I totally forgot why I came here in the first place. Aapki khabar to mein baad mein loongi. But first I need to rush back to the engagement party."

She looked down to find her dupatta. And realized again that he had a full view of her cleavage. Feeling shy all of a sudden, she crossed her arms across her chest and turned around within his embrace. She realized her folly almost immediately. Her soft creamy back was now aligned along his bare chest. The strings of her choli being the only barrier between them. Added to that was a mirror right in front of them.

Arnav at first didn't realize what was happening, when she suddenly turned her back towards him. Her cool damp back was soothing his senses. He looked at her through the mirror ahead. Unease was written all over her face. He followed the line of sight of her downcast eyes. The dupatta lay on the stool and the suitcase. He finally realized the position they were in. In his need to seek his apology, it never occurred to him how physically close they were standing. His eye fell on the slightly ripped blouse on her shoulder. A pin was precariously stuck to the cloth and pricking her smooth skin. He loosened his hold on her waist and brought his hand up. Just as he touched her shoulder he felt her stiffen. He looked at her in the mirror. And looked back at the task in hand. He didn't miss to notice the goose bumps rising on the adjacent skin.

Khushi felt his breath fanning at the nape of her neck. She realized he was trying to get the pin on her shoulder out. She could have done it herself. But she was immobilized by the new sensations budding within her at the moment. He held his hand in front of her. She took the pin from him.

He stepped towards the door and stopped. Turning his head slightly he said-

"Tum tayyar ho jaao. I will get ready too. And both of us can go to the party." Without letting her to speak, he paced towards his room.

She looked at the pin in her hand and then at her image in the mirror. What was this profound change she felt at this moment? She had NEVER EVER felt this way before.

A/n: Please please do let me know how you felt. COMMENT or hit the LIKE BUTTON. I would really love to hear from you. Thanks a ton. Love you all 🤗

yaay me first
so happy to see finally an update

That was brilliant ... Really what a stupid conclusion

very nice update!!