Arhi SS : Chemistry #1 [ Completed ] - Page 38

Arhi SS : Chemistry - Part 5

"Screw you Raizada!" Khushi screamed aloud, allowing herself to vent her frustration vocally. After bottling up her emotions for a week, it felt good to blow her fuse in the soundproof cabin. Since the night of the boat ride, Khushi had gone on an emotional rollercoaster ride. The attraction, the confusion, the anxiety, the nervousness, the embarrassment, the awkwardness, the sheer stupidity, the desire... and all of the above coiled around her heart, complicating things completely.

The moment she had gone home and closed herself into the private haven of her room, she had collapsed on the bed with fatigue. Not only the physical exhaustion of the day, but also the emotional upheaval she had gone through in the last two hours had taken a toll on her. She could still feel his warm breath on her face... his magical eyes glimmering in the dim lights, the taste of his lips lingered on her own.

How had she let herself lose to the magnetic pull of that man? It had taken NK and her months to walk past the boundaries of friendship, to share their first kiss. And to think of it... it was not even so intoxicating, like the one she had just shared with Arnav. What was happening to her? Why did that man hold such power on her traitorous body, that it melted the moment he touched her? She could not forget how romantic the setting had been and cursed herself to have had wine, knowing very well how easily she could get drunk.

One whole week, she had feigned ignorance. She had tried to completely shut off that kiss and focused on her work. It wasn't as easy, with Arnav trying to talk to her about it, every single moment they were alone. He looked so adorable, in his guilty avatar. However, she had kept their conversations strictly professional and had avoided things to get more complicated between them. Why did he not understand that their friendship was turning to be harmful for her already fragile heart? The NK fiasco had made her guarded against any kind of affection and the strong urge she felt to run into Arnav's arms, was definitely threatening.

Coming back to the current annoyance she felt towards the duo of Arnav and her best friend... she felt like barging into whichever restaurant they were cozying in and punch the daylights out of that man, who had snatched away her peaceful sleep. She briskly walked out of Gupta Industries building, needing to hit the gym to cool off some steam, muddling up her head.

After a good workout that had extended till ten in the night, she checked her phone, which she had carelessly tossed on her bed. Ten missed calls from Arnav! What the! Wasn't he on a date with Sheetal? The nerves of that man, calling her while Sheetal must have been sitting across him... or for all you know, on his lap! Khushi fumed at that thought and got angrier at her own reaction. Switching off the phone, she rushed into the bathroom for a nice, long shower.

After she had cooled down a bit, Khushi walked into the kitchen to make a nice steamy mug of hot chocolate. She needed some feelgood factor, to uplift her sullen mood. "Khushi beta, you have been having hot chocolate everyday lately... what has been troubling you beta?" she heard her mother asking. How could she tell her mother about the new cyclone that had hit her life? "Just maa... feeling like having something warm. You want some?" she replied nonchalantly.

Garima shook her head in denial... for both, the hot chocolate and also very well knowing that her daughter was lying. Her daughter could not lie and she hoped against hope, that the trouble was not regarding NK. The next few minutes put that thought on hold, as the doorbell rung, marking the arrival of Arnav Singh Raizada into Gupta residence. After quick greetings, Garima watched Arnav walking into the study with her daughter and sighed in happiness to see their camaraderie.

"What the hell are you doing here, at this hour of the day... no, actually night!!" Khushi questioned, the moment they were alone in the study. "Why is your phone switched off? Kaha thi tum? And why have you been ignoring my calls, Khushi?" Arnav countered immediately. "I was busy," was her only reply. Arnav ran a frustrated hand through his hair. Khushi noticed how tired he looked. The dark patches under his eyes, screamed of the sleepless nights he might have had. She felt a little sorry for ignoring him and was about to talk to him... when he spoke once again.

"I have been trying to talk to you throughout the week Khushi. However, all I got was responses related to work. And tonight was the limit. I know you spoke to Sheetal and you must have misunderstood the whole dinner thing. I just..." An agitated Khushi, who did not pause to even think before opening her mouth, quickly interrupted Arnav. "Misunderstood? So it is entirely my fault that I misunderstood your casual dinner to be a date... after almost kissing me last week?? I must say you move on pretty fast Mr. Raizada. I ignored your advances throughout the week so you jumped at the first opportunity to date my best friend."

By this time, Arnav also had lost his cool and raised his voice slightly, "Sheetal might be your best friend Khushi... but she is my friend too. I do not need to give you any explanations regarding my personal life; yet, here I am telling you that we had gone out for a casual dinner, which I might have just walked out of." Khushi kept quiet, bringing her uneven breathing to normalcy. She knew she was overreacting, yet, with Arnav, every emotion seemed to multiply itself multiple times.

"I did not come here to fight Khushi, nor did I come here to explain myself for tonight's dinner. I have wanted to talk to you about last Saturday... about the ki...kiss and about what happened between us. I just want you to understand that I am sorry to have gotten carried away. I should have reigned in my emotions and I will make sure to keep away from alcohol, the next time we are alone," Arnav said calmly, his anger dissipating, seeing the beautiful woman in front of him. His eyes moved over her casual attire... the thin t-shirt and cotton pajamas.

She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. How could this man apologize for kissing her one-minute and ogle at her, the next? "Gabbar please. I really admire the way you work and I do not want to jeopardize our working relationship because of that night. I have had enough sleepless nights, thinking of ways to get you talking about it... One more night and I would have completely lost my mind. Please say something."

Khushi melted at his earnest words. He was putting out his every emotion on the line and it was only fair for her to speak her mind. "Arnav... I am still struggling to deal with everything that has happened between NK and me. There are innumerous things at work that are a constant reminder of the void he left behind. He was a friend who I miss dearly. What happened that night between you and me... I really do not know. I have never felt or behaved in this manner before. It might have been the wine or my loneliness. However, it was wrong at multiple levels. We have just begun working together and for me friendship and trust are always top priorities. Those are the two things we need to work on Arnav... I hope we can put all of this behind us and get back to the easy companionship we had worked with."

She looked at the line of books on the bookshelf, thinking about what he had just said to her about his dinner with Sheetal. Her jealousy did not make any sense. They had just begun working together and it made more sense to let some things go... in order to maintain the semblance of their working relationship. Her father trusted her with Gupta Industries and she had no intentions to let him down once again. She knew how hurt he had been after the Mittal-Gupta fallout. He deserved some respite from the tensions of work and she deserved some enjoyment at work too. She had realized within the past week that Arnav's working style was dynamic and fun... also maintaining professionalism and seriousness in equal proportions.

She turned around to look at his expectant and gloomy face and just like that... looking at the handsome pensive face... a full-bloomed laughter rumbled in the pit of her stomach. And despite trying hard to control it, a giggle escaped her lips, diverting his attention to her lips. Seeing her smile so freely, a corner of his mouth quirked up into a smirk and then in a couple of moments, both of them were laughing freely, letting the tension of the last week dissolve into their giggles.

"Phew! Stop Gabbar... you will scare the children in the neighbourhood with your devilish laughter," Arnav teased as he sat on the sofa comfortably. She laughed even more at that and in between giggles said, "Stop. Calling. Me. Gabbar." Even though her words sounded angry, her countenance clearly contradicted the words. He said casually, "Don't lie to yourself Khushi. You secretly love this name. You have that villainish streak inside you. By the way... is this the way you treat your guests? I have left my dinner halfway to come here. I am starving and in desperate need of a black coffee. If I am not sounding too shameless can I atleast get bread butter and some coffee, please?"

Khushi hit her forehead with her hand and said, "I am so sorry. Even my hot chocolate has grown cold. I will be back in a few minutes. I would have called dad to give you company, but I think he must have already retired to bed. Look through his huge library, till I come back... is that ok?" He nodded modestly, just contented with getting the comfort back into their friendship. Khushi saw how relaxed he looked at her home and rejoiced to have finally managed to get the worrisome topics out of their way.

She was back within ten minutes, with a plate of hot piping khichadi and bhindi fry. That had been their dinner at home and she thought it best to serve him ghar ka khana than some bread butter. "Wow... I get to eat aunty ke haath ka khana. This looks mouthwatering," he said excitedly, looking at the plate filled with homemade food. Rolling up the sleeves of his shirt, he dug into the khichadi, enjoying each morsel, moaning in pleasure while relishing delicious food. She looked at him with warmth... he looked so boyish and young, out of those prim and proper suits with his hair disheveled.

"Will you tell aunty that the food was extremely tasty? I think you are going to have to invite me again and again to your house, for lunches and dinners. That is if you don't want an unwanted guest barging here... demanding some food," he teased, as they walked upto the main door. After finishing dinner, they had enjoyed a cup of hot coffee, before retiring for the day. "I think I have no choice Arnav. You seem to be maa's new favourite son. She has been raving about your behavior and conduct, for the past whole week."

She noticed Arnav flush at the compliment and said sadly, "I am glad she does. You are lucky to have the love and care of your mother, Gabbar." She heard the tinge of pain in his words and rushed to divert the topic, knowing well how much he missed his mother. "By the way, are you going for the Singhania's party tomorrow? Its at Olives and I am not sure if I actually know too many people there. Dad has refused to go, so maa is also out of question. Hmm..." she fumbled with the words as she saw him smile at her devilishly.

"Are you trying to ask me out, Gabbar?" he teased her, making her blush at his words. She tried to defend herself and said, "No I am not! I am merely asking if you would be there. I can very well go for such parties alone. It is not prom that we need to walk in with a partner." He looked at her adorable face and immediately put her out of misery saying, "I will pick you up at eight and will make sure to not have even a drop of alcohol. It seems that we always have very eventful Saturday's. I am just hoping that this one ends better than the last one. I hate being in the bad books of Gabbar... you see!"

Khushi smiled at him and waved him a goodnight, before closing the door and heading off to her room. So lost was she in her own sweet thoughts, that she missed to see her mother standing in a corner. Garima Gupta wiped a lone tear that had made its way down her wrinkled cheek. To see her daughter smile and laugh freely after months, had ignited a hope into her heart. She would keep her thoughts to herself, till the time was right to voice them. She knew, the day would come sooner than she anticipated.

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Khushi walked into the upscale restaurant in Bandra, along with Arnav. The place was crowded with businessmen along with their wives or young girlfriends. Khushi always felt uncomfortable at such parties. It wasn't new for her, to see men leering at her with more interest than necessary, even when their wives clung onto their arms possessively. The women offcourse acted rather snootily, owing to the interest their men showed in her.

Dressed in an elegant emerald green dress, Khushi admired the man besides her, who looked dapper in an all-black tuxedo. His perfectly gelled hair and dazzling aura, grabbed the attention of all the dumb bimbos around, dressed in such revealing clothes, that Khushi felt like covering up Arnav's eyes, as they do to small children who are banned from watching anything inappropriate. She knew they are going to be even more envious today, knowing that he had walked in with her.

After the brief greetings with the hosts, Khushi mingled around with a couple of associates, while Arnav was dragged into a huge group of people he knew well. She saw his reluctance in leaving her alone; knowing well that she barely knew people at this party. However, she nudged him to carry on, not wanting to dampen his spirits to enjoy this party. It was a few minutes later that she noticed a couple laughing privately in a corner. She stilled seeing the genuine happiness that shone from them. That was when she understood the curious glances people had been throwing her way... probably to gauge her reaction.

As if in a trance, she walked towards NK and Lavanya, who still seemed to be lost in a world of their own. It was only when she stood right in front of their table that NK glanced upwards. She saw shock being quickly replaced by happiness on his face. Unaware to every eye, which was on them at the moment, Khushi said genuinely, "Congratulations to both of you on your wedding."

NK stood up immediately, taking in the hand Khushi had forwarded. "Thank you, Khush. How have you been?" he questioned gently. She saw Lavanya standing up too, adjusting her dress, and shifting uncomfortably in her place. She gave Khushi a nervous smile. That was the first time in the past few months, that Khushi realized how guilty Lavanya must have been feeling. It was mortification at its most cruel form and seeing the lowered eyes of Lavanya, Khushi felt sorry for the woman.

She felt the need to pull her out of misery at the earliest and said as casually as she could at the given moment, "I am fine NK... actually pretty good." Then turning to Lavanya she said, "Hi Lavanya, how have you been? You are looking really beautiful." Lavanya smiled at the compliment and said, "Thank you Khushi maam. You are looking gorgeous yourself." Khushi laughed at the way she addressed her... as if they were standing in the center of a boardroom.

"I am not your maam anymore Lavanya. So please stop calling me that way," Khushi said, shifting her gaze from the woman, to NK. "How have you been NK? I am sorry I could not attend the wedding. I did not want to give more fodder to the hungry media than what they got over the last few months," she said earnestly. Her casualness at this conversation, was surprising herself. She had imagined a hundred ways of bumping into NK... a thousand things she would say to him. However, at this moment she felt as if she was simply talking to her best friend... without a history.

"Its ok Khush... I understand. I am just glad that you are fine. The way things ended... I left you alone Khush. I am a terrible friend," NK said solemnly, with a tinge of sadness in his demeanor. Khushi's eyes teared up, seeing the glimpse of her old friend... whom she missed dearly. She knew they needed to talk and get a huge burden off their shoulders. She needed him to move beyond the guilt of hurting her. To be frank she was in a happy place right now and seeing NK so happy with Lavanya, had honestly thrilled her. However, this was not the time or place for such conversations... with an audience waiting for a showdown.

Khushi withdrew a little, her throat choking with emotional turmoil. She looked once at NK and then at Lavanya, before turning around and walking away. She had barely taken a step forward, when she bumped into the strong chest of that one person, who she somehow knew, she could find solace in. He steadied her by holding onto her shoulders. Her teary hazel eyes clashed with his brown ones and she saw the concern clouding them. Without a glance backwards at NK, where Arnav seemed to be staring at the moment, she whispered, "I want to leave right now. Will you take me home?"

That was all that was required for her to say, as Arnav moved swiftly, escorting her out of the restaurant. He stopped for a brief moment to inform the hosts of their quick exit and made his way to the car with Khushi in tow. Khushi wasn't really sure if she was ready to go home yet. She felt uneasy and suffocated... and going home meant bothering her parents with this unnecessary tension. She hoped that Arnav sensed this discomfort as well and before she knew it, he was calling up another restaurant, reserving a table for two. Where was he taking her today? Saturday's did seem to be ending dramatically.

Part 6