Arhi SS : Chemistry #2 [ Completed : IMP NOTE : Pg 148 : 7/3 ]

Arhi SS : Chemistry - Part 10

Arnav knew Khushi was going to meet with NK. Arnav knew that they had been closest friends forever. Arnav knew that a few months of soured relationship would not be able to shake the foundation of their strong friendship. Arnav knew that by the end of tonight Khushi and NK would have definitely patched up because he knew how stubborn his Gabbar could get, if she had set her mind on something. Arnav also knew that the hug he was just witnessing was only a friendly hug between two friends, who had met after a long time.

Yet... despite all this obvious knowledge, seeing his Khushi engulfed in another man's arms... her ex-fiance's to be precise... disturbed him a little. They say that jealousy is contrary to sanity and at this moment, nothing could be truer than the enraging envy he was feeling at seeing the happy duo in front of him. When Khushi's eyes clashed with his, he saw a moment of utter shock flit across her hazel orbs, which quickly turned into happiness. Over NK's shoulder, she smiled... at him. Incandescent joy is what Arnav felt in that particular moment.

Without waiting for a single minute more, he strode towards the duo, who were parting from their hug. As soon as he reached Khushi she asked excitedly, "What are you doing here Thakur?" Arnav took in NK's shocked expression... first at his presence and second at what Khushi had just called him. He felt thrilled that Khushi had become comfortable around him to such extent, that these weirdly private nicknames, came easily into their conversations. He looked at her again and replied, "Well, I could lie and say I was just passing by. But the truth is, I was worried for you and had to see for myself if you and NK had finally made up."

Turning to NK he extended his hand and said, "Hi, I am Arnav Singh Raizada. I think we have met officially before, but never really got a chance to get acquainted. Now that Khushi seems to be a common factor in our lives, I guess we would be meeting more often." NK nodded, took his hand in a firm handshake and replied, "Yes definitely. Finally now I can breathe a sigh of relief with Khushi by my side. Lets make a plan to hangout together sometime, what say Khush?" NK draped his hand over Khushi's shoulder, which didn't sit down well with a certain Mr. Arnav.

She was his girlfr... She was his what? He had admitted he liked her but they had never spoken about any commitment. They flirted, they kissed... they felt deeply for each other. But then something was holding him back from giving himself completely into this relationship. Things were still unclear and this agitated him some more. It made him restless and the uneasiness irked him, which clearly showed when he said irritably, "Yes sure. Now that you guys are a team again... you can surely make plans to meet as often as you want. Let me know when I am needed"

He looked at Khushi pointedly, who looked back at him with rounded eyes. He knew she was surprised at his jibe; yet, he was beyond making sense at the moment. Firstly witnessing NK and her hug had annoyed him and now his own tumult of emotions was creating chaos with his usually sensible brain. NK felt the undercurrents between the two and had he not known, what it was to be in love, he would have definitely punched Arnav for being rude. However, he had been through this phase of complete denial, which turned into frustration and finally into acceptance. Looked like a certain Khushi Kumari Gupta had managed to finally strike the right chemistry with a certain Arnav Singh Raizada.

Controlling the urge to laugh, NK said cheerfully, "Well Khush, I am glad that Arnav is here, so he can drop you home now. I have to take a detour anyways, to pick up Lav's favourite kulfi. Is that ok with you?" She simply nodded, her eyes focused on a grumpy Arnav. NK almost chuckled and pulled her in another hug, holding her in his arms for a little bit longer than required. Taking a leave from the Gupta-Raizada duo, he made his way to the exit of the restaurant, with a spring in his step. He could not wait to tell all the details to Lavanya, whom he knew was eagerly waiting for some good news.

As soon as NK had disappeared, Khushi asked icily, "What was that? Why were you rude to NK? And you came here to spy on us didn't you? Don't you trust me?" Without a word in reply, Arnav turned around and began walking in the direction of the exit. She followed him mutely, her anger notching a bit higher with each passing minute of silence. Arnav could feel her eyes boring into his back, as they reached his car. Swiftly opening the passenger door for her, he made sure she was comfortably settled in, before going around and getting into the drivers seat.

Soon they were driving back home, on the crowded streets of Mumbai. It was Saturday night and it seemed like the entire city was on streets, celebrating the weekend. Arnav saw groups of young boys and girls walking across the street. He knew Khushi was waiting for him to talk and he could understand her anger because of his silence. Thinking truth to be the best option here, Arnav cleared his throat and said, "Will I be forgiven if I tell you that I was a little jealous knowing you two were spending time together?" Khushi swiftly turned to face him and from the corner of his eyes, he saw her shocked expression.

Soon he heard a giggle that turned into a full-blown laughter. Her magical laughter had the power to unman him and Arnav tightened his grip on the steering wheel, controlling the urge to stop the car on some random road and kiss her into silence. "Arnav Singh Raizada was jealous? A man whose charm no one can resist... was jealous?" Khushi chortled, her eyes focused on his face. "Off course I was. How would you feel if you sew me hugging Sheetal?" Arnav said agitatedly. That got her completely serious, as she straightened in her seat and brushed her hand through her hair.

As the traffic light turned red, Arnav put the gear in neutral and turned towards Khushi. Taking her hand in his, he brought it to his lips, pressing feather-light kisses onto her knuckles. She was so warm to his touch, that he wondered if she was as sensitive all over her body. He saw her eyes closing in pleasure of his kisses and felt thrilled that he could have such an effect on her. Choosing to bear his heart out, he whispered, "Yes. I was jealous Gabbar... to see you and NK together. I understand your friendship, yet I fail to accept that he is a more important man in your life than me. It hurts and I don't know why."

She withdrew her hand away from his and he felt instant loss of her warmth. She cupped his face with her now free hand and said earnestly, "Why do you think he is more important to me than you Arnav? Only because I know him for longer than I know you? Or is it because he has an established position in my life as a best friend, whereas we are still working on ours?" She paused for a moment, as he kept looking at her in anticipation. "Let me tell you Thakur, that despite the nemesis that we are as per our names, I like you very much... much more than I would ever say. NK has his place in my life. However, you have stormed into it and made such a strong hold on my heart that I sometimes get scared of the depth of my feelings," Khushi said in a breath, her hazel eyes aglow with happiness.

The constant honking of cars brought him out of his reverie, as Khushi quickly retrieved her hand. The light had turned green, and Arnav cursed the impatient drivers to have broken this enchanting moment, where Khushi was bearing her heart out to him. Quickly putting his car onto the fourth gear, he steered it into a quiet narrow street, finding a secluded spot to park the car. He wanted to let her words seep into his soul, before taking her home. As he switched off the roaring engine, he turned to look at Khushi who was looking at him in wonder. He had no other option but to laugh at her comical expression as he joked, "What? Don't look at me like that. It isn't the first time we would be kissing in this car... is it?"

Khushi was scandalized and whacked him on the arm saying, "You actually parked the car on this dingy street so we could makeout? This is like teenagers Arnav... I think we are past that age." Arnav quickly held her hand and pulled her closer towards him. Her breath catching in her throat as his breathing turned uneven. He whispered close to her lips, "So you think we need to move to the advanced level, now that we are no more teenagers, Khushi?" She closed her eyes in pleasure, as his lips brushed teasingly against hers... a mere fleeting touch and nothing more. "Tha... that... is... not what... I meant..." Khushi fumbled with words.

"Then what did you mean by making out? I like you Gabbar and you like me. Kisses are the most natural thing between two people who like each other... isn't it?" he drawled huskily. She could only manage a nod, as he left moist butterfly kisses along her jaw, melting her insides. His hand skimmed over her sides, feeling the curves of her body, as his lips touched every bare part of her neck, her jaw, her cheeks and her deliciously tempting lips. "Arnav..." she moaned, as he bit into the tender flesh of her neck, soothing it immediately after. The way she said his name drove him insane, as he swooped down to take her lips in a searing kiss. He was soon engulfed with her sweetness, her softness and the warmth of her beating heart.

He felt drugged... her taste intoxicating him, making him lose all senses. He could taste faint traces of caramel, probably from the Bailey's she might have had earlier. Pulling her closer than humanly possible, he threaded his fingers through her soft hair, angling her head to deepen the kiss. His teeth nipped, his tongue teased, his lips sipped from her essence... as he felt her giving him free reign over her. How did this strong, beautiful, stubborn girl manage to trust him so easily? Did he trust himself with her? Was he ready to bring down all the barricades he had built around his heart... for her? Or would he break her trust and involuntarily her heart in the process?

As his mind got distracted with the harsh realities of their situation, Arnav pulled away in a rush. He felt like he had violated the clear-cut boundaries he himself had set, as if he had already broken her trust by thinking about breaking her heart. Was he ready to give into this heady feeling that only Khushi managed to evoke? He ran a trembling hand through his hair, not having the courage to meet her eyes. "Arnav?" she called out to him, seeking his attention... surely surprised at the sudden shift in his mood. Earlier when she had called out his name... it had been sensual... filled with the exciting charge running between them. And now his name was spoken with so much concern and anxiety, that he did not know if he was ready to let someone, into the gloomy recesses of his heart.

Khushi nudged him lightly drawing his attention as he met her eyes reluctantly. She looked disheveled from their passionate moments... her lips slightly swollen, her hair disarrayed. He knew she was waiting for him to tell her what was bothering him. Seeing the concern in her hazel eyes, that a few moments ago were heavily lidded with passion... he made his decision. She deserved to know his thoughts and beliefs. She would decide where they could go on from here. It was already pretty late in the night and he knew her parents would be worrying already, knowing that she was going to meet NK. Clearing his throat he said "Let me take you home right now Khushi. Garima aunty will be worried. I promise to answer all your questions tomorrow... while I see you for lunch at our home. Can you give me that much time?" She nodded unsurely, as he severed the car and directed it onto the road that led them home.

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Devyani had never seen her grandson, so involved into the matters at home. He supervised the cleaning, while his half attention was on her and their house help who was helping her cook a storm. He had also suggested a few dishes, keeping in mind the guests who had been invited to their home. She had raised her eyebrows at her son-in-law, questioning him silently about this enthusiastic participation into household chores. Ajay had simply shrugged and hidden his smile behind the morning newspaper. It was left to Devyani to guess, that it was all about the young beautiful daughter of the Guptas, whose taste and interest seemed to be of utmost importance for her Arnav.

She giggled slightly, as Arnav instructed the house help, to change the bedsheets in his room. Devyani had seen her fair share of sorrows. To see the death of her only daughter... to see her son-in-law lose his pillar of strength... to see her grandson crave for the motherly love at such a young age... and to see the father-son duo being lost into this vast ruthless world. She had somehow managed to be there for them, as their anchor, holding onto them when the winds had swept them astray. So, it was natural for her eyes to mist, seeing the happiness emanating from her grandson.

Ajay had been happy over the last few months, having found true friends in Shashi and Garima. They had bonded over working for the NGO, and she secretly hoped that this beautiful friendship turned to something more meaningful. Arnav... and Khushi... the girl she had yet to meet, yet seemed like she had known her forever. Ajay could not stop talking about her and it seemed that Arnav could not stop thinking about her either. Would the girl bring back the happiness into the lives of the most important men in her life? Would she fill the void, left behind by her daughter? Devyani sent a secret prayer to her Devi Maiyya, praying for their happiness.

x-------------------------------------------------x

Mesmerizing, stunning, gorgeous, striking, beautiful, innocent, enchanting, pure... all the adjectives seemed to have culminated into one, as Arnav saw Khushi entering his home. The Guptas were welcomed warmly into their home, with Ajay and Devyani, engulfing the duo wholeheartedly. Arnav courteously greeted them, as his eyes kept flitting back to Khushi every now and then. She looked spectacular in a gorgeous blue salwar khameez. It was the first time he had seen her in traditional wear and if this is how she managed to knock him out, he would gladly change the dress code at work.

Giving himself a good shake, he followed the entire gang into the living room and made sure everyone was comfortably seated. After the initial pleasantries, he heard his nani say, "Khushi bitiya, it is so good to finally meet you. I have been hearing such lovely things about you, that I have been literally pestering Ajay for the last two months to invite you'll over. But it was Arnav who finally managed to get you all to come home." Ajay frowned and made a face while Arnav smirked at his nani's words.

"Thank you nani... is it ok if I call you nani?" Khushi asked sweetly. Devyani nodded as Khushi continued, "Actually my grandparents from both sides, passed away when I was extremely young. So you are as close to a grandmother, I could ever have. I have never experienced the love of a grandmom." Looking at Arnav she teased, "So Arnav, I am going to share your nani from now onwards." Arnav looked at his nani, who was running her wrinkled hand lovingly over Khushi's head and smiled at how perfect the picture made.

Clearing his throat, he said without thinking, "You can share my nani only if you will share your mom with me, Khushi." The room fell into complete silence, as Devyani's eyes teared up. The hearts of the others assembled in the room, went out to the child who craved for a mother's love without voicing it out often. It was Garima who said earnestly, "I always wanted a son Arnav. But with Khushi in our lives, she literally drove us crazy with her antics. So we could not manage another baby and now I know why... I was destined to be blessed with a beautiful son like you."

Saying that, she got up from her seat and kissed Arnav's forehead. The entire atmosphere in the hall had turned emotional and to dissipate it into something livelier, Khushi said melodramatically, "I am famished... I think I might just faint. Am I going to get any food around here?" That comment broke through the air of gloom that had settled around them, as Devyani instructed the help, to set the table for lunch.

The lunch itself was a grand affair, as Khushi could not help gushing about the delicious food nani had cooked. She was an instant fan of her cooking and Arnav could only look at Khushi endearingly. It was so nice to see her at ease in his home, amidst his family. He had unnecessarily worried himself with tension about how this lunch meet was going to work out. To his relief the Raizadas and Guptas had comfortably settled into easy conversations.

It was after the scrumptious lunch, that everyone once again settled in the living room. Looking at her grandson eye Khushi sneakily, Devyani said, "Arnav, why don't you show Khushi your room? I am sure you children must be getting bored with us oldies. Show her your music collection, or all your old photo albums." Arnav jumped out of his seat at this superb opportunity and without worrying about what everyone would think, held Khushi's hand and pulled her along with him towards his room... his private sanctuary... a place where only a special few were privileged enough to visit.

Part 11