Arhi SS : Chemistry #2 [ Completed : IMP NOTE : Pg 148 : 7/3 ] - Page 32

Arhi SS : Chemistry - Part 13

Khushi looked over at herself in the mirror, straightening the almost negligible creases on her deep blue dress. "You look beautiful beta. Although I still think you should have worn a saree," Garima commented, admiring her daughter just like any mother would. Khushi chuckled and turned around to face her mother and was stunned by her beauty. "Look at you maa... my gosh! You look stunning. I love this saree, you know. And it is special to me because dad gifted it to you on my birthday," she said genuinely. Garima blushed and Khushi continued talking, while looping the huge diamond studs into her ears, "And maa... this is a corporate event. We are launching RG Enterprise. I am not getting married."

Garima walked to Khushi and helped her in tying the hair in a crisp bun. She said endearingly, "Khushi, I wish you were actually getting married. It seems like I have been waiting for that day, forever. It will give me a chance to pamper you and my son-in-law." Khushi blushed at her mother's words, which did not go unnoticed by Garima. Hope filled her heart as she teased her daughter, "Well till then I will have to do with pampering you and Arnav." Khushi looked at her in shock. Garima quickly turned away, picking up the scattered pile of clothes and shoes. Khushi stuttered, "...Aaa... Arnav?" Garima hid her smile and replied, "Yes, Arnav. Wasn't it you who allowed him to share my love? So right now it's just the two of you... but soon I want to shower my love on your husband as well. So once all this tamasha of RGE launch is over, I am going to ask your father to start looking for a nice boy for you."

Khushi whined, "Mom please. I am already tensed about this whole conference and media meet-and-greet session. NK is also going to be around so I am sure; the media is going to dig up old graves. There is too much on my mind right now. Don't bother me with all this marriage drama! I will complain to dad and then don't blame me if he goes on a cribbing spree for the next two days." Garima laughed and asked her daughter, "Are you emotionally blackmailing me, Khushi? Since when did you start behaving like your father? You both have always ganged up against me, so I will let this topic go for today. But soon we will have to find you your rajkumar, na gudiya?" Khushi looked at her mother, whose eyes had teared up, even thinking of the separation that was sadly inevitable, yet probably the happiest moment of a parent's life.

"What is this maa... you are crying on such an important day of my life? Now come on cheer up and see if dad is ready? We have to leave in ten minutes. I will be out in just about a bit," Khushi said, deviating the topic from dangerous territories. She wondered how her mother would react when she would come to know about Arnav and her. Garima nodded silently and walked out, to look for her beloved husband. Khushi took a deep breath, gulping down the overwhelming emotions, bubbling within her. Finally the day of the launch had arrived, for which they had been working so hard. Everything seemed to be perfect, yet she could not brush off the unease she felt in this moment.

As if Arnav had sensed her discomfort, her phone beeped, indicating an incoming message. She knew who it was even before she checked her phone. "Hey Gabbar. I hope you are on your way. I am already waiting for you at the venue. Don't make me wait. - Thakur." This small message, made her smile. The knowledge that he would be there to take care, if anything ever goes wrong, made her relax a little. Putting on some light makeup, she glanced over her reflection in the mirror. Rushing through her room, she called for her parents and made sure they were settled in their car within the next five minutes. It would take them about forty minutes to reach the venue, and she could not wait to see her rajkumar... like her mother had said.

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They reached the Bandra Trident Hotel, where the conference was supposed to be held. Arnav had tipped her to enter from the back entrance, securing that way for the entire Gupta family. She was surprised to see Akash waiting for them at the gate, as he moved towards her quickly and said, "The media has gone berserk and bro did not want you all to suffer at their hands so soon. I have been waiting for you'll here like a watchman, on strict orders from Sir Arnav Singh Raizada." The Guptas chuckled and Khushi smiled at him brightly. Moving closer to her, Akash whispered, so that only she could hear his next words. "Khud-khushi... you are dressed to kill today. I think your name of "suicide", will have to be gifted to my poor brother today... who will have to go through the torture of keeping his hands off you!"

Khushi gasped at his audacity and replied, "Mr. Akash... you better not trouble my Arnav too much, because I know a secret too." Her eyes twinkled with mischief, as Akash looked at her confused. She continued straight-facedly, so that no one was privy to the kind of conversation they were having. "Well, I have a friend who is named after a piece of jewellery and she was telling me about dating a weirdly funny guy... who seems to have even weirder names for people around him." She saw a glimpse of hesitation flit across his face, at the mention of piece of jewellery and she knew she had nailed another Malik. However, he was the brother of ASR, who would not give up his defenses this easily. She had to spell it out to him and she did.

"Well, Payal Sharma and me went for Zumba classes together and I bumped into her a week ago. Guess what she told me... and whom she is dating..." she left her sentence incomplete as Akash ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "F**k! Don't tell anyone Khud-khushi... If nani comes to know she will tell mom about us and mom will create a ruckus. Payal is half Catholic Khushi, and I will have to prepare mom slowly and steadily to accept Payal into our family. I have already introduced her to mom and she seems to have taken a liking for her. Please please please don't tell anyone about this... not even bro! He has been desperately trying to find my weak point and he will not leave this opportunity. Infact I have invited Payal to the after party as well," Akash ranted... his words tumbling out of his mouth in a rush to hide one of his precious secrets.

Khushi felt bad for the poor guy, but also knew how much he troubled Arnav. Her loyalty remained with the man who had her heart, as she said sternly, "Fine then. I will not open my mouth about this. It is a secret between you and me. However, in return you have to promise me that you will not tease or torment Arnav... especially in front of our families. The moment I see you troubling my boyfriend, I will twist you ear and tell Arnav everything about your Payalia... you get it?" She laughed looking at the shocked expression on his face as he mumbled, "You are ruthless... just like my brother. Made for each other!!" He mock saluted her to accept the terms of her deal and put an arm around her shoulder to take her into the conference hall.

Khushi took in the beautiful decorations of the place. Thee workers were still at work, arranging the seating and adding finishing touches. Arnav had taken complete charge of getting things arranged and conveniently kept her out of it. She was thankful to him for the gesture, as the piling amount of work in office was taking a toll on her health. She needed a good break and had already discussed about going for an outing on the upcoming weekend. She wanted to spend some time with him... alone... so they could get closer than they already were. The need to be with him at all times, was soon turning into her obsession and she was simply glad that he shared her feelings as well. As if on cue, her eyes landed on the man, who either made her heartbeats escalate or make it stop completely. Her heart leaped in joy, taking in his appearance.

Even though they had decided to match colours, and this was not the first time that they had chosen blue... Khushi could not stop herself from admiring the man in crisp blue tux. He looked ready for the after-party, more than the formal conference. She knew how much he enjoyed socializing more than addressing the media. Boring lectures and yawn-worthy speeches turned him off. But she also knew what turned him on. His eyes feasted on her entire being, taking in her hair, her tight-fitting dress, to her never-ending shapely legs. His eyes flitted back to her face and dipped a little lower, staring at the low-cut neck. Khushi flushed at the brazenness in his intense gaze and had completely lost semblance that Akash was still talking to her.

Akash shook her by the shoulder and said, "Well, I guess my time with you is up, my lady. Your hero is here and is already shooting daggers at me for holding you like this. Gosh! I didn't know Arnav could be so jealous. Anyways, go to him now and please don't tell him anything about Payal. I myself will tell him in a couple of weeks. Pakka promise, khud-khushi." Khushi giggled, as he kissed her cheek softly and pushed her in Arnav's direction. She hadn't realized that he had almost made his way towards her by then as she immediately bumped into his sturdy form.

"Hi," he whispered huskily. She blushed and replied, "Hi." He took a step back, looking around at their families, who were busy in their conversations and muttered grumpily, "Are you trying to kill me, Gabbar? With you looking so delicious all night, how am I supposed to keep my hands off you? I don't think I can take this distance any more Khushi... it is unbearable. After this conference is over, I am going to whisk you away from everyone and don't blame me if it puts you in a tight sport." Khushi laughed and replied with equal honesty, "Take me wherever and whenever you want."

Arnav gasped at the innuendo in her words and she lowered her lashes shyly. She heard him curse softly, cribbing about the crowd and the launch. She felt his hand slid around her waist, as he conveniently steered her through the crowd, towards their family. Shashi and Garima greeted Arnav warmly, while Devyani pulled Khushi into an embrace. She kissed her forehead and made a gesture, as if warding off the evil eye. Khushi smiled at her warmly, while Arnav rolled his eyes at the drama these women created. Soon the hall was filling up with business associates, which kept each and every member of the Raizada and Gupta family, extremely busy. Through the conversations and crowd, Arnav and Khushi made sure to keep looking at each other... every glimpse showing such desperate longing. Khushi kept on blushing, his intense gaze unnerving her, making her anticipate their union in true sense.

The conference began with a loud applause. The media stuck to their positions, as Devyani Raizada unveiled the new logo design and TV commercial for RE Enterprise. After a brief speech by Shashi Gupta and Ajay Raizada, Khushi and Arnav took over, playing their part exceptionally well. The constant badgering from the media followed and the entire clan of Raizadas and Guptas stood together like a strong fortress. They snubbed reporters who tried to probe on personal questions and responded like a team, defending anything that seemed to be of doubt. Soon, the businessmen and media were ushered to the restaurant for refreshments, while the banquet hall was being transformed for a private party.

"Uncle, aunty, dad and nani, all four of you'll please go up and relax for an hour, before our relatives and friends start pouring in. I have three suits booked in the hotel so that you all can rest," Arnav said to the entire group, surprising Khushi at the level of planning he had done. Akash volunteered to take the elders up to their rooms as Arnav handed over the keys. As soon as they were gone, both Arnav and Khushi, were dragged into various tasks and arrangements that needed to be done before the celebration began. The absence of corporate clients and the media, had relaxed them a bit and Khushi felt Arnav touch her often... sometimes holding her hand, at other times placing his hand on the small of her back. Even this slightest touch sent tingles down her spine and she could not help but feel the frustration creeping up... she wanted to be alone with him dammit!

Soon the guests had started streaming in and were conveniently divided in two sections. The older generation, decided to settle down at one corner while the younger generation hit the bar. Arnav and Khushi were dragged from one group to the other, constantly smiling and getting introduced to new acquaintances. Sheetal had come along with Rick, much to Khushi's happiness because that meant that she would stay away from her Arnav. Whereas on the other hand, she had sensed Arnav's restlessness, seeing NK walking in with Lavanya. Even the simple hug she shared with NK had him burning holes in her back and she could only smile back at him, for his adorableness. Soon the party had pumped up, with one corner turning into a mini dance floor. The DJ had conveniently changed instrumental tracks to club numbers as their friends had begun to sway to the hypnotizing beats. The lights had dimmed and the elderly, made their way to the restaurant for dining.

Khushi watched Sheetal dance with her date and NK dancing with Lavanya. She looked over at Arnav, who seemed to be engrossed in some conversation with his friends. She sighed in resignation, frustrated that she would have to wait for some more time, to spend some time with the man of the day. She felt a tug on her wrist and was shocked to see, NK dragging her to the dance floor. It felt like old times, while they studied in Oxford. They would party on weekends at the best discotheques in the city, enjoying the adrenaline pumping through them, at the loud thumping music. She looked at Lavanya, who seemed to be least affected seeing NK dancing with her. That relaxed Khushi a bit and she let loose all her appreciations. Laughing at the nonsensical steps that NK seemed to be doing, she swayed to the rhythm, loving the freedom and happiness she felt within.

"Can I dance with the lady?" a husky whisper teased her ears, as she felt Arnav slide his hand possessively over her quivering stomach. Her breath came in short spurts, due to such active dancing regime. "Sure," NK replied, smoothly moving back to his wife to gather her in his arms. Khushi felt Arnav moving around to face her. His eyes boring into hers, scaring her with the desire that burned in those brown orbs. He pulled her flush to himself, running his hands over her curves, touching her intimately, branding her and making sure that everyone watching knew that she was taken. "Mine," he whispered into her ear, his warm breath sending a delicious shiver down her spine. Swaying their body to the tripping music, he dropped butterfly kisses across her soft cheek.

"Arnav," she managed to croak, losing herself in his arms. It seemed like ages ago, since she had been like this... right where she wanted to be forever. He kissed the corner of her lips and pulled her closer, his strong muscular body, moving tantalizingly against hers. The friction was explosive and she had to put in efforts to clear the passionate haze he had engulfed her in. "Arnav... people can see us. What will they think?" she managed to whisper. Arnav pecked her lips once, twice and then again before replying, "Now that the launch is over... I don't see any reason to hide our relationship anymore Gabbar. I don't care what people think. I only know that I have missed you... missed kissing and holding you so much."

His words melted her insides, turning them into a puddle of mush. The debonair, most eligible bachelor, the delicious Arnav Singh Raizada, was hers to claim and instead of feeling proud, all she felt was giddy with happiness. "Relax Gabbar. I have made sure that we are dancing in a secluded corner, far away from the prying eyes of our families. Even I do not want them to know about us this way. So you don't worry, okay sweetheart?" he said so sweetly, that she could only nod in response. He moved away from her and said, "Come... lets get some food into your system. You haven't eaten a proper meal in ages Khushi and I hate it when you do that. I know how much you love to eat. Lets join our families for a quick dinner so that we can wind up this party soon and get some much needed rest."

The thought of food made her hungrier as she said, "I am starved, now that you reminded me of food. Lets go." Arnav chuckled at her enthusiasm, as she made way through the dancing groups to head towards the restaurant. She was looking back to see if Arnav was following her, when a waiter crashed into her, spilling water on her gorgeous dress. He apologized immediately and Arnav had rushed to assist her. "Khushi, lets go up to the suite. You can freshen up there, or even better change into something more comfortable. I think Garima aunty had carried a couple of your other dresses. I heard her telling you to change after the press-con," Arnav suggested.

Dabbing at her dress, she shook her head and replied, "No Arnav. You go ahead to the dinner table. I will go, freshen up and join you shortly. It would look bad if people notice both of us missing." He reluctantly agreed to her idea, not wanting to part with her even for a moment. She gave him a dazzling smile and rushed towards the elevators, leading upto their private suites. The door opened to the fourth floor, as Khushi failed to notice the eerily silent surroundings... her mind happily fuzzy with her recent encounters with Arnav.

It was only when she had swiped the access key, did she notice a dark shadow looming right behind her. Before she could act on the thought, her scream was muffled with a powerful hand. She felt herself being pushed into the room... the panic making her flail her arms, grabbing onto something for support from this assault. Her hands were soon being held into a vice-like grip, her struggle going in vain against the strength of her enemy. She registered the cold grey eyes that belonged to none other than Shyam Jha, and a dread took over her senses... making everything else go blank.

Part 14