Arhi SS : Chemistry #2 [ Completed : IMP NOTE : Pg 148 : 7/3 ] - Page 54

Arhi SS : Chemistry - Part 15

The thumping music in the confines of the car soothed Khushi's frazzled nerves. The rapidly changing landscape, the vast pastures of green alongside the smooth road of the expressway, made Khushi realize that she felt much lighter than what she had been feeling all week. Cooped up into her room since that devastating incidence, had only made her relive the trauma over and over again, in turn spoiling her mental frame of mind. The sky was gratefully clouded, as Khushi relaxed into her seat, letting the exhaustion of the week take over her body. She closed her eyes, listening to one of her favourite songs, softly humming to the tune, enjoying the comfort that only Arnav's company could provide.

The thought of her boyfriend, suddenly plummeted her mood. Guilt overtook her thoughts at how she had brutally pushed him away from her. She knew it had been wrong and it was her who was suffering the most at the lack of his warmth. However, as her mind drifted back to the suite, where he had hugged her to himself... the moment he had unintentionally brushed his hands against a fresh bruise, she had jerked and pushed him away. She had felt dirty and his touch even though warmer and soothing, had made her relive those tormenting moments spent in the room, desperately fighting against that forceful Shyam.

In the days that followed, she had tried to rationalize her thoughts, convincing herself that Arnav was not Shyam... he could never be Shyam. However, each time he had tried to reach her, she had closed herself into a shell, avoiding opening up to him. Infact she hadn't even spoken to her father properly. It was only Garima and Sheetal, who she talked to, or broke down into their arms, simply thinking of what could have happened, had Sheetal not followed her.

Khushi opened her eyes and turned sideways to look at Arnav. To her surprise, he was looking right at her. His gaze was penetrating, making her hesitate at this impending conversation that they needed to have. She could see the ache in his eyes and the way he was wistfully looking at her. Avoiding to talk, while driving she said, "Look ahead Arnav... the road is right in front of you. If you don't return me back to my glass tower in one piece, my father will burn you alive." It was after days that she had joked about something, and she was rewarded by his rich husky laughter. He looked so beautiful when he laughed so carefreely. How she had missed him!!

"You don't have to worry about me, Gabbar. I can multitask... unlike you," he teased. She could only "Hawww..." at his comment and whacked him on the arm. This slight touch visibly shook him, and she realized the damage she had done in the last few days by pushing him away. She looked at him carefully, observing his disheveled hair... unlike the usually gelled look. There were dark spots under his eyes, easily telling a story of the restless nights he had spent worrying about her. Guilt like never before, overtook her heart and mind, wanting desperately to wipe off all the worry from his face. He deserved better and she was going to try to open up her fears... try to give him a glimpse of her inner turmoil... for them.

She noticed that he had taken a detour at Lonavla, and now they seemed to be whizzing past a comparatively deserted road. She could not help feeling anxious as she asked, "Where are we going, Arnav?" He looked into her eyes and asked, "Do you trust me?" She hesitated for a bit and then the moments she had spent with him in the last few months, flooded her mind. Their initial friction, the gradual friendship, their conversations, their laughter, their sizzling chemistry, their mutual attraction, those passionate kisses, those searing touches, the deep desire flaming Arnav's eyes, the pride and something akin to love shining brightly in them... just about everything played like a movie. As realization dawned on her... there was only one answer to his question, which she managed to croak through her choked emotions... "Yes."

Nothing more was said in the car, the soft music, filling in for the silence of their hearts. Both of them knew that soon they would have to talk... would have to hear each other out and break this uncomfortable, awkward situation they were in. Khushi definitely didn't want to live her life this way... in fear and trauma... letting that vile man take over her beautiful life and let him succeed in his plans. She noticed that Arnav had slowed down the vehicle in a small driveway and soon they were smoothly parked, right outside a huge villa... the name of which was shining in bright bold letters at the front gate... "Shantivan."

Arnav got out of the car and quickly sprinted to her side, helping her out of it. He forwarded his hand and she placed her hand in his without a second thought. She realized that, nothing... absolutely nothing could change what was between them. And that thought made her relax into his form, as he put an arm around her shoulder, taking her inside the beautiful villa. He unlocked the door with his set of keys and she was warmly welcomed into a gorgeously done up living room. Arnav switched on the lights and opened the curtains, letting bright light filter through the windows. He turned around to face her and said brightly, "Welcome to Shantivan, Khushi. This is our home, away from home. Infact it was one of the first properties I bought, after I took over the business from dad. This was like my first gift to myself."

She looked around the grand hall, aesthetically decorated, much to the taste of Arnav and said, "Its beautiful." He walked over to her and pulled her in a hug. As the initial shock subsided, she melted into the warmth of his arms. They were so strong and comforting that she knew she was safe, wrapped within them. After fighting with her own mind, through these horrendous days, she let her heart feel and decide what felt right. Pulling out of the hug, Arnav cupped her face and urged her to meet his eyes. "Let me show you around Gabbar... it's a beautiful villa and I come here often to let off all the steam and frustration that the hectic work builds up," saying that, he dragged her along with him towards the innermost area, which was a well-maintained, open-air swimming pool. She gasped at the sheer beauty of the place, at how beautifully decorated the garden was, that ran alongside the pool.

"How is it so well maintained, Arnav? This looks spotless clean. Look at the pool... its so freaking tempting for a nice dip," she said excitedly and was awarded with one of Arnav's heart-melting smiles. "There is a local family that lives close-by, so I make sure that this villa is cleaned every Friday, before the weekend... which is most likely the time of our visits. However for today maam, they have been working very hard all night, making sure everything is perfect, when you arrive. How can I bring you to a place that is anything but flawless... just like you?" he teased, yet Khushi realized the honesty behind his words.

Taking her hand he dragged her back into the living area and showed her, the guest bedrooms, which faced the beautiful rose garden. Then they walked towards the opposite end, where stood the huge master bedroom, facing the shimmering blue water of the pool. Khushi noticed that this room was exactly done up like his bedroom at home, except that it consisted of only black and whites. It seemed like a board of chess, with beautiful white sofa in a corner and a plush bed encased in black satin sheets. She looked at him in question only to be stunned at his piercing gaze directed at her. He had been looking at her for how long, she didn't know. Yet her appreciation meant something to him and she knew what she had to ask. "Why the lack of colours in this room, Arnav?"

She saw his eyes flit between her face and the bed, a fire of desire simmered in his eyes, which she knew he was trying hard to douse. "I will tell you all about it Gabbar... in time. For now lets put your grumbling stomach to rest," he teased, the earlier yearning now turning playful. She was surprised he had noticed the grumbling in her stomach and voiced out, "You noticed?" He walked towards her, holding both of her hands in his and whispered, "I notice everything about you, Gabbar... including the part where you have avoided calling me Thakur since the launch." Her heart broke at hearing the pain in his voice and she reached out to him, hugging him to herself. Everything about him... his gestures, his words, were crumbling the defenses around her fragile heart... making it beat to the rhythm of his heartbeats. Was that even possible?

Breaking from the hug he held her shoulders firmly and said honestly, "Don't push me too much, Gabbar... I am already on my nerves ends with you alone in this bedroom with me. It's been a fantasy for far too long and I would not jeopardize our relationship due to my ranging hormones. So before I could do something stupid, lets get out of her and enjoy the meal, I have gotten especially prepared for you." She could not help but giggle at his cuteness and looped her arm into his, walking besides him towards the huge kitchen that made her gasp in delight.

"Do you know, this is like a dream kitchen to any woman who loves to cook? My mom would totally go crazy, if she got an opportunity to cook around here. I am sure she would feed us to our death," Khushi blabbered, as Arnav pulled out dishes after dishes from the fridge, casually heating them up in the microwave. It was such domesticity that made him smile as he replied, "Then, we definitely have to plan a trip with both our families some weekend. I would love to be pampered by aunty and her delicious cooking. Not that I mind getting pampered by her beautiful daughter either." Khushi swatted his arm, as she moved about the dining table, setting up the plates.

She saw an entire buffet being laid out within minutes, from lasagna to pasta, cheese fritters to jalapeno poppers. Her mouth watered at the scrumptious sight, breakfast was long forgotten. "Who prepared all of this? It looks so exotic," she asked in awe. "Well the family that takes care of this house, the daughter of that house is also a chef in Hotel Fariyaz, in Lonavla. I had asked a friend a favor a few years back, to hire and train her. She is now one of their head chefs, even without a formal training and today she just managed to return a favor," Arnav answered nonchalantly, warming Khushi with infinite love for the man, whose kind heart now belonged to her. The only question was, whether she was ready to own it.

They eat contentedly; the talks between them consisted of topics at work. Arnav filled her in with the workings of the last week... the media response to their merger and the surge in the market value of their company shares. Khushi realized how much she had missed work and the huge amount of success that had followed the launch. It had taken a lot of hard work and crazy working hours from them both, to reach this junction of success and it thrilled her to know, that this was merely the beginning. She did not recollect the last time she had enjoyed such a meal. She felt stuffed to the point of bursting, yet, when Arnav came around with a bowlful of mango souffle, she just could not manage to refuse.

Satisfied and satiated, they sat on the sofa, silently enjoying an old movie playing on the TV. Arnav draped his arm over her shoulder and she let him pull herself into his arms. Resting her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes in contentment, she sighed. Why had she pushed him away? Why had she ever distanced herself from him? She needed him, more so now than ever. Then why had his touch disgusted her in that suite room? The flashes of that day filled her mind once again, making her shiver in fear. She knew it was time to tell Arnav everything she felt. She needed that outlet to vent out her fears... her frustrations and anger.

He must have felt her tremble, as he urged her to look at him. This time, without any guard, she looked into his worried eyes, showing him the raw agony she was feeling. His harsh intake of breath told her that he felt her pain, and just in that moment, Khushi crumbled into his arms, her sobs uncontrollable... everything that had been bottled up in her heart... her mind... her soul... seemed to be set free, by the soothing words he mumbled into her ears. The more he comforted her, the more she wailed, and was completely unaware to how tightly he was holding her. She clutched his shirt, clinging onto him, letting him know of the pain she felt. She knew her tears were breaking him... but it was the only way to heal her broken heart.

After a long long time, she relaxed, her sobs now turning to light hiccups soothed by his hands running over her back, through her unruly hair... wiping away the traces of tears. She looked at him through misty eyes and mumbled, "I am sorry... I just..." He swiftly put a finger on her lips to silence her, shook his head in denial and whispered hoarsely, "Don't apologize, Khushi. You have no idea what you have just given me. The right to hold and comfort you in your time of distress is even more intimate than the kisses we have ever shared. I have been frustrated through this entire week, knowing how troubled you were and not being there besides you... almost broke me."

She leaned into him, cupping his face in her trembling hands and pressed her lips softly to his... a silent apology from on heart to another. "I was scared Arnav... so scared. I tried to fight... I tried to push him off me. All I could see was the room moving about as he flung me around. I kicked him hard, where it would hurt the most and managed to sprint towards the door... but then he caught my leg and pulled me down... I swear Arnav, it was the most sickening feeling I have ever felt..." she said in one breath, letting the memories flow out of her mouth... out of her mind.

She felt his hands fisting at her back, controlling the urge to break something and she could relate to his fury easily. That is what she had felt. She was simply glad that he did not interrupt, as she continued, "I felt angry Arnav... so weak and angry at not being able to defend myself. He forced himself on me... he tried to kiss me and when I fought him... he bit me on the neck... I was so disgusted!!" Her anger had now once again turned to distress, reliving those horrific moments. She heard him swear loudly, as he pulled her onto his lap. "It might have been just five minutes... but they felt like a lifetime to me... I... I... was terrified," she choked on her tears and he slanted his mouth over hers to stop her from crying.

The kiss was so gentle and soothing, that her entire body shook with need for him... need like she had never felt before. His lips moved over hers, urging her, coaxing her to open up to him... give herself to him... and she did because there was never a choice since the time they had met. This was the eventuality they had been drifting towards... a destination that belonged solely to them... as one whole instead of two. Dragging his lips from hers, he dropped moist kisses across her jaw, mumbling, "Just feel me Khushi... feel your Arnav... around you..." She shivered at the tenderness of his touch, his drugging kisses, igniting a fire deep in the pit of her stomach. She felt him kiss the tender spot on her neck that she had felt like a brutal scar, every time she looked at herself in the mirror. However, now she could feel only his tenderness, his searing touch and the tiny licks of his delicious tongue.

"I love you so much, Khushi..." "Make love to me, Arnav..." was said together... two distinctly different statements, yet it felt like they meant the same. She looked into his eyes, rejoicing in his declaration of love. Whereas, his eyes darkened at her silent plea. She knew he was unsure of what she was asking for and was wondering if it was due to her emotional upheaval. However, this incident had changed her perspective in life... she had realized what Arnav meant to her... all she could think of in those horrible moments was for Arnav to come and save her... and she still wanted him to save her from those memories. She wanted to be his... body and soul. She wanted to feel his touch, his warmth... she wanted him to fill her up to such an extent that no other thought made its way into her mind. And she told him just that.

He lifted her in his arms and made his way towards the master bedroom... the black satin sheets beckoning them. She wondered if this was a part of his fantasy and asked him. He placed her on the bed gently and hovered over her said, "Let me show you my fantasy, Gabbar... instead of telling you all about it." She blushed at his words, such a contrast to her bold demand from earlier. He brushed her cheeks with his fingers, the pink blush spreading over her neck. He looked so boyishly handsome, his silken hair free of the usually stiff gel. She ran her fingers through them, feeling its texture against her nimble fingers. Her hand trailed over his sharp nose, down to his lips, feeling its shape, which always left her craving for more.

He groaned and swooped in to kiss her with an urgent desperation. She lifted off the bed, trying to get as close to him as possible. His fingers moved under her top, searing her skin with his touch. She moved her hands under his shirt, clutching at his back for support. She felt like she was drowning in an ocean of passion... that is what Arnav meant eventually. He moved away and pulled off his intruding shirt in a swift move. She could not keep her eyes of his body, as his muscles rippled with the movement. He looked smoking hot... deliciously tempting. She licked her dry lips, her innocent gesture so seductive, that it could unman him. He reached out to hold her hand and guided it to his stomach... "Touch me," he pleaded and she did.

Touching his warm hard skin felt so good. She felt excited as she saw him shudder in pleasure. He bent lower, his lips now brushing against hers and whispered, "Now your turn, sweetheart." The endearment added to the anxiousness of showing herself to him. Doubt reared its ugly head, as she felt his fingers gently lift the ends of her top. She hesitated and he must have felt it, as he halted his movements. Looking deep into her eyes, he asked "Are you sure you want this Khushi... because I have no intention of forcing you with something you will regret later." His honest words were her undoing, as she felt confidence and love, surge through her body.

Reaching for the end of her top, she lifted it off her body, showing herself to him with a pride, that only a woman who was sure of her lover could. She exulted as his eyes drank her in, his hands following the touch of his eyes, trailing against her warm skin. He kissed her lingeringly; slow sensual dancing of their tongues, driving her insane with need. His lips trailed along the column of her slender neck, dipping lover still. His hands rose from touching the flat planes of her stomach, molding to her curves, rising to palm her soft breasts. The touch jolted her every pore in the body, the electrifying connection surprising her. How had she ever thought that a friendship in marriage would be sufficient? This was something at a different level... the chemistry between them, threatening to consume them in the passionately flickering flames.

Soon they were divested off all their clothes, which lay scattered across the room. Khushi was disconnected with everything around, her heart, her body, her soul... attuned to the one man who loved her... He had said he loved her and she had been so consumed with the need to be his, that she had failed to respond to his words of love. Trying to make amends in her own way, she reached out to him, kissing him with such intense hunger, that he shook in her arms. "I need you... now," he breathed into the crook of her neck, making her shudder in response.

His body fused with hers, filling her to the hilt, overwhelming her with his kisses, his touch... his every breath. She closed her eyes, as the initial discomfort ebbed away, leaving her with a desperate need so strong that she clung onto him as an anchor against these crashing waves of pleasure. He moved over her, relentlessly propelling them to a destination of no return. All she felt was Arnav around her... his soul joined to hers in a way, that it would be impossible to tear them apart. His thrusts became frenzied as she lost all of herself into the arms of the man she loved. His name came out as a shriek from her mouth, "Arnav..." that followed with a grunt from him.

Khushi felt like she was floating in the air, her body still reverberating in the aftermath of this passionate daze. He slowly lifted off her and lay on his back, his arms encircling her and pulling her against his slick body. Their breathing regulated, as she felt her eyes drooping with fatigue. Despite the drowsiness of her body, she felt alive within, as if someone had ignited a fire that warmed her insides. She reached out to touch the man who had emptied all her sorrows and insecurities, filling her up with happiness and overwhelming love. With great effort she managed to mouth the four words, that made sure to keep the man holding her awake, while she slept. "I love you, Arnav..."

Part 16