#2 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 46

Limerence : Part 12

The entire building of AR Designs was bustling with energy. The owners were back at their respective desks, immersed in neck-deep work. There were pending mails to be replied to, files to be read, contracts and cheques to be signed. Arnav sighed in frustration as Akash's absence was felt terribly. His shy cousin was an efficient taskmaster and he had a great knack to handle clients and fabricators... silently making them agree to almost all of ARD's demands. There were another ten days for his return from his honeymoon and about a month left for their most important fashion show of the year. Arnav needed him right now like never before, wanting to draw strength from people he could trust blindly.

His thoughts drifted to the happy face of Khushi. He had bumped into her earlier in the morning, while walking into ARD. She looked so fresh and ecstatic... after all, a five-minute walk from home to work would make anyone happy. But then, her smile was the sole reason for the contentment he felt lately. He knew that he still needed to have a conversation with her regarding the current arrangements, at work and at home. Making a mental note to add this important meeting to his joblist for the day, Arnav called Aman into his cabin to discuss the new RK Group takeover. It was something he had his entire energies focused on in the moment... much more than the upcoming fashion show.

Khushi on the other hand was immersed in helping out the embroideries and stitches team, guiding them through the pile of work that had accumulated in her absence. NK had requested Neena, to let Khushi work in his department for a couple of days, before heading back to the design team. There was a certain sense of excitement in the entire group for their upcoming fashion show. A lot of gossip and discussions were floating around... about what the venue would be... what the name of the show would be... and whose design would finally be selected as the showstopper. Khushi calmly ignored these discussions, focusing on her work, knowing well that soon enough NK, Payal or Arnav would tell her the details. It was a weird feeling, to have such close friends at work, especially who were her bosses, whom she could trust blindly and who were there for her when she needed them the most. It was a new emotion for her... need...

By evening Khushi was extremely exhausted and her brain had shut down for the day. Conceptualizing forms, discussing fabrics and threads and styles of work was a draining process. Plus her courses had begun this weekend and she already had to work on a new project. Things were changing so rapidly that it seemed almost impossible to pause and let things seep in. She walked in a daze, out of the ARD premises, happy to reach home in a few minutes. Her stomach grumbled, and she sighed thinking about the last time she had had something. Had she even had her lunch? Everything seemed muddled in her fuzzy head.

"Hey Khushi..." she heard the deep voice of the man she had missed through the weekend and all day today. She faltered in her steps as he caught upto her in few quick strides. She turned around to look at him and stood captivated by the sight in front of her. Arnav Singh Raizada looked extremely handsome in his crisp suits and impeccable attire. However, there was something boyishly delicious about him in this moment. His hair were disarrayed, as if he had run his fingers through them a million times over. His tie was loosened at the neck while he had pulled off his jacket and slung it over his shoulders carelessly. Even at the end of a day, he looked as alluring to Khushi as always. She brushed away her thoughts, a slight blush marring her pale cheeks as she replied back, "Namaste Arnavji."

"I have been wanting to speak to you all day, but the meetings just did not seem to end and you were not even around on the design floor when I called up," he frowned a bit, finally standing right in front of her, looking down at those bewitching hazel eyes. "Oh did no one tell you? I was working with my ex-team today. There has been some management problem on that floor, and a lot of pending work as well. So Nanheji requested Neenaji to lend me to him for a couple of days," she giggled, repeating the exact words NK had used for her. Arnav's frown deepened at that and he asked tersely, "Well I wasn't aware. Anyways I just wanted to know if you are comfortable in your new home and if there is anything else that you require to settle down. I hope the movers and packers helped you'll out and NK was around to overlook."

Khushi felt like laughing at the long list of questions he had for her. However, good sense prevailed seeing his grave face as she replied, "Haan, haan, haan aur haan." He visibly relaxed and gave her a small yet genuine smile. "Thank you so much Arnavji, for all the help. It is so rare for anyone to help us out that my first instinct is to always refuse. I have lived my life, struggling to do everything myself... the absence of a man in our lives, involuntarily made me the man of our house. I am so used to taking decisions that when you instructed us to move out of Laxminagar that night, I could not think clearly. I hope I did not offend you in anyway," Khushi said apologetically, thinking about her behavior in hindsight.

His smiled broadened as he shook his head in denial and whispered, "I am sorry too you know... I must have looked like a brooding, over-imposing asshole, trying to dictate over your life. But I was just so angry at what I witnessed... I could not bear a word against you or your mother... I don't know why... but I just had to get you'll out of that hell." Khushi's heart warmed at his words as tears pricked at the back of her eyes. She was not used to such kindness and for once there was someone out there to protect her, instead of judging her. However, a thought crossed her mind that he was far from the truth of her reality. He had only seen the vileness in Shyam and his friends... but was unaware to what had instigated them. If he came to know about the truth of her existence... would he judge her like the rest of the world?

"Come let me drop you home," the warmth in his voice, made those dark, cold thoughts vanish within seconds and she smiled saying, "Arnavji... it's just a five minute walk. I can manage that much on my own, you know. You don't have to spoil me!" How Arnav wished he could tell her that he wanted to spoil her... to take away all her worries and lay happiness at her feet. But then he was walking on such dangerous waters... that one wrong move and he would be drowning into a bottomless ocean of sorrow and regrets. There were too many facets in this relationship... friendship... whatever one could call it.

"I want to have a word with you, and it is already so late that I don't want to delay your going home any further. Please just get into the car and I will quickly drop you home," Arnav said softly, a request so sweet that Khushi could never refuse him. She got into the passenger seat, fastening her seatbelt as he took the wheel. He looked so powerful, confident and in command of the vehicle, that both the man and the machine looked like they were made for each other. She smiled at the thought and when he asked for the reason, she did not hold anything back. He smirked at her crazy thinking and pulled out of the car park, unaware of a pair of eyes, that had been watching the duo for a while now.

NK stood rooted in the dark shadows, looking pensively at the diminishing vehicle. He had followed Khushi out of the office, wanting to drop her home. However, when he had seen Arnav walk towards her... his steps had faltered. He had witnessed the entire conversation between the two, observing their growing comfort. In his entire lifetime, he had never seen Arnav converse with a girl, with such ease. He barely opened up to people, and had a select few girlfriends... who were around only to pretend in front of the world... NK had known the truth of these meant-for-nothing relationships. Despite his hurting heart, he could not help feeling amused and happy to see the changes in a man, who not only had been his brother, but was his best buddy... a mentor, who had inspired him as a teenager... making sure that NK did not drift apart from the values his family imbibed in them.

Smiling ruefully, NK swiftly turned towards his car, wanting to get away from ARD for a while. Even though the conversation with Arnav was pending, everything that he had been noticing lately, was crystal clear. Arnav and Khushi liked each other, and with time, this affection was only going to strengthen. This was never going to be his story... and to wash down the knot that was clogging his throat; he needed to down a few drinks. Getting into the car, he maneuvered it swiftly towards his regular hangout... where he was sure to find his friends. At Akash's wedding, they had complained about not seeing him often lately... and now looked like their wish was about to be fulfilled for good.

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"Who was that man, who proposed to you for marriage?" Arnav asked in a commanding voice, breaking the comfortable silence in the car. Khushi immediately stiffened in her seat, curbing the urge to answer back with, "That is none of your business!" She had been alone for too long, to drop her guard around anyone and Arnav noticed each and every minute expression on her face. The road was deserted and they had almost reached the apartment she was living in. He knew this question was necessary. He needed to know the man who could be a threat in future. Arnav Singh Raizada had learned the hard way, to be cautious and prepared for the enemy. It made life easier and always kept the control in his hands.

Seeing that she was not responding to his query and opening upto him, he decided to change tactics. "I don't know how much of a threat that man could be Khushi. I need to know about him. I know you are independent and you can handle things all by yourself, but it is not weakness to let your friends into your life. NK, Payal and I need to know if there is anything troubling you. You need to let us in Khushi... we can be your support system in any way that you want and we can be your strength instead. I promise we will not impose our decisions on you. I promise, the shift from Laxminagar to here was the last time I would be acting so stubborn," he joked to break through the strong walls she had built around herself.

And it worked, as Khushi relaxed into her seat and turned to face him. "Shyam Manohar Jha," she mumbled softly. It was only because of the silence in the car that Arnav could hear his name clearly. She continued as if in a trance, unaware of her companion, "He is the son of a local politician, Manohar Jha... who is extremely popular for his illegal businesses. However, he has so much clout in the system... from politicians to the police that all the residents in Laxminagar fear them. Manohar Jha is like a Don, who threatens the poor and needy, taking advantage of their circumstances to build his business empire. And Shyam is the spoilt son of such a heartless, greedy man."

While she was talking, Arnav wanted to know more... about Shyam, about her... about her life. "Since when has he been pursuing you Khushi?" She hesitated for a moment and then sighed in resignation, "It has been more than five years since he has been taunting and teasing me. He has made sure to tell the entire Laxminagar, that I am going to be his bride someday. Even though I gave no such indications or made sure to never lead him on... he..." She paused, gulping down the sob that threatened to spill out. "Hey, hey, hey... its not your fault Khushi..." Arnav rushed to comfort her, holding her hands in his own, giving her the warmth and comfort of a friend.

"Men like Shyam do not need instigation, so never feel sorry for their behavior Khushi. I am happy that you trusted me enough to tell me about him. Thank you. But will you do me a favor and tell me if ever... ever he troubles you again?" Arnav asked, desperately wanting to be there for her, in every given step. Blood pounded in his veins, at the mere thought of Shyam troubling Khushi. He felt the strong urge to wipe that man from the face of earth... but was aware that it wasn't going to be as easy. She nodded, taking in a deep breath before replying, "I promise but on one condition. Will you come up for a coffee right now? Amma has been wanting to thank you personally for everything that you have done for us."

"There is no need to thank me Khushi... really. Whatever I have done for you is as a friend. That is if you regard me as one," he teased. She was prompt enough to take advantage of this new-found friendship as she said, "Well, then it's a friends request for one coffee before you head home." Arnav shook his head at being conveniently trapped in his own web of words and severed his car into the parking space. They stood silently in the lift, both their thoughts, going back to their first meeting a few weeks ago. It was in the lift that he had seen her for the first time..., which now felt like ages ago. That is how long he felt he had known her for.

Garima was thrilled to see Arnav again and made sure to not only prepare some steaming coffee for the guest, but serve him with some snacks as well. "Thank you so much beta, for helping us to move out of Laxminagar. I know my daughter is very strong, but some things are best done, by the man of the family. We have been unfortunate to not have one and have struggled all our lives to remain strong, despite the atrocities of this society. You have come into Khushi's life like a savior and we will be forever grateful to you," Garima blessed the young man, who seemed so uncomfortable with all this adulation.

"Please don't thank me aunty. I wish NK had done this much earlier, when he had come to know about the truth of how you'll were living. Khushi is no more only an employee of ARD. She is a very special friend for me... I mean... NK and Payal. If there is anything else that I can do for you, please let me know without hesitating," Arnav said genuinely, wanting to enforce into the Gupta women's head, that there was no reason to burden the baggage of life... all alone... anymore. Garima did not miss out on how he called Khushi to be his special friend. Well, mothers generally never miss out on such clues, which give them a glimpse into their children's heart... how much ever the children try to hide the truth from them.

Garima nodded as Arnav continued, "I have another request aunty. I know you are planning to look out for a new house and move in a couple of weeks. But will it be okay if you stay here for a little longer?" Seeing the confused expressions mirroring on the mother-daughters face, Arnav felt like chuckling. Most of the employees were still unaware of what he was about to tell. However, he wanted to make sure Garima was around, to tame down Khushi's refusal. "Well, ARD is having their biggest annual fashion show in a month. Usually it takes place in Delhi. But this time we are looking for a new city as per the concept. The official announcement will happen in a few days."

Khushi looked at him confusedly, trying to understand where this conversation was heading. Why was he telling her mother about work? They had been preparing for the fashion show for a long time now and she knew about it already. What had this got to do with their accommodation? Arnav saw the clutter of thoughts mar her beautiful face. How could someone be so transparent? Devoid of any makeup... at the end of a tiring day... she looked fresh like a blooming flower. Was she herself enchanted or was she the owner of some bewitching spells? He felt so stupid to think on such lines, as he diverted his attention back to the conversation they were having. She was a complete distraction and it made him feel uneasy... the way his mind and body felt affected by her.

"Well, Khushi will be traveling with the entire design team at ARD and might be away for atleast a week," he said sincerely... pausing to let the information seep into them. He watched bemusedly as Khushi looked at her mother in astonishment, while the mother simply smiled with pride. Not one word was spoken, but permission was asked for, and granted with a mere look. What a peculiar bond they shared, he mused as his own heart pricked at the absence of such affection. "Well, I am still unsure of those thugs back at Laxminagar and if aunty has to live by herself for a week, it would be best if she remained at ARD quarters. There is complete security here and you can monitor over her wellbeing. Please Khushi... this is one last thing I am asking from you. I promise," he said, breathing out finally. There it was all said and now things remained in the hands of a very pretty Ms. Gupta.

"Arnavji is it necessary for me to travel? I have only just joined the design team and I have not been too involved in this fashion show either" she said, finding excuses like always. His reply was instant as he said, "Off course you have to come. I got a strict message from Payal last evening, to keep you involved in the fashion show till she returns and then she is going to take your charge." Khushi shook her head in resignation, knowing well that there was no getting around Payal. However, she voiced her deepest fear saying, "I have never been away from amma... not even a day. How will she stay alone?" Arnav kept silent, seeing this strong, loving bond between Khushi and her mother. He was unaware of such affection... had been devoid of this warmth and love. Here was Khushi, who could not imagine leaving her mother for even a week. Then, how had his mother been able to leave him and go... forever?

It was Garima who answered, "It is time for you to live your life on your terms Khushi. I am completely safe here. Don't let me, come in the way of your success... your dreams and future." Khushi hugged her amma and said, "You can never come in between my happiness amma. You know I love you so much. Lets see how things work out and I think what Arnavji says makes sense. I will be at peace knowing you are safe here. I don't trust Shyam. I am sure he will plan something to avenge his broken nose." She shuddered at the thought... the two women completely forgetting about the man sitting in their living room.

Arnav left their home with a heavy heart. He sadly admitted that he was jealous of Khushi... jealous of the strong relationship Khushi shared with her mother. Why was he the only unlucky one? Even his father, the one person he could call his own, was snatched away from him at a very young age. A sudden thought struck him... Khushi and her mother never spoke about her father. Had he passed away at an early age? Had she also struggled to grow up without the protection and care of her father? No wonder she was so independent and in charge of her life. His heart went out to the two women who might have had to face a mountain of troubles, living in a society that looked at women with so much callousness. He suddenly needed to feel some happiness, warmth and peace today... and he knew the only place he could find it was Shantivan... in the arms of his loving maasi... maa jaisi!

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Part 13