#2 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 57

Limerence : Part 13

"I don't think this delicate Chantilly lace is suiting this heavy fabric. I think we will have to try out something else. And Neena, why are you making Khushi work on your colour combinations? She is here to add value to our outfits, with her expertise in embroideries and the stich work. I wonder what all you have made her go through in my absence," Payal fired orders at the entire batch of designers. Despite being one amongst them, she was the senior-most and now the wife of the co-owner of ARD. Nobody had the guts to take her words lightly, even if all they wanted to do was strangle her. It was only Khushi's slight giggle that broke through the silence in the studio. Payal glared at her pointedly, but could not control the slight quirking of her lips either.

Yes, Payal Akash Mittal was back in town, from her short and romantic honeymoon. She was back a couple of days earlier than planned, knowing well that ARD needed Akash and her at this moment and now it was all about her family. Khushi had been ecstatic to have her back, getting a break for good, from Neena Mathew's dangerous claws, which had been scratching her for these past two weeks. "Khushi! You aren't supposed to laugh when I am firing them," Payal whispered, as the two girls got busy adding finishing touches to Payal's outfit, that had been finalized for the show. "Yes Mrs. Mittal, I will keep that in mind next time," Khushi replied cheekily, making Payal groan in annoyance.

When Payal had returned to AR Designs, things seemed to have changed. The way people perceived her, the way they respected her and the way they treated her was now completely different from earlier. Even though she was uncomfortable with this kind of formality, she knew it was a necessary evil in their business circuit. She had Akash's image to maintain and would do anything to make sure that work never suffered at ARD. Her perceptive eyes, had also noticed the growing distance between NK and Khushi and the increasing closeness between Arnav and her. How had this happened within a matter of few days? There was so much to think through and sort out... and so little time. With the piling chaos of deadlines, her wedding seemed to have happened ages ago.

On the other hand, Arnav seemed to be in high spirits. Things were finally looking positive on all fronts. The work on the fashion show seemed to be progressing smoothly, Akash was back to his business, reducing a tremendous burden off his shoulders and he had grown closer to Khushi in these few days. He recollected the night, when he had gone to Shantivan after meeting with Khushi's mother. He had spent a couple of hours simply being in his maasi's company, chatting to her like never before, reveling in her motherly love. NK had turned up late in the night, citing the reason of going out with some very hot date. He had seemed to be in a very happy mood and slightly drunk as well. Hearing about his date, Arnav had sighed in relief. It seemed that he had been thinking too much into NK and Khushi's relationship. They were just friends and nothing more. Atleast he hoped so.

This realization had brought about a monumental change in his attitude and behavior. He felt free... to feel, to dream, to spend more time with the woman, who had captivated his attention completely. He had spent a lot of time brainstorming with Khushi, discussing work, sharing tea or coffee, attending meetings... but the most awaited was the time when Arnav dropped her home each night. The two, sat in his car for a few quiet moments, talking about random things... about their likes, dislikes, about pranks and growing up. If he had been surprised at Khushi's inhibited naughtiness, he had been more shocked with him opening up to her. Lately he felt lightness like never before. The nightmares were getting replenished with visions of an angel, those soul-awakening hazel eyes, a smile that could light up his entire world... and that is how a damaged businessman had started dreaming like a poet.

"Sir, this file contains the details of RK Group's ventures and their individual structures. Even with most of the shares on our name, Mr. Rakesh Kapoor has been kept under the sweet misunderstanding that he is still the Chairman and the decision-taking authority. As per your instructions, we have fixed up a meeting with the board of directors on the day after our fashion show, when you can finally come face-to-face with Mr. Kapoor. And now that things are finalized at this front, can I make an announcement in the office about the venue of the fashion show? There has been quite a bit of gossip and excitement amongst the employees," Aman stated to a stoic Arnav, who seemed to be peering out of windows, taking in the cityscape silently.

With a mere nod from his boss, Aman knew that the one-sided conversation had ended and his boss wanted to be left alone. Arnav sighed, and turned around to look at the file that lay limply on the table. Finally, after a decade of patiently planning and plotting his revenge on the man who had destroyed his only family... controlling the strong urge to gun him down to respect the values imbibed in him by his father... Arnav was finally going to get justice. His heart thrilled at the thought, while his mind remained fuzzy with flashes of Rakesh spending time, playing with him in childhood.

"Arnav beta, here... this is the latest remote controlled plane I got for you from London. How do you like it?"

"I got you the best chocolates from Switzerland."

"Where would you like to go for a vacation in your term break, Arnav beta?"

"I only meant to completely destroy your good-for-nothing father and overtake the business... not kill him! Hahahahahaha!!"

The evil laughter of his once beloved, Rakesh chacha... resounded in his ears, making him turn away from glass windows and walk back to his table. Slumping onto his chair, he ran a frustrated hand through his hair, irritated by the memories of the vile man he was about to destroy. There was a knock at the door and he knew who it was even before a stunning-looking Lavanya, walked into the cabin. "Hey ASR... finally you remembered me huh? After ignoring me royally through all of Akash's wedding functions, I was surprised to read your message yesterday. So what's up?" she drawled lazily, sitting on the couch with elegance.

Arnav looked at her long shapely legs, her tight knee-length lace dress and her to-perfection make-up... but nothing stirred within him seeing his so-called girlfriend. He had known it for a while now, that it was time to re-negotiate their terms and arrangement. If there were any chance of going forward with Khushi, he would have to completely withdraw from the promise he had made to Lavanya. This was the correct time to clear a few things, before a misunderstanding ruined whatever was going right for Khushi and him. Clearing his throat, he made his way towards the couch, and settled besides an anxious Lavanya. She was a good friend, and he hoped she would understand whatever he was about to say.

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Yards of rich raw-silk, were sprawled all across her desk. A deep royal blue and an emerald green... what a stunning combination, mused Khushi. Payal had conceptualized a winner in this beautiful lehenga and Khushi had added her expertise to make this piece a dream-come-true. The colours had reminded her of a peacock feather... gentle, fragile, nimble and striking. That is how she had crafted the delicate designs on the entire bottom, forming a multitude of peacock feathers culminating to one at the top. The matt gold threadwork interspaced with heavy kundan pieces added weight to the fabric. Payal had appreciated her concepts and Arnav had been more than thrilled at the way her imagination and ideas flowed.

Khushi was lost in the bubble of her enchanting work when an enthusiastic Payal walked towards her tiny desk. "Woman, did you hear the latest news? And no... this ain't gossip anymore. I got to know it from an inside source... my pati parmeshwar offcourse!" winked an excited Payal, making Khushi giggle at her craziness. "Even if I say I am not interested, is it going to stop you from telling me?" Khushi teased. Payal ignored her jibe and continued, "Our Indian wear is going to be launched at Sheesh Mahal... you know the palace in Lucknow, which has now been converted into a hotel? Gosh... everyone is so excited. It seems like a brilliant idea to host this show in the city of nawaabs. I can already imagine the ambience and the music. I am telling you Khushi, it is going to be one rocking event!" Payal gushed and turned around to pass on the news to other designers as well... completely missing out on Khushi's tormented face.

Lucknow, a city that had destroyed her mother's dreams... the city, which had tainted and taunted them... scarring Khushi's childhood... her innocence and changed her life into a living hell! She had to now go back to that terrifying place? She shuddered at the thought, flashes of her past haunting her. The children taunting her at school, the neighbours whispering, the men snickering, the women gossiping... she had seen it all... even as a child she had understood it all. The thought of being in the same city as the man who had destroyed her mother's life, infuriated her to such extent, that tears of rage, leaked through the corner of her eyes. Everything seemed to go blank. Why did life do this to her? The moment she found some happiness, something had to happen to crumble her joy to the ground. It had been a pattern and with each passing day, gathering the shredded pieces of her life was becoming more difficult.

She could not go to Lucknow. She would not go to Lucknow. Within a fraction of a second the decision was made and there was only one person who she wanted to talk to... wanted to tell her decision... wanted to make him understand, why she feared going to that dreadful city. She rushed through the cubicles of the design team, which seemed to be bubbling with such zeal and happiness that her gloom seemed to worsen in comparison. Punching the button of the lift to the topmost floor, she tapped her feet in restlessness. Her mind was cluttered with numerous thoughts, various ways she could try to explain it to him... the need to stay away from Lucknow.

She walked in a daze to his cabin and so lost was she in her private hell, that she forgot to knock on the door. As soon as she entered his huge cabin, she was stunned to see that he was not alone. But the worst part was to see him wrapped in the long slender arms of Lavanya Kashyap... the woman he was rumored to be dating. Her eyes widened in shock and she felt utter embarrassment to have walked in on a private moment. However, the worse was the blow to her already bruised heart.

Why had she felt a sudden hollowness seeing Arnav with someone else? What had she been expecting? Why was she so shocked, despite knowing about Lavanya and Arnav's alleged affair? Her head spun with the mounting questions, while her heart shrunk into a mere tiny fragment of mass that could feel nothing at the moment... because it simply lay numb. Mumbling an incoherent apology for barging in... she whirled around and rushed through the doors, leaving behind something, which she had very preciously gathered over time... hope.

Arnav stood shocked at the happenings of the last few minutes. When Khushi had barged in, all thoughts had flown out of the window and plummeted all of the thirteen floors below him. It was only when she had turned around and walked away that something had shaken within him. He did not even recollect the moment when he had broken his hug with Lavanya. It was as if no one else existed except Khushi and him. He had seen the tear streaks on her flushed cheeks, he had witnessed the hurt in her accusing eyes and he had seen the despair deepen within those hazel orbs in mere seconds. Through this all, he had stood like a statue, experiencing a brain freeze for the first time in his life.

It took him a minute to gather his bearings as he walked towards the door, only to be stopped by Lavanya's whispered words... "She is the reason for our breakup, isn't she ASR?" He closed his eyes, wondering whether he wanted to hide his emotions or share them with someone who would understand him. The decision was made quickly, as he turned around to face Lavanya's calm face. "Yes and no," he muttered inaudibly, but Lavanya was sharp enough to catch those words. "Exactly my question ASR... yes... or... no?" she punctuated each word deliberately. He sighed in resignation and responded as swiftly as he could. His mind was focused on Khushi and her turmoil... he knew he may have to give her some time, but then that would definitely be after he was done explaining whatever she saw and understood. Did he himself understand the need to explain his actions to her?

"Yes Lavanya, it is because of her I needed to have this conversation with you. Lately I am feeling things that I have never felt before... I am experiencing a life that I had never even dreamt of. When I am with her, I tend to forget my own name... and to move forward to test whatever it is that Khushi and me share, I need to move away from my past," he said sincerely, hoping that he wasn't hurting Lavanya in any way.

He continued, without giving her a moment to respond, "But then Lav, we had to do this. If not now, then later! We are not in love with each other, neither are we in any relationship. This facade of commitment for the world to see, was correct for the situation we were in, a few years ago. However, now you have achieved your true worth and do not need the tag of being Raziada's girlfriend anymore. You deserve better Lav and so do I. I am sick of running away from my tormenting past and tired of feeling wretched. With Khushi, I have seen a glimpse of the happiness and peace... that has been out of my reach all my life." He had said enough and talking about Khushi was now making him feel worse.

"Hmmm... seems like the tides are changing huh? Khushi... nice name ASR... happiness... for the man who totally deserves it. What are you waiting for... go chase your woman. You have a lot of explaining to do," Lavanya teased and reached out to hug the man, she wished was hers. But then, stopped in her tracks, knowing it wasn't her place anymore and forwarded her hand for a formal handshake. Life had taught her the hard way that one does not get everything... she was a supermodel because of him... that is what she had chosen for herself... never realizing that she had also dreamt of having his love someday. But then, it seemed to be too late for such thoughts and Lavanya Kashyap, did not believe in crying over things out of her reach. She saw the retreating back of Arnav and straightened herself, pulling on the mask of confidence and poise that made her, who she wanted to be.

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Arnav rushed through the design floor, ignoring the shocked expressions on most of the designer's faces. It was Payal's question that broke his search through the cubicles, "ASR, what are you doing here? You need something?" "Khushi... where is Khushi?" Arnav asked impatiently. Payal startled at the panic in his voice and looked around to see that Khushi's desk was empty. The dress she was working on, lay limply on the table... but her bag was missing. She looked at Arnav and replied, "I don't know. She was here a while ago. Her bag seems to be gone. I think she may have gone to meet up with NK. Wait let me call her."

Payal dialed Khushi's number, which went, unanswered. Once. Twice. Thrice. "She is not picking up Arnav... what exactly happened? Why do you think something is wrong with her?" Payal whispered worriedly to an already panicked Arnav. Arnav quickly pulled out his phone and dialed NK's number only to sigh in defeat at hearing a negative response from him. He turned his attention towards Payal and told her how Khushi had walked in on Lavanya and him. But then he had also noticed that she was already crying and seemed like she had come to talk to him. He informed her that he was going to her home, to check if she was there and would keep her updated. "NK will be up here within minutes Payal... just keep trying Khushi's phone and let me know if you get through... immediately. Please will you do that for me?"

Payal had never seen Arnav Singh Raizada plead and the depth of his feelings for Khushi, seemed to stare her in the face. She nodded numbly and watched him rush to the elevators. It was within a few minutes she saw NK walk upto her, panic clearly etched on his face. What were the odds, that out of hundreds of women this office hosted, the two brothers had fallen for the same girl? But then she was special, Payal comprehended. Trying Khushi's number one more time, she related everything that Arnav had informed her about, as the duo walked to a secluded cabin to discuss further, trying to avoid any unnecessary gossip... more than what Arnav had provided a while ago.

An anxious Arnav, rung the bell, waiting for a miracle and to find Khushi behind those closed doors. It was Garima who answered and was shocked to see Arnav standing at the door. "Beta, what are you doing here? Is there anything you wanted?" Arnav faltered for a moment, wondering if he was unnecessarily scaring Khushi's mother, if she was not at home. But then it had to be done... for his sanity... for his peace of mind. "Aunty, is Khushi at home?" he asked with baited breath, which left in whoosh seeing the panic on Garima's face when she replied, "No! She must be at work. Is she not? Where is Khushi?"

Arnav moved quickly towards Garima and held her cold hands within his, imparting as much strength as he could. "She walked out of ARD a while ago and she is not even picking up her phone. Is there any place she might be? Did she have any plans? Or was anything troubling her? Does she go to any particular place when she is worried?" he asked, with as much calmness as he could muster. His heart was hammering in his chest, while his mind was conjuring a million scenarios... one worse than the other.

Garima shook her head and said, "She is never so reckless as to not pick up her phone, beta. And she seemed extremely happy in the morning. Infact she has been so happy since we shifted here. Do you think it has anything to do with Shyam?" Garima asked worriedly, making Arnav respond immediately, "No aunty. Please don't worry yourself. I will make sure that she is allright. I promise." He knew that if Shyam had planned anything, the private detective's that he had hired to keep a tab on Shyam, would inform him of any suspicious activity immediately.

"She... she goes to the Devi Maiyya's temple close to Laxminagar... since childhood... whenever she feels frustrated or upset," Garima mumbled, trying to control her sob. Arnav tightened his hold over her hands to draw her attention and said convincingly, "Aunty... you are not going to cry because I promise Khushi will be fine. I will bring her back to you. Do you trust me?" She nodded immediately, trusting the boy who had been nothing but an angel to them, bringing them out of their trying days, filling Khushi's life with abundant happiness.

She could clearly see the fear of losing, and immense love shining in his eyes and that made her more confident of his promise. With one last look at a pensive Garima, Arnav rushed out, making his way swiftly to his car and to the temple Garima had mentioned. It had been a while since he had visited a temple, but for her... he was ready to become a believer once again. She just had to be allright. Updating Payal with a quick message, he sped through the streets of Delhi, hoping that it was taking him towards his destination... towards his happiness... towards Khushi... his Khushi?

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Part 14