#3 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 18

Limerence : Part 16

The office of AR Designs was sounding like a fish market. The whole of the design team seemed to be buzzing and on the move. Scraps of fabrics, sketches, colours, pens, threads, clips and any small innate object related to the fashion world... lay scattered all across the tables and floor. It seemed like the designers had barely slept a wink and were working relentlessly towards perfecting their outfits. And why would they not, considering that less than four days remained for their biggest fashion show of the year.

The junior staff had already reached Lucknow to initiate the preparations. The designers and models would be flying tonight, to practice their rehearsals and add finishing touches at the venue itself. The excitement and anticipation was tangible in the air of ARD, making each and every employee put their best foot forward. "Khushi madam, aapko Arnav sir ne apne cabin mein bulaya hai," an office boy spoke softly, interrupting Khushi's focus from the task at hand. Even though her heart thrilled at the prospect of seeing Arnav, her mind refused to budge from the daze of work. There was still so much to be done and even though she knew that she played an extremely miniscule part in the show, she knew she had to perfect it.

Glancing once more at the heavily embroidered dupatta that lay on her table, Khushi reluctantly got up and walked towards the elevator in a trance. Her mind was suddenly filled with the numerous instances that happened over the course of last week, where the close proximity with Arnav had made her heart skip a beat. It had all begun after that amorous message she had received while asleep. Through her sleep-laden eyes, she had read those two words that had wiped off her sleep completely. How could thrill and fear simultaneously exist in a tiny little heart? She had fidgeted with the phone for hours, thinking of various ways to respond to such a message.

Each time, she had managed to type some gibberish; she had quickly erased it away with a blush marring her cheeks. This feeling of being cared for, of being missed... was exhilarating and also made her speechless. The feisty Khushi Gupta felt so powerless and yet knew the power she had on him. After convincing herself of what she was doing, she typed a message... "Hum theek hain Arnavji," followed by another one, just like him... "Me too."

The reply had come instantly... and to her utter anguish, it had been a question in itself. "Me too... what?" it read. She could clearly imagine that lopsided smirk on his face; transforming it into the most handsome face she had ever laid her eyes on. She knew that there was no getting around him. Hadn't she experienced his bullying so far? Taking a deep breath, she had typed "Me too... missing you," and sent it away quickly before she lost her courage. Throwing herself back onto the bed she smiled to herself, at the relief she felt mixed with warmth and love for the man on the receiving end of the text she had just sent. There was no reply. There was no need for one. And thankfully, he had not brought up this tiny exchange the next day they had met either. However, his eyes had teased her and she had glared at him in annoyance. It was the first time she was introduced to the world of eye-talk... and how she had mastered it in the last week!

Things had changed drastically after that. Even though he had not made a move to kiss and tease her again, she could feel the warmth with which he looked at her. Even in a conference room filled with people, she could feel his intense gaze trained on her. The dhak-dhak's in her heart had started to make a permanent place and somehow she felt less unnerved each day... slowly and steadily, making her comfortable in his closeness.

She knocked on his cabin door and he responded instantly. She smiled at the thought of him waiting to see her, and involuntarily a blush spread on her cheeks. She was surprised to see him silently standing by the windows instead of his usual desk, typing away furiously on his laptop. She could feel the tension in his stance and wondered what the reason could be. He turned around to face her, his face devoid of any emotions... yet she felt him masking a raw pain, which somehow ached her own heart. Was it possible to feel someone else's pain and make it your own? She wasn't used to this feeling, yet it was welcomed wholeheartedly. She wanted to soothe him, just like he had been there for her.

"Khushi..." he uttered the one name that had been going on in a loop in his head. "Arnavji, kya hua?" she asked panic written all over her face, which made Arnav curse himself mentally for worrying her. He had been thinking about Lucknow and about his impending faceoff with Rakesh Kapoor after years of silence. He knew the next few days, though thrilling, would also be trying for him... as well as Khushi. Sighing, he masked his emotions and said, "Why have you refused to travel with me and the rest of the Mittal's on business class today evening? I know you believe in fairness, but I am only concerned about your safety, Khushi. Why is it difficult for you to grasp that?"

She looked at him with exasperation and replied, "Did Payal instigate you? I knew it that she would somehow try and get things her way. Gosh! She has been pestering me like a mother hen since the day I ran away from ARD. You both are acting like bullies and making me agree to so many things that I don't feel I deserve. Like the way I will be staying with Payal in Lucknow, despite the fact that Akashji is travelling with us. Why would a newly married couple have to live in two separate rooms, is beyond me. And now you want me to travel with you guys in the business class instead of how the rest of the design team at ARD is travelling! Why? What do you think others will say? It is unfair... and I do not want anything more than what I deserve Arnavji. Why is it difficult for you to grasp that?" She breathed heavily after her outburst; her eyes shining with unshed tears at the love and affection she was getting... something she needed to get used to... yet feared to.

Arnav took quick steps towards her and held firmly onto her shoulders, making her look into his deep brown eyes, filled with irritation. "When are you going to understand that all we want is to protect you and see to it that you are safe? I promised you Khushi, that I would be by your side... every moment we are in Lucknow. If not me then either Payal or NK will be around. I know how difficult this is for you Khushi and I want to make sure that you never ever fall weak! Is it too much to ask for?" he pleaded; making the tears that she had tried to keep at bay, flow freely from her eyes.

His arms opened, as she rushed into them. How did their hearts understand what the other desired? How had they aligned themselves to each other so rightly, that everything else ceased to matter? "I am fine Arnavji. I will be fine," she mumbled into his chest as he threaded his fingers in her hair and urged her to look up at him. He held her chin between his fingers, his thumb grazing the soft skin of her cheek and said solemnly, "I want to be around, when you land in Lucknow Khushi. I want to be beside you, when you put your first foot onto the city you detest. I know you are brave, but it isn't weakness to let me take care of you. I know you would never have agreed to this plan of travelling to Lucknow had you been even a little doubtful, but it's a promise I gave you Khushi... and I want to fulfill it. Please."

The kindness in his eyes, the gentleness in his touch, the warmth in his words, filled Khushi's heart with strong emotions for the man in whose arms she stood, without a care in the world. Was this how it felt to be in love? Was this how she was to live her life from now on? It was a terrifying... yet the most amazing feeling in the world. How could she deny him anything at all? Especially when he asked with such genuine warmth, that melted her insides. "Okay," she whispered but before he could crow in victory, she added sternly, "I will travel with you'll. But whatever gossip you are brewing up in ARD, has to be dealt by you. I am not responsible for any of it!" He smirked at her and replied naughtily, "Done! All I have to do is unleash Payal Mittal on all of them and they would be scampering to find refuge."

That broke through the edge of discomfort surrounding them, as both Arnav and Khushi burst into laughter, imagining Payal threatening the entire staff of ARD. Khushi's eyes watered from another corner of her heart, as Arnav kept his eyes trained on her expressive face. Happiness... Khushi... were synonyms of each other. Even though he dreaded the days to come, he knew it in his heart that he would do anything to retain this smile on her face. "Arnavji, if our conversation is over, then can I get back to work? There is so much still to be done and then I have to leave early to pack for the week. I am stocking the weekly groceries because amma will be alone and I don't want her to go out unnecessarily. I want her to be at home because..." she left her words incomplete, knowing well that Arnav would understand her concern.

"Khushi, the ARD apartments are securely guarded so you don't have to worry. Also, I have made special arrangements for auntie's security. So you be completely at ease regarding her. I am sure she would also want you to go on this trip without a worry in the world," Arnav said calmly, knowing well Khushi's anxieties and insecurities. He knew she would take a little time to get acquainted to this fashion world and its workings. He knew for sure that this trip, would broaden her perspective and stretch her restricted imagination. This field was glamorous and if a talent like Khushi's needed to be nurtured, she needed to be prepared for the huge change that was about to knock her down.

However, at the moment, he felt knocked out by the brilliant smile she was offering him. Did she have any clue of how it affected him? The wholehearted hugs, the flawless smiles and the ease that she had with him... everything made him want to tell her about his feelings. Yet he knew this was not the correct time. They were still standing on rocky grounds and he needed some time to figure, how he wanted to take things forward. Maybe after this fashion show, his sole focus would be Khushi. "Thank you Arnavji," she said cheerily, breaking his reverie. He nodded and said, "Don't thank me just yet, Ms. Gupta. A driver will pick you up in the evening to take you to the airport. I would have picked you up myself. However, I think I am going to be running short of time, with a couple of last-minute meetings that have come up," he said thoughtfully.

"Oh no! That is not done. I want you to personally come and lift me in your arms and carry me to the airport!!" she replied mockingly and continued, "I can manage on my own Arnavji. You don't need to spoil me to such extent. I am not used to it and it just makes me feel weaker!" Arnav smirked at the picture she painted with her words and said, "Well, frankly I wouldn't mind lifting you in my arms and carrying you around... but I think your amma would be extremely scandalized... and may even refuse to let you go." Khushi gasped loudly at his audacity, glared at him with her rounded eyes and whirled around to walk out mumbling, "Laad governor kahin ke! How am I going to even respond to such shameless talks?" Arnav chuckled looking at her retreating figure, happy at the prospect of her presence in Lucknow. As much as she needed him, he knew it in his heart... that he needed her!

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NK was a mess and so was his room. He had always been a terrible traveller, especially when it came to the part of packing his suitcase. Being the younger one, he was spoilt rotten, with either his mother or his older brother helping him out in the most mundane of tasks. Even now as he struggled to pile his suitcase with the essentials, to his relief, his mother and brother walked in. However, from their somber faces he knew that the reason was definitely not something as trivial as his luggage.

"Nandu! What have you done to this room? It looks like a branded garbage can," Manorama uttered in disbelief. He chuckled at his mother, who despite having an agenda to come to his room, could not stop cribbing about the mess he had made. How he loved to annoy her! "Mom, please. I am just glad you are here. Now I do not have to worry even a bit about packing. You are the best you know?" he teased, hugging her, knowing well that it would rile her up even more. Manorama sighed at the drama of her youngest son, but then she was not here for him. This was about her other son, whom she knew would be fighting a lone battle, without asking for anyone's help or support.

Sensing the sorrow in her stance, NK stood by Akash's side and asked, "What is it maa? Why so much melodrama in a comedy film?" She swatted his arm and replied gravely, "I wanted to speak to the both of you before you left for Lucknow. Even though I do not understand much about your business, I realize that this trip to Lucknow is much more than a mere fashion show. Your father was telling me, how Arnav is planning to take over RK Group of Industries... and we all know why." Akash was quick to respond aggressively, unlike his usual self, "Finally some revenge maa. I can't wait to see that vile man beg and grovel in front of us. Arnav has suffered a lot because of him and it is time for him to set things right."

Manorama smiled at him and replied proudly, "I know beta. I am happy about the way Arnav slowly and patiently planned this revenge. However, I know how difficult this is going to be for him. He may pretend to be brave and ruthless to the world, but only a mother's heart knows her child's fears. I know how much he despises that city. Going back there is going to break him. My poor baccha! And I am not even going to be around for him. Had your father been fit enough to travel, we would have definitely come along. But the doctor has advised him bed rest for a week and the fever is still not completely subsided."

Akash held his mother by the shoulder and sat her down on the bed, while NK kneeled in front of her and held her hands in his. "Do you trust us maa? Akash, Payal... me??" he asked to which Manorama nodded through her watery eyes. "Then you just relax at home and take care of dad. Do not for a minute worry about Arnav because Akash and me will make sure to stand by him like his bodyguards. Promise. In your filmy words, we are going to be like Laxman and Bharat to your Ramji!!" That brought out a genuine smile onto Manorama's face, as she hugged her youngest son close to her heart. When had he grown up so much, she mused? Her prankster son had suddenly transformed into a mature young man, whom she was so proud of.

"I am feeling left out here," Akash whined, as Manorama opened her other arm and pulled him closer. How had she gotten so lucky to have such wonderful children, who shared such a beautiful bond with each other? Wiping away her tears, she felt a little relieved. Even though she knew that as soon as all of these children would leave for Lucknow, her heart would silently pray to her devi maiyya, to give Arnav the strength and courage to face his difficult past. "What about me?" Payal stood at the door looking at the group hug, suddenly jealous of their bonding. "Just because I am the chalaak bahu of this house, does not mean you gang up against me," she teased.

They broke the hug as Manorama stood up to walk towards where Payal stood. She held her face tenderly and kissed her forehead saying, "I am going to miss my chalaak bahu. Come home soon beta and take care of my three musketeers." Payal giggled and hugged Manorama, convincing her that she definitely would. After a few moments of casual chatter, Manorama started helping NK to pack his suitcase. Akash and Payal left to do their own packing and started discussing ways to keep Arnav always by their side. One of their brilliant ideas was already executed, where Payal shared the room with Khushi, so that Akash, NK and Arnav could share a room. They did not want to take a chance and leave their beloved brother alone in his agony. They also knew, that now, somehow, they had to shelter not one, but two people... who might just turn out to be each other's support instead.

About half an hour later, NK sprawled on his bed, thinking about his mother's words. Her concern for Arnav was justifiable. However, he also knew that on this trip, two people needed emotional support to sail through the wreckage of their past. Not only Arnav, but he had to be there for Khushi as well. Would they need him, though? Or will they be there for each other... stumbling through, breaking apart and then finally healing together? His mind wandered to the conversation he had with Arnav two days ago... something, which they very much needed to have.

"NK, I know Khushi and you have been friends for long. And I will admit that there was a point of time I wondered if there was anything more between you two."

"And you don't think so now, Arnav?"

"No. Atleast not from Khushi's side... because I somehow know what she feels."

"Is it?... I see how close the two of you have gotten. So what is the deal brother?"

"To put it upfront... I am in love with Khushi, NK and I just want to be sure that in pursuing her, I am not hurting you."

"Only because you have put forth the blunt truth, I am going to do the same Arnav. Yes, I was attracted to Khushi. However, she always regarded me as a mere friend. I still like her a lot and want her to be happy... which now somehow seems to be connected with you. I have noticed the subtle changes in her... how her eyes keep searching for you all the time... how she manages to bring you up in her daily conversations. She really likes you bro... maybe its even love! However, that is for you to figure out."

"And you are cool with that?"

"No! I am not... not yet."

"..."

"To be truthful... it hurts Arnav. I may have been a flirt all my life, but with Khushi I was getting a little serious. But then again, it never was my love story you see. It was always yours! Happiness has finally knocked on my glum, boring, serious brother's door and I could not be happier for him."

"I am so sorry. I knew it from the beginning yet I pursued her, NK. It is my fault."

"Well, IT IS your fault and as punishment I announce, that you have to make sure that KKG never cries. I want her to be as happy as her name is... and I know for sure that you will make sure of it. You will right?"

"I promise."

His eyes brimmed with tears, as he recalled those few moments of half-truths and heartfelt confessions. He was in love with Khushi, but it was easier to say that it was mere attraction and move on... atleast in front of Arnav. Knowing his brother, he would have backed away from something that was their destiny. It hadn't escaped NK's notice how Khushi had transformed from a bud to a blooming flower in Arnav's presence. The laughter bubbling within her, the slow and steady rise in her confidence and the ease at which she joked around... everything hinted at how beautifully her relationship with Arnav was growing. His heart sighed, as he closed his eyes and wished to be the sole reason for someone's smiles and happiness someday.

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Part 17