#3 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 29

Limerence : Part 17

"It is the first time that I am flying..." Khushi's panicked voice made Arnav look up from his phone, that he had been busy glaring at, since the time they had arrived at the airport. He had been skimming through a few contracts, to make sure there were no loopholes. He believed in perfection and did not leave any room for error. After going through all the formalities, Akash, Payal, NK, Aman, Arnav and Khushi, were comfortably seated into the cozy seats for their short flight to Lucknow. After the initial announcements, the plane had picked up speed on the runway when Khushi had uttered those words, voicing her anxiety.

The strain in her voice punched Arnav in the gut. Even the slightest of unease she felt, unnerved him. Things that he scoffed off till a few months ago, had now become his reality... making him act out of his character. Like proclaiming his love for Khushi to Payal and NK, had not only taken them by surprise... but had made him introspect the reason for such open admission. He did not speak more than required...ever. However, with Khushi's presence in his life, he felt the strong urge to live... to laugh... and to voice his feelings like never before!!

"Khushi, ek kaam karogi?" he asked huskily and all Khushi could do was nod in anxiousness. He leaned towards her, making her breathing quicken its pace, his eyes devouring her expressions. "Apni aakhen band karo Khushi," he whispered. Her eyes widened in surprise. He chuckled and teased, "I asked you to close your eyes Khushi, not scare me by widening them like this." She huffed in annoyance, curbing down the urge to choke him. Arnav's teasing always unnerved her and brought out a different side in her, which she herself was unaware of.

"Ok fine, no need to flare your nostrils like that. I said, just close your eyes. Will you ever listen to me?" he said softly. "As if I have an option," Khushi mumbled yet closed her eyes like an obedient child. "Now take a deep breath and think about me... about our hugs, about our closeness, about the soft kisses I had given you..." his voice trailed off, the effect of his own words, hitting him like a whiplash. Her breathing quickened, as she was lost into her dream world. The past few weeks flashed in front of her eyes. The innumerable moments she had spent with her Arnavji, made her skin erupt in goosebumps.

Arnav traced her face with hungry eyes, her sharp nose that depicted her pride perfectly. Her long lashes resting on her soft cheeks hid the tumult of desires he had stirred within her. Her perfect lips, beckoned him to feel the softness... made him take a deep deep breath to calm down his nerves, that seemed to be on the edge of combusting in flames. Moving away from her, he rested his head on the backrest, his eyes still trained on her. After a few moments of silence, her eyes fluttered open and clashed with his.

He could see serenity in them, an emotion he had never experienced until now. He felt her happiness and love. It had been extremely difficult to tame down the urge of voicing his feelings to her and with each passing moment he realized that it was going to be one hell of a long week. Taking a deep breath he whispered, "Look outside the window Khushi." She turned around and grasped in surprise, to see the soft blanket of clouds, carpeted below them. She was on top of the world... literally. Within the span of a moment, he sat forgotten besides her, as she got engrossed witnessing the sun setting at the horizon. Even though he was ignored, he was ecstatic. Was that a poetic juxtaposition?

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She was back. Back to the city that had ruined her childhood... a city that reminded her of broken dreams and shattered hearts. Would Lucknow ever be able to redeem itself? As she took slow strides towards the airport's exit, she felt a warm hand enclose her trembling one. She looked up shocked, at Arnav holding her hand publicly. His comforting eyes, gave her the strength to not fumble or crumple to the ground. Another hand shot out and held onto her shoulder, as she heard Payal ask, "How was your first flight, Khushi? You must be thrilled right. And not to worry... I will make sure to show you the gorgeous side of Lucknow. And if not, then I will make sure to show Lucknow my Dracula avatar!!"

Khushi laughed through her nervousness, knowing well how everyone was trying to divert her attention. How had she landed up amidst these wonderful people? Had all the trials and tribulations in her life been a test, leading her to the happiness that she always wished for? Her mind swirled with thoughts, making her feel the fatigue of the day. "We should be there in about twenty minutes," the driver stated, as she sat in one of the cars, resting her head against the back. Adrift in her own sorrow, she failed to notice the somber and stiff face of the man, sitting besides her.

Arnav's mind was at war. A multitude of memories were fighting for dominance in his head. Some good, but mostly ugly. This was the city he had called home for most of his childhood. It was where he had lost everything... his mother, his family, his father and his home. It had ruined his youth, scarring him for a lifetime, making him doubt everyone around him. What would have happened, had his maasi not taken him in? Where would he have been? He owed his life to the Mittals and would forever be indebted to them... especially for the sweet revenge that he was here for.

Excitement and anticipation coursed through his veins. There were too many things to look forward to. The upcoming fashion show, he knew, was going to be a grand success, putting ARD right at the top of the Fashion table. The takeover was finally going to bring him peace... to have finally got what was his right in the first place. He closed his eyes as the smiling face of his father flashed in front of his eyes. He wondered if his dad would be proud of him... not only his achievements... but also seeing the person he had turned out to be. Are you happy dad?... he asked silently.

He felt Khushi's fingers curl up around his hand and turned to look at her distraught face. "Aap theek toh hai na Arnavji?" she asked softly. He raised their entwined hands to his lips and kissed the back of her palm in reply. It was a mere featherlike brush against her tender skin, that made her blush beetroot red. Even in the fading light he could see those hazel orbs cloud with desire. He rested his head back in annoyance, at the effect she was having on his traitorous body. She was definitely hazardous to, not only his body... but heart as well as his soul. He turned to face her and absorbed the image of her blushing face, into his being. It was these memories that would help him survive the impending misery.

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Khushi gasped at the grandeur of Sheesh Mahal. She remembered seeing it from afar in her childhood. It had been a mere Palace then, where the family of the Nawaab lived. Now, it had transformed into a majestic seven-star hotel, a world-heritage site and the pride of Lucknow. The glimmering chandeliers dangling above her head, the spotless marble stretching below her feet, the exquisite decor and the company she was walking with... just about everything made her feel small in comparison. She felt out of place and even inappropriately dressed for this opulence.

The way everyone greeted the Mittals and Arnav, the special treatment they were receiving at the moment, made Khushi realize just how different their worlds were. If he was the Prince, she was a mere maid. In the past few months, of reveling in his adoration and care, she had forgotten who he was. She had noticed how the media had tried to question him at the entrance. She had seen his security and Aman handle them, so as to not even touch the proud Prince. How had she become so unaware of their reality and lost herself to him? This sudden realization made her tense and unusually quiet.

"Khushi, you are sharing your suite with Payal, which is right across ours. If you need anything, you can call me, ok?" Arnav said, suddenly worried about the nervousness he felt surrounding Khushi. Before she could respond, it was Payal who answered, "You are not the only one who worries about her ASR. I shall take care of Khushi, just fine. We girls are going to have a lot of fun, while you boys can do all the work... hai na Khushi?" Khushi nodded and tried to give a convincing smile, which made Arnav frown even more. What was she worried about?

After a quick silent dinner at the restaurant, all of them made their way towards their suites. Khushi trailed behind thinking about how she was going to survive through the next week. It was too overwhelming and she knew that something was already bothering Arnav. She did not want to pile on her insecurities and worries onto him. He had too many responsibilities and tasks on his plate, to be bothered by her trivial anxieties. Quickly mumbling a goodnight, the group dispersed into the rooms, giving the newly-married couple a few private moments to part in the alleyway.

The suite spelled elegance, just like the hotel. It looked like a mini-palace in itself. A lavish hall, adorned by one of those mini chandeliers, two private rooms for the guests and a huge balcony, facing the dimly illuminated gardens. Khushi took in a deep breath, getting accustomed to such splendor. Never in her wildest dreams, had she imagined landing herself into this fairytalish situation. Yes! It was a fairytale... and she felt like the Cinderella, whose world would transform back to its old self, once the clock strikes twelve.

"Arrey, what are you doing standing here in the middle of the hall? Did you decide on which room you want to take?" Payal asked cheerily, too lost in the amorous kiss she had just shared with her husband, failing to notice Khushi's tense face. "I shall take whichever room Payal. You decide which one you want to," she replied grimly. That brought Payal's notice to see a stiff Khushi, clinging to her bag. She did a mental face palm to have missed out on the signs. How had it slipped her mind that all of this was too overwhelming for the poor girl? First the city she dreaded and now this lavish lifestyle. It definitely was overwhelming!

"Ok let's do one thing," Payal said cheerily, waking towards Khushi. "Lets toss," she completed her sentence, looking at Khushi's face, wanting to wipe off those worry-lines from her forehead. "Kya?" Khushi said taken aback by the absurdity of the idea. "Kya...kya! We cannot decide which room we want to take. So then lets just toss and select the rooms," Payal said casually, trying to reign in her laughter. Khushi blinked her eyes for a few moments in stunned silence and then she burst out laughing, "There is no need to do that! I shall take this room... is that fine?" she said, moved by Payal's gesture to make her feel better. She knew it deep down, that she had found a very protective sister.

Payal laughed and hugged her, mumbling, "Not fine... it's perfect! Now come on, get some rest. I have a long joblist waiting for you, tomorrow. Goodnight Khushi and wake me up if you need anything, ok?" Khushi nodded and moved towards her room, which faced the large shimmering waters of the swimming pool. Taking a quick shower, she changed into her nightclothes and snuggled into the soft bed. Her thoughts went to her amma, who she was sure would be restless and anxious for her. Despite her constant assurances, her mother was not going to be having a good sleep tonight. She picked up her phone, wondering if she should call again. She had done that over an hour ago, when the flight had first landed in Lucknow.

Her eyes startled seeing an unread message in her inbox. Guessing who it might be, her heart leapt out of her chest. She shot up with a bounce and rested against the headboard, an involuntary smile blooming on her face. Gliding her nimble fingers over the screen, she read the message. It was a question she had been anticipating. How could he read her like a book? Even the tiniest of her reactions did not escape his notice. She didn't know whether to thrill in the knowledge or to withdraw knowing their differences. However, she knew that she had already embarked on a path that was clouded with uncertainty and struggle. But this same path, could lead her to a lifetime of happiness and peace... something she had never ever imagined for herself.

"Tum theek ho?"

"Why do you keep asking that?"

"I need to know. Now tell me... are you fine?"

"Yes."

"Then why were you upset, the moment we entered Sheesh Mahal."

"And don't lie Khushi. Your face is extremely expressive."

"All this is new to me. The richness of Sheesh Mahal just reminded me about how small I am in comparison."

The vibration of the phone in her hands startled her, as his name flashed across the screen. Why was he calling her? She was fine with the messages. How was she going to talk about her insecurities? The phone kept ringing in her hands, as her mind remained occupied to think of various excuses to slink off this conversation. The line went silent and she sighed in relief. A message pinged on her phone that read, "Pick up the phone Khushi or I will come over to your room." She could literally hear the furious voice of Arnav Singh Raizada in her ears... almost threatening her to give into his demands. And what other option did she have to avoid all the drama? As the phone rung again, she took in a calming breath and picked up the call.

"You think not picking up my calls would make me keep away from you, is it Khushi Gupta?" he questioned huskily, making her slump down on the bed in dreamlike tenderness. "No. But I would have preferred to message Arnavji. I cannot talk about this," she whispered into the phone. His reply was prompt as if he was ready to fight her battles with herself, even if he had no real role to play. "Then don't Khushi. Just listen. I might have been born in a rich family... but I have seen terrible days too. I have worked hard to achieve whatever I am today. I have build ARD for scratch, working relentlessly for years. If we can afford this luxury, then it is not because we were born with a silver spoon."

"I know that. But I feel I do not deserve all this. Staying in this luxurious hotel, in one of their best suits... this is all too much Arnavji," she spoke her heart out. "Let me finish what I have to say first Khushi. Like I said, ARD, its owners, the staff... everyone has been a part of this success story. This is our biggest show ever Khushi. The entire team is staying in Sheesh Mahal... whether a suite or a normal room. We haven't discriminated anyone. So be rest-assured that as a part of ARD, you deserve to be here," he said in a brook no-argument tone.

She sighed on the phone, tired of trying to explain to him her reservations. He caught onto it and queried softly, "Khushi, when will you realize that you are special? What do I have to do to make you believe in the potential you have? I have tried with words... with actions. Why are you doubting yourself?" At her silence he continued, "Khushi, for NK, Payal and me... now it is not only about your work. We regard you as a dear friend. Payal dotes on you like a sister. Don't insult our feelings by doubting everything that we are doing for you."

She gasped at the hurt in his words and mumbled, "I am so sorry Arnavji. I never meant it that way. It is just too much for me to take in. Everything is so new... so grand. It makes me feel out of place. But I know it is in my best interests. Especially this fashion show, that is going to teach me a lot about something that I love so much. Being back in Lucknow is already taking a toll on me. I keep dreading to bump into someone who might recognize me. I am scared, Arnavji."

Arnav's heart twisted hearing her pain. How could he wipe it all away? Since the first time he had met her, there had been this desperate need to see her smiling... always happy... a happy Khushi! And he would be damned if he did not try his best to do it. He was Arnav Singh Raizada after all. He knew what would divert her mind from all the gloom. It was only work that absorbed her into another world... a world she loved and lived for.

Taking in a breath, he said, "Listen Khushi. I know how you are feeling but we all are here for you. I am there for you whenever you need me, okay? Forget your past... forget about being Khushi Gupta from Lucknow... only think about ARD and this fashion show. Look around you... the people, the designers, the models, fashion, colours, the decor and the grandeur. This is what we do at ARD Khushi. Find inspiration... make this world your canvas. Fill it up with your imagination. We are here to work and do exactly that Khushi."

She heard him silently; as blood coursed through her veins at the pretty picture he painted. He was right. She was here to work and this was her first introduction to the grand world of fashion. There was so much to be done, with barely any time to cry and sulk about things that did not have any importance in her life anymore. She spoke assuredly, "Yes Arnavji, you are right. I am here to work and I promise I will do just that." He smiled into the phone hearing her confident voice. "Good girl. Now go get some sleep, okay? Tomorrow is a very long day," he said. "Good night and thank you Arnavji," she whispered, snuggling into her bed, reaching out to switch off the light.

Arnav clicked his phone shut and walked out of his room with a smile on his face, only to halt, seeing the two curious pair of eyes on him. He saw mischief clearly evident in them and he groaned internally, to have walked right into the trap of the crazy Mittals. He had known all along, why they were sharing a suite... and had also known that he was definitely not going to be left alone through this trip. His maasi would make sure of that. Quickly going through his options to tackle his brothers, he decided on the weakest link. "Akash... what are you still doing here? I thought you would be sneaking out to meet Payal. What is wrong with you bro! Just married, returned early from the honeymoon and now sleeping in separate rooms. What happened Akash? Does Payal dominate you?" he teased. NK burst into peals of laughter as Akash looked hassled at the questions. And that is how the night began for the boys camp. Work and worries could wait till the sun shone bright at the horizon.

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Part 18