#3 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 67

Limerence : Part 20

Khushi snuggled into her duvet, her tired mind finally trying to catch up on some sleep. As the party had winded up late in the night, Payal and she had returned to their suits completely exhausted. The revelations at the poolside had kept her mind occupied, and every time her eyes had clashed with Arnav's at the party, she had felt this sudden urge to rush upto him and pull him into her arms. NK and Akash had somehow understood the anxiousness in him, despite his composed facade and made sure to stick by him, till the end of the party. If she respected the Mittals until now, she simply adored them after hearing about how they had welcomed Arnav into their family.

"Aaargh!! My head hurts so bad," Payal croaked groggily. Khushi pulled the duvet off her face and looked at a bleary-eyed, crumpled Payal... so unlike her usual prim and proper self. Picking up a couple of tablets from the side table, she held them out in her hand, with a glass of water and said, "Take them. Akashji told me to give them to you, first thing in the morning." Payal took the tablets hastily and downed them, taking in huge swings of cool water. Wiping off her face she laid back on the bed and said lovingly... more to herself, "Oh bless Akash! I love that man for knowing exactly what I would be needing at every given moment in my life."

Khushi giggled and teased, "Well, considering how drunk you got last night, I am sure a lot of us would know what exactly you would be needing today morning." Payal smacked her and asked, "Well, even through my drunken state, I did notice ASR and your absence from the party for a looonnggg time. So where were you'll? What were you'll upto, haan?" Khushi gasped in shock, unable to handle being teased so brazenly for the first time in her life. She could not stop the slight blush creeping up her cheeks, yet her heart plummeted in her chest, reliving that painful conversation. If it was anyone in the world she wanted to talk to after her amma, it was Payal.

Getting up and leaning against the comfortable headrest, she whispered, "Arnavji told me about today's meeting with Rakesh Kapoor and how much he was suffering simply being in this city." Payal got up with a jerk, her hair disheveled and eyes wide open. "He what?? ASR told you... about that a**hole?" she asked unbelievingly and when Khushi simply nodded in acceptance, Payal continued in a daze, "He never speaks to anyone about it. Not NK, not Akash... not even mom. We have been so worried about him lately. All this arrangement of Akash and NK sharing his room, is to make sure he never feels lonely. But I am guessing he is not alone anymore and we don't really have to keep worrying about him. Haan Khushi?"

Khushi missed out on the innuendo behind her words and whispered brokenly, "Rakesh Kapoor is the same man who is cheated on my amma and refused to have had any relationship with her, when she told him she was expecting me." Payal gasped and lunged forward to pull Khushi into a bear hug. "Oh Khushi!!" she said with emotion, tears brimming in her eyes at this cruel twist of fate. How could the world be so miniscule to bind two strangers who had been hurt by the same man and bring them together to heal each other? "You okay babes?" Payal asked worriedly, not feeling Khushi reacting in her arms.

Khushi laughed through her tears and asked, "Why does everyone keep asking me the same question? I am fine... more than fine actually." Payal pulled away and straightened Khushi's hair and said concernedly, "You know I am always there for you right? And ASR really cares for you. I am sure he will make sure to take Rakesh Kapoor by his hair and throw him through a wall." This time around, Khushi could not stop the giggle that escaped her lips and said, "Payal, he is Arnavji not Salmanji!!" Payal relaxed seeing Khushi smiling and asked tentatively, "Aren't you going for the meeting? Don't you want to meet your fath... I mean Mr. Kapoor?"

Khushi sighed and said sternly, "I don't need to meet someone who means nothing to me... Frankly I don't even feel sad anymore Payal. You think it is weird? Last night when I came to know about him... I was once again reminded about the pain and suffering we had to go through, all these years. The horrible taunts that amma had to hear, only because she fell in love and trusted a man... who was a cheat! I felt hurt and angry. I felt sad that I shared his blood... a fraud's blood... who hurt Arnavji as well. And God knows how many more lives he has destroyed. But then, Arnavji made me realize that he never mattered Payal. It would be insulting my amma's love to even acknowledge his presence in our lives. Seeing him would make me feel weak, and I would never want to show him, how much he affected our lives. He was a closed chapter the moment he abused amma. Truthfully, coming back to this city and facing my demons, I have realized that I have been holding onto the past for far too long, ruining my present... for a man who cares a damn!"

Khushi breathed heavily at the anger she felt pulsing through her body towards herself for having wasted her precious tears on Rakesh Kapoor and what the world had to say about them. It wasn't worth it. She knew what she had to do now. She knew where her destiny lay. She would work hard and make a name for herself in this fashion world.

People target the weak and poor but respect money and power. She never cared for the gossipmongers; yet let them affect her often. It was time to change this equation and become stronger. And she knew her strength lay in the people she was surrounded with. Such loving friends, who made sure she was fine, forgetting their own lives. Why should she waste time on crying over someone who did not care, instead of loving those who did? Life had never been in such clear perspective, like it was this morning and she felt a huge burden lift off her slender shoulders... a burden she had been carrying for way to long.

Payal looked at Khushi's relaxed face and immediately saw the change in her aura. There was a certain confidence and surety in her words. She seemed like a changed woman and wondered if Arnav had anything to do with it. She hoped with all her heart, that after today's meeting, Arnav would find peace too. These two lovebirds, seemed to be good for each other and without all this extra baggage, might just pay a little more attention to what they felt for the other.

Making up her mind to help in a little, she said excitedly, "Okay then. The men are already on the way to their meeting and I don't think they will be done before this lunchtime. We have the morning, free for ourselves. Why don't we just spend some leisurely time at the hotel spa and then do a little shopping at the closeby market? And no! You don't have an option to refuse, so go freshen up, while I sleep for another hour." Khushi shook her head in resignation, knowing well that it was impossible to argue with Mrs. Payal Mittal, the Dracula. Throwing off the covers, she headed to the bathroom, for a much-needed hot shower that would wash off all the remaining traces of gloom surrounding her. It was a brand new day and a beautiful life waiting ahead of her.

--------------------------------------

"What the hell is this? I thought we were have a board meeting today, but looks like I am the early one. Where is everyone?" barked Rakesh Kapoor as soon as he entered the empty conference hall. His secretary seemed clueless and excused himself to go and find more information regarding this impending meeting. "Daddy, please calm down and don't shout. I have a splitting heading since morning," Sheetal grumbled morosely. Rakesh gave her a stern look and replied, "When you can't handle the alcohol, keep away from it Sheetal. You make some of the worst decisions when you are high. Going to the Raizada's party yesterday was one of them. So tell me... did you meet Arnav Singh Raizada? How was he?"

Before Sheetal could open her mouth to sulk about the events from last night, the door to the room opened with a bang, to reveal the man in contention himself. "I am perfectly fine Mr. Kapoor... or should I still call you Rakesh chachaji?" Arnav walked in, followed by Akash, NK and Aman. Arnav's heart twisted in his chest to see the man alive before him. A man who least deserved to live, because it seemed his entire life was built on treachery. Rakesh being the master player, gathered himself quickly and plastered a huge fake smile on his face.

"Arrey Arnav beta, offcourse you can call me chachaji like you used to. Look how you have grown up and made a name for yourself. I watched you on the news channel last night. Seems like AR Designs is taking the fashion world by a storm. It would be nice to see if we could work together again," Rakesh's sugary sweet voice made Arnav cringe. He could not believe that after everything that had happened, this man in front of him had the bloody balls to talk about a future business alliance. With great self-control, Arnav managed to take a seat right across Rakesh Kapoor, who had just gotten up from his chair to greet Arnav.

"Looks like you gave my idea a shot last night Arnav and here you are... so quick to take forward this relationship... business relationship, I mean," Sheetal purred sexily, unfazed by the angry glare Arnav was giving her at the moment. NK could not stop the rumble of laughter that burst forth his mouth, seeing Sheetal coming onto Arnav so strong. If she truly knew what they were here for, the wild cat would be running helter-skelter to find a small coop for herself. Ignoring Sheetal completely as if she did not exist, Arnav turned his attention towards Rakesh and decided to get straight to the point. It was becoming increasingly difficult to breathe the same air as his father's murderer and he did not believe in doing things that made him uncomfortable.

"You must be wondering where your board of directors are absconding today and what I am doing here instead. Well, I have sacked each and every one of those scumbags. For years they have been doing your dirty work and covering up your ass chachaji. I thought it was time to make some serious changes in this company that was rightfully my father's," Arnav said coolly, seeing the man in front of him flare with anger. "What the hell! Who gave you the damn right to sack my people? And how dare you threaten me in my own company?" Rakesh sputtered bitterly, unsure of what exactly was going on.

"Well considering I am now the 75% shareholder in RK Enterprise, I can take those shots right? Well, I have my legal team waiting outside if you need any further information regarding the same," Arnav stated flatly, not wanting to divulge too much information. Rakesh Kapoor slumped in his chair, unable to believe what he had heard. Arnav saw a hint of fear flutter across his face, before he conveniently masked it and asked, "What do you want Arnav? How did you manage to buy all these shares? This does not seem like a month or year's work. Have you been planning this for years?"

"Well revenge tastes best, when served cold, ain't it chachaji? After what you did to my father, you really thought you could get away with all of it? How have you been sleeping peacefully for so many years? Only a man without a heart and a conscience can be this cold-blooded. But then why am I even surprised! Treachery runs in your blood... be it professional or personal... friendship... or love!" Arnav shook with fury thinking about the way he had hurt Khushi and her mother... the way these two helpless women had to suffer at the hands of the society... because the man sitting across him was an a**hole!

He had spend the entire night working with his team, to revise the terms and clauses they had to discuss in the meeting. His plans had now altered and the idea of tackling Rakesh Kapoor, had gone through a monumental change. Even though Khushi did not want to do anything with this man, Arnav wanted to fight for her and destroy him. Pushing across a file towards Sheetal he said, "Your father has been going through major financial loss for the past six years. He has been silently selling off his shares, to pump in more money into your company and keep it running. What he did not know was that, it was Arnav Singh Raizada, who was indirectly buying all those shares. I have been funding this sinking ship for far too long and its time for me to take complete charge of it."

Sheetal gasped in shock, unable to form coherent words to express herself. She looked at he father, hurt at being kept in the dark and also being cornered so publicly. "Mr. Kapoor, initially Arnav had wanted to let you keep your shares in this company, but I think he has changed his mind last night. He wants to buy all of your shares and throw you out of your own company," Akash piped in, enjoying the show unfolding in front of his eyes. If Arnav hated this man, Akash had resented him too. Having grown up closely with Arnav, he had seen his brother suffer, cry and despair for his father's loss. Even he hadn't realized, when Arnav's revenge had become his own. To see it all finally working out, thrilled him to no extent.

Rakesh looked up glumly, his eyes bloodshot with barely contained fury and said, "What if I refuse Arnav? What if I refuse to sell my shares? What will you do then?" Arnav gave a nasty laugh and answered, "Well to begin with, that was my main idea. To make you work for me... just like initially you worked for dad. I wanted to make your life miserable. But now I think it is best to throw you on the streets... penniless and poor. When I said I would buy your shares, I meant I would buy them for free. You wont get a rupee in return."

Rakesh stood up and banged his hands on the table, the loud sound echoing in the conference room. "Are you insane? Why the hell would I give away all my shares for free? Seems like you are your father's son after all... lacking business sense." Arnav stood up, anger surging through him, his hands fisting at the sides as he grit out, "Don't you dare talk about my father from your filthy mouth. You are not worth it and yes... I am his son... to have let you be, till now. You deserved to be sued for all your wrong doings long ago. Do you want me to name some? Well duping Mr. Rao, bribing to gain various tenders across the world, the black money you own in your daughters name in international banks... the list is endless and I have a complete file that could easily be handed over to the police, in case you do not co-operate."

"You cannot do this ASR... you cannot blackmail my father to sell his shares," Sheetal spoke desperately, furious at being trapped so badly. Arnav gave her a cold look, a vein throbbing in his temple at the nerve of this girl standing before him and said, "You don't say Sheetal Kapoor. I have a tiny list of your wild escapades as well. I am sure your beloved father does not know anything about your small business setup with his rival Rahul Nanda." Sheetal gasped in outrage as Rakesh turned his resigned head towards her. They said that the world is round and what goes around, comes around. For the first time in his life, he was realizing what if felt to be on the receiving end of betrayal.

"What do you want Arnav?" Rakesh asked resignedly. Arnav smiled hearing the desperation in his voice, the fear in his eyes and the slumped shoulders, that spoke about accepting what was to come. How many times had he imagined this scenario in his head? Revenge... sweet revenge! For his beloved father, for an innocent fourteen year old child, for a small baby girl who had not even been born and a woman, who had loved the wrong man all along. Despite all the bitterness and anger that he had carried in his heart all these years, in this moment, he only felt pity for Rakesh Kapoor. He was a man who had bought on his own doom, and a slimy b****rd like him, deserved to suffer.

"Well, to begin with... transfer all your shares in my name. I want to rename RK Enterprise to AR Group of Industries... something that rightly was my father's... Ajay Raizada Group," Arnav stated forcefully. "I will become bankrupt Arnav. How will I survive?" Rakesh pleaded, fearing his future for the first time in his life. "And you think I would care because? Did you think about my dad when you pulled us onto the streets? Did you think about me? I was a small child then, chachaji!! Why do you think I would give a damn what you do henceforth. I am sure you have your ways to survive. You are one nasty piece of work. But let me warn you... one wrong move against me and all the proofs and records I have of your wrongdoings, go straight to the police," Arnav threatened.

"My legal and finance team will discuss the terms further and you can get in touch with Akash, if you need further clarification. I have tolerated you more than enough for this lifetime and I am finally done with you chachaji," Arnav bit out the word chachaji with disgust and a tone of finality, clearly stating that this meeting was over. Sheetal found her voice again and pleaded, "Arnav please... why are you punishing us for my father's crimes?" Arnav snapped and said, "I think you wouldn't be asking this question if you had known about his treachery to your mother aswell. Why don't you ask him, if he has anything to tell you about his affairs... or whether you have a brother or a sister abandoned by this rascal? He is not a man to be trusted... neither in business... nor in relationships."

With that said, Arnav stormed out of the conference room, followed by his three strong pillars, whose silent presence had given him immense strength in the past one hour. The ordeal was finally over and he did not want to deal with Rakesh Kapoor again... ever. There was only so much he could tolerate the man, without wanting to harm him physically. It had taken a lot of self-control to let his words do the damage than bruise the man with his hands. His father would have never approved of such behavior and whatever said and done, he was his father's son. "That was called kicking some ass," NK smirked, as all of them settled in the car.

For the first time in hours, Arnav smiled a genuine smile... happy, relaxed, content and finally free of the huge burden he had been carrying for years. "Aman, make sure our team flies out from Delhi tomorrow and takes charge of RK's office here. Fast-forward the proceedings and get our legal team to finish the documentation asap. We will be announcing this takeover today evening in the press conference and launching our new branding as well. Keep a tab on Rakesh Kapoor's actions and make sure he does not escape the perfect trap we have laid. As soon as the shares are transferred, give over all his data to the police, so that a rotten man like him can be put behind bars. I don't want him to even think of harming my family ever again," Arnav said in a breath, wanting this ordeal to be over as soon as it could.

He hadn't known that flushing out your past from your system could be so liberating... until he had bared his heart to Khushi last night. He had felt lighter than ever and wanted to feel alive once again. The past had plagued his life for too long and it was time to break those shackles and move on... with Khushi. NK broke his reverie with his excited quip, "Now that we are done with this creep, lets head back and relax for a bit. We need to be refreshed for the press-con and the ARD party to celebrate the grand success of our fashion show. Lets just forget everything else for this evening and enjoy ourselves, before going back to the grind tomorrow. What say brothers???"

Akash agreed in excitement, while Arnav peered out of the window, thinking about what he had to do next. He knew there was much to be done and worried about... but for this one evening; he was going to forget all his worries and relax. He had worked diligently for the last few months and now was the time to bear the fruits of his hard work. He was happy to be returning back to his happiness, who he knew would be anxious and worried for him. There was so much still to tell her. At that thought, excitement coursed through his veins and an involuntarily smile bloomed on that stoic face. NK patted his back cheerfully, knowing exactly what or in this case, who Arnav was thinking about. It was time to celebrate happiness and make his happiness, celebrate life.

--------------------------------------

Part 21