#3 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 77

Limerence : Part 21

The theme for the cocktail party was blue. Khushi looked at her reflection in the mirror and refused to believe, that the well-groomed woman who stared back at her... was her itself. She smiled thinking of the nice laidback morning, a first-time rejuvenating experience at a spa and a late lunch surrounded by the most loving people she had ever been with. Akash and NK's summary of how the meeting had gone with Rakesh Kapoor, even though disturbing, was hilariously described. She had never known that difficulties and sorrows could be laughed about with friends, lifting off those viscous burdens from lonely shoulders. Her first taste of friendship had left a lingering craving for a lifetime.

Arnav had looked exhausted and yet his small smiles, had reached his eyes... twinkling like the stars that lit her beautiful night sky. She had been told about the change in his plans to buy out RK Enterprise completely and even though she pretended to not care, she had felt a sense of satisfaction with the news. A man, who had wronged so many people, did not deserve any kind of happiness. All throughout the lunch she had tried to catch Arnav's eye, yet had been disappointed of his deliberate ignorance. What was going through his head that he seemed so distant from her... especially after last night... where she felt emotionally closer to him than ever before?

The boys who had stayed up almost whole night had retired to their room for a short nap, while Payal and she, along with high security had been out to the local shops of Lucknow to shop. Khushi had felt nostalgic and overwhelmed, walking through streets that she had once called her home. She vaguely remembered the street she had lived on and had persisted on giving it a visit. With utter reluctance, Payal had been dragged along to one of the busiest areas of Lucknow. Khushi walked on the street in a trance, trying to piece the fragments of memories she had of this place. As the visions became clearer, Khushi felt it easier to remember the past. It didn't hurt as much as it did earlier, when she had been trying to avoid it. She realized that it was the key to freedom... to take problems head on!

"Woah, Khushi! You look stunning. Look at this dress. Its turned out much better than I had imagined it... and now you won't look out of place like you feared. It looks perfectly cocktailly!" Payal gushed seeing Khushi standing in front of the mirror, peering at her reflection as if in trance. Khushi turned around and smiled at Payal's enthusiasm. "Look at yourself Payal Mittal. I think Akashji is not going to be able to keep his eyes off you today. And cocktailly??? Is that even a word??" Khushi teased.

Payal laughed and walked to look at herself in the mirror, straightening her body-hugging deep blue dress and asked genuinely, "You think so? It feels like ages since I spent some quality time with Akash. Since we have been back from our honeymoon, we both have been rushing around working our ass out. I would really like some relaxing time with him." Khushi smiled and laid a hand over her shoulder, looking at Payal through the mirror saying, "Offcourse Akashji is going to be hypnotized by you today. I am sure I will have to sleep alone in this room tonight. Not that I would have any issues with it. Ja Payal... je le apni zindagi."

Seeing Payal blushing for the first time in her life, Khushi teased, "Is Mrs. Payal Mittal, urf Dracula blushing? God! I though I would never see this day." At Khushi's giggle Payal turned to look at her in shock and asked, "Are you seriously teasing me? What have you done to my serious and dukhi Khushi? Whatever it is... it is good... good to see Khushi so khush!" Khushi shrugged, the lightness of her heart, lighting up her face with its brilliance. The two girls spent a few more minutes perfecting their looks and walked out of their suite to rush towards the small banquet hall, where the party was to be held, hoping the press conference to be over.

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Arnav hated the relentless questions from the media. They always wanted more, even if you provided them enough fodder. There had been tricky questions regarding this takeover... some that he had found difficult to answer without giving away his hatred towards Rakesh Kapoor. However, he had never been more thankful for Akash and NK's presence, who had calmly taken charge and answered them swiftly without any bias. It was finally over. Something that he had set out to accomplish years ago... he had achieved. He was sure that his father would have been proud of him and even though Ajay Singh Raizada would have wanted to name his company "Maya" again, Arnav did not feel even an ounce of emotion towards the name that was his mothers'.

As the three men walked through the door of the grand banquet hall, it took a few moments to get used to the dim lighting and the pumped up music. There was a loud cheer amidst the gathered, to welcome the owners of ARD. It was a party thrown in, to celebrate the success of their fashion show and the hard work everyone had put for over two months now. Arnav noticed how beautifully the hall was decorated as per the theme of blue. It was divided into two sections, one where people could sit and dine, while the other half was left open for people who wanted to dance to their hearts content.

Amidst the gathered crowd, Arnav's eyes frantically sought out Khushi. His heart had been craving to see her since so long. Through all that had happened over the last few days, huge revelations, takeovers and the fashion show, he had barely got a few minutes to talk to her without an agenda. Even during lunch he had avoided her, fearing that he would slip up in front of her, giving away his plans for tonight. However, now he was impatient to see her, his parched eyes greedy for some dose of happiness. And just at that very moment, Payal dragged a reluctant Khushi from back of the crowd to the forefront.

Arnav took in a shaky breath seeing the dazzling vision in front of him. She looked unrecognizable. The bright blue and champagne sequins dress she wore, fitted her like a glove, highlighting her slender figure. From afar it looked like a stunning dress, yet with the slim blue chudiar, it felt complete. He admired the design Payal had come up with, keeping in mind Khushi's sensibilities and yet blending it into this party. Despite the fact that most of the women around, were dressed skimpily and coated with layers of makeup... no one dazzled like Khushi... her inner beauty spreading luminance all around. So captivated was he by her bewitching eyes, that he walked straight to her, as if in a trance.

Khushi took in the man of the hour, Arnav Singh Raizada... a man to reckon and a boss loved by all. He was always impeccably dressed, yet today, she could not help but trace his form, from head to toe. The slim-fit pinstriped deep blue suit, the baby blue shirt and the characteristic look of ASR, took her breath away. However what was more unnerving, was the way he was looking at her. It flustered her, made her heart flutter like a hummingbird. Her feet wobbled with excitement as she shivered in anticipation. Anticipation of what, her heart chided her.

Before Arnav could say something sensible, Payal launched herself onto him and said, "ASR!! Finally you boys are here. We all have been waiting for so long." Payal winked at NK, who conveniently drew Khushi into a hug and said, "You look smashing KKG." An annoyed and dazed Arnav looked at them both, as realization dawned on him. They were teasing him and he was never the one to take mischief quietly. Before he could say something, Akash said cheerfully taking Payal in his arms, "You look stunning wife, but I must say, today Khushi has just killed it!" Payal mock-pouted at him while NK bobbed his head in agreement. What the hell was wrong with these Mittals?

Khushi blushed and blushed and blushed at this abundant praise. She was aware of the teasing and was even more embarrassed at being caught staring at Arnav. This was all new to her and it seemed, it was new to Arnav as well. He appeared annoyed and frustrated at being mocked. "Khushi, come let me get you a drink. I think you must try the cranberry cooler... it is refreshing and zingy. You will love it," NK said, taking her by the arm and dragging her towards the bar. Arnav looked at her retreating figure wistfully, annoyed at his cousin and a small part of him, burned with jealousy at the ease with which NK had dragged Khushi with him. He hadn't been able to even say a hello to his girl.

"Stop sulking ASR and go give your speech. The staff has been waiting to hear all the management gyaan and then let themselves lose in the alcohol and music. Then maybe you will find some private time with..." Payal teased, while Akash stifled a laugh. "For today, I shall let you Mittals be. I am not your boss here. But remember Mrs. Mittal, tomorrow you guys will be reporting to me and then I will show you, exactly what sulking means," Arnav said in jest, pretending to sound angry, yet unable to control the quirk of his lip.

Payal laughed and bend close to him, whispering in his ear, "I hope you have some special plans tonight. It would be nice to see my two most favourite people... happy together." Arnav gave her a nod, while Akash whined, "What about me? Am I not your favourite?" Payal pulled at his cheeks and said, "You Mr. Akash, are the center of my existence. Happy?" Arnav saw how happy these two looked together, the teasing, the laughter, the fights, only adding to the love they felt for each other. And for the first time in his life, he wanted the same... for him.

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"Rejections, dejections, rework and redesign... the past few months have been all about realigning our ideas and bringing out the best in us. Giving the world a new perspective to see fashion and thinking beyond the realms of impossible. I am so proud to have a team, that thrives on challenges and despite all the barriers, delivers a smashing fashion show. Thank you everyone, present here and back at ARD, who has been a part of this success. I think we have achieved what we had set out for, and it is now time to celebrate. I don't think I should be giving any more "management gyaan," because my most favourite designer here, has warned me not to bore you. So lets raise a toast to ARD and keep rocking guys!" Arnav said sincerely, amidst a loud cheer from the crowd, as he popped open a champagne bottle, marking the beginning of an evening, everyone would like to remember, yet most of them would forget considering how drunk they were.

The next half an hour, Arnav and Akash spent in talking to their staff, appreciating their efforts and telling them about how well this new line of designs had been appreciated. His eyes kept flitting to a corner, where NK, Payal and Khushi remained huddled, chatting, laughing and swaying to the music. The tiny prick of jealousy had increased leaps and bounds, seeing Khushi laugh freely with NK. And here he was stuck amidst people, not even being given the opportunity to tell Khushi how beautiful she looked. Her dress dazzled in the flashing lights. But what mesmerized him, were her luminous eyes... free of the pain and sorrow that he had noticed the first time they had met. It was something that had captured his attention. Yet today, he realized that they seemed more alluring without the traces of her past lingering within them.

Making up his mind to get what he wanted, he made a move towards the gossiping trio, with the intention to whisk Khushi away. And that is exactly what he did... brazenly, upfront and without shame. "I am now going to borrow Khushi from you'll for a while, if you don't mind. And actually even if you do... I don't care," Arnav said, holding onto Khushi's hand and pulling her along with him, giving a giggling Payal a pointed glare. Payal whistled mischievously, while NK gave them a small smile. As Arnav and Khushi silently walked out, Payal grabbed NK by his arm and asked, "You ok?" He nodded and replied, "Seeing that happy blush on Khushi's cheeks, I think I will manage just fine." Payal gave him a bear hug and said, "Come, lets get drunk."

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The sudden silence at the poolside unnerved Khushi. Her hand was tightly clasped in Arnav's warm one, as he led her towards a secluded area. She looked at the comfortable sofa, facing the shimmering water. This was a different pool than the night before. It was larger and more of a water body to accentuate the palace. The regal pillars surrounding them were illuminated by soft light, casting a yellow glow. The sky was a deep shade of blue, inching towards darkness that would embellish itself with a million twinkling stars like a jeweled blanket.

Arnav sat her down on the sofa and for the first time, really looked at her. She looked exquisite. Face devoid of makeup but radiant with an inner glow. Her open hair fluttered in the cheerful wind, gleaming in the soft light. He noticed the dangling golden jhumkis, styled with meenakari work and then his eyes flit to the tiny nosepin, that twinkled on the corner of her button nose. It stoked a fire within him, as desire flared driving him to the point of no return. "Did you pierce your nose?" he asked on a shaky breath. She nodded softly, the small diamond teasing him with a twinkle. "It was Payal's idea. I got it pierced in one of the local markets this afternoon."

He looked at her intently for a fraction of a second before replying; "Remind me to thank Payal later." At her confused look, Arnav flicked the tip of her nose with his finger and said something that he had been dying to say since he had laid his eyes on Khushi... "You look stunning... ethereal if I may say." She looked into his eyes, captivated by the emotion within those brown orbs as a deep blush spread across her soft cheeks. They sat for a few moments in complete silence, looking at each other without an ounce of discomfort, listening to the soothing music of the rippling water and breathing the fragrant air of the fresh rajnigandha flowers that bloomed somewhere around the corners of the pool.

Khushi had been accustomed to silences all her life. Being mostly alone, it was these silences that always pricked her heart and made her desperately crave for something unknown, which she had no clarity of. It was only in this moment that she realized what she had been waiting for all her life. It was a companion... who would transform these tormenting silences into peaceful ones. If words could mend a broken heart, silences like these could soothe your soul. She felt happy and content with the way life had taken its course... trudging, pitting, despairing and then finally leading onto this beautiful moment.

"Khushi..." Arnav whispered, not wanting to disrupt the calming silence surrounding them, as he held her trembling hand within his. "I have been wanting to speak to you for so long Khushi but there were so many things that have been distracting my mind," he said softly, brushing his thumb over the soft skin of her hand. He felt a shiver run through her body, as his eyes clashed with hers and held. "Cold?" he asked in a whisper as she barely shook her head in response. What would she say to him? That the shudder began from her heart, and ended at the hands, that were now cocooned within his warm ones? How could she tell him that her heart was thudding in her chest so hard, that it was in the danger of leaping out of it? She felt nervous at their closeness and more so, at the tender words that spilled out of his delicious mouth.

She saw him raise one of her hands and place it gently on his chest, right over his heart. She looked at him confused and then felt the soft dhak dhak... his heartbeats in sync with hers. Her eyes gleamed with surprise at how easily he could read her mind. "Can you feel my heart beating, Khushi?" he asked. She hummed in response, unable to put her emotions into words. "This is what happens, every time you are close. My heart has stopped listening to me, since the first day I met you Khushi. At first it stilled by your innocence, then pulsed in admiration and finally... I think it now has reserved itself to dance to your tunes. Can you hear it beating in sync to yours?" he asked in a whisper.

Arnav left her hand and stood up to face the tranquil pool. Khushi immediately felt bereft of his warmth, feeling the chill in the air. "I never believed in love, Khushi. When I saw how cruelly love could ruin a man... seeing my father's love returned in such a destructive manner by my mother. I have grown up believing that love was only made for the foolish, who wanted to give up their lives, behind this crazy notion called love," he said, talking more to himself that her... as if trying to convince his heart that he was still treading on dangerous waters.

"Then I saw the love that maasi and maasa shared. I saw how they completed each other, cared and shared their worries and loved abundantly. I saw Akash and Payal falling in love. Initially I used to mock their ideas and beliefs in this emotion... but slowly and steadily my own beliefs went under a drastic transformation. And it was only when you landed into my dull life, that I saw my life in a different perspective," Arnav said, the words flowing like a river... as if a dam inside his heart had burst. Khushi sat stiffly, listening to his words... trying to decipher them to hear what his heart had to say. She knew this was a moment that was going to alter them, change everything that was between them... and like everyone... she feared this change... feared these unknown territories that threatened to consume them.

He turned around slowly to face her and said, "I don't know what love is Khushi... but I have realized that it is not in your control to love someone. My father loved my mother unconditionally... but she didn't. Your mother loved your father truthfully, but that man didn't. I guess it is a one-way thing... and if you are truly lucky... then you realize that someone you love, actually loves you back. I would be lying if I said that what I am about to say, does not scare the shit out of me... but then I have to tell you what I feel. It is a risk I am willing to take."

He went down on his knees and kneeled in front of Khushi, his eyes never leaving her expectant ones. Cupping her face in his unsteady hands he said, "I have fallen in love with you Khushi Gupta. My crack of dawn begins with your thoughts, the day passes by worrying about you... the darkness of the night cloaks me, filled with your dreams... is that what love is? I want to wipe away your every tear and tear away all your worries. Seeing you smile makes me happy and seeing your success, seems like my achievement. Is that what love is? Because if it is... then I swear I love you so much Khushi."

His ragged breathing synced with her shallow breaths. His words washed over her body, her soul... filling the cracks that lay unknown to her. Someone loved her for her... someone cared about her happiness... someone was proud of her achievements... and that someone was someone who she had come to love dearly. Oh dear! Khushi's eyes brimmed with tears at the tender onslaught of his words, his thoughts and his promises. He wiped away the traitorous tears as quickly as they flowed down her cheeks, looking at her expectantly... as lost in this whirlwind of emotions as she was. It seemed like she was his savior and he was hers.

Looking at his anxious face, she said gently, "I have never experienced love beyond a mothers love, Arnavji. All my life, it has always been hatred, jealousy, sympathy, pity and deceit. When I joined ARD, that is when I realized what friendship meant. Nanheji brought fun into my life while in Payal, I found a sister who brought back happiness. But you... Arnavji, you have given my life a new meaning, a new dream, a new hope, new motivation to fight and a new reason to live. And in every new aspect of my life, I have always imagined you, right besides me. Is that what love is, Arnavji? Because if it is, then I am in love with you too."

The words floated around them, the feelings seeping into their souls. Arnav stood up, holding onto Khushi... not wanting to let her go even for a moment more. She loved him... she felt the same way about him. His heart thrilled and stilled at the revelation. He looked deeply into her hazel eyes, brimming with salty tears and loaded with sweet happiness. His eyes dropped to her quivering lips and back to her eyes... to seek her permission and express his happiness. Her eyes fluttered close as if giving herself to him... wholly. This tiny gesture touched his heart... her complete trust in him screamed of the depth of her copious love. How had he been so lucky in love?

As all the questions were pushed to the back of his mind, he leaned in, breathing in her scent, kissing the corner of her mouth gently. She shivered within the confines of his arms, as he pulled her closer, sharing the warmth of his body with hers. She felt so soft and petite, her sweet fragrance mingled with the rajnigandha, drove him crazy with need. With extreme greed for love and need for Khushi, he leaned further to capture her soft lips with his. He knew it was her first kiss and somehow the knowledge unhinged him, humbled him and left him completely unmanned.

His lips moved gently over her tentative ones, sipping, savoring its texture and feel. His tongue leapt out to stoke her plump bottom lip, earning a gasp from her. Not the one to miss this opportunity, his tongue dove in to mate with hers. Her taste, as sweet as she was, stoked the fire between them. She molded herself to his body, clinging on to him for some sanity. However, he was a lost cause himself, as he tasted her with ferocious passion, like a parched adventurer finally finding his elixir to life. He smiled into the kiss, seeing her mimicking his moments and with great reluctance, pulled away from her.

Her eyes were still closed, her chest heaving to breathe in lungsful of air. Leaning in, he kissed her eyes tenderly and then her alluring nosepin, pulling her into him. Resting his chin on top of her head, he whispered, "I love you Khushi. You make me so happy." Khushi's heart elated at his words and her eyes fluttered open. After all that he had done for her, all that he had said, the least she could do is tell him what she felt about him. She clutched into the lapels of his suit and turned to look up into his mischievous brown eyes and said, "I love you too Arnavji." They stood like that, gazing into each other's eyes... peering into their souls... for maybe seconds... or minutes... or hours. When lovers are lost in a world of their own, time stands still... because true love is... timeless.

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Part 22