#4 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 76

Limerence : Part 29

"...and then you should have seen Neena's face. I have no idea why, but even after being snubbed by Khushi for the past few days, she continues to mess with the soon-to-be ASR's fiance," Payal joked making the entire group to burst out laughing, just liked they had been for the past few hours. Khushi turned red, at being termed as Arnav's fiance and sneaked a look at the man in contention, who had simply refused to look at anything but her since the past hour. His intense gaze kept unnerving her, despite being comfortably welcomed into the Mittal's cozy home. She blushed again, seeing his eyebrow arch into that typical Arnav way, to tease her. He could so easily read her thoughts and even though this uncanny habit scared her, it thrilled her equally.

Garima relaxed amidst this buoyant family, enjoying the warmth and happiness that made her feel at home, amongst them. She could not recollect the last time she had sat amidst such a large group, enjoying dinner and easy companionship. Khushi and her life had been so lonely and devoid of familial bliss, that this moment seemed like a mirage. She felt worried that if she raised her hand to touch this happiness, it would splinter into pieces, shattering her heart along with this wonderful dream. "Garimaji, aap chocolate souffle khayengi? I don't understand these modern dishes that this new generation loves so much. Payal wanted to make the dessert and hence I cancelled my plan to make rabdi jalebis," Manorama's loving voice, broke through Garima's reverie.

"I would love to try some," Garima looked at an excited Payal, who bounced off the sofa and rushed into the kitchen to serve the dessert. It had been five days since the dramatic Shyam fiasco. The relentless media attention and the constant police intervention that had followed, had pushed the engagement date by a few days. Manorama had invited Garima and Khushi to discuss about the party venue and the guests list. However, that was a mere excuse to spend some more time with the Gupta women. With their presence, her home felt complete and extremely happy. Especially her son Arnav, who could not keep his eyes away from Khushi for more than a few moments. She felt content at the prospect of him, finally finding his happiness.

"Payal, you have only three more days to get the outfits for the engagement ready, you remember right?" Akash teased Payal, knowing well that it had been a sore topic to discuss with her lately. Handing over bowls of souffle to everyone, Payal fumed and glared at Akash complaining, "Why am I the only one responsible for the clothes? I knew I had to put up a trousseau for Arnav and Khushi. I thought I would find some help with three men who run AR Designs. However, seems like they have lost their interest in fashion and are targeting the bechari daughter-in-law of this house. Khushi, dekh lena, these guys are so good in ganging up. I think we will have to form our own gang of girls and completely boycott them."

Khushi gave Payal a high-five as the girls giggled seeing the flummoxed expression of the boys. NK glared at Akash for bringing up this sensitive topic, knowing well how tensed Payal had been, arranging and finalizing everyone's outfits... not merely Arnav and Khushi's. "Relax Payal, I have spoken to the other designers and allotted a small team to work on your designs and finish them by tommorw, so that we have time for any alterations if need be," Arnav said coolly, brining down the soaring temperatures in the house. "Thanks Arnav, you are a savior. Khushi is a very lucky girl... unlike me," Payal said, mocking Akash a bit. Everyone chuckled at her drama, as Akash went towards his livid wife, trying to mollycoddle her. He feared that there were strong chances of him sleeping in the living room tonight.

Manohar Mittal had been silent all through these discussions and excitement, his focus on the new girl, who would be a part of their family soon. It had been his dearest wish for years, to have a lovely, timid, intelligent daughter, who he could pamper and spoil completely. Raising three sons had made the gaping hole for a daughters love, expand slowly and steadily in his chest. When Payal had arrived into their family a month back, he had been thrilled. Her constant chatter and care for Manorama and him, had satiated his heart. However, there was something about Khushi that had strummed his heartstrings. Her innocence, her genuine smiles, her twinkling eyes and the loving bond she shared with Garima, had made Khushi, feel like a daughter he always wanted to have.

And much to his disappointment, Khushi had opened up to everyone in his family, except him. Deep down he realized the reason behind her hesitance and discomfort around him. Not having had a father figure all her life, it was difficult for her to comprehend this unusual bond a father and daughter shared. He hoped with all his heart that some day, he would be able to pamper her, just like he had always wanted to do to his princess. For now, he would have to take it extremely slow and cautiously, to not scare her away. "So when do we get to taste something made by Khushi bitiya?" he asked jovially, making all heads turn at his question. And then the party exploded with suggestions for Khushi to make, the next time she came home... from chinese to pastas, from gulab jamuns to chocolate cakes.

It was finally Garima who replied, "Well, Khushi makes the best karela sabzi. No one can even realize that it is karela... because she somehow manages to keep the bitterness completely at bay." Everyone looked astound at the mother-daughter duo and then looked at Arnav. "Arnav is the only one who loves karela in this house. No wonder... this match was made in heaven!" Payal teased. It was a rare sight to see Arnav Singh Raizada blush and hence, the teasing and mocking went on and on, as the siblings made sure to avenge, Arnav's radio silences so far, filling them up with chaos and madness.

It was only Manorama who caught Manohar's eyes, realizing how apt the choice of vegetable had been... only the most sweetest person in the world, could turn the bitterest of vegetables, to something delicious. Wasn't that how the Gupta women had lived? Keeping away all the bitterness from this harsh world at bay, letting the sweetness of their hearts overpower their lives. Khushi was truly perfect for Arnav and Manorama closed her eyes to remember Ajay Raizada and knew for sure, that had he been around, he would have definitely chosen only Khushi for his Arnav and no one else. The party broke up, as the elders, kept discussing about the impending engagement, while the youngsters made their way to Arnav's room to chill out for a while before calling it a night.

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"Nanheji, are you upset with me?" Khushi asked earnestly, the moment Manorama had summoned Arnav, Akash and Payal, leaving the two friends alone for a few rare moments. NK looked at an anxious Khushi and wondered where this question was suddenly coming from. "Why do you as Khushi? Have you done anything to upset me?" he teased, not realizing that as much as he had been hurting for a while, Khushi had been uneasy regarding their friendship too. "Nanheji, I know we haven't really spoken for weeks now. Firstly, I was transferred to the design floor, then the upcoming fashion show and then all those revelations followed by my changing relationship with Arnavji... I know I have been a bad friend Nanheji and even if you don't say it, I feel terrible about not being able to spend any time with you," Khushi said wryly.

NK looked at this naive girl, who had transformed into a confident woman in such a short span. Arnav's love had changed her in a very lovely manner, and somehow the hurt from a few weeks ago, seemed to be fading away with time. He smiled at her, patted her head lovingly and said, "KKG, you don't need to give me explanations for anything. I understand... truly. I am so happy for Arnav and you. My reticent cousin now smiles so much more than his usual self. And look at you KKG... ek dari, sehmisi ladki, who needed me to defend her all the time, takes on Neena Matthews all by herself! No wonder you both have been busy adapting to each other, bringing out such delightful changes in each other already."

Khushi blushed and NK merely smirked at her in return. After a few moments of comfortable silence between the two, Khushi raised her eyes and said, "I just wanted you to know that you have been my first real friend and will always remain special to me." NK nodded and replied, "Me too Khushi... me too." The trio, who had left them alone a while ago, was back with more topics for discussion. Arnav looked at NK and Khushi restlessly. Despite all that they had been through, he still felt a little edgy seeing these two together. However, NK's relaxed stance and Khushi's bright smile made him overcome these unwanted thoughts quickly, as he settled besides Khushi, throwing his arm around her, making sure to mark his territory. Well, men would always be men!

As the night grew thicker, the conversations seemed to wean slowly. Khushi yawned and asked a question, which had been bothering her for a while. "Arnavji, who had published the photograph in the newspaper? Did you manage to find out?" Arnav stiffened and so did NK and Akash, all conversations coming to a standstill. "What exactly are you boys hiding from us? I can't believe it that you know who it is and are still quiet about it," Payal screamed dramatically, moving closer to Khushi.

Arnav cleared his throat and said softly, trying to appease the girls ire, "We came to know just yesterday, about who was behind this entire fiasco. It was definitely not Shyam. He only managed to take advantage of the situation, considering his cousin works at Times Group. I am guessing he had gotten this information much before it was published in the newspaper." Taking in another deep breath, he continued, "Will you'll give us another day to tell you the name of the culprit? I want to make sure of the punishment, before I can tell everyone about it."

Before Payal could refuse and throw another tantrum, Khushi said with extreme sweetness, "It is fine Arnavji. If you think it is better kept a secret, then we shall wait till you guys are ready to tell us. After all, it was the published photograph that finally is getting us a public approval from this society with the upcoming engagement. Whatever, that person's intention might have been, I am sure it has backfired and for that I am happy." Payal whined in disapproval, while Akash, NK and Arnav smiled at each other, considering the truth behind Khushi's innocent words. How true she was, even though unintentionally.

"KKG, just wait till tomorrow morning. I am sure we will have our results out in the open. Then we can all celebrate while someone can rot in hell!" NK said cheerfully, winking at Arnav. Even though Khushi had promised Arnav to give him some time to reveal everything to her, she could not help keeping the anxiousness at bay, as he dropped them home. Garima walked into the building to go home, giving the couple a few quiet moments to themselves.

Arnav took her hand in his and kissed it tenderly, "I know you have been dying to know who is behind this entire scandal Khushi... but trust me I want to reveal the name, only after I am sure that the person has been punished. I have had a lot of sleepless nights knowing all the pain and trauma you and amma had to go through all this time. So like you have trusted me for so many days, just give me one night." Khushi sighed and mentally shook the gloom that had settled around her. Here was the man she loved, who would fight the world to protect her and go to any extent to make sure she and her amma were comfortable and happy. What did she even have to complain about?

Leaning into his warmth, she inhaled his intoxicating scent, that made her dizzy every time. How was it that even amidst a group of people, her entire body and soul was attuned only to him? Her eyes flit around every moment to seek his warm brown ones, a look that threatened to make her heart leap out of her chest. There was this strong urge to be around only him, all the bloody time. She was attracted to Arnav. She loved him truly, madly and deeply. She wanted to spend every damn moment with him. She wanted to be solely his and make him, hers. The urge was so strong and it got stronger by the minute she spent with him.

Overwhelmed by all these thoughts and emotions, she leaned in, to place a tender kiss on his lips that not only shocked him, but her as well. It was such a wonton action, considering how innocent she was. It was the first time she had initiated any kind of intimacy between them and it just proved to the extent she had started trusting him, forgetting her bitter past. Not the one to miss out an opportunity, he moved in closer and speared his fingers through the thick mass of her hair, deepening the kiss. His lips moved gently over hers, urging her to open up to him. The craving to taste her drove him to sheer madness sometimes, and the ASR who prided himself for his control, unraveled within moments of this tender onslaught.

Breaking apart for some much-needed air, he took in her disheveled state and ran his fingers through her hair, to comb them into place. How he loved the feel of her silken strands! Seeing her flushed and thoroughly kissed, he decided to tease her a bit, "Woah Khushi! You seem to have become so shameless. Not that I am complaining, but this kiss was totally unexpected and so passionate. Where did you learn to kiss this way?" Khushi gasped at his audacity and fumbled with her reply, "Haww... I didn't... I mean... I only kissed... it was you who... who..." He teased her further, "What did I do Khushi? Kya kiya maine?"

Khushi's eyes rounded and she pretended to fume in anger, knowing well that he was playing with her. "Aap toh kabhi kuch karte hi nahi... I am going! Goodnight!" she said sternly and turned to get off the car. Arnav quickly got out from his end and backed her up against the car, as she shut the door. "Arnavji... what are you doing?" she asked, looking around if someone was looking at them, the trauma of a few days ago still lingering in the air surrounding them. He cupped her face gently in his hands; kissed her forehead and whispered, "Don't be mad sweetheart. I was only teasing you. You know how I can't keep my hands off you."

She blushed and nodded, unable to meet his eyes filled with overwhelming desire and love for her. "Its late now, come let me take you home. I don't think I have it in me, to drop you merely below the building anymore. The protectiveness that I feel for you sometimes tears me apart, simply because of the extent I think I can go for you. Yeh tumne mere saath kya kar diya Khushi!" he whispered against her lips, touching his forehead to hers. She looked at him sneakily and said, "Wahi... jo aapne humare saath kiya hai." He smiled and pulled her closer for a few silent minutes, just breathing her into his lungs and letting the feeling of love take over him completely, as the deepest emotion in the world swirled around them like an enchantment.

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Hatred... all consuming, devastating and maddening hatred coursed through her veins as she read the front page of Delhi Times. The newspaper had been neatly couriered to her in the morning, with a bottle of champagne and a thick envelope. The headline read, "Arnav Singh Raizada announces his engagement to his alleged girlfriend Khushi Gupta." The article that followed was even worse to read, about how the two met at work and fell in love over coffee and conversations. The two seem to be inseparable and after the huge "kissing" scandal, their bond seemed to have strengthened more that ever. A grand party has been thrown at the Taj, with a guest list consisting the creme de la creme of the fashion industry. Stay tuned to get exclusive pictures of the most rocking party of the year, it read.

How had this happened? Her intention was to insult and demean her stepsister Khushi, maligning her name, just the way her father, Rakesh Kapoor had done to Khushi's darling mother. Malice and deceit bubbled into her blood, as she felt the anger rushing to her head. After the catastrophe that had hit her family in the name of Arnav Singh Raizada, who had not only shaken the roots of the Kapoor's business empire, but had also destroyed the foundation of their familial relationships... she had confronted her dejected father.

"What did he mean by I might have a sibling, dad? What does he mean by your affairs? Have you been cheating on mom? What was he hinting at? I know you are hiding something from us. What is it dad... tell me?"

"I have never cheated your mother Sheetal but..."

"But what dad? What is it?"

"I had cheated on a woman before I was married. Garima Gupta... who worked for me. The poor thing got pregnant with my child and I refused to have anything to do with her. I swear I am not in touch with them anymore. However, I am aware that she delivered a girl named Khushi. I made sure that their life in Lucknow became a living hell and they had to shift to another city for refuge. I did not want the past to taint my marriage with your mother. Last I heard, they were settled in Delhi."

"Oh god dad!! I can't believe you could stoop so low. This is disgusting. I hate you. You know if mom comes to know about this, she would completely break apart. Especially after the fact, that we are left penniless and to fend for ourselves. How could you cheat mom dad!!"

"Your mother is not some saint Sheetal! She knows about Garima and Khushi. In fact it was her, who pushed me to send them away from Lucknow. So don't be in this illusion that I have cheated your mother. She married me for the money that I managed to slink off from Ajay. I only wonder how Arnav has come to know about Khushi."

"I hate you dad! I hate both of you! Now suddenly, I have a step sister... this is ridiculous. I hate her as well... and I hate ASR! I will take my revenge very soon"

"Sheetal, don't talk to me in that tone. You have a list of your own follies as well. What is this going on with Rahul Nanda? How could you deceive your own father?"

"I learned from the best dad... deception runs in my blood! You have no right to give me a lecture on morals and ethics when you have dug your own grave. Don't involve me into your poor future. I have nothing to do with your downfall."

"Sheetal... what are you saying? I am your father Sheetal... how can you just... Sheetal! Sheetal!! Sheetal!!"

She shivered remembering the anguish and hurt she had felt a few days ago and had been living with a huge burden on her chest. Her entire life seemed to be built up on betrayal and all she could see was the flaring colour of anger... red! With the help of Rahul, she had gotten quick information about Khushi Gupta and to her surprise, had realized that Khushi Gupta was an employee of ARD. Despite being snubbed and insulted by Arnav multiple times, she had reached Sheesh Mahal the same evening, to try her luck one last time. She had hidden behind the shadows and followed him throughout the success party of ARD... only to stumble upon Arnav Singh Raizada, declaring his love for some girl called Khushi...

Her mind had swirled with confusion and chaos and wondered if it was the same Khushi. And then a few words from the meeting had cleared all the confusion. "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," Arnav Singh Raizada had realized that Khushi was Rakesh Kapoor's daughter and to avenge her, he had changed his mind overnight. Jealousy, hatred, venom like never before had coursed through her veins for a girl, whose existence she had been unaware of, until then. Removing her phone, she had snapped a few explicit pictures, even though disgusted to witness this kind of intimacy between the two people she hated the most.

The next few things that had followed were exactly to her wishes. Using Rahul's influence, she had gotten the photograph published into Delhi Times, waiting patiently to see the downfall of Arnav and his precious Khushi. She knew what such kind of publicity would do to an already wounded Khushi and Garima. All that she wanted was to make them go through more embarrassment and defamation. Her twisted mind and cruel heart had stopped thinking logically and the fear of getting caught had completely vanished. Her only resort that now remained in her life was Rahul Nanda... her boyfriend and business partner.

Sheetal slumped on her bed and with trembling fingers opened the thick envelope that had been delivered along with the newspaper. Her already distorted world seemed to completely splinter, seeing the contents of the envelope. Rahul Nanda had legally cancelled the contract with her company... considering the fraud that Kapoor Enterprise was involved in. He had also snapped a legal action against Sheetal for deceiving him and using his company for other illegal transactions. And that was not all... the house she sat in, would be taken into custody, if she is unable to pay a hefty sum as forfeit.

The contents from the envelope slowly floated towards the ground, as they slipped from her trembling fingers. Tears poured out of her eyes, her shoulders finally slumped in resignation. Everything was over. Everything that she had planned and plotted for years had vanished within minutes and love had finally conquered over hatred. She felt extreme agony, realizing that everything that was happening to her was because of Arnav Singh Raizada's love for Khushi Gupta... a girl, who shared her father and yet had remained in the sidelines for years. Looks like the cruel fate, had finally granted justice... and she had been robbed off an entire lifetime of happiness... by her own deeds.

Sheetal lifted the bottle of Champagne and popped it open to gulp down the contents greedily. Her parched throat felt alive once again, as her cold heart filled with warmth. She had idolized her father to such extent, that she had become his shadow. She had become just like him... with their fates entwined. If life were to roll out this way for having Rakesh Kapoor as a father, it would have been better if she never had one. "Lucky girl! Khushi... you are a very lucky girl!!" she mumbled incoherently, as she lay on the bed, her tears mingling with the champagne that was emptying itself of all the jubilation it contained.

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Part 30

Just when I was ready to post the update, I came to know that Limerence has been awarded as the "Mohabbat-Nafrat Fanfiction of the month." Well! I am speechless. All I can say is that it is because of all of you, who have loved and made this story so popular. Thank you so much lovelies. I am extremely lucky to be on the receiving end of such affection... and a big round of applause to all you wonderful readers of Limerence! This one is for you'll...