#1 Arshi FF - The Other Half - 30 Aug - CHAP 15 - page 139 - Page 60

Hi, I was just searching for some stories and found yours..
It's too interesting and hilarious story.. Like the way Arnav and Khushi conversation.. Especially susus hahaha.. Waiting for next part.. Thanks..

Hello!!! Feels so good to be back, seems like forever since I updated. I've got more free time now, since my assignments are over! 😆

Have typed a longer than usual update, hope you enjoy it!!

Dancing penguin is back

"What the!" he exclaimed. What was she saying?

"Aur nahi toh kya? You only said right, that you were going to

the washroom when you heard me screaming? I delayed your

trip to the loo. I'm sorry. You must be uncomfortable" She said

with understanding. His cheeks turned pink and he pursed his lips when

she burst out laughing.

[Aur nahi toh kya? - What else?]

She walked away laughing, turning back to see his lips form a small smile.

First laughing, now smiling again? Hey Devi Maiyya, miracles do exist!

Arnav stared at his file. For the past two days, he hadn't been able to get Khushi out of his mind since she'd jumped into his arms by mistake when she'd taken the can of drink to be a rat. She fit so fine against him, like a perfect match. He looked across from his cabin to where she sat at her desk, typing away on her computer. She seemed to be more familiar with the computer and no longer looked like an old lady learning to use the technology. He smiled slightly.

Since the rat/can incident, he had been smiling more. Well, it was a smile for the rest, but for him it was a more defined smirk. His eyes constantly wandered around, often landing on Khushi and lingering on her. If Khushi noticed, she never said anything. But when she thought he wasn't looking, she would sneak a peek at him. Once, when he had caught her looking, he raised an eyebrow as if to question her. She simply put her thumb and forefinger to her lips and stretched wide, indicating him to smile again. He would glare at her and she would giggle. In all his years of glaring at people, which usually resulted in them being frightened, she was the first to giggle.

It was almost frustrating. She was so different from anyone he'd ever met. She didn't react to his ASR self as others did. She joked with him, made fun of him, said stupid things, didn't get scared of anger. At one point, he'd stood in front of the mirror and displayed his ASR face to himself. He checked from all angles. He looked the same, intimidating, angry young man as he'd always looked. So why was she not reacting the way others did? What made her think she could joke and make fun of him?

The more pressing question, was why he wasn't really doing anything about it. Anyone else, and they would have been fired by now. He didn't tolerate anything less than perfection. And Khushi was anything but perfect. He was breaking all his rules by employing her. Did she know that? His gaze traveled to see her at her desk, chewing on her pen as she stared at her diary in confusion. He swallowed. Suddenly, he was very jealous of the pen.

"Sir, auditor Shuber is here" Aman informed his boss who was scowling at Khushiji. Aman wondered what poor Khushiji did now. "Sir?" He called out. Arnav, still scowling at the lucky pen, turned to look at Aman. "Okay. Make sure he has everything he needs." He instructed Aman who was about to leave when he remembered something.

"Sir, Suresh Nath has invited you to attend his daughter's engagement party this weekend. He wants to discuss the deal over some drinks after the party as well. What should I tell him?" Arnav groaned at the thought of having to attend another social party. He never could understand why people were constantly inviting him to every single party. Didn't they know he was a busy man running an empire? But the deal with Nath was valuable as well. Plus his daughter's engagement must have him in a good mood. Perhaps Arnav could bag a sweet deal.

"Fine. Tell him I'll be there." Arnav was dreading the weekend. Aman nodded. "I'll RSVP for you. Will you be attending alone, or bringing someone?" Aman inquired even though he knew his boss usually went to these things alone.

"I-" Arnav paused, his eyes automatically flying across his cabin to where Khushi was seated. Should he bring her along? What the- he was going for work purposes, not for fun. What would she do there? Why did he even think to bring her along? He needed a break, he was going crazy. "I'll be going alone." Arnav dismissed Aman and stretched. Aman left and Arnav glanced to Khushi's cabin only to see it empty. She was just there, where did she go, he wondered. Enough! Enough of thinking about her. He needed to get a coffee and then concentrate on his work.

He made his way down to the pantry where the buzz of conversations turned into whispers and hushed chatter. He smiled to himself. He loved the impact of his presence. His staff were wary of him. Good, that meant that they knew who was boss. He strode to the coffee machine and halted. Dammit, he forgot to bring his mug along. He turned to get it from his cabin when he heard laughter coming from the corner. He frowned. Who would be around the corner, laughing at this time? He walked towards the sound and stopped short. There she was, leaning against the wall, talking into her phone. "Yes, yes, I know. Don't worry. This Khushi Kumari Gupta will definitely do this. You've seen what I can do so far. Your work will be done."

Arnav was tempted to grab her phone and ask her who she was talking to. Who had made her laugh like that? He was about to step in front of her when Aman called out to him, signaling him to come over and sign a file. Arnav looked back at Khushi who was now looking around and suddenly speaking very seriously. "I told you, your work will be done. Just give me some time. I will not give you any reason to complain."

Arnav shrugged and left, even though his body protested and wanted to ask he what was going on. What work did she have to do? Why had she looked so serious? He shook his head. Who was he to ask her questions? It was her phone, she could speak to anyone she wanted. With that, he signed the file Aman gave him and then went back to his cabin to grab his mug and fixed himself a nice, steaming cup of expresso. That would charge him up and fuel his mind so that he could work through the growing pile of files on his desk.

When he returned, Khushi was already at her desk. He watched her over the rim of his mug, swallowing the hot liquid that spread warmth inside. He was already starting to feel better. He would drink his expresso, feel better, get to work and will not look across to his PA. Remembering his party invitation for the weekend, he was just about to add it into his calendar when he heard a knock on his door. There stood Khushi, beaming at him. Great. Just when he was set to get to work and not think about her. He sighed. "Yes?"

"Arnavji, Mehtaji called earlier, about the bill that you sent to him. He says he will pay you soon. He has also faxed these papers over." Khushi handed him the file with the papers. Arnav briefly scanned through them. "Alright, thanks. Anything else?"

She shook her head. Arnav turned to his laptop, expecting her to leave, but she just stood there. "Khushi, is there anything else? By the way," he continued, "Whom were you talking to earlier? By the corner of the pantry?" the question slipped out and he cursed himself for asking her. What did it matter who she spoke with? What would she think now? That he was following her, eavesdropping on her? Damn. Khushi stood wide eyed, looking at him like a deer caught in the headlights. She stuttered and the wheels in her head spun, trying to come up with something. How much did he hear? What did he know? Did he figure out that she was.. No. She hoped not. Arnav looked away from her, still cursing himself for asking her personal questions. "Uh, nevermind. Did.. did you want to say something?" He repeated. Khushi jumped in at the opening and started rambling, trying to divert his mind.

"Arnavji, I wanted to ask you about the Lucknowi saris that you want me to deliver for the upcoming prayers in your house. I have some designs in mind, unless your family members want something specific. Also, I will need their measurements." She fiddled with her diary that contained things for her to do. She had joined work only recently, but she was already starting to feel the pressure of the office work plus sweets and sari task.

Arnav looked at her blankly. He didn't know what designs the ladies wanted, and didn't know their size.. well. "I'll ask them and will text you the details" Arnav took another sip of his expresso and looked at Khushi who was fidgeting. "I.. I could go over and discuss it with them personally" She quipped. "I mean, I can show them some samples, some designs of mine, take their measurements and at the same time, spend some time with them as well. Nani made me promise to meet her soon." Khushi looked at him nervously.

Arnav looked at her with narrowed eyes. "Khushi, you just met them." Khushi smiled at him. "Goatji" She blurted out. "I miss goatji. I mean Laxmiji. I've been fond of animals since I was young" She smiled showing her teeth. Arnav raised a brow. "Last I remember, you were terrified of goatji. Now you are best friends with her?" Khushi huffed. "Oh ho Arnavji. Your memory is so weak. I made friends with her remember?"

Arnav studied her. She seemed excited to go to his house. Why? His thoughts halted at NK. He pierced her with his gaze. Was she eager to meet NK? Was that why she personally wanted to go to his house? He cocked his head to the side. Was he overthinking? One might wonder why Arnav was dragging this. Well, when she'd come to his house the last time, he'd been flustered by her presence. He still remembered the way she'd been curled up in his bed, hugging his pillow, trying to shoo away Laxmi. He remembered the way the room smelled, the way his bed sheets smelled, just like her, a fresh lemony smell. He wasn't sure he could handle her being close to his house, his personal space again.

But, a voice whispered to him, would having her at your house again really be so bad?

"Okay. Come over then. Get whatever information you need from them yourself." Arnav saw relief overcome her face. Khushi smiled at him. "I'll pick you up after work today, be ready by 6." He might as well go home earlier than usual today with Khushi, then have dinner and leave for his night meeting at 9pm. Khushi hesitated and quickly added "It's okay Arnavji, I will go by myself." She looked at him from under her lashes. Arnav shot her a look that told her he wasn't asking her, he was telling her. "I.. I actually don't have any sari samples with me right now. I'll have to go home and get them. I will come after dinner, at around 9pm. Is that okay?" She asked hoping he would agree. There's no way he would insist on driving her there now. She'd seen his calendar. She knew he had a meeting tonight at 9pm.

He frowned at her. "If you don't have the samples at hand right now, why do you want to trouble yourself by going home, getting them and then coming to my house at 9pm? Won't it be late by the time you're done? Will buaji allow?" His mind raced, accidentally referring to her buaji as buaji again. He paused for a moment. He never, ever showed care of concern for his staff. It was his rule. So the way he'd shown his concern seconds ago bothered him.

"Arnavji, I will handle it." Khushi told him quietly. Arnav merely nodded, puzzled by his reaction and her behavior. She had that serious look on again. He shook it off. "I will have one of my drivers pick you up at 8:40 tonight so that you can be there by 9." She was about to refuse when he cut her off. "I'm not asking, Khushi. Also, I have a meeting tonight at 9. I should be done by 10:30 or so. I will drop you home after that." His tone indicated that the discussion was over, and that she would not change his mind. She left after that, and his energy level dropped slightly. He wouldn't be home when she'd be there.

At 8:40pm sharp, the horn of a car sounded and Khushi scrambled to get her purse, the bag of saris and hurried to put on her shoes. Waving to buaji, she ran out and spotted the car. There was actually no need to spot the car, since she'd sat in it the last time she'd been to her boss's house. And anyway the car, an SUV, was so big, so white, and so out of place at her area that she could have seen it from 100 meters away.

The ride to the house was filled with light chatter with Mohanji, the driver. Soon, they reached and she rang the doorbell. She was engulfed in a hug by Anjali and bent down to touch Nani's feet. Nani, delighted at seeing her Khushi bitiya again, quickly showed her to the hall. She spread out the samples and showed them some designs she had drawn herself. They were generous with their compliments and happily chose some designs. After taking the measurements, she relaxed into the sofa and sipped the tea that they're forced her to drink. She smiled to herself, liking them more and more. They were such nice people. She looked at her purse and swallowed the guilt that suddenly rose in her. She forced herself to relax. She was doing the right thing. No one would get hurt.

Looking around, she tried to spot Nanheji. Anjali told her that he was in his room, resting since he had the flu. Khushi went up to meet him and spent some time with him. She looked at the time and saw that it was 10:00. She decided to go ahead with her plan now, so that she could be done before 10:30, which was when Arnavji planned to be back, and leave before he came. This was the reason she had insisted that she come to Arnavji's house, that too purposely at 9pm when she knew he wouldn't be home. She couldn't have him walk in on her and discover what she was doing, could she? She sneaked into his room and started doing her job. Afterall, she had promised to do it and had promised that there would be no room for complains.

Just as she was about to leave, she saw that it was 10:15. Since she didn't hear his legendary ASR voice screaming for a cup of coffee, she assumed that he was not back yet. She looked back at his room, where she had completed a task and was satisfied. She ignored the pinch of guilt. But it was done now, and she had to go through with it. She turned to leave but gasped when strong hands held onto her shoulders. She stared at a chest covered in a brown shirt and made her way up to his tie that was a slightly darker shade of brown. She took in the neatly folded collar, the adam's apple that bobbed as he swallowed and then traced the strong jawline. She saw his lips drawn into a tight line, his slight stubble creating a shadow on his face, making him look more.. more manly. More handsome. His usually flaring nose was scrunched a little right now, his dark brown eyes stared into hers, as if having a silent conversation. His brows were shaped nicely into sharp angles at the arch, some strands of his gelled hair flopped onto his forehead. She gulped.

It wasn't even two days ago when she'd been in this same position, when she thought she was being kidnapped and had a rat that wouldn't stop chasing her. She'd flung herself onto her boss, and even though he hadn't said anything about that, she did still feel embarrassed. She could feel her cheeks heating up and so she gingerly took a step back, the sudden realization of getting caught dawning on her. She looked at the floor and inspected it thoroughly. Why was he here so soon? She thought she would have enough time to leave before he came back. And worse, he had seen her in his room.

"Khushi?" His husky voice tingled her spine and she sneaked a peek at him. Fortunately for her, his dinner meeting had gone well, which was why he didn't sport his usual angry ASR face. "What are you doing here?" He questioned her, his mind still reeling with the feel of having her in his arms again, though not as close as he'd liked. He felt the loss of warmth when she'd stepped back from him, and it took all he had to not discretely cover the distance between them. This, whatever it was, this pull, was so wrong. He knew that. But at the moment, he was finding it hard to care about it. Khushi looked at him nervously and then shook her head. "I was just here because.. because I thought I saw Laxmiji come into your room. We were playing together. Mehh Mehh" She smiled at him.

Arnav loosened his tie. She played and spoke to Laxmi. Why was he not surprised? The blush still hadn't left her rosy cheeks. He wondered how they would feel when he stroked them. What the- when? What do you mean when, Raizada? There will be no stroking of cheek. She is your employee! Arnav walked over to his bed and flung his laptop case onto it. "Well, she's down with Nani at the temple." Arnav informed her. Khushi wrung her poor dupatta around her fingers. "Who?" She mumbled. Arnav turned to look at her in confusion. "Laxmi. She's downstairs." He repeated, noticing her properly for the first time. She seemed.. nervous. Like she'd been doing something she didn't want anyone seeing. Like she was flustered by his presence.

"Khushi, are you alright?" He moved closer to her. Khushi looked at him for a long moment before she clutched her neck where her dupatta was flung across, suddenly making her feel stuffy. "No Arnavji, turns out I'm not alright. My head hurts" She patted her neck, pulling at her dupatta. An amused Arnav cocked his head to the side. "Khushi, that's not your head." He indicated to where her hands were wrapped around her throat. Startled, Khushi looked down to her hands and quickly clutched her head. "I know, I know. I mean, see here?" She pointed to the side of her head. "It hurts here." She started to massage her head, mentally cursing herself for not preparing her answers beforehand.

Arnav was starting to think something was definitely off. "Khushi, do you want me to-" He raised her eyebrows when she jumped slightly. "No, nono. Why would I want you to do anything? You are my boss, I should be the one to do things. Right? Right. Okay then. You have a good night. You just came back from work. Unless you want some entertainment to refresh yourself? Okay. Let me help with that."

Arnav gaped at her. She talked so much, and he was lost. What was she going on about? What entertainment? His jaw fell when she started to turn in circles and shake her hips and dance to music that apparently only she could hear. His blinked and looked around, wondering what in the world was going on. And he was very much amused that this was her version of entertainment. He could think of other ways to be entertained, but she seemed to be having fun, and her headache seemed to have vanished. He wanted to speak, but no words came out. After two minutes, she faced the clock. "Okay. It is very late, I will be going now. Goodnight Arnavji, have a good weekend." She beamed at him and spun on her heels to leave.

"Khushi wait! I will drop you" He reminded her. Khushi looked at him. Why was her boss suddenly insisting to be her chauffeur? "Arnavji!" She called out sweetly. "There is no need for that. I told Mohanji to send me home. He must be waiting for me. You must be tired. You rest. I will go. Goodbye, tata" She waved at him before hurriedly leaving. "Tata" He echoed, a smile lingering on his face. She really was weird. He went to change into more relaxing clothes and sat on his recliner, wanting to get just a little more work done, but the smell of fresh lemon and vanilla refused to let him work. He sighed and just checked some emails, added the note of the engagement party he was attending to his calendar and let it sync with Khushi's, edited some parts of the proposal for the deal he was going to have and reminded himself of the conference call he had the next day. It was going to be a busy weekend.

The next day, he was busy for most of the Saturday afternoon with the conference call he was having with Suresh Nath, whose daughter's engagement party he was going to attend tomorrow. He was still dreading the party, but they were going to finalize the deal tomorrow, so he was going to go. But, he'd decided that he would just stick around for an hour, maximum. These kinds of parties did not interest him. One thing that might have made his mood slightly better was if he could bring Khushi along. Only for his entertainment, nothing else, he told himself. Impulsively he texted her, asking her what she was doing tomorrow. She replied saying that she was free. He wished to ask her to come along, but he didn't have any reason to do so. She was his PA, but she wasn't involved in the deal. He kept his phone aside and decided to just go alone.

At the moment, he was in his room, chatting with Nath. After the phone call was over, he stretched and relaxed for a while before deciding to take a swim. But something stopped him from doing so. He recalled certain words a Khushi Kumari Gupta had said to him, something about having a nice family and how he should spend more time with them. He normally didn't care for anyone telling him what he should do, but.. everyone was presently at home right now, and at 5pm, they usually sat at the hall with their coffee, tea and snacks.

Needless to say, everyone froze for a second when Arnav Singh Raizada, hiding a smirk behind his black coffee mug at their reaction, joined them for afternoon snacks.

Sunday came, and with that came the intensified reluctance to get dressed for the party. Nath had called moments ago, to confirm his attendance and ask again if he was going to bring anyone along. Arnav paused for a moment, his thoughts again going to Khushi. Shaking out of his jumbled thoughts, he confirmed attendance for one person. NK, the oaf, roamed around the house, mumbling something to himself. He wandered into Arnav's room and bumped his shoulder with Arnav's, earning him a glare.

"Nannav! What is this? It is a Sunday, why are you going to the office on a Sunday?" NK stared at his Nannav who was dressed in his usual office wear; three piece suit. "NK," Arnav clenched his teeth, "I'm going to a party slash business meeting." Arnav straightened his tie. NK shook his head with pity. "God Nannav, you are so boring! You wear the same stuff all the time! And you are going to a party? Wow, that sounds like fun. Can I come too?" NK grinned at him. Arnav groaned and faced NK. "Sure, NK. Come along. I'll put your name down along with your plus one, Laxmi. Sound good?" Arnav pretended to make the call. "Nahiii" NK ran away from his room.

Arnav arrived at the party just before the engagement took place. Recognizing some of his business associates, he chatted with them for a while as he took a drink. After half an hour, Nath finally spared some time and sat with Arnav in a private area and started to discuss and finalize the deal when Nath suddenly refused to sign the proposal. "Arnav, I'm sorry to say, but I think your rates are slightly higher than the average market price." Taken aback by that, Arnav narrowed his eyes. "We discussed this yesterday through the conference call. And AR Designs quality and brand will obviously cost more." He stated with confidence.

Nath was one of the bigger fish out there. This deal was important to AR. "Perhaps you can make some revisions with your proposal." Nath suggested. Arnav leaned back into his chair. "Who is it? Who is offering you a better price?" Arnav drawled, knowing that Nath had probably been approached by some rival. "Excuse me, Arnav. I have to get back to the party. Enjoy yourself." Nath buttoned his blazer and left a seething Arnav behind.

He had hoped to close the deal today itself, and now this new drama was unfolding. Stuffing his items into his bag, he stood and scanned the crowd to see if Nath was talking to any of his competitors. When he saw Nath speaking to some girl dressed in a red anarkali, who obviously wasn't his competitor, he decided to leave and think over this calmly. Somebody had obviously tried to snag Nath from his clutches, which was suspicious since the two of them had decided to keep their venturing proposal a low profile. He downed his drink and left it on the table nearby before moving towards the exit. Just then he saw a flash of red whoosh past and for a moment the smell of lemon lingered in the air. Khushi? What was she doing here? Why would she be here? Why was Nath speaking to her earlier?

He walked in the direction she had disappeared to and saw her standing a distance away. "Khushi?" He called out, hoping it was indeed her, otherwise it would be awkward. Surprised, she spun around to see boss standing there. "Arnavji.." She trailed off.

"What are you doing here?"

Have not edited.

NO PMs - look out for the title + date for latest post please. 😳

Hope you enjoyed !!

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Chapter 13

hope she wasnt spying on him

Awesome...can't wait for this mystery to unfold

YESSS!

Is this the beginning of a MU?

Nice one

Hope there is no mu... thanks for the update..

woww...