Arshi SS - Off Gamble's and Love -(CH14,pg.15-3July,2017)new

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mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Voyager

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Posted: 8 years ago

SS - Off Gamble's and Love

Hiii Guys,

So , i started this SS in 2015,but hadn't been able to continue!! However, now that I Have begun writing again, I am also starting this SS again.The old thread has been closed as hadn't been updated for long, so I am making a new Post for this SS.

I am posting the CS and the Three Old Parts, along with the new chapter.

Let me know what you guys think.

Much Love

Prachi

...

Index -

C.S, Take 1,Take 2,Take 3, Take 4 - page 1

Take 5 - page 2

Take 6 - page 3

Take 7 - page 4

Take 8 - page 5

Take 9 - page 8

Take 10 - page 10

Take 11 - page 12

Take 12 - page 13

Take 13 - page 14

Take 14 - page 15

...

Character Sketch

Arnav Singh Raizada - At 28 years of age, he is one of the most successful businessmen of the country.Reputed for his hardwork, and passion to excel in everything that he does, he has built the Raizada empire, taken it to new heights, after his father handed him the reins, four years ago. He loves his family to bits.He is arrogant, and selfish, when it comes down to business.When it comes to the matters of the heart, he is a believer in Love, but he is not a hopeless romantic.He has seen his parents have a happy marriage, and also witnessed the very same for his sister, so he does plan to get settled, sometime in Life,but wants to use his brain for the very same, because he believes that Marriage and also Love, perhaps , is one of the biggest gamble's of one's Life and you gotta play your cards well. He had his share of flings, back at Harvard, but then ever since he moved back to India, for good, he knew, he had no time for anything, but his work.

Khushi Gupta - She is 24 years old.She is full of life, happy go lucky girl, lives in Paris, with her aunt and uncle, who have adopted her, after the death of her parents, in a car accident.She is very close to her aunt, and her cousin brother Aman, who is her pillar of strength.She has just finished her MBA from Insead,France, a highly reputed business school.She has got herself a job, as a assistant marketing manager, at a top fashion house, in Paris.When it comes to the matter of the heart, she has been in a few, but have ended sourly,mostly because of her phobia for commitments, things are very complex for her, when it comes to the matter of the heart, because of her own insecurities.

The rest of the character's will be introduced as the story progresses.

...

The two are destined to meet, and sparks are meant to fly.

But is it going to be all easy?? Maybe not, for one is sorted and practical, and another is just complexed and emotional.

That's the catch , you know, Maybe in Love, you gotta have your cards right, for its your Heart at stake, and whats Love, without some Gambling in between the hearts.

Its the journey of two hearts, where their path is marked , Off Gambles and Love.

...

Take 1

Raizada Mansion - New Delhi

Arnav's POV

I looked at my watch, as I entered my room, it was 10.30 pm.And I really was tired, the past few weeks or rather months, i should say, had been really hectic.Dad really was proud, that AR designs, has reached to new heights, along with The Raizada Industries, in terms of its diversification into various industries.Ever Since, Dad handed me the reings of the Raizada Emprie, since I returned from Harvard , five years ago, I had dedicated every ounce of my hard work towards, taking dad's hardwork to newer heights, and I knew I was succeeding, and I was proud of what I had accomplasihed, just like my family was.

I loosened up my tie, and sat down on my bed for a while, and I was glad, Maa and Dad had stepped out for a dinner party, so that I could use this time for myself. Off late, I had been working 24/7, and sometimes, I just feel, Like I should give myself a break, but then everytime, something would come up, and I would give in to work again.I do not complain, as my work is my passion, but now that probably I had successfully managed to get AR Designs, back into its Number 1 position, from its ranked no 2 last year, for the first time ever, I think Di was right.Maybe I really could use a break right now.

Right then my phone rang, and I picked it up - " Hi Lavannya...how are you??"

"I am good, ASR, how have you been??"

"Good, so whats this about??"

Well, I was wondering, about the success party tomorrow, at AR"

"Yeah what about it??"

"I was wondering if we could go together, ASR??"

"I don't know, Lavanya, because I am not sure, I will be attending..."

" What do you mean?? Its a success party for all your hard work...you cannot possibly not attend it...and please, don't get the wrong idea, I am not asking you to take me as your date,as friends, and business asscociates..."

I felt a little at ease, as I heard that - " yeah, alright, maybe then we could, I am sorry Lavanaya, I just..."

"Yeah, yeah, I know, you dont want me to get the wrong idea, just like I did in the past..."

"Yeah..."

"Don't worry, I wont, ASR, see you tomorrow..."

"See you."

I finally change for the night, and lie down in bed, and before I know it, sleep takes over, it had been a long long day.

...

Next Day -9.00 AM

Arnav walked down the stairs , and he saw his family was already at the breakfast table, it was a ritual, amongst them, that no matter, what, if they all were in town, they would always have breakfast together.

Arun Raizada was a proud father and, the minute he spotted his son, he got up and pulled him into a instant hug - " I am proud of you son..."

Ratna grinned as she kissed her Chotte, on his head - " he's been chanting that, ever since he read the newspaper this morning..."

Arun grinned - " But what I want to know is, why didn't you tell me about this , yesterday??"

Before Arnav could say anything, he heard his sister chime in as she entered through the doors, and joined them - " And miss that look on your face?? No way Paa, Chotte, wanted you to find out on your own...", she smiled as she hugged her brother - "Congratulations, chotte, AR back at no 1, and its all because of your hard work..."

Arnav grinned - " yeah, thanks di, maa and dad, but seriously Maa and di, you guys need to stop this Chotte business, please , how many times have I told you, I dont like it..."

Ratna ignored him, as she asked her daughter - " did you speak to Chotte??"

Anjali grinned, as she sat on the table - " Not yet??"

ARnav sat on the table, and looked at his Dad confused, who grinned, and faked cluelessness,as he returned his attention to his phone, and he asked - " whats this about??"

Anjali grinned - " About, how you need a break Chotte, you have been working too hard..."

Ratna teased - " yeah, to top it all, my son is still a bachelor, the least he could do is listen to his family, and take some time off to enjoy, and then hopefully, agree to get married soon..."

"Maa, please, stop it, anyways I was thinking...", he said

Anjali and Ratna both looked at him surprised , as they asked in unison - " About Marriage??"

"Whoa...no, no way , alright, but about this break thing, I guess I need a holiday too, it would be good to have some time off you know..."

"Thats great, Chotte...", said Ratna

"Have you thought of something?", asked Arnav

"No, not exactly, Aman has something on his mind though, I will speak to him..."

"That'll be great..." said his father finally looking up.

Arnav smiled as he asked - " how is jiju??"

Anjali smiled - " great, hes off to Hong Kong for a few days for work, why do you think I am here, so early..."

"Great, so you are staying, right, I gotta rush now, I will see you in the evening, at AR ??", he asked his sister

"You bet, I wouldn't miss my Chotte's success party for anything..."

"Di, stop it please..."

Anjali grinned - "alright, I will..."

Arun smiled - " we will come for a while too maybe, because I know, no one will enjoy whilst we are there..."

Anjali nodded - " You bet, Paa, but you gotta see, they are more scared of Chotte, he gives your person a run, surely, but they dont know, you guys are the coolest family ever..."

Arnav grinned - " We know it, Thanks di...now I gotta go...bye everyone...", and he walked out, towards his SUV,and called his best friend and business asscioate, Aman, to know, what he was planning, for the holiday, as long as he remembered, he mentioned Diya would be coming along as well,Diya was also his friend, mainly because she was Aman's fiancee.The only thing he remebere,d he had mentioned was that, they had New Zealand, on their mind.

...

Same Day - Paris - 9.00 am

Khushi's POV

I close my alarm clock, and I really don't feel like getting up so soon, but then I know, I have to, because of my appointment with Dr.Henry, at Noon. I get up, and get ready for the day.Just as I was about to walk out, I hear a knock at my door and I open it to see bhai standing there.

"Bhai, whats up??I was just coming down for breakfast..."

"I know, but Khushi, i wanted to put this in your room , like now...", and he walked in and adjusted the heavy frame, of what he was carrying in his hands, on the wall at the back of her bed, and I felt all emotional, as I realised it was a picture of all of us, from my graduation, four days ago.

I hug bhai as i whisper - " thank you Bhai, you are the best, what would I ever do without you??"

"And I am always there for you Khushi...you know that, now come down soon...we are waiting for you...havent you got your appointment with Dr Henry??"

"Yes, bhai, and I am super excited,for he just called me yesterday, and told me, that I could actually do everything, I was planning, he just said, that I have to be careful about certain things thats all..."

"Thats great Khushi...", and he spotted me, putting on my natural skin cover, over my myoelectric arm, he said - " honestly, I prefer watching you without it,Khushi, You look like this supercool model, right from a sic-fiction movie..."

I smiled - " very funny bhai, now go let me get ready, you know Ottobock is a long drive from home and I dont wanna be late..."

He smiled and walked out.

I pulled on my skin cover, and then took a minute as I gazed at the picture, Bhai had just put on the wall, and I couldn't feel more happier and blessed in my Life.

I was 15, when we were visiting Garima aunty and Shashi uncle, here in Paris. Dad used to love driving, and we were all on our road trip, when the accident happened.I had woken up few days later, in the hospital, only to find out that I had lost both Muma and Papa in that accident, and not just that, also my left arm,it was injured greatly to the extent, that amputation really was the only way out.

I had cried for hours, and I still shiver, as the memory struck me, and I remember thinking that Life would never be the same.But I was proven wrong, as Garima aunty and Shashi uncle adopted me, and took me in as their own.

Obviously, I spent the three years of my rest of the teen, in doubt, about how was I going to cope up, with my loss, and wasted a lot of time thinking about how people looked at me.But, if it wasn't for Aman bhai, and aunty and uncle, I would have never got past my fear for the very same, I still remember, Aman Bhai chanting all around the house, how he himself would prefer having a artificial limb just like I have, because it just looked so kool, and in a way that somehow used to boost up my morale.It was Aman bhai who had taught me, that I could spend the rest of my life, either mourning over what I had lost, or make it my strength, by making my self accepting the fact that its a symbol of what I survived.He counselled me so much, along with uncle and aunty, that I can proudly say, that today, I really am , what I am because of them. I look at myself , just as normally, as I would have before.I am sure, up above in the heavens,Muma and Papa would have been really proud of me.

I just finished my MBA,, from Insead, and have a fabulous job, waiting for me, which I will start after summer, in the next two months. I have the best of friends, and the best family ever, and really what more could I really ask for. I have learnt from life, It really is all about perspective, the way I look at myself is how the world will look at me.

I adjust my skin cover, and I couldn't help but agree with Bhai, intact with technology advancements, protheses had never felt more natural, the skin cover on the arm, was customised to her body, and even more so , the electric arm on its own, looked really kool, when she was home, she never put on the skin cover anyway.The limbs had changed of course in the past nine years, and with the help of Dr Henry and his physiotherapy, I had always been able to adapt to my limb perfectly.Infact, Dr Henry proudly would always claim, that just no one, could ever claim that I have a artificial limb on, until I removed it.And he was right, it just really felt so natural, that even I sometimes, forgot the fact that my left arm, below the elbow was a artificial one.

My phone rang and I picked it up as I smiled, it was Dita, my best friend - " Khushi, I will be there in five minutes, and then we gotta go shopping for our trip, I am just so excited...and then we head to Ottobock, and listen I will talk to Dr.Henry myself, over this insane wish of adventure of your's..."

"Dita, why dont you just relax, come soon, we will talk...ok??"

I kept down the phone and i smiled , I really did have the best of people, in my Life, and for that i thanked God, as i walked out my room ,to join my family for breakfast.

...

Dita - "Aman, I still don't beleive, you are allowing Khushi to do all this insane adventure, on our trip..."

Garima smiled - " well our khushi, is a brave girl dita..."

Dita - " yeah, I know she is..."

Shashi grinned - " Dita, you said the same thing last summer..."

Dita groaned - " yeah, how can I forget, Khushi dragging me along for the scuba dive at the great barrier reef, when I absolutely hate water...ughhh...its just because I love her so much..."

Khushi grinned - " I know Dita, and I love you too...infact dont you worry, Dr Henry has permitted me to skydive..."

Aman smiled - " I trust Khushi, Dita, she knows how to take care of herself...and thats why you are with her na...anyway, you will take care when she doesn't..."

Dita smiled - " you got that right..."

Khushi finished her breakfast, kissed Garima on her cheek as she said - " Maa, I will be back late, in the evening..alright, we gotta go shopping..."

Shashi smiled - " have fun, and do clear all your doubts with Dr henry..."

Khushi smiled - " dont worry dad, i will..."

Aman grinned - " Enjoy Khushi..."

"I will bhai, you know I love you..."

"Yes I do..."

...

Khushi's POV

As I drive, I realise Dita has just suddenly switched off the music and I ask - " whats up??? you look worried?? "

Dita sighed - " Rahul is engaged..."

I feel absolutely nothing as i hear that, and I nod in reply - " well , good for him..."

Dita glared at me - " Khushi , you cannot absolutely not feel anything, he loved you, you know that...infact you..."

"That's why, I broke up with him, Dita, I knew, he was going in too deep, its not something I wanted, and honestly i didn't feel for him the way he did, it wasn't fair to him, I am happy he's found someone...", I finished.

"You know what Khushi, I don't understand, why are you so insecure and phobic about love and relationships, it was the save thing with Derek, before Rahul, they genuinely felt for you...I know, you feel about...", said Dita.

I sighed - " Dita, honestly, its nothing to do with my condition, at all, I know they all looked past it , but to be honest, maybe it is ,Love i dont know, thats why I have my insecurities, i mean this my condition,is something I have to live with, its a part of me, so strong, I dont know if i am ready to share it with anyone apart from my family and you of course...and honestly,I dont even know, what Love is...never felt it...I am just not sure this whole relationship thing, thats why I backed out, both the times, because I sensed, it was going in to deep for them"

Dita nodded - " I undertsand, but dont worry, maybe someday, you will meet someone, who can take care of all your insecurities about the same..."

I smiled - " maybe, someday, but not anytime soon, right now I am just super excited for this Holiday, you know, I could use a break...infact, I was really sad, that we couldn't do New zealand last year along with Australia, because of my tight schedule, so this year, I definitely had too..."

Dita grinned - " Its going t be so much fun..."

I smiled - " You bet, it will be..."

...

Edited by arnav.khushi - 8 years ago

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mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Voyager

+ 4

Posted: 8 years ago

Take 2

...

Arnav's POV

I stood lazily, at the bar counter, as the bartender passed me my drink.The party had been a huge hit, and mostly, all of my office staff had left, and it was now only family, and my friend, and some of Aman and Diya's friends. I was enjoying the solititude, when i spotted lavanya, walking up to me, and order a drink for herself,I smiled and shifted so that she could stand next to me, and I heard her speak -

" You have been working very hard, ASR..you should honestly give yourself a break..."

I grinned - " Thanks Lavanya, and on that note, yes I am...just spoke to Aman and Diya this morning..." and before I could speak further, I saw Aman walk up grinning , as he said -

" And he is joining us on our trip..."

I saw Lavanya grin as she asked - " what??? seriously?? no ways...ASR finally taking a break...but wait...", as she teased, " you are going to be a third wheel...ASR..."

"Very funny Lavanya, I just want this time out on my own...", and I grinned as I teased my best friend - " And Aman, don't worry, you and Diya can have all the romance in the world...for I won't be watching..."

Aman winked - " Yes, you better not...anyways have you spoken to uncle and aunty about this??"

"obviously Aman, they are more than happy...and honestly i think this would be a good thing..."

Lavanya grinned - " It definitely would be, for you to loosen up..."

Aman grinned - " yeah right...", and right then he spotted some guy ask Diya for a dance, and he walked away to mark his territory.

I turned to look at Lavanya as i ask - " You ok??"

She smiled - " yeah, I am...don't worry...I am over it...not that It was easy to get over this one sided emotion for you, ASR..."

I am sure, my face went blank at hearing that, for I had absolutely no idea, how to respond to that, so I just mustered - " Sorry, I guess..."

She grinned as she said - " Shut up, I was only kidding...anyways, so when do you leave...and for how many days??"

I smiled - " Two Days from now, and I guess, for two weeks..."

She smiled - " Enjoy yourself alright...", and right then her phone rang, and she went aside to take it.

I looked at the crowd in front of me busy dancing away, Aman and Diya were swaying to a slow song, and I am glad, they finally sorted out their little fight.I looked on a little, and I felt really really happy for my friend, he had found the perfect one for himself, in Diya.It wasn't just that, they understood each other's silence as well...just like Di and Jijai, and Maa and Dad...it just made me wonder, whether, I would someday find someone who would understand my silence?.

I know, I am a practical man, and I don't have insanely crazy notions about romance, for sure, but when I look at my family, and my friends, I do get a hope, that maybe someday, i would meet someone I was truly compatible with, and then if everything seemed sensible and practically sorted enough, maybe I would think about spending the rest of my life with that unknown person, who until now, was definitely a stranger to me.It was right then, I was dragged out of my thought, by Diya to the dance floor.I groaned, but still obliged her, I don't know why she does that every party, specially when she knows I don't dance, and is aware, that I will walk away in just five minutes, and that is exactly what I did this time too.

...

Khushi's POV

10.00 PM

I sat deep in thought, as Dita's words rang in my ears again.I knew she was right, I was really insecure, when it came to my heart, and I know it was because of my condition.I may put up a facade in front of everyone, but I couldn't fool myself, deep down, I knew, I just didn't know, if anyone would love me truly, without the sympathy, and would look past my shortcoming, which actually wasn't a shortcoming anymore, all thanks to technology.But I love myself, and my self respect is way too important to me.I don't want anyone to look at me sympathy, for I don't.I look at myself as a fighter, my arm is the symbol, that I faced death, and I survived, and that was in no chance my weakness, but my strength.I want someone to understand that,I don't want to be with someone, who sometime or the other would point to me, that Life wasn't the same for me as for them, because of my artificial limb.Its a very sensitive topic for me, and I know, my insecurities arise greatly from it, and that is why, everytime, even tries beyond a level to find the key to my heart, i simply just change the lock, by distancing myself. Because, thats the way I feel secure.I am happy as I am, I really am,infact I truly beleive, that If I can't be happy within myself, and have a content life of my own, how am I ever going to share that with anyone. But at the same time, I dont know, if I am ready to share this part of me, with anyone emotionally, and even more so intimately.I have been in two relationships,until now, both of which I have broken.They were both nice guys, but I couldn't get myself to feel for them the way they did, and more so, I had some serious issues with intimacy.I only so have kissed very briefly,that I am sure it doesn't even count, because everytime,i would stop the brief kiss to turn into a deep one, because I know, that everytime, that happened,I would just get so flustered,and just leave.I know my insecurities, very well, and I know I am not the best person to be in a relationship with, and I do not complain, because I am happy,with myself, its just that my family and friends worry way too much for me, and that makes me wonder, about what am I doing wrong? Why do I just push every guy, who tries to come close to me??.

I hear my door open, and see my brother step in, and I smile, as I gesture him to come sit next to me, and he does and kisses me on the head lovingly - " Khushi, you are leaving tomorrow, all packed??"

I grin - " Yes bhai, and so so excited..."

He smiled - " Khushi I know you way too well, if the grin doesn't reach the end of your cheek, and eyes dont twinkle, means something is up...so I am waiting, until you spill the beans..."

I sigh, he knows me way too well - " Bhai, its just about something I was thinking, but it doesn't matter..."

He looks at me for a minute and then says - " Rahul is engaged.."

I nod - " Yes, and thats good for him, I am happy for him intact I just wished him all the best for his new life, a while back...its just what he said...and even Dita"

"What did they say??"

"He just mentioned, how I need to stop holding myself, and trust when it comes to the matters of the heart, I know maybe he is right, but...", and before I could continue, I heard him intervene.

"Khushi, bacha, you dont need to worry, for I know, there is someone out there, and trust me, when you fall in love, all your insecurities will vanish...and mark my words, it will happen one day...and even until then I am not worried, for I know, you are happy even now,and probably love will just add more happiness in your life, you know like a cherry on the cake kinda thing", he finished.

I hug my brother, tightly - " Bhai, you always know, what to say when, and make me feel so much better, I know right, there is nothing to worry, but still...Love I am not sure, I dont know if anyone can Love me..."

He looked at me shocked - " what makes you say that?? You are adorable...we all love you..."

I cover up as I explain - " Not in that sense bhai, obviously I know, I mean I am not a very secure person when it comes to relationships, I tend to drive people away, quite easily, and you know that..."

He nodded, and held my hand tenderly as he said - " I know, you give on yourself way too soon, and you shouldn't...the day you find someone, who will never give up on you, you will learn..."

"Maybe, you are right, Bhai..."

He kissed me gently on my forehead and instructed - " Now go to sleep , Khushi, and smile, I want you to enjoy yourself, as much as you planned, nothing else matters..."

I smile, as I watch him leave.

I lie back in bed, because I know, I have my flight tomorrow, and I really am super excited for this trip, and I guess Bhai is right, I should just enjoy myself, and stop worrying.And also, I cant help wonder, if he is right, what if one day I find someone, who will not give up on me, no matter how hopeless I am when it comes to Love.But I dont know what will I do then, I know, maybe I need someone who is not strong, not strong enough to let me go.Maybe, thats what I need, but I know,thats something totally impossible.And that really was the last thought on my mind, before sleep took over.

...

Three Days Later - Sofitel,Auckland - 11.00 Am

Arnav sipped his coffe, right when he heard Diya exclaim - " Omg, hurry up will you Aman, we still have to wind up, and we have to check out in one hour, and more importantly, even pick up our car,infact if you had listened to me yesterday, itself, we wouldn't have to do so in so much of a rush, that's it you just never listen to me, and then you say you love me...", she finished grumbling.

Arnav hid his smile, as his best friend looked at him helplessly, and he gestured, that he definitely was not going to butt in between the two, and he heard him speak - " Diya, relax, everything will happen, we are on time, infact, I have a idea, why dont you email Arnav, the details of our car rental, he's done with all his winding up, I am sure, by the time we are done, he can get the car, and we will be off, that way we will save time...", he finished with a grin.

Diya smiled at Arnav - " Arnav, you would, wouldn't you??"

Arnav grinned - " Yes of course I would, I know the rest of our road trip to Bay of Island's depends, greatly on your mood, I wouldn't want you to keep sulking...", he finished winking at his friend.

Diya grinned - " You bet, you wouldn't...anyways I will just email you, Iv booked us the Porsche Cayenne, at the pick up time was 1130 anyway, so if you leave now, you will reach on time, its nearby only..."

Arnav - " yeah Diya, dont worry, I will reach on time, meanwhile, why dont you guys get ready...I will call you, Aman once I leave with the car..."

Aman smiled - " great, thanks Arnav, you saved me a lot of trouble...", he winked.

Arnav grinned - " Never mind...", and took out his phone to check the email Diya had just sent to get the address of the rental company's office, and walked his way out of the lobby, and hopped into a cab to reach his destination.

...

Meanwhile, Hilton, Auckland - 11.00 AM

Khushi finished packing her bags as she yelled so that Dita could hear her in the bathroom - " Dita, we are getting late...hurry up..."

She got her friend's reply from the bath - " Khushi, I will take a while, want to relax in this hot tub, before out drive down, to the Bay of Islands, why are you in such a rush..."

Khushi sighed - " because, remember I want to change our car, I spoke to the office, they are ready to switch out Q7 for the Porsche Cayenne, and thats the beauty I want to drive, please just hurry up na..."

Dita replied from the bath yet again - " alright, I understand, why dont you go and switch the car's , meanwhile i will get ready..."

Khushi did feel , that really was the best thing to do, knowing, Dita and her love for the hot water tub bath...and she picked up her bag, and made her way out of the room, as she yelled - " Alright...Ill see you soon, but hurry..."

...

Arnav's POV

Honestly, I was loving the fact, that I took this time out, ever since we had landed yesterday, In Aukland, I knew this was going to be one hell of a holiday, in the sense, I had decided to let loose, now I wasn't sure, how was that going to happen, since I always keep myself, all disciplined,due to work, and just the thought of doing everything freely, for the next two weeks, was making me feel really good.

I looked out the window, and increased the volume of the music, I was listening to, in my iphone, and I smiled, for I hadn't felt so free, ever since my return from Harvard, five years ago,and I unlocked my phone, to message the very same thought on our family group on Whatsapp.

Ten Minutes Later -

The Cab driver pulled into the car rental's office, and I quickly hopped out , and paid him, and walked into the office.

I spotted the guy, behind the desk, and quickly showed him the email, which Diya had sent me, and gave him my passport and international driving license, so that he could finish the formalities,and i sat on the sofa, and waited, for him to finish.

I was just looking around, when I saw, the beautiful Audi Q7, pull into the driveway.I loved that car, had been driving it for a while, until Dad forced me , a month back to get rid of it, on the notion, that it had been five years since I had been driving the same car,and honestly I had been enjoying my Merc Gl a lot, but I had a special corner for the Q7. Right then something else, caught my attention, as I spotted, a beautiful girl, step out of the driving seat, and I just felt awed, I didn't know, by which of the two more, of the fact that the girl was breathtakingly beautiful, or by the fact that she had stepped out of the driving seat, which meant, she had been driving,I guess, by what I was feeling, I liked the idea, of a beautiful girl,driving a SUV, or maybe it was just this girl.She really was pretty.

I watched as, she walked in to the office, straight to the desk and spoke to John,the guy at the desk.

John smiled at her, and told her to wait a second, and she walked back towards the lounge where I was sitting.

She gave a small smile, as she took her seat next to me, and I smiled back,but I couldn't help but notice how amazingly , breathtakingly beautiful, she was.I almost didn't feel like myself, at all, for no girl had caught my attention, like this one had, and she hadn't even spoken a word to me.I whacked myself mentally, maybe this holiday season was rubbing on me way too much.

...

Khushi's POV

I texted Dita, that i would be back soon, and then started to flip through the magazine's in front , so as to wile away the time, as I waited for John to return,I wonder, what was taking him so long, as they had all my records in store, anyway.I looked at the man sitting next to me, well I had to give it to him, he really was handsome, and there was something about him, that was making me steal a look at him, or was it his smile.I don't know, ohk maybe it was just because, he was really goodlooking, and I appreciate that.It was right then, I spotted John, gesturing to me to come to the counter and I did.

I walked up, and he just handed me the new form, for the Cayenne, and I started filling it, whilst he kept the keys, in front of me, and I hurried, as I just couldn't wait to get my hands on that beauty.Gosh, my love for Cars, was going to drive me crazy, one day, I was sure.

Meanwhile, I heard John call out - " Mr Arnav...", and I noticed the man sitting next to me, walk up and stand next to me.

Arnav.What a nice name!!

I brushed that thought aside, and continued filling in the form, when I heard John say - " Sir, There has been a mistake, we confirmed you The Porsche Cayenne in the email, looks like my colleague made a mistake, looks like he had booked the Porsche Boxster, by mistake..."

I heard the man speak - " No problem, but i am sure, you could change that, you must be having a Cayenne, free..."

His voice was just amazing.I again, brushed that thought away, what was wrong with me??

John - " No sir, there wouldn't be a problem if we had one, one was free until yesterday, but now everything is rented out, I am sorry, will the Boxster not do??"

The man, or Arnav (now that I know his name) replied curry and firmly - " No, John, it will not because I am here with my friends, and we are three of us, it's but obvious the two seater will not do...you surely must have a alternative to offer me..."

John shot a apologetic look - " No sir, we don't I checked with all our outlets in the city, we could offer you one, four days from now, but unfortunately, today, we have none...", he handed him a brochure, as he continued - " sir, why don't you choose another..."

I see , Arnav, brush his hand through his hair, and looks like he was trying to watch his temper, with John, right then John took my form, and smiled - " That's the Cayenne, for you, Miss...", he said gesturing towards the beauty.

...

Arnav's POV

I know, Diya was totally going to freak out, when she would get to know of this, and more than that she would just write a unnecessary long email to the company.I had to find an alterative, and so I started to look at the brochure, for a good substitute.I noticed, that beautiful girl, take the keys of the Cayenne, and she did shoot me a apologetic look, as John took her towards the car.I saw her getting into the driving seat, from the corner of my eye, and just the sight of her, behind the wheel, bowled me over.What the hell was happening to me?? I quickly distracted myself, with the brochure, and thought of taking the Q7, this girl had just brought in, right when I noticed, John walk back in, with a smile plastered on his face, which irritated me, and I just stated , keeping a check on my tone - " alright, I will take the Q7..."

"Sir, but you can't...its unavailable"

"What do mean, I can't??I just saw that girl, bring it in...the one who just took the Cayenne", i replied.

John smiled - " Thats what Sir, she just took it back, I mean the Q7, and left the Cayenne, which you can now take, looks like she preferred the Q7...anyways I will just complete the formalities for you..."

I mentally thanked this unknown beautiful stranger,for it saved me a lot of time,I would have otherwise spent or rather Aman would have, since he made the booking, in handling Diya.

A few Minutes Later -

John handed me the keys, and I quickly strode, and opened the car door, and got behind the wheel, only to be shocked, as I spotted a Post- It, stuck on the driving wheel, which said -

"Figured, your friend's would be unhappy about the Change.You can take this one, I was quite happy with the Q7 anyway,Happy Driving"

I read, the post it, again and again, and looked for a name, but there was none.I was taken aback by the kind gesture.I quickly fold the Post it, and keep it in my pocket, and I started to drive.

This, girl, whoever she was, was extremely beautiful, and she had a lovely smile, and her face when she had smiled at me briefly revolved in front of my eyes, and not to forget she was extremely kind.

I wanted to thank her.

And i felt this sudden urge to atlas know her name.

I know that the probabilities are not in my favour, but I just need to meet this girl again.

...

Quote

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mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Voyager

+ 4

Posted: 8 years ago

Take 3

...

Arnav's POV

I continued to give my attention to the road, as much as I Could,but once again, that beautiful face, revolved in front of my eyes.This really was the strangest things, ever.Like really, things like this, don't happen to me,they just don't happen to Arnav Singh Raizada, period. I just don't get smitten by girls,or maybe its just because, I haven't seen anyone as beautiful as her, in the longest time ever, and that smile,had something in it, and more so, how can I forget her kind gesture, due to which, Diya finally got her way.I curse myself mentally, for I should have atlas ask her name, but in my defense, my mind added, that I did not even speak to her.I was still deep in thought, as I heard Diya's voice from behind -

"I still think, i should write the company an email, how could they make such a mistake, intact if it wasn't for this girl..."

I replied - " exactly Diya, precisely thats the reason you shouldnt, we got what we want, that girl did us a favour, lets respect it, its no big deal anyway..."

Diya replied from behind, teasing me - " Hmmm, you are right in a way, but Thats the first ever, you would have under norma circumstances, been really mad yourself, but look at you Arnav, you are all cool, and calm, and deeply grateful to this girl...just curious, was she really that pretty...??"

I gave her a small smile - " yeah, maybe she was...", and thats what caught Aman's attention, who turned his attention towards me as he asked surprised - " now this is new,since Iv never heard that coming from you..."

I replied to my defence - " what do you mean? I always appreciate beauty..."

"Yeah , that you do, but what you don't is admit it...so whats her name??", he teased.

"I don't know, I didn't ask...", I replied honestly.

Diya grinned - " Too Bad, lets just hope, you bump into her, again, and hey just curious again, was she Indian??"

"Diya,when will you stop?", I said, glaring at her, and she grinned and offered me a bottle of water, which I took and drank a few sips.

Aman - "Hey, why don't you let me take the wheel for a while, we should reach in an hours time anyway..."

I nodded, and pulled the car aside, and let Aman take the wheel, as Diya took the front seat,and I sat in my seat, and gazed out of the window.The drive was wonderful, and really beautiful, and I was feeling quite relaxed, until that face revolved in front of my eyes, and my restlessness, started to creep up again.

...

6.00 PM - Copthorne Hotel and Resorts, Bay of Islands

Khushi stepped out of the shower, fresh and changed, into her,fuschia skater dress, and she spotted Dita, lying on the bed, and skyping with George, her boyfriend, and she grinned as she immediately jumped in front of the screen and exclaimed - " George, Dita has been missing you so much already, you have to make it, here, atlas for the latter half of the trip..."

George grinned - "Ofcourse, Khushi, you know I am just so tied up, otherwise,I would never miss out on a great holiday, with my two favourite girls...anyways from what I hear from Dita, all going great until now"

Dita chipped in - " Great, but could be greater, if you joined in sooner, not listening to me, listen to Khushi atleast..."

George - " Yes, Maam, i will...anyways you two enjoy, and take a stroll through Pahia, its a wonderful little island..."

Dita - " I know, it is, the drive was wonderful, so so pretty, infact, Khushi had a lot of fun driving..."

Khushi smiled - " that, I did..."

George hung up, as he had work, and Dita turned to Khushi - " so , I will just take a bit to freshen up too, then why don't we just step out for a while, that is if you are not too tired with all the driving...", she pointed, as she spotted Khushi rub her left hand, she had been waiting her limb for way too long, already.

Khushi smiled - " Ofcourse, we could, I am not tired at all"

Dita looked at her skeptical - " I remember, DR.Henry advising it to take it off after a long day, for a while..."

Khushi sighed - " And you love me way too much Dita, stop worrying, fine I will take it off, while you get ready..."

Dita smiled - " Great, and I will be quick..."

...

Khushi's POV

I took of my limb, as I waited for Dita to freshen up.She always worried too much for me.I rubbed my stump, so as to relax it for a while, and then lied down, in the bed, the drive had been wonderful, but yes, I was a little tired too.I brushed my right hand through my hair, and checked my phone and spotted Bhai's missed call, and made it a note to call him back in a while, and before I could control it , the thought of Arnav, the handsome man, I had sort of met earlier today, crossed my mind.I couldn't help but wonder, how his reaction would have been to the Post It, I left on the wheel.I usually dont do such favours for anyone, and am very particular about what I want, but somehow, I just judged that he would probably be happier if he had got what he and his friends had planned, and I was just in a good mood, due to how relaxed I was feeling because of my holiday mode, and add to that, how amazingly handsome he was, I just felt like wanting to help him, and so I did.

ofcourse, Dita knew nothing about this generous twist of mood, or she would have teased me all the way through, and I coulnd'nt handle that at all, and that was precisely the reason , why I hid this from her anyway, because ofcourse, there really was no chance, I would run into that handsome man, ever again.So there was no need in making a big deal about this, because probably it just wasn't. His name was nice, though. Arnav.And before I knew it, I was off to sleep.

...

I woke up , with a start, and instantly grabbed my phone.I had slept for two whole hours, and I looked around, where the hell was Dita?? I quickly, called her, and waited for her to pick up, and she did in two rings, and I asked - " where the hell are you Dita?and why didn't you wake me up??"

"Aww Khushi, you were sleeping so peacefully, I didn't have the heart too, anyways don't worry, i am here, in the hotel itself, just ran into a friend, from my summer school time, In London.Her name's Diya, you remember I told you about her, she's here with friends...I am with her only right now, but on my way back to the room in five..."

"Oh...well thats great, Dita, yeah dont worry, take your time, I am thinking, I will just take a stroll outside...", I replied, and hung up.

I streched my arms, and then walked over to the bedside and put on my arm, and adjusted the skin cover on it, and took my shrug and put it on , and stepped out , into the sit out of our room, and then shut the door to it, and stepped out into the lush green lawns.

I was so so glad, we had taken this room, it was beautiful, because of this very view, the backside, had a sitout, which led into these lush green lawns, which were then joint with the water, and infant, if you walked further, you would see the little rocky beach, and I couldn't wait to be there, in the morning, just listening to the sound of the waves.Ahh the solitude.As much as I wanted to, go there now, I knew it went wise, as it was dark already, and there was a board, warning the guests to not go there, after 6 Pm, and so I just walked towards the further end, and just sat on the bench next to amazingly beautiful tree, and let the wind from the water's work its magic, as folded my hands, closed my eyes, and tilted my head back and rest it on the back of the bench. I was loving every bit of it, and I was glad for the nap, because I was feeling really refreshed,I knew Dita would call me, in a few minutes for dinner, but until then, I was going to enjoy this perfect little breeze.

...

Arnav's POV

I had left Aman, and Diya's room, a while later, of sitting with Diya's friend, Dita.They had bumped into each other in the reception, and Diya had then explained to us, how Dita and her were together for summer school, in London.Dita had seemed nice, and from the looks of it, Diya and her had been really close, but had lost touch over time, as life took different turns.Well, that happens to all of us, I guess, as I recall loosing touch with all of my Harvard friends.Well, thats what Life is, I guess.

I had just finished talking back home, and informed Maa and Dad about how cool this whole holiday thing was going, and like i knew it, they were really happy listening to the fact that i was enjoying myself.And then I had spoken to Di, and she was quite excited as well. I really did have the best family ever.And I don't say it a loud often, but i really am thankful for them.

I just texted Aman, that I will see them in a while, for dinner at the resturant, and sipped my last sip of coffe, as I looked out from the sit out of my room,and walked into the lawn for a stroll.It wasn't tired much from the road trip, but the wind was refreshing.

I was just strolling, when something caught my attention, or rather I should say someone.I noticed a girl sitting all by herself, on the further end towards the beach, on a bench.And for a minute, I don't know why, i just felt, it was her, that girl from this afternnon.

I checked my mental status, and It was normal, then how could I explain the thought that had just come to my mind, how could it be her? Ofcourse it wasn't, i was just being insanely stupid about this strager. I instructed myself to get a grip, but then, i just felt this sudden pull to go and check, it it really was her.What if it was her? I needed to thank her, for her gesture, earlier.

And so I walked towards her, and the minute I neared, the bench, and registered in the sight, of her, I could not even think of a reason, why I had been right about this.Because it really was her, sitting there, all by herself, with her hands folded, eyes closed,and head relaxed at the back of the bench, and the wind was playing with her hair, and just the sight, was magnetic, and I don't know for how long did I just stand there, looking at her, and her beautiful face which was only reflecting calmess, and joy, as she had a small smile, on her face.I didn't know, why I stood there frozen, was it because I didnt want to disturb her moment, or was it because, she was flawlessly and so breathtakingly beautiful, and it was the right then, the moonlight fell on her face, and highlighted her gentle and exquisite features, acting like the perfect spotlight, this beauty totally deserved.

I stood there in silence a few more minutes, and then walked up towards, the bench.I had thought earlier, that I needed to meet her, and here she was in front of me.

...

Khushi's POV

The wind.It has this really calm affect on me, it was as if it was soothing me.I just absolutely loved it,and I had no idea, how many minutes had passed, but I wasn't ready to open my eyes , yet, for the moment was just so amazing.It was right then, I heard a voice, a deep husky voice - "The odds were very low, but looks like I finally get to thank you...", and I open my eyes, to register in the sight of the handsome man, Arnav, from earlier on, and i couldn't help but blink thrice, to register, the reality of him actually being there, and I quickly straighten up, and give him a small smile, as I manage to whisper - " Hi..."

He smiled,and I felt the insides of my stomach knot in nervousness, what the hell, this never like never happens to me.I distract my mind, my looking ahead at the water for a minute, and i heard him say - " Hey, you mind If I join??"

I looked at him, and smiled - " No, obviously not...", and I shifted so that he could sit on the other side of the bench.

"Well, thank you so much, that was really Kind of you...", he said.

I looked at him and admitted honestly - " you'r welcome, but honestly it wasn't a big deal, i already had a SUV, you definitely needed it more than me, you know with your friends an all..."

He smiled - " You heard??"

"Obviously, I was right there,...", I replied.

He grinned, and I honestly didn't know, I shivered because of the affect his grin had on me, or the wind - " so you like driving ??", he asked

"Absolutely, love it...the drive here was wonderful, wasn't it??"

"It indeed was...", he replied.

And it was right then, my phone rang, and I cursed Dita for the bad timing, but picked it up nonetheless and heard her ask me to come to the room.

"yeah, ohk, I will be there, in a jiffy...", I replied.

I looked at him.Was he looking at me?? or maybe I was just dreaming!!

"I am sorry, I need to go, my friends waiting...", I said, and got up, and turned to go, when I heard him say, from behind - "No problem, it was really nice meeting you, again...??"

And I understood, he was hinting to know my name.

I gave him a small smile as I said - " Its Khushi..., and It was nice meeting you too, Arnav...", and with that, I quickly sprinted away, because I had no idea how do deal with this anxiety i was feeling, nor the nervousness in my stomach.

...

Arnav's POV

I couldn't help but smile to myself, as I walked towards the restaurant,to join Aman and Riya, for dinner.

Khushi.The name suited her.

I couldn't get her out of my mind.Not that I cmplained, for a change, it was nice to have someone preoccupy, my thoughts.And I was already waiting to bump into her again.Right when I spotted Dita, Diya;s friend walk in to the restaurant at the same time as me, and I smiled - " hey Dita..."

"Hi Arnav, Diya and Aman, already there...", she asked

I nodded, and right then I saw Khushi joining her from behind, as she said, with her attention to her phone - " Dita, just finished talking...", and she stopped in her tracks, as she spotted me with Dita, with a expression of surprize on her face.

Dita spoke - " Khushi, this is Arnav, hes with Diya and Aman, intact they are there, come let me introduce you to them...", and she held her right hand, and pulled Khushi ahead.

I followed, and saw Khushi glance back to look at me, as she gave me a small smile, and our eyes locked for a brief second, before she turned ahead, and I felt my insides flip,it was as if I felt something just topple upside down.I tried to comprehend the feeling, as I walked ahead, to join everyone, but I knew one thing for sure, this trip, was going to be no where near to what I had planned, and for once, I couldn't be more happier about it.

...

Khushi's PoV

I smiled, as I passed Diya the dish, and then continued to eat my food.Diya and Aman seemed really nice, and obviously, Arnav, was, too.I heard Diya and Dita, tell us about some of their time from summer school, not that I had heard off already, Dita had been really mentioning Diya quite a lot, ever since her return from summer school, but then lives got busy eventually they lost touch.And three years later, they had just met again, so Dita was quite excited, and I was genuinely happy, seeing her happy.

I found myself, stealing a glance at Arnav, who was chatting with Aman.I had a instant liking for Aman, because he shared the name with my Bhai, and also he seemed really nice too.Right then I heard Diya ask - "anyways whats your plan for tomorrow, Dita??"

Dita grinned - " Well, we are going diving, or maybe I should say, Khushi plans too, and I will just wait for her, in the boat, she is a certified diver, and I hate water, and I sweared I would never dive again, last year when Khushi dragged me along with her, at the Great Barrier Reef...so yeah, and what about you guys?? Any plans on diving, Pahia is a beautiful spot for diving..."

Diya looked at me and smiled - " wow, Khushi, you sure have a thing for adventure, actually, I wanted to dive as well, but I know both Aman and Arnav, are never going to join me, so do you mind if I join you tomorrow?? we were planning to go for the Dolphin thing, tomorrow, but I am sure we could shift that for day after..."

I smiled - " Sure, Diya, you can join, diving is a wonderful experience..."

Aman looked at me - " Great, so now that you are taking my fiancee, deep within the ocean, the least I can do is , be on the boat, and sip a drink, and enjoy my soltitude,for a while...", he winked, teasing Diya, which earned him a whack on his arm , and he instantly yelled - " Ouch, Diya, baby, its a joke..."

I grinned, these two were funny, much like Dita and George , and I continued to eat, and I spotted Arnav glance at me, and our eyes locked for a second, before I pulled away, as i felt that similar knot in my stomach.This wasn't a good thing, I knew,I had never felt this way, and as much as it thrilled me, I hated this alien feeling, making me anxious,and I thought it would be the best to keep my distance from this Greek God look alike - Arnav, and that would honestly be the best for my well-being.And with that thought, I returned my attention to the plate, making a mental and conscious note, to not even subconsciously look his way.

...

Arnav's POV

I walked in behind Diya and Aman, in their room, and took the couch, and wondered again, why Khushi had just hurriedly left the table, in between dessert.Shed said, she had to take that call, maybe it really was important.I brushed the thought away, as heard Diya state happily - " Oh my god, guys, I am so excited for the dive tomorrow..."

I heard Aman say - " And like I said, we will come with you..."

Diya looked at me - " You wanna give it a shot??"

I replied honsetly - " No way , Diya, I do not love water, the way you do...but yes, like Aman says, we will come with you..."

Diya - " Ohk, no issues, but thanks...", and then she said - " Khushi is sweet isn't she??"

And the words instantly left my mouth - " And very kind too..."

Dita and Aman looked at me , for a explanation for my claim, and I said - " remember the girl, from the car rental this afternoon, who let us have the Cayenne??", and I saw them nod, and then I said - " It was her.Khushi..."

And just in an instant, i saw Diya and Aman, give me huge smile, and before I knew it, a huge grin marked my face.

...

Quote

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Voyager

+ 4

Posted: 8 years ago

Take 4

Next Day - Noon - Bay of Islands

Khushi's POV

I resurfaced from the water, and looked back to see Diya, do the same, and I continued to kick my legs gently,as we neared the boat, and she followed.I took the hand of our instructor, and then,climbed the steps to our boat, and then helped Diya do the same, and then Nick, our instructor helped us remove our equipment, and the smile and the emotion on Diya's face, clearly reflected how happy and overwhelmed she was by the experience.And I couldn't help but smile, as I said to her - " Wonderful isn't it??"

She smiled - " Exquisite, is what I will say, I dont know why hadn't I done this until now, and to be honest if it were upto Aman and Arnav, I would have missed it today as well, but thank you so so much, Khushi..."

I walked ahead inside the boat, and sipped a glass of water, and replied - " No issues Diya, I am so glad you enjoyed...I remember, when I dived for the first time, I couldn't believe the fact, that I hadn't done this earlier, and I was so passionate about it, thats why went out and did the ceritification, water has this different affect on me,its serene, and peaceful...", and right then I spotted Dita walk up to us, and she touched my arm, as she asked - " You ohk, Khushi??"

I saw Diya eye me,as she asked - " what Khushi?? are you not well..."

"Nothing like that, Diya, Dita here, just worries way too much, anyways , I will just change and be back...", I explained.

She smiled, and I walked into the bathroom of the match to change, taking my bag with me, and the first thing I did was to take of my aqua limb, and replace it in its case, and I rubbed my stump on my hand gently, not that I needed the relaxation, because I was feeling superelaxed after the dive anyway, but somehow I had this habbit, everytime, I changed, or removed my artificial limg, I would always touch my stump, it was my way of thanking this part of my body, for being so strong.

I changed quickly, and then walked out, and it was right then I spotted, Dita and Diya deep in conversation, and I joined, as I asked - " whats up...!!"

Diya grinned - "I just texted Aman, how great the dive was, I am so unhappy he couldn't be here...even Arnav...", she finished, grumbling.

I felt a twinge in my mind, as I heard his name, and I couldn't be more thankful, that he couldn't accompany the three of us along with Aman, as apparently some very important thing had come up at work, which needed immediate attending to, and since we were technically ahead of IST, they needed to utilise the time, to finish things , and get them sorted, when the business day started back in India.Well, I was obviously glad, he didn't come, because of my mental note, to mark distance with this Greek God Version of Arnav,but I knew, I would be seeing him back in the hotel, and I felt my mind plan on how it was going to avoid him, already.

I heard Dita say - "Its alright, Diya, doesn't matter, you can tell him all about it when you meet him..."

I gave her a small smile, and it was right then Nick, our instructor, walked up to us, to ask us about the dive.I didn't need one, since I was a certified diver, but since it was Diya's first time, I knew, she would be more comfortable, with someone else by her side too,that was the reason I had suggested, we take Nick along, as well.

...

The Hotel - 1 Pm

Arnav's POV

I finally shut my laptop,and sighed in releif, that the situation was stable back at work.It wasn't a major issue, but since I knew, Dad had no clue about our new or rather the first project into Constructions, it would just be a waste of time, to explain everything to hi first, and then have him handle it.I preferred spending a few hours , on doing it myself,ofcourse, I had Aman for help.He was handling the execution for the project.And now, that the situation was under control and stable, I finally looked up at my watch, it was 1 Pm, and I was really hungry, and I knew so would Aman be, since we skipped breakfast, and also could not accompany the girls on the dive.

It was right then her thought hit me again.

Khushi.

What was it about her?? I had absolutely no idea, at all, but there was definitely something,for I couldn't get her face, out of my mind, and it was already so weird to deal with already,what was weirder was the fact that I was liking it.

I have to admit, I was a tad bit disappointed, because we couldn't go on the dive,I was kind of looking forward to see her do something, she really liked.

I checked the time again, and I realised that Diya had mentioned, that they would be back in time, for lunch, which meant, they would be back anytime soon,and I really was looking forward to hear Diya's version of it, because, I knew, she was really excited too.

I walked out my room, messaging Aman to join me for lunch, when I spotted, Khushi step out of the lift.

Man,how was it possible for this woman to look so exquisite, like all the time.Just in this moment, dressed in a casual top, and denim shorts, and that look on her face, which somehow just radiated serenity,she was captivating.I didn't know why, I couldn't take my eyes off her, once again,or maybe of course I could, I just didn't want to.

I smiled, and she gave me a small smile, and our eyes met briefly, and I felt that sudden flip again, and I heard myself say - " Khushi..."

She gave me a small smile again, as she said - " Hi, Arnav..."

"How was the dive?? I couldn't, I mean...work...", I heard myself explain, and I was shocked, because why the hell was I doing any sort of explaining here, and I guess that was the expression that I saw on her face, as well,and then I heard her say , - " I know, Diya told us, work, it just always comes up, doesn't it, anyways, I hope, its sorted though, and honestly you didn't miss much, since you were just going to watch from the boat anyway, there was no chance you would have joined us now, was there??", she finished teasingly.

I grinned - "yeah, you got that right, No chance for sure...I wouldn't dive in for anything in the world, I hate water..."

Khushi - "well, we all have our choices, don't we...", and she started walking, and I asked - " wait, where are you going?? aren't you hungry, have you guys eaten??"

She looked at me - " Well, I am, but I am just tired, so I told Diya and Dita and Aman, that I will just order in, what about you??"

"I was just going for lunch..."

She nodded - " well, I guess, I will see you later then Arnav..."

I nodded, and turned to leave, and then i stopped, as I asked behind her back - "Khushi, we are planning to go to the beach in a while, you will be coming, won't you??"

She smiled - " Yes, I will, you see, Dita will kill me, if I don't..."

I nodded - " great, see you in a while, then?"

She nodded - " A while, it is...", and then she turned and walked towards her room and I didn't know why,I walked to the restuarant, with this unnecessary grin on my face.

Maybe, this holiday mode was going to be injurious to my mental health,or maybe not.

...

Khushi's POV

I entered my room,and put my stuff aside,and then took of my electric arm,and lied down.I didn't know what was wrong with me.Yes, the dive had relaxed me greatly, but then again something was making me nervous and restless,and i knew what it was.It was the Greek God Look Alike - Arnav. I was attracted to him, very attracted, like i hadn't been to anyone in the longest time now, and the fact that i had promised my self, to keep a safe distance from him, was troubling me even more.Why did I have to begin so much control all the time.I took a deep breath,and closed my eyes.His gorgeous face revolved in front of my eyes,boy i was surely going crazy.Then his gorgeous smile came to my mind,and then his chocolate brown eyes, which made me feel something,everytime he looked at me,and the very few seconds that our eyes had locked ever since I had met him.

Ok, thats it.I was officially going insane.How could i think about someone, i had just met, i didn't even know him.

But i knew, i wanted to know him.I smiled, as i deceided, im going to put my Worry- Khushi Mode off, for a while.I was on a holiday, and i deserved a change, and i needed to give myself a break.There could be no harm, in getting to know him, would be harmless,for the first time ever, i didn't want to worry,and that really felt good.And so i quickly got up, and wore back my arm,and i stroked it for a minute, it really was a gorgeous piece of technology.I adjusted my cover on top,and made my way out to the restaurant.I knew everyone would still be having lunch,and I really wanted to see Arnav too.

...

Arnav's POV

I listened to Diya talk about her diving experience,and i couldn't help but smile,she was thrilled.I had wanted to be there, and i knew that Diya was not the only reason he wanted to be there.It was also about Khushi.

I knew it sounded insane, for things like this never happened to me, i had never in the past been so attracted to anyone i had just met.It was like she was a magnet,that i couldn't help but get pulled towards.And the fact that she was gorgeous,and beautiful and just so perfect, wasn't helping much.I just hoped, she had joined us for lunch,because i knew i was looking forward to see her already and i was literally looking at my watch for time to pass, so that i could see her on the beach a couple of hours from now. I heard Diya tease Aman as she said - " oh Nick, the diving instructor, was really hot, you know, and maybe just for him, i could go diving again, already..."

Aman scowled - " you gotta ring on that finger, lady , watch it..."

Diya grinned - " well , i took it off, for now..."

I watched Aman scowl even more as he said - " very funny, you are here with your fiancee..."

Diya bent forward and kissed him briefly on the lips as she said - " oh, i love the jealous look on you..."

These two were adorable.

Dita, was busy talking on the phone, with her boyfriend, i guessed, and so i resumed eating.And it was right then I spotted her, Khushi walking in to the restaurant,and she spotted us,and she walked up to us,and i couldn't help but smile,my boring lunch just got very interesting.

Right then, I saw Dita return to the table,and she said looking at Khushi and she said - " hey, i thought you were ordering in..."

Khushi smiled.And i swear, as i say this, that smile could light up a dark room,and he heard her say - " yeah, but i changed my mind...now cmon let me see what are you eating..", she said playfully,as she sat next to Diya's seat,right across me,and started to eat off Diya's plate.She finally looked at me,and she smiled.

I swear, I felt my insides do, a summersault.I smiled back as i asked - " so what will you eat...Khushi...?"

She grinned - " let me see...",and started browsing through the menu.

I called out to a steward, he walked up to us,and took her order.

I heard Diya say as she winked at Khushi - "Khushi, i was just telling everyone, about how wonderful our dive was this morning,and even more so how hot Nick was..."

Khushi winked back at her as she said - " you bet, he was..."

And all this while, i couldn't get myself to look away from her,and i finally felt a kick on my leg underneath the table,and i looked at Dita,as she gave me a smile, and then gestured me to say something,instant of just shamelessly staring.

I picked up the bowl of pasta in front of me and i said, offering it to Khushi in front of me - " hey, why dont you have some, until your order comes,you said you were hungry..."

Khushi smiled at me as she put her hand across to take the bowl from me,and our hands touched for a split second,as she was taking the bowl from me, and the minute we touched, our eyes locked,and i was sure, she felt it too, that sudden jolt of electricity that had just passed through.

She looked away quickly, to my disappointment,as she started to eat.

This was insane,and i looked at my hand,i couldn't have just possibly felt a current,that i had?This was strange,but at the same time it excited me.

I wanted to get to know this gorgeous woman, in front of me.I wanted to know all about her. And i knew i would.

...

Khushi's POV

We finished Lunch,and I saw Diya and Aman walk back to their room,and Dita too, as she really wanted to take a nap, before we hit the beach,and i was excited, because i really wanted to get out into the ocean, with the Jet Ski.

I noticed,Arnav hadn't got up from his seat yet, and i looked at him as i asked - " you aren't tired?"

He smiled,that gorgeous smile,that made me feel flushed.He said - " well, no, im not the one who has had an eventful morning,just work as usual,so not tired..."

I smiled back as i said - " so I was just going to order coffee..."

He grinned - " great, make it two..."

I smiled. Did this mean, he wanted to get to know me too?.That felt nice, very nice.

We waited for the coffe,and i heard him ask - " So khushi, you are from Paris? have you lived there all your life? I like Paris, you know, i come every year, for work..."

he did? And i said - " well, not all my life, since i was 15,but you do come? this great,so what do you do?"

He said - " well, my father had started this fashion house back in India, from scratch decades ago, and so i cannot not give him the credit for it all, even though he has handed my the reigns, five years ago, he was the one who brought Raizada empire to life,but to answer you in simple words, I am a businessman..."

I smiled - "thats great, you clearly love your father a lot..."

He nodded - " yeah, but tell me about you, what do you do...?"

"well, i just finished my MBA from Insead, like a week back, but i have a job starting at this amazing fashion house, in two months time, after summer...so i guess we have something in common...", I finished,with a smile.

" Nicee...", he said,and right then his phone rang and it was Aman, i guess , he spoke for a few seconds,and said as he sipped his coffe - " sorry, just a mail, that i gotta check, immediately..."

I sipped my coffee as i said - " no problem", as i watched him check his phone.

I didn't want to stop looking at him.I had no idea, what the hell was happening here.

I said, as he finished - " hes nice you know, your friend Aman,and im baised,as he shares the name with my brother..."

Arnav smiled as he asked - " he does...?"

I smiled - " yeah..."

Arnav asked - " so its you, and..."

And i sensed he was asking about my family so i said - " my mom,dad and my bhai, my whole world revolves around them,include Dita and a few friends in there, and thats all...what about you?

He smiled - " My dad,maa and di, and i could say my world revolves around them too, include a few friends, thats all..."

I grinned - " I cant beleive, you just stole my words..."

"well, they suited my situation, so just them, is it, is there no one special?i mean a boyfriend...", he asked, looking into my eyes.

I looked into his eyes as i said - " well no, no boyfriend,for now, what about you?"

Arnav smiled,and i heard him say - " well no one for me too, but hey tell me, how does some one as perfect as you, not have a boyfriend?"

That was a compliment.I knew it was.But there was something in the way he said it,he looked at me as something perfect,and i knew I wasn't that,and i didn't know how to answer him yet,and so i just said honestly - " well, let's just say, i have a knack of driving people away..."

Arnav looked at me and he asked - " really??"

I nodded - " yeah..",and my phone beeped.It was Dita and she was calling me to the room and i looked at him as i finished my coffee - "look i gotta go now...see you on the beach"

Arnav smiled - " yeah, see you..."

I got up quickly and made my way to the room.

...

Arnav's POV

I watched her leave, and i wondered why she said that, that she has a knack at driving people away.She was gorgeous,so pretty, easy to talk to,and like i had said, just so perfect.And i smiled,because i was happy to know, she didn't have a boyfriend,and swear i was grinning like an idiot,as i walked to my room,this vacation was probably the best thing i could have done for myself, in the longest time.

...

Quote

sspoorthy

@sspoorthy

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 8 years ago

Nice concept

Interesting

Waiting to read more

Quote

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Voyager

+ 4

Posted: 8 years ago

Take 5

Pahia Beach - 6.00 PM

Arnav sipped his Corona,as he heard Aman ask him - " so, im your best friend, and i can officially declare that i have never seen you smiling so much, like i have since yesterday.What's really on your mind Man?"

Arnav said to his defence - " what the?? you are mad, i smile all the time..."

Diya teased him further throwing some sand on him playfully - " yeah,what he means is that you been grinning like an idiot...and i really am interested to know the reason..."

Dita smiled, they had all been sitting in a group chatting,and she had spotted Arnav , stealing a glance at her best friend Khushi every now and then,and she did see Khushi glancing at him too,and maybe that was what his friends were teasing him about,and she listened keenly.Khushi could use a nice change,and he did seem like a nice guy.She sipped her beer,and she heard Diya say - oh cmon, as much as he wont admit, i guess this is about your friend, Dita..."

Arnav glared at Diya, how could she just say that out loudly.

Dita grinned - " oh cmon, anyone would be blind to not see the two of you looking at each when you think no one is looking, but you know we are..."

Arnav grinned - " Dammit, is it that obvious?"

Aman rolled his eyes - " you bet it is...", and he turned to Dita and he asked - " so your friend, she clearly loves her adventures, i mean she hasn't been off that jet ski,for a long time now..."

Arnav nodded- " you spoke my mind buddy...i wish i could do that you know, just be so fearless in life..."

Diya winked at Dita - " oh please even if you wished, you couldnt, the two of them dont like water..."

Dita - " yeah,i understand, because i dont too...i could never just go into the ocean, alone its crazy, only Khushi can...", she finished fondly.

Khushi wasn't here, and so Arnav knew this was the right time to get some information out of her friend, and he asked - "so she did tell me she isn't seeing anyone..."

Dita nodded - " yeah, she isn't , for a while now...", and she winked - " oh i can see someone is interested..."

Arnav smiled - " you bet I am...",and he continued to drink his beer,and waited for the girl of his interest to finally come ashore.

...

Khushi's POV

The winds breezed through my hair, as I headed back towards the beach, i looked at my watch it was 6.05, and i knew the tide would be getting high now.The time out into the ocean, had given me sometime to think.

I wanted to set myself free, of worries.I didn't want to be caught up in regrets.And i knew, i would regret if i didn't make some effort to know Arnav.I had walked out earlier ,also because i had felt a little uneasy,because he had called me perfect. I loved myself,but i didn't believe in prettiness too, i had a condition and i wasn't perfect.Not everyone would see, perfection, when they saw my artificial limb.I was attracted to this guy,and i sort of was starting to like him, and i couldn't do anything about that,and i could sense that he wanted to get to know me too.That made me happy, but the way he looked at me, as if I had no flaws,wasnt what the reality was,and I knew I could do something about that.I reached the shore, and returned the jet ski, and walked my way up to where everyone was sitting.I wasn't perfect,and now would be the time to let Arnav know, that.

...

Arnav's POV

I watched Khushi walking towards us.Finally, i was going to get some time to talk to her.I saw her gesture Dita to pass her bottle of water,and she quickly gulped it down as she said - " guys, I cant believe how can you all just sit here, and not feel the thrill, it was amazing..."

I heard Diya say - " and i wish i was even half as brave as you were...anyways i guess, we as in me ,Aman and Dita, have to go back to the hotel..."

Khushi - " you do?? now??

I saw Diya, wink at Aman and Dita,and I knew what she was upto here,she was trying to get me some alone time with Khushi.

She was a good friend.Diya , you absolutely earned yourself a huge present from me.

Dita played along - " yeah, you know, i wanted to make some minor changes in our itenary, to match Diya's, you know its mostly similar anyway, i just thought, it would be so much more fun, if we went ahead on this trip together, khushi i hope you dont mind..."

Khushi shrugged, as she said - " I don't, i guess..."

My insides did a flip again, great, next 12 days with Khushi around, sounded amazing to both my mind and heart.

I looked at her and smiled - " i was thinking of walking down the beach for a while, wanna join me?"

Khushi smiled - " yeah sure..."

I immediately shot up,and i said to everyone - " ok see you guys at the hotel...then..."

And we started walking,and our hands brushed against each others,and that sudden shot of current jolted my body yet again,I gave her a small smile,and then started walking.

...

Khushi's POV

I watched him out of the corner of my eye, as we walked.It had been a few minutes,and we had been silent.I wondered what was he thinking, because i knew i was thinking about him.

It wasn't dark yet, and the breeze was just perfect,and I spotted an area of a few small rocks on the beach,and i asked him - "wanna sit for a while...?"

Arnav nodded - " yeah...guess you would be tired..."

I smiled - " no, im anything but tired,i just want to sit here, you see the sun is just about to set, it'll be the perfect view..."

He looked at the horizon,and nodded, and sat next to me, and i folded my arms on my arms as i looked out,enjoying the peace and the sound of the waves,and i heard him say - " you know, i dont usually get time to enjoy the beauty of nature..."

I smiled - " Busy Businessmen usually work behind walls, i know, and i know you are a very busy one...dont you go on a holiday like every year...?"

Arnav smiled - " no actually this one, is my first in five years ever since i got back from Harvard..."

I was impressed.

"harvard, wow,thats a smart man, sitting next to me then...",I winked.

Arnav grinned - " oh did i make an impression, otherwise...?"

" No, you did't, but you know you should take out time for yourself, I do so, every year, its important.."

He nodded - " yeah i know what you mean now, two days off, and i haven't felt happier, and free,having the time to relax,be with friends,do what i want, feels good,maybe i will do this more often..."

I smiled - " you should...", and then I started playing with the sand next to me.

He asked - " so, how is it that, you are so fearless,I wish I could be..but I somehow don't have a big appetite for any sort of adventure..."

I smiled - " well I wasn't like this always, i was different as a child, very shy,and introvert, until when i was 15, and then, Life happened, I changed.."

He asked - " you mean when you moved to paris?"

I took a deep breath, and the sincerity with which he was looking at me, made me want to open upto him, and so open up, I did.

...

Arnav's POV

I saw her deep in thought,and I wondered if she was going to answer, what i had asked,maybe i shouldn't have.It was sort of personal.But i really did want to understand what she was saying.

I saw her look into the horizon as she said - " no, not just that, you know Arnav, we always take so much for granted, all the time, life, family, friends, I did too, i knew my family loved me,and I loved them, I never saw the need to come out of the shell i had built for myself,until I got a second chance at Life..."

I was confused.What did she mean by that? And i asked - " second chance?"

Khushi gave me a small smile as she said - " Remember how i told you about my family, earlier today?"

I nodded - " yeah..."

Khushi continued - " they are the reason why I am who I am today,they taught me how to appreciate life, I lost my parents,as in my birth parents in a road accident, when I was 15, we were on holiday in paris, dad was driving, when the accident happened, i only remember waking up in the hospital few days later, to find out that both maa and papa had been killed instantly.

I felt shock go through me as i heard what she was saying.This was tragic and i said - " im sorry, Khushi..."

Khushi gave me a small smile but she continued -" I remember crying so much, i had lost my family, my world,in a second, just like that, I didn't know why i was spared,but then Shashi uncle and Garima aunty took me in,and loved me as their own, and Aman bhai, what can i say about him? if it wasn't for him..."

I didn't know what to do.My heart went out to her,and I on an impulse, put my hand on top of hers as I said - " Khushi,I had no idea..."

She smiled, but she didn't let go of my hand,and that felt really good - " yeah, and you know what do be honest, i don't go around talking about my tragic past, with people i just met...but..."

I asked softly - " but, what?"

Khushi - " I dont know, why with you, i just felt I could talk to you,and also because you called me perfect...when I'm anything but that..."

I looked at her confused as i tried to get the meaning of what she was saying, that was a compliment, i had never given any girl, ever before,because i had never come across anyone so, perfect.

She smiled at me as she said - " well, in the accident all those years ago, maa and papa weren't the only ones I lost..."

I asked - " was there anyone else?"

Khushi picked up her left hand,and stared at it and her voice had so much emotion as she looked at it and said - " this too..."

I looked at her confused,and she asked - " wanna see something?"

"yeah...", i said.

Khushi picked up her right hand from under mine, and i didn't like the loss already, and then she folded the sleeve of her shrug,and shifted something on her left elbow,and she started to roll something down.

I looked in shock,as she completely took out, what I now figured was a skin cover ,and I found myself looking at her artificial myoelectric limb,as i heard her whisper softly- " I lost a part of me too, Arnav..."

I looked at her face, her beautiful face, and i couldn't believe what I had just seen.I could see that her eyes were searching for some sort of a reaction from me,and it struck me then,as to why she spoke to me about all of this.She had sensed my interest in her,and she wanted to be honest to me.And i didn't know, what exact emotion came over me, and all i wanted to do, was pull her into a hug, but i didn't, I didn't know what she would think.I had to say something,but i had no words,i didn't know, what to say, i fought for the right words, and i finally said - " So this is what you meant,when you said..."

...

Khushi's POV

Khushi looked at him ,as she waited for some sort of reaction from him when she heard him and she nodded - " this is exactly what I meant, when I said, I wasn't perfect Arnav, and you should know..."

I looked at the expression on his face trying to read what it meant and i asked - " did i freak you out?"

He said softly, immediately - " no, you didnt, Khushi..."

I immediately felt like an idiot,maybe this was a bad idea,I quickly picked up,my skin cover,and started to put it back on, when I heard him say -" no stop, don't..."

I looked at him puzzled - " don't what...?"

He said giving me a small smile - " I am just awed by how kool this makes you look, you know like you are right out of science fiction movie..."

I couldn't believe my ears,did he just say that?It was something my brother would say to make me feel,as if having an artificial limb was the most normal thing in the world. It made me feel very nice.

I smiled - " you didn't just say that? you are very kind, Arnav..."

He slowly put his hand on my other free hand and said - " And you, Khushi, are very brave, the bravest girl Iv ever met..."

I smiled.This probably wasn't a bad idea after all.

I heard him ask with concern - " was it very difficult?"

I gave him a small smile as i continued - " It was initially, i mean for the first three years after, I was very unsure about myself, you know it took me some time to accept myself with this,but then with time, and with my family's support, i learnt to love myself, nonethless,my brother made me see, how this was a symbol, of my survival,and how I was so lucky to have a second chance, I decided then that I would live life, fearlessly, you know take risks, do all adventures on my bucket list ,love myself, and specially with this condition, you know there are people , who have looked at me with pity, and i hate that,totaly despise it,and its like all this thrill of adventures,gives me an extra adrenaline rush, it gives me an accomplishment, that i am no different, I can do what any normal person can, if I want to, its really all in the mind, thats what I believe..."

I saw him look into my eyes as he smiled - " It really is all in the mind Khushi..."

I felt my insides dance as i felt I could almost take a dive into his eyes and I said - " Look, i didn't mean to bore you wit h all of this..."

"you didn't Khushi, infact, it means a lot to me that you felt you could open up to me...", he said

"It does?", i heard myself ask.

"yeah, believe it or not, it really does...", he said sincerely

I felt him rub my right hand gently and I looked at him and said - " Look, I just wanted you to know about my condition, because..."

"because, you also feel this sudden pull, in between us, don't you?there is something here...i know there is, and i know you sense it too...", he said taking me by surprise.

I said honestly - " yeah, and its crazy and insane, we only just met..."

I heard him ask - " Does that matter?"

I looked at him,gosh he was the greek god himself, the wind was playing with his hair,and the sun had almost set, I had never ever felt so attracted towards anyone, ever in my life.

"I dont know, Arnav...its just strange though, isn't it?"

He smiled - " yeah , it is, but in a nice way...and just what makes you think you aren't any less perfect, just because you have an artificial limb, Khushi?"

I felt him cup my face tenderly and I couldn't believe what i was feeling, it was the moment, for sure, I almost felt he was going to bend down and kiss me right there,and i whispered - " what do you mean, you possibly can't..."

His face was so close to me, i could almost feel his breath on mine as he whispered - " from what I see, you are even more perfect, with this super technological arm of yours..."

I could only whisper his name.i swear, my mind had officially shut down.

"Arnav...i...", and I closed my eyes in anticipation and I couldn't believe I wanted to be kissed by him,and just as his lips were about to touch mine,My stupid phone rang,and much to his disappointment,broke the moment, and probably mine too.I quickly picked up my phone, it was Aman bhai, I spoke to him for a few minutes, by walking in the front.I put the phone down, and took a deep breathe, what would have just happened, if my phone hadn't rung.I would have kissed Arnav, what was wrong with me, i just met him like a day ago, this never happens to me,I have never kissed anyone like that in the moment, even with all my boyfriends, it would take me weeks of being into the relationship, to let them come so close to me,but here, this was different,it felt so natural,and so right.

Ok, something was really up here.I had officially lost it.

I turned to him and smiled, and caught him looking at me,and i gave him a flushed smile as I said - " lets go, shall we, its getting late.."

Disappointment flashed his eyes, and i knew what it was about,but although i felt it was so comfortable,and so natural and I had never wanted to kiss anyone or be kissed anyone so badly ever,but that Khushi in me, that stupid one who always thinks so much about everything danced to the surface again,and i heard him say - " yeah, come, Aman just messaged me,everyone is returning to city for dinner...we gotta join them..."

I smiled,and we started walking back.

...

Alfresco's Resturant and Bar

Dita looked at Khushi, and she seemed lost to her and she asked whispering in her ear - " everything alright , Khushi?"

Khushi smiled - " yeah, just something on my mind..."

Dita smiled - " great..."

And right then her phone beeped,and she checked it to be a message,and didn't know the number yet,but it read - " you, ok?"

Khushi quickly replied - ??

It beeped again - " seriously Khushi, its Arnav...i realised didnthave your number, just got it from Diya's phone..."

Khushi quickly replied - " oh, yeah im ok..."

"you seem lost, look im sorry if, i mean about..."

Khushi felt disappointment but she covered her expression, ofcourse he was sorry, about what would have happened, if her phone hadn't rung.

She quickly wrote - " no, its ok, i understand,was the moment i guess, glad the phone call came.."

And right then she finally looked up to see Arnav put his phone away, she knew she wasn't going to get a reply to that.

Right then Diya asked Aman to pass her some fries off his plate,and Aman teased - " i get it, you are on a holiday my love, and hey, you already finished your fries..."

Diya looked at him in fake shock as she said - " are you implying,that I'm going to get fat ,because I'm eating so freely on the holiday??"

Aman immediately covered up as he said - " no no, darling, what I mean is that I love my fries...", but he lovingly fed her one with his hand, as he winked to the rest - " gotta use your words carefully buddies, wouldn't want to get into trouble..."

Everyone laughed,and Arnav looked at Khushi for like the hundredth time, and their eyes locked briefly,and this time for a change she didn't look away.

...

Arnav's POV

AS i drove back to our resort, with Aman and Diya, I couldn't help but think of Khushi.I wanted to talk to her, as soon as possible.I had no idea, what was wrong, one moment, she was in my arms,and we had almost kissed,and i could sense that she wanted it too,and then the moment broke.I was disappointed, when she offered to just leave like that.Maybe it was because I had acted on impulse, for in that moment, all i had really wanted was to kiss her,and feel her in my arms.There was something about her, that made me feel so different,and it all felt so right at the same time. But I felt maybe it did seem a little too fast to her,and thats why i apologized,but then when she messaged that she was glad that the phonecall came in time, i swear, i didn't like that at all. I wanted to just tell her already, that i was sorry, if she did feel this was going a little fast,but i was not sorry about, wanting to kiss her.

I pulled into our Resorts driveway and I watched Khushi pull in behind us, in the Q7,and i smiled to myself, she looked so much in control,and so powerful,gosh, i had no idea what was happening to me here, I was loosing my marbles, i swear i was.

I got out, and watched Diya and Aman give me a small smile as they walked back into the resort hand in hand,and I smiled,as a picture of me holding Khushi's hand flashed through my mind.I brushed it aside, as I saw Dita also walk back into the resort,busy on the phone, and i leaned against the door of my car,and waited for Khushi to get off.

She got off the drivers seat, and shut the door behind her, and she gave me a small smile and leaned against the door of her car, she knew I was waiting for her,and i said - " you know what, maybe tomorrow, sometime, you should drive the Cayenne,i know you wanted it, but since you were so kind to me, consider it a thank you..."

She grinned ,and i loved it,I wasn't liking the worry on her face over dinner - that'll be great, i have been waiting to get my hands on that beauty for a long time, you know..."

I asked - " then why did you let me have it in the first place?"

Khushi smiled - " Like i said earlier, i knew you needed it,you with Aman and Diya,and knowing Diya now,i knew she would have freaked out..."

I broke into a grin - " yeah, she would have..."

Khushi - " ok ill see you tomorrow morning..."

I smiled - " yeah, but i aint swimming with those dolphins, honestly, i don't know how to ,you know swim..."

Khushi's eyes widened in surprise - " I cant believe you don't swim, anyways it'll be as much fun,watching from the match...",and she started to walk away, and I didn't know what came over me, and i pulled her by her right arm,back to me,catching her by surprise as i looked into her eyes, trying to read what was on her mind - " talk to me, Khushi..."

She was startled,as for sure,as affected by our proximity as I was,and I heard her whisper back - " talk what?"

"about what was on your mind, over dinner, you were lost, i know you were...".

She innocent look on her face,i swear i would have kissed her then and there, if she hadn't stepped back.God, i was so disappointed, what was wrong with her.

I saw her smile as she said - " yeah, about that, maybe later Arnav, I want to, but Im tired, you know its been a long day, and I need to take out my brace..."

Worry came over me immediately as I asked touching her left arm - " are you ok? are you in pain?"

She gave me the most sincere look ever,as she said looking into my eyes, and put her other hand on mine -" thanks for the concern, but no, it doesn't pain anymore, but I have been advised to take it off you know after a long day, and specially after a physically tiring one, thats all..."

I nodded - " ok, goodnight then..."

I watched her walk ahead a few steps and then she turned to me and said in a sincere tone - " you are a nice guy,Arnav..."

I smiled back,as i watched her turn and head back into the resort.I have heard that before.But coming from her, in her beautiful voice, it just sounded so so different.

I walked into my room,and lied down on the bed,and closed my eyes.And then I started to think about everything she had told me this evening.I wasn't easy for her,I could sense it, to talk about her loss,but she still did,because she wanted to be clear about her condition. I knew what this was about,she was unsure about how I would have reacted to the truth.

I could not even imagine the pain she would have been through, loosing her parents.I couldn't even dream about a day without mine,and then to top it all, loosing a part of yourself too, coping with the loss, accepting yourself for who you are now,adjusting to a new family, new country, new Life.That required insane amount of inner strength, I had no idea,how could she be so strong, and I couldn't believe I was already liking her new family,and I felt genuine gratitude for such kind people,they were there for her, in the toughest of her times. But she had fought against the demons of loss,pain and doubt,and learnt how to love herself,and live with an attitude which was both fearless and applaudable.I hadn't seen anyone, embrace loss like that,and I was impressed,and moved, in a very different way.And now that I knew about it all, i wasn't feel any less of what i had been feeling for her.Infact , it had all just heightened,she was an amazing woman,who amazed the hell out of me,and all i wanted was to spend as much time as I could with her, over the duration of my holiday.

I quickly took out my phone and texted her -

"Khushi, just so you know, you are the bravest person, i have ever met ,in the 28 years of my life..."

And i got a quick reply -

"Thanks,and Arnav, just so you know, you are the nicest guy, i have ever met, in the 24 years of my Life..."

I smiled.

Khushi was amazing.And i was going to get to know her, even more.Period.

Decision had been made, and I ,Arnav Singh raizada, never changed my mind,if I decided onto something.

And the minute I closed my eyes again, her face revolved in front of me, and i found myself thinking of how badly i wanted to kiss her,and what would I have felt, if the phone wouldn't have rung,and I would have got to feel,her gorgeous lips under mine.

Alright, i had lost my marbles,and I was going crazy,but I liked it nonetheless.Sleep started to take over,and I was sure, I had this grin on my face,because I had Khushi on my mind.

...

Khushi's POV

I twisted in bed, for like the zillionth time. I couldn't get Arnav out of my mind,and I could only think of our proximity earlier.Could just someone explain, what the hell was happening to me here, for i had no explanation to give myself.I finally shook Dita next to me,and said - " get up, Dita, i want to talk..."

She sleepily woke up in bed and asked me rubbing her eyes - " whats wrong with you? i thought you were asleep..."

I rolled my eyes - " do i look asleep to you...?"

Dita rubbed her eyes - " yeah you don't,whats up?

I finally blurted out - " I almost, Kissed Arnav, this evening.."

All the sleep vanished from her eyes,as she jumped up in bed and then sat on her knees as she exclaimed - " whattt????????? now thats a first, tell me all about it, what do you mean almost??"

I shrugged - " Bhai called, just as we were about to kiss, its so strange, and I just cant stop thinking about him, you know that never happens to me, and its so so so strange..."

Dita smiled - " yeah thats because you keep your emotions closed in a small treasure box,in your heart, and are alwayd on constant guard, its time someone knocked over that box, and your emotions come brimming out..."

I looked at her zapped - "are you even listening to yourself??seriously, help..."

Dita smiled - " ok so what happened? i mean how..."

I sighed - "So you know, ever since iv met him, cant get him off my mind,and theres something,i cant explain, like some spark, some electricity shot goes through me,whats wrong with me?"

Dita - "go on..."

I continued - " so, today earlier today after Lunch, he asked me how someone so perfect as me didn't have a boyfriend,well i knew it was a compliment,but made me think, if he was a tiniest bit interested , he needed to know about my condition..."

Dita's eyes widened - "you never talk to someone you just met about it Khushi, i know you, it takes you some time to open about what happened, so Arnav must be different..."

I sighed - " exactly, it felt so right, so natural to talk to him, as if it was the most natural thing to do,and not just i also spoke to him about ma and papa, which was another first and, i didn't just talk to him ok, i also showed him,my hand..."

Dita - " wow khushi, thats a first, i remember Rahul and Derek got a glimpse of it after weeks..."

I nodded - " yeah, then what is it about him, that pulls me, its like he is this magnet..."

Dita - " how did he react? what did he say?"

I smiled - " well i did think i had freaked him out, but he didn't let me put back my skin cover on, he said something like how i look someone out of a science fiction movie, and my artificial limb didn't make me any less perfect..."

Dita grinned - "Whoaaa, so the fire is on, on both sides i guess...but this is great Khushi..."

I sighed - " it surely feels great, but you know, as much as I wanted him to kiss me,and i wanted to kiss him too, i backed out, also because I was nervous, im sure, i don't even know how to kiss properly,you know..."

Dita rolled her eyes - " oh god, dont begin with your intimacy issues, now.alright listen why dont you just stop worrying, and let go for once, it'll all flow naturally..."

I looked at her skeptical - " it will?"

Dita smiled - " yeahhh, and cmon Khushi he is gorgeous,and nice and kind,you gotta dive in..."

I grinned - " you are right,maybe I should,but ...a holiday fling,what after two weeks?"

Dita - " lets think about that, when the time comes now,you gotta just go with what you feel, promise me you will..?"

I smiled - "ok, and thanks, i feel better already..."

Dita hugged me,and i hugged her,and then turned to sleep, already waiting for the morning to come.I felt myself shiver,as i recalled what I felt, when he had so tenderly cupped my cheek,rubbed his thumb, next to my lips,and I swear for the first time ever, I slept with the thought of what I wanted to feel,what I would feel being kissed by a guy.But he wasn't just any guy, he was different.He was Arnav.

...

Edited by arnav.khushi - 8 years ago

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Heatsha8176

@Heatsha8176

Inactive

Posted: 8 years ago

Nice one
Our arnav acting like a love struck teen lol
Like how he asked if it was that obvious his attraction towards khushi
Arnavs reaction to khushis fake hand had me smiling trust him to think to say that n bring a smile on khushis face too
Awe the walk on the beach watching the sunset how romantic
Could strangle that aman for ruining their moment
Oh ho khushi backed off
She's so brace when it comes to her living life to full she just needs to be that brace in taking a chance with arnav
Let's just hope she doesn't chicken out again
Thanks for pm nplz keep em comin

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Vithagan2304

@Vithagan2304

Dazzler

Posted: 8 years ago

Whoa whoa wat an update.cant wait fr our arshi romances.

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Arooma

@Bubbles76

Voyager

+ 7

Posted: 8 years ago

Just finished reading all the parts.

Really liked the concept of an amputee.

Seriously, the technology had made life easier for so many people like Khushi and i am happy that even they lost something, they gain something too.

I like Arnav in this one, carefree and didn't hate the concept of marriage and love.

Love the scenery of beaches.

After getting second chance at life, Khushi is living to the full.

Now want to see if she can over come her insecurity and give love a chance

And i am sure Arnav will try his best to make her feel the sensual chemistry between them

Keep on writing dear ... looking forward to reading more 😳