Bair Ishq: Chapter 15 up 17th apr - Page 18

She glanced at his face. His bleary eyes,unshaven look, slumped shoulders were narrating the tale of his tiredness.

This man really need a break.she thought to herself.

But why it seems like all this tiredness is not due to these things. It feels like, much more is there behind this facade of the exhausted look. As if he is fighting his own demons.

May be I am reading too much. She chided herself. But again her thought drifted to the previous day argument between Jai and him. She remembered how Jai called her last night and requested her to accompany him in this meeting. She could easily sense pleads in his voice. She reasoned Jai that how can she accompany him but he assured her that he will talk to Gaurav about it. She hesitated but Jai's next words removed every bit of hesitance.

"Arohi he will need you."

And now she is here, sitting in his car and returning from certain Khurrana's office. They had got the contract despite of the fact that this contract was constantly won by Singhanias from last 10 years but what surprised her; he doesn't seem happy and the person who was happy was none other than Mr. Singhania. She remembered how she heard Mr. Singhania speaking to his manager that he was more than happy that ACC got the contract. And when one of his associate showed disregard on his comment, he smiled and said proudly "They deserved it."

She remembered Mr. Singhania's words to his manager "Main haar ke bhi jeet gaya yaara". And how could she forget the contented smile on his face. She looked at Arjun and was hell confused with the reaction given by the two persons.

She sighed deeply and averted her eyes from him and that caught his attention. He looked at her. Only good thing happened till now is, her accompanying him. He knew that he needed her and now he will not run away from this fact or he doesn't have any strength to run away from one more people. He knows that her accompanying him has something to do with Jai. Jai... ,why doesn't this guy understand?

Do you really think; he is the one who need to understand? asked his heart. As usual he ignored the voice. He admired the few strands of her hair which was dancing on her beautiful face. He need to apologize to her too for his previous day behaviour.

*******

She felt someone's hand on her eyes.

"Come on Bhabhi. I know it's you."said Arohi removing the hands.

Rashi put her hands on Arohi's mouth and said " Pagal hai kya tu? Koi sun lega to."

" Oye Arohi... O hi Bhabhi"greeted Sanchit seeing Rashi there.

" Ab bolo Rashi BHABHI ab kya bologi"giggled moving toward Sanchit. Sanchit gave her a questioning look.

" Dhere bolo tum log koi sun lega to."shushed Rashi.

" Sun lega to achaa hi hoga na. Kam se kam hum apko publically Bhabhi to bol payenge. Kyun Sanchit bhai?"

Sanchit got what they are talking about and responded" Aur nahi to kya RASHI BHABHI."

" Ruk tujhe to main abhi batati hoon."said Rashi trying to pull Sanchit's ear.

" Aap kya batayangi. Kya hum nahi jante Ki ek din in do dilo ko ek hona hai."replied Arohi pointing towards the photo of Rajveer and at the same time saving Sanchit.

A red hue crept on Rashi's beautiful face making her look more beautiful.

" Ok Arohi tu aapna tang kheechayi session jari rakh and Bhabhi aap apna sarmana jaari rakhen. Main chala. Are haan ye le bachhi tera office se party ka invitation aaya hai yahi dene aaya tha."he winked at Rashi and marched out of the room.

" To Bhabhi kab aayi aap wapas?"

" Aaj hi subah subhah aayi hoon aur dekh tere workoholic bhai ne bula liya kaam pakrane ke liye. Aaram bhi nahi karne Diya."complained Rashi sipping her tea.

" Not a surprise for me. You don't have any idea how he had spent this one week without you. Aisa lagta tha bhai ka anger and grumpy mode on Ho Gaya tha. Har baat par chidh jate thein. Har Kisi par gussa Ho hate thein."replied Arohi remembering his bhai mood

" Not everyone Arohi. Itna to main unhe jaanti hi hoon Ki he can never get angry on you."

" Bhabhi do you fell bad that he give so much importance to me?"

" Pagal hai kya tu? How could you think like that? Sach bataun Arohi mujhey unsey pyaar bhi shayad Isi wajah se Hua hai. Jo insaan apni behen apni family se itna pyaar Karta ho just imagine the intensity of his love when he will fall in love."she said with a heart warming smile on her face.

" He already has fallen in love with you Bhabi"

" But he has to be clear about his feelings to me. Kabhie kabhie hansi aati hai ye sochkar Ki how can a romantic girl like me has fallen for guy who is hopelessly UNromantic and workaholic. Ajeeb hai, mujhe to ye bhi nahi pata Ki wo kabhie apne dil Ki baat mujh se kahen ge bhi ya nahi."

Hearing this Arohi drifted into her thoughts of her and Arjun's equation. Rashi's voice brought her back from her thoughts.

" Kahan kho gayi Arohi?"

" Kahin nahi Bhabhi. Main bas soch rahi thi Ki is it possible to love a person so much, with whom you are uncertain about your future."she asked running her fingers through the letters Arjun, CEO of ACC printed on party's invitation card.

This didn't get unnoticed by Rashi but she didn't asked anything about it and replied" I don't know Arohi. What I know is that, when you fall in love you didn't think. All decision are taken by heart. And aap dil se mahsus karte ho, sochte nahi. May be I am wrong but this is what I feel."

" Chal bahaut late ho Gaya hai. Mujhe ab Jana chahiye."said Rashi getting up and Arohi just nodded weakly and drifted into her thoughts.

" Arohi if something is bothering, I am always there."said Rashi noticing her thoughtful face.

" Thank you Bhabhi."replied Arohi hugging Rashi. Rashi lovingly ran her fingers through Arohi's hair and left, not before giving her a assuring smile.

*******

" Mujhe Arjun Ki ab chinta hone lagi hai dadi. Nahi dekha jata mujhse uski ye halat. Usey lagta hai Ki woh Jo kar raha hai theek hai but andar se usey bhi pata hai Ki sab galat. Aur Isi wajah se woh dhere- dhere tut raha hai. Aur to iska asar to Arohi pe bhi par raha hai."

The moment these words slipped his, he regretted the next moment. He is not the one from whom Dadi has to know this.

" Kaun Arohi?"asked Dadi.

He knew he couldn't lie to this person. He respected her too much. " Dadi wo Arohi Arjun ke office which kaam kardi hai. Bahaut changi kudi hai. Arjun usnu paasand karda hai. Ade pariwar bhi changa hai"

" Arjun us nu pasand Karta hai ya nahi menuu nahi Jaan na. Mainuu bas itna hi jaana hai Ki kya Arjun us nu pyaar karda hai ade wo kudi Arjun nu pyaar kardi hai."

" Dadi main sahi sahi to nahi Bata sakta but Mujhey pata hai Ki Arjun usey pyaar Karta hai aur mujhey lagta hai vo bhi karti hai."

" Chal Jo bhi hain Mai wahan aa ke dekhungi."

" Dadi aap Chandigarh aa rahe ho?"asked Jai happily.

" Haan puttar ab samay aa Gaya hai Ki main us khotte ade khotte de puttar nu akal doon. Main apne pariwar nu bikhadte hue nahi dekh Sakti. 5 saal se Maine kuch bhi nahi kaha ye sochkar ki samay ke saath sab theek ho Jana hai lekin... Ab aur nahi puttar. Us baap bete Ki Maine ek nahi chalne deni hai."

Jai nodded. He knew that only she can do something now and he was not disappointed. Now everything will be fine.

" Aur Bata puttar Purvi aur meri Taru kaisi hai? "

" Kuch din pehle baat hui thi meri di se. Achey hai sab."

" Baat hui thi matlab? Tu Gaya nahi tha unse Milne?"

Jai didn't say anything.

Dadi pulled his ear." Are khoteya Teri behen hai Vo."

" Aaa Dadi dard ho raha hai. Choro mainu..."winced Jai holding his ear.

" Hey waheguru ye kya ho Gaya hai mere pariwaar nu. Arjun Ki wajah se tu bhi nahi jaata wahan. Par bas ab nahi Chalne Dena menu un dono Ki. Ticket kaat mera."

*******

She hurriedly stepped down as the car halted in front of her rented flat. She just wanted to get away from him before she looses her sanity. Whatever happened in Alhuwahlia Ashiyana was shocking for her.Yes it was a Shock. Has he heard Arohi's and her conversation? She was literally running into the apartment just to get away from.

" Rashi wait."said Rajveer.

She hated her foot for betraying her. Heck, she hated her whole body for not listening to her in front of him. She was in her thought. Meanwhile Rajveer came closer to her and she was unaware of the closeness. He pecked her cheeks. The burning sensation on her cheeks caused by his lips brought her back. It was again a shock for her.

" Don't stress yourself too much. Yeah I heard yours and Arohi's conversation. But it has nothing to do with this action. I had wanted to do this from the time I saw you at my house. I have missed you terribly Rashi."he said caressing the spot he had kissed.

Her mouth formed a perfect 'O'. At that time he just wanted to kiss those lips but controlled himself. He smiled and drove away.

She ran into her room and splashed some water on her face to dissipate the heat which was the result of his action. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and drifted back to today's events. How he pulled her in his room, when she was coming from Arohi's room.

" So you think I am unromantic."this were his words when he pinned her on the door of his room after pulling her in. She was shocked. And then the bigger shock was the kiss. He kissed her. Though it was on cheeks but it means a lot to her. Because it was from him. The man she love. And then suddenly he said that he will drop her home, jerking her out of the overwhelming feeling of been kissed by love of her life. Rashi recalled everything looking at her reflection.

*******

She looked for him but could not find him anywhere. She could feel that he was not well. Something was bothering him from the day he and Jai had fought. And the worst part is, it is affecting her and affecting her badly. She need to go out of this place. She walked out of the party and moved toward the garden. The venue was the same house where he made her plan the date of Mr. and Mrs. Punj. The mild cold breeze was soothing her senses and making her feel better. She moved towards the gazebo. It was on the opposite side of the place where party was going so no person from party was there. Suddenly a warm feeling started embracing because of the memory associated with the gazebo. While she was relishing those moments she felt someone's presence so she moved closer. There she saw him sitting on the steps of gazebo and star gazing with a drink in his hand.

" Is there something you want to share with them?"she asked

He turned around and was surprised to see her but then gave her a questioning look. She sat beside him and answered " The Stars " pointing her eyes towards the sky.

" Oh! ". He didn't answer and just looked at her.

" I am sorry Miss Arohi. "

She looked at him.

" for shouting at you that day. I know mujhe us tarah se aap pe nahi chilana chaahiye. I don't know what came upon me that I was behaving like a scumbag. I know.."

" No you weren't." she interrupted him.

He looked at her surprised and with a question in his eyes.

" I mean I understand something was bothering you. Something... Something between you and Jay. she completed hesitantly.

She averted her gaze from him. The question in his eyes mixed with the eagerness was making her feel uncomfortable.

She remembered his blood red eyes which has a heart churning pain.

" My???"

" Your...your.. Kuch bhi to nahi"

" Boliye Miss. Arohi." He made her look at him.

She could see a strong determination to know the answers in his eyes.

" My what?"

" YourEyesSir."she said in one breath.

He was shocked to hear that. " Your eyes are like a mirror to your inner self. It says that, what your lips don't say or want to say."

It was surprising for him. He saw her looking into his eyes and he too agree about her this theory but a bit differently. Not his but her eyes are mirror to her inner self.

" It's is filmy."he spoke.

" I know but believe me.."she averted her gaze.

" I know because I fell the same for your eyes."

She looked at him shockingly and then both burst into laughter.

He looked at her laughing form. She is so beautiful and her laughter is so soothing. She looked more beautiful when she smiles. And I have so many times snatched her smile by saying mean things to her and behaving like a ass because of my own insecurities.

" Miss Arohi I am so sorry."

Her laughter subsided and she replied " That's okay Sir. I have already told you..."

" No please, let me complete." he interrupted her. " I am asking forgiveness for all the time when I have hurt you intentionally or unintentionally. I know most of the time it was intentional. From the start I have misunderstood you. I don't know why but you effect me a lot. And I don't know how to cope up with the effect that you had on me. So I lashed on you. I know this is not the explanation which you would have expected but this is the truth. If you could forgive me..."

" I forgive you Sir." she interrupted him.

He was shocked but happy with her reaction. But she was shocked with her own reaction. She was confused. He could sense her uneasiness so he changed the topic and asked "So how do you know that I have something to tell to these stars? "

She understood that he was trying to change the topic and she responded to him positively.

"Because that's what I do when I look at stars." she replied with a smile.

" And I thought that you had long list of people to tell things." he said surprisingly.

" Yes I do have. But there are things about which I don't want to bother my family members. So"

" Like my behavior." he asked playfully.

" YES! It is one of the things." she said between her small chuckles.

" You know agar Rajveer bhai ko pata chala na apke is behavior ke barey me to phir to... " she suddenly realized what she has blurted out. She bit her tongue and that didn't go unnoticed by him.

" To wo mujhey din mein taarey dikha dete. Haina. "

"Sir aisi baat nahi hain. "

" Let it be Miss Arohi. I know how much your brothers love you. And sahi bhi hain. If I would have a sister and if her boss was a Rakshas like me then I would have done the same thing."

" I know Sir Rajveer bhai is very protective when it comes to family and especially me. Waise when it comes to me I don't know why all are overprotecting. It's not that I am complaining but I hate when I saw them worrying about me. " she said looking at him.

" Actually they are right. Aap to jaanbhuj kar musibat ko invitation deti hain."

" Sir aap bhi. " she said making face and he chuckled seeing her face.

" Waise aap akeli aisi insaan nahi hai. Jai bhi aisa hi hain. Suru se hi uska aur pange ka friendship hain. "

" Sir you're missing Jai a lot Na."

He looked at her and replied " Apko pata hai Miss Arohi. He is the only person who has not left my side till now. Even if I am wrong he was always there for me to knock some senses in me. Agar wo mujh se gussa bhi ho jaye na even then he was right beside me but today he is not here. But I can't blame him. Wo apne jagah par sahi hai aur main aapne jagah par. And yeah I miss him a lot. "

She could feel the pain and longing in his voice. Why it seems like it is not just about Jai. It is something more. And the bigger question is how this longing seem familiar to her. As if his and her longing are same. She kept her hand on his and assured him " Sir everything will be fine."

He looked at her and he could see that she understood him. There was something in her eyes which was relating her to him. At that very moment he realized that he is in love with this girl and can trust her completely without any reason. Despite of his insecurities, despite of his trust issues, despite of everything, he has fallen in love with her. And now he doesn't want to be in denial anymore. He has been in love with her from god knows when. Maybe it was when he realized what this girl is capable of or may be when she confide him about Jay and Shefali or may be when she drank coffee and he secretly and unknowingly admire her expressions or may be whenever she was intimidated by him. He don't know which one of these is true or all of these are or any of it is true or not, but about one thing he is sure about that he love her. This feeling has given him strength to open up to her. And for the second time in his life (first time with Jay) he didn't regret letting his guard down in front of any person. He did not question why it was so easy, almost like breathing, he simply allowed himself to accept this overwhelming feeling of being in love and feel content after so long.

Her voice brought him back. " Sir aap kahan kho gaye? "

He smiled on his realization which kind of surprised her. Few moments ago he was sad and now he was smiling. It's not that she is complaining, in fact she likes scratch love his smiles. His cute dimples are to die for. She can spend her rest of life watching him smile. Okay that's cheesy but it's true. She wanted to capture this moment. So she took out her phone and clicked his photo. He came to his senses due to the clicking sound. Before she could remove her hands, he held her arms and asked " Aap ye kya kar rahi hai? "

She was tongue-tied. what should she say that she was trying to capture his heart warming smile and the cute and super sexy dimples of his.

He looked at her with his eyebrows raised. He had a fair idea what she was trying to do but again he likes teasing her. He loves, when she is intimated by him and when she gave him back due to the frustration. He pulled her more closer and again asked her but this time using his husky tone" Boliye "

His main motive was to tease her but unknowingly he had pulled her a way closer for his own sanity. But she was aware of their proximity. Her heart was beating so wildly that she could only take little sips of breath. He felt something beating against his chest then he realized their closeness. He should have created some distance the moment he realized, but something was stopping him, maybe the acceptance of his suppressed feelings. He looked into her black orbs and those beautiful dark pools were reflecting his feelings. That was the assurance which he needed; he didn't think twice and does what he has desired. He bent down and placed his lips against her soft petals. He kissed her gently, carefully relishing the sweetness that she offered. He moved away but not before pecking her lips one more time. Her eyes were closed, lips parted and the red hue on her cheeks was making her look cuter. He felt an urge to taste those petals again but he controlled himself. He owes an explanation and he was more than happy to give one.

She didn't understood what has happened just. A moment ago he was staring at her and the next she found him kissing her. It felt like magic.it felt so good to be so close to him. She doesn't want to part away. May be this was wrong but it doesn't felt so. She wanted an assurance that it was real. She looked at him and could make out that he was trying to say something. Something bother her, she remembered how in past he had come closer and then drove her away. She needed some alone time. So before he could say anything she got up suddenly and said taking a deep sigh " Sir it's late. Mujhe chalna chahiye. " She started walking away from him.

" Wait Miss Arohi. " He followed her and held her elbows

" Sir I need to go " she said pleadingly.

He knows she needed some alone time. And he is ready to give her the privacy from him but he also wanted to tell her that this all means something. It was not something which happened in heat of the moment. It's is very special to him.

" Okay. But I want you to know that this not something from which I will run away. You want to take time, take it. I am going to London for 2 days which will give you the much needed time and when I return I want you to sort everything and hear me out. "

" And yeah one more thing, make a decision"he added with a smirk.

She gave him a questioning look. " I know you're smart enough to figure it out. " He said and winked at her.

********

She rushed to her room. The erratic heartbeat was not coming to normal from the time she had figured out what he meant when he said make a decision. she kept her hand on her heart and could hear it crying out his name. what is happening with me? Why am I behaving like a lunatic? She had feeling for him but is she ready to make a decision?

" Yes you are. "answered her heart.

" I don't know. I don't know anything. All I know is that I love him."

She realized what she had just blurted out. She had just made her decision and blurted it loudly.

" I love him ". she smiled on her realization.

" Yes I love that sadu ,akdu, jallad but cute boss of mine "she said to herself between her chuckles.

She heard noise of falling something outside her room that made realized that she has left her door opened. She got up and checked outside but could not find anyone.

********

" Bauji kya hua? Aap soye nahi abhi tak? " asked Amrit from Kartar.

He didn't responded and continued walking towards his room.

" Bauji aap theek to haina? " she jerked him.

" Haan puttar kuch nahi hoga Arohi ko. Main kuch nahi hone dunga Arohi ko. Wo bilkul theek rahegi. Main sab thhek kar dunga. Tu chinta mat kar puttar main hamari Arohi ko kuch nahi hone dunga. " he said as if he was replaying something continuously in his mind.

" ye aap kya keh rahe hai Bauji? Aap abhi Aru ko dekhne gaye the na? Kya hua Aru ko? Wo theek haina? " she asked worriedly.

"Haan wo theek hai. Main hoon na puttar, kuch nahi hoga usey. " he said and then walked toward his room.

" Kya hua Amu? "asked Sudhir seeing his worried wife.

" Pata nahi Sudhir jab se Bauji aapne dost ke ghar se wapas aaye hai paresan se lag rahe hai. "

" Koi nahi Amu unke jigri dost pe itna bada pahad tuta hai to pareshan to honge hi na. tum jyada mat socho sab theek ho jayega. "

" Aap sahi keh rahe hai. Abhi abhi unke dost ne apni naatin(grand-daughter) khoyi hai. Bauji ne use apne god mein khilaya hai. Aur abhi haal mein hi to bechari ki shadi hui thi. Waheguru uski aatma ko shanti de. Shayad main sach mein jyada soch rahi hoon. "

*******

Hello people. I know am as usual late. So sorry for the late update. I know it's long. Sorry if it come out to be boring. Do let me know how was it? Do let me know if I rush anything. Waiting eagerly for your response.